Is a 23-Inch Portable Monitor Too Big to Travel With? Real-World Portability Test
Nowadays mobile workstations, digital nomad, and remote work are typical terms, and mobile monitors have become the mainstream of a traveling worker. They allow one to expand screen space without the burden of the conventional thick monitors. However, now a question that is frequently nearing the fore is, surely a 23-inch portable monitor is too huge to carry around?
A 23 inch monitor seems just right to most users in terms of screen size and viewing comfort, but does the same apply when it comes to 23 inch monitor portability? The question we asked ourselves in this article is, how practically useful is a 23-inch portable monitor in the real world as a travel companion, a remote working tool, and an on-the-go creators accessory? To answer that, we decided to take one such portable monitor, subject it to a test run in the real world to determine how inconveniently large a 23-inch display can be when space and time are of the essence.
The Attraction of Bigger Showing Screens
A majority of what is available in the market has a dimension of between 13.3 to 17.3 inches as portable monitors. They are small, light in weight and good to store in a backpack. But bigger monitors are on the scene, in the form of 23 inch monitors, which offer not only more workspace, more productivity, but also:
- Photo- and video editing
- Multitasking (e.g. spreadsheet and zoom side by side)
- Also, coding and debugging
- Testing of game or demonstrations
It has a bigger screen that is easy to watch and the headache problem when looking at a screen is also minimized, especially with users used to desktop oriented screens.
The advantage of larger screen however, could be the loss of mobility. So that, is it a trade-off worth it? Let us find out.
What makes a monitor portable ?
First, it is necessary to explain what makes a monitor what is defined as being portable. It is more than the size. The most important variables of portability are:
Weight: The best portable monitors should not be more than 2.5 lbs.
Thickness: But a thin profile is more convenient for packing as well as transportation.
Power supply: USB-C powered monitors. There is limited usage of adapters.
Build feature: The portable design uses foldable stands, protective covers, and cable management.
Bag fit: It should not fit, tight in a regular computer or equipment bag.
It is not only the question about whether the size will fit, but also whether it will be comfortable and fit without sacrificing convenience.
Field Portability Test: 23 Inch Monitor Portability in Use
We put a thin profile 23 inch monitor to the test which was touted as a portable device and put it through a five-day real world test to the extent that:
- Travel at the airport (carry-on test)
- Coworking space arrangement
- Usability of hotel desk
- Working on lap and the tube On-lap and couch working
- Cafes in public places
What we found out is as follows:
1. Travel Bag and Airport Fit
Conclusion: Pretty Portable
The screen was securely accommodated in a large backpack made to hold 17 inch laptops with a well visible bulge though. It could not fit into smaller briefcases and tech bags because of its bigger dimensions (approximately 2122 inches in width). As a carry hand luggage it was able to go through airport without any problems. Nonetheless, it took away almost all the internal space in the bag thus leaving very little space to add some accessories.
You might also find a 23 inch monitor to be too big especially when you commute and carry small bags most of the time. However, it is portable to those with separate tech pockets in their travel equipment or rolling luggage.
2. Removable Weight and Handling
Verdict: Trade-Off Good
The monitor under the test weighed slightly less than 4 lbs, which is not many in regards to portable displays but much light as a 23 inch desktop computer monitor with a base.
When the additional weight was being transported in a backpack, it was detectable over extended walking conditions considering a laptop, charger, and peripherals. The same will not be a problem in shorter trips or local travelling. However, on any international flights or long walks, it can be tiresome.
3. Establishment in hot-desking facilities and hotels
Conclusion: Surely Multi-Purpose
The 23 inch monitor was very impressive in the hotel and in common offices. Multitasking was also accomplished faster because of the large screen which also accommodated both vertical and horizontal orientations. It connected through one USB-C cable to power and display, and there were no cords.
Its stand was sufficiently sturdy to stand on different surfaces and it was very thin-bezeled so that it could fit well in a 23 inch dual monitors setup when used with a laptop or a second portable screen. The arrangement will be freeing to the professionals who require the visual space to code, perform spreadsheets, or edit the video.
4. Casual work and Lap Use
Ruling: Too big in order to sit Virtually in the Lap
In comparison with 15.6″ or 17″ display, it was troublesome to use the 23-inch display on your lap or in such tight spots as cafes or planes. Its width necessitated a broader table and holding it on lap was cumbersome and dangerous. Such size is most appropriate when applied on the stable and flat surfaces.
The size may reduce flexibility especially when you want to work majorly in cafes or airplanes or other small working areas.
5. Cable Management – and accessory requirements
Opinion: Pure and effective
The new 23 inch monitors are mostly designed as minimalist monitors. The model that we tried was compatible with USB-C, mini-HDMI and DisplayPort. It also did not take long to get set up as only one cable was required and it took less than a minute. The additional ports had the daisy-chaining feature and power pass-through to charge laptops simultaneously.
When you have dual monitors 23 inch, it might be more likely that you have to deal with more cables but with intelligent design, it is possible to reduce cable clutter with zip-ties or magnetic organizers.
Look Quickly at the Advantages of a 23-inch Mobile Monitor
Nevertheless, though this monitor has some minor disadvantages concerning portability, the use of this size of a monitor has significant benefits:
1. Improved Productivity
The availability of a greater amount of screen space is in a direct relationship with productivity. To developers, designers and analysts, developing or designing on a 23 inch monitor will be easy to do in order to view more windows, long timelines at a go and multidimensional files at a go.
2. Beeswax Extra Visual Comfort
The big screen minimizes zooming and straining of the eyes. It is especially beneficial to individuals who have some visual strain or who spend long hours at work.
3. More Suitable to Creative Professionals
The 23-inch monitor provides the editors, photographers as well as digital artists with additional space to display their work. Together with 4K resolution or color- accurate panels, it turns out to be a mobile studio.
4. Superb presentation
When you travel to do demos or meet clients, a bigger screen will offer a good experience to people when you show them something as opposed to the 13-15 inch laptop.
Just how big is too big a 23-inch portable monitor?
As long as the monitor size is 23 inch, it can be used on the road; however, it can be deemed too large to carry around in case it has the following:
- You carry a small pack or briefcase only
- You are in closed social areas
- You cross distances on foot with your equipment very regularly
- You are more concerned to use minimum space on the screen rather than maximum space on the screen
In that case, a 17.3 inch or 15.6 inch monitor would suit better.
Can Dual Monitors with a screen size of 23 Inches be realistic to carry on travel?
It is not a far-fetched idea to operate 23 inch dual monitors on the go. Others who can be mobile developers or video editors, may have portable monitor arms or modular desks in vans, RVs or hotel rooms, to pretend to have a full desktop environment.
Nonetheless, the logistics of transporting two 23 inch monitors deny mobility unless:
- You drive in a vehicle
- You establish a sort of a semi-permanent work place
- You have few changes of bags in your travel
- In the case of ultra-mobile employees, it may provide a more favorable balance by using 15.6 dual monitors.
Last Opinion: Passport-Ready or oversized?
Therefore, is a portable monitor of 23 inch too bulky to carry around?
Not necessarily. To most power users or remote creatives, digital nomads with base camps or road warriors with bigger carry-on, a 23 inch monitor is not a game changer but can make your life far more productive without killing your travel. It is most appropriate to people who:
- Find people in hotel rooms or co-working offices frequently
- Work in the present moment, or cooperate with people
- Want to be mobile with almost desktop experience
But in case portability and light packing is what you need then you should think of either downsizing or compromising with a middle size portable display, which is a compromise between the screen space and the travellability.
Conclusion
The 23 inch model was indeed portable after all in our hands-on portability test but with a few conditions. It has colossal value in work and eye relaxation, and as such, mobile systems in a professional setting. However it does not work with all travelers. A smaller monitor can be more useful in the scenario where you have to work in the cramped area, take long distances, or use lightweight equipment.
This being said, 23 inch dual monitors can certainly prove to be an option to mobile users provided with the proper travelling arrangements. We are talking about mobile cases and mobile stands as well as designated areas of work.
Therefore, deduce all the questions before you make up you mind on whether 23 inches is too much to carry around by first posing this question to yourself: Do I want to travel with a light laptop or do I want to work as I am working at home. The ideal screen to your needs will be pointed in the direction of your answer.
