Those of you who are like me and travel frequently and are often packing up their workspace for the day know the number one rule - keep it light! Whether I am working from another country or just working out of a WeWork - I like to be able to minimize the weight I carry on my back as well as the time it takes to pack it up and down again. I want to stay productive without compromising on portability—I want to have my cake and eat it too. I needed a light weight portable monitor that I could use at eye height - but it wasn’t that easy to find.
With this in mind let's dive into a comprehensive monitor comparison to find out what are the best lightweight options.
Lightweight Portable Monitor Options
When searching for the perfect portable monitor, weight is a crucial factor. After all, the whole point of a portable screen is to be able to carry it around easily. Let's compare some of the top options:
|
Name |
Price (as of 8/29/2024) |
Weight |
Screen Size (in) |
Screen Resolution |
Brightness |
Comment |
|
£290.00 |
325 g (0.72 pounds) |
14 |
1600x900 |
400 cd/m² |
The lightest weight screen & brightest screen - best for outdoor usage. |
|
|
£179.00 |
590 g (1.56 pounds) |
15.6 |
1920x1080 |
220 cd/m² |
The largest screen for the lightest weight. It’s also very robust! |
|
|
£99.99 |
700 g (1.54 pounds) |
15.6 |
1920x1080 |
300 cd/m² |
Budget friendly, bright, light and cheap! |
|
|
£149.00 |
725 g (1.6 pounds) |
15.6 |
1920x1080 |
250 cd/m² |
Brightness
If you like to use your screen outside on occasion, you want to make sure your screen has enough brightness. Brightness, measured in cd/m², affects how well your screen performs in different lighting conditions. For outdoor use, a brightness level of at least 400 cd/m² is generally recommended. Screens with brightness levels below this can struggle with visibility, especially in direct sunlight. For context, the M1 MacBook Air’s 400 cd/m² brightness is an excellent device for outdoor use.
Screen Size
For me while traveling the optimal screen size is the same as my laptop. I have a M1 macbook Air and my screen size is 13.3" so for traveling, ideally my portable screen is the same size (14”). This way it easily fits with all my luggage and takes up the same amount of space. Though it can be nice to travel with the standard 16” displays it is still less compact. You can even get 17” displays but for me this is too big for my needs while traveling. They also get much heavier at 17”. It’s a better option for if I am using a screen at home that I want to be able to compactly put it away when needed.
Ergonomic Screen Height: A Key Consideration
While weight is important, don't forget about ergonomic screen height. A monitor that's too low or high can lead to neck strain and discomfort. Many portable monitors come with cases that double as stands, but they are very static and don’t allow flexibility in the screen height.
So if, like me, you want your portable monitor at eye height, you can get the Flex 1.0 stand that allows you to adjust the monitor to eye level, reducing neck strain and making it perfect for long work sessions on the go - enabling me to have my cake and eat it too..
Conclusion
Remember, the best portable monitor for you depends on your individual requirements. Consider factors such as screen size, resolution, connectivity options, and of course, weight and ergonomic screen height when making your decision.
By choosing the right portable monitor, you can boost your productivity and enjoy a comfortable viewing experience wherever your work or studies take you.
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