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Resolved Question

Trying to use my phone as a computer

Feb 21, 2012 4:42PM PST

I have an HTC Sensation XE. This is a very powerful phone that I would like to use as a computer.

I purchased the USB2HDMI adapter that allows me to connect the phone to my 42 inch TV to use as a monitor. In theory this is sufficient to do what I want, but:

The HDMI cable in addition to the adapter and the power cable is too much weight for the mini USB socket on the phone. Its fine if the phone is not being moved but the stain should the phone be moved is excessive and if that port breaks I cannot recharge the battery.

What I would like to do is to connect the phone additionally to some kind of wireless keyboard / pointing device. This would allow me to leave the phone cabled in and then use it as a PC without moving it.

I have tried the bluetooth keyboard we purchased for my daughter's ipad. This works fine - but there is no way of negotiating the menus - opening apps or navigating around the screen.

Thoughts anyone?

Discussion is locked

max-greece has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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You are limiting yourself
Feb 21, 2012 9:06PM PST

A cell phone, no matter which model, is not a replacement for a computer. Get a cheap netbook or laptop computer instead. There is no easy way (if it all) to do what you want to accomplish with your phone.

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lets just assume I know what I want to do.
Feb 22, 2012 12:10AM PST

Thank-you for the response - although it is not exactly what I am looking for. The phone is all the computer I need for 99% of the tasks that I do. This is not to say that I do not have other computers - merely that this feature of the phone would be interesting.

I have already tested the setup for performance and found that in general it outperforms my wife's net-book. Certainly for handling video the phone is streaks ahead.

In general my computer use is for email, web-browsing, some office work using Google Docs and a bit of video watching / music listening. The phone handles all this with aplomb.

Right now the limitation is practical - to use the phone connected to the TV requires having cables running the length of the living room, which is risky as well as unsightly.

I know Android supports touchpads (they are built in to various phones) so all I need is a bluetooth touchpad / keyboard and I am good to go.

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So why not get a bluetooth keyboard?
Feb 22, 2012 1:28AM PST

Too many to list here.

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Actually I need something a bit beyond a bluetooth keyboard.
Feb 22, 2012 3:03AM PST

I have a bluetooth keyboard but it is for the iPad my daughter has and offers no way of controlling the interface. What I want it either a bluetooth touchpad or a bluetooth keyboard/touchpad combo.

If you know of one please share the info.

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No problem
Feb 22, 2012 2:02AM PST

Just offered my opinion. If you are happy with the phone and have the knowledge to configure it then do so. Too many folks post similar inquiries without knowing all the facts and/or limitations. You sound knowledgeable and it shouldn't be an issue. Have a good day.

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Understood and thanks
Feb 22, 2012 3:10AM PST

Hopefully I'll be able to report back on a success soon....

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Example.
Feb 22, 2012 3:43AM PST
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That one won't but it helped me find one that might....
Feb 22, 2012 3:49PM PST
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Answer
This came to me today about Ubuntu on Android.
Feb 22, 2012 2:43AM PST
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Interesting but probably a red herring
Feb 22, 2012 3:08AM PST

Android in its native form offers sufficient apps to be a computer replacement for casual users. The combo of a browser that supports flash, Google Docs or 3rd party MS Office clone, email etc. are all there and make a basic computer. The advantage of being able to run Ubuntu would be in more esoteric applications that are likely to need CPU power that will expose the limitations of the phone (IMHO).

As it is I video skype using my phone in preference to my PC all the time now - works comparably well and is much more portable.