If you are someone who values working from anywhere or even while you travel, you need to have a portable toolkit for work. 

One invaluable tool to add to your daily commute or travel backpack is a portable travel monitor. 

It is a compact, portable display, designed for people who are constantly on the move. It provides a larger screen for work on the go, and it can enhance entertainment during those long layovers at the airport or provide a “TV” for your laptop/phone when you are bored in a hotel.

But with a plethora of options on the market, how do you go about choosing a portable monitor that suits your needs? 

Portable monitors typically come at different price points ranging from around $100 to several hundred dollars. Premium features can drive up costs significantly. The first place to start is to identify the specs and features that are absolutely essential to you.

Choosing a portable monitor that fails to meet your needs would result in wasted money, time, or frustrations later down the road:

• Perhaps the screen size or resolution of a portable monitor falls short, making multitasking or working on complex documents difficult. 
• Maybe there are compatibility or connectivity issues with your laptop. 
• Alternatively, a portable monitor could be too heavy, lacking durability, or backed by a poor return policy and inadequate customer support, leaving unresolved issues months or even a year later.

You can escape all of these potential pains and frustrations, by knowing what to look for in a portable monitor, and selecting the right one for you.

Since a portable travel monitor is an important digital tool, we’ll delve comprehensively into the essential specs and features. Following that, we’ll talk about premium options, and even some additional considerations, if you plan to use your portable monitor internationally on a frequent basis.

What to Look For: Essential Specs and Features

What do you look for in a portable monitor? Getting a clear idea of this can help your decision-making process.

When choosing a portable monitor (for your laptop), prioritize screen size, resolution, compatibility, weight, power options, and build quality – these six factors significantly affect remote work practicality. In addition, assess its warranty, return policy, and overall brand reputation.

Let’s first talk about the essentials, and why these factors are so significant that you should consider every one of them early on.

1. Screen Size

Screen size is key. A portable monitor that is too big may not even fit your bag well. Even if it does, carrying it around may not be easy. On the other hand, a portable monitor that is too small may not provide enough screen space for productivity.

You’ll want a balance between productivity and portability. Aim for a screen size between 13 and 16 inches. 

This range generally allows for comfortable multitasking without compromising on portability. It’s large enough to provide a spacious workspace, but not too bulky to carry around.

2. Resolution

Resolution matters too. Opt for a portable monitor with at least Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. That means the portable screen that has 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.

This ensures sharp and clear text and images, which is vital for the everyday tasks you do. Unless you do specialized graphic design or video editing work, you do not need a better resolution than that.

You should avoid lower resolutions such as 720p or 1366×768. This is one of the many precautions you should take to protect your eyes, especially if you do a lot of digital work.

3. Compatibility and Ports

If a portable monitor does not have compatible ports with your laptop, be prepared to deal with the hassle of extra cables or adaptors. Hence it’s best to ensure compatibility when you invest in a portable monitor. 

Most portable monitors are compatible with both Windows and macOS, but it’s wise to double-check to avoid any compatibility issues. 

Commonly, many portable monitors have USB-C and HDMI ports.

• USB-C: Many modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones have USB-C ports, making it a versatile choice for connecting various devices.
• HDMI: HDMI is a standard video interface found on many computers, gaming consoles, and televisions, so it’s highly compatible.

Additionally, you may want to look for the following ports: mini DisplayPort (some laptops use this), micro USB, and an audio jack if your monitor has built-in speakers.

4. Weight

It’s a good idea to keep your portable monitor under 2 pounds, or 3 pounds at the maximum, as you’ll be carrying it along with your existing laptop (unless you connect it to a phone or tablet).

Generally, it doesn’t make sense for your portable monitor to be heavier than your laptop. Ideally, you want it to be around two-thirds or half the weight of your laptop – less is better.

Like screen size and resolution, the weight of your portable monitor is something that you cannot change later on. So choose wisely and factor in long commutes and travel.

5. Battery or Power Source

When working remotely, access to power sources isn’t always guaranteed. While some portable monitors rely on power from your laptop or device, others are manufactured with a built-in battery.

A portable travel monitor with a built-in battery can be a lifesaver when you’re working in locations with limited access to power outlets. 

However, a portable monitor with a built-in battery carries extra weight and bulk. It’s also likely to be more expensive. The battery life varies among models and can drain quickly, especially if your monitor has premium features.

Hence, I’d actually recommend going for a portable monitor without the built-in battery, mainly for the portability benefit. You can power it through your laptop or connect it directly to an AC source — there are several ways to minimize the strain on your laptop battery when using a portable monitor.

6. Specs and Features for Specialized Tasks

Consider other factors like brightness, color accuracy, and refresh rate, especially if your work involves graphics or video editing. These specs are not necessary for most travelers and are only crucial if you specialize in such creative work. 

In addition, a user-friendly menu system can save you time and frustration – choosing a portable monitor with an intuitive menu and settings for customization can be beneficial.

This article was originally published on unboundist.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.

Premium Features and Considerations

Now let’s look at the best features of a portable monitor, assuming that you want the best choices in the market.

Premium features that distinguish portable monitors include touch functionality, built-in speakers, durable build quality, auto-rotating orientation, ergonomic stands, and superior display characteristics, although they may come at an added cost and potential battery drain.

1. Touchscreen Functionality

Some portable monitors offer touch functionality, which can be great for creative work or presentations. But keep in mind that touchscreens tend to consume more power.

2. Built-In Speakers

Built-in speakers can be a valuable feature if you frequently watch videos or participate in virtual meetings. However, they may not offer the best audio quality. In some cases, you might prefer using external speakers or headphones for a better audio experience.

3. Build Quality and Durability

A monitor with robust build quality can withstand the rigors of travel. This is important as you will be carrying your portable monitor in your bag, taking it on commutes or trips abroad.

The build quality of portable monitors tends to vary widely, depending on the brand, model, and price range. Some budget-friendly options may use less sturdy and robust materials. They may come with plastic materials or lack sturdy hinges.

Check on your portable monitors’ construction materials and if possible, have a feel of it in your own hands. Check the reviews. 

Look for a durable, well-constructed monitor with a protective case or screen cover to prevent damage during transit.

4. Ergonomic or Foldable Stand Features

An ergonomic stand can provide flexibility in positioning your monitor at a comfortable viewing angle. 

Some monitors offer foldable stands that save space in your travel bag. These features can enhance your work setup but may come at a higher price.

However, portable monitors are not as adjustable as desktop monitors. Portable monitors often lack both height and tilt adjustability.

Thus you’d likely have limited ergonomics unless you use a compatible laptop stand for your portable monitor or you invest in a premium portable monitor that offers height adjustment. An example is the ViewSonic 15.6 Inch 1080p Portable OLED Monitor, which has an ergonomic height-adjustable stand and tripod mount.

5. Color performance and contrast ratio

High-quality monitors offer better contrast ratios and color performance. But keep in mind that achieving these premium display qualities will often drive up the costs significantly.

These specifications can be significant for some users but less crucial for others.

6. Refresh rates

A higher refresh rate can improve the visual experience, especially for gaming or video editing. We are talking about 120Hz or 144Hz, which provides smoother and more responsive gameplay.

But for productivity tasks like word processing, web browsing, and spreadsheet work, a high refresh rate is not a critical factor. A standard 60Hz refresh rate is generally sufficient for these activities.

When watching movies or streaming content, a standard 60Hz refresh rate is typically adequate.

7. Rotatable Orientation

Like desktop monitors, some portable monitors are rotatable. They provide the flexibility to change the screen orientation to better suit your preferences.

Such portable monitors are versatile for various applications such as reading documents, coding, or viewing content in both portrait and landscape formats. 

Likewise, these monitors can be pricier, and the rotation mechanism might consume more power.

Additional Considerations

Let’s dive into additional considerations you may have beyond the portable monitor itself. Many of these broader considerations apply if you lead a location-independent lifestyle (with freedom to live and work from anywhere) or some sort of international lifestyle.

If you intend to use your portable monitor frequently in international settings, consider these additional factors when choosing a portable monitor.

Warranty and Return Policy

Check the return policy before purchasing your portable monitor. Most reputable manufacturers and retailers offer a 30-day return policy. Should you encounter defects or issues down the road, you could get support for your portable monitor. Ideally, you should have a minimal 15-day to a comfortable 30-day window for assessing your monitor, during which you can request a full refund or replacement.

Next, check the warranty coverage. Since resolving potential issues with your portable monitor involves customer support, you should review the brand’s customer support and after-sales service. Often, looking at customer reviews is a good way to assess this, especially if you plan to purchase from a reputable online marketplace. Is the brand responsive and helpful after sales or do they tend to leave you in the lurch? 

• Choose a monitor with a reliable warranty, preferably 2-3 years, and excellent customer support. A 12-month warranty should be the minimum. 
• Ensure that the warranty covers international service, allowing you to get assistance or repairs in different countries, particularly if you are an international person.

International Use

Perhaps you want the possibility of receiving tech support and even getting your monitor serviced in another country. 

Generally, it is worth making this sort of consideration for your tech devices. Likely, you own multiple devices, and perhaps one or two will run into some sort of issues 1-3 years after purchase. So if you are an international person (or soon-to-be location-independent person), do consider international tech support. This will give you the utmost flexibility wherever you are.

How does servicing work in another country? It’s entirely feasible with some planning and flexibility.

• Check the Warranty: Understand what your portable monitor’s warranty covers and whether it includes international service. Many manufacturers offer international warranties that allow you to get your monitor serviced in different countries.
• Authorized Service Centers: If the manufacturer has authorized service centers in the country you’re in, you can get your monitor serviced there. 
• Online Support: Some issues may be resolved remotely with the help of the manufacturer’s online support or customer service. They can guide you through troubleshooting steps or provide software updates to resolve certain problems.
• Shipping Your Monitor: If your portable monitor can shipped for servicing, you could package and send the monitor to the manufacturer or an authorized service center. However, you’d likely need to cover the shipping costs.

Thus, consider how easy it is to access servicing for your portable monitor while working in various cities or countries. Well-known brands with a global presence tend to have service centers in more locations.

Brand and Model Considerations

While it’s not always a deal-breaker, some brands and models have better reputations for quality, customer support, and service availability. Research the reputation and customer reviews of the brand and model you’re interested in to make an informed decision.

Retail vs. Online Purchase

When it comes to purchasing a portable monitor, you have two main options: buying from a retail store or ordering online. 

Shopping in retail stores allows you to see the product in person, test its display quality, and ask questions to the staff. 

Online shopping gives you a broader selection and often better prices. It’s a matter of personal preference and convenience. Personally, I lean towards online shopping with responsive well-reviewed brands, but it comes with a slight risk of not ‘feeling’ and verifying the product in person.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the perfect portable monitor requires consideration of basic requirements, premium features, and additional considerations. Prioritize screen size, resolution, compatibility, weight, and power options. If you’re keen to invest in premium features, assess your budget and how they align with your work requirements. 

Lastly, pay attention to warranty, servicing options, and brand reputation, and decide whether you prefer retail or online purchasing.

Hopefully, this guide has equipped you to select a portable monitor that enhances your on-the-go work experience. 

If you are shopping online for a budget-friendly portable monitor and want a simplified guide, use this systematic approach with tips geared towards finding an affordable yet quality portable monitor for less than $100.