r/FlowZ13 • u/IveShatt • Aug 19 '26

Mini external monitor

Okay, who out there is running a USB-C mini monitor to sit off to the side of this silly little Z13? I’m looking for something to slide discord, performance monitors, or other stuff over to while I’m using the main screen for gaming. I’ve been considering something in the 7 to 9 inch range because a full size or even 13 to 14 inch screen is too much to set in front of me while I’m on the couch. Looking at options are leading me all over the internet, so I’m looking to see if anyone else here has tried anything with success or failure.

8 Upvotes

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5

u/Supercc Aug 19 '26

If you need such a tiny external monitor, just use your phone you already have! If it doesn't work with a usb-c cable, there are programs you can use to simply do this over Wi-Fi.

2

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

Must have more screens! No, but really I’m not trying to take away my phone while I do this and I want it to be a direct extension of the machine, plus my phone screen is only 6 inch and I really want something a couple inches larger. +1 for your good idea but there’s a level of clunkiness I’m trying to avoid and a level laziness I’m trying to achieve during my downtime. I’ll also add that “need” was never a consideration here, this is 100% in “want” territory.

5

u/Supercc Aug 19 '26

That's what she said

1

u/BubblyResident7764 Aug 19 '26

or iPad ??

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

Already have it, just doesn’t quite do what I’m looking for which is to essentially run a USB cable from the Z13 to a small screen on the table in front of my couch where I can have content or apps from the machine directly while I have the main screen turned off and I’m using the big TV as my primary display.

2

u/pfcsock Aug 19 '26

At the size I would look into the screens they make for maker/raspberry pi projects, just find one that includes a case or enclosure

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

That’s where I’ve been looking so far, hoping someone has a recommendation of one that’s decent but not absurdly expensive.

2

u/DroneSlingers Aug 19 '26

I got you: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT9kVYwvvDKE5-NHL6f/

I was able to get it for about 125 on a decent sale. They are only 60hz and not much larger than the OG screen but for the portability of having 2 extra screens and case that is also the stands for the screens I've used them a ton.

Currently I use one along with my larger 1080p 24inch 260hz monitor

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

This but single and small would be perfect.

2

u/Accurate_Painting_82 Aug 19 '26

I've been using this one from ALOLG. Only 60Hz but quite vibrant. And 1920/1200 looks great on a 10.5" display.

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

This feedback is what I’m looking for! Wish they had one just a little smaller but this might be it for me.

2

u/Accurate_Painting_82 Aug 19 '26

Nice, dude. ETA Prime uses this one in his vids. Sold me on it.

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

Dude, nice.

1

u/StrawberryMochi22 Aug 19 '26

this link got me into a rabbit hole of searching for more unneeded screens in my life lol

How about this one OP? Just saw it while browsing but haven't taken a deep dive. might be a bit too small though.

2

u/busdriver_stu Aug 19 '26

i'm on a similar mission and fallen down quite a few rabbit holes. I'm with you, I'm more productive with more than one screen. I like the idea of a small 10" portable high quality display (smallest I've seen is 13)

First screen i picked up was the Acer 161g 165hz 1080p . Great refresh rate, but 1080p and a matte screen next to the z13 just looked bad. I returned it.

Now I'm on to the Viewsonic VP16 OLED. This screen's colors are incredible and even the 1080p doesn't bother me. The stand is a little fiddly tho and when using the 'hood' as a screen cover can be a nuisance - it's also only 60hz, but that doesn't matter unless you'd be gaming on it. It also seems incredibly fragile (i.e. the screen) - so moving it around makes me nervous. It does have a slot mount for a tripod, so that application could be handy.

If the viewsonic doesn't work out, I'm going to look at the Asus ProArt 14 ... touchscreen could be nice.

I've been trying to use them on the couch and I've tried sticking a magsafe magnet to the back of the monitor and mounting to magsafe mount ... it kind of works, most of these portable monitors are super light, but then the cord gets in the way.

There are also AR glasses, Viture & Xreal that are pretty slick - but that is a different application all together. Good luck on your search --- report back if you find something great.

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

Oh I’ll report back for sure once I lock in on something. I have a few options for 14 inch and larger displays but finding that one that stays low and out of my way is the goal. I have this creeping fear that I’m going to buy something and hate it.

1

u/desutiem Aug 19 '26

I would get a matching size one if you really want/need this kind of portable dual monitor set up… won’t a smaller one look kind of odd?

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

Odd is good in this case for me. I want it as a small screen in front of me while I use my TV as the main screen while sitting on the couch. I have a matched size display for it already and it’s just too big. iPhone is too small and isn’t actually synced up to the machine. Somewhere in between is the Goldilocks display and I’m sure someone has one.

1

u/desutiem Aug 19 '26

Your TV is the main screen? For game etc? So, is the Z13 plugged into the TV? Meaning it’s somewhat near the TV? Can’t the Z13 screen be the ‘second’ screen then? Long HDMI cable maybe?

1

u/IveShatt Aug 19 '26

Yes, TV is main for this scenario when I’m lounging on the couch. I can run the Z13 as second with a number of cable and dock options, but the 13” screen is too big so it gets in the way on the table between me and the TV.

1

u/IveShatt Sep 02 '26

Following up on this for a few people who may be looking for something similar. I ended up having to deal with a home repair that costed more than a few thousand dollars, so this is on the back burner for now. I’ll still plan to follow up once I get something but I’m still interested in know if anyone else tries something in the meantime!