Increase Productivity with SideTrak Portable Monitors! #MBPBACKTOSCHOOL21 #REVIEW #GIVEAWAY

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Thanks to SideTrak for sending this amazing Solo Stand Alone Monitor in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Until January, my office set-up included a monitor connected to a very "old" laptop. This one screen set-up worked until, well, the laptop didn't have the power to do what I needed to do for my job. So a new laptop emerged and I worked with that solely for several months. I've never had more than one screen, but after hearing from so many colleagues about their dual- screen set-ups, I started to look into the idea.

After some light research, I realized that I was missing out on so much with just one screen/ monitor! Do you struggle to work efficiently off of one computer screen? In our high- tech world, we have so many documents, browsers, and even conference call software up that it can be hard to click on the right tab!

As you and the kids head back to school and work (whether at the office, or home), a second monitor could definitely help increase productivity but alleviate stress associated with using technology.

SideTrak portable monitors aim to provide a second screen specifically for laptops. They offer screens that connect onto the back of laptops as well as free standing screens, like mine.

I was sent a SideTrak Solo HD 15.8 Portable Screen. This specific screen stands alone. It's stand is adjustable, so that the monitor's height and projection is adjusted according to your needs. It came with all the necessary cables to get set up as well. The Solo screen ports are located on the left side of the kickstand.

This model is slim, light weight, and is easy moveable!

Using an HDMI Cord and a USB Cord, I was able to set this screen up and it was ready to go. This specific monitor does require a USB Cord to power it up, so your laptop does need a HDMI and USB port. It comes with the HDMI Cable, a regular USB Cable, and a USB- C cable. Either of the latter two will work for powering and the HDMI allows communication between of displays.

The SideTrak Solo offers a moveable kick-stand that folds flat when screen needs to be stored.

My laptop already had the capability to connect and display to a second device, so I didn't have to download any additional drivers or software. The SideTrak website does state that an additional driver is needed, so if your computer doesn't have it, you might be prompted to install.

I have an HP with Windows 10. In Windows 10, there is a "project" button that allows you to connect to external devices, specifically of the Bluetooth variety. This monitor is NOT Bluetooth enabled, so the cables are necessary. After plugging in the cables, my laptop recognized the screen immediately!

Windows 10 offers several different display choices, found in your settings. Using the "Extended" Display, I am able to pull different documents from screen to screen, dramatically increasing productivity (and alleviating frustrations when trying to have documents open while on Zoom calls!).

For example, in yesterday's Zoom Call, the laptop was primarily used for the video conferencing software. I pulled up the document we were referring to on my SideTrak, and didn't have to click back and forth, or miss people's facial expressions while looking at the document!

I've also loved it for the ability to have our office calendar up all week.. so that if a colleague has a question, I don't have to find the right tab.. I can just glance over and see what they are referring too!

Honestly, it's amazing to have the ability to have two screens open at one time! I find it so much easier to set up socials (and making sure details are correct while email is open too), calendars, documents, and much more! If you are into lots of different areas and don't focus on one specific document all day, the dual screen process is definitely the way to go!

The SideTrak Solo Monitor has a power button and brightness wheel located on the right side of the kickstand!

This SideTrak Portable Stand Alone Monitor does have a microphone port, a screen brightness adjuster, and a power button, located on the right side on this specific model. It works with Windows, MAC, Chrome, and Linux. The screen I was sent is not a touch screen, but honestly, this doesn't bother me as half the time I forget that my actual laptop is a touch screen since I use the Bluetooth mouse so much. There is a Solo Standalone Monitor that is touch-screen for al you techy folks who prefer that feature!

The SideTrak Attachable Monitors literally connect to the back of the laptop, so if interested in one of those, you would need to make sure the size of your laptop can handle that additional weight and support the size of the screen you are interested in. They connect much in the same way, using a USB-C or USB-A cord to power it up. I can't comment on these attachable screens but it seems that they offer both swivel and slide-able screens.

Increase productivity and alleviate frustration when more than one tab needs to be opened!

I'm happy with the Solo Standalone Screen I have, as I don't have to worry about the additional bulky weight of an attachable monitor, know that it's easy to connect and disconnect, and I can leave it in place when I need to take my laptop to other parts of the building or away on adventures.

I'm also happy with the screen's size and brightness. 15.8 monitor is a great size for an office desk and makes things visible very well.

Full disclosure... while I've connected to devices via my laptop (hello Amazon Firestick, how much I love you!), I've never used extended screen before. If you are like me and are totally clueless, I found out that in order to drag documents and browsers between the two screens.. you got to move your mouse to the right and not the left! While this user error is on me, if you are not techy, it might help you out a lot!

These monitors would make perfect additions to any set-up.. whether its a home office, work office, dorm room, or even remote learning! Definitely add SideTrak portable monitors to your back to school tech list this year. You certainly won't be disappointed!

As Featured in Mommy's Block Party's 2021 Back to School Guide.

We're proud to feature the above-highlighted products in our 2021 Back to School Guide.

Be sure to visit our guide for even more amazing product suggestions for as you head back to school this fall.

Want it? Get it!

Grab your very own Solo HD 15.8 SideTrak Portable Monitor and start making life easier!

Or check out all of the other attachable monitors available!

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Want it? Win it!

One lucky MBP Reader will win their very own Solo HD 15.8 inch standalone screen!

The giveaway is open to US residents, 18+. Mommy's Block Party is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Just use the handy RC entry form below to enter for your chance to win!

Many thanks to SideTrak for sponsoring this amazing giveaway for us!

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What is your favorite piece of technology?