Having a secondary monitor isn’t an option for some people, it’s an absolute necessity as it skyrockets productivity by cutting down on the amount of alt-tabbing needed to get things done.
But highly mobile workers are at a disadvantage – they may have laptops, but taking a second screen with them wherever they go isn’t exactly easy or convenient.
And that’s part of the reason ASUS developed the MB168B, a slim and lightweight monitor that’s not just easy to transport, but which gets around the issue of requiring a power outlet by working off of USB.
That’s right, this screen pulls both power and data from a computer’s USB 3.0 port, allowing it to function as a second screen absolutely anywhere thanks to the higher bandwidth and general performance of the USB 3.0 standard.
At 15.6 inches wide, the MB168B offers the same screen real estate as a mid-size laptop screen, and its resolution of 1366 x 768 is HD-ready and sufficient for most tasks.
It comes with a carry case as well, and is incredibly easy to pack up and transport. The included case also transforms into a convenient stand, allowing the screen to balance on a flat surface without any other assistance.
ASUS kept the MB168B’s look in line with its stylish and award-winning Zenbook design, giving it the by-now-familiar metallic concentric circle design of that range. The result is a very attractive, and very thin (8mm) portable display.
Other applications of such a versatile display are as a point of sale screen, as these don’t need to be huge and they’re generally used to display basic information. The MB168B is perfect for this.
While the display is also compatible with USB 2.0 ports, its brightness and overall image quality will be impacted by that older standard’s comparative lack of bandwidth. It’s still good, but not as good as when connected via USB 3.0.
But ultimately, if the computer it’s connected to has power, it just works. And thanks to built-in sensors, the display can be set to automatically rotate to accommodate both portrait and landscape orientations.
As it’s priced quite affordably, the MB168B is a compelling option for buyers looking to fill a display need that includes both mobility and convenience.
Slim and lightweight design
15.6-inch display
Easily transportable
Comes with its own carry case that doubles as a stand” negatives=”Only 1366 x 768 resolution
Works via USB 2.0, but with lower performance”][rating title=”Build Quality” value=”5″ range=”5″]
[rating title=”Resolution” value=”3″ range=”5″]
[rating title=”Convenience” value=”5″ range=”5″]
[rating title=”Value for Money” value=”5″ range=”5″]
[rating title=”USB 3.0 Performance” value=”5″ range=”5″][/review_summary]
- 15.6-inch HD-ready portable USB-powered monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission
- World’s slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finish
- Auto-rotating display bundled with the ASUS Smart Case – a two-way adjustable stand and protective sleeve
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