So you’ve discovered portable PC monitors! For a long time, I had no idea these cool displays even existed – until I saw a client bring one during a meeting and used it for her presentation. Got my mind blown right there! But now that I’m thinking of buying one, it’s probably a good time to weigh my pros and cons.
Yes, I can use a portable monitor to work anywhere. But so can my laptop. Read on if portable monitors are a worthy investment (or not):
PROS of Portable Monitors
The benefits of portable monitors include:
- Because portable monitors are supposed to be lugged around wherever you go, manufacturers build it with higher-quality but lightweight materials to make them durable.
- Portability. Portable monitors are designed to be…well, portable, so most of them are super lightweight and easy to carry around. I’ve seen it used in conventions, exhibitions, meetings, and other on-field locations.
- Ease of setup.You don’t need to have technical know-how to assemble and set-up your portable monitor. You just need to connect it to your chosen device (where it would get its power) and arrange it onto a sturdy stand.
- Energy-efficient. Portable monitors are powered by USB, which doesn’t have to be plugged in, so you’re not wasting power as you connect it to your laptop, smartphone or any other device.
- Sleek design with built-in features. Because manufacturers of portable monitors keep the weight down, most displays have thin bezels, sleek frames and an ergonomic design. They also usually come with built-in pop-up stands, so there is no need for additional stands.
- Space-saving design: They also don’t take up too much space, which means storing them is not like storing a TV or traditional monitor. It is more like storing a laptop or a big-sized tablet.
- Multiple outputs: Conventional desktop monitors are only equipped with one or two outputs. Portable monitors let you add up to six devices, or 14 (if you’re using Windows Multipoint Server).
CONS of Portable Monitors
I’m sure the price of portable monitors will decrease in the future when more and more people decide to buy one. But for now, the biggest problem of portable monitors is the price – they’re simply not affordable yet (especially when compared to desktop monitors). As such, only a small market is able to enjoy its benefits.
Who are portable monitors for?
Anyone who needs a monitor could benefit from a portable monitor. But these devices are more ideal for people in need of multi-screen setups or someone who travels for presentations, seminars, or exhibitions regularly.
Portable monitors are also perfect for people who are looking for a device more powerful than a tablet, but lighter than a laptop. More specifically, these monitors would help in:
- Improving one’s productivity: Using a portable monitor as a second monitor gives users a bigger real estate (work space), which in turn improves productivity. If you’re in a field where you need to look at data all the time (such as stock market or analytics), the second monitor could provide you with a quick display of all your needed information, while you work on your main monitor.
- Providing a Bigger Preview screen for cameras and video cams. For photographers and videographers, a portable monitor could serve as their gadget’s preview screen (instead of the tiny built-in preview display on their cameras). Using portable monitors allows these professionals to look at details at higher quality.
- Scaling up your Mobile Device content. The cool thing about portable monitors is that you can use them with your smartphone. Need to read a document but find the display of your phone extremely small? Connect it to your portable monitor to enlarge it and prevent your eyes from straining.
- Keeping you entertained everywhere. Flying from one country to the next, but don’t want to be left watching the airline’s movie-of-the-hour? Having a portable monitor gives you control over your choice of movie or game in full size. This means you no longer have to force yourself from watching on your phone’s tiny screen.
HP, Lenovo, AOC, ASUS and GeChic are some popular brands with portable monitors, but do note that you’ll only have two options when it comes to the resolutions available for current models: HD (High Definition) and FHD (Full High Definition).
Aside from checking the price versus your budget, you should also take into consideration a few factors when buying portable monitors. For example, the portable monitor should be compatible with your existing devices (check your laptop, phone, camera, and so on).
Connectivity is another big consideration. Almost all have USB ports built in, but if you need HDMI or VGA ports as well, best to check which brand has them first.
If you can afford it, portable monitors could open your world up to many possibilities.
