NexDock 2: Crowdfunded laptop shell closes in on its US$500,000 stretch goal

The NexDock 2 campaign has undoubtedly picked up pace since we reported on it last week. At the time of writing, the laptop shell has gained almost US$88,000 in funding from 361 new backers in just 7 days, taking the campaign total to US$478,227.

The Kickstarter campaign has just over 24 hours left to run and is precariously close to achieving its stretch goal of US$500,000. Nex Computer has promised to add a backlit keyboard to all NexDock 2 orders if the campaign reaches that total, and it now looks more likely that the company will have to make good on that statement.

In case you missed our article last week, the NexDock 2 takes the power of your smartphone or Raspberry Pi to create a laptop-esque experience. The laptop shell can use software like EMUI Easy Projection and Samsung DeX that is already baked into Huawei and Samsung devices. Theoretically, the NexDock 2 will get more powerful over time as you upgrade your smartphone too. The device measures 317 x 215 x 15.9 mm, weighs 1.42 kg and comes with the following:

• 13.3-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS display
• Full-sized QWERTY keyboard
• Multi-touch trackpad
• 38 Wh battery
• 1 W speaker x4
• microSD card reader
• 3.5 mm headphone jack
• USB 3.0 Type-A x1
• USB 3.0 Type-C x3
• HDMI-in

The NexDock 2 comes with a USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) charger, a Type-C to Type-C cable and a Type-C splitter cable. The device is currently available for US$209 with Super Early Bird and Early Bird deals having sold out. The NexDock has a US$279 expected retail price.