Global shipments of portable monitors are set to surge by 46 percent in 2019 and by another 27 percent in 2020 as more users gain awareness of the efficiency and productivity gains unleashed by these mobile displays.

Portable monitor shipments will total 262,000 unit this year, up from 179,000 in 2018, according to IHS Markit | Technology, now a part of Informa Tech. Shipments will expand to 331,000 in 2020, as reported by the Desktop Monitor Market Tracker – Q3 2019 .

Portable monitors are slim, lightweight displays designed to act as adjuncts to mobile electronic devices, including notebook PCs, smartphones and video gaming systems. Such monitors have screen sizes and resolutions similar to traditional 15-inch notebook PC displays. However, the portable devices weigh less than 2 pounds, and are just over a quarter-inch thick. Newer portable monitors feature USB-C connections for both power and signal delivery.

For notebook users, portable monitors offer a convenient way to expand their computer capabilities while on the go.

“Portable monitors can improve users’ notebook PC work efficiency and productivity while working outdoors or traveling,” said Jeff Lin, associate director at IHS Markit | Technology. “This is especially true in the 5G era, when fixed wireless access and millimeter-wave technologies are dramatically accelerating wireless connectivity speeds. The arrival of 5G, along with improved battery life for devices like notebook PCs, hybrid smartphones and foldable devices will help portable monitors fill the need for greater mobile productivity.”

Most of the top PC brands have launched portable monitor product lines that serve as companions to their notebook PC products. Asus has shipped the most so far in 2019, accounting for 64 percent of worldwide units through the third quarter. Hewlett-Packard was the No.-2 brand, followed by AOC, Acer and Lenovo.

IHS Markit | Technology anticipates many of the leading notebook PC makers will pursue a companion display strategy, and will be able to translate knowledge of the notebook display manufacturing process to portable monitor production.

“Portable monitors will help PC brands that have both notebook PC and monitor products to expand their sales because portable monitors require notebook sales channel assistance,” Lin said.

The growth of the portable monitor segment is even more impressive when compared to the flat performance of the desktop monitor market. [Desktop monitor shipments are expected to rise by a scant 0.9 percent in 2020, following a 0.1 percent drop in 2019.