GPD Pocket 3 KVM module demo (use an 8 inch mini-laptop to remote control PCs or servers)

[@AiOinc1]

This is excellent, I just wish they would release some more modules! This port can do more, I'm sure of it. A two port USB module would be really nice.

[@photolabguy]

That port on the back appears super useful! Just wish they could have thought of a way to swap them out without using any tools.

[@ChadWSmith]

I have always wanted to use a laptop as a monitor. I never thought it was possible. Now it is. GPD rocks!

[@magister.mortran]

There are even software solutions for it since the earliest time of Win 2000. Ever heard of VNC viewer? You don't need a specific port for it.

[@ChadWSmith]

@@magister.mortran That is assuming the target computer is set up for it, that your computer and the target computer are on the same network, that the network is working, and that the target computer is functioning properly (and turned on). With the HDMI and USB - in ports, then it works just like plugging in a keyboard/trackpad and monitor. In other words, no, VNC viewer is not the same thing as this port, nor is it what I have wanted. But I appreciate your suggestion.

[@milesraymond2360]

@@magister.mortran VNC is useful where it is available, but real hardware KVM allows remote control of any HDMI+USB device, not requiring any software support. Imagine remote controlling a PS4.

[@imark7777777]

To add to this conversation you can access the BIOS can't do that with VNC. I would love to see a similar device video and USB input to raspberry pi type thing in Network VNC session that I could just drop in and remote access. There's been times I've needed Hardware access but remote and had to come back and do a hard reboot some things.

[@Camhin1]

I want to buy just for that kvm feature.

[@xxpoisonblxx]

Given the cost of a USB crash cart adapter or even just a decent 1080x60 capture card (which's the core of that module), it's not a terrible deal for a device with this many other toys/uses too (including a full-OS little 9in notepad style device). A *little* bigger than I wish it was, compared to my Pocket 1 (which legitimately fits in my pocket on some pairs of pants), but still should be a nice little toy.

[@noahneutral7557]

I want one, this is so nice!

[@Goodvibes-un9qk]

Excellent overview, thank you! I have one question that nobody, including GPD, seems to have covered yet. What kind of connection does the module use? Does it require a reboot? Is it pcie based? Thank you very much in advance! Edit: GPD have confirmed the modules use USB

[@xxpoisonblxx]

Technically it uses at least two different connectors. Possibly a bit more for the usb keyboard/mouse override piece. The RS232 connector uses a dedicated interface in there rather than being a USB adapted serial connection, from comments they've made.

[@Goodvibes-un9qk]

@@xxpoisonblxx Thanks for the correction! Since writing this I noticed that and haven't come back to fix this comment. I'm glad that the serial interface has a dedicated connector.

[@xxpoisonblxx]

@@Goodvibes-un9qk Yep! I just tripped over a video in, I believe, Chinese that shows the backs of the modules pretty well, there's an 16 pin section clearly for USB, a bar of 12 pins separate from that for the RS232, both appear to be compression type rather than socketed (making them much easier to knock any dust off of and lower overall wear/damage risk compared to more complex interfaces) and looks like another 8 pin connector snuck in well interior for the keyboard/mouse override if I saw the KVM module correctly. Also looks like there's a ground pin/socket just inside the left side of the modules (from the outside where we'd normally see them) that *almost* looks like a screw hole, but not where a screw would actually be used. It's a neat looking set of interfaces to design against, at least. Gives me some ideas for my own custom add-ons, like an integrated LoRa radio, maybe with an RP2040... if I can access both the USB and the raw serial, might even make for a good dev board with integrated debugging... And, for reference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHSopIKtfLababs

[@sccscc5914]

ما احد يمل من مشاهدته روووووعة

[@Unan1mouz]

OMG love the swivel design!! But $650... That's a bit expensive Dx I wonder hows the battery life??

[@juergenw7495]

i wish every laptop has this feature..

[@winghuatlooi]

Does that additional usb type c port support docking system and thumb drive use? Thanks.

[@johnkang2000]

From what I'm seeing, KVM does have some lag, not good for gaming, but good enough for work use?

[@scs3jb]

Can you do usb-c alt-dp video in?

[@boneappletee6416]

Very interesting! Came here from the WAN Show :)

[@Cal97g]

Amazing what you can fit into a laptop if you stop trying to make it inconveniently thin.

[@Pringles4901]

Bro ima ask my grandparents if I can get this fire lookin thing for Christmas😎😎😎😎 definitely would be the best Christmas present of my life

[@nodIe-0501]

Could u use the KVM switch module as a thunderbolt port and plug egpu in and then charge the pocket 3 in its fixed thunderbolt port?

[@volvo09]

Omg, it's what my old boss used to try to do, but it actually works! Phone rings "Hey, what keys to i press to use my laptop as a screen? I'm trying to get a console screen from a server" Umm, you can't do that with our laptops (me trying to be nice as i roll my eyes that i already told him this...) "Ok, i'll see what i can do" Next day "Gonna have to have you come in on the weekend, i couldn't get into that server" Damnit...... Yes, i quit that job, 😄

[@xxpoisonblxx]

You know, with proper server hardware, you *can* do that with iDrac or iLO...

[@volvo09]

@@xxpoisonblxx yeah, we were middlemen as onsite support... It was SO frustrating knowing what was available with the tech we had, what could be done (but wasn't setup), and how often I had to sit around so someone could work through my laptop remotely. My last straw was the 2nd time I had to stay up for 24 hrs straight (no pay) because some incompetent idiot tried uploading 3 incorrect firmwares on a super slow device. and I was the monkey that had to be there to manage the meeting and reboot crap. No more big companies for me.

[@cryptomaniac8031]

Very interesting product. Is it use Gorilla Glass on it's screen?

[@sccscc5914]

يعمل على شريحة cdma or gsm

[@gengar8118]

Does anyone know if this would work with a raspberry pi?

[@witnesspropro]

Someone needs to produce a KVM adapter that can plug in to any laptop. I assume this is just uses the USB bus...?

[@imark7777777]

I would love to see some thing that takes video in keyboard mouse and converts to a VNC session and some thing like a raspberry pie. That way I can drop in place and remote access. there are $10-$15 USB HDMI capture cards floating around and I suspect they're using the same chip.

[@xxpoisonblxx]

USB Crash Cart adapters are a thing, having it integrated is the real benefit for the module on this though. *Also* doubles as an actual straight HDMI capture card, though. You could use this as an outright secondary streaming PC (i.e. capture, encode, and upload to streaming services) with minimal desk space lost. If it picks up the HDMI audio too. I'm not 100% sure on that.

[@MeitJ]

Amazing! Thx!!!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Can this run windows 11

[@DritoVales]

Yes

[@Palimbacchius]

Mine came with Win 11 installed.

[@theyehsohz]

It's not a true KVM, sad, I don't want to use a camera app to see the other screen.. and it would be great there was a KVM mode that would work with the host computer powered off! Until then, I'll skip this series and stick to my GPD pocket, win 2, max, and 2021 max... but that serial connector is mighty tempting, not enough to justify another GPD device to the collection

[@mugiwarano_mma2219]

It come with Charger or Not please

[@tonyjustensen706]

My Pocket 3(from Kickstarter) came with a 65 watt type C charger and USB C to C cord.

[@mugiwarano_mma2219]

@@tonyjustensen706 Thanks

[@themadatheist1976]

Neat, I guess people didn't like the optical nub on past models, iirc. I use a HDMI to USB C cable to output to my tablet and then have to use a camera app to view it, but I don't have touch input, unless I just connect via both USBs and use SpaceDesk. Wish GPD would make a 11th gen core i Windows based tablet to compete with the Surface Go 3.

[@israelcontreras5332]

Did not we already go down this road with netbooks?

[@vault911]

Imagine GPD Win Max 2022 with rotatable screen )))))

[@OreLPoint]

Uh... this is not a real "pocket", its actually micro pc 2 tho :(

[@sccscc5914]

يجنن

[@imploud]

I don't like the fact that now it isn't "pocket" anymore.

[@magister.mortran]

Another nonsense feature on the Pocket 3. This can be much easier done with the VNC viewer that is a software solution, which is more flexible and can work wireless. The Pocket 3 really is a huge step backwards from the P2 Max.

[@imark7777777]

VNC is not running during the boot process thus no BIOS access. There is support to do that but it requires Hardware chips Intel management engine blah blah.

[@KANDYMANIAC]

A hardware input is a lifesaver in the server market. VNC is great when the machine is running correctly. What do you expect to do when you’re attempting to fix a headless computer that’s failing?

[@Hopgop1]

Rubbish, there are plenty of scenarios in enterprise where hardware control over a device is invaluable.

[@DritoVales]

VNC requires configuration on the host though, GPD solution's doesn't require that prerequisite.

[@tonyjustensen706]

@@Hopgop1 You are 100% correct. I have used my Pocket 3 KVM module on a few PCs, but also to set up several android based digital signage players that I would have otherwise needed to use a separate monitor and keyboard each time.