For the last year and a half or so, I have watched with interest the rollout of USB-powered monitors. The concept of having a small, secondary screen available on any system, for use while you do something else full-screen, was very appealing to me. However, after being announced, it just seemed like some sort of vapor-ware. A couple of weeks ago, I was paying for a food order while traveling on business, and glancing at the small monitor attached to the Point-of-Sale Terminal, I noticed the Mimo label. Wow, this technology was actually out in the world! That lead to a quick look at Amazon.com and the order of the Mimo UM-710S USB Monitor.
Product Description
Powered by DisplayLink technology, the MIMO UM-710S 7″ USB connected and powered LCD mini monitor is a friendly and affordable way to add productivity to notebook and desktop computers. It is ideal for dedicating visual workspace to applications that are used at a glance, such as instant messaging and calendars, also perfect for Gadgets and Widget applications like news and weather monitoring , Photoshop palettes and multimedia playback such as iTunes, digital TV, video conferencing, MP3s, photos and more. Using USB for both connectivity and power, MIMO UM-710S features integrated stand and cover, 90 degree pivoting functionality, a 800×480 resolution LCD, that can be used in portrait or landscape mode. It is power exclusively by USB, to there is no power brick to worry about. When folded up, the screen is covered and protected.
In addition to the UM-710S, there is a UM-720S which adds Touch to the screen. The price increases from approx. $150 to $200 for this upgrade. Frankly, the only thing that kept me from adding Touch was the fact that this version of the monitor seems to be chronically ‘out-of-stock’ everywhere I looked. Obviously very popular. Further, there is a non-foldup version, the UM-730, which features a built-in Web Cam, Microphone, and speaker for about the same cost as the UM-710S.
While I did have to load the DisplayLink drivers, it was easy and straightforward. The quality of the screen is essentially exactly the same as my large LCD monitor and it is very nice to have a screen that I can put up and take down at need. I will also be slipping this into my computer bag this week, while I travel, and give it a workout both on the customer site and in the hotel room. So far, I a more than impressed with this. In fact, I am reviewing my options because there are also 10”-12” versions out there somewhere.
Technical Details
- 7 inch, 800×480 resolution LCD screen monitor with horizontal or vertical display
- High Speed USB 2.0 Powered/Interfaced (USB Plug & Play)
- Perfect additional Mini-Display to set up Widgets, Chat Windows and other Software
- Ultra-portable Integrated Stand and Cover, weighs less than 1 pound
- Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches