Portable External Display suggestions

[Martinpa]

I might be getting a new MacBook Pro from work as I might travel around and keep working as a video editor.

I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a portable external display. Ideally, I’d be looking at:

- Close to the 16" screen size of the MacBook
- At least 1080p
- USB-C with both power and video through one cable
- Obviously has to work well with macOS
- Hopefully, it comes with some sort of stand contraption (stand, foldable case, ...)
- Affordable

If it is also compatible with like a Nintendo Switch, that’s a plus!

I’ve looked around, most of the ones I’ve seen, it is unclear if they work well or not with Macs, so if anyone knows a bit more or has first-hand experience, that’s be appreciated!

 

[gymrat2k]

Lepow Portable Monitor? "It’s a 15.6-inch IPS display that supports 1,920×1,080, and it works over HDMI (plus USB power) or USB-C without needing a kernel extension."

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Monitor-Computer-Speakers-Protector/dp/B07V1SQ966

• [Versatile Digital Connectivity] Mini HDMI & USB C ports design makes this portable gaming monitor more convenient to connect your laptop, smartphone, PC, PS3, PS4, XBOX ONE, or Nintendo Switch etc. It's ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.
• [Stand Cover & Screen Protector] Lepow have added a smart cover and a screen protector to fully protect our monitor. The cover case is made of PU leather to provide excellent protection for the entire monitor and can be folded into different positions to create a stand. The protective film prevents the screen from being scratched.

@tapbot_paul said that "Ended up returning this, video quality was pretty awful, but the even worse is that the settings reset every time it went to sleep. WTH?"

https://twitter.com/x/status/1202807960046575616

Newsoul Portable Monitor OTOH: "This seems to be decent so far, it’s a bit thick, but has support for full size HDMI and mini DP. Settings actually get saved on power off and seems plenty bright."

https://twitter.com/x/status/1203815084264431616

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Monitor-Upgraded-1920X1080-Computer/dp/B07TWGBG3P

• [Single Type-C Connect to Signal & Power]: NEWSOUL portable display features an innovative hybrid-signal solution with integrated a 3-in-1 function Type-C interface for simultaneous power, signal transmission and USB interface functions.
• [Versatile Digital Connection]: Portable screen with Type-c, HDMI, mini DP, OTG and USB port make it easy connection with Laptops, PCs, Phones, PS3/PS4, XBOX ONE or Nintendo Switch and Mouse, Keyboard, great ideal for extending your screen or playing games on business trip, travel, or home entertainment.
• [Smart Cover & Screen Protector]: The Smart Cover is made of durable PU leather exterior, a soft lining to keep your monitor safe.

 

[Successful Sorcerer]

Check out the Asus Zenscreen MB16AC. Looks like it checks all your boxes, don't know about the Nintendo though.

 

[Martinpa]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them out. Any notable 4K options also (possibly powered through one cable)? Or anything (1080p or 4k) with an integrated battery?

I saw the Taihe Gemini 4K, which is *advertised* as having an integrated battery, 4K display and an input selection to switch between plugged-in devices. I say *advertised* cause it seems people are getting pissed that they haven't received anything... So any non-vapourware similar to that.

 

[Successful Sorcerer]

4K on a 15/16 inch is a bit overkill in my opinion... either way they're a bit hard to find. The Apple retina 2880x1800 resolution would be nice but unfortunately there isn't such an external monitor.

 

[Martinpa]

4K on a 15/16 inch is a bit overkill in my opinion... either way they're a bit hard to find. The Apple retina 2880x1800 resolution would be nice but unfortunately there isn't such an external monitor.

I used to have a 1080p screen next to my iMac (pretty sure it was 1080p) and text looked awful on it (I would put my project window from Premiere with a list of all my source clips on that second monitor). The only way to have it be readable was to treat the screen as 720p, but that chips a lot of screen real estate. I could do 1080 on a portable monitor, but I found some more spare change I could put towards it, so if there is a 4K solution, I’d investigate.

 

[chabig]

iPad Pro 12.9”. When your not using it as a second display you can use it as an iPad.

 

[Martinpa]

iPad Pro 12.9”. When your not using it as a second display you can use it as an iPad.

yeah I thought about it, it’s just too expensive, and from the use I made of my iPad 3, I can’t justify it...

 

[Fishrrman]

For $170, the display in post 2 above looks like it would be "good enough to do the job".
Not "the greatest"... but again... "good enough".

 

[Martinpa]

For $170, the display in post 2 above looks like it would be "good enough to do the job".
Not "the greatest"... but again... "good enough".

It’s on my shortlist. Found also the C-Force monitors. There’s a 3K one (which would probably match better with the MacBook Pro screen) and a 4K one, with other connection differences, but I can’t see a lot of info about them online from reputable sources... anyone heard of them?