Tag Archives: monitors

Lenovo at MWC 2023 offers to upgrade your hybrid work experience

Posted on by

Although many businesses have gone back to working in the same office space, some a bit more controversial than others, a new kind of work arrangement has also arisen that gives people a bit more flexibility in where they can sit down to do work. Of course, that also needs a different set of tools, particularly mobile computers that are able to perform as well as desktops. Then again, not every hybrid worker needs a powerful behemoth of a laptop, and some have different requirements, like portability or even price. Catering to these varied needs is a Herculean task, one that Lenovo is facing head-on with an equally varied mix of PC solutions designed to empower users in this fast-changing world.

Designer: Lenovo

ThinkPad Z13 and Z16 (Gen 2)

Right at the top of the list are Lenovo’s powerhouses, bringing the best of the best when it comes to mobile computing. AMD Ryzen 7000 processors paired with the latest AMD Radeon 700M graphics cover all your bases, especially with a maximum capacity of 64GB of RAM. Even with a larger haptic touchpad, Lenovo’s iconic TrackPoint nub still takes center stage, especially with a customizable TrackPoint Quick Menu for easy access to most-used features, functions, and configuration options. Available in 13.3-inch (Z13 Gen 2) and 16.0-inch (Z16 Gen 2) sizes, these top-of-the-line Windows 11 laptops offer all the power that both office workers as well creatives need to do their best work.

Most notable is the ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 which comes with an optional new natural fiber material bonded to the 75% recycled aluminum top cover. Made from 100% agricultural product from flax plant fibers, the woven Flax material gives the laptop a unique visual as well as texture that is certain to grab the eye and envy of every passerby. Even without this distinctive cover, though, the new ThinkPad Z Gen 2 laptops convey a sleek and professional character that alludes to the powerful hardware running inside. The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 arrives in July for $1,249, while the ThinkPad Z16 Gen 2 follows in August for $1,749.

ThinkPad X13 and X13 Yoga (Gen 4)

Some people prefer a laptop that is easier to slip into bags, and the sleeker, more portable ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 siblings definitely fit the bill. With narrower bezels, there is more room for the 13.3-inch 2.8K displays on both models, increasing the screen-to-body ratio and reducing the overall size. Powered by the latest Intel 13th-gen Core processors, with an AMD Ryzen 7000 option for the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4, these travel companions are no slouches when it comes to performance. Now equipped with front-facing speakers, they are also great for more immersive audio, whether it’s for a video meeting or for chilling with a film after work.

While the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 comes in a traditional laptop form, the X13 Yoga Gen 4 flips that convention on its head, literally. With Lenovo’s signature 360-degree hinge, it takes almost no effort to transform the work laptop into an entertainment machine, presentation display, or creative canvas, all without having to switch computers. Available in Black and Storm Gray colors, the ThinkPad X13 Gen 4 and ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 4 will launch sometime in May 2023 with starting prices of $1,099 and $1,379, respectively.

ThinkPad T Series

Lenovo churns out new laptops year after year like clockwork. While some models are relatively new, others can trace their origins back decades, at a time when the “ThinkPad” brand was best known for high-end laptops catering to business needs. The ThinkPad T Series has long been fulfilling that role back when it was still under IBM’s watch in 2000, and this year’s newest additions to the family bring a plethora of options to meet the different needs of businesses, whether it’s for video conferencing or for comfortable use.

As business workhorses, it’s not surprising to see the ThinkPad T14 Gen 4, T16 Gen 2, and T14s Gen 4 equipped with the latest high-end processors from Intel and AMD. These 14-inch and 16-inch laptops offer a variety of options when it comes to screen resolution, including a new 2.8K OLED panel for the T14 and T14s. Although video conferencing has become more common, it’s still not something universally required, so Lenovo leaves the door open to have a 5MP webcam configured for these laptops. Additionally, these cameras can be equipped with an IR sensor for better depth detection as well as face recognition. ThinkPad T14s, T14, and T16 will be available in May with start prices of $1,479, $1,239, and $1,269, respectively.

ThinkPad L Series

While everyone will probably want a powerful laptop, the sad truth is that these machines aren’t always within reach, especially when considering the price tag. Some will be willing to compromise on a few aspects for a more accessible figure, but that doesn’t mean they have to give up on the essentials. The 2023 ThinkPad L family was made especially for this situation, with a variety of sizes, forms, and hardware that customers can change to hit that sweet spot of performance and price.

The ThinkPad L13 Gen 4 and L13 Yoga Gen 4, for example, now offer a TUV Low Blue Light screen option that will help protect their users’ eyes while working or, in the case of the Yoga variant, enjoying a good video binge. The ThinkPad L14 Gen 4 and L15 Gen 4, on the other hand, now offer twice the maximum storage capacity, now up to 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. Whichever of these four models you pick, you’ll still have access to either a 13th-gen Intel processor or an AMD Ryzen 7000, paired with your choice of Intel, AMD Radeon, or even NVIDIA graphics. They will all land on April 2023, starting at $869 for the ThinkPad L13 Gen 4, L14 Gen 4, and L15 Gen 4, and $1,099 for the ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4.

ThinkPad E Series

You might think that “E” stands for “Economy,” and you won’t be completely wrong. Aimed at “value-conscious” customers, the ThinkPad E gives small and medium businesses the power they need without going broke. For 2023, that means access to 13th-gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 7000 processors with up to 40GB of RAM, which is definitely an odd number. You can also squeeze in two 1TB SSDs for all your storage needs, while the new 16:10 screen ratio leaves more room for content.

The 14-inch ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 is joined this year by the newest member of the family, the 16-inch ThinkPad E16 Gen 1. With an increased screen-to-body ratio and a matching larger 115mm touchpad, users won’t have to compromise on productivity just because they’re setting their sights a little bit lower. The ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 will start at around $739, while the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 will go for $759, both arriving in May.

IdeaPad Duet 3i and Slim 3 Chromebook (Gen 8)

Lenovo has long expanded its portfolio to include other form factors and even operating systems, all in the name of providing people with the portable computers they want and need. The new IdeaPad Duet 3i, for example, is an 11-inch detachable 2-in-1 Windows 11 device that can be a laptop or a tablet, depending on what you need at the time. Slim and stylish, it makes for a perfect companion for students, allowing them to be productive and creative wherever they go. Power by the latest Intel N200 processor, this multifunctional computer won’t launch in North America but will be available in the EMEA region by June for 449€, roughly $479.

The IdeaPad Slim 3 Chromebook Gen 8, on the other hand, looks like a typical laptop but runs something other than Windows. With Google’s Chrome OS and a MediaTek Kompanio 500 processor, this thin and lightweight laptop is made especially for users often on the go, allowing them to immediately pick up where they left off. This highly portable and Web-centric laptop will go for around $340 and will arrive in May 2023.

ThinkCentre TIO (Gen 5)

Even with large laptop screens going as big as 16 inches, there are still some tasks that are better done on an even bigger display. When you do need to settle down on your desk at home or in the office, Lenovo’s fresh and new ThinkCentre TIO (Tiny-in-One) Gen 5 computers will help you get that work done. Combining a 21.5-inch or a 23.8-inch monitor with a Tiny desktop unit, this product line trades portability with modularity, letting you upgrade one or the other part only as needed.

This year’s models put special focus on everyone’s favorite video conferencing, upgrading the webcam to a 1080p shooter and equipping the monitors with a mic and two front-facing speakers. The sRGB FHD displays now also use natural blue light filtering to protect users’ eyes and can even be configured with ten-point touch capabilities. The Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One (TIO) Gen 5 starts sales in August with starting prices of $274 and $294 for the 22-inch and 24-inch models, respectively.

Changing for a Greener Tomorrow

With more and more new computers being made each year, the dangers these products pose to the planet’s health also grows. From the materials used to the manufacturing process to even shipping, consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones make human lives more convenient at the expense of the environment. Fortunately, companies have started to take notice, and Lenovo continuing investment in a more resilient and more sustainable business tries to make up for bad habits to help heal the planet slowly but surely.

In addition to reducing carbon emissions through more efficient manufacturing and the use of renewable energy, Lenovo has also started to switch to sustainable aviation fuel and biofuels to similarly reduce the negative impact of shipping. These early 2023 laptops have also increased their use of recycled materials and Post Consumer Content plastic, both in the chassis as well as some components. It might take a long while before sustainable laptops become the norm, but every little step forward counts, especially when from a reputable giant such as Lenovo.

The post Lenovo at MWC 2023 offers to upgrade your hybrid work experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Anker Docking Station Monitor Stand frees some more room on your desk

Posted on by

Organizing your desk can be one of the most stressful chores of your life, especially if you have a mix of both analog and digital tools that you need to get stuff done. In addition to keeping everything in its proper place, cable management can become a necessity if you don’t want to let your desk look like a jungle. That’s not even considering yet the ergonomics involved, particularly when it comes to the proper monitor height to save your neck end eyes from strain. With so many factors to consider, it might come as a surprise that there could be one product that addresses all three at the same time, but that is exactly what Anker is proposing with its upcoming Docking Station that lets you get work done by getting unnecessary stuff out of the way.

Designer: Anker

There are plenty of monitor stands in the market today designed to elevate computer screens to a more ergonomic height. Most of these do that and only that, which could be fine if you simply need something that props your monitor up a little higher. The new Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station, however, offers a lot more and helps get most of those pesky cables out of sight and out of mind, allowing you to deal with only the ones that you really need.

As its name suggests, this Anker Docking Station is really a hub of ports, and it definitely has plenty of those to go around. You won’t be lacking USB-A and USB-C ports, but there is also an HDMI port for your computer screen. There’s even a data card reader, so you won’t have to connect a separate peripheral for those one-off SD or microSD cards from cameras and devices. The most frequently accessed ports are placed on the left side of the dock for quick access, while others are hidden beneath the surface to prevent your hands from tripping over them. And as a bonus, there’s a wireless charging pad on the right side that supports most modern phones.

Unlike typical computer docks, the Anker 675 is a stylish accessory that won’t look out of place on your minimalist desk design. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it’s surface can support a wide range of monitor sizes. The curved edges and corners give it an aesthetically pleasing form, which is just the break that your eyes and mind need when dealing with the pressures and stress of work life. Additionally, the empty space it leaves below is a perfect storage space for documents or even other devices that you want to keep within arm’s reach, even if they’re not immediately needed.

Keeping your desk tidy doesn’t always have to be a chore, even with all the cables running to and fro devices. The Anker 675 USB-C Docking Station Monitor Stand offers just the right amount of cable management to get these wires out of your hair while leaving some breathing room for the rest of your tools on your desk. Anker’s new product launches on January 30 for $250.

The post Anker Docking Station Monitor Stand frees some more room on your desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

Acer at CES 2023 gets its game on with new Nitro and Predator laptops

Posted on by

It wasn’t too long ago when gaming PCs only included hulking desktops with sophisticated cooling systems that blasted hot air off their backs or sides to prevent turning your room into an inferno. Thanks to the evolution of technology and manufacturing, however, PC gaming need no longer be trapped on desks or inside houses and rooms. Although not as classy as ultra-thin notebooks, gaming laptops have come a long way in providing both power and portability in a rather dignified package. At CES 2023, Acer is showing off not one, not even two, but four new gaming laptops that will take care of every kind of gamer, as well as two new monitors for those who prefer seeing things on a bigger scale.

Designer: Acer

Although the Acer Nitro line is traditionally aimed at casual gaming, the new Acer Nitro 16 and Nitro 17 are no pushovers. Harnessing the power of 13th-gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series graphics, these compact gaming computers deliver astounding capabilities with large, immersive screens. In order to ensure that these powerful machines run smoothly and cool, Acer installed dual fans and four fan outlets located at their sides and rear, supported by liquid metal thermal grease that all work together to squeeze out every bit of performance from the processors.

Acer Nitro 16:

The Nitro 16 comes with a 16-inch WUXGA or WQXGA 165Hz screen, while the Nitro 17 offers a variety of screen configurations, ranging from a 17-inch FHD 144Hz or 165Hz to a QHD with a 165Hz. Both models flaunt a 4-zone RGB backlit keyboard, a signature of gaming laptops to give a little bit of flair to the playing experience. These laptops can support up to 32GB of DDR5 4800 MHz memory and up to 2TB M.2 PCIe Gen 2 storage to accommodate all the games and movies you want to enjoy on the go. Whether it’s mashing keys on a competitive game or hammering away on a work document, the Acer Nitro 16 and 17 promise a balance of features, mobility, and style.

Acer Nitro 17:

With the Predator line, on the other hand, Acer pulls all the stops when it comes to gaming chops. Again bringing together the combined might of the latest 13th-gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs, the all-new Predator Helios 16 and 18 heaps on the gaming features to ensure your victory will never be snatched away by tearing, lag, and throttling. For the latter, the Predator laptops bring the brand’s dual custom-engineered 5th-gen AeroBlade 3D metal fans and triangle-shaped vector heat pipes for more efficient heat dissipation and thermal management.

Acer Predator Helios 16:

The 16-inch Predator Helios 16 comes with a 2560×1600 display at 165Hz or 240Hz refresh rates, while the Predator Helios 18’s 18-inch display offers options of 1920×1200 at 165Hz or 2560×1600 at 165Hz or 240Hz. Both also come in models with mini LED screens at 250Hz, delivering not only super-fast refresh rates but also higher ambient contrast ratios and 1,000 local dimming zones to ensure the best image quality even in poor lighting. These mobile powerhouses also feature a new design for the Helios family, flaunting a matte black chassis with clean edges and a customizable RGB light bar that runs along the top of the back vents.

Acer Predator Helios 18:

Even laptop gamers will, once in a while, want to see everything in a bigger space, and Acer’s new Predator gaming monitors try to fill that need. The large 45-inch Predator X45 boasts an 800R curvature that promises a more immersive gaming experience. For those who prefer more traditional panels, the flat Predator X27U delivers a 27-inch monitor with a 2560×1440 resolution and a fast 240Hz refresh rate. Both monitors support AMD’s FreeSync tech for tear-free graphics and a built-in KVM switch that will let owners seamlessly switch between desktop and laptop without having to juggle keyboards and mice.

Acer Predator X45:

Acer Predator X27U:

  • The Acer Nitro 16 (AN16-51) will be available in North America in May starting at $1,199.99
  • The Acer Nitro 17 (AN17-51) will launch in North America in May with a starting price of $1,199.99
  • The Acer Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71) goes for sale in March and starts at $1,649.99
  • The Acer Predator Helios 18 (PH18-71) will become available in April starting at $1,699
  • The Acer Predator X45 monitor will arrive in Q2 for $1,699
  • The Acer Predator X27U monitor is also landing in Q2 with a $1,099 price tag.

The post Acer at CES 2023 gets its game on with new Nitro and Predator laptops first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved monitor has an unbelievably wide span

Posted on by

When curved TVs landed in the market, many pegged it as just a passing fad. Years later, that unusual shape has also made its way to computer monitors. A curved screen might make less sense on a desktop monitor since the curvature is often advertised as a boon for a more cinematic experience. That said, computers these days are used for more than just serious business or studying, with games and media taking up a large portion of the overall use cases for these devices. Samsung definitely sees it that way, so at CES 2023, it unveiled what is probably the widest curved monitor in the market, taking that commitment to a cinematic experience to almost ridiculous proportions.

Designer: Samsung

We don’t really see the world as a flat plane in front of us. Given how the world and our curved eyes work, it’s actually more natural for us to see things in a radius. That’s the principle used by modern cinemas that project videos on a curved screen compared to the very flat surfaces of older cinemas. It’s also the principle used to justify curved TVs and monitors, but the new Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 definitely takes the cake compared to even the largest curved TV.

The most obvious thing you’ll notice about the Odyssey Neo G9 is, of course, its ultra-wide size, which puts ultra-wide monitors to shame. The 57-inch gaming monitor has a resolution of 7680×2160 and an aspect ratio of 32:9, which means it is the equivalent of two 3840×2160 16:9 curved monitors. It’s no surprise, then, that Samsung calls this a dual UHD curved display. The screen uses quantum mini LED technology and has a refresh rate of 240Hz, the ingredients for a perfect gaming monitor. Of course, such a wide screen will also have enough space for all the windows you possibly need for work and then some, making it also ideal for activities like creating videos or simply multitasking.

The new Odyssey OLED G9 is like a smaller sibling of the Neo G9 at only 49 inches. It is also less curved at 1800R (the Neo G9 curves at 1000R), and is only the equivalent of dual QHD screens for a combined 32:9 aspect ratio. While still mostly designed for gaming, the monitor can also access apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube directly, even without a computer, as long as there’s a direct Internet connection.

Curved monitors might not be everyone’s cup of tea, so Samsung also has regular monitors covered. The ViewFinity S9 brings a whopping 5K resolution to a 27-inch screen for the first time and comes with a built-in Color Calibration Engine that designers will appreciate when they need precise and accurate color settings. The 27-inch Smart Monitor M8 joins its older and larger 32-inch sibling and can pivot 90 degrees in a portrait orientation that makes it easier to read long documents with less scrolling. The Smart Monitor M8 also acts as a smart home, specifically a SmartThings Hub, making it an all-in-one solution for almost anything you need a screen for.

The post Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 curved monitor has an unbelievably wide span first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lenovo unveils two eco-conscious ThinkVision mini-LED monitors with 4K and human presence detection built-in

Posted on by

For editors, VFX specialists, and creatives; creating content that stands out is of umpteen importance. To achieve this, high-quality visuals are essential for delivering impactful creations. This gives rise to the demand for monitors capable of delivering accurate colors and high contrast to limit inaccuracies. Whilst all the brands tussling it out for the consumer share, Lenovo with the ThinkVision displays has been able to impress the content creators to the core courtesy of best-in-class color accuracy.

Expanding on the already thriving display tech, Lenovo has rolled out a duo of mini-LED monitors in the ThinkVision line-up made from post-consumer recycled materials throughout with the base comprising 90 percent aluminum. Dubbed the ThinkVision P27pz-30 and P32pz-30, the monitors feature backlit displays featuring thousands of mini-LEDs.

Designer: Lenovo

Staying true to ThinkVision’s trusted image as high-end monitors for creators, these two monitors tout 4K resolution (3840 x 2160p). The two monitors are available in 27- and 31.5-inch display sizes while the screen supports HDR10 and Display HDR1000 certification.

Lenovo suggests the monitors feature 1,152 dimming zones, which essentially minimize the blurring halo effect, and allow the screen to deliver deeper blacks, high contrast, and brighter lit areas for a crispy, natural-colored image. The screens can reach a peak brightness of 1200 nits with the native software allowing for easy color correction.

What really makes these two displays stand out is their three-sided borderless design. There is a broad chin, but otherwise, the three other sides have a negligible bezel. With a 16:9 aspect ratio and 178-degree viewing angle, the monitors have a low 60Hz refresh rate. So, no matter the vividness when it comes to displaying the brightest visuals from the color gamut, the screens are not the best for someone with a gaming aspect in mind.

For the ones who really like saving the littlest possible energy, these irresistible mini-LED displays feature human detection and light sensors. The former is not a new feature in monitors, but it effectively dims the screen when the monitor detects the user has stepped away, the light sensors on the other hand automatically adjust the screen brightness to sync with the ambient lighting, to minimize stress on the user’s eyes.

Interestingly, both the ThinkVision P27pz-30 and P32pz-30 can connect with laptops, tablets or smartphones using USB-C or ThunderboltTM. Being OS-agnostic (capable of running with any operating system) these ThinkVision Mini LED monitors can also support two additional UHD displays. Offering impressive data transfer speeds, the Lenovo monitors offer three Type-C, four Type-A, and two HDMI 2.1 ports along with DP and Enternet ports for connectivity.

The post Lenovo unveils two eco-conscious ThinkVision mini-LED monitors with 4K and human presence detection built-in first appeared on Yanko Design.

This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster

Posted on by

Some office workers swear by having more than one computer monitor to boost their creativity. Others, on the other hand, believe it’s just a distraction disaster waiting to happen. For those working at home or on the go on their laptops, the debate is moot anyway since they are forced to use one and only one screen. There have been attempts to “fix” that situation, either with laptops with multiple screens or attachments that give laptops a hefty makeover. It’s easy enough to smirk at these attempts, especially because of how clunky and clumsy they can be, but one somewhat recent attempt does offer a bit of refinement and finesse to hopefully give mobile workers the productivity edge they’ve wished for.

Designer: Xebec

To be honest, there is really no way that a laptop with screens hanging off its sides won’t look unusual, to put it kindly. At least not by our current standards that have been weaned for decades to accept that laptops have only one monitor in front of the user. The future might hold a different attitude, but until people get used to seeing multi-screen laptops, some people are going to be laughed at. Then again, users of this kind of accessory probably won’t care as much about other people’s opinions as long as they end up a wiz at work.

Xebec’s latest design for its Tri-Screen accessory is admittedly rather smart. One of the biggest hindrances to attaching more monitors to a laptop is how they need to take into account different laptop sizes and designs. To solve this puzzle, the Tri-Screen 2 borrows a design from smartphone game controllers that use elastics and telescopic mechanisms to accommodate different phone sizes. With this, the base attachment can grip almost any laptop screen size and doesn’t require screws, adhesives, or magnets.

Two 10.1-inch Full HD screens slide out of this module and independently connect to the laptop, which does mean that the laptop needs to have enough ports to support two external displays. A small built-in kickstand keeps the laptop’s screen from falling backward from the weight, another inherent problem for accessories that add heavy screens and frames to a thin laptop lid. In order to keep the assembly lighter, however, the Tri-Screen 2 doesn’t pack its own battery and instead sucks from the laptop, another consideration to keep in mind when using it away from a power outlet.

It is, of course, arguable whether such a design will get in the way rather than help your productivity, but it’s definitely more convenient than one of those portable monitors you’d have to set down on a table. The expanding base is definitely a nice touch to be able to accommodate more laptops, but it remains to be seen how durable that elastic material will be and what effects the pressure might have on the laptop lid’s integrity. Like with the laptop itself, it’s always a matter of weighing pros and cons, and those who will grab this Tri-Screen 2 better see plenty of Pros to use something like it.

The post This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster first appeared on Yanko Design.

This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster

Posted on by

Some office workers swear by having more than one computer monitor to boost their creativity. Others, on the other hand, believe it’s just a distraction disaster waiting to happen. For those working at home or on the go on their laptops, the debate is moot anyway since they are forced to use one and only one screen. There have been attempts to “fix” that situation, either with laptops with multiple screens or attachments that give laptops a hefty makeover. It’s easy enough to smirk at these attempts, especially because of how clunky and clumsy they can be, but one somewhat recent attempt does offer a bit of refinement and finesse to hopefully give mobile workers the productivity edge they’ve wished for.

Designer: Xebec

To be honest, there is really no way that a laptop with screens hanging off its sides won’t look unusual, to put it kindly. At least not by our current standards that have been weaned for decades to accept that laptops have only one monitor in front of the user. The future might hold a different attitude, but until people get used to seeing multi-screen laptops, some people are going to be laughed at. Then again, users of this kind of accessory probably won’t care as much about other people’s opinions as long as they end up a wiz at work.

Xebec’s latest design for its Tri-Screen accessory is admittedly rather smart. One of the biggest hindrances to attaching more monitors to a laptop is how they need to take into account different laptop sizes and designs. To solve this puzzle, the Tri-Screen 2 borrows a design from smartphone game controllers that use elastics and telescopic mechanisms to accommodate different phone sizes. With this, the base attachment can grip almost any laptop screen size and doesn’t require screws, adhesives, or magnets.

Two 10.1-inch Full HD screens slide out of this module and independently connect to the laptop, which does mean that the laptop needs to have enough ports to support two external displays. A small built-in kickstand keeps the laptop’s screen from falling backward from the weight, another inherent problem for accessories that add heavy screens and frames to a thin laptop lid. In order to keep the assembly lighter, however, the Tri-Screen 2 doesn’t pack its own battery and instead sucks from the laptop, another consideration to keep in mind when using it away from a power outlet.

It is, of course, arguable whether such a design will get in the way rather than help your productivity, but it’s definitely more convenient than one of those portable monitors you’d have to set down on a table. The expanding base is definitely a nice touch to be able to accommodate more laptops, but it remains to be seen how durable that elastic material will be and what effects the pressure might have on the laptop lid’s integrity. Like with the laptop itself, it’s always a matter of weighing pros and cons, and those who will grab this Tri-Screen 2 better see plenty of Pros to use something like it.

The post This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster first appeared on Yanko Design.

This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster

Posted on by

Some office workers swear by having more than one computer monitor to boost their creativity. Others, on the other hand, believe it’s just a distraction disaster waiting to happen. For those working at home or on the go on their laptops, the debate is moot anyway since they are forced to use one and only one screen. There have been attempts to “fix” that situation, either with laptops with multiple screens or attachments that give laptops a hefty makeover. It’s easy enough to smirk at these attempts, especially because of how clunky and clumsy they can be, but one somewhat recent attempt does offer a bit of refinement and finesse to hopefully give mobile workers the productivity edge they’ve wished for.

Designer: Xebec

To be honest, there is really no way that a laptop with screens hanging off its sides won’t look unusual, to put it kindly. At least not by our current standards that have been weaned for decades to accept that laptops have only one monitor in front of the user. The future might hold a different attitude, but until people get used to seeing multi-screen laptops, some people are going to be laughed at. Then again, users of this kind of accessory probably won’t care as much about other people’s opinions as long as they end up a wiz at work.

Xebec’s latest design for its Tri-Screen accessory is admittedly rather smart. One of the biggest hindrances to attaching more monitors to a laptop is how they need to take into account different laptop sizes and designs. To solve this puzzle, the Tri-Screen 2 borrows a design from smartphone game controllers that use elastics and telescopic mechanisms to accommodate different phone sizes. With this, the base attachment can grip almost any laptop screen size and doesn’t require screws, adhesives, or magnets.

Two 10.1-inch Full HD screens slide out of this module and independently connect to the laptop, which does mean that the laptop needs to have enough ports to support two external displays. A small built-in kickstand keeps the laptop’s screen from falling backward from the weight, another inherent problem for accessories that add heavy screens and frames to a thin laptop lid. In order to keep the assembly lighter, however, the Tri-Screen 2 doesn’t pack its own battery and instead sucks from the laptop, another consideration to keep in mind when using it away from a power outlet.

It is, of course, arguable whether such a design will get in the way rather than help your productivity, but it’s definitely more convenient than one of those portable monitors you’d have to set down on a table. The expanding base is definitely a nice touch to be able to accommodate more laptops, but it remains to be seen how durable that elastic material will be and what effects the pressure might have on the laptop lid’s integrity. Like with the laptop itself, it’s always a matter of weighing pros and cons, and those who will grab this Tri-Screen 2 better see plenty of Pros to use something like it.

The post This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster first appeared on Yanko Design.

This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster

Posted on by

Some office workers swear by having more than one computer monitor to boost their creativity. Others, on the other hand, believe it’s just a distraction disaster waiting to happen. For those working at home or on the go on their laptops, the debate is moot anyway since they are forced to use one and only one screen. There have been attempts to “fix” that situation, either with laptops with multiple screens or attachments that give laptops a hefty makeover. It’s easy enough to smirk at these attempts, especially because of how clunky and clumsy they can be, but one somewhat recent attempt does offer a bit of refinement and finesse to hopefully give mobile workers the productivity edge they’ve wished for.

Designer: Xebec

To be honest, there is really no way that a laptop with screens hanging off its sides won’t look unusual, to put it kindly. At least not by our current standards that have been weaned for decades to accept that laptops have only one monitor in front of the user. The future might hold a different attitude, but until people get used to seeing multi-screen laptops, some people are going to be laughed at. Then again, users of this kind of accessory probably won’t care as much about other people’s opinions as long as they end up a wiz at work.

Xebec’s latest design for its Tri-Screen accessory is admittedly rather smart. One of the biggest hindrances to attaching more monitors to a laptop is how they need to take into account different laptop sizes and designs. To solve this puzzle, the Tri-Screen 2 borrows a design from smartphone game controllers that use elastics and telescopic mechanisms to accommodate different phone sizes. With this, the base attachment can grip almost any laptop screen size and doesn’t require screws, adhesives, or magnets.

Two 10.1-inch Full HD screens slide out of this module and independently connect to the laptop, which does mean that the laptop needs to have enough ports to support two external displays. A small built-in kickstand keeps the laptop’s screen from falling backward from the weight, another inherent problem for accessories that add heavy screens and frames to a thin laptop lid. In order to keep the assembly lighter, however, the Tri-Screen 2 doesn’t pack its own battery and instead sucks from the laptop, another consideration to keep in mind when using it away from a power outlet.

It is, of course, arguable whether such a design will get in the way rather than help your productivity, but it’s definitely more convenient than one of those portable monitors you’d have to set down on a table. The expanding base is definitely a nice touch to be able to accommodate more laptops, but it remains to be seen how durable that elastic material will be and what effects the pressure might have on the laptop lid’s integrity. Like with the laptop itself, it’s always a matter of weighing pros and cons, and those who will grab this Tri-Screen 2 better see plenty of Pros to use something like it.

The post This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster first appeared on Yanko Design.

This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster

Posted on by

Some office workers swear by having more than one computer monitor to boost their creativity. Others, on the other hand, believe it’s just a distraction disaster waiting to happen. For those working at home or on the go on their laptops, the debate is moot anyway since they are forced to use one and only one screen. There have been attempts to “fix” that situation, either with laptops with multiple screens or attachments that give laptops a hefty makeover. It’s easy enough to smirk at these attempts, especially because of how clunky and clumsy they can be, but one somewhat recent attempt does offer a bit of refinement and finesse to hopefully give mobile workers the productivity edge they’ve wished for.

Designer: Xebec

To be honest, there is really no way that a laptop with screens hanging off its sides won’t look unusual, to put it kindly. At least not by our current standards that have been weaned for decades to accept that laptops have only one monitor in front of the user. The future might hold a different attitude, but until people get used to seeing multi-screen laptops, some people are going to be laughed at. Then again, users of this kind of accessory probably won’t care as much about other people’s opinions as long as they end up a wiz at work.

Xebec’s latest design for its Tri-Screen accessory is admittedly rather smart. One of the biggest hindrances to attaching more monitors to a laptop is how they need to take into account different laptop sizes and designs. To solve this puzzle, the Tri-Screen 2 borrows a design from smartphone game controllers that use elastics and telescopic mechanisms to accommodate different phone sizes. With this, the base attachment can grip almost any laptop screen size and doesn’t require screws, adhesives, or magnets.

Two 10.1-inch Full HD screens slide out of this module and independently connect to the laptop, which does mean that the laptop needs to have enough ports to support two external displays. A small built-in kickstand keeps the laptop’s screen from falling backward from the weight, another inherent problem for accessories that add heavy screens and frames to a thin laptop lid. In order to keep the assembly lighter, however, the Tri-Screen 2 doesn’t pack its own battery and instead sucks from the laptop, another consideration to keep in mind when using it away from a power outlet.

It is, of course, arguable whether such a design will get in the way rather than help your productivity, but it’s definitely more convenient than one of those portable monitors you’d have to set down on a table. The expanding base is definitely a nice touch to be able to accommodate more laptops, but it remains to be seen how durable that elastic material will be and what effects the pressure might have on the laptop lid’s integrity. Like with the laptop itself, it’s always a matter of weighing pros and cons, and those who will grab this Tri-Screen 2 better see plenty of Pros to use something like it.

The post This laptop accessory turns your portable workstation into a multi-screen monster first appeared on Yanko Design.