eWEEK Labs Blog - Graphics - There's a Dongle for That--Mobile Devices Get Big Screens | eWeek

There’s a Dongle for That–Mobile Devices Get Big Screens

Jul 25, 2012
2 minute read
eWeek content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

A 4-, 7- or even 10-inch display may seem big on a mobile device. And when just one person is looking at the screen, mobile device displays are usually more than adequate. But when executives or sales people need to show something to a group of people that means connecting to a projector or external monitor.

Last month StarTech released the $78.99 MCHD2VGA – an HDMI/HDMI Micro to VGA adapter, which enables users to connect an HDMI or HDMI Micro-equipped mobile device, such as a tablet computer or smartphone to a VGA display or projector. I was able to use my Samsung XE700T tablet computer with a variety of standard monitors and projectors to easily show my small screen content to groups of people in a conference room. The Motorola Droid RAZR (not tested) has a micro HDMI port. iPhones and iPads use a 30-pin Apple connector so the MCHD2VGA isn’t for Apple users. Some Samsung devices including the Galaxy S II and III use a MHL (mobile high-definition link) port, so again, this isn’t the dongle you’re looking for.

The HDMI/HDMI Micro to VGA adapter includes an HDMI to HDMI Micro cable required for connecting HDMI Micro devices to the adapter which interfaces with the VGA display/projector. The adapter supports full 1080p output, which enabled me to display high-resolution content.

The adapter also has a mini-B USB port for power when the mobile device can’t supply output power.

The dongle kit includes: · a 6-inch HDMI to HDMI Micro Cable, for connecting to mobile HDMI devices · Supports a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) · an AC to USB Wall Adapter

Here are some views of the device. Here you see the VGA, HDMI and mini-USB power port. The last image compares a micro-HDMI (LEFT) connector to a micro-USB (RIGHT) connector.

eWeek Logo

eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site's focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.