I‘ve been obsessed with computer hardware for over a decade. Monitors especially – ask me anything about LCD vs OLED or pixel response times!
So when portable monitors started gaining steam a few years ago, you bet I jumped on that trend. And I’m here to tell you, my friend, now is the time to get yourself one of these convenient mobile displays.
Why Portable Monitors Are Ditching Their Gimmicky Reputation
Remember original portable monitors from a decade ago? Mostly tiny 8-10” screens with murky image quality hardly better than your smartphone. They couldn’t hold a candle next to desktop monitors.
But in just a few short years, portable displays have started rivaling stationary ones:
- Resolution – 1440p and even stunning 4K portable monitors are common now
- Screen Size – You‘ll now find 15”, 17" and even huge 20” models
- Adoption – By 2025, over 18 million portable displays will ship annually
Forget novelty – portable monitors let you take an expansive screen anywhere while benefiting gaming, video chats, creativity, and productivity.
I’ll convince you why you should buy one in 2023 across 4 key use cases. But first, check the table below to see which benefits matter most based on your needs:
| Primary Use Case | Key Benefits of Portable Monitor |
|---|---|
| Mobile media enjoyment | – Larger screen than any phone or tablet – Match content creator intentions with higher resolutions and color accuracy |
| Boost productivity with laptops & mini PCs | – Add a second screen for easier multitasking – Extend workspace instantly by mirroring or extending displays |
| Flexible video calls and conferencing | – Larger screen enhances video chats – Better camera positioning for eye contact vs laptops |
| Gaming on the go | – Larger views than integrated laptop panels – Gaming features like fast response, HDR color and Adaptive Sync |
Mobile Media Soars on an Expansive Portable Screen
Tired of watching late night Netflix on a 6” phone or trying to critique your photos on a tablet? Modern portable monitors give you oversized real estate for more immersive mobile entertainment and creation.
Your smartphone probably sports a 2400 x 1080 or even 4K resolution display. Impressive yes – but pretty useless when it’s crunched onto a tiny screen. Portable monitors let you open up that resolution into a real panoramic display.
- Imagine watching the new Game of Thrones spinoff on a stunning 4K 15” portable monitor instead of squinting at your phone.
- Photo hobbyists can accurately review high res shots on bright panels covering 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB rather than a tablet.
When you want to deeply immerse in Netflix binges, mobile games or creations on the move, a portable monitor gives you a first class viewing experience.
Get More Done with Dual Monitor Portable Displays
If there’s one tried and true productivity hack, it’s using multiple monitors. Studies show a doubling in productivity when workers use two screens.
Portable monitors make it simple to add a second screen to cramped laptops. Road warriors are shocked by how much faster they tear through their workload when they connect an external display.
The same applies to tiny but surprisingly powerful mini PCs. Manufacturers cram desktop processors and graphics into compact boxes – perfect for portable computing but stranded with built-in displays barely larger than phones. A portable monitor completes the portable workstation.
- Assign secondary programs like Slack, Spotify and video calls to your external display
- Reduce tedious app tabbing by dedicating whole display spaces
- Reference materials on one screen while focusing writing efforts on the other
Dual monitor computing improves efficiency anywhere thanks to portable displays.
Rule Video Calls with a Portable Monitor‘s Flexibility
Cue the era of video calls replacing much in-person interaction. But crowding around a laptop makes for unpleasant meetups with friends or video conferences.
This is where portable monitors flex their advantages over desktops. Prop up the external monitor at eye level to regain that in-person feel lost with laptop webcams peering up your nose!
- Position external webcams at natural angles for better video calls
- See everyone clearly on a spacious 15”+ monitor
- Regain mobile flexibility since you aren’t chained to a desktop
Indeed, enterprise and consumers conducting over 164 million conference calls annually need flexible video solutions. Let easy positioned portable monitors enhance all your video interactions!
Gamers and Creators Rejoice Over Portable Monitor Power
Gaming graphics have come a shockingly long way in laptops in recent years thanks to NVIDIA RTX chips. But maxing modern titles on a 13” laptop screen fails to impress next to a sweeping 27” QHD desktop monitor.
That’s why portable monitors give mobile gamers the best of both worlds. Equip speedy refresh rates up to 240Hz, FreeSync and G-Sync for silky performance and connect the Type-C cable to laptops boasting RTX 3080 mobile chips.
- Experience AAA games like God of War Ragnarok as developers intended
- Get sharpness and accuracy for competitive online multiplayer titles
For creators editing photos, videos or 3D models on the move, portable monitors let you evaluations creative works with color critical clarity and screen space matching desktops. Whether gaming or crafting on trips or tight workspaces, portable USB-C monitors open unlimited potential.
Still Not Convinced? Just Look at These Awesome Portable Monitors…
Maybe I got a bit overenthusiastic there. But I really do think a portable display can enrich anyone‘s work or play.
If you‘re still wavering, just check out a few current portable monitors that might change your mind:
For Overall Value
ASUS ZenScreen 15.6” Portable USB Monitor
For $130, the ASUS ZenScreen brings:
- Sharp 15.6” IPS Full HD display
- Light 1.7 lb weight and thin 8mm profile
- 178° viewing angles with ASUS Eye Care
- Both USB-C and USB-A ports
ASUS builds a reliably well-constructed and specced display for an affordable price point.
For Maxing Out Productivity
LG Gram +View 16” Portable Monitor
If money isn‘t an obstacle, the $275 LG Gram +View offers some of the best technical chops:
- Gorgeous 16” WQXGA 2560 x 1600 resolution panel
- USB-C with 94W charging to power your laptop
- Vivid color from DCI-P3 99% color space coverage
- Super lightweight design at just 2.2 lb
With performance matching premium monitors, it’s built for maximum productivity.
Most Features Without Breaking Budgets
Acer PM161Q 15.6” Portable Monitor
If keeping costs low is important, the Acer PM161Q delivers respectable specs starting under $120:
- Nice and wide 15.6" IPS Full HD resolution
- Weighs just 1.6 lbs for true portability
- Good connectivity with USB-C, Mini HDMI and USB 3.0 ports
- Respectable 5 ms response time for casual gaming
The Acer PM161Q brings good portable monitor functionality if you‘re on a tight budget.
Best Portable 4K Monitor
UPERFECT Portable Touchscreen Monitor
Finally, for creative pros demanding maximum resolution, the UPERFECT 4K portable monitor is a fantastic choice in the $400 ballpark:
- Sharp 15.6" IPS panel rocking true 4K 3860 x 2160 resolution
- Vibrant color from 100% Adobe RGB coverage
- AMD FreeSync for smooth gaming up to 60 fps
- Strong metal alloy housing with 6H hardness protective glass
This portable monitor lets creative pros and gamers enjoy 4K clarity anywhere.
So, Let‘s Recap – Portable Monitors in 2023 Offer…
- Display sizes matching 15 to 17” desktop monitors
- Crisp QHD 1440p or even 4K resolutions
- Thin and lightweight designs under 2 lb for effortless transport
- Gaming features like fast refresh rates and FreeSync
- USB-C connectivity even powering your laptop
- Touchscreens, built-in batteries and smart cases on premium models
Whether you want more immersive entertainment, boost productivity and creative work, rule video calls or game on the move, portable displays empower your tech needs anywhere life takes you.
I travel a ton running my mobile IT consultancy – so portable monitors are absolute travel necessities in my kit. I hope walking through key use cases and monitor examples convinces you to grab one of these convenient mobile displays. They can enrich both work and play everywhere the road takes you.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
