ASUS MB169B+ 15.6-inch Portable USB Monitor: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS MB169B+ is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that connects to a laptop with a single USB 3.0 cable. It gives a second screen for travel, a small desk or a shared workspace, and it is thin and light enough to carry alongside a laptop. Here is what the listing tells us and what it means.

One cable for power and picture

Most monitors need a power cable and a video cable. The MB169B+ uses one USB 3.0 cable for both power and data, so there is no separate adapter to carry. ASUS calls its approach EzLink technology. In practice this means you plug the monitor into a laptop and, with the right software or driver, the second display appears.

The listing does not say which ports the cable fits on the laptop side, so check that your computer has a suitable USB 3.0 port that can supply enough power. Some computers and USB hubs limit how much power each port gives, which can affect brightness or stability.

Full HD on an IPS panel

The screen is 15.6 inches with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. On a screen this size, that is a familiar density used by many laptops, so text and video look sharp enough for documents, email, chat windows and reference material.

IPS is a panel type known for wide viewing angles. ASUS explains it as a design in which the liquid crystal molecules lie flat, which gives good viewing from the side and a fast response. That is useful on a portable monitor, because it is often viewed at an angle or placed beside a laptop rather than directly in front of you.

Slim and light

ASUS describes it as the world's slimmest and lightest 15.6-inch Full HD IPS USB-powered portable monitor. The listing gives the thickness as about 0.4 inches and the weight as 1.8 lb. Those are the brand's claims, and the thinness is what makes it easy to slide into a bag next to a laptop.

Smart Case and auto-rotate

The monitor comes with the ASUS Smart Case. It works as a protective sleeve and also folds into a two-way adjustable stand, so you can prop the screen in different positions. The monitor also rotates its picture automatically. Turn it from landscape to portrait and the display follows, which is handy for reading long documents or code.

Who it suits

A screen like this suits people who work from a laptop and want more room: remote workers, students, travelling professionals and anyone who wants a second screen at a kitchen table. It is not designed for demanding gaming or colour-critical work, and the listing makes no claims about refresh rate, colour accuracy or built-in speakers.

What to check before you buy

• Port and power: confirm your computer's USB port supplies enough power, and whether you need an adapter for the cable end.
• Software: check whether the monitor needs a driver or utility for your operating system.
• Features not listed: the listing does not state brightness, refresh rate or colour coverage, so check the manufacturer's specifications if these matter.
• Laptop battery: a bus-powered screen draws power from the laptop, so battery life may drop on the go.
• Stand and case: make sure the Smart Case holds the screen at an angle that suits your desk.
• What's in the box: the listing says all relevant accessories are included; check the contents against the manual.

The short version

• 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS portable monitor.
• Powered and driven by one USB 3.0 cable, using ASUS EzLink technology.
• About 0.4 inches thin and 1.8 lb, according to the listing.
• Auto-rotating display and an ASUS Smart Case that doubles as a two-way stand.
• Suited to a second screen for laptop work and travel.

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