A “portable monitor” usually refers to a small secondary screen that connects to a laptop to extend its multitasking capabilities while on the go. LG has something else in mind for the Standby Me Go. (Yes, that’s my real name). It’s decidedly portable in that it lives in an old-fashioned suitcase and folds into a sleek display. However, this device is more of an all-in-one entertainment center. It can be used as a monitor or TV, but can also provide its own streaming content or touchscreen gaming.
The Standby Me Go (found by Ars Technica) is a small 27-inch LG smart TV with the company’s WebOS TV software and four internal speakers with a 40-watt output. The screen is only 1080p, but that’s understandable given its size. The entire package can be folded to make a stylish briefcase. You can even open this briefcase to display the screen in landscape or portrait mode, or lay it flat for one-on-one gaming.
It can run for up to 3 hours on an internal battery, stream content via Wi-Fi, load directly via USB or transfer from a nearby smartphone. (The neat trick is that when you lay it flat and stream music, you’ll see a record player animation on the screen.) And if all else fails, you can connect anything you want via HDMI. It comes with a convenient remote control with a dedicated slot in the case.
It’s certainly an interesting spin on the idea, but this is clearly more a case of style than substance. 27” wide by 4.6” thick case do It looks incredibly sleek, like a thin modern hardside luxury luggage. But aside from being able to use it without tethering for short periods of time, there’s not much you can do with this design that can’t be done with a small smart TV that can be found for around $200 at many electronics stores.
So how much does LG want for the Standby Me Go? Korean store listings start at 1.19 million won, which is about $920 at the current exchange rate. Whether it’s worth it is up to you, or at least it might be if LG decides to sell this internationally.