Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →MagicScroll was a 2018 Queen’s University Human Media Lab research prototype: a flexible touchscreen wrapped around a cylindrical body that could be unrolled into a larger, tablet-like display. Its rotary wheels and explored gesture controls were designed to make browsing long visual timelines feel more like moving through a scroll. The available sources describe an experiment, not a retail tablet.
What was MagicScroll?
MagicScroll was developed by researchers at Queen’s University’s Human Media Lab. The university’s September 7, 2018 announcement describes a 7.5-inch flexible display with a general “2K” resolution, wrapped around a 3D-printed cylindrical body that housed the device’s computing hardware. The announcement also describes rotary wheels at the ends for scrolling and a camera used for gesture control when the display was rolled up. Queen’s University’s announcement does not specify pixel dimensions, so “2K” should be understood as its broad description rather than a precise resolution measurement.
The MobileHCI 2018 paper describes two concatenated flexible multitouch displays, actuated scroll wheels, and gestural input. Its abstract presents the extended configuration as a 7.5-inch high-resolution multitouch display and the rolled configuration as a compact interface for browsing or gesture control. The paper abstract frames these as design concepts for the research device.
How did the scroll-style interaction work?
Browse with the screen rolled
The rotary wheels let a user move through content while the flexible display was wrapped around the cylinder. The project explored the rolled form as a compact way to browse and as a setting for gesture input, rather than requiring the full display to be extended for every interaction.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Unroll for a larger view
When more screen area was useful, the display could be extended into a tablet-like configuration. The research concept was to use the scroll form to navigate long visual timelines and then reveal more of the display for viewing selected material. Human Media Lab’s August 30, 2018 project announcement describes the scroll as inspiration for a more continuous way to experience such timelines.
Queen’s quoted project lead Roel Vertegaal, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and director of the Human Media Lab: “We were inspired by the design of ancient scrolls because their form allows for a more natural, uninterrupted experience of long visual timelines.” That statement explains the design motivation; it is not a reported finding that users performed better or preferred the device.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What did the research establish?
The MobileHCI paper reports an elicitation study exploring gestural affordances in the rolled-up configuration. The surfaced abstract does not give the study’s participant count or quantitative results, and the university announcement does not provide an outcome statistic. The sources therefore support describing what the team explored, but not claiming a measured usability improvement or proven user preference.
The research paper, “MagicScroll: A Rollable Display Device with Flexible Screen Real Estate and Gestural Input,” was authored by Antonio Gomes, Lahiru Lakmal Priyadarshana, Aaron Visser, Juan Pablo Carrascal, and Roel Vertegaal. Queen’s reported that collaborator Juan Pablo Carrascal presented the work at MobileHCI in Barcelona on September 4, 2018. Carrascal’s project page records the paper’s DOI as 10.1145/3229434.3229442.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Was MagicScroll sold, and what did it cost?
The cited university announcement, paper abstract, and author page establish MagicScroll as a research prototype, but do not establish a consumer release, sales channel, or price. They also do not report production-model details such as battery life, operating system, or long-term screen durability. Those details should be treated as unreported in these sources, not as proof that no later commercial activity ever occurred.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
