It is difficult to work while comparing multiple windows with only a small display of a laptop computer. It is inefficient and stressful to switch windows one by one. To solve this problem, it is effective to attach an external display to expand the desktop screen.

 Japannext's "Tri-Screen" is a mobile display equipped with two LCD panels. When attached to a laptop computer, you can easily create a "triple display environment" by adding displays on the left and right.

Japannext's mobile display "Tri-Screen" that allows you to add displays to the left and right of your laptop
Japannext's mobile display "Tri-Screen" that allows you to add displays to the left and right of your laptop
(Source: Studio Casper, same below)
[Click the image to enlarge]

 Since it can be folded compactly and carried, it can be used in various situations such as homes, coworking spaces, offices with a free address system, etc., where a laptop computer is carried and used. It connects to a computer via USB-C or HDMI, and comes with cables required for connection.

 Tri-Screen has three models with display sizes of 10.1 type, 11.6 type, and 13.3 type. The direct sales price of JapanNext is 39,800 yen for the 10.1-inch model (tax included, same below), 42,800 yen for the 11.6-inch model, and 49,800 yen for the 13.3-inch model. For example, the 13.3-inch model is suitable for 13- to 16-inch laptops, and there are recommended models depending on the size of the laptop. The resolution is 1920 x 1080 dots full HD for both the 13.3-inch model and the 11.6-inch model, and 1920 x 1200 dots for the 10.1-inch model.

Expanded state.  Attach the central part so that it covers the display of the laptop computer
Expanded state. Attach the central part so that it covers the display of the laptop computer
[Click the image to enlarge]

 I attached the 13.3-inch model to a 14-inch laptop computer and checked its usability. It weighs about 1.5 kilograms, about the size of a laptop. The flat size in the folded state is about the same as a laptop computer with a screen size close to that of a laptop computer, and if you have a business bag with a little extra depth, you can store it in a stack with a laptop computer and carry it around. The 10.1-inch model weighs about 0.84 kilograms, and the 11.6-inch model weighs about 1.3 kilograms.

Folded state.  Can be stacked with a laptop computer
Folded state. Can be stacked with a laptop computer
[Click the image to enlarge]

 The central part opens to the left and right, and the width can be changed according to the size of the laptop computer to be installed. After adjusting the width, cover it on the display of the laptop computer and fix it with the claws in the upper two places and the lower two places. There is a telescopic stand on the back to support it so that it will not fall under the weight.

 One thing to note is the height of the display part of the laptop. If the height is low, the claws on the top and bottom may not fit properly and the Tri-Screen may not fit properly.

The central part opens to the left and right, and the width can be adjusted according to the laptop computer.
The central part opens to the left and right, and the width can be adjusted according to the laptop computer.
[Click the image to enlarge]
There is a stand on the back to prevent it from falling back due to weight
There is a stand on the back to prevent it from falling back due to weight
[Click the image to enlarge]

 Once installed, the next step is wiring. The Tri-Screen has two independent displays and requires two wires. On the side, there is a USB Type-C terminal that allows video input and power input, a USB Type-C terminal for power input, and a miniHDMI input terminal for video input. Two connection cables are included, "USB Type-C to C", "USB Type-C to A", and "miniHDMI to HDMI".

Two cables of three types are included.  It's kind because it comes with all the cables needed for connection
Two cables of three types are included. It's kind because it comes with all the cables needed for connection
[Click the image to enlarge]

 For example, if your laptop has a USB Type-C terminal that can output video, you can display the computer screen simply by connecting it with a "USB Type-C to C cable". If you have an HDMI output and USB Type-A, you can display the screen of your computer by connecting with a "mini HDMI to HDMI cable" for video and a "USB Type-C to A cable" for power supply.

 The connected laptop was equipped with USB Type-C and HDMI output capable of video output, so one side is a "USB Type-C to C cable" and the other side is a "mini HDMI to HDMI cable" and "USB". Connected with "Type-C to A cable". There are many cables to connect, and the wiring seems to be quite messy.

The left and right displays have a USB Type-C terminal for video input, a USB Type-C terminal for power input, and a mini HDMI input terminal for video input.  It also has buttons for turning the power on and off and calling the menu, and operation buttons for adjusting the brightness and displaying the menu.
The left and right displays have a USB Type-C terminal for video input, a USB Type-C terminal for power input, and a mini HDMI input terminal for video input. It also has buttons for turning the power on and off and calling the menu, and operation buttons for adjusting the brightness and displaying the menu.
[Click the image to enlarge]

 After wiring and turning on the power, set the Windows OS. The laptop display is lined up in the center, and the Tri-Screen display is lined up on the left and right. Set the order of the displays.

Attached to a laptop computer and made into a triple display
Attached to a laptop computer and made into a triple display
[Click the image to enlarge]

 I made the settings and tried to work with the triple display display. The balance of brightness and color development is comparable to that of the installed 14-inch laptop computer, and it can be used without any discomfort.

 With just a laptop display, windows overlap even when multiple apps are launched. When you look at an Excel table or website, it's a hassle to click each time to bring it to the front. It was also inconvenient to talk while switching between the necessary materials and the conference screen at the time of the Web conference.

 If you use Tri-Screen to make a triple display, the desktop screen will expand to the left and right, and you will be able to display multiple windows side by side without overlapping them, so you can work comfortably. For example, you can display Excel tables and Word materials on the left display, display a Web browser on the right display, and create documents on the center display.

 You can also display materials on the left and right displays and have a web conference on the laptop display while looking at them. It was found that the work efficiency is greatly improved just by adding a display to two screens, but it is further improved by adding three screens.

 It is important to note that it can be attached to your laptop computer and that wiring is complicated due to the large number of connection cables, but if you want to improve work efficiency with a mobile display, consider introducing it. Why don't you try it?

Hideo Yuasa
Writer
Former jazz musician writer. While writing mainly on IT related items such as PCs, smartphones, and internet services, he occasionally plays wood bass and electric bass. The range of music is omnivorous from jazz to old soul, rock, AOR and MPB. A little noisy for jazz and musical instruments.