With the current coronavirus pandemic, there has been a rapid surge in the number of people working from home. For those who are unfamiliar with the logistics of this, it may be a challenge to set up the ideal workstation at home. While there are several factors contributing towards building the perfect at-home workspace, in this article, we will focus on the use of secondary monitors that are portable.
Secondary monitors are a great way to enhance productivity; they allow you to keep more windows and apps open at once, and you can even use one monitor to display a specific window to refer to, such as a client email or webpage, while using the other to get your work done.
Rather than deal with an unwieldy secondary monitor, portable monitors are an excellent choice for those who want to expand their workspace in a simple and efficient manner. It is especially useful for those who are a little short on space, as unlike regular second monitors, portable ones do not require their own stands and power supplies; rather, they can be easily plugged into your laptop or PC’s port. Essentially, you’ll get the best of both worlds – a secondary screen of a decent size that you can bring along with you wherever you go!
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a portable secondary monitor that suits your needs best. These include the level of portability, for example how thin or heavy the monitor is. You may also want to consider the type of port on your secondary monitor, it could be a USB-C or Display port, etc. Additionally, factors like image resolution, whether it is battery-powered, whether it has a touch screen, etc all play a role in this decision.
In this article, we will discuss a few different portable secondary monitors so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.
1. ASUS Zenscreen MB16AC
The ASUS Zenscreen MBC16AC is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. With a 15.6inch 1080p screen, it is light, portable and ideal for those who travel frequently and just need a basic secondary monitor. It uses DisplayPort or DisplayLink technology that can be connected to any laptop via a USB Type-C type cable, or a USB Type-C to Type-A cable. It also has a built-in battery, is touchscreen and allows for customization such as blue light filters when working at night. It also has built-in speakers! While the screen may be dimmer than other secondary monitors, it certainly provides great value for money at only USD $249 and is one of the best options out there.
Bedømmelse: 4.75/5
Fordele: Does it all
Ulemper: Nothing really
2. Lepow Portable Monitor
With a 15.6-inch screen and a high definition resolution of 1080p, the Lepow Portable Monitor is a good choice for those who require a secondary monitor for work purposes. Although the colour output is a little flat and it is not touchscreen, it is thin, lightweight, and easily portable. It has two USB Type-C ports, one for powering the monitor (i.e. no built-in battery) and one to connect to your primary monitor. It also has a mini HDMI port, allowing for connectivity across a variety of devices and built-in speakers. Plus, you can customize the screen across a variety of display modes, such as blue light for when you are working late into the night. It is certainly worth the price of USD $169.99!
Bedømmelse: 4.5/5
Fordele: Price, elegant, Full HD
Ulemper: No built-in battery, no touchscreen
3. AOC e1659Fwu
Despite a 16-inch screen, this AOC secondary monitor is light and portable. However, it has the additional advantage of VESA mounting holes so you can hang it on your wall for better visibility while you work. It has a screen resolution of 1366 x 768, and although it does not have a built-in battery and it is not touchscreen, the AOC secondary monitor makes up for that with its sharp picture and crisp text, the use of USB 3.0 technology to ensure clean, lag-free video and built-in speakers. It uses DisplayLink technology and can be plugged into your laptop via a USB-Y cable (with host connectors) that comes with the product. While the colour output is slightly subpar, at only USD $99.99, it certainly is a steal!
Bedømmelse: 4/5
Fordele: Price, Price, Price
Ulemper: No built-in battery, no touchscreen, low resolution, no USB-C
4. G-Story Ultrathin 15.6”
Spanning 15.6 inches, the G-Story Ultrathin secondary monitor provides full HD resolution at 1920x1080p. At its thickest, it only reaches 9mm, making this monitor extremely lightweight and portable. Compatible with mini-HDMI and USB Type-C ports, it uses FreeSync technology and HDR functionality to ensure there is no image tearing or lag between your primary monitor and itself. It is also touchscreen, although this function is not supported by the latest Mac OS, and has built-in speakers. Plus, it uses blue light and flicker free technology to keep your eyes less stressed even when you have to work late into the night. Although it does not have a built-in battery, it can easily be powered by a 5V@2A power bank. A very nice quality / price ratio at USD $209.
Bedømmelse: 4/5
Fordele: Thin, light, Full HD
Ulemper: Mac OS Touchscreen incompatibility, no built-in battery
5. HP EliteDisplay S14
If you value portability in your secondary monitor, look no further, for HP’s EliteDisplay S14 weighs just 1kg and is only 9mm at its thickest, making it extremely easy to carry around. All you need is one USB Type C cable that connects to your primary monitor and pulls both video and power from – i.e. no additional power cables are necessary. Spanning 14 inches, it offers Full HD with a screen resolution of 1920x1080p, and factors such as response time, screen contrast and brightness, can be easily customized to best suit your needs. It’s Low Blue Light mode is particularly useful during late nights, as it filters blue light out and shifts the colours to a warmer spectrum to keep your eyes rested. While it is more expensive at USD $374, this lightweight monitor is an ideal choice for those who are constantly on the go.
Bedømmelse: 3.75/5
Fordele: Thin, light, Full HD
Ulemper: Price, 1 port, no built-in battery, no touchscreen
A few more options standing out from the competition:
UPERFECT 4K Computer Monitor 15.6” – a lightweigth 4K options
Lenovo ThinkVision M14 14″ – light, affordable and modular
ASUS ROG Strix XG17AHPE 17” – the best gaming 17” screen option
So, there you have it – the top secondary monitors to enhance your productivity and aid you in building the ideal workspace. Each monitor comes with its own set of unique features, so you will definitely be able to find one that suits your specific needs.
If you’d like to learn more about secondary monitors, or require assistance in managing your remote teams, contact us at FLYDESK.
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FLYDESK is an innovative hybrid work management software that helps businesses improve productivity, optimize workspace usage, and enhance team collaboration. Designed for companies embracing flexible work models, FLYDESK streamlines remote work and office coordination, making it easier to manage teams and resources. Discover how FLYDESK can transform your hybrid workplace and boost operational efficiency. Kontakt os today to learn more!