ASUS ZenScreen MB166C 15.6-inch portable USB-C monitor: specs and uses

The ASUS ZenScreen MB166C is a 15.6-inch portable monitor that takes both power and video over a single USB-C cable. It gives a laptop a second screen on the road, at a desk or in a shared workspace, and it folds away into its sleeve afterwards. Here is what its features mean and what your device must support.

One cable for power and video

ASUS says the monitor uses one USB-C cable for both power and the video signal. The connector works in DisplayPort Alternate Mode ("DP Alt mode"), which means the USB-C port carries a DisplayPort video signal. Your laptop, tablet or phone must support video output over USB-C for this to work. A USB-C port that only carries data or charging won't show a picture. Check your device's specification for DisplayPort Alt mode or a similar video-out feature.

Because the monitor draws power from the connection, the source device supplies it. That keeps the setup simple, though it can use up some of a laptop's battery.

Screen and Eye Care

The display is 15.6 inches, Full HD (1920 x 1080), IPS and has an anti-glare finish. IPS panels typically hold colour and brightness at wider viewing angles, and an anti-glare surface cuts reflections from windows and lamps. ASUS says the monitor carries TÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light technologies, with the goal of a comfortable viewing experience.

Portable design

The monitor measures about 8.9 x 14.2 inches, is 0.5 inch thin and weighs 1.7 lb (about 0.77 kg). That is slim and light enough to slip into a bag next to a laptop. A foldable protective sleeve is included, and it doubles as a way to prop the screen up.

For more flexible positioning, there is an embedded tripod socket on the rear. A standard camera tripod or compatible stand can hold the monitor at a comfortable height, which a flat sleeve cannot always do.

Portrait and landscape modes

The monitor can sense its orientation and switch between landscape and portrait modes using DisplayWidget software. ASUS notes that drivers are required and that auto-rotate only works with Windows. Portrait mode is handy for long documents, code or web pages.

Where it fits

ASUS suggests using it to work more efficiently on the go with an extended display, or to watch movies and videos anywhere. It typically suits people who travel with a laptop, work across several locations, or want a second screen in a small home office without taking over desk space. It is a Full HD screen, so it's not intended for detailed colour grading.

What to check before you buy

• USB-C video: confirm that your device supports video output over USB-C (DP Alt mode).
• Power draw: a laptop or phone may lose battery faster when it powers a second screen.
• Operating system: auto-rotate and DisplayWidget are described as working with Windows only.
• Cables: check the box for a USB-C cable, or have one that supports video.
• Stand: decide whether the sleeve is enough, or if you will use a tripod via the rear socket.
• Warranty: the listing mentions a 3-year warranty; read the terms on the ASUS site.

The short version

• A 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare IPS portable monitor, model MB166C.
• Power and video over a single USB-C cable using DP Alt mode.
• TÜV Rheinland-certified Flicker-free and Low Blue Light features, per ASUS.
• About 1.7 lb and 0.5 inch thick, with a foldable sleeve.
• Embedded tripod socket and auto-rotate with DisplayWidget on Windows.

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