This is an absolutely fantastic, slim, portable display. I'm an app developer and it slips in my bag with ease.
Before I plugged it into my MacBook, I downloaded and installed the driver from the Asus website. However, the screen was extremely laggy. Just moving the mouse around the screen was a glitchy nightmare. I read all of the reviews and couldn't find anyone experiencing the same thing. I began to think it was my computer, but everything was up-to-spec. After about an hour of Googling, I came across the DisplayLink driver page. Just so everyone is clear, Asus makes the hardware, but it's using DisplayLink as a driver. The one on the Asus site is either outdated or incomplete. I downloaded and installed the driver directly from the DisplayLink website. Amazon won't let me post the link, but just do a quick google search for DisplayLink Mac driver and you'll be all set!
All of the lag is gone! The display runs perfectly. I love this thing. I'm probably going to get another soon. Very glad I found this. I hope the driver tip helps someone else!
Exactly what I was looking for.
I'm a software developer, and work both on and off-site. When working in the office or at home I have a dual-monitor setup to complement my work-supplied laptop. But when I'm really on the road, or working in conference rooms or team coding sessions, I really began to feel constrained by the single monitor. It's just nice to be able to spread code out across several screens while working on interconnected code. Or to be able to have API documentation open on one screen while vim is going on the other. So I began to seek a solution that would provide me with dual-monitor luxury even while away from the traditional desk.
My requirements were:
* Must work with Ubuntu (Linux).
* Must not require an external power source.
* Should require only a single cable.
* Must be close to the same screen dimensions as my laptop (15.6")
* Must be close to the same resolution as my laptop (1920x1080)
* Must be lightweight.
* Must fit into my laptop bag and backpack alongside my laptop.
This unit fit all of those needs perfectly.
There are several caveats that if understood ahead of time will help potential buyers make a good decision. First, it's designed for Windows 7 or newer, or Mac OS-X. But it also works with Ubuntu by downloading the DisplayLink driver from the DisplayLink website. Some Ubuntu systems (particularly those built on 14.04LTS) will require a kernel update too. And under Ubuntu the auto-rotate capability is not functional. In fact, with current drivers, it only works in landscape mode. I haven't tried overriding the basic settings with xrandr or xrotate. It's possible that a little more experimentation would enable portrait mode, which may come in handy for coders who like to do horizontal splits.
This is a USB 3 device. I tried it with USB 2 as well, but that required being connected through a powered hub. Similarly, even though my other monitors have USB 3 ports in them, they don't supply enough power on their own to power this unit. But driven directly by USB 3 ports on my laptop (AC or battery powered), or the docking station, it works great. If your USB 3 ports aren't capable of supplying sufficient power, though, you may need a powered hub.
The color is good, though not identical to my laptop. I haven't investigated calibration options because it's close enough, and good enough for what I need. The brightness setting works as designed, and the screen is plenty bright. My laptop's color doesn't match my full size monitors either (dual 27" Dell's at work, and dual 24" Asus's at home), and that really doesn't bother me.
The screen is crisp and sharp. And it renders 1920x1080 just as I had hoped. I expected to see some lag, but I don't detect any. The mouse moves across the screen smoothly.
The carrying case that comes with it is perfect for carrying the monitor and for protecting it. And reasonably good for serving the second purpose of monitor stand. But I ordered a tablet stand to use instead, and like that better.
The monitor's build quality is nice. it is slender, light, pretty, and sufficiently robust. It doesn't have a "cheap-o" feel.
Recently I plugged the monitor into my laptop at the same time that the laptop was docked, driving my dual 27 inch Dell monitors, and I was almost surprised to discover that it all worked fine. Including the laptop's own screen, I had four monitors going in all, working as a single extended desktop. Combined with Ubuntu's virtual desktops, the space was really liberating.
So if you need a 15.6" portable monitor at 1920x1080 to use alongside your laptop, this is great. Be prepared to use USB 3, and to use a compatible operating system. If you prefer dual-monitors, even on the go, this is hard to beat for the price.
It works amazingly. I can finally travel anywhere and be just as productive as in my office. Please check out the pictures below. I highly recommend this setup using the Sidecar attachment to attach the screen to your laptop. Reasons?
1) The least utilized space is the space right above your laptop screen.
2) This setup has the smallest footprint, as small as your laptop alone. It leaves table space for your notepad, coffee, books, and other things.
3) It's good for posture. The 2nd screen is at eye level so you can look right ahead.
If you're interested in this setup, everything you need is right here for a total $220. Please note I am not selling any of this, nor am I connected in any way with any of the sellers. I just wanted to share a setup that is working wonderfully for me. Cheers
USB screen: $180
https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-MB169B-Screen-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B013XFJKGI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
sidecar to attach screen to any laptop: $25
https://www.amazon.com/SideCar-iPad-Monitor-Mount-Functionality/dp/B00OQHUPG2
hinge to support laptop: $4
https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hardware-4-Inch-Lifespan-T-Hinge/dp/B000FKEZF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470325479&sr=8-1&keywords=4+inch+Zinc+Plated+Heavy+Duty+Tee+Hinge
velcro strip to attach hinge to laptop: $5
https://www.amazon.com/Command-Damage-Picture-Hanging-Strips/dp/B00404YKZI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1470325681&sr=8-4&keywords=command+strips
rubber spray to rubberize hinge tip for extra traction: $6
https://www.amazon.com/Performix-11203-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B0006SU3QW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470326032&sr=8-1&keywords=black+rubber+coating+spray
I have BOTH the USB 3.0 ("B") and USB C ("C")versions of this monitor, and it might be difficult reading through some of the reviews because you will see conflicting information - IMO, these should be three completely separate products on Amazon, each with their own set of reviews, but because they are mixed, it might be hard to figure out when people are talking about what you are interested in.
First things first, since it's the first thing out of the package, the cases for these ARE DIFFERENT. The C version of the case is a LOT better, more adjustable, and not nearly as flimsy as a stand as the B version. In both cases, however, while they make great covers/protectors, they both make lousy stands. I do not see how it will tip over on it's own if you set it up correctly, but with desk space at a premium, the bases take up an awful large amount of space for what they are doing. I travel and often work in a production trailer, and simply do not have the luxury of that kind of space, but even on my desk at home, I can push my laptop back to give me a lot of working room, while this ASUS monitor needs to be much closer, and then my viewing distances to the screens don't match. A separate stand is recommended if you need to use less desk space.
The displays on both versions of the monitor are really quite good - probably better than most cheaper laptop screens, but not nearly as good as the best laptop screens. To be fair, the Dell I use has a UHD display, not a fair comparison. The "B" version screen that I'm using with my ACER Aspire is probably better than the built in display.
Both of my laptops already had the displaylink drivers installed, so the monitors both worked without any additional installs. The "B" version does come with a disk, while the "C" version does not - presumably, if your laptop is good enough to take advantage of the "C" version, it's probably not necessary. In both cases I'm using Windows 10, and the disc that came with the "B" version complained the driver wouldn't work with my OS, and directed me to go to the displaylink website anyway, so it was rather pointless.
Not only are the ports on each monitor different, the controls are, also. The "B" version, as far as I can figure out, has only an on/off switch and brightness settings. The "C" version has menus that give a lot more options, including contrast and other features. There's no real documentation on how to use it, so it took me a while to figure it out (and I still can't really figure out more than brightness and contrast). The menu button for the "C" version is kind of awkward to use - a rotary push button.
So now down to the display - this applies to both. As I've mentioned, the display is actually pretty good. At it's maximum brightness, it's probably not as bright as I would like, but it's more than acceptable. I played Netflix on it, and didn't notice any lags or tearing. I did not try any games, as I use my main desktop for games and don't really play a lot on the laptop. If I was going to play CSGO, I'd use the laptop display anyway.
The view angle is decent. Never as wide as you'd like, but comparable to most laptop screens (and actually even better than my ACER).
I'm really glad I got this - I travel a lot for work, and use graphics software that has a separate output window, and trying to work both within the software screens and see the output at the same time really sucks with one monitor. As a programmer, it's also quite nice to have more screen real estate while working on the road - but even when I'm at home and using the laptop to work on my porch or someplace other than my desk.
For the record, the "C" version is going to be very picky about what it works with. It does NOT work with the USB C port on the ACER, it does work with the Dell XPS. The "B" version works with either one, so if you're looking for broader compatibility, the "B" version is a better choice. The "C" version has a better case and controls, and theoretically (although I couldn't tell in my limited use so far) faster refreshes. Like I said, though, I played Netflix on both and they both looked fine to me. If you know the "C" version will work with your laptop (C with alternate modes capable of display port), and you don't plan on using it on anything else, the "C" might be a better option.
EDIT: I do notice that the colors are not quite perfect. Red looks more orange on my "B" monitor. As far as I can tell, there is no way to calibrate it, not even a little - the only control is brightness. Not a deal breaker for me.
As an external auditor, I travel from client to client. As such, I was looking for a lightweight portable monitor. Well, I can easily say I found it. This monitor does just what I need it to. It is very portable and easy to set up, no matter where I am working. I even set this monitor up while I am cuddled up on the couch studying for the CPA exam. This portable monitor easily enables me to increase productivity and comfort while working with multiple applications. To top it off, the monitor is Mac compatible (just install displayLink) driver and viola! All and all a great addition to my tech inventory.
Note: The USB connection at the monitor is not the best connection, minor jostling will cause the cable to become slightly disconnected. This is a minor irritation and not worth lowering my overall rating. I just want other buyers to be aware of this flaw. All you have to do is re secure the connection and things are right again.
Feature Product
- 156-inch Full HD portable USB-powered monitor with a single USB 30 cable for power and data transmission
- World's slimmest and lightest USB monitor with a sleek and metallic finishIt needs just one USB cable for both its video signal and power to deliver up to a Full HD resolution
- Auto-rotating display bundled with the ASUS Smart Case - a two-way adjustable stand and protective sleeve
- Minimum System Requirement : Windows 7 with 14GHz Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, Mac OS X 1083 (not compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro) Recommended Requirement : Windows 7 with 24GHz Core 2 Duo or above, 2GB RAM
- Blue Light Filter - blue light filter minimizes blue light to reduce eyestrain Please refer the User Manual before use ASUS Rapid Replacement: 3 Years Warranty, 2 way free shipping
Description
The World's slimmest and lightest 15.6" Full HD IPS panel USB-powered MB169B+ Portable Monitor with a single USB 3.0 cable for power and data transmission. MB169B+ features EzLink technology and Auto-rotating display bundled with the ASUS Smart Case - a two-way adjustable stand and protective sleeve provide a more user-friendly scenario. IPS is a type of panel technology of that provides a wide field of view. Based on the principle that liquid crystal polymer runs horizontally, this allows for good viewing at wide angles and a fast response speed.
Make sure you get the right one for your needs. I purchased a Skull Canyon NUC and wanted a portable monitor. The USB-C variation is the only one to purchase in that case. The regular USB version requires that you have a primary monitor plugged in and have a DisplayLink driver. Not a huge deal if you're using it as a second monitor for a laptop. But USB-C seems brighter and does not require drivers and most importantly it can work by itself.
If you have a USB-C port get that one. If you are using a laptop and only need a second monitor then the regular USB will work fine for that purpose.
These ASUS portable monitors are outstanding. I have two of them. I used the 169B, non-IPS version for a long time but could not easily get the viewing angle just right so that I could see both this and my laptop screen well when using either the provided case/stand, or an aftermarket stand. To solve the problem, I bought this IPS version which does indeed fix the viewing angle issue. Better still, buy the MountEra Side Mount Clip which holds the monitor at a perfect angle to view. Now I can use both extra monitors and the main laptop display with all of them perfectly visible at the same time.
I loved the idea of getting a portable monitor… Then I actually got one. This ASUS monitor is amazing!!! I can’t say enough about the light weight, perfect picture/color and sleek design. But the thing I like the most and also the reason I bought it was for ease of use. I no longer have to drag out a monitor to have duel screens; it sits in my desk drawer until I need an extra monitor with my laptop.
I am also a programmer and screen real-estate is very important to me. I have had this for about four months now and have already taken it to a conference, several long meetings and a three day training session. Just one more plus about it is the USB 3 models don’t use external power, I cannot stress enough that this feature alone is great.
The ASUS MB169B+ that I bought comes with a case that is sturdy and not at all cheap; by this I mean that I have had it for about four months now and it really has no sign of wear yet. And, as for usage, I use this monitor about three to four times a week and return it back to the case after every use.
After seeing the quality and performance of this portable monitor I am now thinking of looking at getting one of their laptops. ASUS seems to make really quality stuff, well monitors anyway.
It has worked flawlessly for me but if it ever gives up on me I will surely buy another ASUS. I would buy it again and I would recommend it to anyone.
Now, where I ran into some problems was when I connected the display to a 2013 13" MacBookPro (which does have USB3). One display connected without problems, and I could play 2 videos, one on each display. However, I could not share an application window between 2 displays, the part that moved into the new display would just disappear. The 3 display setup did not work at all. I am sure there will be a trick I am not aware off to solve this problem - if anybody knows the answer, please comment and let us know! It is striking that in my hands, the MacBook with USB3 had problems, while the older USB2 MacBooks worked fine.
The carrying case/stand is good for carrying, but pretty basic as a stand. There are plenty of adjustable and more stable tablet stands available here on Amazon for around $10, which will work much better to allow adjusting the viewing angle and protect the display from toppling over.
UPDATE Dec 2016: I recently upgraded my 2010 17" Mac Book Pro with a USB3.0 Expresscard to run a 3 monitor setup with 2 of these displays connected via USB3 (the USB2 was a bit laggy for 2 external monitors). The 2 displays needed an externally powered USB3 hub to get enough juice in this specific Mac Expresscard setup. Again, like in the 2013 MacBook, running these displays through USB3 does not allow you to share one application window in several screens, while connecting the displays via USB2 does allow sharing application windows. However, I can easily generate 3 different application windows and place them in the 3 different displays, so for my needs these displays work perfectly fine. Also, carrying the 2 displays in a normal-sized backpack is not a problem when traveling.
I bought this for my work laptop to help make it easier to work remotely,(I have 3 Monitors at work) Just working on the laptop was a no-go. This is perfect, the size is right, not too small, not too big. One of the best part is that it is easy to set-up. Just download the correct driver from displaylink and wallah! but that's the best part...
Soo i downloaded the DisplayLink app for Android, and i have a USB-C to HDMI/3x3,0 USB Hub. I could now Initiate Samsung Dex on this screen, soo with my BT Keyboard and Mouse, i am using my Note 8 has a portable Laptop!
I will be trying to convince the president of the office to buy one for everyone else!
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