If you use your laptop for most of your work, it’s a good idea to set up it in such a way that you can connect it to a monitor or other device at home and at the office. It can be a great productivity boost, particularly when you’re trying to multitask or use a few different programs at once.
1. Use a monitor with an HDMI or USB port
Today’s most popular desktop and laptop monitors have an HDMI or USB connector. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to buy an adapter. Most Windows laptops can be connected to a monitor using an HDMI cable; MacBooks can use an HDMI or USB-C cable.
2. Use a keyboard and mouse with an USB or Bluetooth connection
You can use a computer’s USB ports for a number of things, from mice and keyboards to external hard drives and speakers. If you need more than just a couple of USB ports, consider investing in a USB hub. This will allow you to plug in more than one USB device at once, which can help save on space and speed up your computer’s performance.
3. Transfer files between computers
If your desktop and laptop are both connected to a network, you can share files between them by setting up file sharing. This makes it easy to access files from one machine on the other, even when both computers are offline.
4. Make your laptop a second screen
When you have a large display, it can be helpful to use it as a secondary screen for your laptop. This can give you a wider screen and more room for windows, tabs, and other apps.
5. Create a temporary wireless network for your laptop and other devices
If you’re in need of a short-term solution, consider creating a temporary wireless network on your tablet or smartphone. This can turn your device into a wireless router, which allows you to connect other devices through it and share files or an internet connection.
6. Add a USB hub to your desk
There are a number of different ways to add more USB connections to your laptop. A USB hub can be an inexpensive option, and you’ll often find them with multiple ports so that you can add a variety of devices at once. However, if you’re running out of USB ports or are looking for something a bit more powerful, you’ll want to consider buying a higher-end USB hub that features faster speeds.
7. Use your laptop as a monitor
Many modern desktops and laptops come with an HDMI or USB connection for their external displays. If yours doesn’t, you’ll want to buy an adapter that connects to the laptop’s video port and converts it to an HDMI or USB connection for your external monitor.
Most of these options are fairly simple to implement. Just be sure to check the specifications of your monitor and the laptop before you purchase.
