If you’re the kind of person who literally can’t go anywhere without a television-sized screen on hand, then LG’s latest curiosity may be for you.
It’s called the StanbyME Go (yes, that’s “stan” and not “stand”), and it’s essentially a 27-inch, 1080p tablet in a hard, protective suitcase shell so it can easily be transported around the world for impromptu presentations, streaming, and games.
Well, the word “easily” may be pushing it a little. According to the LG site, it weighs in at 12.7 kg, which would certainly strain the arm after a little while.
Is it a tablet or a TV? While the presence of touchscreen controls seems to indicate the former, it runs the same webOS platform found on LG’s televisions, and also comes with a remote. Throw in an HDMI port, and you can certainly make the case for it being a TV.
Whatever it is, the screen extends out of the suitcase via a stand and can be twisted for use in landscape or portrait mode. It can also be left flat, with LG’s promotional images showing it doubling up as both a giant chessboard or a virtual turntable when in this mode.
Crucially, it has a built-in battery that promises three hours of use. That means you can use it outside on a picnic, as LG seems to suggest, and you’ll have enough battery life to get through The Batman, taking advantage of its built-in four-channel, 20-watt Dolby Atmos speakers.
One thing lacking from the device is a camera — which is a curious omission given it seems ideal for video calling. That is possible, but requires you to awkwardly mirror a smaller device like a phone or tablet.
It’s undoubtedly a niche product, but one that will certainly appeal to some. Indeed, this is actually the second version of the StanbyME. The first was also a 27-inch screen, but one that came on a stand with wheels, without any additional protection.
With this version, it feels like LG is taking portability to a whole new level. It went on sale in Korea on July 7, with a price of 1.17 million Won — or around £686. LG says it will be coming to the USA “later this month” with a price of $999 — a fair bit more at around £784.
