Why Are Portable Monitors So Expensive [Explained]

Portable monitors seem to have taken the tech world by storm, offering the convenience of an extra screen for your laptop or a compact display for your game console. However, many consumers find themselves asking why these small, seemingly simple devices carry such a hefty price tag. In this article, we will explore why portable monitors are so expensive and whether they are worth buying. Let’s dive in!

Why Are Portable Monitors So Expensive

Portable monitors are often perceived as expensive due to a variety of factors, including their manufacturing costs, features, and market demand.

From a manufacturing perspective, portable monitors demand high-quality components to ensure durability, performance, and lightness, a necessity for portability.

It includes expensive elements like high-definition, low-energy consuming screens, lightweight but strong materials for the casing, and complex circuitry to provide plug-and-play functionality with various devices.

Moreover, portable monitors often come with advanced features such as touchscreen capabilities, high refresh rates, and compatibility with multiple operating systems. 

The development and integration of these features require extensive research, innovation, and testing, which significantly escalates production costs.

Lastly, market demand and supply also play a crucial role in determining the price. 

Portable monitors are a niche product, often targeted towards a specific audience, such as business travelers, gamers, and digital artists. 

As the market for such specific users is relatively small, manufacturers tend to price these products higher to cover their investment and generate profit.

The expense of portable monitors is a reflection of the high-quality components, advanced features, and the niche market they cater to. 

As technology advances and becomes more widely adopted, we can hope for a decrease in prices in the future.

Is Portable Monitor Worth It?

When it comes to maximizing productivity and flexibility in our digital-centric lives, portable monitors have emerged as a significant game-changer. 

Compact and lightweight, they offer the convenience of dual-screen setup without the bulkiness and the hassle. 

They are perfect for traveling or working remotely; they provide a larger screen of real estate, enhancing productivity by facilitating multitasking.

But the question arises: are they worth it? The answer primarily depends on your individual needs. 

If you often present or demonstrate work to clients, a portable monitor can be a practical solution, ensuring your presentations are clear and impactful. 

For digital artists, it presents a larger canvas for their creativity, with certain models even offering touchscreen capabilities.

Several studies vouch for the benefits of dual screens. A study conducted by Jon Peddie Research found that dual monitors can increase productivity by 20-30%.

The New York Times reported on a survey from Dell that showed employees were 44% more productive when using a dual monitor setup.

Despite the benefits, there are considerations to keep in mind. Portable monitors require an external power source, making them less ideal for locations with limited access to power outlets. 

They’re also an additional cost, so it’s important to weigh this investment against its potential benefits.

However, portable monitors can be a valuable tool for specific needs and work styles.

Do Portable Monitors Need To Be Plugged In?

Portable monitors, as the name suggests, are designed for ease of use and mobility.

But do they need to be plugged in? Yes, they do, but not always in the way that you might think.

Most portable monitors require at least two connections: one for power and one for the display signal. 

The power can come from an AC outlet or a USB port if the monitor supports USB power delivery. 

The display signal is typically delivered via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.

However, some newer portable monitors only require a single cable, thanks to USB-C. 

USB-C can deliver both power and display signal simultaneously, reducing cord clutter and enhancing portability.

But remember, even with USB-C, the monitor still needs to be plugged into a power source.

If it’s connected to a laptop’s USB-C port, it’ll draw power from the laptop’s battery, which could deplete the laptop’s charge faster.

So, yes, portable monitors do need to be plugged in. However, the type of plug and the number of plugs can vary depending on the monitor’s design and capabilities.

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What To Look When Buying a Portable Monitor?

These are some key factors that you should look at when you’re buying a portable monitor.

Resolution

The resolution of a monitor determines the sharpness and clarity of the image. 

A higher resolution, such as 4K, will deliver a crisper picture, meaning that if you intend to use your monitor for graphic design or watching movies, you should consider a high-resolution monitor.

Screen Size 

Portable monitors come in various screen sizes. Your choice should depend on your specific needs.

If you need it for work presentations, a larger screen might be preferable. However, for travel and convenience, a smaller, more compact screen might be the best choice.

Connectivity

Check the types of ports that the monitor has. It should at least have an HDMI port and a USB-C port for modern devices. Additional connectivity options are always a plus point while buying a device.

Weight

As you’ll be carrying this monitor around, it’s important that it’s not overly heavy. Look for monitors that are lightweight yet sturdy, typically those made with aluminum.

Battery Life 

If your monitor has its own power source, take note of its battery life. Monitors with longer battery life will provide more flexibility and convenience, especially when power outlets are not readily accessible.

Price

Finally, consider your budget. More expensive monitors typically offer better features.

But there are also affordable options that provide good performance. Be sure to balance cost with the features that matter most to you.

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Have you ever wondered why computer monitors are typically more expensive than televisions? It’s a fair question since both devices essentially serve the same purpose – displaying visual content on a screen.

Well, it turns out there are a bunch of reasons that make monitors cost more.

In this article, we’ll find out what these reasons are and see how each one affects the price. Let’s get started!

Advanced Display Tech

Monitors are often more expensive due to their advanced features. For instance, the most common refresh rate for modern monitors nowadays is between 60-144Hz, compared to the typical 60Hz found in standard TVs.

Moreover, these monitors usually have a 1ms response time, significantly faster than the 10-15ms response time common in TVs. This results in quicker, clearer transitions and a smoother viewing experience.

Technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync also contribute to the higher price. These features synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

Vibrant and Precise Colors

When it comes to color accuracy, monitors often stand out from TVs, and this aspect contributes to their higher price. Monitors, especially those designed for professional use like graphic design or photography, prioritize precise color reproduction. They cover a wider color gamut, meaning they can display more colors, and often come factory-calibrated to ensure that the colors you see on the screen are as close to real life as possible.

This is crucial for professionals who rely on color fidelity for their work. While many TVs offer good color accuracy, monitors designed for professional applications go a step further, offering tools like hardware calibration to maintain consistent color accuracy over time. This level of detail in color reproduction is a significant factor in the higher cost of these specialized monitors.

Average Lifespan of Monitors

Another factor influencing the cost of monitors is their longevity.

On average, PC monitors tend to last between 7-10 years under normal usage conditions, which is longer compared to TVs which typically have a lifespan of about 5-7 years. This extended durability means that while you might pay more upfront for a monitor, it could be a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Monitors are often built with higher-quality components that can withstand prolonged usage, especially in scenarios where they are used for many hours each day.

Market Demand and Supply Chain Issues

Some of you have witnessed the dramatic price increase in the GPU market during the 2021 cryptocurrency surge. This situation offers a clear example of how high demand impacts PC component prices. Now, let’s draw a parallel to the monitor market.

As remote work becomes more prevalent and the global gaming community has been estimated to be around 3.09 billion active video game players in 2023, the demand for monitors has spiked. This increase in demand, similar to the GPU market during the cryptocurrency boom, has driven up prices.

In the case of monitors, this surge is fueled by two distinct trends: a growing need for high-quality monitors in home office setups due to remote work, and an expanding gaming community seeking top-tier screens for an optimal gaming experience.

Smaller Production Scale

While it might seem counterintuitive, despite the growing demand for monitors in recent years, the market for them is still smaller compared to TVs. This is a key factor in understanding their pricing. The production scale for monitors is significantly smaller, which impacts cost in several ways.

Firstly, a smaller production scale means less economy of scale. In simpler terms, when fewer units of a product are made, the cost per unit remains higher. TV manufacturers, on the other hand, benefit from larger-scale production, allowing them to distribute the manufacturing costs over a larger number of units, often resulting in lower prices for consumers.

Additionally, the specialized nature of monitors, particularly those designed for gaming or professional use, means they’re targeted at a more niche market. This specificity in design and features, combined with a smaller production run, contributes to the higher costs. In contrast, TVs, which cater to a broader audience, can be produced on a larger scale, keeping prices more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to buy a cheap monitor?

No, it’s not advisable to just opt for the cheapest monitor. The monitor is the part you’ll constantly interact with. Going for the lowest-priced option often means compromising on important features like resolution, panel type, or response time. Cheaper monitors may have low refresh rates and inferior panel quality, impacting your viewing experience significantly. This is particularly crucial if you’re into gaming or need precise color accuracy for professional tasks.

What is a reasonable price for a monitor?

The price of a monitor largely depends on the resolution and features you’re looking for. For example, if you’re considering a 1440p monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, and it’s using an IPS panel for better color accuracy, a reasonable price would be around $300.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive monitors?

Expensive monitors generally offer better performance and features like higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and quicker response times. They also have superior color accuracy and panel technology, such as IPS or OLED. Cheaper monitors, in contrast, tend to have basic features, lower resolutions, slower response times, and less accurate colors.

Conclusion

I hope this article has answered your questions about why monitors are so pricey. If you still have queries or thoughts, feel free to ask – we’re here to help.

And if you’re considering buying a new monitor, don’t forget to check out our article on whether 1440p monitors are worth it. It’s packed with useful information to guide you in making the best choice for your needs.

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