The Best Portable Monitors For Bringing Work With You

While ideally we all need to get away from work entirely, sometimes we need to bring the laptop with us. And if we're doing that, why give up all the extra space a second monitor offers? Here's what to look for with a portable monitor.

Start with the basics of anything you're bringing with you on a trip: It should be light and slim. Look for a low-weight monitor with a thin profile that will make it easy to pack in your luggage. And don't forget a second, and equally important dimension; it should be about the size of your laptop screen, so that you've got a balanced workspace.

Check the ports available next. Most modern second monitors have USB-C Type connectors to attach to your computer, which means you'll need a cable that properly connects. You should also check what drivers are available for your specific laptop in order to properly connect, and install them before you lift off. That'll spare you some aggravation when it comes time to jump on that conference call.

Look at how the monitor draws power. Some will have an internal battery to keep going when you're not plugged into an outlet, with the drawback of adding some weight to your laptop case, while others forsake running on their own to just run off your laptop's battery, which means you'll get less time before a recharge overall. If you're working from a hotel room, the slimmer one will make more sense, while a more rugged adventure should point you towards a battery-powered model.