Portable computer monitor wanted (2020 edition)
August 5, 2020 3:12 PM Subscribe
I am looking for a transportable computer monitor. It does _not_ need to be strictly portable - I just need to be able to take it on an airplane, ideally in the second pocket in my laptop bag. A good portable monitor would be perfect, but all the ones on the market seem flawed in some way and are much more expensive than conventional monitors.
Most inexpensive monitors have bulky stands that make transport difficult; I think a monitor with a removable stand would be good. My only strict requirement is HDMI in (or USB-A, I suppose) because that's what my laptop has for outputs. I would prefer something between 13 and 20 inches to fit into my laptop bag.
This is similar to a question from last year, but my requirements are a bit different and I figure the answer may have changed since then: https://ask.metafilter.com/332207/Wantex-Portable-computer-monitor-for-big-screen-real-estate
Most inexpensive monitors have bulky stands that make transport difficult; I think a monitor with a removable stand would be good. My only strict requirement is HDMI in (or USB-A, I suppose) because that's what my laptop has for outputs. I would prefer something between 13 and 20 inches to fit into my laptop bag.
This is similar to a question from last year, but my requirements are a bit different and I figure the answer may have changed since then: https://ask.metafilter.com/332207/Wantex-Portable-computer-monitor-for-big-screen-real-estate
Best answer: I looked for the same thing as you - needed something that could travel with luggage but was as light and portable as possible.
My picks ended up being:
Cheap, light, semi-portable (check-in):
Acer SB220Q 21.5" was $80 on Amazon but frequently goes out of stock as it is now. This was the lightest true display I could find in a reasonable price and it is a very thin profile. The base is not as tall as I like but it comes off easily and you can prop it up easily as well with another object. This is larger than a typical laptop or carry on but packs easily into a larger bag or check-in luggage. I found smaller displays were actually similar in weight and I wanted the bigger screen for the same heft.
I was using a larger, nicer Apple display before this and I'm very happy with this purchase.
Also considered:
Expensive, smaller but truly portable
ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC 15.6" is basically just the slab of a screen, powers just via the USB-C cable (no other power required) at 1.72lbs. The trade-off is the smaller size and much higher price at ~$249. It props itself up similar to an iPad, but there's no stand, which is something I felt necessary as I was more moving from desk to desk vs using it on the go.
Monitors tend to be very in and out of stock considering the high demand right now, so my search consisted of trying to find at the best reasonable price, and size, then picking amongst the lightest ones (reviews don't really consider the portability for normal monitors). You can find the weight fairly easily amongst the specs. The Acer is out of stock now but looks like it has a defined date to ship if you order now.
Make sure to have or buy the HDMI cable as that is not typically included with a monitor.
posted by artificialard at 3:38 PM on August 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
My picks ended up being:
Cheap, light, semi-portable (check-in):
Acer SB220Q 21.5" was $80 on Amazon but frequently goes out of stock as it is now. This was the lightest true display I could find in a reasonable price and it is a very thin profile. The base is not as tall as I like but it comes off easily and you can prop it up easily as well with another object. This is larger than a typical laptop or carry on but packs easily into a larger bag or check-in luggage. I found smaller displays were actually similar in weight and I wanted the bigger screen for the same heft.
I was using a larger, nicer Apple display before this and I'm very happy with this purchase.
Also considered:
Expensive, smaller but truly portable
ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC 15.6" is basically just the slab of a screen, powers just via the USB-C cable (no other power required) at 1.72lbs. The trade-off is the smaller size and much higher price at ~$249. It props itself up similar to an iPad, but there's no stand, which is something I felt necessary as I was more moving from desk to desk vs using it on the go.
Monitors tend to be very in and out of stock considering the high demand right now, so my search consisted of trying to find at the best reasonable price, and size, then picking amongst the lightest ones (reviews don't really consider the portability for normal monitors). You can find the weight fairly easily amongst the specs. The Acer is out of stock now but looks like it has a defined date to ship if you order now.
Make sure to have or buy the HDMI cable as that is not typically included with a monitor.
posted by artificialard at 3:38 PM on August 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Just about any monitor (aside from some really cheap ones) has a removable stand, because VESA mounts are a thing. You just remove the four screws.
posted by neckro23 at 4:13 PM on August 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by neckro23 at 4:13 PM on August 5, 2020 [1 favorite]
I just tested duet with my late 2013 Retina Macbook Pro and 10.5" iPad Pro based on koahiatamadl's comment. That's a pretty amazing product. Lag-free across a USB->USB-C cable. I wouldn't want to game on it, but for a second screen for airplane work, that's a workable solution.
posted by hanov3r at 4:44 PM on August 5, 2020
posted by hanov3r at 4:44 PM on August 5, 2020
I have one of the 1080p 15" Asus ones and the screen quality is much better than the cheaper brands I've seen. It comes with a folding cover stand but also has the feature of being able to use a standard sized pen to stand up. I have not seen the Acers, so they may be good quality at a cheaper price.
posted by Candleman at 5:22 PM on August 5, 2020
posted by Candleman at 5:22 PM on August 5, 2020
I bought a relatively pricey ($399) 4k 15" display on Amazon for a week-long COVID vacation while writing a paper. It worked fine, but it was really dim. I ended up connecting my iPad Pro (12.9") via Sidecar, which wasn't as big (clearly), but was much brighter/sharper.
In retrospect, I wish I had bought this LunaDisplay adapter, and skipped the portable display altogether. (My understanding is that the Mac mini could actually boot onto an iPad-as-display with no other/primary display using this dongle+software combo.)
posted by rdn at 8:32 PM on August 5, 2020
In retrospect, I wish I had bought this LunaDisplay adapter, and skipped the portable display altogether. (My understanding is that the Mac mini could actually boot onto an iPad-as-display with no other/primary display using this dongle+software combo.)
posted by rdn at 8:32 PM on August 5, 2020
I also use a ASUS Zen Screen and am quite satisfied with it. It works at any USB 3.0 port I think. It fits neatly into my Laptop bag, only thing is you need something to prop it up, I use something like this.
What also works quite well if you just want do display things on the second monitor, use your tablet. I think I use a app called TwomonUSB and just connect my tablet via USB. There is some lag, hence the hedge.
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 3:46 AM on August 6, 2020
What also works quite well if you just want do display things on the second monitor, use your tablet. I think I use a app called TwomonUSB and just connect my tablet via USB. There is some lag, hence the hedge.
posted by SweetLiesOfBokonon at 3:46 AM on August 6, 2020
I use a AOC portable 15.6" monitor both at home and on the road. The only issue I have had with it is the internal cable connector seems to shake loose. I have had to pop open the case and push it back on, if it happens again I'll tape it in place. Otherwise it has been a great little monitor.
posted by tman99 at 5:47 AM on August 6, 2020
posted by tman99 at 5:47 AM on August 6, 2020
Wanted to update that on the latest journey the (improperly) packed display had pressure applied and the LCD cracked.
I'd revise my answer now that if I was to get one to just splurge on the portable one and probably going to last longer. It's usable in more places, and also much less conspicuous to use in a shared situation (eg at a summer getaway).
posted by artificialard at 3:15 PM on September 28, 2020
I'd revise my answer now that if I was to get one to just splurge on the portable one and probably going to last longer. It's usable in more places, and also much less conspicuous to use in a shared situation (eg at a summer getaway).
posted by artificialard at 3:15 PM on September 28, 2020
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