ASUS ZenScreen MB165B 15.6-inch Portable USB Monitor: specs explained

The ASUS ZenScreen MB165B is a thin 15.6-inch portable monitor that connects to a laptop with a single USB cable. It adds a second screen for travel, work at a café or a small desk, and it slips into a bag. Here is what the specs mean.

One cable for power and video

ASUS says the MB165B needs only one USB cable, which carries both the video signal and the power. That means there is no separate power adapter to carry. It also means the laptop supplies the power, which can shorten battery life, and a laptop port needs to be able to provide enough of it. Check that your computer's port supports video over USB, as the manual describes.

Screen size and resolution

The panel is 15.6 inches with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1366 x 768 (HD). At this size and resolution, text is readable and well suited to reference windows, email, chat and documents. It has fewer pixels than Full HD, so detailed photo or video editing may look less sharp. The surface is anti-glare and ASUS lists a 10 millisecond response time.

Slim and light

The monitor is 11.8mm thick and weighs 780g, according to ASUS, and the listing gives the shipping weight as 1.7 lb with a size of 8.9 x 14.2 x 0.5 inches. A narrow bezel keeps the frame small. These dimensions suit laptop bags and carry-on luggage.

Foldable smart case

The sleeve doubles as a stand. A few folds and tucks prop up the screen in landscape or portrait. There is also a tripod socket on the back for other mounts.

Portrait and landscape

The monitor senses its orientation and switches between portrait and landscape using the DisplayWidget software. Portrait mode is popular for long documents, web pages and code.

Who it suits

It suits people who travel with a laptop, remote workers who want a second screen at the kitchen table, and anyone who needs a lightweight display for reference material or messages. For colour-critical work or fast games, a screen with higher resolution is typically a better match.

What to check before you buy

• Port support: confirm that your laptop's USB port can output video and supply enough power.
• Drivers: check the operating systems that DisplayWidget supports.
• Resolution: make sure 1366 x 768 is enough for your tasks.
• Brightness and battery: a bus-powered screen draws from the laptop, so expect some effect on runtime.
• Cable: use the supplied cable or one rated for the data and power needed.
• Offers: the bundled software trial in the listing has a stated end date, so check what applies now.

The short version

• A 15.6-inch portable USB monitor, model MB165B, 1366 x 768, 16:9.
• A single USB cable carries power and the video signal.
• 780g and 11.8mm thin, with a foldable case that works as a stand.
• Automatic portrait and landscape switching with DisplayWidget.
• Anti-glare surface and a tripod socket on the back.

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