Desklab Portable Monitor: Ideal for Work, Play, Mobile Productivity
The 15.6 Desklab Portable IPS four-inch touchscreen is an excellent option in the event that you’re in search of a an extremely high-performance display is easy to take along with your.
This isn’t a new product. It is actually the most recent version of configurations for monitors that are based on an innovative idea that was unveiled around two years back.
The Desklab monitor can more than transform a mobile phone into a big-screen gaming display or a temporary workspace even when a computer isn’t accessible. Its utility extends far beyond the typical situation.
It can be used on PCs with Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux and Chromebooks (Chrome OS). Additionally, it’s fully compatible with consoles for gaming and also Android and Apple tablets, as well as other devices.
Desklab was introduced to a marketplace that includes mobile monitors that compete with prices starting at around $200 to three times that. Engineers started developing and designing for the display in June of 2018. The project began its Kickstarter campaign to raise funds in October of this year. The first deliveries were scheduled to begin in the latter part of 2020.
In contrast to of the other monitors that are portable, including some with smaller screens and smaller screens, the distinctive feature for Desklab lies in its notion of a clutter-free, plug-and play design that does away with the requirement for cables, dongles as well as additional software to use a small number of devices.
Desklab doesn’t require equipment or gadgets. Additionally, it’s setup-free and lightweight.
Product Description
The portable panel is thin and light. It’s 0.236 mm thick and weighs 1.6 pounds with a size of 14” by 9”.
This viewing space is covered by three sides, an 1/4” black bezel. A base of 1-1/4” extends across the bottom. The completely black metal case is sturdy and does not movement when being held.
The extra thick casing on the base is necessary to accommodate the extra circuitry and components that power the internal functions that make this portable display extremely efficient. It also houses two hi-fi speakers that provide a full Stereo sound which is smooth and full.
I tried the portable monitor using various Chromebooks and laptops. Its speakers were excellent. Desklab monitor’s speakers matched or even exceeded the quality of the audio for both music and speech reproduction.
On the right-hand side’s bottom part of the bottom seen from the front is a Mini HDMI port as well as two USB-C ports as well as a micro-USB connector that could be required to connect in to the power source in the event that the laptop or desktop tablet that is connected to it does not have enough juice.
There’s no microSD slot. The lower left edge of the base, there is the 3.5mm headphone connector, a wheel button to change settings as well as the switch to turn off or on.
Powerful to a Fault
Perhaps the design aspect of making the unit smaller and lighter was the absence of an battery that is onboard. The theory is that this second monitor can be powered by connected devices.
But, it can hinder mobility if the device doesn’t have enough power to power the two devices, or if there exists any AC power source in close proximity to. This is a frequent issue I observed in trying out my Desklab monitor.
The use of this monitor without the AC power brick will depend on the computer that is connected. Some devices do not provide sufficient current to this USB-C connection.
I was not able to succeed in running the Desklab monitor that was tethered to the majority of my laptops for work. Certain laptops lit the display on the portable device slowly. Some of them accidentally flashed on and off, even though the laptops themselves were plugged into an outlet on the wall.
In the time I was using an Desklab portable monitor connected to an outlet on the wall the screen was bright. Its features and performance are ideal for use as the sole monitor that is connected to a computer on the desktop.
Achilles Heel
Another issue I had with this portable device was its flimsy stand included.
The larger base isn’t sturdy enough to support the display when it is placed in a straight line or at an angle. To do this, you’ll will require the included covered in vinyl (presumably metal) flexible stand that is attached to the back of the monitor.
Product information states that this stand has magnetic properties. It was the case in previous models. But, it doesn’t seem to be the case for the data offered in the present model.
Two strips of double-sided tape keep the stand in position. The two folded in the stand allow me to set the monitor at various angles. The stand was less than ideal in terms of durability.
When placed on a smooth surface the stand isn’t solid. I tried using tape or the lower edge of the stand that folds to prevent its tripod-like form from falling.
If not being utilized as a stand the folded fabric folds over the top and the front of the panel, thereby covering the screen made of glass. This is useful to shield the portable monitor when transporting and storage.
But, I’d rather make the stand function as a carrying case for the monitor or cover, and then connect a stronger and durable wire stand. The earlier Desklab models had a folding stand as an optional purchase. The website wasn’t explicit about the possibility of a stand that was not available for the panel.
Easy To Use
The portable monitor comes with an array of entertainment and office features included in the bezel’s base. These features are built-in and work without user involvement.
This makes an ideal portable panel easy to plug into the wall and plug. Apart from adjusting the screen according to your requirements it is not required to install any hardware or software configurations are required.
If you are connected to a computer then all you’ll need to do is access the display settings of your computer to choose how you would like Desklab to react. The default computer settings allow that the second monitor reflect the main one or show the window content you transfer to the monitor that is connected into on the desklab display.
Similar to how you navigate traditional monitor controls, pressing the wheel button of the Desklab will open the pop-up window in the lower left corner of the panel. Utilize the wheel to choose the settings you wish to change. These include brightness of the image as well as audio, color elements and many other settings.
The Desklab includes settings to muffle the speakers and alter the volume. The audio settings on the computer lets me choose the speakers of the computer as well as the Desklab’s audio. If I was using the built-in speakers of the portable display I was able to adjust the volume levels by using the keyboard’s special keys for the computer.
It didn’t work when changing the brightness of the screen however.
Specs and Features
This is the most recent model accessible. Previous models included an microSD slot as well as an additional HDMI port. The earlier models were also not equipped with 4K.
In the box in this box is three cable that manage common connection requirements through HDMI as well as USB-C port. The cable ends can be arranged to fit ports across Macs, Windows PCs, tablets as well as Chromebooks.
The angle of view for the panel is at 178 degrees. It’s clear even when placed in front of an laptop. Its brightness is 400 nits.
This is a quick list of features that are among the most impressive specifications and features that are in standard in this Desklab monitor:
- Amazing 4K HD with True LED backlighting, as well as vivid color
- Gaming Ready compatible with Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS4 and many more
- Eye Protection- Low-flicker and low blue light and anti-glare
- Super Responsive — Lightning-fast 10 millisecond response time
- IPS display with 1080p (FHD) or 4K UHD (2160p) resolution
Hands-On Experience
A few caveats exist. The portable monitor can be used on computers, Macs along with various Chromebook models I own. Connected to a computer and the latest models of Chromebooks I could utilize the Desklab portable as a touch monitor.
It’s not so with the Mac I borrowed to test my ideas as well as an old low-powered Chromebook. It also functioned with the iPad that I obtained.
The availability of touch screens is contingent to the connection type that the computer is connected to as and the components of the computer.