Other portable monitors can be clunky and inconvenient to carry around, which defeats the whole point. With a 10.9-inch display and a 2360 x 1640 resolution, it looks great and easily fits into a bag with your MacBook Air. The new iPad Air 4 is a great contender for a portable monitor that functions as a secondary device. You can activate Sidecar the way you would use AirPlay any other time from your Mac. This is a great solution if you’re looking for an external monitor for travel or while you’re at a coffee shop. Who's it for: Those who don't mind a smaller second screen that also has plenty of independent uses.Ī bit unconventional, but iPads make great external displays thanks to Sidecar. Why should you buy this: It works perfectly with MacBooks if you need a second screen. It also includes a height- and tilt-adjustable stand (which you have to pay for on the Studio Display).Īt half the cost of the Studio Display, the M8 is well worth looking at for a clean, Apple-like experience. The M8 natively supports AirPlay, which lets it tie seamlessly into your Apple ecosystem. The Studio Display has the M8 beat on built-in audio and I/O, but the M8's dual function as a SmartTV and smart home hub definitely makes it an appealing option. That's great if you love the aesthetic of Apple's lineup but don't want to shell out the money. For one, the monitor has been redesigned to closely resemble the new iMacs and Studio Display.

Samsung's M-series monitors have always been great options for the Macbook Air, but the new M8 brings the compatibility to a whole new level. Why we picked the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor:

Who's it for: Those with a connected home who want an Apple-friendly monitor to hook up their laptop to.

Why should you buy this: It has a similar design to Studio monitors, but at more affordable prices.

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