Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 Portable Monitor Review

2019 UPDATE: 7 years later, I still have and use this portable monitor. Actually, I don't get to use it much because my husband stole if from me. He loves it! Unfortunately, you can no longer purchase one. While the awesome Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 is no longer available, there are still some other great portable monitors available.

When I worked my 9-5 job I had a 2 LCD monitor setup. After a while I missed this at home, so I purchased a second matching monitor for my desk at a bargain. But now a laptop is my primary machine. My desktop is getting up there in age, so my laptop is much faster and more productive. But using a laptop as my primary machine means that I lose a lot of screen real estate. And, I lose my second screen.

I was recently given the opportunity to review a very cool new portable monitor from Lenovo. The ThinkVision LT1421 is a 14″ ultra-portable LCD monitor that weighs less than 2 lbs. It's only about 1/4″ thick. The size is perfect for travel. It arrived just in time for my trip to San Jose, CA, so I packed it up. I was able to fit it right in my backpack along with my 15.6″ laptop, and a bunch of other gadgets.

Since the monitor is powered by USB, there were no huge power adapters to carry, so it did not add much weight or bulk to my bag. I set it up in my hotel room so that I could be uber-productive. 🙂

The monitor comes with a lightweight plastic cover that protects the screen while traveling. It also serves as a base stand to stabilize it. It was super easy to use. Although it comes with a CD of drivers and software, I did not need to install it at all. Windows 7 picked up on it right away and it just started working.

Of course, this monitor is not just for travel. I have been using it in my home office as well, or when I work at the kitchen table. It makes getting things done a lot easier!

Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 Specifications

14-inch (355.6 mm) viewable image size
Display resolution of 1366 x 768 matching mainstream Notebook resolution
Slim (21.5mm, as slim as 9.3mm)
Light weight (monitor: 0.84kg/1.8lbs; with Screen Cover: 1.02kg/2.25lbs)
Photo frame tilt stand adjustments for viewing comfort (12 degree~40 degree)
Brightness adjustment button for 16 level brightness
USB 2.0 connection
USB powered
Kensington lock slot

One major thing that excites me about this monitor is that I will be able to use it on photography jobs. When I work parties I print photos on the spot. Quite often the customer wants to see the photo displayed on my laptop screen before I print it. They usually have to walk around to my side of the table and look over my shoulder. With the ThinkVision monitor, I will be able to keep this monitor facing the customer side and just display the photo there so that they can stay on their side of the table. I will also be able to use it to display a running slideshow of the evening's photos which people always love to see.

The only thing missing on this monitor is the ability to prop it up in portrait mode. That would be very helpful for displaying documents. And one thing to note: most laptops only have 3 USB ports, and this monitor will take up two. I am lucky enough to have a laptop with four USB ports. But, if you decide to get this monitor invest in an inexpensive USB hub so that you still have room to plug in your other USB devices.

The Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 (part #1452DS6) costs $199.99. But, act fast and you can get 10% off with the promotional code “LENOVOTECHIES“.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you as part of a compensated campaign on behalf of Lenovo and Izea. All opinions are my own.

Lenovo ThinkVision LT1421 Specifications

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