Portable monitor for MacBook 12"

[SSD-GUY]

Hi all

I'm going on a trip soon and require a portable monitor. Now the MacBook 12" only has one port, which I will use for charging, so I'm looking for a portable monitor that takes HDMI (as I'll be using the Apple USB-C adapter). The monitor will also need to be able to be powered via a mains socket, as I'm guessing the USB port on the adapter may not provide enough juice for the portable monitor (if it can, that would be great).

Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[glindon]

Amazon has a bunch of options for portable monitors, both battery powered and not. Asus makes several models though not any with HDMI so you'd have to use a USB hub. There are a bunch of no name Chinese models up for sale which have HDMI, often times marketed as portable gaming monitors. Be aware that most will say 4k when they are actually 1080p resolution but support a 4k source (which is a marketing gimmick). You really wouldn't want 4k anyways since the 12" is already underpowered.

 

[MikeDr206]

Check out the various GE Chic options. I’ve used them for years with good results

 

[Nebrie]

I just bought a Gechic. The design is a bit dated and the bezels are huge but it's the only portable monitor with a hard shell cover and can take a beating. I read too many horror stories (particularly Lenovo) of units falling over on the table (not even off the table) or hitting something sharp in the bag and cracking the screen.

 

[MikeDr206]

They’re serviceable monitors. but for the portability, definitely nothing special. I have two that I’ve used in portrait modes side by side. Exact model, and they’re distinctly different in color calibration.

 

[DJLC]

I got one of the ASUS portable monitors from work. I don't recall the exact model off-hand, but it's USB-C and reasonably attractive / nice. I really appreciate having it + no complaints.

I think most if not all of the ASUS models are like mine: bus powered over USB-C. If you're got an older MacBook, it also comes with a USB-A > USB-C adapter + you can install DisplayLink to use the display over USB. Was reasonably okay on my 2015 MacBook Pro, but obviously works much better on a newer Mac with USB-C.

 

[EugW]

What do you need it for?

When I travelled, I just used my iPad Pro as a secondary monitor via Sidecar. However, it was only for occasional use with business applications.