My experience with the LG StandbyME 2. a screen that moves with you so you can watch TV (and much more) wherever you want.
Some devices aren't designed to boast impressive specifications but rather to seamlessly integrate into everyday life. It's precisely in this context—one that prioritizes lifestyle over mere electronics—that the LG StandbyME 2 finds its niche. After a month of use, what I suspected from my first device was confirmed: its design, meticulous construction, and innovative concept.
It is not a television in the literal sense but rather almost a separate category. It does not seek to replace the large television in the living room or compete with technical specifications but focuses on a much simpler, though more difficult, task: to be with you wherever you need it, whenever you need it.
There are rooms where you don't want, or can't, place a fixed television. Whether it's due to limited space, aesthetic reasons, or simply because you don't want another screen permanently, it's not a major issue, but it's a common situation. And that's precisely where this suggestion is important.
I've always said that technology should help meet basic needs without complicating our lives. That's why I liked this screen so much: because it doesn't try to reinvent television but rather makes it more flexible.
The StandbyME 2 is the second generation of LG's portable displays running webOS. It's difficult to categorize precisely: it's not a traditional television, nor simply a display or a large tablet. It's a smart touchscreen with a battery and a complete smart TV system, designed to be portable and easy to use as needed.
It's suitable for live streaming, but that's not all. It can also be used for music, apps, vertical content, as a secondary screen for occasional use, as a portable gaming device, or to support work tasks and video calls. Important note: the camera is not included and must be purchased separately.
The secret to this idea's success lies in one crucial element: its ease of transport. The wheeled stand achieves this perfectly. It's not just "portable"; it's also highly mobile. The difference is striking. You move it smoothly and without any sense of instability, and you'll find yourself moving it from room to room more often than you ever imagined.
During this month, I've been using it alternately between the bedroom, the office, and the living room, just like any other piece of furniture. One day I use it to watch TV, another day as a work surface, and a third day to listen to music in the background.
Compared to the previous generation, I noticed an improvement in the mechanical adjustment mechanisms: the height, tilt, and swivel mechanisms are now smoother and more robust. This doesn't change the basic concept, but it does give the impression of a more premium product.
The design also contributes to this: it's matte white, elegant, and easy to integrate. It doesn't look like an appliance that forces you to rearrange the room to justify its presence.
The controller is convenient and practical, featuring platform shortcuts and a dedicated button for launching screensavers. Its magnetic screen mounting system is a great feature that simplifies everyday use, eliminating the worry of losing or searching for it.
But there's one thing I'm missing: if it's magnetically mounted, it would make sense to support wireless charging. Instead, it's battery-powered. This isn't a major flaw, but it does slightly detract from the overall impression of a well-rounded product.
As for connectivity, it offers everything you need: an HDMI port for gaming consoles or other sources, a USB-C port for charging, and ports for accessories. All ports are easily accessible from the side, without needing to search for them.
One of its most notable advantages remains: its ability to be used horizontally or vertically. And this is not just an added feature. In vertical mode, it transforms from a television into a complete display screen suitable for searching, listening to music, watching short videos, using visual aids, and even as an interactive whiteboard.
Here too, there are noticeable improvements compared to the previous model: changing positions and touch interaction are now much smoother and more natural. Since you're using it more by touch and less by remote control, this is a welcome improvement.
But the real game-changer of this generation lies in something else entirely. The screen is now detachable. You can remove it from the stand with the push of a button and use it as a giant tablet with a cover or strap. Accessories are sold separately, but the mere fact of its detachability completely changes the concept: it's no longer just a portable TV but a standalone portable screen. Or, if you prefer, a giant tablet.
At home, I mainly used it for live streaming, listening to music, as a digital whiteboard, and occasionally as a secondary monitor. It doesn't replace a good computer monitor or a large television, but it perfectly fulfills those moments when you need a screen right here, right now.
I also used it with a handheld gaming device, and it works smoothly once you realize it's not a gaming monitor. That's not its primary purpose, but it's perfectly adequate for playing comfortably in another room if the living room TV is occupied by your kids watching "Blueway."
As for work and video calls, it performs well in terms of system and ease of use, but we come back to the same point: without a built-in camera, the experience will not be as smooth as it should be.
The bottom line is simple: the LG StandbyME 2 isn't for everyone, nor does it aim to be. It doesn't compete to be the best TV but rather the most versatile. It transforms the screen into something portable, temporary, and adaptable to place and time.
It retains the good idea of the first generation and improves upon it where necessary: finer adjustments, smoother interaction, and, most importantly, a detachable screen that expands its uses. It has some flaws, but overall it's well-designed.