a review by Tom Piper
When I got my first Apple ][ 48K computer, it was connected to a black-and-white tube-type television with a cassette recorder for long-term memory, from which I could load programs and save data. Viewing screens have come a long way in the 44 years since then, with great new innovations.
At CES 2023, I visited the Xebec exhibit which was demonstrating their new Tri-Screen 2 and other products. In another location I had already seen a single-screen attachment to a laptop, but here I was excited to find a setup with a 10” screen on both sides. Not only that, but they easily, quickly and securely clamped onto the laptop screen without magnets or adhesion.
During my review, I tested this unit with my MacBook Air M2 which has a pair of USB-C ports and a 13” screen. The pair of 10” screens seemed small UNTIL I used it with a variety of different apps (more on this later). Because my laptop normally only supports one external monitor, I also acquired the Tri-Screen Adapter which activates the second screen, thus allowing one continuous desktop from left screen across the laptop to the right screen. I was surprised to find included a variety of cables and connectors to fit almost any computer configuration with two USB-C to USB-C, one USB-C extension, two HDMI to MiniHDMI, one USB-C 90° elbow, and two USB-A to USB-C adapters. Plenty of online instructions and videos are available online, as well as Tech Support and FAQ assistance. It seems like they have thought of everything!
The hookup initially seemed a little tedious and bulky with the extra adapter, but with practice and understanding of the two bottom-mounted USB-C ports and mini-HDMI port, all went very well. I really like the retractable screens and elastic strap across the back, which work together for a firm fit, and compact transport afterwards. Thankfully, it only takes a couple of minutes to setup. My only disappointment was that the extra ports could not accommodate a flash drive (the work-around is to use a separate dock, like the OWC Travel Dock which worked fine for me).
Actual use of the twin screens is a joy. Once mounted, a quick trip into the Mac System Settings and Displays mode allows me to Arrange the desktop layout properly, which more than doubles the viewing area of my computer. In order to improve the viewing angle, I also got their Airstand that adheres to the bottom of my MacBook Air, which elevates the keyboard to an angle of about 20 degrees, which eases neck and typing pressure (to match this angle and take pressure off the laptop hinge, the screen frame includes a foldout stand at the back). The designers of this unit were very thoughtful about making this setup comfortable and rewarding to use.
In addition to this great system, Xebex also has provided a very comfortable compact Bluetooth mouse. It includes an innovative 4-way scroll wheel which allows me to move forward and back and sideways (also programmable in Settings). Other buttons include a Sensitivity Settings button on top (600, 800, 1200 dots per inch), two buttons on the left side (forward and back actions), and two switches on the bottom (on/off and Bluetooth). It is easily rechargeable (500 mAh battery) with an included short USB-C cable to USB-A power supply (not included). It is very small (1.4” x 3.9” x 2.5”) yet pleasingly comfortable in hand.
Even more, Xebex also has a wonderful lightweight keyboard that is small (0.3” x 11.5”x 6.2”) and very handy (including a nifty cloth sleeve for safe transport). It is rechargeable (300 mAh battery) with an included short USB-C cable to USB-A power supply (not included). The tilt can be adjusted at multiple angles with the full-length kickstand on back. Its size and layout strongly resemble my MacBook Air with a few Mac and PC labeling distinctions, and the key touch is also very similar. In everyday use, this keyboard is comfortable and very portable (it also can be paired with my iPad Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max (a nice addition would have been buttons or switches to move among up to 4 devices).
All in all, this combination of screens and accessories is a great tribute to quality engineering and functionality the Xebex masterminds instilled into these products. Whether at home, office or travel, they will enhance productivity and enjoyment for any laptop user. I even found that I could attach one of the screens to my 12.9” iPad Pro using the adapter or a dock.
To learn more about the Xebec Tri-Screen system, go to https://www.thexebec.com/ where the The Tri-Screen 2 is available for $499, the Airstand for $29, the Mouse for $79, and the Keyboard for $99. Many thanks to Alex Levine, Samantha Whitford and Catherine Hague for introducing me these fine products, as well as Sam and Sawyer for excellent followup after CES to assure that everything was working as planned. Not only do they have great products, but also exceptional service.
