Why buy a portable monitor? For starters, they are becoming a popular way to work on the go. There is an unmistakable benefit to extended screen space when it comes to working on your laptop or even converting a smartphone into a computer. But there are so many other portable monitor uses ranging from one-on-one presentations to improving the readouts on specialized devices.

Learn more about portable monitors below or explore ViewSonic Workspace Solutions. For a high-quality portable display, check out the VG1655 or get a touchscreen version with the TD1655.

A portable monitor can be a great addition to either a mobile work solution or a lean desktop setup. They are a great way to extend a laptop screen or scale up a mobile device. With the right features, they can both boost productivity and improve the entertainment experience.

But it’s important to know what you’re getting into to get the right portable display for you. What features do you need? What will you be using it for? There are a lot of questions to answer.

So Why Buy a Portable Monitor?

If you’ve already decided to get a portable monitor, you know exactly why you want it. But for anyone still wondering what all the hype is about, there’s a lot to love about portable monitors.

In essence, people want to increase the screen space they have to work with. Use cases range from work and study to gaming and other entertainment. Portable monitors are an easy way to extend a laptop screen or increase the display size for a mobile device. And they are obviously a whole lot more portable than a desktop monitor, which makes them a great option for a tech-savvy person who needs more display real estate on the go.

Want one for yourself? Continue reading about what to look for in a good portable monitor.

The Best Portable Monitor Features for You

Just like with any device, not all portable monitors are the same. However, there are certain features that you should absolutely look for when finding the right portable monitor for you.

• Size is a major consideration for portable monitors. Many are bigger than standard laptop screens, but it’s important to remember what you’ll be using the second screen for. Is it meant to be a second screen for the kids in the car? Smaller and more portable may work better for you. Are you editing photos or videos away from your desk? Then a big (and higher quality) screen may be what you’re looking for.
• Weight is also a consideration if you’re going to be carrying your second screen around with you. A pound or two (or a few hundred grams) may not seem like much until you must take it on an eight-hour hike to your mountaintop photo shoot.
• Screen quality matters big time. If all you’re looking to do is watch Netflix or impromptu one-on-one meetings, then you might not need 4K resolution. If you’re going to be sifting through hundreds of lines of code or editing media, then you’re probably going to want a high-resolution IPS portable monitor.
• Orientation control is very valuable in a portable monitor, especially for photo editing and coding. By turning the monitor from landscape to portrait, you make it easier to see the whole photo you’re working on. Or use it to quickly scan long blocks of code immediately. There’s even a good chance that your desktop monitor doesn’t have this feature (unless it has good ergonomic design), which could make a portable monitor part of your regular workstation.
• Connectivity is probably the most important feature. After all, what good is a portable monitor you can’t plug into your devices? And while it may be helpful to have HDMI or DisplayPort compatibility, the most relevant is a USB-C connection. Able to transfer both power and data, USB-C is a must for your portable monitor. Learn more about USB-C and how it compares to other monitor ports.
• Touchscreen input is also nice to have (and a common feature in many portable monitors), especially if you plan to use it to supplement creative work or collaborate in small teams. Combined with digital whiteboarding software, it becomes a multi-purpose tool for creating, modifying, and presenting content yourself or as part of a team.

6 Portable Monitor Uses

Broadly speaking, a portable monitor does everything a standard desktop monitor does. It just isn’t tied to a single location. However, there are a few use cases where a portable monitor is the only viable solution. Here are a few:

Improved Productivity

According to the Graziadio Business Review, there are at least three ways increased screen size improves productivity. They include increased insights into data, more time for primary tasks, and decreased user stress levels. And while this study looked at monitor size, it’s safe to assume that it applies to going from smartphone to portable monitor.

If one screen is used for work and the other for communicating, you save a significant amount of time that was previously wasted on task switching. There are almost certainly diminishing returns on adding more screens, but there is an unmistakable improvement in workflow with more screen real estate.

Preview Screen for Creators

Even hobbyist photographers find it frustrating previewing photos on their camera’s tiny 2” LCD screens. It simply isn’t an option for professional media creators. A portable monitor connected to a camera, however, lets photographers and videographers check their footage right away on a larger, higher-quality display.

Choosing the perfect portable creative monitor is an art. To make the best choice, look for features that make your life easier. For instance, an integrated flexible stand paired with powered USB-C connectivity is essential for seamless on-the-go creation. And if your creativity thrives outdoors, opt for a monitor offering some degree of water resistance. These are perfect for capturing magic in any environment, rain or shine, freeing you to focus on your creativity without worrying about your gear.

Creation Happens
Anywhere

ColorPro VP1656
Portable Creative Monitor

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Meetings with a Personal Touch

In a firm of 100 to 500 employees, an average of seven people are involved in most buying decisions. That means either one medium-sized sales meeting or a few very small ones. And nothing is more professional than being prepared. Having your own presentation display, even a smaller one for small meetings, is a power move.

And if that portable display also includes a touchscreen, it becomes more than a passive display. You and team members can use it to produce content together or interact with presentations with direct input. It opens all-new avenues of personal communication.

Mobile Devices Scaled Up

Mobile devices are an ever-present feature of modern life. But the tiny touchscreen of a phone or even most tablets feels inadequate. A portable monitor gives you full-sized experiences for even your smallest devices.

A portable monitor makes your phone feel more like a computer. With the addition of a Bluetooth keyboard and productivity apps like Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, even basic smartphones become a productivity powerhouse. Some tech companies are taking it to the next level, like Samsung’s DeX that turns phones into a full computer when plugged into a USB-C monitor.

Full-sized Entertainment Everywhere

An equally popular use for portable monitors is entertainment. While we now live in a world where screens are everywhere, something is lost from the experience when watching a movie or playing a game from a tiny mobile device. A portable monitor is a great way to expand a mobile screen for a bit of fun on the go. Perfect for road trips, camping, or even a replacement for in-flight entertainment, a portable monitor is a great way to upgrade mobile viewing experiences.

Expanding Specialized Device Displays

As screen technology improves, users expect clearer displays on their devices. A fuzzy LCD screen just isn’t enough anymore. However, with the right adaptors and often right out of the box, it’s possible to upgrade everything from medical sensors to cashier’s counters with a portable touchscreen monitor.

At the very least, an external portable monitor improves the look of an out-of-date device or beautifies the space. In some contexts, like as a readout on portable medical devices or as part of a mobile wayfinding system, a well-placed portable monitor saves time, money, and even lives.

Final Thoughts

So, why buy a portable monitor? They’re superb for work and play and are versatile devices for a variety of specialized tasks. However, even if your needs don’t fall into the above-mentioned portable monitor uses, most people would benefit from an additional computer screen. A portable monitor may be a better fit for your lifestyle or workflow than a desktop screen. If you’re considering buying one, explore this article about how to choose the right portable monitor for your laptop.

If you’re shopping for a portable monitor, look at ViewSonic’s VG1655 for an extra display on the go or the touchscreen TD1655 for a more interactive device. Hope you find the best one for you!

Frequently Asked Questions for Portable Monitor Uses