Minimal bulk, wireless connectivity, adjustable kickstands, and more ways to find your best fit
In years past, working away from the office (whether home or corporate) typically meant compromises: a small laptop screen with less space, a hunched posture to see your work, bulky accessories that overfilled your luggage, and so on. That no longer has to be the case. The explosive growth in remote work arrangements has paid off for anyone who prefers to work flexibly, and using the best portable monitor for laptops means no more need for compromises.
But there are many options to choose from when you’re deciding on which monitor to add to your portable setup. Should you go for a portable touchscreen monitor? How do you know what kind of portable monitor stand will provide the best mix of stability and flexibility? Let’s run through the features that matter most.
Need help picking the right portable monitor for your needs? Check out our complete guide, What to Know About Portable Monitors.
Lightweight
For a laptop monitor to be worthy of the moniker "portable," it should not give you back pain to carry from one room to the next. It should be easy to lift on its own and contribute minimal weight to your gear bag or luggage once packed away. Look for a monitor that weighs two pounds or less to ensure you can comfortably take it with you wherever you work — even two pounds may not sound like much, but every ounce adds up fast when you're carrying a device around every day.
Did You Know?:If you’re an Apple user, check out our guide to find the best portable monitor for Macbook Pro.
Compact design
Just as much as weight, it's important to consider bulk when looking for the best portable monitor for laptops. If it can't fit alongside your computer and other essential gear, you may end up leaving it at home more often than not. Fortunately, you don't have to compromise here either. Portable monitors that use ultra-thin OLED technology can measure in at less than 5mm at their thinnest point, making them a cinch to fit into even crowded bags.
Adjustable kickstand
You shouldn't have to fiddle with extra portable monitor stand hardware — or use books or furniture as improvised support — to see your screen. But you shouldn't have to settle for a limited range of viewing angles, either. Look for a display that comes with an integrated portable monitor stand that is strong enough to support the screen's weight without wobbling while being flexible enough to (literally) support however you work.
Excellent screen quality
A high-quality screen can make all the difference in how comfortable and enjoyable any electronic activity feels — whether for work or leisure. Here's a quick primer on features that separate the highest-quality screens from the rest.
- Resolution: Higher resolution means "better" to many, but the best portable monitor for laptops may not always be the highest-resolution model. Look for a balance of sharpness, legibility, and performance for browsing websites and using your favorite apps.
- Contrast: A high-contrast screen will be easier to read in a range of lighting conditions. That said, it shouldn't make images appear too stark or otherwise unnatural.
- Viewing angle: A broad viewing angle makes it easier to share your screen with coworkers and makes the monitor easier to use over an extended period without constant adjustments.
- Response time: Prioritizing a high response time will help your work (or play) feel snappier every time you use your monitor.
Touch and stylus support
If you're using a laptop that includes its own pointing device, you may wonder why you need a portable touchscreen monitor. Aside from being a generally intuitive input method, a built-in touchscreen means you don't need to touch anything but the screen itself to interact with its contents — no leaning over to a touchpad or mouse if you just need to minimize a window or pause a video. Add in stylus support for easy and detailed notetaking and diagramming, and you’re in business.
Did You Know?: The RICOH Stylus Pen Type 1 pairs perfectly with RICOH Portable Monitors and features more than 4,000 levels of pressure for sensitive inputs.
Multicast functionality
A portable monitor can be a powerful presentation tool if it has the right feature set. Choosing a monitor that supports multi-cast functionality means you’ll be able to share your screen with multiple attendees or collaborators simultaneously, giving everyone a close-up view of the current subject of discussion; more productive meetings, and less fiddling with technical details.
True wireless operation
There’s no substitute for a truly wireless portable monitor for the most flexible portable working setup possible. This doesn’t mean you need to look for a Bluetooth portable monitor — instead, look for a monitor that supports the popular Miracast wireless connection standard, ideally with the option to connect to multiple devices at once. That said, your display should also be able to work as a portable USB monitor when you prefer a hard connection.
Smart device support
Chances are, you don’t just work on your laptop. Whether it’s for staying in touch with coworkers via Slack or collaborating over Google Drive, your phone and other smart devices can be great productivity tools. The best portable monitor for laptops will also pull double duty to make those essential smart devices work even smarter as part of your portable work setup.
Built-in speakers
A set of built-in speakers allows a portable monitor to serve as a full-on multimedia device rather than just a screen. Ideally, single-purpose devices such as bulky speakers and headphones should be kept to a minimum in a portable work setup. Choosing a portable monitor with built-in speakers can help save both setup time and bag space.
Our recommendation: RICOH Portable Monitor 150BW
Take productivity and comfort wherever you go with our light, sharp, versatile portable monitor for those who work on the road or need extra screen real estate. Stay productive and mobile with our high-performance, lightweight (25.2oz), ultra-slim bezel (.19” at its slimmest point), OLED touchscreen portable monitors.
The RICOH Portable Monitor 150BW is, in our opinion, the best portable monitor for laptops. Its minimal footprint, high-quality screen, sturdy and flexible kickstand, and extensive connectivity options make it an instant must-have for any mobile working setup. You’ll even want to keep using it as part of your home or office setup between trips. Click here to learn more about our portable monitor series.
Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings.
