A portable monitor is a device that allows you to connect your computer to it and use the screen of the monitor as an additional screen for your computer. This can be helpful if you are working on a project and need more screen space, or if you want to show someone else what is on your computer screen.
In this article, we are going to explain some of the most basic information about portable monitors you should know. Hopefully, you’ll learn a bit more about this gadget.
What are the benefits of using a portable monitor?
There are many benefits to using a portable monitor. First and foremost, it could make you more productive by allowing you to have more screen space for work or play purposes. If you are working on a project, the extra screen space could come in handy for having more tools open at one time.
For example, perhaps you need to have your word processor and design software open while looking up an image of the logo you are designing. Having this extra screen real estate would allow you to do that without minimizing any programs or windows.
In the gaming world, some games are stretching the limits of computer graphics capabilities, but require much more space to show off all that they have to offer.
So, if you wanted to play these types of games with larger screen space, you could connect your computer to a portable monitor for this purpose.
Read also: 10 Best Portable Monitors for Macbook Pro
What are the different types of portable monitors?
There are two types of portable monitors. The first type is simply a smaller computer monitor that you can connect your laptop or another computing device to. These usually come with an HDMI port and can be plugged into devices that support this port, such as TVs and computers.
The other type is made up of tablets which double as monitors. There are currently only a few tablets on the market which function this way, such as the Microsoft Surface and Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro.
These can also be connected via an HDMI port and allow you to switch screen options just like any other monitor would.
How much is a portable monitor?
A portable monitor can also be a great investment if you are a freelancer or run a business from your computer. You will have to pay between $90 and $200 for a basic screen, depending on how many features it has.
What should I look for when buying a portable monitor?
There are many different portable monitors available, and the best option for you will depend on what features you need. Some things to look at include:
Resolution: This is the number of pixels that make up your monitor. The higher the resolution, the crisper and easier to see images will be.
Screen size: If you are using your portable monitor in a small space or on a plane, look for one with a screen size under 15 inches.
Portability: Many models are lightweight and slim, making them easy to take with you on the go.
Power source: Some portable monitors can be plugged into a wall outlet for power, while others must be plugged into your computer.
Touch screen: This feature allows you to interact with an image or text on your monitor using your finger or a stylus. Touch screens are great for presentations because you can point out information without having to use a separate device.
Why are portable monitors so expensive?
Perhaps one of the biggest deterrents for most from buying a portable monitor is its relatively steep price point. But why is it so expensive?
First of all, portable monitors are designed to be as light and compact as possible without compromising performance. It also needs to highly efficient in energy consumption.
They’re usually powered only by a single USB cable. This means that the tiny cable needs to provide enough electricity to power up the screen and software.
Perhaps a less obvious reason for their high price is became they’re not the go-to device for extra screen. Often, people would choose to get another monitor or tablet.
Read also: 10 Best Drawing Tablets with Screen
What is the largest portable monitor?
There are various sizes for portable monitors, but the most common ones are 13.3, 15.6, and 17.3 inches. You should think about what you’re going to use it for and how compact do you need it to be.
A bigger monitor is better for streaming videos or gaming on-the-go. But note that it will also be heavier and less convenient to carry in your bag.
As far as we are aware, the largest possible portable monitor that you can buy in the market right now is 17.3 inches. You might want to check out the AOC e1759Fwu and Cocopar Z173FH7F if you’re looking for larger sizes.
What can you do with a portable monitor?
There are many uses of a portable monitor, depending on your job and what you need it for. This versatility is why this electronic appliance is well-loved among different types of people.
The most common use of a portable monitor is to have a dual-screen set up anytime and anywhere. Many computer-based jobs which often require a multiple monitor setup isn’t very mobile, but portable monitors are the solution.
You can also keep your kids entertained in the backseat during road trips. Simply connect the monitor to your phone and let them watch videos, while you can still control what to play.
Similarly, you can easily show friends or colleagues anything on your portable monitor while you’re working on your main laptop. They can read your documents, see photos or watch films without interrupting your work.
Another fun thing you can do with your portable monitor is to use it as a larger screen display for your smartphone games. There are many ways to connect your phone to the monitor, and you can also use an external controller for a full gameplay experience.
It’s an excellent way to play games while traveling too.
How do I connect my laptop to a portable monitor?
Connecting your laptop to a portable monitor is simple and straightforward. Most of them are equipped with a USB port and this is the most common way you can connect it to your laptop or computer.
Usually it’s a USCB-C connection, while some also comes with a mini HDMI for more vivid images and high-definition. This process will be even easier if your laptop uses Windows.
All you need to do is to plug in the USB cable from your monitor to your screen. If the monitor doesn’t come with a cable, you can easily buy it online.
Next, install the monitor drivers on your laptop. Once that’s completed, you can select the second screen option on your laptop depending on what you need.
This setting can be suitable for watching films, presentation or even having an extended screen. You can even connect multiple portable monitors to your laptop, although you would probably need to buy additional cables for the USB or HDMI port.
Conclusion
Overall, a portable monitor can be a versatile and useful device to have. Whether you’re an office worker or every day gamer, you might want to consider getting one of these. After all, an extra monitor screen could never hurt anyone, right?