SlimPort MyDP Adapter Converter – Micro USB to HDMI
SlimPort and MHL support have been in our phones and tablets for a while now but I would bet most users don’t know they have it or what it even is. In simple terms they are two competing standards for mirroring your device to a different screen via the micro USB port.
MHL is the main one on the market with backing from Sony, HTC and Samsung. SlimPort on the other hand has support from Google’s Nexus line, LG and Asus. I can only image SlimPort costs more to licence than MHL. MHL can only put out to HDMI whereas SlimPort can handle HDMI, VGA, DVI and Displayport meaning it will work with most TV’s, projectors and monitors.
So now you may have a slight understanding of what SlimPort can do but why would you want to use it? At home you may have Sky, Tivo, chromecast or countless other services plugged into your TV. That is not where SlimPort shines. But if you’re out staying at a hotel and there’s nothing on TV or you want to continue watching your series, plug your SlimPort cable into your device and load up Netflix or listen to your favourite tunes on Spotify. Now you have a bigger screen and louder speakers. Going to a business meeting? Bring along the cable, use your tablet with the projector and Google Slides or Sheets and leave your laptop at home. Even showing off holiday photos to friends and family is so much easier on a TV rather than passing a tablet around.
I’ve been using StarTech’s SlimPort Adapter with a Nexus 7 (2013) for a few weeks and it does a stunning job; no artifacts on the video nor a slow response. The cable is made of a high gloss black plastic so it looks great plugged into your device rather than some grey plastic cable you really don’t want to use.
Whilst SlimPort doesn’t need power to work, StarTech have included a Micro USB port on the Adapter. The reason for this is that displaying your screen on a larger display is going to drain your battery. So if you’re planning on having a Star Wars marrition in a hotel room you’re going to need some power.
If your device supports SlimPort I would recommend adding a SlimPort Adapter to your tech bag. You can pick one up from the Insight link below for £16.79.
