As I cautioned in this former article, one of the downsides to the Ultrabook series of computers is the lack of ports for USB, VGA, DVI-I, and Ethernet. These sleek marvels are mini notebook computers but not cheap notebook computers. Their price is usually well above that of a notebook computer but their sleek profile usually comes at the cost of less ports and accessories.
Two gadgets from Accell will solve a couple of your problems. If you need Ethernet connectivity like I did at 2013 CES, you’ll want to look at the Accell USB 2.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter. Using just one of your USB 2.0 (Type A) ports, you can plug this in and end up with a RJ45 Ethernet connector. It will auto sense and work with 10/100/1000 Mbps networks. It’s backawards compatible with USB 1.0 and 1.1 and works with USB 3.0 ports as USB 2.0 speeds.
Another one of their products will solve hooking up to external monitors and projectors. My Lenovo Yoga for example has only HDMI out, which works fine with my desktop monitors, but won’t work with the Epson projector that I use. I can get around that with the Accell USB-DVI-I Adapter (J130B-001B). It converts one of my USB 2.0 ports to DVI-I or VGA with adapters included for each. It supports resolutions up to 2048 x1152 wide screen or 1920x1200 standard with DVI-I connectivity or up to 1920 x 1080 on an analog VGA screen. You can then mirror, extend or rotate your computer’s desktop on the second monitor or projector.
With a good high quality wired Internet connection via Ethernet and a good way to hook up to a projector, you’ll be able to watch your favorite movies projected full height on your walls instead of a 13” monitor. Enjoy!
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Doug Bardwell, based in Cleveland, OH, writes about interesting new travel technology topics, across the country and around the world at DougBardwell.com. Feel free to drop him a line at travel.dougbardwell@gmail.com with suggestions for future products to be reviewed. If you've ever used one of the products he's reviewed, please leave your thoughts in the comment box below. To get his stories delivered to your inbox, click the RSS feed or the "Subscribe" button above or follow him on Facebook , Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. To read Doug’s disclosure notice, click here.
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