The Xebec Snap initiated me into the world of portable workstations, and there's no turning back now.
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I am not a workstation guy, and I have never been.
When faced with the chance to enhance my setup with an additional monitor, I typically just roll my eyes. A laptop stand? To me, that's just a regular table. And don’t even get me started on ring lights or external webcams.
It's not that I don't recognize the value of those things — they undoubtedly have their merits — but I've simply never taken the time to explore them. If I've managed to get along just fine without them up to this point, what would motivate me to begin now?
That's the reason, Xebec.
The Xebec Snap workbench
If there's one thing that's going to force me out of my minimalist comfort zone, it's CES, and this year the world's biggest consumer tech conference did just exactly that.
Xebec, an Austin, Texas-based laptop accessory company, loaned me one of the company's newer workstation setups, the aptly named Xebec Snap.
I believe the Snap is aptly named, as magnets play a crucial role in its modular design. The installation process is quite simple. Just connect the retractable frame to your laptop, and then you can utilize the magnetic arms on each side to easily attach various accessories.
The most notable features here are undoubtedly the two extra screens that can be connected on either side, transforming your laptop into a tri-monitor configuration. I'm pleased to share that setting up these two additional screens is incredibly straightforward.
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I connected the Xebec harness, secured the magnetic screens to the wings, and linked them to my laptop's USB-C ports with the integrated cables, which allowed us to get mostly operational.
As a MacBook user, I had to tweak my display settings a bit and manually install some drivers, but I can't blame Xebec for that. Despite these extra steps, the overall experience was smooth and hassle-free.
The options are limitless. Beyond just screens, you can connect various accessories to the Snap, such as a light for enhancing your appearance during video calls or vlogs. One of my top picks is the magnetic wireless charger attachment, which allows you to easily place your phone on one of the wings and let it charge while suspended in mid-air.
This resonates with my inner phone enthusiast, who needs to keep a constant eye on my device and ensure it has enough battery to satisfy my cravings for social media.
Nonetheless, the greatest advantage of using your laptop lies in the ability to have multiple screens, and this is where the Snap truly excels. The two displays I tested were impressively robust in quality for a portable workstation. Here are the complete specifications:
- Screen Size: 13.3” Full HD display
- Dimensions: 12.4” x 7.4” x 0.33”
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p)
- Display Type: IPS LCD
- Brightness: 400 nits maximum brightness
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Orientation Options: Use in presentation, portrait or landscape mode
- Weight: 1lb per screen
- Compatibility: Compatible with most laptops between 13” to 17.5” (USB-A or USB-C port required)
These screens may not be ideal for professional photo editing, but they performed exceptionally well for my needs—light Photoshop work, watching YouTube videos, and handling real-time data.
Additionally, the entire setup is highly portable, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a "digital nomad" arrangement. Therefore, if you're in the market for such a solution, Xebec's Snap should definitely be considered.
A mobile display specialist
Jumping right into portable monitors may seem like an unusual approach to exploring workstations, but after trying out the Xebec Snap, I've realized that in some cases, having more features can truly enhance the experience.
This arrangement may not suit everyone, naturally. If you require a truly large display, investing in a full monitor would be the way to go. However, even though Xebec is designed for those who are frequently traveling, I can definitely envision utilizing this setup in my home environment.
Given that I reside in a compact apartment with restricted desk space (and limited space overall), the idea of setting up a traditional, non-portable tri-screen arrangement seems quite overwhelming. Additionally, it could be visually unappealing since my desk is located in my bedroom.
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The Xebec Snap brings together all the benefits of multi-screen functionality, and if you're someone who, like me, prefers to keep your living area free of extra black screens, you can easily store them in the provided carrying case once you're finished using them.
In conclusion, the Xebec has truly broadened my perspective on portable multi-screen configurations, and I can't imagine returning to just a single screen setup.
Understandably, with all the benefits a workstation like this offers, the Snap is not exactly budget-friendly. The cost for a dual-screen configuration (with one monitor included) is $549. If you want both screens included, the price jumps to $99 — and that’s without any additional accessories. Below is a list of all the accessories available along with their prices.
- Xebec Snap Case 13" $79
- Snap Light $79
- Snap Stack-Up Mount $99
- Snap Wireless Phone Charger and Mount $49
While the Xebec Snap comes with a hefty price tag, which is arguably its main drawback, I believe that many individuals looking for a portable workstation will see significant value in it.
I may not typically lean towards workstations, but this practical (albeit somewhat expensive) configuration has potentially shifted my perspective.
