I obtained an early pattern of the CrowView 14-inch laptop computer monitor for evaluation a couple of weeks in the past, and common readers might have seen me already use it in some mini PC opinions, however I’ve but to evaluation the monitor itself, so I’ll report my expertise utilizing each laptops and mini PCs working Home windows 11 and Ubuntu 22.04.
CrowView laptop computer monitor unboxing
The show ships in a retail bundle highlighting the principle options of the show equivalent to its Full HD decision, compatibility with 13 to 16.5-inch laptop computer shows, 160° viewing angle, and its mechanical clamping mechanism.
The CrowView show ships with a 12V/2A energy provide, USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C cables, an HDMI to mini HDMI cable, a velcro tie, some stickers, and a person handbook in English.
The clamping mechanism might be discovered on the again of the show. There are additionally 4 buttons on the underside left, specifically Exit, Down, Up, and Menu to manage the OSD menu and alter settings equivalent to brightness, distinction, sharpness, shade temperature, and so forth.
The telescopic snap – as proven under – allows help for 13-inch to 16.5-inch laptops whereas the removable clip on the prime is used to offer help on the prime of the laptop computer monitor for show of varied thicknesses (4 to 8mm). The monitor comes with buckles on the prime and backside to be able to enable inserting the monitor to the best or the left of the laptop computer monitor.
An adjustable help foot can also be included to offer some help for the show (if not the laptop computer might tilt over) or use it as a standalone show.
All ports are positioned on one of many sides of the show with a standing LED, a 3.5mm headphone hack, two USB-C ports to attach the show and for energy if wanted, and a mini HDMI port.
The show will also be positioned in portrait mode if wanted.
Testing CrowView with Home windows 11 and Ubuntu 22.04
ASUS Vivobook 16 is a laptop computer with a 16-inch show. I first connected the show on the best aspect of the laptop computer whereas working Ubuntu 22.04.
The laptop computer doesn’t help USB-C Show Alt. mode so I related the USB-C to USB-C cable for energy and the mini HDMI to HDMI cable for the video. I first assumed the help foot was not wanted, but when I don’t use it the burden of the show might make the laptop computer tilt over relying on the angle at which the laptop computer of the show is at.
I additionally tried with one other laptop computer (ACER Aspire A315-41G with 15.6-inch show) working Home windows 11 and positioned the show to the left of the laptop computer, aka “left clamping” mode within the person handbook.
One way or the other the USB 3.0 port from the laptop computer didn’t present sufficient energy for the show, so I switched to a USB 2.0 port and it labored. The package features a 5V USB provide so in circumstances the place not one of the USB ports from the laptop computer ship sufficient energy that’s additionally an possibility. I simply by no means had to make use of it. Since on this mode, the show is upside-down I needed to configure Home windows to set the show in Panorama (flipped) mode. And it really works. However I’d suggest individuals to make use of “the “proper clamping” mode as a result of when inserting the CrowView show on the left: 1. we lose entry to the help foot, and a pair of. the hinge design doesn’t enable us to orientate the show inwards in order that it faces the person on the proper angle…
I forgot about that, and once I gently tried to alter the orientation of the show it might not budge and there at the moment are cracks within the clamping mechanism as you possibly can see within the picture above…
I then examined the CrowView with Khadas Thoughts mini PC because it comes with USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt mode, and on this case, we simply want to attach the USB-C to USB-C cable for each energy and video.
Portrait mode is nice when utilizing a number of shows on a smaller desk… The CrowView is proven under in portrait mode whereas related to the Blackview MP80 mini PC working Home windows 11 utilizing each the mini HDMI cable and USB A-to-C cable since this particular mini PC lacks a USB-C port.
Portrait mode additionally works fantastic with the laptop computer and Ubuntu 22.04.
The ultimate working mode marketed by the corporate is the “nose to nose” mode the place the show is positioned behind the laptop computer display, for instance, for display sharing.
Whereas it’s attention-grabbing to have this feature, I don’t contemplate it sensible as a result of each shows should be perpendicular to the desk or desk. If one person adjusts the angle of the show for extra comfy viewing then the opposite person will probably be impacted. Offered there’s sufficient house, it’s higher to make use of the CrowView as a standalone show in that case.
The CrowView laptop computer is comparatively light-weight at simply 800kg.
However you’ll wish to add at the least the USB-C to USB-C cable to your bag bringing the entire to 855 grams.
I’ll begin touring within the subsequent few days and more than likely take the CrowView with me to have a twin setup on the go. I first thought I’d simply place the show in my laptop computer bag, however I’m not assured the show gained’t be scratched that means. I want Elecrow had included a pouch for the show, so as a substitute I’ll use an outdated laptop computer pouch.
Conclusion
I actually just like the CrowView transportable laptop computer monitor. It’s light-weight, works with gadgets with HDMI and USB-C with DisplayPort alt. mode, the show is obvious and crisp, and I had no troubles when utilizing it with the laptops and mini PCs I attempted with each Home windows 11 and Ubuntu 22.04. It’s additionally versatile with portrait and panorama modes, and varied “clamping” modes though some is probably not helpful in observe. I do have considerations about sturdiness because it seems considerably fragile and I used to be initially nervous concerning the help foot, however managed to crack the plastic across the hinge throughout a improper manipulation. So the vital level is to watch out when utilizing it and carrying it round.
Going ahead, I’ll maintain utilizing it as a standalone show for my laptop computer when on the go and for mini PC and SBC opinions, and solely use the clamping mechanism if I’ve no alternative because of the lack of house.
I’d prefer to thank Elecrow for sending an earlier pattern of the CrowView for evaluation. The transportable laptop computer monitor is now obtainable on Kickstarter and has already surpassed its 70,000 HKD funding objective, or round $9,000 US, as with 9 days to go, over 250 customers have pledged about $37,000. Rewards begin at $115 US for the tremendous early hen CrowView laptop computer monitor, however that doesn’t embrace transport starting from about $13 to over $100 for extra unique locations (Islands). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in October shortly after the crowdfunding marketing campaign ends and the corporate receives the funds.
Jean-Luc began CNX Software program in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, earlier than quitting his job as a software program engineering supervisor, and beginning to write every day information, and opinions full time later in 2011.
