The best portable monitors today greatly helps for productivity. It does not take too much space yet provides another screen for different tasks. Be it for spreadsheets, word processing, or gaming, it will boost productivity.
There are times when an extra monitor can help. One monitor can work as the main task, while a secondary monitor is used for a different window. The best portable monitors can do most of the tasks with the advantage of carrying it around.
Gone are the days when portable monitors are sluggish with a low-resolution display. Here are some of the best portable monitors available.
1. ViewSonic TD2230
The ViewSonic TD2230 has a large 22-inch display with an IPS Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution. It is not as easy to carry around due to its size. But, the touch screen input makes it an excellent display for trades shows.
At US$280[AU$428], the TD2230 brings a lot of value to the table. It has great viewing angles—thanks to the IPS panel.
It goes up to 250 nits, which is perfect for indoor use. This monitor has a 14ms response time. It is slow for gaming but perfect for productivity.
Connectivity is abundant. It has an HDMI, display port and VGA for graphics input. There is also two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio input, and another 3.5mm jack for audio output. The connection to the PC is done through the USB-B port.
Due to its size, 5V USB cannot power the monitor alone. It needs to run through an AC adapter. The good thing is the included power brick is not too large.
Other features include a VESA mount, a built-in kickstand, and a built-in speaker. Though do not expect that these speakers will sound great.
It weighs 7.9 pounds which is on the heavy side. But it is thin enough at 5.1 inches thick for easy traveling. However, these dimensions are still too big to be considered the perfect ultraportable monitor.
2. NexiGo PM4K15
This monitor is fairly new to the market but the features included make it a worthy option. The NexiGo PM4K15 has a 15.6-inch 4K IPS display making it a great option for a workstation monitor.
There is a speaker included. Plus, there are a lot of power and connectivity options.
Speaking of connectivity, it connects through HDMI or USB-C. There is also a USB-PD port included. This means that a laptop or phone charger with a power delivery option can power up this device.
The on-board speakers are enough to fill a large room. But for its size, it is not at par with a dedicated speaker.
However, the included smart cover is a nice addition. It serves as a stand and adds protection when in travel.
If portability is a priority, then this display is a contender. It is light and the display is crisp.
3. Asus Zenscreen Go MB16AP
For the ultimate portable monitor, the Asus Zenscreen Go is the best option. It has a built-in 7,800mAh battery for on the go usage. There is even a screen cover that also serves as a stand included.
The Zenscreen Go uses a Full HD IPS panel. Asus included its proprietary eye care which features a blue light filter and flicker reduction.
However, it can only go up to 220 nits, which is not bad for indoor use. But once the ambient light is too high, the monitor has a hard time keeping up.
Asus went with the Apple route in terms of connectivity. It relies on a single USB-C connection. But it includes a power adapter, USB-C display port cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter.
At $300 it is pricey. But considering that Asus is a reputable monitor brand, one can expect top-notch quality with this monitor.
4. HP EliteDisplay S14
The HP EliteDisplay S14 uses a Full HD IPS panel as well. It has a smaller footprint though with only 14 inches of real estate.
Features are limited on this device. But, all the necessities are included. It has a USB-C connection for power and data. The feature set only includes on-screen controls and a blue light mode. But that’s about it.
In terms of brightness, it is the lowest on the list with only 200 nits. But, the viewing angles are great up to 178 degrees.
Connectivity is limited to the USB-C port. There are no extra bells and whistles such as speakers, touch input, or extra video output.
This device is great for games such as MOBAs, but first-person shooters may suffer from the 60Hz max refresh rate.
The device is quite a price at $370. There are more affordable options such as the Zenscreen Go. However, if the EliteDisplay is the only monitor available, then it is not a bad purchase.
The best portable monitors available today cater to different markets. The HP EliteDisplay works best for productivity and light gaming.
Images used courtesy of Tarn Nguyen/Unsplash, Viewsonic, Asus & Nexigo/Amazon, HP