Microsoft Display Dock, the little box that works with the Continuum app to connect the new Lumias to big screens, is coming soon. If you’re a student we think you should start getting very excited about it. We’ll hit you with the reasons in just a second, but first of all, here’s a reminder of what the Display Dock is all about.
For more info, you can also check out our ‘How to use Microsoft Continuum’ article.
Now that you’re up to speed with what the Display Dock and Continuum can do, here are five reasons why we think it’s going to be good news for students in and out of the classroom:
1. It’s a cheap alternative to an actual laptop
There are some impressive laptops around, but if you’re looking to save the pennies, Microsoft Display Dock is a great low-cost alternative.
With the help of a big screen (yep, even the TV) the Display Dock instantly turns your Lumia 950 or 950 XL into a Windows 10 PC. So it’s perfect if you need to do some internet research, or use Word to write up some course work. You can even add a mouse and keyboard if you want to create a more permanent desktop-like setup.
2. Study anytime, anywhere
With the Display Dock, there’s no need for studies to stop during holidays and trips back home. And there’s no need for you to lug around a laptop, either.
You can now pay a visit home, say ‘hi’ to the family, chuck your bag of dirty laundry in the kitchen, and continue your coursework by plugging the Display Dock straight into the family TV. Then when dad moans about not being able to watch Masterchef: The Professionals, you can go up to your old bedroom and use your faithful old TV. Pretty versatile, eh?
3. Good for multitasking
The Continuum app can run in the background so you can move between other apps and even copy and paste if you’re doing some in-depth research.
And while this is going on, you’ll still be able to use your phone for texting or making calls. Yes, it’s important to study – but your social life doesn’t have to suffer needlessly.
4. Safe, secure and private
The Display Dock effectively makes your Lumia 950 or 950 XL your personal computer. This means that you’ll never have to share a PC with anyone you don’t want to, and worry about your course work being accidentally deleted. Or not so accidentally copied and stolen, even.
5. Microsoft Display Dock could be coming to class
We can easily imagine the Display Dock being a hit with forward-thinking colleges and universities. With the Display Dock, the classroom of the future could have screens with keyboards and mouses - and a docking station waiting for a Lumia to be connected to it...
Are you a student? Have we convinced you that the Microsoft Display Dock and Continuum app are going to be an essential piece of kit for your further education? Share your comments below.