Mobile Pixels Duex Float Portable Monitor REVIEW

Portable, Multi-Mode, 15-inch, Stackable Laptop Monitor

The dual monitor setup is one of my favorite aspects of my office workstation.  Access to more screen real estate allows me to open more windows, navigate between files, and improve efficiency.  However, the main downside is that the monitor arms and screens take up a big chunk of desktop space.  While working at home with my MacBook Pro, I often miss the enhanced productivity, but I have no home desk space for a permanent dock/mount setup.  Luckily, Mobile Pixels provided a portable productivity upgrade option that capitalized on vertical space instead of horizontal space.  Like a high-rise apartment building, there is valuable real estate as you build up.

The Duex Float arrived in a 15 3/4 inches long by 10 1/4 inches tall by 2 1/8 inches thick tan cardboard box.  The cover listed the product name along the top right, a descriptor of the 15’6” FHD Stackable Touchscreen Monitor along the lower right, and an ink-outline drawing of the device toward the left.  Each side panel listed an MP logo, while the top/bottom panels provided a fun slogan “For Anywhere Work Takes You.”   The rear panel listed the product name along the top followed by four discrete use scenarios with ink outline drawings (Dual-Screen Mode, Presentation Mode, Standalone Mode, and Touchscreen Capable). 

The Dual screen mode promised a stackable screen, while the presentation mode discussed the ability to mirror your screen. The standalone mode creates a screen for movies/games, and the touchscreen’s 10-point touch capability will allow for added functionality.  The lower edge provided a breakdown of the product dimensions (15.6 inches display, 14.2-inch width, 9.1-inch height, 0.87inches thick, 4-pound weight, matte black color, and compatible with Apple, Windows, DeX, Nintendo Switch, and Linux’s Tux).  Lastly, the panel provided product manufacturing labels, model identifiers, and a scannable QR code.   

Despite the minimalistic ink-outline drawings and tan cardboard backdrop, I was excited to learn more about the Duex Float device.  I liked the wording, the descriptors, and the overall packaging layout.  I appreciated converting dead vertical space into functional screen space when counter space may be at a premium.  Furthermore, I excitedly awaited the ability to pair with any laptop to gain second touchscreen functionality, with my Nintendo Switch for some family gaming fun, or to watch a movie with my iPhone 16 Pro Max.  I would have liked some additional information about the button layout, controls, and power configuration.  The packaging did not detail the device’s ability to charge via laptop, Nintendo Switch, or some separate USB cable or AC power adapter.

Within the box, you will find a thin plastic tray with a foam insert, a large installation template panel, and an instruction panel. The included template included mounting instructions for laptops with 15-inch screens or larger (aligned with the top edge) and 14-inch screens (aligned with the lower edge). The panel had four magnet port cutouts to align placement with the laptop.  Align the template to either the top or the bottom, depending on the size of the laptop, and then place the magnets into the preset cuts.

The setup recommends keeping the template for future use. The installation and deployment guide demonstrated the methods to attach the screen to a MacBook, the technique to rotate the screen, and demonstrated the support leg. The rear surface of the installation deployment guide showed how to unfold the monitor, pop out the kickstand, and how to put the device into stand-up mode, as well as how to utilize the screen in desktop mode.  As a funny aside, the diagram used robot hands instead of human hands. This is likely not super important, but I found it entertaining. 

I removed the monitor from the box and then removed the monitor from the plastic sheath. There were four stickers affixed to the monitor’s surface, which detailed the screen locations and kickstand.  Unfortunately, the stickers left behind a gooey, sticky residue when I removed them.  I tried to use the included alcohol pad to wipe away the goo, but ultimately found that rubbing the residue with my finger and increasing the friction led to removing the material.  I opened the monitor, moved the device into desktop mode, stand up mode, and dual screen mode. The screen’s left side had a USB-C as well as a mini-HDMI input, while the left side had a USB-C port and function buttons. In kickstand mode, the screen will reach a total of 17 5/16 inches tall. When fully deployed and attached to a laptop, you can expect the device to reach 18 1/4 inches tall by 14 1/16 inches wide. I liked that the screen folded into itself to prevent scratches and damage.

Hiding beneath the monitor, several accessories rested within the tray’s cutouts. The leftmost tray measured 4 15/16 wide by 4 inches tall and contained a package of four mounting magnets and an accessory box.  The cardboard box contained extra adhesive, an alcohol prep pad, twelve 3M tape discs for the magnets, a thank you card, and more involved instructions within an accordion style 12-panel instruction guide. The guide showed the installation process, reviewed the included cables, and discussed the display settings for Windows and macOS.  I appreciated the instruction manual and the overall layout of the information.  Of the panels, the first four were my favorite.  I liked the labeled outline drawings, accessory list, and connection options.  Furthermore, the instructions succinctly demonstrated the different screen modes and integration with Windows/MacOS. 

The dual 5 1/2 inches long by 1 and 7/8 inches tall cutouts contained the screen’s cables. The upper chamber housed a 39 1/2 inches long HDMI to micro-HDMI cable.  Each of the cable’s ends had a plastic sheath connector and a robust neck segment.  I bent each prong 25 times and tugged at the body, neck, and cable segments.  I was pleased with the cable’s durability and overall design.  The bottom cutout had a 17 1/2 inches long USB-C cable with a 90° bend and a USB-C prong with a USB-C female to USB A male adapter.  Like the HDMI cable above, the USB-C cable provided plastic prong sheaths, durable body segments, and robust neck-to-cable support.  I inserted/removed the adapter several times from the USB-C prong and plugged the cable into/out of the screen multiple times.  The USB-C cable, like the HDMI cable, proved to be durable and reliable.  My only complaint was that the company did not include a sheath or case for the screen/cables.  

I set the screen up in desktop mode and plugged the USB-C 90° cable into the left side of the monitor and then the USB-C into my iPhone 16 Pro Max.  I was impressed that the screen illuminated and mirrored my iPhone screen without a separate power source.  While in desktop mode, the left edge of the screen’s base provided access for Mini-HDMI or USB-C pairing. The right side had a secondary USB-C port and had the device’s function buttons.  You will find a 1/2 inches long by 1/16 inches wide top button, 5/16-inches long by 1/16 inches long middle button, and 1/2 inches long by 1/16 inches lower button. 

The top and bottom buttons will increase or decrease your selection.  The middle multifunction button will activate the screen’s settings mode and will move between the settings. You can adjust the backlight, contrast, saturation, temperature (9300, 7500, 6500, 5800, sRGB), signal (HDMI, TypeC1, TypeC2), EyeCareMode (low blue), G-Sensor, Touch (on/off), sleep sensor (on/off), reset, and exit. I liked that the functions were rather intuitive and easy to access.  I used the screen to watch a few episodes of Cobra Kai and Mysteries of Aaravos on Netflix.  I enjoyed the screen, the ambiance, and the color.  The screen did not have a speaker of its own, and the sound either played from the iPhone or from my paired AirPods Pro.

For a subsequent test, I plugged the 90-degree USB-C cable into the screen, and then the USB-C prong into my Nintendo Switch.  I turned the switch on and noted that the screen powered on, flickered, but then listed “no signal.”  I reviewed section 3.3 of the manual and saw that it wanted me to connect the original power cable for the switch into the monitor.  I obtained the AC adapter/USB-C cable and plugged it into the USB-C port on the right side.  I then plugged the included USB-C cable into the screen and switch as above and found that the Switch activated and the screen illuminated.  I then plugged my 130W Nomad tri-port USB-C cable into a standard wall outlet and then a data/power USB-C cable into the screen. 

I repeated the test above, found the screen illuminated, and displayed my Switch’s screen.  I played a round of Fortnite, enjoyed a bit of Legend of Zelda Echos of Wisdom, and navigated the Nintendo Shop.  I morphed the screen from desktop mode to Stand-alone mode and placed it onto my Foldable TV tray.  I liked that the screen provided multiple transformations.  In fact, it brought back some of the nostalgia I felt about the triple-changer Transformer character Astrotrain. 

I liked the ability to pair the screen with my Macbook Pro and with my iPad Pro 13″. Beyond simple screen mirroring, I found that I was able to use Stage Manager and the power of the 1080P, 10-point touchscreen to access and enjoy Apps. I paired the device in both stand up mode and desktop mode and liked that I could mirror or extend the screen. For my last test, I paired the screen with my MacBook Pro 15 inch within a UAG case and without. I used the included mounting bracket and enjoyed the easy setup process. The magnets affixed more securely to the unadorned MacBook but fully worked on the case. The included screen plates aligned well with the magnets and stuck to the back of the monitor. I deployed the kickstand for added support and enjoyed the second screen. I plugged the 90 degree USB-C cable into the screen and then the USB-C cable into my MacBook Pro. I tried the test with accessory power plugged into my MacBook and then without and found no difference in brightness or contrast. I navigated to System Settings, selected Displays, and rotated the screen from the side to of my MacBook to the top of the MacBook for stacked view. If desired, you can also adjust the screen resolution. I was able to use the upper screen as a touchscreen and found that the pinch, zoom, and features worked as described.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a portable monitor for your Laptop, MacBook, iPhone, or Nintendo Switch, consider picking up a Duex Float monitor. I was impressed with the features, with the size and durability. However, the weight was on the heavier end and did add a downward drag to my MacBooks Monitor. The kickstand was a nice touch to add some buttressing support. I believe the weight could be viewed both as a perk and a negative, in the right circumstances. The weight/heft did provide a rugged, durable feel. If I had a few suggestions for the company/device, I would have liked a screen holder, travel bag, or sleeve. Secondly, I would try to eliminate the residue left behind by the stickers. Needing to scrub the surface with my finger was a bit disappointing.

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