Wireless Monitors

Making monitors portable and convenient

As people add more equipment to their home offices or workplaces, the collection of wires and cables grows bigger. There are computers and fax machines, photocopiers and printers. Power bars become increasingly larger to accommodate all the plugs. Consumers looking to reduce the web of cables behind their desks may want to consider a wireless monitor.

Wireless monitors are ideal for offices because they free up desk space, since they can be located where they’re most convenient. They are powered by batteries and are available with touch-screen technology. There are many brands available, including ViewSonic’s new wireless tablets. These hand-held displays allow users to access files and applications within the wireless network. They also have built-in speakers and weigh less than three pounds.

For consumers looking for something a little different - and more importantly, convenient - portable computer monitors are becoming more widely available. Headset monitors, worn like goggles, offer high-quality, large-screen viewing in a compact, lightweight package. These head-mounted displays are compatible with portable computers and laptops and are battery powered so they can be used anywhere to run programs or watch DVDs. These headset monitors are convenient for home use or office use, for presentations or to free up desk space. The one downside might be the price - models range from US$800 to US$1,200.

Portable monitors also come in an industrial form. Meant for industrial workplaces or use in harsh environments, these rugged monitors are built to be durable, high tech and mobile. They can operate in any weather condition, including hot and cold extremes. Most come with touch-screen technology and are readable in sunlight. They are used mainly in factories, because they can withstand vibrations and dust, and they are also used by the military, in research facilities and in offices. Industrial monitors also come in desktop, rack mount and laptop styles.

For people on the go, hand-held monitors can make life a lot easier. They are wireless, battery operated, compact and easy to use. There are many brands and models, including the Compaq iPAQ, which can transform from a pocket PC into a digital audio player. It comes equipped with application buttons and a five-way joystick. It has a USB port to connect to a desktop PC, and a 240 x 320 resolution with a 0.24 millimeter pixel pitch. The downside to hand-helds is the screen is only a few inches in size.