external monitors Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

HP put a mini PC inside a keyboard, and I love it — a Windows-based approach to the Raspberry Pi 500 with self-repairable parts

HP introduced the EliteBoard G1a at CES 2026, a keyboard that integrates a mini PC powered by AMD's Ryzen AI 300 PRO mobile processors, featuring a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of delivering up to 50 TOPS. It is designed to cater to hybrid workers using external monitors with laptops closed. The internal components include upgradeable DDR5 SODIMM RAM and M.2 NVMe solid-state drives. Key specifications include: - OS: Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro - CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 PRO, AMD Ryzen AI 5 340 PRO, AMD Ryzen AI 5 330 PRO - GPU: Up to AMD Radeon 860M integrated - RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5-5600 SODIMM - Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2, 512GB encrypted PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2, 32GB eMMC v5.0 (Ryzen AI 7 350 only) - Ports: 1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (detached cable); 1x tethered USB4, 1x USB4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (attached cable) - Connectivity: MediaTek RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3, MediaTek MT7925 Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 6.0 - Audio: Stereo speakers, Stereo microphones - Power: Configurable 32Whr battery (3.5+ hours), 65W USB-C GaN power adapter - Dimensions: 358mm x 118mm x 17mm, weight 1.49 - 1.69 lbs The design includes a spill-resistant keyboard that can be replaced in about ten minutes and a removable bottom panel for easy access to internal components. Both models support up to four 4K monitors at 60Hz and offer around 3.5 hours of usage on a full charge. The EliteBoard G1a has received a CES Innovation Award.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Get a Lifetime of Professional-Grade Windows Features for Just $10

In 2024, the average cost of a data breach for small businesses reached .98 million, according to IBM. Windows 11 Pro is available for .97 and includes features such as BitLocker device encryption, Azure AD integration, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V for virtual machines, and Copilot AI assistant for productivity. It offers virtual desktops, snap layouts for window organization, Smart App Control for blocking harmful applications, TPM 2.0 for hardware-based encryption, and biometric login for security. Additionally, it enhances graphics performance with DirectX 12.

Winsage

November 27, 2025

Windows 11 could soon fix one of your biggest annoyances with using external monitors

Windows 11 will receive an update introducing a new feature called Power Monitor within PowerToys, currently in development. This feature will allow users to adjust external monitor settings such as brightness, contrast, color temperature, and potentially speaker volume directly through the Windows interface, eliminating the need for physical buttons or manufacturer software. The update aims to simplify multi-display management and enhance productivity for professionals and gamers. Windows Insiders are expected to be the first to test the feature, though no confirmed release date is available. There is potential for the feature to include advanced calibration tools or custom monitor profiles in the future.

Winsage

November 20, 2025

5 tools I still use on Windows 11 that I wish Microsoft included natively

Windows 11 has introduced updates to its native applications, including the Snipping Tool's new OCR capabilities, Paint's additional utilities, and improvements to File Explorer such as expanded archive format support, a tabbed view, and a revamped Home page. However, users still find a lack of essential features that should be included by default. Key tools that could enhance Windows 11 include: - Monitorian: A minimalist app that allows users to adjust display brightness for external monitors directly from the system tray. - Bulk Crap Uninstaller: A tool that enables batch removal of applications, including Store apps, which is not supported in Windows 11's Settings app. - VLC Media Player: A versatile media player that supports a wide range of formats and simplifies playback without the need for additional codecs. - ExplorerPatcher: A tool that restores the movable Taskbar design from Windows 10, allowing for greater customization. - WinDirStat: A storage management tool that provides a comprehensive view of disk usage and allows users to identify and delete large folders and files easily. These tools highlight the potential for Windows 11 to improve user experience by integrating basic functionalities that are currently missing.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

Google just teased its Android-powered PC project, Qualcomm CEO says he’s seen it

Google is collaborating with Qualcomm to unify the technical foundations of Android and PC systems, aiming to blur the distinctions between mobile and desktop computing. Rick Osterloh, Google's Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, emphasized the potential for integrating Google's AI capabilities into PCs. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon expressed enthusiasm for this convergence initiative. Additionally, Google is reportedly working on a multi-year project to merge Chrome OS and Android into a cohesive operating system for various devices. Enhancements to Android for larger screens are already being implemented, suggesting future Chromebooks and possibly a new Pixel Laptop may run on Android instead of Chrome OS.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to fix a second monitor not detected in Windows 10 and 11

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, users can enhance productivity by connecting a second display, although issues may arise with older monitors due to driver or hardware complications. To manually detect a second monitor on Windows 10, users can go to Settings > System > Display and click the Detect button. For wireless displays, users should navigate to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, activate Bluetooth, and select the wireless display. Graphics driver issues can be resolved by updating, reinstalling, or rolling back the driver through Device Manager. On Windows 11, the process is similar; users can detect external monitors via Settings > System > Display and connect wireless displays through Settings > Bluetooth & devices. To update graphics drivers on Windows 11, users should go to Settings > Windows Update > Optional updates.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 11’s new update is reportedly proving a nightmare to install for some, but I’m hardly surprised given its messy rollout

Windows 11's latest update has caused installation issues and bugs for many users. An initial update was paused due to conflicts with an anti-cheat tool, leading to game crashes. A revised patch, KB5063060, has also presented problems, including installation failures, boot loops, taskbar freezes, and issues with external monitors and Bluetooth devices. Gamers continue to experience difficulties with titles like Star Citizen, Fortnite, and efootball25, despite attempts to resolve compatibility issues. Users are advised to manually download the update from Microsoft's website or wait for further fixes, as uninstalling the patch is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities.

AppWizard

June 10, 2025

Connected Displays: Android 16’s game-changing multitasking feature lands on select Pixels

Developers and select Pixel devices are currently experiencing the enhanced connected displays feature through the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 release. This feature allows users to connect their smartphones to external monitors, transfer apps seamlessly, and enhances productivity. It supports desktop windowing, flexible window tiling, multiple desktop sessions, and a new taskbar for easier app switching. The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 is available on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. The Google Pixel 9 features a Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch Actua Display, a dual-camera system with 50MP wide and 48MP ultrawide lenses, a 4,700 mAh battery, 12GB of RAM, and promises seven years of OS and security updates in an IP68 water-resistant design.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft imposes new rules on Windows 11 laptop makers to ensure they don’t cut corners with key features of USB-C ports

Microsoft has introduced new regulations to standardize USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops, ensuring that all ports provide essential functionalities: display support, PC charging support, and data transfer. The updated Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) mandates that every USB-C port must adhere to a minimum standard of functionality, allowing users to connect external monitors, charge devices, and transfer data efficiently. Ports supporting USB 40Gbps will also be compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. These requirements are effective with the release of Windows 11 24H2. While the regulations establish a baseline, variations in specifications such as supported displays, power delivery capacity, and data transfer speeds may still exist and should be detailed in laptop specifications.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Which USB Port Is This? Microsoft Vows To End The Lottery

The USB-C connector has become complex, with varying standards causing confusion among users. Microsoft found that over 25% of users encounter errors when connecting USB-C devices due to unsupported functionalities. To address this, Microsoft plans to establish a minimum standard for USB-C port capabilities on personal computers, which will be part of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program. Future USB-C ports will support device charging, DisplayPort Alt-mode, and compatibility with USB 40Gbps, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. However, not all USB-C ports will operate at the same speeds, and existing devices will not receive these enhancements, meaning it may take years for users to benefit from the new standards.