When I google portable monitors, there're pages from PCMAG, RTINGS, NYMAG, TECHRADAR, which give the best portable monitor ranking list. However, best monitor is not best for everyone. You maybe still confused on how to choose a portable monitor to meet your needs.
That's why I write this article to make it clear what the portable monitor is, what the advavange is and how to get one best for you.
What is a portable monitor?
Portable monitors are small, thin and lightweight monitors monitors which can be carry around.Almost all portable monitors have HDMI(or mini HDMI) and full-featured USB Type-C port.
Most portable monitors are made of IPS panel, few of them are QLED, QLED and IGZO. The size of the portable monitors is usually between 13.3-inch and 17.3-inch. 15.6inch is the most popular model.
What are portable monitors good for?
The desktop monitor are big, heavy and hard to be moved around. They have to be plugged into an outlet. Compared to the desktop monitors, here're the advantages of portable monitors.
Save Desktop Space, Easy Storage
If the space of your desktop and room is compact, a portable monitor would be a good choic, when you need to use it, even a very small desktop can put it. When you don't need to use it, you can just put the monitor in the drawer or any corner. Especially for students, the small space of the dormitory is particularly suitable for the use of portable monitors.
Can be put into backpack, friendly for on-the-go working
For people who need to travel a lot, portable monitors can easily fit inside a suitcase, backpack or computer bag. You can easily take it on trains, planes, cafes and hotels. The screen is fragile, so be careful not to let heavy objects press on top of the screen when storing it. Adding an external monitor to the laptop are great for one-on-one presentations.
Low power consumption, no socket required
Ordinary 1080P portable display, power consumption of only 10-15W, many laptops, rechargeable batteries can power the display. When you need to use the monitor in places like outdoor, camping which has no charging socket, portable monitor is the best choice. There are also portable monitors with built-in battery, so that the monitor can be used without external power supply.
What is a portable monitor used for?
Portable monitors are an easy way to extend a laptop screen or increase the display size for a mobile device. People also use it for console or PC gaming, just plug and play. Here's the list of the devices compatibe with portable monitors.
- Computer Display for PC host, Mini PC, Mac Mini, Single-board Computers like Raspberry Pi 4
- Gaming Monitor for Consoles, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch
- Second Screen for Laptops, Notebooks with Windows, iMac and MacBook with MacOS and Samsung Smartphone with Android
- Monitor for ChromeCast, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku Streaming Stick, DSLR, DVR, NVR