The M4 Mac Mini is a small but mighty powerhouse, capable of delivering desktop-level performance in a compact form factor. It’s ideal for anyone looking for an Apple desktop experience without committing to an expensive or large device.
However, finding the right monitor is essential because it doesn’t ship with its own display. Below, we’ll explore why a portable monitor is a great companion for your Mac Mini and how to choose the best portable screen.
Why a Portable Monitor for Your Mac Mini?
Space-Saving
The Mac Mini is beloved for its compact design. Adding a full-sized monitor can eat up your desk space and defeat some of the Mini’s minimalist charm. A portable monitor complements the Mac Mini’s small footprint, making your workspace open and clutter-free.
Travel-Friendly
Need to take your setup to a friend’s house, a coworking space, or on a work trip? A portable monitor slips easily into a backpack or laptop bag. You can easily carry your Mac Mini and Tern Setups Portable Monitor and set it up almost anywhere with minimal fuss.
Multi-Purpose
If you already have a proper desk setup, adding an extra 16-inch display can significantly improve your work experience thanks to additional screen space. Professionals love to have their chat (Teams or Slack) open on the smaller monitor while having all the main windows on the bigger screen.
Key Features to Look For in a Portable Monitor
Size & Resolution
Look for a monitor that’s at least Full HD (1920×1200) and 16 inches. We recommend a 4K monitor because it offers a better pixel density and a sharper screen.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of using portable monitors are widely underestimated. Usually, portable monitors come with a case that can be converted to a stand. That's not a great solution because you can't get the monitor to eye level. The Tern Setups portable monitors come with a stand—that's the best way to use a portable monitor!
Connectivity Options
Ensure that the monitor supports a USB-C connection. Connecting an external monitor with a USB-C helps you avoid using a power cable because USB-C can carry video and power simultaneously.
Color Accuracy
If you’re using your Mac Mini for creative tasks—like photo editing, video production, or graphic design—good colour accuracy is a must. Look for a monitor with 100% DCI-P3 coverage, which makes a huge difference over the 100% sRGB monitors.
Brightness
Working from different locations inevitably puts you in very different lighting conditions. Having a monitor with 400+ nits of brightness is great because everything will always be visible, even in very bright conditions.
Setting Up Your Portable Monitor with Mac Mini
1. Unbox & Place Your Mac Mini
Position your Mac Mini where you have easy access to the USB-C or HDMI ports. Keep in mind that you’ll also need a power source for the Mac Mini.
2. Connect Cables
- USB-C Method: Plug the USB-C cable from the Mac Mini’s Thunderbolt port to the Tern Setups Portable Monitor.
- HDMI Method: If you prefer to use HDMI or your Mac Mini’s Thunderbolt ports are occupied, connect an HDMI cable from the Mac Mini’s HDMI port to the monitor. In this case you also need to power the monitor separately with a power brick.
3. Adjust Display Settings
Once connected, your Mac Mini should automatically detect the new display. Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > Displays to configure resolution, scaling, and arrangement. Tweak to your preference for the perfect visual setup.
Final Thoughts
The Mac Mini’s compact size and reliable performance make it a favourite among Apple enthusiasts and people switching to Apple for the first time. Pairing it with a portable monitor like the Tern Setups Portable Monitor expands what’s possible, unlocking a more flexible, clutter-free, and mobile-friendly workflow. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a creative professional, or someone simply looking to save space, Tern Setups offers the ideal blend of functionality and style.
Don’t let the Mac Mini’s minimal footprint limit your display options—take your workstation with you and enjoy seamless performance wherever you go!
Share:
Portable Monitor Buying Guide: The 2 Essentials You Need to Know