Laptop-first slide creators
If you build decks on a work laptop and move between desks, a second screen with a straightforward connection may be useful. Check the laptop's video and power capabilities before planning around a single USB-C cable.
Who is this for?
Colleagues reviewing slides together
If someone beside you checks slide order, notes or alignment, consider whether you can angle the display towards them and manage reflections in your shared workspace.
Workers using different office laptops
If you switch between older and newer laptops, check each device's display connection. A monitor that also supports USB-A may require a driver, which matters if your workplace restricts software installation.
What matters when choosing?
For slide work at a shared desk, establish laptop compatibility before weighing nearby viewing, carrying needs and space for editing panels.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop connection | Confirm the laptop's video-capable port and the monitor's power requirement. If considering USB-A, check whether a display driver is required. | If my work laptop cannot send video or enough power to the screen, I cannot use it for my slides. Around 36% of consumers would put connection and setup certainty first. |
| Shared viewing | Check the stand's adjustment and the screen's viewing-angle and surface specifications. | When a colleague reviews layouts beside me, I need to turn the screen towards them without fighting reflections. Shared viewing would be the primary concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Carrying and power | Compare weight and what comes with the monitor; check how it draws power and whether pass-through charging requires a compatible charger. | Moving the screen between desks means I need to account for both what I carry and how long my laptop can run unplugged. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise that carrying and power balance. |
| Slide workspace | Compare screen size, resolution and aspect ratio against the slide panes or notes you keep open. | If I keep notes or thumbnails visible while editing, I want enough room for them beside the working slide. That workspace would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Assuming every USB-C port carries video
A matching connector does not mean the laptop can drive the monitor. Lenovo specifies DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode and PD 2.0 for the ThinkVision M14; LG specifies DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB PD output above 7.5 W for the 16MR70.
Check the exact laptop specification against the monitor's video and power requirements before buying.
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Assuming one cable has no battery impact
A laptop-powered screen draws on the laptop when you work unplugged. LG states that its 16MR70 has no built-in battery.
Check how the monitor is powered and whether its charging arrangement works for longer editing or rehearsal sessions.
A compatible USB-C charger may need to be carried or obtained separately; LG says a charger for the 16MR70 is sold separately.
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Choosing resolution without considering placement
Extra pixels do not resolve a stand angle or reflection problem when colleagues need to view slides from beside you.
Assess the stand, screen surface and viewing-angle specifications alongside resolution. Dell lists a 10° to 90° tilt stand and an anti-glare IPS panel for the P1425; ASUS lists a case that acts as a stand for the MB16ACE.
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Confusing similar model numbers
PCMag UK names the MSI Pro MP165 E6 in its portable-monitor picks. The MSI PRO MP161 E2 is a different model, so its listing cannot establish the features of PCMag UK's pick.
Match the full model number and variant, not just the brand or product family, when comparing a recommendation with a product listing.
Brands to consider for this setup
Dell
The Dell Pro 14 Plus Portable Monitor P1425 illustrates a USB-C companion display for laptop-based slide work.
- Dell UK lists a 14-inch 1920 × 1200 IPS panel, an anti-glare surface and a 10° to 90° tilt stand for the P1425.
- Dell lists USB-C display connections for this model, but not a direct HDMI connection. Check the host laptop's USB-C video support.
ASUS
The ZenScreen MB16ACE is an example to examine if your work laptops do not all have video-capable USB-C.
- ASUS United Kingdom lists USB-C and hybrid USB-A signal support, plus a case that can serve as a stand, for the MB16ACE.
- ASUS says USB-A use requires a DisplayLink driver. Confirm that you can install and use it on the intended laptop.
Lenovo
The ThinkVision M14 illustrates a laptop-first USB-C setup where host-port compatibility is decisive.
- Lenovo UK lists two USB-C ports and an adjustable tilt range for the M14.
- Lenovo specifies a notebook USB-C port supporting DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode and PD 2.0 for this model.
LG
The LG +view 16MR70 offers a 16-inch, 16:10 screen for people who want more vertical room while editing slides.
- LG UK lists a 2560 × 1600 anti-glare display and two USB-C ports for the 16MR70.
- LG says the connected device must support DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB PD output above 7.5 W. The monitor has no built-in battery.
HP
The Series 5 Pro 514pn illustrates a compact, higher-resolution USB-C option for slide-editing interfaces.
- HP Store UK lists a 14.36-inch 2560 × 1600, 16:10 panel and a single-cable USB-C notebook connection with up to 65 W power delivery for the 514pn.
- Confirm the laptop connection and charging requirements for your setup; resolution alone does not establish that the screen will suit shared viewing.
Joybuy product choices
These portable displays offer different approaches to a second screen for slide editing or nearby review. Compare each model's connection and positioning with the laptops and desks you use.
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ASUS ZenScreen MB249C IPS USB-C monitor
For desk-side slide review, consider this IPS USB-C model if its connection and positioning suit your workspace.
Confirm the weight before planning to carry it frequently, and check the actual screen surface if reflections matter at your desk.
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ASUS ZenScreen MB166CR FHD monitor
For laptop-based slide editing, check that your laptop can provide the video and power this monitor needs before choosing it as a second screen.
Confirm how the screen is supported on a desk, particularly if a colleague needs to view it from beside you.
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UPERFECT 14-inch 60Hz touchscreen with 180° stand
For slide reviews where adjusting the screen or using touch matters, consider the stated 180° stand adjustment and check touch compatibility with your device.
The product name also specifies VESA compatibility. Confirm the video and power connections, carrying weight and screen finish for your intended setup.
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UPERFECT 16-inch 2560 × 1600 144Hz QLED monitor
If you keep slide thumbnails or notes visible while editing, consider whether its 16:10 display gives you the workspace you want.
The product name specifies Mini HDMI and Type C connections. Check the video connection your laptop can use, along with the monitor's stand, weight and screen finish.
Common questions
Will any USB-C laptop work with a USB-C portable monitor?
No: the laptop must meet the chosen monitor's video and power requirements. Lenovo specifies DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode and PD 2.0 for the ThinkVision M14, while LG specifies DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB PD output above 7.5 W for the 16MR70. Check your laptop's exact port specification.
Can I connect a portable monitor to a USB-A-only laptop?
Yes, if the particular monitor supports a USB-A display connection and you can meet its software requirements. ASUS says the ZenScreen MB16ACE supports a hybrid USB-A signal through an installed DisplayLink driver; a USB-A connector or adapter by itself does not establish video support.
Will a portable monitor use my laptop's battery?
It can if the monitor draws power from the laptop. LG says its 16MR70 has no built-in battery and is powered by the connected laptop; LG also describes using a suitable USB-C charger, sold separately, when laptop battery is low. Check the power arrangement for the specific monitor you choose.
Can I hand in an old monitor when buying a replacement in the UK?
GOV.UK says retailers selling electrical equipment must offer take-back of waste equipment of the same type as the item purchased. Check the retailer's take-back arrangements when replacing a monitor.