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The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is an unusual product, and whilst not unique, a USB C screen is not something we have looked at before. But we have to admit being very impressed by what this display has to offer. It's thin and light enough to carry with you alongside an ultraportable laptop, and the impact on the host notebook's battery life is not so bad that you won't be able to use it for long.
The single-cable USB Type C connection is really convenient, delivering both power and video signal at once. The colour accuracy is brilliant, and the OSD has most of the features of a regular desktop screen. It's not particularly bright, but that's to be expected for a screen intended to draw power from a host laptop.
The only two real downsides are the disappointing gamut and the fact that this is not a touchscreen, which feels like a slightly missed opportunity. None of ASUS's ZenScreens have touch options, although ASUS does do some desktop displays with this facility.
It would have been very handy to be able to use the MB16AC as a tablet input device, although this is likely to have pushed the price up considerably. Overall, though, if you do feel the need for more “desktop real estate” when travelling, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a great way to provide that facility.
The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is available from Amazon UK HERE.
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Pros:
- Thin and light – can be carried along with your ultraportable laptop.
- Power consumption sufficiently low that it doesn't kill your laptop's endurance.
- Easy connection for power and video signal via USB Type C port.
- Great colour accuracy.
- Fully featured OSD options.
Cons:
- Disappointing gamut.
- Not a touchscreen.
Kitguru Says: The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is an excellent way to take a dual-screen setup on the road, with great colour accuracy and not a hideous impact on your laptop battery life either.
The issue with this monitor: if u want to take advantage of the full speed of the monitor, USB c alter mode must be used and most laptop only has 1 USB c port, e.g. MacBook. When u only have 1 USB c port for both charging and powering the monitor, it is inconvenient.