Are Portable Monitors Worth It?

Workations are becoming commonplace—almost half of all office workers (46%)  have taken one in the past year. Now, multi-monitor setups aren’t exactly portable, so how can you maintain your workflow and ensure top performance even when you’re mobile?

This is where portable monitors come in.

This genius tech accessory is quickly becoming a must-have for professionals needing mobile work solutions. Read on to learn all about its features and benefits, and to understand if a portable monitor is the right fit for your needs.

What Is A Portable Monitor?

A portable monitor is a lightweight external display that connects with laptops, gaming consoles, and other handheld devices to produce a dual-screen setup. It has all the features of standard monitors but is exceptionally thin, making it the ultimate solution for working on the go.

Here are some basic features of portable monitors that we’re positive you’d love:

• It has adjustable brightness settings to keep eye problems at bay.
• It has a fantastic screen resolution that provides crisp, clear views with attention to detail in graphics and texts.
• It offers an (almost) wireless connection; all you need is USB-C to rock & roll.
• It can support different panels. Explore which one is right for you with this comprehensive explainer piece from yours truly: TN vs IPS vs VA.
• It has a refresh rate of at least 60 Hz for smooth motion. It’s great for gaming, though a higher refresh rate could reduce eye strain.
• It is lightweight but not flimsy, with a compact design that’s easy to fit into your shoulder bag or backpack. It will handle jostles and tumbles while traveling like a pro, and without much wear and tear to show for it.

Some portable monitors have foldable and adjustable kickstands to make the setup more ergonomic. You can adjust the viewing angle and height as needed.

Are Portable Monitors Worth It?

You need a portable monitor in your tech stack.

It will seamlessly integrate into your current setup and is just as valuable on the road as inside a four-walled office.

Take a look at the benefits you stand to gain from it, and you’ll be very eager to bring this bad boy home:

Enhanced Productivity

“The more you can see, the more you can do.” — Jon Peddie Research.

By increasing your usable screen space, the portable dual monitor will take your productivity and efficiency to another level. It eliminates the need to scroll or switch between apps, helping you avoid the pitfalls accompanying context switching. In doing so, you can see up to a 42% increase in your productivity.

It can be even more helpful in the realm of multitasking.

With two screens, you can easily arrange all the information you need to get work done without creating clutter on your monitors. This can minimize stress and ensure a smoother workflow.

Mobility and Flexibility

Portable monitors come under 2 pounds, so you can conveniently multiply your screen real estate on the road without adding too much weight to your bag.

It is incredibly lightweight, making it a good investment for remote workers, business professionals who frequently take trips, and anyone who wants to save space on their desk or have the freedom to work and play from anywhere in the world.

Moreover, the magnetic mounting system makes it easy to set up. Users can attach the external display to their device, slide it out, and use it like a stacked monitor. And when they’re done, simply prop up the magnets to pop it off.

Simplicity of Use

Portable monitors are plug-and-play solutions, meaning the device’s operating system automatically detects them. No manual configuration or additional driver or software is required to get them up and running. They are also very versatile and are compatible with a wide range of systems.

Now, you may think it only works for laptops, but that’s not true.

A portable monitor also connects with Nintendo Switch and Samsung Dex—devices with really small screens that can cause eye strain and discomfort. Giving these tech essentials the screen space and pixel density of a monitor can add an extra dimension to your work-and-play experience, taking the fun up a notch.

How Does it Benefit Professionals?

Portable monitors provide extra screen real estate, and some features are more beneficial for professionals in the following fields:

Business Professionals

Whether you’re managing a team or looking for an easy way to give presentations when you’re workationing in the Bahamas, portable monitors will treat you well. It supports multiple modes with adjustable angles that serve different purposes.

Creatives & Designers

Having an extra screen can do wonders for enhancing the creative experience. You can create pure magic on one screen while you use the other to reference documents and connect with clients and colleagues.

Students and Researchers

The portability of this multi-monitor brings the most benefits to this group. They can take their technology with them wherever they go without risking musculoskeletal issues. Plus, the portrait mode makes for easy reading!

Gamers

Portable monitors connect easily to gaming consoles to expand screen space without eating away at the desk. They also have a decent refresh rate and brightness, making them a convenient option for on-the-go gaming.

How To Choose a Portable Monitor?

The portable monitor market was worth $266.2 million in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 25% until 2033, so you’re guaranteed to be spoiled for choice.

But because an overload of options can make it harder to choose, we’ll help you cut through the noise with essential features to look out for:

Screen Size

Portable monitors typically sit between 13 and 17 inches. Don’t go too small, as you will need your eye muscles to work harder.

Screen Resolution

Portable monitors are typically available in 1920 x 1080, which has more than 2 million pixels and is the standard resolution. Some manufacturers also offer 4K for incredible visual performance, though expensive.

Connectivity Options

Check if the monitor supports USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort for seamless integration with your current setup.

Power Supply

Portable monitor batteries are pretty limited in terms of power. Luckily, you can get USB-powered variants with pass-through charging capabilities, so you can use them for hours at a time.

Brand and Warranty

Don’t just look at the specifications when purchasing a monitor; also consider the brand's reputation, the warranty policy on offer, and the quality of their customer service. You need peace of mind knowing you will have support when you need troubleshooting and repair.

Final Thoughts:

A portable monitor like the Deux Max can be an absolute game-changer for your work, play, and entertainment needs. Check it out today by visiting the Mobile Pixels website, and take it home with four interest-free installments of $49.99 with Shop Pay.