Adding A Second Screen To Your Laptop: What Changes By Friday

Most of us do a full day’s work on a single 14 or 15 inch laptop screen, switching between email, spreadsheets, video calls and browser tabs dozens of times an hour. Add a second screen, and the change is obvious within a day. By the end of the week, going back to one screen feels cramped.

On Monday you stop alt-tabbing between a document and the reference you are copying from. By Wednesday, video calls sit on one screen while notes stay on the other. By Friday, you wonder how you managed before. Here are four affordable second screens, two portable and two for the desk, with prices as listed on Amazon at the time of writing.

1. HP Series 3 Pro 21.45 Inch FHD Monitor

The HP Series 3 Pro is the most affordable way to add a second screen at Rs. 5,999, 50% off its MRP. It has a 21.45 inch

Full HD IPS panel, which gives good colours and viewing angles, a 100Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, and thin borders on three sides that look neat next to a laptop. It connects over HDMI or VGA, so it works with older office laptops too. It is Energy Star certified and rated 4.1 stars. Check the HP Series 3 Pro monitor deal on Amazon.

2. LG 22U401A 22 Inch FHD Monitor

The LG 22U401A is the highest rated monitor on this list, at 4.4 stars from over 100 buyers. It has a 22 inch Full HD VA panel with good contrast for reading text, a 100Hz refresh rate, an anti-glare coating that cuts reflections from windows, and LG’s Intelligent Energy Saving. HDMI and D-Sub ports cover most laptops. It costs Rs. 6,999, 53% off its MRP, and is a good pick if the second screen will live permanently on your desk. See the LG 22U401A monitor offer on Amazon.

3. Acer PM161Q B1 15.6 Inch Portable Monitor

The Acer PM161Q is the pick if you work from different places. It is a 15.6 inch Full HD IPS portable monitor that weighs just 700g and slips into a laptop bag. Two USB Type-C ports and an HDMI port mean it can run off a single cable from many laptops, and it also works with some phones. Built-in speakers and Adaptive-Sync are useful extras. It costs Rs. 6,999, 30% off its MRP, and is rated 4.3 stars by over 350 buyers. Grab the Acer PM161Q portable monitor deal here.

4. ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK 16 Inch Portable Monitor

The ASUS ZenScreen is a well known portable monitor from a big brand. It has a 15.6 inch Full HD anti-glare IPS display in an ultra slim design, and a USB Type-C connection with DisplayPort Alt mode, so a single cable carries both video and power on compatible laptops. It is a good choice for consultants, students and anyone who wants a dual screen setup in a cafe or hotel room. It costs Rs. 10,499 and is rated 4.2 stars by over 370 buyers. View the ASUS ZenScreen price on Amazon.

Price comparison

Monitor	Type	Connectivity	Price
HP Series 3 Pro	21.45-inch desk	HDMI, VGA	Rs. 5,999
LG 22U401A	22-inch desk	HDMI, D-Sub	Rs. 6,999
Acer PM161Q B1	15.6-inch portable	2 USB-C, HDMI	Rs. 6,999
ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK	15.6-inch portable	USB-C	Rs. 10,499

Before you buy a second screen

Check your laptop’s ports. Desk monitors usually need HDMI, while portable monitors work best with a USB Type-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt mode. If your laptop’s USB-C port only charges or transfers data, a portable monitor will need its HDMI input instead.

Place the second screen at the same height as your laptop, or raise the laptop on a stand so both screens sit at eye level. In Windows, press Windows + P and choose Extend to use both screens as one large desktop.

Tips before you buy

Check your USB-C port. It must support video output for single cable portable monitors.

Match the height. Keep both screens at eye level to save your neck.

Use Extend mode. Press Windows + P and pick Extend.

Mind the resolution. Full HD is the sweet spot at 15 to 22 inches.

Stack bank offers. Check the product page for bank discounts and no cost EMI.

Prices and offers on Amazon change often during the sale, so check the live price before you buy.