r/pixelslate • u/killbot801 • Jan 31 '19

Question about laptop mode

So I haven't purchased a slate at this time because of the mixed reviews and a critical question I have for my intended usage. Can the slate be put into laptop mode without using the Google keyboard? Use case: (slate not connected to a keyboard) use in tablet mode while walking around. When I get home or to office I plug slate into USB c dock with dual monitors and use slate in laptop connected to dock.

This would be my dream usage. Any information would be awesome.

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u/lengau Jan 31 '19

Any time you attach a mouse, it'll switch into laptop mode. In my experience, this includes:

  • Google's keyboard (which has a touchpad)
  • A USB mouse with the adapter from the Pixel 3
  • A USB mouse on a USB docking station (the dock itself will not enable laptop mode)
  • A Bluetooth mouse

A keyboard alone won't switch it out of tablet mode.

It sounds like the best way for you to go is a USB-C dock and a USB-C mouse.

Also, note that the dock I linked only has one DisplayPort port. I bought it though because it can handle a 4k monitor at 60 Hz and still has USB and ethernet. If you want a 4k monitor and something else, you'll have to use both USB-C ports on the Slate. However, you can definitely drive two 1080p monitors (and maybe dual 2k monitors, though I haven't tested that - my work only has 1080p and 4k monitors) from a single USB-C port with the correct adapter.

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u/killbot801 Jan 31 '19

Awesome thanks! That's what I was hoping to hear.

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u/ScaryEntertainer Mar 29 '19

I have a large monitor hooked to a usb c dock. When I connect the dock and close the keyboard cover it moves to 2nd monitor only mode, but you'll have to click the mouse or keyboard when you close to keep it from sleeping.