Remote work, hybrid workplaces, and simple desks are becoming more common for professionals everywhere. Environmentally conscious office setups and energy-efficient technology allow individuals to lower their carbon footprint while boosting productivity.
Portable displays are the latest technology powering lightweight and productive workspaces. Keep reading to learn more about energy efficient workspaces and how portable monitors improve sustainability without compromising performance.
What is an Energy-Efficient Workspace?
Simply put, an energy-efficient workspace uses less electricity while remaining productive. Many offices and individuals are looking for ways to save energy without sacrificing work performance.
Desktop computers and older monitors typically used more wattage and couldn't be moved around. Today's portable displays are designed to use as little power as possible (sometimes powered directly by your laptop or USB-C device).
Here are the main objectives of an energy-efficient and sustainable workspace:
- Decreased Electricity Usage
- Low energy consumption
- Less Electronic Waste
- Durables last longer
- Minimalist Desk Setup
- Using only what you need
- Multi-Device Setups
- Streamlined workstation with laptop, tablet, smartphone
Portable displays can help limit electricity usage while serving as a second (or third) device for your workspace.
Portable Monitor: How are They Energy Efficient?
Portable monitors are typically equipped with LED or QLED panels and connect to devices via USB. This means they use much less wattage than traditional monitors.
Why are Portable monitors more energy efficient?
Let's take a look!
1. Low Wattage Usage
Portable monitors have been shown to use anywhere from 5W – 15W on average. Traditional LCD monitors can use upwards of 25W – 60W+.
Keep in mind that some portable monitors can be powered directly from a USB-C port on laptops and tablets.
2. LED/QLED Panels
Current portable displays feature the following panel types:
- IPS panels
- LED-backlit screens
- QLED displays
LED and QLED screens not only show brighter and more vibrant colors but also use less wattage.
3. Smart Brightness Controls
Some portable monitors feature:
- Auto brightness sensing
- Sleep mode detection
- Low blue light settings
These functions allow you to reduce energy usage and maximize the lifespan of your device.
Benefits of Portable Displays on a Sustainable Desk
Portable monitors aren't just great because they save energy. There are many other benefits of using a second display that contributes to your sustainable workstation.
- Less Hardware: Rather than having a dedicated monitor at the office, full desk setup at home, and relying on your laptop screen while on the go; bring one portable monitor wherever you need to work.
- One portable monitor = less manufactured devices.
- Lightweight Stand and USB Connection
- No bulky monitor stand. No large power converter. No heavy wires.
- Simply grab your portable monitor and connect to your device.
- Connect to Many Devices
- Laptop
- Phone
- Gaming console
- Tablet
- Mini PC
Since portable monitors can connect to nearly any device with a USB-C or USB-A port, you can use one monitor for multiple devices.
Touch Screen Monitor and Efficient Workflows
Touch screen monitors allow you to navigate programs without a mouse or keyboard. Using a touch screen monitor can help improve productivity when:
- Browsing the web
- Highlighting documents
- Drawing or designing
- Presenting information
Creative professionals and anyone who can perform certain tasks without a mouse or keyboard benefit from the added productivity of a touch screen monitor.
Energy Efficient and High Resolution? 4k 24 inch Monitor
While many people believe that high-resolution screens waste more energy. Advances in display technology allow modern 4k 24 inch monitor setups to maintain strong performance without oversized power consumption.
Benefits of a high-resolution display include:
- Clearer screen workspace
- Less strain on your eyes
- Sharpness of text and graphics
When choosing a 4k monitor, look for features like auto brightness and OLED panels to create an energy-efficient workspace.
Technical Specs of an Energy Efficient Portable Monitor
- USB-C Power Delivery
- Allows monitor to run directly from laptop
- Cuts down on extra power supply adapters
- LED or QLED Panels
- High performance panel types
- Use less wattage
- Auto-Brightness
- Sensor or settings to adjust brightness
- Monitor uses less energy
- Lightweight Design
- Made with aluminum or lightweight plastic
- Eliminates heavy PVC shells and chrome stands
- Supports Multiple Devices
- Connects to Laptop, Tablet, Phone, Gaming Device
- No need for multiple monitors
These tech specs are important to look for when trying to build an energy-efficient workspace.
Portable Monitor for Remote Work Sustainability
With remote and hybrid work on the rise across the globe, it's important to create sustainable workspaces no matter where you're located. Portable monitors for remote work are ideal for professionals on-the-go.
Sustainable remote work examples:
- Laptop + Portable Monitor Workstation
- Portable Workstation for While Traveling
- Hybrid Workplace
- Small & Sustainable Home Desk Setups
Since portable monitors can connect to almost any device and are easy to set up, you can use one monitor at the office, home, and while traveling.
Commercial Benefits of Energy Efficient Workspaces and Tech
Not only can energy-efficient tech help your organization save on electricity, but it can also help your business meet sustainability goals.
Businesses can benefit from using sustainable technology by:
- Lowering company office electricity bills.
- Enabling remote and hybrid work policies.
- Saving money on hardware.
- Helping your team members stay productive.
Other global initiatives that businesses can support by using energy efficient tech include:
- Reducing your carbon footprint
- Green business certification
How Portable Monitors and Businesses Can Look Forward
Innovation in the tech industry is always advancing. Here are a few ways portable monitors and organizations can improve sustainability in the near future.
Portable Monitors
- More power-efficient display panels (OLED, microLED)
- Solar powered portable displays
- Built-in AI smart power settings
- Materials and packaging made with recyclable materials
Businesses
- Installing LED or solar light fixtures
- Reusable employees workspaces (laptops, keyboards)
- Company-wide sustainability initiatives
FAQs
What is a portable monitor?
Portable monitors are lightweight displays that can connect to laptops, smartphones, or gaming devices. Most portable monitors can run directly from the USB-C port and are easy to take with you while working remotely or traveling.
Are portable monitors energy efficient?
Yes. Since most portable monitors connect directly to your laptop via USB port, they require very little power to use.
Is a touch screen monitor more productive?
This depends on your workflow. Touch screen monitors can increase productivity when working on certain tasks that don't require a mouse and keyboard.
Do 4k monitors use a lot of electricity?
4k 24 inch monitor can use slightly more electricity than lower-resolution displays. Newer monitors, however, are created with power efficiency in mind.
Are portable monitors good for remote work?
Portable monitors are perfect for remote work. They're lightweight, connect to almost any device, and make setting up a workstation very simple.
Final Thoughts
Portable displays are quickly becoming one of the top ways to save energy in your workspace. Not only do portable monitors save energy, but they allow you to create an efficient workspace at the office, home, and while on the go.
Environmentally friendly technology is here to stay. Find a portable monitor that fits your needs and join the sustainable technology movement today.