As I alluded to earlier, the mobile-monitor world is undergoing a convergence of power and connectivity thanks to USB Type-C connectivity. Many USB-C ports support both DisplayPort over USB and USB power delivery, letting both data/video and power flow through the port from a computer over a single USB cable. Most new mobile monitors have at least one USB-C port, and some connect solely via USB-C. While this simplicity has its appeal, be sure that your laptop's USB-C port supports data, video, and power transfer, because some early-generation USB-C ports don't. (Thunderbolt ports should also work fine; their functionality encompasses all of that of USB-C.) (Credit: Zlata Ivleva) While I’ve found this new mini-monitor to be a real game changer, let’s face it, I’ll likely swap it out with another device or move things around in a couple of months. Still though, I’m really pleased with how everything turned out. If you’re looking for an additional display to add to your own desk setup but don’t need another full-size monitor, then a mini-monitor like this one could be perfect. At the same time, you can also take it with you if a laptop screen just doesn’t cut it anymore when multitasking. More from Tom's Guide A few mobile monitors use traditional power adapters. This is particularly true of models that work with sketch pens and are intended for artists; they are in effect interactive monitors. In a common configuration, the display draws power through an adapter, while two cables connect to the computer. One is HDMI, to handle transfer of the image displayed on the device, and the other is USB (through a USB-A port), to record the pen motions the user makes when drawing on the interactive display. HDMI (usually in the form of mini-HDMI) is also a common port (the most common other than USB-C) on more conventional portable displays. (Credit: Molly Flores) Duex Plus by Mobile Pixels specs: Size: 13.3 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 60 Hz| Power: USB-C When we're looking at the panels for mobile monitors, the main factors we evaluate are the screen size, the native resolution, the brightness range, the technology the panel uses, and the maker's claims for color-gamut coverage.

Refresh rate: This is unimportant for portable monitors (as you won’t be gaming on them) but you should expect a refresh rate of 60Hz. If you mainly use a laptop, I probably lost you already but as my fellow desktop users know, what’s on your desk can really change how you work. Whether it’s adding a second monitor for extra screen real estate or upgrading to one of the best mechanical keyboards to improve your typing, these extra peripherals can really make or break your experience. This is especially true if you work from home like I do.As female HDMI connectors are usually recessed into the body of TVs, games consoles, projectors, computers, and monitors - and because they tend to be more susceptible to deforming under excessive strain than male connectors - they’re more widely sold as standalone replacement parts. There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing the best monitor for your needs. These are some of the factors we considered when choosing these best portable monitors.

Resolution: Ideally, you want a portable monitor with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 or above. This is the standard for most modern portable monitors. A few older portable-display models draw their power from a laptop over a separate USB 3.0 connection, but USB-C is well on its way to making this kind of connection passé. Portable displays that you pair with a laptop aren't a new phenomenon, but in the past couple of years, they have come into their own. Most monitor manufacturers now have at least one in their repertoire, and new models appear more regularly than ever. Whether you want to add a second screen for giving presentations to small groups, view two programs open full-screen at once, enhance your portable gaming system, or touch up your designs with a stylus, mobile monitors of different sizes, styles, and paradigms are ready to serve. Portable monitors are usually 14in-17in in size (that’s measured diagonally across the screen). You might want to match the screen size to that of your laptop/tablet, if you’re using one, but otherwise it’s just a question of budget and requirements. Even 17in is small enough to work on the go, however. What other specifications should I look out for?

Strapped for space and desperate for a second screen? The best portable monitors can help

Tip: For best results when using your Surface with a high-resolution monitor, we recommend using an active HDMI cable. For Mac mini with Apple M2, you can connect up to two external displays in the following configurations: Male HDMI connectors, on the other hand, are generally supplied as fixed components at either end of almost every commercially available HDMI cable. In many situations, it’s easier and cheaper to replace a damaged male connector by swapping in a replacement cable. However, this isn’t always practical. Some high-end HDMI cables can be relatively expensive (especially the longer and sturdier types), and so in these cases, it can be considerably cheaper to wire a new male connector than to replace an entire cable run. Key specs – Screen size: 17in; Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600; Screen technology: IPS; Video inputs: USB-C; Refresh rate: 60Hz; Weight (with case): 990g Connect one display with up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz using the HDMI port and one display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz using a Thunderbolt port.

Many users prefer to use a mobile monitor that has the same screen size and native resolution as the laptop screen they are using it with. That said, I have found these panels to be forgiving and have had no trouble running portable displays that are slightly larger than my laptop's own screen. As long as you don't mismatch the mobile monitor's and laptop's screen aspect ratio (which, almost always, is a normal 16:9 widescreen ratio), you are unlikely to experience much trouble in matching them up. Asus ROG Strix XG17AHPE specs: Size: 17.3 inches | Panel type: IPS | Resolution: 1080p | Touchscreen: No | HDR: No | Refresh rate: 240 Hz| Power: Integrated battery Even if you don’t work from home and just want to sit down at your desk and play on one of the best gaming PCs after a long day, rearranging your desk setup and adding new accessories can help you get into the zone and be less distracted during your downtime. The native resolution on panels suitable for use with a laptop ranges from 1,366 by 768 pixels up to 3,200 by 1,800 pixels (QHD+). Most of the recent laptop-appropriate screens sport a native resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (aka 1080p, or "full HD"), but a few go higher. (Credit: Zlata Ivleva) A second display doesn't need to break the bank to provide quality imaging. Whether you are using it for gaming or remote work, the Hongo 16.1-inch portable monitor is a quality portable monitor, that provides a bright and crisp display at a relatively affordable price.Connect one display with up to 6K resolution at 60 Hz and one display with up to 5K resolution at 60 Hz using the Thunderbolt ports. For Mac mini with Apple M2 Pro, you can connect up to three external displays in the following configurations: