Cevaton 15.6-inch Laptop Screen Extender Monitor REVIEW

Monitor setup enhances mobile workstations

Whether you’re looking for a more portable way to be just as productive as you are at your home or work desk or aiming to improve your overall workflow on the go, the Cevaton 15.6in dual screen has your back. The device features two 15.6-inch screens that can be connected to a variety of devices, allowing each screen to display something different. For example, with MacBook Pros or Windows laptops, you can have three different windows open simultaneously—perhaps a spreadsheet on one screen, your email on another, and a photo editing program on the third.

The stand expands to accommodate laptops ranging from 13 inches to 17.3 inches. The versatile stand provided can also support a single monitor independently, eliminating the need for both monitors. The way the monitors mount is fully freestanding, meaning there is no strain on your laptop holding them up, which protects your screen from excess weight. The monitors can be arranged in various ways, including being positioned away from the laptop since the stand is free-standing. They are powered via USB-C for both power and data transmission. Both screens feature 1080p HD resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, a 60 Hz refresh rate, 300 nits of brightness, and a 120% sRGB color gamut.

Features

• Increased Productivity: Boost work efficiency by up to 300% with customizable display configurations (landscape, portrait, stacked, detachable).
• Flexible Display Angles: Supports 235° horizontal and 90° vertical rotation for optimal screen positioning.
• High-Quality Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) with 120% sRGB, 300 nits brightness, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio for vibrant colors and reduced eye fatigue.
• Detachable Design: Converts into a single-sided screen extender for independent use, making it ideal for travel.
• Ultra-Thin & Lightweight: Portable design with an included leather bag for easy transport.
• Wide Compatibility: Plug and play with laptops (13″ to 17.3″) running Windows, macOS (except M1/M2/M3), Chrome, Dex, Linux, and PS4.
• Complete Package: Includes necessary cables (USB-C to USB-C, HDMI to Type-C, USB-A to USB-C) for easy setup.
• Installation Support: Guidance is available for installation and compatibility issues.

Unboxing  

The monitors are nicely packed in the box. Upon opening it, you are greeted with a multitude of cables, including two USB-C to USB-C cables for connecting to MacBooks or Windows PCs that support USB-C Thunderbolt, two USB-A to C cables to power the monitors if you don’t have Thunderbolt compatibility, and two USB 2.0 to HDMI cables, allowing for connection to older computers. The box also includes a set of instructions outlining the versatile setup options available for the monitors, the monitors themselves, a carrying bag, and a single monitor stand.

Setup  

Setting up the product does take a little longer due to multiple cables and stands depending on your setup and device. For my particular initial setup, I opted to use the two USB-C to USB-C cables to both power the monitors and transmit the screen data to them. I started by pulling the monitors apart, which stick together with magnets. Initially, I was worried the screens would get scratched being stuck together screen to screen. To my surprise, that was not the case, thanks to the rubber bumpers between the monitors.

After separating them, I removed the stand, which also magnetically attaches to the back of the monitors. You must be very careful doing this, as the back finish of the monitor scratches easily. After this, you can set up the kickstand to support the monitors and pull out the two metal arms, allowing you to slide the monitors onto the brackets for mounting. You need to be careful here as well; mine scratched during this process, as the finish used on the back is prone to scratches. Once set up, you can extend the middle to accommodate whichever size laptop you’re using. Now it’s time to plug in the cables; depending on your situation, you’ll need either the HDMI to USB-C cable or the USB-C to USB-C cable, or a combination of both.

Most laptops don’t have enough ports to charge while simultaneously powering two monitors, which is where the HDMI to USB-C comes into play. For short outings, you could manage with just the two USB-C to USB-C cables, but keep in mind that this drains your laptop battery quickly, as it provides power to both monitors solely from the laptop battery. Once everything is plugged in, the monitors will power on right away. You will need to go to your display settings on your computer to change the layout or scaling based on your personal needs.

Usage  

I found that for the work I typically do outside of writing reviews, I was quickly able to modify spreadsheets while responding to emails and having another window open with a TV show or data to copy into a spreadsheet. Overall, the setup does take some time, which I consider a downside, but the portability of the product allows it to be set up anywhere, even in a local coffee shop or as a desk companion in a slim, small bag, making it a great travel companion.

My typical go-to was to use just one monitor on the side of my laptop with the included kickstand, but at times I would run both monitors, one on each side of the laptop. In most situations, I found this to be the best configuration, but other consumers might want to experiment with some of the various modes and layouts available.

Price  

The current price of the Cevaton 15.6in Double Screen Extender on Amazon is $299, as part of a Black Friday deal. On the Cevaton website, the unit is priced at $399. It appears that when the unit isn’t on sale, $399 is the regular price.

Conclusion  

In conclusion, the Cevaton 15.6in Double Laptop Screen Extender presents a compelling argument for the average workaholic consumer. Its extreme portability makes it an easy sell for most customers, as it can be set up anywhere, from bustling coffee shops to cozy home offices. The ability to connect multiple devices and customize your workspace is a notable advantage that enhances productivity significantly, particularly for those who juggle various tasks simultaneously. However, I believe $299 is a more reasonable price point; at $399, it feels a bit high, especially for a home office setup where cost-effective alternatives exist.

While the display quality is impressive, providing vibrant colors and sharp resolutions, there are a few design modifications that could markedly improve the user experience. For instance, enhancing the durability of the finish to resist scratching would be a welcome change, especially given the premium price tag. It’s a minor but significant detail that could greatly contribute to the longevity and aesthetics of the device. Additionally, incorporating some form of intuitive cable management or a more streamlined assembly design could help mitigate frustrations during setup. Users, including myself, often find that the initial configuration can be time-consuming, which is a downside for busy professionals who are eager to maximize their efficiency.

Despite these drawbacks, the Cevaton screen extender undeniably stands out in a market increasingly reliant on dual-screen solutions for mobile productivity. Its ability to transform any environment into a productive workspace is commendable. Overall, while I appreciate the portability and functionality of the product, I hope that Cevaton considers user feedback in future iterations, focusing on improving setup speed and design durability. For now, those willing to invest in a robust solution for portable dual screens will likely find the benefits of the Cevaton outweigh the minor inconveniences, making it a valuable addition to their tech arsenal.

For more information, visit cevatonstore.com