It is not that easy for laptop manufacturers to integrate a larger screen into their offerings. Why? The core concept of laptops is that they need to be portable. And with a large screen size, the overall weight increases. That eventually makes the unit hefty and less portable.
Perfect for 15-17in laptops. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Android and Nintendo Switch, also work with Type C phones that support full-featured output.
At the same time, a small screen space can significantly lower your productivity level. Well, that is where the screen extenders for laptops step in. They are portable, slim, and lightweight display modules that attach to your system on the fly.
But, not all laptop screen extenders are the same. Most will offer barebone design and basic functionality. While some brands, such as Mobile Pixels, have taken the laptop display extension game to the next level.
The Trio and Trio Max are two examples of such offerings. Interested to know more about laptop screen extenders and where their value proposition stands? Read to know it all!
Mobile Pixels Trio and Trio Max Overview
There are a lot of things that Mobile Pixels has done right with the Trio and Trio Max.
1. Size Options and Configurations
Basically, Trio and Trio Max are the same extension displays. But one of them, the Trio, is 12.5 inches in size, while the Trio Max is 14.1 inches. This size option is basically making the extenders compatible with three laptop ranges: those from 13 to 14 inches, 17.3 inches, and 15 to 16 inches in size.
Among these three categories, the Trio would be perfect for the first one, while the Trio Max is available for the two later ranges. That said, for each size range, you can select the dual-screen or tri-screen configuration.
The dual-mode, as the name suggests, will enable you to attach one extra display to your laptop. On the other hand, the tri-screen mode will let you get a triple-screen configuration.
2. Compatibility
The thing about most laptop display extenders is that they are either compatible with Windows or Mac. There are not that many that are compatible with both the operating systems. That is where the Trio and Trio Max stand out. You can set up both configurations on a Mac or Windows system.
In fact, if you want to, you can use the display extenders as a standalone screen. The Trio and Trio Max are compatible with Android devices, Nintendo Switch, and other mobile devices. Both the models also have USB Type-C and USB Type-A ports. For that reason, you will not even have to worry about I/O either.
3. Installation Process
Whether you are going for the dual-screen or tri-screen configuration, you don’t need to go through extra hassle. The package will come with magnets that you will need to attach to the back of your laptop. After that, you just have to let the Trio or Trio Max magnets snap in place. And you will be all done to enjoy a double or triple display setup.
Due to this magnetic setup process, you can even travel without taking the display extensions. You just need to make the Trio or Trio Max magnet snap out. Also, the USB Type-A to Type-C cable box comes with is perfect.
It will not leave any excess wire to the setup. Instead, you will end up with a clean-looking double or triple monitor setup.
4. Display Quality
A screen extender with a low-quality display does not make any sense at all. The good news is that Mobile Pixels have factored that in. Both the Trio and Trio Max will come with a 1080p panel. And because most of the laptops are still in the FHD region, the screen of the extenders will merge well with your laptop’s screen.
Furthermore, the panels get reasonably bright. The peak brightness is at 300 nits, which is pretty much up to par with the high-end laptops’ displays. Also, the screens have a flexible viewing angle at full 270 degrees rotation.
Additionally, the panels come with Eye-Care mode. Turning this mode on will make it easier for your eyes to look at the panels for a prolonged amount of time. However, the refresh rate is at 60Hz. So, if your laptop’s screen has a high refresh rate panel, you will not be capable of enjoying that when the Trio and Trio Max is plugged in.
5. Build Quality and Ease of Use
Mobile Pixels did not skimp on the quality of the display extenders. Both feature a high-quality ABS plastic construction. This construction material keeps the weight low. The Trio is at 1.7 lbs, while the Trio Max is at 2.2 lbs. That means, even with the Trio and Trio Max on your laptop, the weight increment of the entire setup will not be that much. In other words, your laptop will still be portable.
Outlook of the Trio and Trio Max
The screens look quite cool whether you are working on your home or using the additional screens on work. Although the devices need a wire connection with your laptop to work, they will not look like something that you have attached separately.
The Trio comes in Gunmetal Gray color, while Trio Max comes in Metallic Black. And both of them will blend with laptops with different color coatings on the exterior.
Final Thoughts
The fact that Mobile Pixels is bringing so much to the table at a comparatively low price is pretty amazing.
So, if you were looking to get more screen space on your portable computer without the extra weight or spending too much, the Trio and Trio Max should be on the top of your list.
In fact, Mobile Pixels is currently offering Trio Max at $30 discount. This deal is increasing the value proposition to the next level. So, you should not really wait any longer!
Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.
This post was last updated on 2023-03-20 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.
