Launched in 2011, Motorola Lapdock turned the company’s Atrix 4G smartphone into an Android laptop, but it did not end up being a commercial success so the company stopped manufacturing the laptop shell a few years ago.
It is still used by hobbyist for example to create their own DIY Raspberry Pi laptop, and in recent years, with phoned getting much more powerful and desktop support for Android improving, lookalikes have been launched such as NextDock or Mirabook. A new option will soon be available, as Charbax known for his armdevices.net website and YouTube channel has just launched an Indiegogo campaign for a $100 Lapdock.
Two models will be available with Lapdock 11.6″, and Lapdock 14.1″ referring to their size, but sadly no other specifications were provided for the display.
We still know they’ll work with Samsung Dex / Linux on Dex modes, Huawei PC mode, and basically any device with a USB type-C with DisplayPort Alternate mode, as well as others with HDMI output. One of the most interesting aspects of the project is planned support for USB type-C PC sticks / cards to be plugged inside the laptop shell. The Indiegogo campaign now lists one based on Snapdragon 820, and another powered by Amlogic S905X2 processor.
Software-wise, they’ll work with Auxens to implement OXI Windows-like Android desktop mode on several phones and boards. You’ll see the working Lapdock 14.1″ prototype in the video, as well as the 11.6″ which is still under development and should be operational in about two months.
Lapdock has been a registered trademark since 2011 however, so if Motorola/Lenovo lawyers take action there will be a name change. In my experience, such infractions do not put the project at risk, and the situation is resolved as follows:
- Lawyers contact the company / Indiegogo about the violation.
- The company / Indiegogo change the name in the crowdfunding page and website.
- The company contacts all media outlets who posted about the project asking them to remove references to the trademark in the article
- Problem solved.
The crowdfunding page is a bit all over the place as they do not only focus on the Lapdocks and custom USB type-C sticks / cards, but also offer an USB-C to HDMI adapter, a power bank, and Rock960 RK3399 SBC with 4GB RAM. Nevertheless, early bird pricing for the Lapdock 11.6″ starts at $100, and $150 for the 14.1″ version, while the S905X2 USB-C stick is offered for $50, and the Snapdragon 820 one for $120. Shipping for the Lapdock adds $30 worldwide, and delivery is scheduled for April 2019.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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