14 DAY TRIAL // Some computers don't have the best graphics capabilities in the world, especially the ones that are small enough to be mounted behind a monitor. That's why supplementary accessories exist, and I-O Data has just unveiled a pretty interesting one: a USB graphics adapter.
USB Graphics Adapters aren't unheard of, but they are very, very rare, mostly because Intel and AMD CPUs have more than decent graphics capabilities.
Also, ARM SoCs have begun to integrate GPUs or IGPs as well. It's why tablets and Phones have better visuals than some nettops and barebone systems.
Still, some computers just lack certain traits, like support for ultra high definition, or UHS for short. 4K resolution video streaming as it were (3840 x 2160 pixels).
It's fortuitous, then, that the USB 3.0 technology has such a high throughput (5 Gbps), because it allows for the making of a 4K USB Graphics Adapter.
The first USB UHD solution in the world, the item is, in essence, an external graphics card, of sorts, which connects to a PC via USB 3.0 and to a monitor via DisplayPort.
It is powered by DisplayLink's award winning DL-5500 USB Graphics Chipset and it is on display at DisplayLink's booth in Taipei, Taiwan.
Apparently, I-O Data couldn't have a noticeable presence at Computex 2014, but it did contribute via its partners, or partner in this case.
The product there is just a prototype though. The two partners still have some things to iron out, so it's not clear when shipments will begin, or for what price.
The tag will have to be really low, though, if the item is to actually sell well. Even if it is basically a graphics card unto itself.
After all, if people can only afford a cheap, low-end PC lacking in 4K, they definitely won't have the money or inclination to pay for something that could sell for even more.
Even if Intel and Samsung manage to ship their super-cheap 4K display before I-O Data completes this project, that won't change.
Fortunately, the I-O Data 4K USB Graphics Adapter is small and light enough to suggest that the hardware isn't too fancy, so maybe we shouldn't be too concerned. The product is only the size of two flash drives, you could say, barely taking up half the palm. It'll be easy to take with you wherever you go, and could be a great fit for owners of older-generation notebooks and netbooks.