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2023-01-03 12:32:11

Working with a laptop computer can be a challenge—especially if you need to multitask with multiple windows open once. But when you’re on-the-go, it isn’t practical to lug around a full-size monitor. This is where portable monitors come in: These external second screens are designed to be mobile and go where your laptop goes. The best portable monitors can dramatically increase your available screen real estate, which can improve your productivity without requiring the same weight or bulk as a dedicated monitor.

“Portable monitors are mainly aimed at business travelers looking for enhanced productivity while on the road,” notes Paul Gagnon, vice president and industry advisor on consumer technology at research firm The NPD Group. “But they can also have utility for hybrid workers or students not looking to invest in a dedicated home office setup for space or financial reasons.”

Portable monitors typically come in sizes that pair well with laptop computers—14 to 17 inches—and typically offer a baseline resolution of 1080 pixels. The larger you go in screen size or the more screens you add, the heavier your remote work setup will be. Some monitors stand apart with 2K or 4K resolution, a touchscreen display, a fast refresh rate, built-in speakers, or some combination of all four. There are many other considerations too, and we’ll help you navigate them all.

No matter which flavor of portable monitor you choose, these handy devices can help you do more in less space—wherever you may be. To guide you in your search, we’ve done the testing and research to narrow down the best portable monitors available right now.

The SideTrak Solo is a free-standing portable monitor, unlike most other models from this company that attach to your computer screen. The Solo is among the priciest models we’ve seen, but it also packs all of the features you could want in a monitor—with 4K resolution, a touchscreen and built-in speakers. It connects to your computer using a single cable and also has a built in blue light filter to help reduce eye strain.

The Newsoul MDS-15608 monitor comes in at a budget price, one of the lowest we’ve seen for adding a second screen to your setup—especially for a model with multiple inputs on the monitor itself. It displays content at 1920 x 1080 resolution, with a refresh rate of 60Hz and a 16:9 aspect ratio. This highly affordable monitor comes with a wall mount and a foldable screen cover that doubles as a stand for either horizontal or vertical use. The screen has a 178-degree viewing angle, making it useful for sharing what’s displayed on your screen with others—like a PowerPoint presentation.

The monitor connects to the laptop using a USB Type-C port for both power and imaging. It also has a second USB Type-C port and an OTG Micro-USB port for connecting additional peripherals. Its dual stereo speakers deliver 360-degree spatial audio, unusual for such a compact unit. Whether you use this monitor for everyday computing tasks, viewing photos or videos, or for playing games, it delivers a second screen at an attractive price.

Its 16:9 aspect ratio LED screen has an anti-glare coating to help with eyestrain, has a 178-degree viewing angle and is rated at a reasonably bright 300 nits. The adjustable base includes two USB 3.1 Type-C ports for connecting to your laptop. The monitor includes a protective sleeve to make it easier to take with you.

All portable monitors are, by definition, easy to tote around. But this Dell 14 Portable Monitor C1422H was designed to take portability to the next level. At a mere 1.3 pounds, it won’t add much weight to your travel bag. And at 14-inches, it pairs well with most 13- to 15.6-inch laptops, without adding the extra heft and bulk of a larger 15.6-inch portable monitor.

This screen also has a maximum brightness of 300 nits, brighter than some laptops and other portable monitors. To help prevent eye strain, it also has blue-light reduction built in. Without speakers or lots of ports, though, this monitor is all business, making it good for work but not play. It has just two USB Type-C ports, one on each side of the monitor’s adjustable base. The idea is that one port can be used to connect the monitor with your computer, while the other can be used to plug in a power adapter and utilize pass through power—both the computer and monitor simultaneously.

The Asus ZenScreen MB16AMT 15.6-inch display sets itself apart by having a built-in rechargeable battery inside its slim, two-pound chassis. This monitor offers 1,920 x 1,080 resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Also built in are two 1W internal speakers for stereo sound. The 7800mAh battery lasts for up to four hours per charge.

The monitor adapts automatically to horizontal or vertical orientation. Its touchscreen works with Windows, Android and Chrome OS. The certified flicker-free backlit screen also has blue light filtering. Together, these features work to mitigate eye fatigue. The included Smart Case protects the screen during transport. It folds out to create a multi-position tabletop stand.

The ViewSonic TD1655 is a 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor at one of the best prices of any similar model from major manufacturers. This pick is one of the few touchscreen monitors to work with both Macs and PCs, thanks to ViewSonic’s vTouch driver. This driver enables full touch and gesture control on the display when paired with macOS Big Sur, Catalina, Monterey or Ventura running on Intel, M1 or M2 chips. The touchscreen works without the driver on Windows 10 or newer computers with USB Type-C connectivity. While the monitor lacks its own built-in battery, it can either utilize your computer’s power supply or be plugged into an electrical outlet and power both the computer and monitor simultaneously.

The TD1655 has a 16:9 aspect ratio and comes with a screen cover and a built-in stand for use in either horizontal or vertical orientation. It also comes with a passive stylus for use on the in-cell capacitive LED touchscreen. The screen is flicker-free—with a blue light filter to reduce eyestrain. And it packs two 0.8 watt speakers, plus an impressive 250 nits of brightness.

Australian start-up Espresso Displays’ eponymous V2 model comes in 13- and 15.6-inch versions with a touchscreen, along with a 13-inch version without touch. Espresso’s prices are a bit more than some competitors, but all models share the same stylish design aesthetic, plus a bevy of features other portable monitors don’t have. Take the 15.6-inch touchscreen portable monitor, for example. It has a brushed aluminum and glass chassis and a super-slim (0.2-inch) design, with a 16:10 aspect ratio display and two USB Type-C ports. The maximum screen brightness is 300 nits.

This model works with a pressure-sensitive stylus, though the tool doesn’t come with monitor and costs an extra $79. However, the stylus supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity to closely mimic the feel of pen and pencil—making this a great choice for drawing or writing on screen. Other optional accessories include a choice of stands, the coolest one being the espressoStand, a $69 foldable magnetic stand for mounting the monitor for vertical or horizontal viewing. Last but not least, this pick is versatile. The Espresso comes with its own software, called Duet, allowing you to use the touchscreen on both Mac and PC laptops.

While this is a smaller size display than most, the SideTrak Swivel’s design is very different from other portable monitors. This 12.5-inch monitor has a magnetic mounting frame to attach the screen to your laptop’s existing display. It then pulls out from behind the screen when needed. This approach makes it extremely easy to transport and ensures both displays are at the same height. You can manually adjust the SideTrack’s viewing angle, or rotate the monitor 360 degrees. If you’re looking for some detachment, the Swivel’s collapsible mounting frame also allows the monitor to stand on its own using a built-in kickstand.

This version of the SideTrak Swivel Portable Monitor is compatible with Windows or Mac laptops, with a built-in display between 13 inches and 17 inches. It is not, however, compatible with Microsoft Surface devices that have their own kickstand, or with many 2-in-1 laptops whose screens may be contorted in different positions. The 16:9 monitor’s refresh rate is 50Hz (most portable monitors are at 60Hz), but its brightness is higher than others, at a maximum of 300 nits. The unit comes with the mounting plates needed to attach it safely and securely to your computer.

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2 uses a mounting frame to attach two slide-out 10.1-inch displays to the back of your laptop’s existing screen. Each Xebec display slides out from behind your laptop—one on each side of your laptop’s display—thus creating a highly portable three-display work area. Installing these two monitors and its bracket requires the supplied frame clamps, but nothing extra, like magnets or glue.

For less than $200, you can easily connect this Lepow C2S portable monitor to your laptop computer and benefit from an additional 15.4 inch screen. You get 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. The display weighs a mere 1.6 pounds and utilizes a built in (adjustable) kick stand that allows it to be positioned horizontally or vertically. The 178-degree viewing angle means you don"t need to be positioned directly in front of the monitor to see what’s displayed. Meanwhile, the dual built-in speakers generate stereo sound, although there’s also a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting headphones.

The LG Gram + View 16-Inch is one of the few portable monitors with a 2K (2,560 x 1,600 pixel) resolution display. This monitor produces crisper images than a typical 1080p display can, and it does so in vibrant color thanks to its 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, a common measure of color in the film industry and a great reason to use this display for viewing movies and TV. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and 170-degree viewing angle.

With a 16:10 aspect ratio display, the Gram + View weighs just 1.5 pounds, making it surprisingly light for a 16-inch screen. The included folio cover can be used as stand in landscape or portrait orientation—handy if you want to view documents in full length, for example. This monitor has two USB Type-C ports, but it lacks an HDMI port to easily connect a console-based gaming system. It also lacks built-in speakers, so you’ll need to rely on your laptop’s sound or bring a portable Bluetooth speaker.

Beyond the portable monitors on our list above, other models abound—albeit many are from less established or unknown brands. If your goal is to find a portable monitor and save money in the process, we found these money-saving deals available now.

When selecting a portable monitor, consider how and where you expect to use the device. These details help determine your resolution and screen size requirements, as well as whether an attached screen might be a better choice.

Consider the overall size and weight of the monitor, especially if you expect to carry it along with your laptop when on the road. Smaller screen sizes are lighter than larger ones, by nature. An attached monitor may make sense for its smaller and lighter size. It also conveniently attaches to your laptop’s screen, so you can carry everything as one unit.

As a secondary monitor used for multitasking, you may find a smaller size display will accommodate your work habits and need for extra portability. Meanwhile, if your work requires photo editing, writing, drawing or annotating, choosing a second monitor with a touchscreen display will be likely be beneficial.

Many portable monitors rely on your laptop’s power, unless they come with their own built-in battery. Some monitors have a second USB Type-C port, through which you can attach your own power source. If you’re using a monitor powered by your laptop, then expect your laptop’s battery charge to run low faster. And the monitor will drain power faster still if it’s 4K, since higher resolution displays require more power. Power might be one reason brightness suffers on a portable monitor, so we advise looking for monitors with an LED backlight for a brighter display that’s usable in a well-lit environment.

This is display panel technology used by monitors to produce better colors and widen the display’s effective viewing angle. Especially if you"ll be playing games, viewing graphic or video-based content, or working with high-resolution digital images, look for a monitor using IPS. At the same time, beware lower-cost models that use less capable display technologies.

While some portable monitors have two tiny, low-powered speakers built-in, chances are the speakers built into your computer offer higher-quality audio. For the best audio experience, consider using headphones or wireless earbuds with noise cancellation, as opposed to relying on the audio that some of these portable monitors can generate. Check out our picks for the best wireless headphones and earbuds.

All non-touchscreen portable monitors can work with a Mac or a PC. Some models can work with other operating systems, such as ChromeOS or Linux, so double check the specs if you want to use the monitor with one of those operating systems. Touchscreen portable monitors are a bit trickier. All support have Windows, but only some support additional operating systems—including ChromeOS and Android. If you want to use the monitor with a Mac, look specifically for monitors with a dedicated driver or software to enable touch on the Mac. ViewSonic, Espresso and SideTrak all come with some variation of Mac software.Use your Apple iPad as a second screen for your MacBook or iMac thanks to the SideCar feature.Apple

Portable monitors are small, compact, and lightweight computer screens designed to be connected to your laptop computer to greatly expand the on-screen real estate available to run your favorite applications.

Most portable monitors rely on your laptop computer’s battery power to function—requiring just one cable to link it with your computer. This option will reduce your laptop computer’s battery life between charges. However, some portable monitors have their own built-in rechargeable battery. All are easy to transport and will likely fit within your existing laptop case, briefcase, or carry-on bag.

The best portable monitors come in a wide range of sizes. The size you choose is a matter of personal preference and should be based on your work habits and needs, as well as how much you want to spend.The SideTrak portable monitor attaches to the back of your laptop computer"s existing screen and ... [+]provides a second screen.SideTrak

Some portable monitors are extremely compact and provide an extra 12- to 14-inch display, although it’s more common for a portable monitor to offer at least a 15.6-inch display. A few displays go up to 17 inches. Displays larger still are more cumbersome to travel with and typically need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to function, making them less portable and more like a smaller desktop monitor.

As for thickness, most portable monitors are less than 0.5 inches and the monitors themselves weigh less than two pounds. Most come with a travel case or cover—making them very easy to transport with your laptop computer. Of course, this varies based on the screen size and model you choose.

A portable monitor adds screen real estate, either doubling or tripling your screens (if you get a multi-screen model as from Xebec). This makes multitasking much easier—allowing you to view multiple applications at once. The extra screen space can be particularly useful if you’re using a laptop computer that has a smaller built-in display, such as a 13-inch ultraportable laptop.

It all comes down to what you use your computer for, whether being able to multitask is important to you and how much physical space you have to set up your equipment on a desk or flat surface. Most people discover that having two or even three screens can be extremely beneficial to increasing their productivity and making their workflow easier. However, not everyone needs a 4K resolution portable monitor or one that’s 15-inches or larger. You’ll typically save money going with a smaller display that offers 1080p resolution.

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If you"re looking for the best portable monitor for laptop use and you"re on a budget, consider the Lepow Z1. It"s a very basic 15-inch 1080p monitor with great text clarity thanks to the relatively small screen and high pixel density. It has good reflection handling, so glare generally isn"t an issue with a few lights around, but its peak brightness is disappointing. It has great connectivity, with a Mini HDMI port for older devices and a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. You can power the device from a wall adapter instead of putting an extra power drain on your laptop"s battery.

However, the reason it"s cheaper than the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 and other monitors mentioned is that it doesn"t have the best picture quality. Although this is what you should expect from a low-cost monitor, it can"t even display the wide range of colors needed in SDR and has disappointing out-of-the-box accuracy, so it"s best to use it as a secondary display to keep a few tabs open for messages and emails. The Lepow Z1 Gamut is a similar monitor that costs just a bit more and displays a wider range of colors, but it still has disappointing color accuracy.

usb powered monitor touch screen free sample

It isn’t a cheap monitor that mirrors and distorts your device’s screen. It’s the first smart monitor that allows you to customize your workspace from anywhere. Adjust volume, brightness, and other settings to calibrate to your level of comfort.

usb powered monitor touch screen free sample

If you are traveling somewhere or just want to give the kids some entertainment while driving in the car, portable monitors are available to play TV or recorded videos for you. eBay offers different sizes and types of portable monitors for each situation and need.What are some alternative uses of portable monitors?

Besides being a handy device when it comes to traveling and entertainment, the portable monitor can also be used to boost productivity. You can use it as an additional monitor when working on the computer instead of adding a new computer. All you need is a USB cable to connect it to the existing computer to use the second screen to your advantage.What are the important features of portable monitors?

The most important features of such a monitor are:Resolution: Resolutions can vary. The lowest resolutions are usually around 1366 x 768 and the highest can reach 1920 x 1080. Depending on what you need the screen for, you will choose a specific one. For example, if you are using the monitor to watch streaming content, you will need a high resolution. Gaming also requires high resolution. For browsing the internet, a lower-resolution monitor will be fine.

Connector: All monitors have a USB 3.0 connector to connect to the main computer. For those that are working with newer technologies, a USB Type-C port connector is also desirable. For those that want to use the monitor for gaming, an HDMI port will also be required.

Built-in-stand: The stand is needed for the monitor, and most monitors have a built-in one. A good PVC stand will ensure that the monitor stands upright for a long time without tipping over.What are some other features to consider?

Portable monitors have the same curvature of the screen, refresh rate, and maximum resolution for the most part. The things that differentiate them are:Weight: The weight of the screen depends on the number of features that it has. A heavy portable device can be hard to carry for a longer amount of time. That is why the perfect balance between features and weight must be considered.

Auto-rotation: Those that want to use their screens for multiple purposes will prefer the auto-rotating screen that can be both horizontal and vertical for different tasks.

Durability: Durability is an important aspect of a portable monitor since it is constantly being carried around. The stands of portable monitors can be used as a protective sleeve for the main corpus of the monitor. Purchasing a separate protector is also a good advice for those that are constantly testing the limits of the monitor"s strength. This can, however, make the device a little heavier, so it is a matter of choice and weighing out the pros and cons of purchasing a protector

usb powered monitor touch screen free sample

Science fiction has always served as a window into a potential future, namely in the way of technology. But what was once regulated to episodes of Star Trek is quickly becoming the stuff of reality. Many fixtures of these kinds of shows and books have begun to inspire real-life counterparts, including - but not limited to - touchscreen technology.

One only has to look at how far cell phones have come since their inception. Physical keyboards, like those from BlackBerry, gave people about as much of a solution as is possible for those who found themselves doing more on the devices as they became more advanced. Where tactile options came up short, touchscreens graciously stepped up to bat, providing a much fuller experience. This kind of functionality then spread to tablets, which are considered by many to be rivals of laptops and even standard PCs.

While there are still some things that are best done on a desktop computer, that does not change the fact that many users find themselves longing for the same abilities on their PCs afforded by many of their mobile devices. This is what helped breed the touchscreen monitor market, which has many viable options for people seeking the best of both worlds. With stronger computing power and a finer ability to control actions occurring in the screen, users can get more work done in new and exciting ways.

Traditionally, computer mice are what have allowed us to "touch" in a virtual context, but touchscreen monitors are changing all that. It might be said that the reason that mice were used in the first place was because the technology had not evolved to a responsive enough level to enable that natural solution. Now that people have the touchscreen technology, they want it everywhere.

If one thing is for certain, it is that the burgeoning adoption of touchscreen technology is no fad. Proliferation has already come too far to turn back now, and computer manufacturers are taking notice. Everyone is trying to get a piece of the action, including ELO Touch Solutions, Laiputuo Electronics, Planar, HP, 3M, Touch Systems, ViewSonic, Dell and ACER as well. Getting into the touchscreen monitor game is a no-brainer for the companies involved in this generation of computing. With so many different applications made for touchscreen monitors, options exist for all sorts of interested parties.

Touchscreen monitors are becoming the new standard in both private and enterprise settings. Here are some of the ways they can be leveraged effectively for business: touchscreen monitors for workstations, touchscreen monitors for hospitals, and touchscreen monitors for POS systems.

Newegg offers a large selection of touchscreen monitors which vary according to the type from 5-wire Resistive touchscreen monitors, and Accu Touch touchscreen monitors, to Capacitive touchscreen monitors, and more. Newegg’s wide selections will definitely meet your needs.

usb powered monitor touch screen free sample

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