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Provides: USB powered monitor display
Developer: DoubleSight
Minimum Requirements: Intel Mac, 2 free USB ports (powered)
Price: $149 - $169
Availability: Now

Big HD screens are all the rage these days, but that doesn’t mean smaller screens are useless. In fact, petite USB monitors such as the ones sold by DoubleSight are optimal for a number of different uses.

The DoubleSight USB monitor is one of the many options available today in the world of USB displays. DoubleSight has 7 and 9 inch models, and you can even get a webcam to go along with the 9 inch model. The 9 inch also obviously benefits from a higher display, but both are about the size of an average netbook screen (if that’s something you’re familiar with). I tested out the DS-70U, the 7 inch model. The display powers itself and connects to your Mac (or PC) using two USB connections.

For set-up, after you open the box, you’ll need to attach the monitor to its stand.  This is done simply by screwing the thumbscrew on the back through the base and into the back of the display’s casing.  It can be adjusted for both height and orientation (portrait or landscape).  I both like and dislike the use of the thumbscrew.  For the few times you’ll actually mess with it, it’s very easy to use. I just feel that a thumbscrew gives the impression of lower quality, which isn’t really the case here.

All you have to do next is connect the double-plugged USB cable to your Mac right? Well, not quite. How about insert the CD and install the drivers?  Nope.  Sadly, if your computer was a PC, then you’d be right this time.  But we’re getting closer.  For the time being, you’ll actually need to visit a forum to download the newest beta driver (for Snow Leopard anyway).  This isn’t fool-proof, either, as I experienced a few problems installing the driver (not that I’m a fool, it just won’t install while Snow Leopard is running in 64 bit mode).  But after that’s all said and done, it works beautifully.  I feel it necessary to note that once while I was testing the unit, the mouse displayed as two pointers on the screen.  A quick restart fixed this, and it’s honestly to be expected with a beta driver.

Great, so why do you need a tiny, little, itsy bitsy screen?  Hey now, be nice, you might hurt it’s puny little feelings.  Actually, I’m sure many of you are thinking this exact thought, but consider a different viewpoint.  The USB monitor is small, but that’s part of its utility.  Being that it’s so small, you won’t be tempted to put most applications on to it.  Firefox won’t be tucked away taking up the majority of this screen.  The purpose is to store information or tools that you use often.  You could put your Buddy List on it, your Twitter feed, an iTunes controller, etc. Some toolbars from Photoshop would be a perfect use as well.  Or, if you want to be fancy, run the following peice of code in the Terminal and you can drag widgets from your Dashboard to your Desktop. 

defaults write com.apple.dashboard devmode YES
killall Dock

This display is a great place to put a weather widget along with a widget with your daily agenda from iCal.  Also, since it’s so small, you could even take this with you on the go.  There’s no power adapter necessary (or available), so it’s fully powered by USB.  It could be tucked away in your notebook bag just waiting add to your screen real estate.  Seriously, the possibilities are endless. 

I had only two problems with this device.  First, the viewing angle is atrocious; something like 60-70 degrees in each direction.  That’s a bit minimalistic, but it likely won’t be a problem since most people don’t view their displays off angle on a constant basis.  I really wish it had a better viewing angle, but I imagine a higher quality screen would only add to the already high cost.  Second, it needs two USB ports.  One for power, one for data…actually, I’m not certain that this is actually true, because I’ve unplugged one plug before and it continued to work. It was on a powered USB hub though, and this is likely not optimal for performance.  It would be amazing to have a built in battery or other power source since mobile computing is one of the best uses of this display.  If you’re using this on a MacBook, it’s going to take both of your USB ports.  Though, you might consider this an advantage since you don’t have to lug around a seperate power adapter.  I usually favor more choices, so I wish this were an option.

Now, DoubleSight isn’t the only manufacturer of USB monitors.  MIMO also makes very similar products.  Actually, if you think that touch based input is a must, you’ll need to look at MIMO.  But honestly, it would probably lower your productivity to actually make use of the touch screen instead of just using your mouse.

As much as I love this product, I still think it’s a bit pricey for it’s utility.  I think a 1 point deduction is in order.  Other than price, viewing angle and your opinion about its need for two USB ports, I really think this device is useful.  It can constantly display information you’d normally have to minimize windows or call up the Dashboard to view.  And that’s why I think it’s extremely useful, just a tad pricey.