The modern desk is dominated by side-byside monitors. I am, however, ready for a change. I wondered if stacking the monitors vertically would work better. It’s a lot harder to set up, but then, I came across these dual monitors that were initially launched on Kickstarter. Is this the solution I’d always been looking for?
After using these dual, 24 inch monitors for a couple of weeks, I was pleasantly surprised by how they simplified my workflow.
Why stacked is best
The desk is large and the space required to arrange monitors side by side is considerable. I avoided this problem by using a secondary display that was mounted on an arm. It is difficult to adjust and set up. The Geminos is the same size as a 24-inch monitor but doubles my screen area.
Multiple monitors will cause you to turn your neck a lot. Vertical stacking can correct an ergonomic mistake that occurs when I stare too long at the secondary monitor.
The Geminos allows me to glance down and gather more information, or read a message in chat without interfering with my work on the top screen. Vertical monitors are easier to view and require less effort.
Most monitors are almost twice as large as they are tall. Dragging a document or window to a second screen can be a difficult task, as it is possible to drop the item in the wrong location. The Geminos’ stacked screens show the same amount of information in a more accessible arrangement.
Evolutionary factors could also be at work. When out on a trail, you must be aware of the terrain at every moment, and what’s directly in front of you is more important than something that’s off to the side.
What is the best way to get there?
It might take a while to figure out where everything goes with this new vertical orientation. In practice, I intuitively arranged windows as if I’d been using stacked screens all along.
I’ve used a stack of vertical monitors in the past. NexPad, a portable screen with magnetic mounts that mount above my MacBook Air’s built-in display, is an excellent option. I work from home, and my laptop rarely ventures on a road trip, but it’s great to have the option to snap an extra screen onto a MacBook to expand the desktop.
With the Geminos, I’ve used stacked dual screens daily for the last couple of weeks. I consistently place messaging apps at the bottom so they’re physically closer, but out of my primary view. The lower screen is also where I do my research in the browser. A quick glance will refresh my memory and fill in any facts. On the top screen I am most productive, as I write and work on images. It’s at eye-level, so you can work for hours without straining your neck.
Touch, tilt, and raise the device
Geminos maker Mobile Pixels didn’t just stack one monitor on top of another. Mobile Pixels reinvented dual display design. The Geminos can be folded in half, opened completely flat or held at any angle within those extremes.
When I press down, it lowers smoothly and the bottom display tilts back to an easel-like angle. It lowers slowly and smoothly when I press the button. The bottom display also tilts to an easel angle. I tested the Geminos X with a touch screen on the lower display. When it is shipped, the monitor folds in half like a notebook.
The touchscreen is compatible with both macOS and Windows. It’s finally possible to use a Mac touchscreen. Apple didn’t plan for this, so I have to hold the control key while tapping to open a context menu, but most things work as expected. I can use my fingertips to paint in Pixelmator Pro. I can tap to select and double-tap an open document. I can pinch to zoom, and drag to scroll.
Connectivity and special features
If you install the driver there are more options. You can combine the top and bottom displays into one display in order to extend a window across both.
This simulates a big, vertically-oriented monitor with a display size of 20.5 by 23 inches. When used in this manner, a gap divides the display. However, the small bezels and hinge mounted on the edge minimize the division. I don’t anticipate using this often, but having the option is nice.
The base can charge my MacBook when connected. It also includes a USB hub with two USB-A port that delivers 100 watts. The Geminos can charge my iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Pixel with a USB-C Adapter.
USB ports are also used for data transfer. There’s a microSD/SD card reader and an Ethernet port to round out a generous variety of connectivity options for a monitor.
The top monitor comes with a webcam and microphone built in. Since the Geminos’ webcam quality was one of my few disappointments, I chose to use my Insta360 Link. The monitor is equipped with two stereo speakers that muffle the sound. They sound good enough for casual use, but I’d use external speakers or connect headphones to the included port to watch movies or play games.
The monitors are bright enough, despite the fact that I am facing a large window. Color accuracy is also good. Dual-1440p resolution is enough for me. The base Geminos model has two 1080p display screens, which will be less crisp.
You can connect the bottom and top video inputs separately. I could connect my MacBook and gaming PC to two screens. The Geminos X comes with a 75Hz refresh (60Hz in the standard version), so it’s best to keep your gaming display. I mostly game in VR, so a fast monitor isn’t important to me.
One cable is sufficient for both displays if your laptop or computer supports USB-C. You can connect the Geminos via its two HDMI ports. It is compatible with any device with an adapter.
What is the right choice for you?
Geminos X is a unique monitor that offers a variety of features. Innovations are not cheap, however. For example, LG’s DualUp is a large, single vertical monitor that’s about the same size for $700. It lacks the folding, tilting flexibility of the Geminos monitor, and there isn’t a touchscreen option.
Mobile Pixels is selling the Geminos for $870 right now, a big discount off the manufacturer’s price of $1,383. I think it’ll sell for $1,000 or so at other retailers, as that was the price stated on Kickstarter.
The Geminos X model is currently unavailable, but the Kickstarter campaign stated a $1,300 price for this touchscreen model with higher resolution.
If you only use your computer to browse and do light work, it may be difficult to justify the cost. Gamers might want monitors with higher refresh rates, and they may also prefer widescreen effects when placing monitors together. Each person has different criteria for selecting the best monitor.
The Geminos and GeminosX are surprisingly good solutions if you like me use multiple monitors to organize your work, multitask, or even run several computers at once. It has really revolutionized my work flow.
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