Why a portable monitor is a must-have for uni
Scott Hocking
STACK Senior Editor
University life can be a juggling act, with classes, lectures and research competing for your attention. Enter the portable monitor – a lightweight and compact second display that can boost your productivity and make multitasking a breeze.
Why choose a portable monitor for uni?
Portable monitors aren’t just about the extra screen space; they’re productivity powerhouses. Imagine writing an essay on one screen while referencing research or lecture notes on another. With a portable monitor, multitasking becomes seamless, helping you to maintain focus and stay organised.
For students studying design, video editing, or complex subjects like physics and chemistry, the benefits of having additional screen space are many.
Need to tackle group projects? Sharing work on a portable monitor during study sessions or library meet-ups simplifies collaboration. And when it’s time to unwind, these monitors offer a larger screen for streaming binges or gaming sessions, all without crowding your desk.
Portable monitors transform how students work and play, offering flexibility and efficiency whether at home, in the library, or at a café.
Compact, easy to use, and incredibly versatile, a portable monitor is an investment in a smoother, more productive university experience. You’ll wonder how you managed without one.
What to look for in a portable monitor
Size and weight
A 13- to 15-inch display strikes the perfect balance between portability and usability. Choose a monitor that’s slim and lightweight – most can fit comfortably in a large laptop bag for easy transportation.
Resolution
Opt for at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) for sharp visuals for work and play.
Connectivity
USB-C and HDMI ports, along with wireless options, make it easy to pair a portable with your devices.
Power
Monitors that use your laptop as a power source or have a rechargeable battery are best for full portability.
Adjustable stand
If the monitor does not include a stand, it’s easy to accessorise with an adjustable stand or foldable protective case that doubles as a stand.
Our portable monitor picks
MSI Pro MP161 E2 15.6” FHD Portable Monitor
Flexible, ultra-slim and lightweight, the Pro MP161 has all the basic features students need in a second screen at a great price, including a spacious
Full HD display, multiple connectivity options, and a 180° foldout kickstand for adjustable viewing angles in portrait or landscape.
Display: 15.6” FHD LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 4ms | Ports: USB x2, HDMI x1
Lenovo ThinkVision M15 15.6” FHD Portable Monitor
This highly affordable monitor is designed for dual screen multitasking and spreadsheets, and is perfectly portable for off-campus work and study.
Two USB-C ports give you the option of powering both the monitor and laptop from one adapter, or simply power the M15 directly from the laptop using a single cable.
Display: 15.6” FHD | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 6ms | Ports: USB x2
Asus ZenScreen MB16ACE 15.6" Full HD Portable Monitor
Get a productivity boost with this ultra-thin Full HD monitor that has a wide viewing angle, flicker-free tech for smooth visuals, and blue light filtering to prevent eyestrain.
The ZenScreen easily connects via a single USB cable, and also includes a foldable case that can double as a stand for portrait or landscape modes.
Display: 15.6” FHD | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 6ms | Ports: USB x2
espresso Display 15 15.6” FHD Portable Monitor
Wafer-thin and highly versatile, this premium Aussie-designed monitor connects via a single USB cable and is powered by the host device – no charging required.
The big touchscreen is simple to navigate and can be customised for work management via the espressoFlow app, and also used as a digital canvas or whiteboard for graphics, sketching, and note taking using free Jot software and the espresso pen (sold separately).
Display: 15.6” FHD LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Response time: 11ms | Ports: USB x2
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