ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF 22-Inch Portable Monitor: features and who it suits

The ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF is a 22-inch portable monitor, with a 21.5-inch viewable Full HD panel. Most portable monitors are small, about 14 to 16 inches, so this is a larger take on the idea: a lightweight second screen that can be carried between the home, the office and shared workspaces.

Display: Full HD, IPS and 100Hz

The panel is 1920x1080 (Full HD) and uses IPS technology, which typically gives consistent colour and wide viewing angles. ASUS lists a 100Hz refresh rate, above the standard 60Hz of most office screens, so motion such as scrolling and cursor movement looks smoother. The panel is frameless on the edges and ASUS gives its profile as 4.9 mm.

Weight and portability

ASUS says the monitor weighs 2.2 kg (about 4.9 lb). The listing gives packaged dimensions of 7.0 x 19.0 x 15.3 inches and 8.8 lb, which includes the stand and accessories. A 22-inch screen is light for its size but still bigger than a typical laptop bag's laptop pocket, so check that it fits the bag you plan to use.

One USB-C cable with 60W power delivery

The monitor has a full-function USB-C port with 60-watt power delivery, plus HDMI and an earphone jack. In general, a full-function USB-C port can carry video, and charge a connected laptop, over a single cable, if the laptop's USB-C port supports video output and charging. Check your laptop's specifications before relying on this; 60W may also be less than some laptops need under heavy load.

Stands and accessories

ASUS lists several ways to position it:

• Carrying handle and kickstand: an integrated handle that also acts as a stand.
• C-clamp arm: height-adjustable, with Z-axis adjustment, to clamp to a desk edge.
• Partition hook kit: for hanging it on an office partition.

Check the manual for the clamp's maximum desk thickness.

Sound

The monitor has 2.1-channel audio with a subwoofer. Built-in speakers are convenient for calls and video, and a subwoofer typically adds some low-end weight, though external speakers usually sound fuller.

Environmental details

ASUS lists ENERGY STAR-certified energy efficiency and packaging in FSC-certified paper. The brand also states a three-year warranty; check its terms. A limited-time Adobe Creative Cloud offer is also listed, so check whether it's still valid.

Who it suits

• People who work on a laptop and want more screen space away from a desk.
• Shared offices and co-working spaces.
• Anyone who needs a larger second screen they can pack away.

What to check before you buy

• USB-C support: confirm that your laptop supports video and charging over USB-C.
• Resolution: Full HD at 22 inches is less sharp than higher-resolution panels.
• Carrying: check the size against your bag.
• Clamp: check that your desk edge suits the clamp.
• Contents: check cables and accessories supplied.

The short version

• A 21.5-inch Full HD IPS portable monitor, model MB229CF.
• 100Hz, USB-C with 60W power delivery, HDMI and a headphone jack.
• 2.1-channel audio with subwoofer.
• Kickstand, C-clamp arm and partition hook; 2.2 kg.

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