Mobile Pixels Trio Max Review

Sometimes, your laptop’s built-in screen simply isn’t enough. Luckily, there are tons of portable monitors which let you enjoy more screen real estate for work and play. While most portable monitors are free-standing, the Mobile Pixels Trio Max takes a different approach. Since it attaches to the back of your laptop, the Trio Max promises more mobility. But is this the right portable laptop monitor for you? Find out in our hands-in Mobile Pixels Trio Max review!

Overview: What is the Mobile Pixels Trio Max

The Mobile Pixels Trio Max is a portable LCD monitor for laptops. It utilizes four magnets that attach to the back of your laptop screen. These hold the Trio Max in place, though it’s easily disconnected since the Max sports four magnetic strips of reverse polarity to those adhered to your PC.

Mobile Pixels offers the Trio and Trio Max in a few different flavors: The vanilla Trio, a 12.5-inch monitor that works with 13-inch and 14-inch laptops, the 14.1-inch Trip Max which supports 15-inch and 16-inch laptop screens, and a 14.1-inch model for 17.3-inch rigs. Plus, you can opt to pick up the Trio and Trio Max in a dual-screen or triple-screen configuration.

All variants feature a 16:9 aspect ratio and a native 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution along with a 60Hz refresh rate. Brightness clocks in at 300 nits. The Trio weighs 1.7 pounds (lbs.) with dimensions of 12.4 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches, while the Trio Max is 2.2 lbs. and measures 14.1 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches.

Mobile Pixels Trio and Trio Max Specs

• Native 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution
• 60Hz refresh rate
• 300 nits of brightness
• 16:9 aspect ratio
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches (Mobile Pixels Trio), 14.1 x 9.5 x 0.5 inches (Trio Max)
• Weight: 1.7 lbs. (Trio), 2.2 lbs. (Trio Max)

Mobile Pixels Trio Max Review Verdict

The Mobile Pixels Trio Max is an excellent portable LCD monitor. It comes in several sizes appropriate for a variety of laptops and Chromebooks. I liked the crisp 1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. Set up and installation is an absolute breeze thanks to the simple to follow configuration guides. Build quality is solid, and I enjoyed its plug-and-play compatibility with my Windows laptop. Although Mobile Pixels provides a Trio Max driver, the monitor worked just fine out-of-the-box.

For its connection, the Trio Max uses a USB-C cable that features a built-in USB Type-A adapter. The cable itself is plenty long, and I appreciated the flexibility to use a USB-A or USB-C connection. My laptop successfully provided an audio-video signal and power delivery with a single cord.

You’ll find a pair of onboard USB-C jacks so if you need extra juice to turn the Trio Max on, you’re covered. In addition to its laptop support, the Mobile Pixels Trio Max does work with Android phones, tablets, and even the Nintendo Switch. While I wasn’t able to try Switch gaming, I connected my Android phone which was fully compatible.

Because of the Trio Max’s 60Hz refresh rate, it’s not ideal for hardcore gaming. Casual gamers won’t have any issues, and when compared with my high-refresh rate ultra-wide gaming monitor I noticed no perceptible stutters or slowdowns. At 300 nits, the Trio Max isn’t the brightest. That’s not to say it’s difficult to see, merely it didn’t appear as vivid as my Razer Blade 14’s panel. The monitor itself is well constructed, though the mounting bracket is somewhat flimsy.

Nevertheless, the Mobile Pixels didn’t feel unbalanced, even with my laptop raised up on a cooling pad and the monitor itself fully extended. The Trio Max admittedly adds some weight and heft to your laptop, which is to be expected. And some users may balk at the concept of placing magnets on their high-end laptop lids.

Overall, I really appreciated the Mobile Pixels Trio max and how it transformed my workflow. The extra screen real estate proved invaluable while working, giving me added space for more browser tabs while researching and another window for my text editor when programming. On the entertainment side, videos looked lifelike with accurate colors despite a bit of dimness. And games, while limited to 60Hz, were immersive. Plus, the magnetic attachment let me completely remove the Trio Max and leave it at home when traveling without a need for my second monitor. If you’re in the market for a portable laptop screen, the Mobile Pixels Trio is arguable the best available.

Mobile Pixels Trio Max Installation and Set Up

Getting the Mobile Pixels Trio Max installed on your laptop is easy peasy. Top-notch documentation, written and video, walks you through the process. It’s as simple as removing the adhesive strips from the magnetic pucks which attach to the laptop lid, and placing them on your computer.

If it’s the first time you’re installing it, you won’t need to do anything other than take off the paper covering the sticky bits on the magnets since they’re attached to the Trio Max already. However, in the event that you need to change laptops, reposition the magnetic pucks, or otherwise reapply, there is a handy alignment sheet in the box. What’s more, Mobile Pixels sells extra laptop magnets if you need replacements or extras.

Mobile Pixels Trio Max: Design and Build

The Mobile Pixels Trio Max portable LCD monitor features metal and plastic accents. On the back, you’ll find the Mobile Pixels logo comprised of LED lights.

Inside, there are four magnetic strips that bind to the magnet mounting pucks on your laptop lid. A 14.1-inch (on the Trio Max) or 12.5-inch (Trio) screen slides out of the bracket.

On the right-hand side of the unit, you’ll find a USB-C charging port, USB Type-C power and data delivery jack.

In the bottom right-hand corner of the screen’s bezel, there are touch-sensitive buttons for adjusting brightness, color temperature, and toggling on eye care modes like the blue light filter.

Mobile Pixels Trio Max Portable Monitor for Laptops Performance

The Trio Max monitor is a solid option for a variety of purposes. Everyday tasks such as web browsing and office productivity are perfectly suited for the Trio Max portable monitor. It’s great for entertainment like watching Netflix, HBO Max, or streaming YouTube videos.

Additionally, the Mobile Pixels works well for casual gaming. You can play directly on the Trio or use the second screen for more space when streaming on Twitch, for example. Colors are lifelike and accurate, with decent brightness. The 60Hz refresh rate leaves a bit to be desired for serious gamers, but casual to moderate gaming works just fine.

Aside from its capabilities as a slide-out portable monitor, the Trio Max may be used as a separate display. You can connect Android phones and tablets or a Nintendo Switch. Although there’s no stand in the box, you may simply prop the Trio Max up against a stack of books, for instance. Alternatively, Mobile Pixels offers a whole host of accessories including a stand and USB-C hubs.

Should You Buy the Mobile Pixels Trio Max?

Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a portable monitor, the Mobile Pixels Trio Max is a spectacular choice. While I’ve got an Arzopa portable LCD monitor, the Trio Max is far more convenient. Because it attaches directly to my laptop lid, it’s easy to tote around. But the magnetic suction means it’s just as simple to remove for a slimmer laptop profile when traveling. Plug-and-play use without the need for driver installation further posits the Mobile Pixels Trio Max as the ultimate portable monitor for laptops, Android phones and tablets, or even Nintendo Switch consoles.

Mobile Pixels Trio Max Review: Final Thoughts

Overall, the Mobile Pixels Trio Max is a must-have for digital nomads and frequent travelers. Sporting a clever design, the Trio Max pairs well with a variety of laptop sizes as a nifty solution for additional screen real estate. There’s great image quality, a crisp 60Hz native 1080p resolution, and intuitive installation. While the Trio Max adds bulk to your computer, requires mounting magnets on your laptop lid, and has a few flimsy bits. Nevertheless, the Mobile Pixel Trio Max is a solid portable monitor for a variety of productivity and entertainment alike.

Your turn: What portable laptop monitors do YOU recommend?