Seems like smallish portable monitors are cropping up more often lately as fixtures in computer setups featuring other display options. Today’s dual-Mac setup sports a massive curved external display with an 18-inch portable just below, front and center.
And those aren’t the only two screens. A tablet mounted on an arm comes into play too, but it’s not an iPad.
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Portable monitor for Mac does specific tasks in dual-Mac, ultra-wide curved display setup
Redditor DavidyeroDev showcased the multi-Mac, multi-display setup in a post entitled “My new ultrawide.” It’s just one of a handful of setups with portable displays I’ve seen lately, like this one and this one. He runs a midnight black MacBook Pro in a desk-side storage bin on the right along with a Mac Studio on the left. They drive a rather large and deeply curved external display with a Logitech StreamCam riding on top. But David also keeps an 18.5-inch Eviciv Portable Monitor front and center, plus a TCL Nxtpaper Android tablet mounted on an arm. He likes the tablet for its special screen for easy reading, he said.
Commenter showed curiosity about the portable monitor sitting in the shadow of a giant display.
“With all that screen real estate on the ultra wide, what do you use the portable monitor for?” one commenter asked. “Or what did you use it for before?”
“I’m a developer, so on the big screen I have all the applications to develop and on the small screen my work chat and calendar or the browser with documentation or videos or series,” David replied.
Makes sense — give the smaller central screen specific tasks like chats and calendar. I do a similar division of labor on my two screens, but they happen to both be 27-inch displays.
Portable monitor for Mac: Eviciv
Perfect for extending a laptop's display, this large yet portable screen features 120Hz refresh rate, 100% sRGB, FreeSync, USB-C and HDMI connectivity, smart cover and VESA mounting.
- Spacious but portable screen
- Quick 120Hz refresh rate for gaming
- Solid connectivity options
- Newer or higher-end portables may have higher resolution
As far as portable monitors for Mac (and PCs) go, the Eviciv looks pretty capable. An upgrade over the 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch versions, the 18.5-inch screen can really help enhance productivity.
Features:
- The IPS display features 1920 x 1080p FHD resolution.
- 100% sRGB, 350 nits brightness and 1200:1 ultra-high contrast for lifelike visuals.
- Quick 120Hz refresh rate enhances gaming by reducing lag for smooth motion.
- Offers player-centric game modes such as RTS / FPS. Black Equalizer dynamically brightens dark scenes. The crosshair function improves your accuracy in firefights.
- VESA mountable with smart cover and hole design. Three mounting options: standard 75x75mm VESA mount (M4*4mm) to install on wall or desk; smart cover folds into different positions to form a stand; hole design allows for easy screen rotation.
- Wide compatibility: No driver needed. Equipped with 2 full-featured USB-C ports and 1 Mini HDMI port. Single USB-C cable for power and connectivity.
- Built in: 2 speakers and 3.5 mm audio jack
Other portable displays to consider:
The monitor that doubles as a hub with two open USB-C ports, 100W pass-through (85W charging) and 10Gbps transfer speeds.
This travel monitor for laptop provides a bright picture without flicker that’s viewable at multiple angles.
- Portable screen and USB-C hub
- Full HD IPS display
- Built-in stand
- Not 4K
Enjoy a 25-inch 1080P display that can fold up and fit in your backpack or camera bag. Image/video quality is top notch, and the projector doesn’t need a darkened room.
- 25-inch screen folds to fit in a carry-on bag
- Bright enough for regular room lighting
- Pricey
This 3K resolution (2880x1800p) portable OLED display features 120Hz refresh rate and 0.1ms response time, plus USB-C and HDMI connectivity, plus a kickstand and speakers.
- Fast refresh rate and response time
- High contrast
- Kickstand
- 3K resolution (not 4K or higher)
Shop these items now:
Logi's StreamCam is ideal for streaming and content creation, with full HD 1080p resolution, 60fps, a glass lens and smart auto-focus. Works with Macs and PCs.
- Better than some laptop cams
- 1080p resolution and smooth 60fps shooting
- Smart auto-focus
- Somewhat pricey
Portable monitor for Mac, other display and webcam:
Computers and stand:
Input devices:
Audio:
- Edifier MR4 powered bookshelf speakers
- HomePod mini
- Beats Studio Pro headphones
- HyperX USB condenser microphone
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
