{"id":11011,"date":"2025-12-23T14:05:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T14:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/splay-portable-projector-monitor\/"},"modified":"2025-12-23T14:05:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T14:05:56","slug":"splay-portable-projector-monitor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/splay-portable-projector-monitor\/","title":{"rendered":"The Splay is a subpar monitor but an exciting portable projector"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Lead<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Arovia Splay, a crowdfunded device first backed in 2021, attempts to combine a collapsible fabric monitor with an ultra-short-throw projector. In hands-on testing it costs $1,300, folds into a 4\u00d74\u2011inch, 2.5\u2011pound package and expands into either a 24.5\u2011 or 34.5\u2011inch monitor or an 80\u2011inch projected image. As a monitor it struggles with text clarity and low pixel density; as a projector it removes many common setup headaches for pico projectors and can reach a claimed 285 lumens.<\/p>\n

Key takeaways<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • The Splay is a hybrid device that functions as a collapsible monitor (24.5\u2033 or 34.5\u2033) and an ultra\u2011short\u2011throw projector capable of projecting up to 80\u2033 diagonally.<\/li>\n
  • Manufacturer specs list a monitor brightness up to 760 nits and projector brightness up to 285 lumens; those figures are manufacturer claims, not independent lab measurements.<\/li>\n
  • Physical dimensions: folds into a 4\u00d74\u2011inch case and weighs 2.5 pounds; when opened the back protrudes roughly 19\u201321 inches and the control area extends about 6.25 inches.<\/li>\n
  • Display resolution is equivalent to 1920\u00d71080; the 24.5\u2033 configuration yields about 89.9 pixels per inch, contributing to soft text rendering and visible fabric texture.<\/li>\n
  • Connectivity includes HDMI (or HDMI via adapter) and USB\u2011C power; a small tabletop tripod is included and recommended for stable positioning.<\/li>\n
  • Price at launch is $1,300; the product is currently sold out but a company representative indicated an upcoming restock window.<\/li>\n
  • Design tradeoffs: very portable when collapsed but bulky and awkward to maneuver when fully extended, limiting typical portable\u2011monitor use cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Background<\/h2>\n

    The Splay was crowdfunded in 2021 and marketed by Arovia as a novel, fully collapsible monitor\u2011plus\u2011projector. Its core idea is to build the projection surface into the device itself so users don’t need a separate screen or a large blank wall to get a rectangular, usable image. That concept responds to long\u2011standing projector pain points: projectors normally need dark rooms, ample throw distance or careful placement and an external screen for best results.<\/p>\n

    Portable monitors and pico projectors have trended in different directions: portable monitors prioritize pixel density and desk ergonomics, while pico projectors prioritize compactness and battery operation. The Splay deliberately blurs those categories, aiming to serve mobile workspaces, coaches, analysts at events, and consumers who want a multi\u2011mode display that travels. Arovia has promoted enterprise and B2B deployments \u2014 notably trade shows and field video review \u2014 alongside consumer messaging.<\/p>\n

    Main event<\/h2>\n

    Physically, the Splay uses a fabric\/shroud mechanism with springy arms that collapse into a compact case measuring roughly 4\u00d74 inches and totaling 2.5 pounds. Expanding the device produces a mostly fabric front surface with four supporting arms; the housing contains controls (power, sharpness, brightness) and integrated speakers. Review setup required care to avoid stressing the fabric and benefit from the included small tripod for height and tilt adjustments.<\/p>\n

    In monitor mode the Splay connects via HDMI (or an adapter) and can be powered via USB\u2011C, which allows operation without a wall outlet in many cases. But the extended form factor is bulky: the back of the display protrudes about 19\u201321 inches from the front plane, and the control block runs about 6.25 inches deep, making it less convenient than conventional portable monitors for lap or caf\u00e9 use. Despite low weight, users may be reluctant to repack and move the Splay between rooms frequently.<\/p>\n

    Image quality as a flat monitor is serviceable for video and secondary tasks: the manufacturer lists up to 760 nits of brightness and colors are acceptable in bright rooms, though overall saturation and contrast trail good LCD or OLED displays. Text is notably soft: at 1920\u00d71080 on a 24.5\u2033 surface the pixel density is approximately 89.9 PPI, and the fabric reveals a subtle texture that becomes visible on close inspection.<\/p>\n

    As a projector the Splay reveals its strongest value proposition. Unzipping the fabric shroud converts the unit into an ultra\u2011short\u2011throw pico projector with automatic keystone correction and an integrated screen, which lets it produce a rectangular image even in cluttered or compact spaces. Arovia claims the projector can reach 285 lumens and project up to an 80\u2033 diagonal image, which makes the Splay useful where conventional projectors would be impractical.<\/p>\n

    Analysis & implications<\/h2>\n

    The Splay\u2019s hybrid approach exposes inevitable tradeoffs between image fidelity and portability. For users who prioritize crisp text and color accuracy \u2014 software developers, editors, or anyone doing fine typography work \u2014 a traditional 24\u2033 portable monitor with higher pixel density will generally be the better choice. The Splay\u2019s fabric surface and projection optics simply can\u2019t match the sharpness of glass\u2011based LCD or OLED panels at the same price point.<\/p>\n

    Conversely, the Splay addresses a persistent usability gap for projectors: the need for a receptive physical environment. By bundling its own display surface, the device reduces setup friction and expands where projection is viable, especially in tight or cluttered rooms. That could broaden projector adoption for casual viewing, outdoor movie nights, or field uses like coaching and event analysis.<\/p>\n

    Commercially, the Splay looks positioned toward niche enterprise and professional users as much as consumers. At $1,300 the unit is not an impulse purchase; Arovia\u2019s marketing emphasis on trade shows and sports analysts suggests the company expects B2B uptake where a portable, self\u2011contained large display is valuable. For mainstream buyers seeking a portable secondary monitor or a high\u2011quality desktop display, competing products may offer better price\u2011to\u2011performance.<\/p>\n

    Longer term, the Splay is a proof of concept: if fabric display surfaces and collapsible mechanics mature, we could see a new product category that sits between tablets, portable monitors, and pico projectors. Improvements in projection contrast, a tighter fabric weave or different optical coatings, and higher native pixel density would be needed to make that category broadly competitive with conventional monitors.<\/p>\n

    Comparison & data<\/h2>\n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Metric<\/th>\nSplay (24.5\u2033 mode)<\/th>\nTypical 24\u2033 Portable Monitor<\/th>\nPico Projector (compact)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Resolution<\/td>\n1920\u00d71080 (\u224889.9 PPI)<\/td>\n1920\u00d71080\u20132560\u00d71440 (\u224890\u2013120+ PPI)<\/td>\nVariable (low PPI on large screens)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Brightness (manufacturer)<\/td>\n760 nits (display), 285 lumens (projector)<\/td>\n300\u2013500 nits (typical)<\/td>\n50\u2013300 lumens<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Weight (folded)<\/td>\n2.5 lb<\/td>\n~1\u20132.5 lb<\/td>\n0.5\u20132.0 lb<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Max screen\/projected size<\/td>\n24.5\u2033\/34.5\u2033 or 80\u2033 projected<\/td>\n~24\u201327\u2033<\/td>\nup to 100\u2033 (dim), typically 40\u201380\u2033<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Price<\/td>\n$1,300<\/td>\n$150\u2013$500+<\/td>\n$100\u2013$800+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

    The table shows the Splay sits between categories: it offers projector reach few portable monitors can, but it lags conventional monitors on pixel density and text clarity. Manufacturer brightness claims (760 nits \/ 285 lumens) are useful benchmarks but should be treated cautiously until independent lab verification is available.<\/p>\n

    Reactions & quotes<\/h2>\n
    \n

    “It will be restocked this month,” a company representative told the reviewer when asked about availability, underscoring ongoing supply constraints.<\/p>\n

    Arovia representative (company statement)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    “The Splay is a subpar ‘portable monitor’ but its projector mode removes many of the usual setup headaches,” the reviewer summarized after hands\u2011on testing.<\/p>\n

    Scharon Harding, Ars Technica (review)<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \n