Minimalist Pomodoro timer promises distraction-free productivity

There are plenty of productivity techniques floating around the Internet, but one of the most popular ones has actually been around even before the Web as we know now came to be. Named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer, the Pomodoro technique is so simple that it’s too easy to brush it off as trivial, but its effectiveness has also been known for decades. Of course, that has also led to plenty of apps and gadgets that embrace the hype while forgetting the spirit and actually induce stress and distractions rather than productivity. Fortunately, there are better and more creative ways to design a Pomodoro timer, like this minimalist beauty that allows you to enjoy the simple benefits of the technique without having to rely on a clunky analog timer, especially one that looks like an awkward tomato on your desk.

Designer: Gary Peng

The Pomodoro technique is extremely simple and takes advantage of the fact that the human brain can only concentrate on a single thing for a short period of time. In theory, you do that single thing for 25 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes before repeating the process. Because it’s that simple, you really don’t need complicated tools other than a timer, whether it’s a mechanical kitchen timer or a smartphone app, both of which come with their pros and cons. That kitchen timer can look odd on your desk and a mobile app risks distracting you with other things on your device.

POD is a tool that combines the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience of an electronic device in a simple yet attractive form. It’s nothing more than a small white puck that has five very discreet dot lights on top arranged in an arc. There is no control other than pushing the puck down like a button, which is what starts the countdown.

1

1

Each dot of light represents either five or one minutes, depending on the mode. When you’re in “work” mode, the lights count down to 25 minutes in total, while “break” mode is the usual five-minute period of rest. The POD is also minimally distracting, using only flashing lights to get your attention rather than sounds or vibrations. This means you can easily use it in environments where you need to be very quiet, like in a library.

The POD also relies on trusty CR2032 batteries that you can easily replace, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice for a long time. Its minimalist charm will make it look at home on any desk, table, or shelf, and doesn’t induce the same tension and stress the same way that a ticking kitchen timer would.

Top 10 Apple Accessories that are the sleek productivity hacks you need for the ultimate work setup

Ever wanted to connect half a dozen things to your 2-port laptop? Or how about charging multiple devices at the same time without getting trapped in a tangle of cables? Do your neck and wrists ache whenever you use your laptop for hours on end? As powerful as our computers and smartphones might be, they don’t always have all the features you might want, at least not out of the box. Fortunately, there is a very large market for accessories and gadgets that provide these missing pieces, offering so many options that it can get overwhelming and confusing at times. To help you make better and smarter choices, we’ve gathered 10 of the best gadgets available that provide not only added value but clean and attractive designs that are sure to upgrade your Apple devices.

1. CASA Hub Stand Pro USB-C 6-in-1 Laptop Stand Hub

Laptops trade comfort for portability and are probably one of the biggest causes of computer-related injuries. Even disregarding the position of the keyboard, the laptop screen is never at a proper ergonomic height. The CASA Hub Stand Pro helps you keep a good posture without sacrificing your productivity, raising the laptop to a comfortable eye level. The adjustable height and 360-degree rotating base make it easy to switch viewing angles or share your screen, while a detachable 6-in-1 hub handles cable management whether you’re on your desk or on the go.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99 $129 (23% off with Coupon Code “23YDCHSP3”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The CASA Hub Stand Pro adjustable laptop stand and its detachable multi-functional hub provide comfort, convenience, and flexibility in a sleek and space-efficient design.

What we like

  • Ergonomic adjustable height with a 360-degree rotating base
  • Detachable 6-in-1 USB-C hub includes 1000Mbps Ethernet and 4K HDMI ports
  • Sleek, durable, and thoughtful design

What we dislike

2. Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station

It’s not uncommon for people these days to own a smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds, especially when they’re from Apple. That, unfortunately, means having to juggle at least three chargers, especially when you want to charge them at the same time. With the Mag 3 Foldable Charging Station, however, you really need only one, whether you’re charging just a single device or all three. Best of all, it folds up quite nicely so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, especially when you’re not using it.

Click Here to Buy Now: $87 $109 (20% off with Coupon Code “20YD3MAG”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Mag 3 can charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, and then fold into a compact form to save space or carry with you anywhere.

What we like

  • Charge iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods at the same time with MagSafe tech
  • Compact, pocket-sized form when folded

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t open completely flat

3. iKlips C Lightning/USB-C Flash Drive

Even with Apple now fully embracing the USB-C standard, there are still plenty of devices out there using the company’s Lightning technology. With the iKlips C Flash Drive, you don’t have to sweat the details of what storage solution to use for which device and effortless switch between all of them using the same flash drive. And with the free iKlips mobile app, you can enjoy convenient features like automatic backups while charging or recording 4K videos directly onto the flash drive to save space on your iPhone.

Click Here to Buy Now: Starting at $134 $179 (25% off with Coupon Code “25YDIKLC2”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The ultra-slim iKlips flash drive lets you easily share files between all kinds of devices, whether using Lightning or USB-C, and offers added features through the free iKlips app for iPhones and iPads.

What we like

  • Supports both Apple Lightning and USB-C devices
  • Auto-backup and direct video recording via iKlips app

What we dislike

  • Silicone cover is awkward and easy to lose

4. CASA Hub Pro Max 13-in-1 USB-C Hub

Super-slim laptops might look great, but their thin profiles come at the expense of some functionality. A very limited number of ports, most of them USB-C, cover just the basics but leave you hanging when you need more options. The CASA Hub Pro Max pulls out all the stops when it comes to connectivity, offering even a VGA port! Best of all, you only need a single USB-C Gen2 connection to your laptop for both data and power, simplifying cable management even further.

Click Here to Buy Now: $135 $159 (15% off with Coupon Code “15YDCHPM3”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

CASA Hub Pro Max offers all the connectivity options you’ll ever need in a single hub that requires a single USB-C cable to use.

What we like

  • 13 connectivity ports including VGA, Ethernet, and data card readers
  • Supports up to 3 external displays
  • Sleek design, can be used as a laptop stand

What we dislike

  • Only works with USB-C Gen2 and requires 100W PD3.0 power input

5. Mag 4 GaN 30W 4-in-1 Power Charging Station

3-in-1 wireless chargers have now become more common, but many of these tend to sacrifice power output for the sake of convenience. The Mag 4 GaN charging station, in contrast, uses the latest charging technologies to deliver 30W of total power while still supporting simultaneous charging. In fact, it offers more ways to charge devices with its 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A outputs.

Click Here to Buy Now: $59 $79 (25% off with Coupon Code “25YDMAG43”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Mag 4 offers the ultimate multi-device charging solution in a compact package and a distinctive adjustable angle design.

What we like

  • Supports wired and wireless charging, including 20W USB-C and 18W USB-A
  • Magnetic snap-on with adjustable angles lets you view your phone while charging
  • Utilizes GaN technology for fast and safe charging

What we dislike

  • Requires custom charging cable

6. EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter & Receiver

Headphone jacks might be gone from smartphones, but that doesn’t mean they’re gone forever. Unfortunately, it does mean that your only pair of wireless earbuds is pretty much useless for devices and sources that don’t support Bluetooth, like airline entertainment systems or older media players. With the ADAM elements EVE II, you don’t have to worry about your privacy, allowing you to connect wireless earphones and speakers to just about anything that has a headphone jack. Never miss out on in-flight entertainment ever again with the EVE II Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver.

Click Here to Buy Now: $47 $59 (20% off with Coupon Code “20EVEII3”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

EVE II is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized gadget that lets you connect various devices with a headphone jack to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

What we like

  • Dual foldable 3.5mm AUX plugs compatible with a variety of sources, including airline entertainment systems
  • Can pair with up to 2 Bluetooth earbuds at the same time
  • Easily switch between transmitter and receiver modes with a single button

What we dislike

  • Boxy shape might block nearby ports (ships with a 3.5mm adapter cable to address this problem)

7. OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Charging Car Mount

The majority of wireless chargers in the market presume that you’re either at home, in the office, or sitting down somewhere. The need to charge, however, can strike anywhere, even while you’re in a car. Of course, car chargers have existed for decades, but MagSafe car chargers still seem to be in their growing days. The OMNIA CX2 tries to prove that this design has finally matured, offering a simple yet elegant way to keep your phone topped up while navigating roads or listening to relaxing tunes.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39 $49 (20% off with Coupon Code “20YDOCX23”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The OMNIA CX2 Magnetic Car Mount offers a simple, safe, and stylish way to charge your phone on the go.

What we like

  • Built-in LED light increases visibility in the dark
  • 360-degree head and metal telescopic hook offers stable, one-hand use

What we dislike

  • A bit bulky yet offers stable installation

8. OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

Wireless charging stations are quite useful, but they only cover a small subset of things that you might need to charge. If you’re a lover of Apple’s gadgets, you’re likely to have more than just three types of devices. With the OMNIA Q5, you can expand that set to include an iPad and an Apple Pencil to cover all your bases. What’s even more interesting is that you can even remove the wireless charging pad and use it independently or put it to the side for a more spacious arrangement.

Click Here to Buy Now: $68 $89 (23% off with Coupon Code “23YDOQ53”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The OMNIA Q5 5-in-1 Wireless Charging Station welcomes iPad and Apple pencils to the fray, letting you charge all your Apple devices at the same time.

What we like

  • Modular phone charging pad can be used separately
  • Single power cable to charge 5 devices simultaneously, including an iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, iPad up to 12.9 inches, and Apple Watch

What we dislike

  • Apple Watch charging pad can’t be folded down when not in use

9. OMNIA M3+ Magnetic 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

Who says that wireless chargers all need to be rectangular or circular? The OMNIA M3+ definitely says it doesn’t have to be the case, especially with the likes of Apple MagSafe technology. Adopting a design similar to a tree branch or jewelry holder, this distinctive wireless charger holds your iPhone and Apple Watch up in the air, almost like magic.

Click Here to Buy Now: $95 $119 (20% off with Coupon Code “20YDOM3P3”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

The OMNIA M3+ eschews conventional wireless charger designs to deliver a product that is as beautiful as it is functional.

What we like

  • Unique stylish design
  • Qi Wireless Charging Base supports different wireless earbuds brands

What we dislike

  • Charging base doesn’t match the overall chrome-plated aesthetic

10. CASA Hub S USB-C 5-in-1 SSD Hub

USB-C hubs have become more common these days, but that doesn’t mean we’ve run out of ways to innovate on their designs and features. These gadgets are great for connecting laptops and phones to external devices, but they can also carry other functions to maximize the space they occupy. The CASA Hub S is an innovative twist on that design, integrating SSD storage so that it can function not just as a hub but as an external drive as well, which can be especially useful for Time Machine and iPhone 15 backups.

Click Here to Buy Now: 480GB version for $166 $189 (12% off with Coupon Code “12YDCHS3”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

Why is it noteworthy?

With its own built-in SSD storage, the CASA Hub S delivers two functions in one, saving you space and time for the things you need to stay productive.

What we like

  • Built-in SSD storage
  • Includes 3.5mm Audio Jack
  • Compact, portable design

What we dislike

Sticky note printer lets you print your daily reminders to improve productivity

As much as most of my workflow is already digital, I still love integrating “old school” digital aspects every once in a while. One thing that I still do to this day is write important things on sticky notes and then putting them around my work area. I have to major problems about it though: they sometimes fall off and sometimes, I don’t understand my own handwriting. This new device from an offshoot company of Samsung Electronics might be the answer to my problem.

Designer: Mangoslab

The Nemonic Gen 2 inkless, thermal, and wireless printer lets you print your notes and even images on Ultra Sticky Notes that will not easily fall off. The small printer can be connected to desktops and mobile devices and lets you print notes that you drew, wrote, typed, captured on the connected app. It can even be integrated with Microsoft Office apps as wel as Slack and Zapier so if you use any of those in your regular workflow, then your productivity should run even more smoothly than usual.

There are different templates for each of the integrated apps so you can create either handwritten or typewritten notes. It is also able to remove shadows from photos or diagrams that you capture from a whiteboard or screen through the Nemonic Scanner app and then you can print it directly. It also has a de-curl feature so your sticky notes come out flat if needed. It also has auto-cut finishing so no need to stress about tearing or manually cutting off the note.


It is still currently on Kickstarter but they have already more than met their initial goal of $3,000. The Ultra Sticky Notes come with the package already but they will probably sell refills separately eventually as well. This will definitely be added to my dream devices to have at home in the hopes that my productivity will be further improved with this digital/analog hybrid.

Double Your Productivity with this Vertically Stacked Dual 4K Monitor that’s Foldable and has Touch Input

Now THIS is a foldable display that I can agree with! Meet the DUOONE, a portable external monitor system that has not one, but TWO displays to connect to your desktop or laptop setup. Designed to be foldable just like a laptop, the DUOONE opens up into a vertically oriented double 4K display setup that matches your eye level, increases your productivity, and does so without the neck strain of side-by-side displays that always have you looking from left to right. DUOONE’s double 17.3-inch displays feature an adjustable hinge between them that let you orient your displays at a variety of angles (you can even have one display facing away from you for a ‘presentation mode’), with display continuity so that you can move files and folders from one monitor to another, and lossless frame rates that make the entire process seamless. Both displays accept touch inputs, have a color gamut that represents 1.06 billion different shades, and boast of 500-nits peak brightness, making them perfect for gaming, graphic design, video editing, coding, presentations, multitasking, and anything else you’d need a powerful, portable double-display setup for…

Designer: Sunny Cheung

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1093 (36% off). Hurry, only 13/20 left!

The Future of Multitasking

Dual-screens are great in theory, but are notoriously complicated in practice. Sure, they expand your laptop’s horizons, but multiple monitors can be a hassle physically, aren’t usually portable, can cost a lot, and offer a less-than-desirable experience when it comes to connectivity and smoothness. Designed to be the future of portable multitasking, DUOONE gives you a dual-screen setup with no compromises. The two screens go up to 4K each, giving you an 8K setup that merely tethers to your laptop. Depending on the configuration, you’ve got a 144Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and 1.06 billion color representation, but perhaps the icing on the cake is DUOONE’s seamless connectivity. A hardware-based connection (that doesn’t rely on driver software) seamlessly bridges your laptop with DUOONE’s screens, giving you a setup that you can use in a whole variety of ways.

A World of Possibilities

The DUOONE’s outwardly simple design makes it such a versatile little peripheral. For starters, it comes with a laptop-esque foldable design that you can easily shut and carry with you wherever you go. Use it beside your laptop screen, above your laptop screen, or instead of your laptop screen, the DUOONE lets you extend, mirror, or serve entirely as your device’s primary display. It works with desktops too, becoming a potent two-screen solution for anyone who agrees that one 15″ screen isn’t enough to unleash your full potential. Heck, you can use each of DUOONE’s displays with separate machines, running two devices on each of its screens in one unified solution.

Thunderbolt-accelerated Smoothness

No matter how you use your DUOONE, its creators promise a buttery smooth experience as the device relies on a thunderbolt-based hardware connection to sync both displays perfectly and allow a smooth transition between elements on each screen. No USB drivers, and no buggy, latency-filled experience. The One-Screen mode, as DUOONE’s makers call it, assures no lag, lossless picture quality, and uninterrupted frame rates between both displays.

Seamless One-Screen Mode

The hardware-based plug-and-play feature makes the DUOONE incredibly easy to set up and even allows it to be modular, allowing you to set up as many as 6 or even more screens together (you’d be absolutely bonkers to do so, but it is, in fact, possible). The One-Screen mode gives you a continuous display that runs from top to bottom, although you’ve got the option to configure each individual display however you see fit. You can use both displays as external monitors with the same machine, or have each display running different machines.

Versatile Screen Modes & Book Mode

The foldable design lets you either close the DUOONE shut, or open it nearly 300° and have it standing like one of those convertible laptops – a feature that’s brilliant for when you’re presenting to a client, or playing mano-a-mano against a friend with each of you having your own display. Prop the DUOONE on its side and you can use it like a massive vertical book too, for reading, coding, or for setting up at an exhibition center or kiosk based on your business requirements. A simple USB-C or HDMI port is all you need to connect to your DUOONE, and it works straight out of the box with no extra firmware or drivers required.

Choose What Matters To You

Depending on your need (and your budget), the DUOONE offers two resolution options – dual 2.5K and dual 4K. The dual 2.5K variant sports two 16″ screens oriented vertically with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the dual 4K model bumps up your screen size to 17.3″ for each display, giving you a cool 8K@60Hz screen with a 28-inch diagonal as a whole. The smaller 16″ model has a brightness of 400 nits but gives you the benefit of 10-bit color depth that displays 1.06 billion colors, while the larger peaks at 500 nits but reproduces a commendable 16.7 million colors. Both displays are 100% sRGB and DCI-P3, with lossless picture quality, hardware-based pairing, and a VESA mount at the back for attaching to stands or walls. They do, however, cater to different audiences.

The smaller screen has a higher refresh rate and better color reproduction, making it more suited for graphic work, while the bigger screen does give you more resolution, making it a good pick for general multitasking and a fair bit of gaming. Additionally, the touchscreen feature is entirely optional, letting you opt out of it if you specifically want a dual-display setup that doesn’t respond to accidentally being tapped, wiped, or touched. The touch-input feature, however, vastly improves the DUOONE’s overall capabilities, helping designers, artists, presenters, etc. benefit from being able to interact with digital elements as if they have their own foldable tablet PC with not one, but two crystal clear displays!

The DUOONE starts at $699 for the 16” 2.5K@144Hz variant, going to $767 if you want the touchscreen ability. The 17.3” 4K@60Hz version starts at $1350, giving you an unparalleled 8K dual-display setup for half the price while still being portable… and touch-sensitive! Pledge for the DUOONE using the link below and you’ll also get a free wireless mouse and keyboard with your portable monitor.

Click Here to Buy Now: $699 $1093 (36% off). Hurry, only 13/20 left!

This Cyberpunk-ish desk clock is your expanded widget platform for peak productivity

Desk gadgets are a staple for a geeky setup, adding flair and functionality at the same time. You can get yourself a Nixie clock, gadget hub, or cool bias lighting to set up a unique theme. All that, however, can’t match the finesse of this Cyberpunk-ish digital clock that doubles as a widget platform.

This is Time Gate, a desk clock that’s a whole lot more when it comes to bringing all your preferred notifications and widgets in a unified interface that in no way causes distraction. The gadget has five separate screen interfaces to bring important widgets out of the desk display and onto a cool clock interface.

Designer: Divoom

Keeping with the theme, Divoom has deliberately pixelated the interface of each of these 128×128 pixel LCD screens. The digital clock has an expanded sense of realism as you can put up all your favorite assistants and dials in your peripheral view. Things like weather updates, calendars, reminders, stock market updates, social media followers, music player control and countless more. The desk clock interface can be customized via the companion app which also gives the liberty to create custom texts and animated graphics to reflect your mood.

Geeks are also gamers, so Divoom has included the option to display game elements like the number of kills in an FPS or the graph of achievements in a particular gaming session. To match the industrial looks, the gadget gets dual-edge ambient light and customizable backlight options with 12 cool light effects to build up the atmosphere.

Most of all if you want to tone down everything with minimum or no distractions, each of these displays turns into a Nixie clock interface. The current time is displayed just like any other digital clock if you want to. All this comes at a price tag of $150 which is not budget-friendly for the functionality you’ll get, but surely a must-have for a gadget freak.

This Cyberpunk-ish desk clock is your expanded widget platform for peak productivity

Desk gadgets are a staple for a geeky setup, adding flair and functionality at the same time. You can get yourself a Nixie clock, gadget hub, or cool bias lighting to set up a unique theme. All that, however, can’t match the finesse of this Cyberpunk-ish digital clock that doubles as a widget platform.

This is Time Gate, a desk clock that’s a whole lot more when it comes to bringing all your preferred notifications and widgets in a unified interface that in no way causes distraction. The gadget has five separate screen interfaces to bring important widgets out of the desk display and onto a cool clock interface.

Designer: Divoom

Keeping with the theme, Divoom has deliberately pixelated the interface of each of these 128×128 pixel LCD screens. The digital clock has an expanded sense of realism as you can put up all your favorite assistants and dials in your peripheral view. Things like weather updates, calendars, reminders, stock market updates, social media followers, music player control and countless more. The desk clock interface can be customized via the companion app which also gives the liberty to create custom texts and animated graphics to reflect your mood.

Geeks are also gamers, so Divoom has included the option to display game elements like the number of kills in an FPS or the graph of achievements in a particular gaming session. To match the industrial looks, the gadget gets dual-edge ambient light and customizable backlight options with 12 cool light effects to build up the atmosphere.

Most of all if you want to tone down everything with minimum or no distractions, each of these displays turns into a Nixie clock interface. The current time is displayed just like any other digital clock if you want to. All this comes at a price tag of $150 which is not budget-friendly for the functionality you’ll get, but surely a must-have for a gadget freak.

How this multi-functional keyboard concept increases productivity with a sliding display

Tablets today have become so powerful that they could almost replace laptops for much of our needs, which is the narrative that even Apple is making with its iPad Pro line. That said, some people still find such devices a bit limiting, particularly in the area of multitasking. When you’re at your desk in the office or at home, you might have access to a powerful keyboard with plenty of extra keys for shortcuts to functions. But tablets are supposed to free you from your desks and let you work wherever you want or can, and you can’t bring those desktop keyboards with you. If only you could extend your portable keyboard’s functionality without extending its size. That’s the kind of paradigm shift that this concept design is trying to offer by also shifting the keyboard’s form to reveal a hidden touch screen beneath.

Designers: Subin Kim, Taeyang Kim, Su Hyun Bae, Doyoung Kim, Gyeongmi Kim, Yujeong Shin, Seungmin Hong

Rendered on KeyShot: Click Here to Download Your Free Trial Now!

Keyboards with small interactive displays are no longer an alien concept thanks to the Touch Bar on the Apple MacBook Pro. Although that did add some customizable flexibility to the equation, it was pretty limited because of its size. It was, after all, meant to take the place of the row of function keys rather than being an independent interface of its own. Despite that additional power it offers, the Touch Bar has been retired and the idea never made it outside of laptop keyboards, at least until now.

SCROOM is a concept for a portable keyboard that, at first glance, simply looks like a wireless mechanical keyboard with pretty lights. The real magic, however, happens when you slide down the keyboard or slide up its bottom half, revealing a display that’s almost the same size as the keyboard. It’s not just a simple screen, though, and it might not even function as a typical screen. Instead, it’s a touch screen that’s filled with large-sized buttons, sliders, and other controls that can help you multitask on a tablet that has pretty limited space for multitasking.

1

This screen is pretty much an extension of the keyboard, except with user interfaces that are specifically designed for certain functions. There’s a large block that shows the date, pretty much like the calendar app icon on a tablet, while some have virtual buttons for media playback. There’s even a to-do list so that you don’t have to switch back and forth between apps just to check your tasks and check them off. The UI is customizable, as are the colors, and the choice of colors also affects the hue that shines underneath the keys.

SCROOM is definitely an intriguing concept and one that is possible to implement. The biggest concern, however, will be the sliding mechanism, which is always a risk, especially for devices that get carried around a lot. There’s also the matter of support for different operating systems, but that might not be as difficult to solve compared to hardware and engineering concerns.

Unlock 2x Productivity: DUEX Introduces a Floating Monitor that attaches to any Laptop

The DUEX Float borrows a clever trick from Christopher Nolan with its external monitor’s vertical arrangement. Panoramic screens are great but they require you to turn your head from side to side to see content. Vertically oriented displays, like the DUEX Float, give you an immersive dual-screen experience without requiring you to look from side to side. This vertical expansion is also a feature Nolan used in Oppenheimer by opting for the IMAX format, which is more “squarish” than panoramic. The IMAX format uses this to fill your vertical peripheral vision too, immersing you in movies without having your neck go wild as you look from side to side.

Designer: Peter Lee

Click Here to Buy Now: $209. Hurry, only 20 left! Raised over $360,000.

Made by the folks at Mobile Pixels (who’ve carved quite a reputation for themselves in the external monitor category), the DUEX Float opts for a vertical layout rather than the company’s previous displays that open out horizontally. The reason, strangely enough, is that a vertical display is just much more convenient if you look at things. Sure, it causes less eye and neck strain for starters… but it also doesn’t require a wide workspace, fitting easily in even small desks without eating into your table space. The DUEX Float’s slim design attaches right to the back of your laptop using 4 magnets, opening up in seconds thanks to its clever dual-hinge system. A single cable connects the DUEX Float to your laptop, powering it as well as working as a display cable for transmitting visual data. And if that wasn’t enough, the DUEX Float’s 1080p display is touch-sensitive too, making it perfect for prototyping/testing apps, for presentations, or for using as a tablet PC in visual design applications.

Dual-screen Mode

Achieve a healthy ergonomic alignment while working on the go.

Presentation Mode

Easily share content with someone in front of you.

Desktop Mode

Turn DUEX Float into an independent display (perfect for gaming).

The DUEX Float isn’t a one-display-one-trick-pony either. It comes with a 3-in-1 design that can be oriented in multiple ways to serve different uses. The most obvious is the vertical external display for double the productivity, but face the display away from you and mirror your screen and you’ve got the perfect presentation setup for meetings and client pitches. The entire display unit detaches off the back of your laptop and can be propped up on a kickstand and used as a side-by-side iPad-style monitor too. These three use-cases make the DUEX Float a pretty versatile accessory. Couple that with how slim it is and you’re left with a gadget that’s more useful and more portable than any external monitor on the market.

Stacked Design – Forget straining your neck and back. Achieve a healthy ergonomic alignment even while working on the go.

Touchscreen for Effortless Navigation – Elevate your work and play with its intuitive 1080P touchscreen display.

Convenient Built-in- Kickstand – The kickstand allows you to utilize it independently without magnetically attaching it to your laptop.

Powerful Connectivity – Features two USB-C ports with pass-through charging, so you can charge devices whenever and wherever you want.

The DUEX Float has a 15.6″ diagonal, making it compatible with virtually any 15″ laptop out there. The 1080p LCD screen has a 60Hz refresh rate, so you’re absolutely not compromising on display quality. Moreover, the DUEX Float also has an abundance of ports on the side, including 2 USB-C ports that support pass-through charging (so you can charge your smartphone or tablet via the floating display) as well as a mini HDMI port for hooking to other gadgets like your Nintendo Switch. The 10-point multi-touch display is supremely intuitive too, giving you a touchscreen display for your laptop – a feature you’ll definitely find mighty useful while presenting, coding, or just simply multi-tasking. Available in a classic matte black finish, the DUEX Float starts at a discounted $199 and comes with global shipping as well as Mobile Pixels’ 1-year warranty.

Click Here to Buy Now: $209. Hurry, only 20 left! Raised over $360,000.

Onyx BOOX Tab Mini C Review: Color, Productivity, and Fun in a More Convenient Package

PROS:

  • More comfortable and portable size
  • Excellent color E Ink display
  • Google Play Store pre-installed
  • Impressive performance and battery life

CONS:

  • A bit pricey
  • Design looks a little bland

RATINGS:

SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY

EDITOR’S QUOTE:

The Onyx BOOX Tab Mini C is a coming-of-age for E INK tablets, combining the best features in a more ergonomic and convenient size.

If you thought that eBook readers have gone the way of the dodo because of smartphones and tablets, you probably haven’t been paying attention to the tech market in the past two or so years. As people become more weary of the harmful effects of screens on their eyes and bodies, especially at night, the desire for E Ink devices has started to grow stronger. And just in time, these devices have started growing out of their humble roots, blurring the lines between extremely simple eReaders and powerful tablets. Leading this new wave of innovation is Onyx BOOX, which has been pushing the boundaries of what these devices are capable of in terms of power and size. Its latest BOOX Tab Mini C tries to distill all these new features down to a more manageable size, so we take a deep dive to see whether it successfully pulls off this hat trick or if it cuts too many corners along the way.

Designer: BOOX

Aesthetics

It’s hard not to compare the BOOX Tab Mini C with its older, larger sibling, the BOOX Tab Ultra C. Just by the name alone, you can already tell they’re related and you might easily write off the Tab Mini C as the smaller version and nothing more. There’s some truth to that, of course, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you stop there because you could be missing out on a device with a lot of potential. The two E Ink readers do have notable differences and, fortunately, most of them work in the Tab Mini C’s favor. Most, but not all.

The biggest difference is, of course, the size, with the BOOX Tab Mini C’s 7.8-inch display coming in a more familiar size for eBook readers. Of course, that’s just the display size, because the actual size of the device is a lot larger. That’s thanks to the substantial bezels around the E Ink screen, which sadly makes the device look more like an unappealing blast from the past. The AG glass cover does lie flat across the front, making it look a little modern, but it’s nothing compared to the sleeker look of the BOOX Tab Ultra C or, closer to its size, the new BOOX Page.

The back of the device is also very different from some of the more current selection of BOOX devices, sporting a somewhat old-school design where the edges are inclined and curved rather than completely flat. This makes the device look and feel thicker, though it also has the benefit of giving your hand a bit more comfort, as we’ll see later. Unfortunately, this along with the wide bezels make the BOOX Tab Mini C look a bit unflattering and uninteresting, if not for the E INK display that, by default, shows its colors even when the device is locked or powered off.

Ergonomics

Size does matter, especially when it comes to portable devices like phones and tablets. It defines what you can and can’t do with the product, at least on a comfortable level, and it dictates how portable and convenient it really is. That’s definitely the case with the BOOX Tab Mini C, which addresses one of the biggest pain points of the BOOX Tab Ultra C, no pun intended.

Weighing only 310g, the BOOX Tab Mini C makes the device easier to hold for longer periods of time, especially with just one hand. It’s a little over the size of an iPad mini, but significantly lighter than its Ultra sibling. The curved edges of the tablet’s back help with that comfort, too, letting it settle into your hand with fewer sharp edges to cut into your skin. In short, this is the ultimate color E Ink reader in terms of comfort and portability, ensuring that you’ll want to have it in your hand all the time.

When it comes to comfort, its selling point is, of course, that 7.8-inch Kaleido 3 E ink display. It doesn’t strain the eyes as a regular LCD or OLED screen would because it doesn’t shine light in the direction of your eyes. It doesn’t even have backlighting but instead employs front lights that let you pick not only the brightness but also the temperature warmth, mixing it up to your comfort depending on what you’re reading. And since it supports 4,096 colors rather than shades of gray only, this eye-friendly benefit applies not only to ebooks but to every piece of digital content as well, from comics to PDFs to webpages and, if you’re really up to it, social media. It’s the ultimate reader’s dream, now in a more convenient package.

Performance

What sets Onyx BOOX’s devices apart from the older generation of eBook readers is the fact that they’re really Android devices, both in terms of hardware and software. Nowhere is that more evident than in the BOOX Tab series, including this newest arrival. You could even call them Android tablets with E Ink displays and you wouldn’t be off the mark.

In terms of specs, the BOOX Tab Mini C would be the equivalent of a mid-range Android tablet, powered by an unnamed octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Interestingly, these are the very same specs as the larger Tab Ultra C, save for half the internal storage capacity. It even has the same dedicated graphics processor that is responsible for the display’s unbelievably fast performance. You do have options of whether to prioritize speed over quality, but the Tab Mini C is able to deliver satisfactory results on every level.

The small eBook reader slash Android tablet houses a large 5,000 mAh battery, which, truth be told, isn’t that significantly lower than the 6,300 mAh on the Ultra model. Battery life is what you’d expect from an E Ink device, lasting for days or weeks rather than hours. The one caveat is that it’s actually shorter than your average eBook reader, depending on how many non-reading apps you use. It’s a powerful device that can run almost any Android app, but that comes at the cost of battery life, especially if you leave some of those running in the background.

Rounding up the specs is Bluetooth 5.0, which you will mostly use for hooking up wireless earbuds, USB-C for charging, and Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n/ac for Internet connectivity. There’s also a gyro sensor that’s useful for automatically rotating the user interface depending on the device’s orientation. Unlike its larger sibling, there is no rear camera for document scanning. The BOOX Tab Mini C ships with a stylus, though the BOOX Pen Plus is the kind that doesn’t have an eraser on the opposite end of the tip.

The Tab Mini C runs Android 11 with Onyx BOOX’s special skin running on top. It’s not exactly the latest Android release, but that’s not surprising for the brand either. Although Onyx does support devices for about five years with regular updates, they rarely upgrade the Android version during their lifetime. The Onyx BOOX OS, as it is sometimes called, has changed a lot since the early days, and this most recent incarnation brings it closer to being a more familiar Android interface without completely removing the eReader experience. It even comes with Google Play Store already pre-installed, so you’re just a few simple steps away from installing your favorite Android apps. The device comes with Onyx’s own Neoreader, which is quite impressive for its wide support of file formats and a plethora of features. You aren’t limited to that, however, and you can install any kind of eBook app or library you want, including Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Comixology, and more.

The device’s crowning glory is really that color E Ink display, now available in a more convenient size. With a pixel density of 300 ppi for black and white and 150 ppi for color, text always comes out crisp, regardless of their color. Those colors are also vibrant, at least as far as 4,096 colors go, and they’re well-saturated and not washed out. The 7.8-inch size is perfect not just for reading books but also for comics, manga, magazines, and PDFs, hitting the sweet spot between small and large screen sizes. That said, it isn’t an ideal size for A5, much less A4, documents, which is where larger devices like the BOOX Tab Ultra C shines. It’s not that big of a sacrifice, though, especially if you’re getting convenience and comfort in return.

The BOOX Tab Mini C is more than just a reader, though, especially with that stylus it ships with. The BOOX Notes app and Neoreader’s built-in annotation capabilities transform it from a consumption device to a learning tool and more. Writing on the screen is smooth and fluid, and the matte glass surface adds a bit of toothiness and resistance that makes it almost feel like writing on paper. It only supports the most basic colors, of course, but true colors are viewable on regular screens once you export the note as a PDF or image. One important caveat, however, is that the pen’s smooth performance really only applies to BOOX’s first-party apps and a few choice ones like OneNote, Evernote, and the WPS Office Suite. There is a considerable lag when using other apps, which is something that avid note-takers might want to consider.

Sustainability

Although Onyx has been playing the eReader game for a long time, it hasn’t yet jumped on a trend that is gripping big device manufacturers. Given the ubiquity and relative affordability of these kinds of devices, it almost behooves Onyx to also have a strong sustainability commitment in place. Unfortunately, we have yet to see that happen, though it’s also reassuring that it is at least doing some minor steps in that direction, intentionally or otherwise.

Using aluminum-magnesium alloy for its casing, for example, helps reduce the amount of plastic each device uses, and keeping the packaging to a minimum also helps a bit. Onyx doesn’t ship with a charger either, so that’s another point in its favor. Long-term software support helps keep the device running smoothly and securely for years, though eReaders, even Android-based ones, aren’t as high-maintenance as their full tablet counterparts anyway. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have much going for it when it comes to repairing and servicing its products, forcing owners to send in their devices to a few authorized service providers spread in a few countries. We’re still keeping our fingers crossed that Onyx BOOX will step up soon and be a role model in this industry.

Value

The Onyx BOOX Tab Mini C is definitely a smaller version of the Tab Ultra C with very few differences, and you might ask why you would favor it over the “fuller” version at all. That said, the question works the other way around as well, where you might ask why you’d even want a larger and heavier tablet if you can have one that is lighter, more comfortable, and more convenient to carry around. It all boils down to what you’d use an E Ink device for.

The BOOX Tab Ultra C is clearly marketed more as a productivity device, one whose reading capabilities are put at the service of learning and working. It’s best for A5 or even some A4 documents, which is what most academic or scientific papers come in, not to mention magazines and periodicals. The larger screen size is also conducive for having two documents or apps side-by-side, and it supports a decent-sized keyboard for typing out notes, emails, and the like.

While it’s possible to do all those on the BOOX Tab Mini C as well, it isn’t as conducive for these use cases with its smaller display. Split screen, for example, will feel very cramped, and since there’s no official keyboard folio case, you’ll have to arrange for a separate Bluetooth keyboard for your typing needs. The hardware is very much capable of doing almost everything, but the smaller and lighter device feels best for reading and writing on the go rather than working on a desk.

As far as price goes, the Tab Mini C isn’t exactly inexpensive, though that $449.99 price tag, fortunately, includes a magnetic folio case. Compared to other E Ink devices, it’s quite pricey, but it is also in a class of its own. There are very few color E Ink readers that come in this compact size, and the closest competitors are either using older E Ink Kaleido technology or are even more expensive. At the moment, there is pretty much no contest when it comes to a pocket-book size color eReader, making the BOOX Tab Mini C one of a kind.

Verdict

There is thankfully a resurgence in consuming text content that goes beyond scrolling through social media, whether it’s reading ebooks or tons of articles on the Web. This trend, however, has also made people more aware of how common screens wreak havoc on our eyes and our health, especially at night. ePaper Displays are becoming more popular because of this, to the point that there are even computer monitors that use it on the side or in their entirety. For readers of all kinds, however, a portable E Ink device is a better choice and investment.

Of these, the Onyx BOOX Tab Mini C probably represents the culmination of all the innovations available in this segment to date. Its 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display brings a splash of color in a more ergonomic and comfortable size, while tablet-like hardware and a Google-enabled Android platform bring all the power and functionality you need on a portable device. Yes, it’s a bit on the pricey side and its design isn’t exactly inspiring, but these thankfully tend to get out of the way once you start immersing yourself in a world of text and colors that bring joy to your life without straining your eyes.