This Portable Monitor Cuts One Of The Biggest Costs In 4K Gaming

Over the past few years, the trend of portable monitors has caught on, and with such fervor that even mainstream names in the computing segment have started offering them. While the benefits are apparent, a majority of portable monitors out there mostly cater to a "generalist utilitarian" audience instead of the high-end or niche segment.

For example, you can find a few high-resolution options out there, but they will have you compromise on the display fluidity. And whatever few high-refresh rate options are out there, they will keep the resolution figures close to the full-HD or slightly above the 2K figure. That leaves gaming enthusiasts in somewhat of a tricky situation. If you seek crisp visuals, you will have to live with low refresh rates that can't go beyond 60Hz, which really takes away from the fun of gaming.

After all, if your computer's processor and graphics card are supplying all those frames, why not see them unfold in all their buttery smooth motion glory on a screen? That's where the Acer PG1 portable monitor fills a crucial gap. It's one of those rare few portable monitors out there targeted squarely at gaming enthusiasts.

It offers a pixel-dense 4K resolution with a peak refresh rate of up to 200Hz. The asking price has been set at EUR 499 or £429, but the company hasn't officially revealed how much it is going to cost in the US. But given the historical pricing strategy in the PC segment, we are expecting the Acer device to cost somewhere around $500.

Acer's portable monitor is extremely thin and pairs that svelte form factor with slim bezels and a sleek kickstand. Additionally, it offers a USB Type-C as well as a mini HDMI port, letting users pick the one that best suits their mobile or desk-bound PC setup. As for the panel itself, it's a 4K resolution screen that can produce HDR content, opening the doors for sharp colors and deep contrast for maximum visual immersion. Of course, the standout aspect is the stunning 200Hz peak refresh rate.

Simply put, you can get the best of both worlds with this one. Plus, the canvas is a massive 27-inch, which defies the overall dimension profile of this monitor and is sufficient for gaming as well as creative work. If you want the best visuals, native 4K resolution has you covered, and if you are short of resources, you can still enjoy smooth frame transitions at lower resolution. For an added dash of flexibility, Acer also lets you mount the PG1 portable monitor on a wall or arm, thanks to VESA support.

Acer says it will offer multiple variants of the monitor, and depending on the market, you might get variants with a 144Hz or 200Hz refresh rate. For an estimated asking price of $500, a 4K panel with a 144Hz refresh rate isn't a bad deal, especially considering the fact that it's the portable kind and also looks pretty slick while at it. Plus, it's from a reputable name, so you won't have to make a leap of faith, either.