Review – I haven’t used a desktop computer as my personal computer for about ten years or more. That’s because I am willing to give up the huge monitor that usually comes with a desktop computer in exchange for the portability that a smaller screen and laptop provide me. In any case, the monitor is so cheap that it is not a lot of money to install a large monitor that can be connected to a laptop on your workstation. However, when I was on the road, I missed having a second large monitor and the ability to distribute my applications on two screens. Therefore, when SideTrak Swivel came out, I was happy to try this portable solution to use a second monitor on the go.
What is it?
SideTrak Swivel is a portable 1080p monitor that can be connected to your laptop and allows you to have a second screen to extend your desktop and flip the desktop so that you can mirror your desktop and show it to you across from it Other people at the table. It can also be used as a standalone portable monitor, which can be placed on your desk using the built-in stand.
What’s in the box?
- SideTrak rotating monitor
- USB-C to USB-C cable with USB-A adapter
- HDMI to Mini-HDMI cable
- 2 pieces of equipment safety metal plates
- Paper template used to place the metal plate on the back of the laptop screen
- If needed, a plastic card can help remove the metal plate
The following are the specifications:
- screen size: 12.5″
- Panel type: Thin film transistor
- Display type: LCD Monitor
- solve: 1920×1080
- brightness: 300 cd/m2
- Response time: 30 ms
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
- aspect ratio: 16:9
- Contrast: 600:1
- energy consumption: 3.65 watts
- thickness: .66″
- weight: 1.2 lb
- operating system: compatible Mac, PC, Chrome, PS4, Xbox and Switch
Features and performance
The first thing I like about SideTrak Swivel is that it does not require a power cord. It gets its power from the cable you use to connect it to the laptop. It also does not need to download any drivers, and it is compatible with Mac, Windows, Chrome and some gaming systems. So it is really plug and play.
The template included in the box can help you arrange the metal plates on the back of the laptop display. You can use this template to decide whether to place Swivel on the left or right side of the display.
This is a picture of the template:
The only trick to connect the SideTrak Swivel to a laptop is to ensure that the ports on the laptop can support power and video signals. If you use a USB-C to USB-C cable, this is what you need. If your laptop does not have the correct type of USB-C connection, you must use the USB-A adapter on the USB-C cable and use the HDMI to Mini-HDMI cable. Obviously, if your laptop has a USB-C port and can handle it, that’s the way to go, because you only need 1 cable. This is my setup.
This is a picture of two cables. Note the USB-C cable on the left, which is connected to the USB-A adapter:
Fortunately, the box also includes a good user manual, in which they provide very clear guidance on which USB-C ports are compatible. This is a photo:
At the end of SideTrak Swivel, you will see Mini-HDMI port, USB-C port, up and down buttons for brightness, and a built-in ring in the plastic frame, you can use it to connect your Swivel storage /Cable when carried in a laptop bag. This is a picture of the end of Swivel, so you can see the ports and cable connections:
Swivel is very light, only 1.2 pounds, and it must be so because this screen will be connected to your laptop screen. My laptop is very thin, and sometimes I fold Swivel onto the laptop screen because I am not using it and my laptop is tilted back. It only happened once or twice, but I just learned through daily use how far back I can get my screen.
I have used all the configurations of Swivel. In most cases, I use it to extend my display so that I can see my email on Swivel and my browser on my home screen. But I also use it during meetings to mirror my screen and “rotate” Swivel so that people across from me or people next to me can see what’s on my screen without them sitting next to me. It’s so convenient. The following are various pictures of various configurations:
what do I like
- No need to drive, plug and play!
- Multiple configurations for expanding or mirroring the screen
What will i change
- It would be great if the price is less than $329.99
Final thoughts
I found that I don’t want to have a SideTrak Swivel monitor. I have seen these types of connectable displays for a few years, but I always think the trouble is not worth it. I don’t know what I am thinking. I like this thing. I’m sitting here, while opening another browser window on Swivel, typing this comment and watching the game. It is very convenient to carry this extra monitor with you. If you can afford to pay for SideTrak, then do it. You can also use it for all your future laptops!
Price: $329.99
Where to buy: purchase Amazon Or on their website here.
source: The sample of this product is made by Sidecar.
