Looking for a Portable and Durable External Monitor
Asked by
CuriousCat27
Hey everyone! I work from home quite a bit, but my small apartment doesn't really allow for a dedicated office space. I'm using my kitchen table as my workspace, and I need a portable 24" external monitor that's easy to set up and put away every day.
Here's what I'm specifically looking for:
- It needs to be super portable so I can easily bring it out and put it back each day.
- Durability is a must since I'll be moving it back and forth daily, even if it's just a meter or two.
- I want it to have HDMI and USB-C support.
- It should be able to draw power from my laptop (via USB-C) instead of needing a separate power cord, which makes daily use simpler. In some rare cases, I might use it with a Raspberry Pi.
- Ideally, it should have a built-in stand for convenient eye-level height; I'd rather not have to use books or anything to prop it up.
Some additional preferences:
- A thin design would be great for easy storage in a cabinet.
- I'd love a 4K resolution, but I'm fine with 1080p if it's more budget-friendly.
- Good screen quality is important for coding tasks.
Not concerned about the refresh rate. If anyone has suggestions for good options, I'd really appreciate it!
Answers
I had a Syncmaster SA300 that worked pretty well. It can run off any 12-14V power supply with a minimum of 2-3A. It’s super light, making it easy to carry around. They’re a bit older, but you'll likely find modern equivalents!
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I got my portable monitors from 'uperfect,' and they offer touchscreen models, as well as wireless options. Plus, they have lap docks suitable for Raspberry Pi use. Might be worth checking out!
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As far as I know, HDMI alone can't power a monitor since it only supplies 5V. USB-C is the way to go since it supports multiple voltages and can deliver power along with video. If your Raspberry Pi supports Power Delivery over USB-C, that could be your answer!
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Check out the ultra-portable USB-C monitors available on sites like AliExpress or Amazon. They usually range from £40-80 and come in 4K or 1080p, with USB-C powering both display and functionality. The built-in kickstand is a plus! Just note that I’m unsure about using HDMI power for the Raspberry Pi – I haven't heard of that being a solution. I use a couple of generic models myself, and they work great as secondary screens!
CuriousCat27: Thanks! I’ll look into those options.
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CuriousCat27: Thanks for the clarification!