Laptop screen extenders: Work smarter anywhere

A laptop screen extender is capturing the attention of many professionals in the corporate world. It can significantly help users stay efficient, whether they are remote workers, corporate travelers, or just working from a café or home. It fascinates many Australians with its ability to manage various activities and tasks. In this article, we’ll explore what a laptop screen extender is, why it matters, how to choose the right one, and where to buy it in Australia.

What is a laptop screen extender?   

A laptop screen extender is a lightweight device that connects to your laptop to provide one or more additional displays. It saves desk space and your sanity, and allowing you to work more efficiently in a multi-screen environment. Laptop extenders can also be referred to as portable monitors, dual monitor setups, external monitors, and second screens, each of which illustrates the auxiliary function of laptops, which is really to use multiple displays instead.

It is mostly attached to the laptops through HDMI or USB Type-C. Unlike mobile monitors that sit adjacent to the laptop, a laptop screen extender typically attaches to the laptop, either on the back or sides. It is designed for increased productivity and multi-tasking, increasing the visual workspace without needing additional table space. It helps users to have multiple applications or documents open at the same time. 

Core benefits

While a laptop screen extender offers many advantages, some of its core benefits are: 

• Expand workspace: The primary benefit is to expand the digital workspace, permitting users to see more applications, websites, or documents at the same time, without repeatedly minimizing or switching between windows. 
• Compact and portable: It is lightweight, compact, and easy to transport, and normally fits in standard laptop bags. Therefore, it is ideal for dynamic professionals and students.
• Easy-to-use setup: It is designed to be plug-and-play. It does not require complex driver installations and offers an easy way to add an extra display to the laptop.

Why are Australians embracing laptop screen extenders? 

Laptop screen extenders are attracting many Australians who are working remotely, travelling between states, or managing studies with part-time jobs. Here are the reasons why portable monitors are trending in the country: 

• Better productivity: Dual screen minimizes the app-switching speed, particularly helpful for creative professionals, programmers, traders, and students. 
• Lightweight design: Many models of laptop screen extenders are designed to be lightweight and move smoothly and silently into laptop bags and backpacks.  
• Adaptable configurations: Many Australians work from cafés, coworking spaces, university libraries, or from a caravan up the coast. These portable monitors fit that lifestyle perfectly. 
• Better focus: The dual screen helps to focus on the main task while keeping distractions on the other side. 

A laptop screen extender offers a high-quality digital toolbox for Australians working from a café, in an office, or studying at a university.     

What features does a laptop screen extender have? 

Most of the laptop screen extenders possess the following features: 

1. Screen size 

Laptop screen extenders commonly have a size in the range from 12 inches to 17 inches diagonally, with 13” to 17” being a very usual scope, offering an expanded workspace for better multitasking and productivity.   

2. High resolution and display quality 

Many laptop extenders have a full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution for clear, vivid images, helpful for work, photo or video editing, spreadsheets, or content generation. Some premium models of portable monitors do offer a resolution of 2K or even 4K. 

3. Various connectivity options   

Many connectivity options are used to attach laptop screen extenders to the laptops. USB-C, HDMI, and DisplayPort are mostly used options. USB-C is preferred for video and power, simplifying connections and reducing wire strippers. HDMI or DisplayPort is perfect for exceptional video output and transferring data quickly.

4. Flexibility and viewing angles   

Dual monitor setups with adjustable screens and swivel flexibility play a role in avoiding scowl, neck strain, and discomfort, particularly important if the user is working outside, near windows, or in situations with changing light conditions.  

5. Durability and weight 

Laptop screen extenders are durable and lightweight, helping travelers commuting in and out of cities or between states to stay stable and comfortable. 

Where to buy laptop screen extenders in Australia 

You can find screen extenders online and also pick out from many tech stores in Australia. Many online retailers in Australia offer laptop screen extenders. Here are some options to look at:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a wide variety of laptop screen extenders, including brands like Domyfan and many more.
• eBay Australia: You can also find these dual monitor setups on eBay Australia, sometimes, from smaller retailers or individual sellers.  
• JB Hi-Fi: JB Hi-Fi is also another option for shopping for dual monitor setups from brands like Asus or Lenovo, with different screen sizes. 
• Bunnings: Australians can also consider Bunnings for a laptop screen extender, specifically of the Orotec brand. Bunnings offers a variety of screen options, featuring portability and full HD resolution.  

Popular laptop screen extender brands in Australia   

The following are the top brands that Australians prefer to buy laptop screen extenders:

• ASUS: They are known for slim designs and vibrant displays. They offer a range of portable monitors from gaming to touchscreen monitors. They also provide the ZenScreen series for portability and different display technologies.
• Lenovo: The Lenovo ThinkVision is a well-known choice, providing a 14-inch display with interactive screen features, including 10-point touch functionality. It launched the M14 model, praised for its colour accuracy and brightness.  
• ViewSonic: It is a particularly good brand for portable monitors. Their monitors are known for their portability, offering a wide range of models with many features. It is a well-known choice for users needing extra screen space on the go.
• Arzopa: Arzopa offers a range of portable monitors known for their lightweight design, satisfactory image quality, and appropriate connectivity options, particularly through USB-C. It is a good option for those looking for portability and affordability.   

Expert tips for dual-screen users

Australians should follow these handy tips to make the most of the advantages of their laptop screen extender: 

• Modify the brightness level and color settings to match the main screen.
• Carry a protective cover or sleeve during traveling or traversing. 
• Rotate the second screen vertically for coding or document reading.
• Try using a portable stand if you don’t want to clip to the screen of a laptop.

Final thoughts    

A laptop screen extender can help users to stay organised, focused, and productive. It is the perfect choice for Australians looking for smarter tools to support their nomadic lifestyle. Laptop screen extenders, with their feature of better productivity, portability, and plug-and-play convenience, help Australians to work efficiently, whether they are working from home, traveling between states, or just want more space to do daily tasks. It is compact, lightweight, easy to set up, and is a worthwhile investment for those who want to boost their workflow.