Samsung has launched a dual-monitor display with a twist: one of the monitors is a digital picture frame.

The package, called the 2263DX, bundles a 22in monitor and a 7in 800x480 LED backlit digital picture frame for £269.99. A crane arm keeps the monitors attached to each other physically, with two rotating pivots so the 7in monitor can be placed above or to the side of the bigger display in a landscape or portrait orientation.

A stripped down version of Displaylink provides the video stream to the 7in monitor. Displaylink uses USB for the video stream, rather than VGA or DVI, which ensures all buyers can install the dual-screen setup regardless of graphics card setup (see our Samsung UX940 review for more Displaylink info).

The digital picture frame is supposed to be used for instant messaging clients like AIM and MSN, leaving the full main-monitor area for everything else.

PCW’s Editor summed up one school of thought when this concept was originally announced a few weeks ago: manufacturers are struggling to sell bigger monitors because 22in at your desk is usually more than enough. And a 7in mini-screen gimmick is a way of pushing up sales - and the price.

It should be on sale in Currys’ stores soon.