Question:

What are the best options for a portable monitor that is compatible with my laptop and fits my budget?

I need a portable monitor because I work more efficiently with a multi monitor setup, but I only have a laptop at school. My laptop has HDMI and USBC ports, so I need a monitor that can connect to either of them. I can spend up to $150 on a portable monitor. What are some of the features and models that I should look for?

Answer:

If you are looking for a portable monitor that can enhance your productivity, gaming, or entertainment experience, you might be overwhelmed by the number of choices available. There are many factors to consider, such as size, resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, connectivity, battery life, and price. In this article, we will help you narrow down your options and find the best portable monitor that suits your needs and budget.

First, you need to determine the size of the portable monitor that you want. Portable monitors typically range from 10 to 17 inches, depending on how much screen space you need and how much weight you can carry. A larger monitor will give you more room to work with multiple windows or applications, but it will also be heavier and bulkier. A smaller monitor will be easier to transport and fit in your backpack, but it might compromise your viewing comfort and quality.

Second, you need to consider the resolution and refresh rate of the portable monitor. Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen, and it affects the sharpness and clarity of the display. Refresh rate refers to the number of times the screen updates per second, and it affects the smoothness and responsiveness of the monitor. Generally, higher resolution and refresh rate will result in better visual performance, but they will also consume more power and cost more money. For most purposes, a resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080) and a refresh rate of 60Hz are sufficient, but if you want to enjoy 4K content or play fast-paced games, you might want to look for higher specs.

Third, you need to check the color accuracy and brightness of the portable monitor. Color accuracy refers to how well the monitor reproduces the colors of the original source, and it affects the realism and vibrancy of the image. Brightness refers to how much light the monitor emits, and it affects the visibility and contrast of the display. These factors are especially important if you are using the portable monitor for creative work, such as photo or video editing, or if you are using it in different lighting conditions. You can measure the color accuracy and brightness of a monitor by looking at its color gamut, color depth, and nits rating. A higher color gamut means the monitor can display more colors, a higher color depth means the monitor can display more shades of each color, and a higher nits rating means the monitor can produce more brightness.

Fourth, you need to ensure the compatibility and connectivity of the portable monitor with your laptop. Most portable monitors use USB-C ports to connect to your laptop, which can also provide power and data transfer. However, not all USB-C ports are the same, and some might not support video output or power delivery. Therefore, you need to check the specifications of your laptop’s USB-C port and the portable monitor’s USB-C port to see if they are compatible. Alternatively, you can use an HDMI port to connect your portable monitor to your laptop, which can also support video and audio output. However, you will need a separate power source for your portable monitor, such as a wall outlet or a power bank.

Finally, you need to compare the prices and features of different portable monitor models that meet your criteria. Depending on your budget, you might have to compromise on some aspects, such as size, resolution, or color accuracy. However, there are some portable monitors that offer great value for money and deliver excellent performance. Based on our research, here are some of the best portable monitors under $150 that you can consider:

• ViewSonic VA1655: This is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that offers a 1080p resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, a 72% NTSC color gamut, and a 250 nits brightness. It has a USB-C port and an HDMI port for connectivity, and it comes with a foldable stand and a protective cover. It weighs only 1.8 pounds and has a slim design. It is ideal for general use, such as browsing, working, or watching videos.
• Asus ZenScreen MB168B: This is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that offers a 1080p resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, a 76% sRGB color gamut, and a 200 nits brightness. It has a USB 3.0 port for connectivity, and it comes with a smart case that can also serve as a stand. It weighs only 1.76 pounds and has a sleek design. It is ideal for business travelers, as it has a low blue light mode and a flicker-free technology that can reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• AOC I1601FWUX: This is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that offers a 1080p resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, a 72% NTSC color gamut, and a 220 nits brightness. It has a USB-C port for connectivity, and it comes with a magnetic stand that can adjust the viewing angle. It weighs only 1.81 pounds and has a stylish design. It is ideal for multitasking, as it has an auto-rotate function and a portrait mode that can optimize your screen space.

These

are some of the best portable monitors under $150 that you can buy in 2024. However, you should always do your own research and compare different models before making a purchase. You should also read customer reviews and feedback to get a better idea of the quality and performance of each portable monitor. We hope this article has helped you find the best portable monitor that is compatible with your laptop and fits your budget. Happy shopping!