ASUS ProArt PA169CDV 15.6-inch 4K Pen Display: features, specs and fit

The ASUS ProArt Display PA169CDV is a 15.6-inch pen display: a thin 4K screen you draw on directly with a pen, connected to a computer. It's aimed at illustrators, designers, photo editors and anyone who wants to sketch or annotate on screen rather than on a separate tablet. Here is what the listed features mean.

The display

The panel is 15.6 inches with 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) resolution on an IPS panel, with an anti-glare finish. ASUS describes it as 10-bit, and it supports capacitive 10-point multitouch, so your fingers can pinch, zoom and pan as on a tablet. IPS panels generally keep colours consistent across wide viewing angles, which suits a screen you lean over while working.

Colour accuracy

ASUS lists 100% sRGB coverage, Calman Verified status and factory pre-calibration to Delta E < 2. Delta E measures the difference between displayed and intended colours; lower is more accurate, and values under 2 are typically hard to see by eye. ASUS also says it is the first portable monitor to be both Pantone Validated and Calman Verified. A colour pre-calibration report is included in the box. For colour-critical work, check whether sRGB coverage matches the colour space you deliver in.

The pen

The bundled ProArt Pen (MPP2.0) uses Wacom EMR technology, which ASUS says gives a pen-on-paper-like feel. EMR pens typically don't need a battery, since they're powered by the screen itself. Two spare pen tips and a tip clip are included.

Dial and shortcuts

The ASUS Dial and Virtual Control Panel provide shortcuts and programmable hotkeys for compatible creative software. A dial is typically used for brush size, zooming or scrubbing through a timeline.

Stands and connections

Two kickstands, upper and lower, prop the display up at different angles, from a more upright position for everyday work to a flatter drawing angle. Connections are USB-C with DisplayPort Alt mode and HDMI, so it works with computers that have either. The listing gives the size as 14.6 x 0.5 x 9.3 inches (about 37 x 1.3 x 24 cm) and the weight as 2.4 lb (about 1.1 kg), so it travels easily.

ASUS lists TÜV Rheinland-certified flicker-free technology for the screen.

In the box

HDMI cable, USB-C to C cable, power cord, ProArt Pen, two pen tips and a tips clip, a ProArt sleeve/bag, warranty card, welcome card, colour pre-calibration report and a quick start guide. The listing also mentions a promotional Adobe Creative Cloud trial valid between 9/1/2023 and 8/31/2025, so it may no longer be available.

Who it suits

It suits digital artists, designers, photographers and note-takers who want a portable, accurate pen screen connected to a laptop or desktop.

What to check before you buy

• Your computer's ports: confirm USB-C with video output (DisplayPort Alt mode) or HDMI.
• Software support: check that your drawing programs support pen pressure and the dial.
• Drivers: confirm drivers for your operating system.
• Colour needs: see whether sRGB coverage fits your workflow.
• Warranty: the listing mentions a 3-year warranty; check its terms with ASUS.

The short version

• 15.6-inch 4K UHD IPS pen display with anti-glare finish and 10-point touch.
• Wacom EMR ProArt Pen (MPP2.0) included.
• 100% sRGB, Calman Verified and pre-calibrated to Delta E < 2.
• ASUS Dial, two kickstands, USB-C and HDMI.
• 2.4 lb (about 1.1 kg), supplied with a sleeve/bag.

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