Nanovision is to launch a range of miniature monitors in the UK in December, enabling users to add a dedicated second display for key applications such as email or instant messaging.

The Nanovision MiMo monitors are 7in LCD screens that connect to a USB port rather than a computer's standard video output, and are designed to serve as supplementary displays to a main monitor.

Based on DisplayLink's USB technology, the screens are ideal for dedicating a visual workspace to applications that are used at a glance, such as instant messaging and calendars, according to Nanovision.

"Fun applications are always within view, while reserving your main screens to the productivity task at hand," said DisplayLink chief executive Hamid Farzaneh.

The devices, priced between £70 and £90, include the UM-710 with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels, the UM-730 with videophone functionality, and the touch-screen UM-750.

DisplayLink's USB display technology is also used in standard-sized monitors to enable up to six extra monitors to be connected to a Windows PC.