There’s been many times when I thought about having a second monitor, but due to the lack desk space I didn’t look into it that much. One of the reasons for having a second monitor is to increase productivity. Just imagine what you’ll be able to do with a second monitor. It’s perfect for extending your desktop or open new windows so that you can run a host of other applications.
However having said that, a second monitor will cost you in terms of valuable desk space and money. For many of us, a second monitor is regarded as an unnecessary item that only professionals or enthusiast need. But for users who don’t want to fork out for a new monitor just run widgets, media players or a new browser window … is there a solution for this? Something that’s small, compact and affordable?
Well, there is a solution. And this solution comes in the form of a MIMO UM740, a 7″ touchscreen USB monitor from Nanovision. It’s a compact mini LCD monitor that connects to your system through a USB cable. The UM740 has a maximum resolution of 800×480 and measures just 197x98x180mm. It’s designed as a “slave” monitor, perfect for widgets, media players or as a second screen for your web browser. Being a slave monitor means you can not use it as your main monitor. So, on a desktop PC, you still need a large screen monitor plugged into your graphics card.
As well as the touchscreen functionality, it also features a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a microphone input, which is great for Skype/VOIP calls. One thing I find particularly interesting is that both power and video signals are fed through a single USB cable, so no other cables are needed.
The unit comes with a clamp and stand, so that you can sit it next your main monitor or next your notebook. Because of its compact size, it’s ideal to carry around with you as a second/slave monitor …
Ok, now let’s take a closer look at the MIMO 7″ Touchscreen USB monitor, and see what this little gadget can do for us …
Specifications
Taken from Nanovision’s MIMO website …
Product Overview
Features:
- Five functions, one USB cable
- Powers completely off one single USB cable – no external power required.
- High-resolution, LED backlit, VGA-quality LCD display.
- 1.3 megapixel webcam built-in (perfect for rear passenger Skype video chats!)
- Touch screen interface connects through single USB cable.
- Horizontal/vertical swivel mode – rotate the MiMo UM-740 to suit your application.
- No untitdy wiring in your car and no need to supply +12V power, simply connect your car PC.
- Disconnects from the connection cable in a flash, the MiMo UM-740 goes wherever you go.
- Stunning industrial design and touch responsive function buttons.
Specifications:
For more information please visit website at Nanovision MIMO …
Drivers
Before the monitor can be used, one of the first things to do, is to install the included drivers found on the CD. Once that’s done, you’re ready to go …
Verdict and Conclusion
I love this little unit. It’s compact, light-weight and great to use as a slave/second monitor. Although you can not use it as your main monitor, it’s perfect for displaying widgets, media players or as a second screen for your web browser. Besides, it was never meant to be used in that way. I must admit, my productivity has actually increased a little 😉
Build quality is good, and it doesn’t feel or look like something produced by a cheap factory from China. The base/stand is sturdy and strong enough to hold th monitor in place. So, no problems there. The included 1.3 megapixel webcam and the built-in microphone is a great added bonus. It’s great for Skype/VOIP calls and internet chat.
One of the best thing I like about this little unit, is the fact that it only uses a single USB cable for everything (power, signal etc) … no other cables are required.
Screen resolution at 800×480, although not large is plentiful, as the unit is meant to be a slave monitor only. The touchscreen capability is adequate, but not prefect. I couldn’t find any software or configuration to calibrate the touchscreen feature.
Final words. Costing around USD $150.00 (GBP 99-110), it’s pretty affordable and not too expensive. It’s a great little unit that allows users to increase productivity to a certain extent. Like I said … it’s perfect for widgets, media players or as a second screen for your web browser, as well as Skype/VOIP calls and internet chat.
SCORE
8/10
