10 Creative Uses for a Portable Monitor

Expanding the Use of Portable Monitors

Portable monitors have long been seen as just an extension of a computer or laptop screen, offering more space for productivity or an enhanced gaming experience. However, their true potential lies in their adaptability and the freedom they provide from fixed setups. Instead of viewing them as mere accessories, consider them as opportunities to explore new ways of using technology.

Car Advertising for Rideshare Drivers

For rideshare drivers looking to earn extra income, car advertising is a promising option. By displaying ads on a spare monitor, drivers can generate additional revenue. Companies often pay drivers to showcase their advertisements, reaching a captive audience during rides. Uber and Lyft are both exploring this avenue, with Uber introducing in-app and in-car ads, while Lyft has launched Lyft Media, which includes in-car tablets and rooftop displays. Drivers can earn up to $350 a month depending on engagement. Using a monitor instead of a tablet is safer, as it reduces the risk of damage from passengers touching the screen.

Enhancing Drone Operations

A portable monitor can serve as a second screen for drones, providing a larger and clearer view of what the drone's camera captures. This is especially beneficial for professionals and industrial users who rely on real-time video and navigation data. A bigger, high-resolution monitor allows for better situational awareness, helping pilots spot hazards and make informed decisions. For outdoor use, brightness is crucial, with monitors needing at least 1000 nits for sunlight readability.

High-Tech Pet Sitting

Using a monitor as a pet sitter is a creative way to stay connected with pets. Linking a camera feed to the display gives a clear view of pets, allowing owners to see minor details that a phone screen might miss. Pairing this with a camera that offers two-way audio enables communication with pets, almost like having a window into the room they're in. Some models even include treat dispensers to keep pets entertained.

Portable Art Gallery

A spare monitor can be transformed into a portable art gallery. Hanging thinner monitors on walls makes them look like picture frames, offering a larger canvas than traditional digital photo frames. These monitors are lightweight and easy to move, providing a cost-effective way to display multiple images.

Secret Window Setup

One unique use of a portable monitor is as a secret window. Setting up a discreet camera in another room or outside and projecting the feed onto the monitor creates the illusion of a regular window. Portable monitors, typically 13 to 17 inches, are ideal for this purpose due to their size and ease of concealment. High-resolution displays ensure a realistic image.

Digital Dashboard for Your Car

Some car enthusiasts use small monitors as digital dashboards. Connecting the monitor to the car’s On-Board Diagnostics II port allows for real-time vehicle data such as speed, RPMs, and fuel efficiency. USB-C ports simplify setup by handling power and data through one cable.

Mobile Photo Editing Station

A dedicated monitor for photo editing can significantly improve color accuracy and image quality. Comparing how images look on different screens helps in making precise adjustments. Touchscreen monitors allow for direct manipulation using a stylus, making them ideal for creative work.

Portable Karaoke Machine

A portable monitor can serve as a karaoke machine, eliminating the need for complex setups. With Mini HDMI and USB-C ports, these monitors support power, data, and video through a single cable, making them versatile for various applications.

At-Home Health Monitoring

Portable monitors play a vital role in remote patient monitoring (RPM), enabling doctors to track patients' health conditions from a distance. This technology allows for real-time data collection, improving health outcomes and reducing hospital visits.

Bigger Screen for Phones

Using a portable monitor as a screen for mobile gaming enhances the experience. It turns a phone into a console-like device, providing a better visual and interactive experience for games such as Rocket League Sideswiped and Call of Duty Mobile.

Portable monitors offer a wide range of uses beyond traditional setups. Their versatility and adaptability make them valuable tools for various tasks, from earning extra income to enhancing hobbies and improving daily life. Exploring these alternative uses can unlock new possibilities and maximize the value of a portable monitor.