The Role of Portable Monitors in Remote Work and Digital Nomadism

Since the start of time, people would wake up, dress and then go to work. While some of these people only had to walk a few blocks, others may even need to drive for miles (from city to city) just to ‘get to work.’ But the routine has changed ever since the dawn of remote work — which was further fueled by the advent of the pandemic. It’s now changed to waking up, putting on anything comfortable and going to your workspace (which can sometimes even be in the same building as your bed). But with that advantage comes great responsibility.

To become a remote worker means that you need to have a computer that can stay in your workspace but can also follow you around in case you need to travel or move around. As a digital nomad, this is even more crucial to you. Hence comes the advent of portable monitors. In other words, if you are a remote worker or a digital nomad, then you need to have a computer like the Mobile Pixels portable monitor for laptop. This article will explain just why.

What are Portable Monitors?

If you think these are laptops, you are wrong. Portable monitors are just like the traditional 24-inch desktop monitors workers use in offices. However, the only difference is that portable monitors (while made with the same screen size) are built to be compact, lighter, easy to carry around, and most importantly, without cables or cords that keep them in a spot. In other words, they are portable monitors.

The Reasons Portable Monitors are the Answer

But even though portable monitors are compact versions of desktops, why didn’t we say workers just need a small desktop or a highly innovative mobile phone? Why a portable monitor?

You see, unlike their bulky desktop counterparts, portable monitors are designed for ultimate portability. Typically weighing less than 3 pounds and sporting slim profiles, they easily fit into backpacks, making them perfect for travel-friendly work setups. But beyond portability, portable monitors offer even more key benefits. Let’s look into them:

Increased Screen Real Estate

A common struggle for remote workers is the limited screen space of a laptop—it’s just one screen anyway. However, a portable monitor provides valuable additional screen real estate to your laptop's single screen, allowing for efficient multitasking. You can spread out documents, have multiple applications open simultaneously, and reference materials without constantly minimizing and maximizing windows.

Improved Productivity

In addition to an additional screen estate, studies have shown that having a dual-monitor setup can significantly boost productivity. That’s because you can streamline your workflow, reducing the time spent switching between tasks and applications.

Enhanced Ergonomics

Another benefit is that you’ll improve your posture and physiological functioning. Working for extended periods on a single laptop screen can lead to neck and shoulder strain. This is especially true if the laptop is not placed at your eye level, which may cause you to hunch your back continuously. However, a portable monitor allows you to create a more ergonomic workstation by raising your laptop screen to eye level. This promotes better posture and reduces the risk of discomfort.

Versatility in Different Work Environments

If you’re a digital nomad, you cannot deny that you often find yourself working from coffee shops, co-working spaces, or Airbnbs. But that’s not all. Most digital nomads also run into the problem of having limited workspaces. Fortunately, a portable monitor allows digital nomads to transform any location into a productive workstation, providing the extra screen space they need.

How to Choose the Right Portable Monitor

Now that you know the roles that a portable monitor for laptop plays in remote work and digital nomadism, it’s time to talk about investment. How can you ensure that you’ll invest in the right portable monitor? Here’s how:

1. Size and Weight: Prioritize portability by opting for a lightweight, compact monitor that fits comfortably in your bag. The Mobile Pixels portable monitor weighs just 3 pounds, and not many monitors can beat this number.
2. Resolution: A higher resolution (like 1080p or higher) will provide a sharper image if you work with tasks like coding or design. Hence, these monitors are best for you.
3. Connectivity: Before buying, ensure the monitor has compatible ports (like USB-C or HDMI) to connect to your laptop.
4. Power Source: Some portable monitors draw power directly from your laptop, while others require a separate power adapter. Consider your needs and choose a model with sufficient battery life if needed.

By carefully evaluating your needs and the available options, you can find a portable monitor that will become an essential tool in your remote work arsenal.