Beelink Expand X

Through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, Beelink has launched Expand X, a dock that lets you use mobile devices as PCs. Chinese PC manufacturer, Beelink, has released a number of interesting small computers in recent years. Now the company is introducing something different: a dock that lets you use your smartphone or tablet as a desktop computer.

The Beelink Expand X is basically a portable USB-C dock with HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports that let you connect a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and other accessories.

But there are two things that make the Expand X interesting:

• It has a built-in stand that flips over to hold your phone or tablet while you use the dock.
• You can use it as a dock for multiple devices: connect your phone and your PC, for example, and you can switch between keyboard and mouse with the push of a button.

The Beelink Expand X is available for pre-order for around $40 through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, and should begin marketing globally in early April. While there is always a bit of risk involved with crowdfunding, Beelink is an established company that seems to be using Indiegogo to raise awareness-the product has already been designed and is ready to ship.

In fact, if you prefer to order directly from Beelink’s website, you can already do that. The Expand X features a magnesium-aluminum body that measures about 120 mm x 65 mm x 13 mm (4.7″ x 2.6″ x 0.5″). It weighs about half an ounce and has a hinge that allows the phone/tablet stand to flip up so you can rest your mobile device on the stand.

While the USB-C port should allow you to connect a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, the micro USB port will probably only support a keyboard and mouse, allowing you to choose which device (PC or phone) you want to control with the press of the mode button.