SideTrak

So here's the thing about SideTrak-it's basically the solution nobody knew they desperately needed until remote work became, well, everything. Picture this: you're used to your dual-monitor setup at the office, crushing through spreadsheets on one screen while Slack pings away on the other. Then suddenly you're working from your kitchen table with just your laptop, toggling between seventeen browser tabs like some kind of digital acrobat. Not ideal.

That's where SideTrak comes in. Studies show that dual monitors can increase productivity by up to 50%, which sounds almost too good to be true until you actually try working with two screens versus one. The company makes portable monitors that magnetically attach right to your laptop-no desk space required, no complicated setup, just clip it on and you're good to go. It attaches directly to your computer using a single cable and included magnets to most Chromebooks, Windows laptops, or Macbooks between 13" and 17.5", and since it attaches directly to your computer, you don't need to set it on a table or desk.

And get this-the whole thing weighs less than 1.5 pounds. You can literally use it on a plane, on your couch, wherever. The screen swivels 360 degrees and rotates 270 degrees, so you can flip it around for presentations or adjust it however you need. It's kind of genius, actually.

In early 2024, the Luxor family of brands and products, including SideTrak, Stand Up Desk, KwikBoost, and Stand Steady, joined as a single unified entity: Luxor. So if you've heard of Stand Steady or any of those other workspace brands, they're all part of the same family now. For over 70 years, Luxor has grown and transformed as a strategic family of brands, which means there's some serious experience backing these products.

The company offers several different models-attachable ones, freestanding ones, touchscreen versions, different sizes ranging from 12.5 inches to over 15 inches. Some people swear by the Swivel model with its patented hinge design. Others prefer the Solo Pro for freestanding use. There's even a triple-screen setup if you're really trying to maximize your screen real estate (though at that point, maybe just get a desktop setup?).

Notice how the whole concept feels almost obvious in hindsight? Like, of course someone should make a portable second screen for laptops. But SideTrak was one of the first to really nail the execution-making it lightweight enough to travel with, sturdy enough to actually use, and simple enough that you don't need an engineering degree to set it up.

The company is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, and they've been at this since 2016. They're not some fly-by-night operation-they offer free shipping, a 30-day return policy, and a one-year warranty on their products. The customer service seems pretty responsive based on what people say, though like any tech company, experiences vary.

One thing worth mentioning: these monitors use DisplayLink technology, which means you'll need to download free software to make them work. It's compatible with most systems, but some Windows 10 computers have issues. Just something to check before you buy.

The price point sits around $300-$500 depending on which model you get, which isn't cheap. But if you're someone who travels for work or splits time between locations, or if you're just tired of squinting at a single 13-inch screen all day, it might be worth it. Think of it as investing in your sanity and productivity. Your neck will probably thank you too.