Portable Monitors

[Paul_Heery]

Anyone using a portable monitor for use with their laptop? I've been looking at them and think I could use at least one. I'd like to get the input of others regarding what they have been using and their experience with them.

At my desk, I have 4 monitors running off of my work system. When traveling, I find that I am far less productive using the single screen on my 13" Macbook Pro. The lack of screen real estate forces me to toggle back-and-forth between apps versus having multiple apps open on multiple screen.

However, most of the options that I am seeing for portable monitors have limited resolution. The majority are 15.6-inch IPS screens with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. I'd like to get something of this size that has a higher resolution.

I like most of the specs of the Asus ProArt PQ22UC, except for the form factor. This monitor is almost 22 inches wide and that puts it outside of what I would deem to be portable. Ideally, I'd like something 16 inches wide or less.

I only really need a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connection for the monitor. But, I would consider options that provide other ports as well.

What are others using for a portable monitor and what is your experience with them?

[flipper35]

We had a 1080p USB powered on for our admissions nurse that went on site to interview people. It was only 13" but fit in the bag with the laptop. For documents it worked well enough.

[MBAtarga]

I've never heard the term "portable" used to describe a monitor.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

I've never heard the term "portable" used to describe a monitor.

I've got a 17 inch USB powered portable monitor.

Weighs nothing and is the same dimensions as a 17 in laptop but thinner so slides right into the backpack with the PC.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Paul_Heery

Anyone using a portable monitor for use with their laptop? I've been looking at them and think I could use at least one. I'd like to get the input of others regarding what they have been using and their experience with them.

At my desk, I have 4 monitors running off of my work system. When traveling, I find that I am far less productive using the single screen on my 13" Macbook Pro. The lack of screen real estate forces me to toggle back-and-forth between apps versus having multiple apps open on multiple screen.

However, most of the options that I am seeing for portable monitors have limited resolution. The majority are 15.6-inch IPS screens with a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. I'd like to get something of this size that has a higher resolution.

I like most of the specs of the Asus ProArt PQ22UC, except for the form factor. This monitor is almost 22 inches wide and that puts it outside of what I would deem to be portable. Ideally, I'd like something 16 inches wide or less.

I only really need a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connection for the monitor. But, I would consider options that provide other ports as well.

What are others using for a portable monitor and what is your experience with them?

I stopped using my portable 17' monitor in favor of my iPad Pro and Sidecar.

[RWebb]

Apple wants to sell you a nice, fast MacBook with a 16" screen built in...

[tdw28210]

Yes. With my employer issued MS Surface. USB C powered (make sure you get the right flavor of cable) screen of roughly the same size. Works well. Got it from Bezos' outfit.

[cstreit]

I didn’t know that was a thing!

[jyl]

“Portable monitor” on Amazon turns up some choices, from monitors that stand alone to ones that clip onto your laptop and fold out. Here is a 4K choice: https://www.amazon.com/Corkea-3840×2160-Resolution-Touchscreen-Cellphone/dp/B08131MVGT/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=17+inch+portable+monitor+4k&pd_rd_r=fb7b1849-566f-4333-a447-e213605dffea&pd_rd_w=VbmJT&pd_rd_wg=wltNS&pf_rd_p=9ab5c07f-ecbc-469e-955f-4dd6d65646b8&pf_rd_r=6S53EDQNGKNXR3X1X5A8&qid=1601979925&sr=8-9

The iPad + Sidecar idea is interesting too.

I, too, have a hard time working with just one screen. I think it would be interesting to take two or three portable monitors, come up with a collapsing and slim stand, and have a multi monitor rig that could be quickly unfolded and set up in a hotel room etc.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by jyl

The iPad + Sidecar idea is interesting too.

Mostly because I always carry it anyway, it's untethered and touch enabled so I can use my pencil with it.