About 13 years ago, I added a second monitor to my home machine, and ever since then, 2 monitors has been a minimum for me when working on a computer without getting mildly annoyed.  It’s so useful to view two full screens simultaneously.  If you’ve used multiple monitors at any length of time, you know what I’m talking about, it’s just hard going back to using one.  In fact, I run 4x 23″ 1080p monitors at my house.

The problem is of course when you’re onsite, or on the road.  Pretty good chance customers don’t have an extra monitor to use, or they look at you weird if you’re brave enough to ask for one, never mind the fact your hotel room won’t have one if you’re out of town.

For me, since I try to travel light, it’s especially worse when I go to a single laptop screen.  Honestly, a laptop with a bigger screen doesn’t help.  Being able to reference something on one screen while working on another is something I’m so used to now; it’s hard to function efficiently when I don’t have it.  I need a portable monitor!

I know, First World Problems.  But First World Problems demand First World Solutions!

Check out the Asus MB168B+.  Make sure it’s the + model, because that’s the 1080p one.  15.4” USB monitor weighing 1.76 pounds, which is astoundingly light for its dimensions.  As a reference, the ipads prior to the air models are about 1.3-1.5 pounds depending on the model.

http://www.asus.com/us/Monitors_Projectors/MB168BPlus/

Comes with a carrying case that doubles as the monitor stand.  It powers off the USB cable, so that also keeps the weight down, although reviews I’ve read said on some computers like the Surface Pros, it’s best to get a USB Y cable, as they often can’t power the monitor alone.  It actually powers perfectly fine off the single USB port on my Surface Pro, but it does fail if I plug in my non-powered USB ethernet/USB hub dongle with an external hard drive drive plugged in without using the Y cable.  It fits easily in my backpack.  Solid picture quality, although it’s a just a bit sluggish.  But definitely good enough to be productive on it, even drawing Visios.

So if you’re like me and want multiple monitors even at a customer’s site or on the road, check this thing out.  Absolutely loving it!