I beforehand reviewed the Cellular Pixels Trio moveable monitor for laptops, which was a 12.5″ monitor that magnetically attaches to the again of your laptop computer show after which slides out.
I preferred the idea behind it. You don’t want a monitor stand, so you may get a dual-screen laptop computer show in cramped environments. The design additionally labored properly for transport; the monitor slid again into its plastic shell, defending your display screen when you carry it round in your bag.
It was removed from excellent, although. I wasn’t eager on the magnetic disks you hooked up to your laptop computer show, and the construct high quality didn’t appear to be nice, and it was additionally fairly costly in comparison with different common moveable displays.
That being stated, I continued to make use of it over my different moveable monitor choices at any time when I travelled, simply because it was a extra handy design.
The Cellular Pixels Duex is virtually the identical monitor, however they’ve up to date the general design.
The Max mannequin I’m reviewing is a 14” show, which is right for 14″ laptops or greater, however they’ve a Plus mannequin, which is 13.3” or a lite mannequin, which is 12.5”.
Specification
- Display Dimension: 13.3-inch
- Decision: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Display sort: LCD
- Brightness: 300 nit (adjustable)
- Dimension: 12.25″ x 8.46″ x 0.25″
- Side Ratio: 16:9
- Compatibility: Home windows, MacOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Change, Android (Samsung Dex)
- Connections: 2x USB-C Port
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Materials: PC ABS plastic
- Vitality consumption: 4.5W
- Refresh fee: 60Hz
Cellular Pixels Duex vs Trio Design and Construct High quality
The Cellular Pixels Trio had a little bit of a tough design with not the perfect construct high quality. The principle points I had had been that the case and sliding mechanism felt very low-cost. The monitor half additionally had large bezels.
Then, for the magnetic attachment, you had 4 giant round disks that caught to the laptop computer and 4 equally sized however sq. magnets to stay to them.
With the Duex Max, it seems to be the general look and construct high quality that has improved. You now have a extra enticing and looks like it’s extra sturdy.
The monitor has very skinny left and proper bezels, and the highest and backside are slimmer than the Trio.
Then, the attachment design has modified. The metallic disks you connect to the laptop computer are considerably smaller, and the magnetic attachments are a lot bigger. These are actually elongated with a plastic lip working across the edge.
This distinction means that you can have some horizontal changes permitting you to slip the monitor left or proper. That is useful as I discovered that in its default place, the fitting fringe of the monitor was barely obscured by my laptop computer show.
The again of the Duex Max presents three buttons, permitting you to make changes to the picture high quality, resembling color, tint, and brightness.
The USB-C ports are on the far outer fringe of the show, which is OK, however it might have been a bit neater if they may have had them on the within edge, permitting you to make use of shorter USB cables.
Set up
Identical to the older Cellular Pixels Trio, this monitor connects to the again of your laptop computer show with magnets. This requires you to stay metallic disks onto your laptop computer completely.
I wasn’t eager on this concept with my final evaluation, however I’m not the kind of one that’s obsessive about aesthetics, and when you settle for they’re there, you overlook about it.
Set up didn’t go fairly to plan. The disks are hooked up to the magnets on the monitor, and in idea, you take away the movie on the 3M stickers and stick it all the way down to your monitor.
I cleaned the laptop computer lid and waited for a short while, however after I tried to take away the monitor, it eliminated the disks.
You get spare 3M stickers, and there’s a sheet to information you in reapplying the disks. I discovered this was one of the simplest ways to do it. I utilized the disks and left them there for the night to make sure that they had adhered to the monitor accurately. Since then, I’ve had no points with the disks coming off.
One good function about this monitor is that it has a sensor that may auto-rotate your display screen across the right approach. Solely the left USB-C port for my Huawei laptop computer can help charging and show, so it was logical to mount it this fashion, permitting me to make use of a brief USB4 cable.
Connectivity
The monitor comes with two USB-C ports, one for energy and one to hook up with your laptop computer, which has passthrough energy.
You, due to this fact, have three choices:
- Join the monitor to your laptop computer with USB-C and have the laptop computer drive the show.
- Join the monitor to your laptop computer with USB-C and energy to the second USB on the monitor to energy each the monitor and laptop computer.
- Use the USB-C to HDMI cable, which might require you to have separate energy going to each the monitor and laptop computer.
For the HDMI choice, I’d solely use this as a final resort, although it’s useful for connecting different units resembling a mini PC, and the stand with the productiveness bundle would work properly on this scenario.
Efficiency / In Use / Show High quality
I not too long ago went on vacation, which was an ideal alternative to make use of the Duex Max. I discover two displays are important for my productiveness. I’ll nearly all the time have MS Phrase on one show for writing the content material for reference on the fitting. Utilizing one show and the snap your Home windows perform doesn’t work for me on small 1080p shows as there may be not sufficient display screen actual property.
Due to this fact, I’m an enormous fan of getting a second show after I journey. The Duex Max is superior for travelling over a free-standing show because the plastic case gives wonderful safety. I really put this in my checked baggage, and it made it to the vacation spot in excellent situation.
Then, after all, you don’t want a stand for the monitor. Most moveable displays I’ve reviewed include some form of stand; the Acer PM1 had a flip-out stand, however this supplied no show safety. The Desklab 4K touchscreen monitor lacked any stand, and the glass touchscreen felt too fragile for travelling. The Arzopa G1 15.6” had a guide cowl type case, which doubled as a stand, however the cowl doesn’t present the identical stage of safety because the onerous plastic shell of the Duex Max.
With the show hooked up on to the laptop computer, it additionally means that you can use it in cramped or inconvenient places. I don’t have to fret about sufficient desk house for 2 displays, I may even use the twin show when engaged on my lap (I attempted it, and it really works wonderful, however I hate working with a laptop computer on my lap).
Whereas I used to be away, I used the Chargeasap Zeus 270W GaN charger for energy and was in a position to make use of a single USB cable to energy each the show and cost my laptop computer due to the passthrough charging and the display-compatible USB-C port on my Huawei. Admittedly, that is commonplace for many moveable displays.
The show itself is OK. It’s maybe the weak spot of the Duex, which doesn’t sound nice, contemplating that’s what you might be shopping for it for. It isn’t a lot that it’s dangerous, however the high quality of the show doesn’t match the comparatively excessive value you might be paying. It isn’t the brightest show, and the colors usually are not probably the most correct. Then, you solely have a 60Hz refresh fee, which isn’t nice for gaming.
I personally had no issues with it as a result of I need a moveable monitor for fundamental productiveness. I’m not enhancing movies or photographs, nor am I taking part in video games. It really works nice for my utilization, and I think about the individuals this monitor is concentrating on.
Worth and Various Choices
The Cellular Pixels Duex is accessible in three fashions, which come both with the monitor itself (what I reviewed) or as a bundle.
The bundles are:
- Mobility: This comes with a levestand, mini mouse, foldable keyboard, sleeve and privateness function
- Productiveness: This comes with a monitor kickstand that permits both panorama or portrait positioning
The three sizes accessible for simply the monitor are priced at:
- Duex Lite: $289.97
- Duex Plus: $269.99
- Duex Max: $329.99
There’s free delivery to the US or $35 to the UK. UK imports would probably incur customs charges.
Fortunately, a few of these can be found on Amazon UK. The costs on the 14th of October 2023 had been:
- Duex Lite: Not accessible
- Duex Plus: £249.99
- Duex Max: £200 (one other itemizing has it for £290)
For regular moveable displays, you’ll find choices at a a lot lower cost:
Total
I had blended emotions in regards to the Cellular Pixels Trio in my final evaluation. They’re nonetheless principally legitimate; some individuals gained’t need metallic disks on their monitor completely, it’s essential purchase a stand if you wish to use it independently, and there are extra reasonably priced moveable shows on the market with an analogous high quality or higher show.
There are enhancements, although. The construct high quality is significantly better, and you may modify the monitor a bit higher due to the longer magnets. On the time of writing, the Duex Max is simply £200, which remains to be barely costly in comparison with others, however I believe it’s an appropriate value level. The Trio was £270 for the 12.5” mannequin and £309 for the 14-inch, which I felt was extreme.
Additionally, contemplating I continued to make use of the Cellular Pixels Trio over my different monitor choices, I maybe didn’t give the distinctive design sufficient credit score. In case you journey loads, it’s way more handy than a freestanding moveable monitor.
At £200, I’d say that is in regards to the high quality of a £100 moveable monitor, however you might be then paying £100 for the distinctive design. For individuals who journey loads and need a twin show, I’d say that’s value it.
Cellular Pixels Duex Max Moveable Monitor Assessment
Abstract
At £200, I’d say that is in regards to the high quality of a £100 moveable monitor, however you might be then paying £100 for the distinctive design. For individuals who journey loads and need a twin show, I’d say that’s value it because the hardshell design gives superior safety and you should utilize two shows with restricted house.
Professionals
- Distinctive design permitting you to have twin shows with restricted house
- Hardshell case with sliding mechanism make this extra sturdy for travelling then most competing laptops
Cons
- Show high quality doesn’t match the worth tag
- Requires you to connect metallic disks to your laptop computer
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the inventive thoughts behind Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Captivated with all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking, to cellular, wearables, and sensible dwelling units.
As a health fanatic who loves working and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My various pursuits permit me to deliver a novel perspective to tech running a blog, merging life-style, health, and the newest tech developments.
In my tutorial pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data Methods Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the know-how curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has persistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many high know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.
Final replace on 2023-10-22 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API