Modos Flow Turns E-Ink Into a 13.3″ 3K Portable Monitor Worth Using Every Day

Long sessions in front of conventional LCD monitors can leave you with tired eyes and a throbbing headache. The Modos Flow aims to change that by combining the convenience of paper with the speed of doing serious work on a computer. This 13.3-inch portable display delivers excellent text and images with a smooth motion that will have many individuals switching to it from their primary laptop screen when they need to focus.

The screen has a 3200 by 2400 pixel display in black and white mode, resulting in a very crisp 300 pixels per inch. When you turn to colour, the resolution decreases to 1600 by 1200 with a less sharp 150 pixels per inch, but it still appears good for most documents and online pages. They also have a built-in frontlight that allows you to adjust the brightness and color to match the room you’re in without causing glare. Furthermore, it works well in direct sunlight since the reflecting surface does not bleach out like glossy LCD screens.

The refresh rate is 60 frames per second with fewer than 100 milliseconds of lag, which is fairly standard for a typical monitor but is really fast for an e-ink panel. You can also choose from four different viewing modes based on what you’re doing. Browsing mode prevents webpages from being disorganized and having excessive ghosting. Typing mode sharpens everything up, allowing you to focus on your work. Watching mode handles video playback better than some previous e-ink panels, although it still has limitations with fast-paced action. Reading mode simply prioritises contrast and lowers the noise surrounding your text.

You can use the touchscreen directly on the surface, but if you need something more precise, a stylus is provided for notes and annotations. You also get two USB-C ports that handle power and video, but firmware updates are expected to reduce the number of cables to one. The device works with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux laptops right out of the box, and it consumes significantly less power than a laptop screen, which should help you save battery life.

The monitor is constructed of metal, so it feels substantial and sturdy, but it only weighs about 700 grams without the cover. The cover is also quite flexible and may be used as a stand, as well as folded flat for transport. If you want to install it to your desk or a monitor arm, you can utilize the VESA mounting holes in the back. You’ll also find three buttons on the side that allow you to quickly modify the brightness, contrast, and mode with a short press or a longer hold.

Crowdfunding is set to begin soon on Kickstarter, following the success of their last Modos Paper Monitor development kit. If you are an early backer, you may view the pledge options on the campaign page to find out when you can expect to get one. Price is yet to be confirmed, however it should be relatively comparable to other portable monitors on the market.
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