Attach a mini LCD to your computer via USB

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mimi_usb_lcdThis looks like a neat addition to a gadgeteer’s desktop… It’s the Mimo Mini 7 inch LCD monitor that attaches to your computer via USB. The max resolution is 800 x 480 and it can even rotate. It can be used as a separate display for your IM client, widgets, etc. The price might be prohibitive though at $129.99. It’s available at ThinkGeek. Would you use something like this? I used to have a second display connected to my iMac and used it exclusively for my Adium chat sessions.

15 thoughts on “Attach a mini LCD to your computer via USB”




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  2. My computer time is mostly productivity stuff like CS4, where a small screen makes no sense and serves no purpose… but I would be lying if I said that that wouldn’t be sweet for when I have an IRC window open. Of course, Spaces on OSX would mostly negate the need for it…

    It’d be absolutely killer if it had a built-in webcam, though. With rotation compensation/re-alignment, no less. It could also be a good travel companion piece to a netbook, seeing as it has no need for a power supply.

  3. This can actually be very useful for things like CS4… you can drag your tool panes over to it and devote your normal monitor entirely to your workspace.

  4. The primary feature here is that they have included the graphics card, right? So, if I’m running a two monitor setup w/ on my current graphics card, this makes another one.

    Or, set up a dock with a number of these. Maybe use as screens in the back of headrests, etc., if you have a computer in your car.

  5. I’ve had a MIMO UM-710 attached to my work computer since February and I absolutely love it… even in CS4. Being able to move the tool pallets over to the monitor frees up all sorts of space.

    1. @Bill I want one with night vision so I can find out what the heck is running around in our basement ceiling every night. It’s WAY too loud to be a mouse.

  6. Claire Strodtbeck

    That’s pretty awesome – I’ve been a dual-display girl for years, and I now have four monitors on my workstation at my office. I can see all sorts of handy little uses for something like this – it’d be great for traveling with a laptop, when you need some extra screen real estate in a pinch.

  7. Claire, the only real drawback…and it makes sense when you think about it…is the MIMO isn’t a plug-and-pray device. It does require drivers.

    When the device was released back in February it had an annoying shiny black plastic frame that showed every single fingerprint and was nearly impossible to clean. I had to due a warranty return a couple of months ago and the replacement unit used a flat black frame, which matches my other three monitors and doesn’t show fingerprints at all.

    Most of the time the MIMO is dedicated to TweetDeck, but I also use it to display status webpages, Visual Studio build windows, etc. As I mentioned in my first post, it’s very handy and I’m giving serious thought to purchasing a second one.

  8. Julie,
    I just bought a MIMO UN-710. I have an iMac. I need a driver. Right? Where can I get what I need?
    Thanks much,
    Bruce Kenmir

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