A laptop screams convenience as an on-the-go device that  fits as comfortably under your arm as it does inside a backpack or carrying case. However, a laptop falls short in the viewing area department –the “real estate” provided by the screen. This creates the dilemma of having to pick and choose which applications to leave on the screen and when, so as to avoid overlapping windows. Those with desktop PCs can obviate this problem by adding a second monitor. But having to lug a monitor around with the laptop, not to mention needing an AC outlet, sort of ruins the whole “portability” idea.

That’s no longer the case if you’ve got one of the new breed of USB-powered LCD monitors. AOC presents its 16-inch, LED backlit monitor as a lightweight addition to a laptop’s screen at a mere 2.5 pounds. But the best part is the loss of the power adaptor — the AOC monitor gets both its data connection and its power directly from the laptop’s USB socket.

While resembling a tablet from the front, don’t be shocked to find that there’s a great deal more depth to this monitor compared to that of an iPad or Android tablet. Part of that depth consists of an embedded tab that pulls out for standing the monitor upright: the tab rotates for use either horizontally or vertically. And sensibly there are rubber tabs attached which both indicate which way is up as well as provide protection from scratching the surface underneath it. But since there’s no protective case included, even though the screen is glass, it could get scratched if mistreated. I would recommend getting a tablet carrying case for it as a safety precaution (you have one for your laptop anyway, right?).

The finish is a flat black, although looking at the screen while holding the monitor might cause some to think there is a very glossy finish. This is misleading, since a glare-resistant coating is touted as one of the features. In general use, complaints about glare will be minimal, if at all.

The rest of the contents consist of a moderate length USB cable (one end being the mini-USB plug that fits into the very unobtrusive socket on the monitor’s back, behind the pull out tab), and a CD that installs the device driver into a PC. Note: it’s always a good idea to check out the manufacturer’s website’s “Support” to see if there might be an updated driver to use rather than the one that has been burned on disc. Since the Mac driver is only on the website, if you don’t go there, you might not think it works with an Apple computer (it does).

So after you installed the driver and rebooted, it’s just a matter of placing the monitor next to the laptop and connecting the two ends of the USB cable to their respective USB sockets when you want to use it (note: you’ll be connecting the monitor to the PC during the installation process as part of the procedure so it might already be connected). Should you be using a device, which has a low-powered USB output (unlikely these days), the second USB plug at one end of the cable will have to be inserted into a second USB socket. [AOC recommends attaching the monitor prior to turning the computer on, by the way]

With the laptop now active, the monitor now comes to life. At this point you’ll want to decide whether to “mirror” what is being seen on the main screen, or use it as an extended monitor. Setting this and other aspects of the monitor is done through the display options inside the PC laptop’s “Screen Resolution” (the monitor tops off at 1366 x 768 pixels). You can orient the monitor for “portrait” or “horizontal” viewing. Later you can access the settings through an icon in the System tray, using XP or Vista, or through a key press combination using Windows 7 (with Macs, a simple but dissimilar procedure applies to activate the monitor).

The monitor’s performance is somewhat dependent on the graphic card and processing power of the attached computer — no surprise there — but while you can use it in a similar manner to that of the main screen, it’s comparatively lower resolution could be disappointing to some. Certainly if you use it for static imaging and other applications where motion and detail is less prevalent, it’ll work fine (say thanks to the internal processing chip inside aiding in the processing of what is being displayed). As an example, I’d keep word processing on the main screen to avoid eye-strain and let videos play on the AOC. I didn’t encounter any screen refreshing issues that were visible to the eye, or any “flicker” or image smearing over a period of extended use. The high dynamic contrast ratio (50,000:1) is a far cry from the puny, early days of LCD and is extremely helpful when using a small monitor such as this one.

A final issue is that of the power drain derived from an extra monitor. Obviously the monitor will decrease the usable battery powering a laptop — unless it’s plugged in for power — but just how much depends on factors ranging from the charge of the battery, the kind of applications being run, etc. In general, it’s fair to say that the battery drain should be considered and noted over time as the monitor is used so as to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Editor’s Rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Great

Bottom Line: Having a second monitor provides more “real estate” when using a laptop, as well as allowing for a better segregation of applications in use. The lightweight nature and lack of power brick that is the standard of the AOC USB monitor, and this new breed of portable monitors in general, makes it well suited for traveling with you whether across the globe or in a coffee shop or bedroom.

Pros

• No need for a power plug
• Lightweight for portability
• Clear and bright display

Cons

• Somewhat “flimsy” construction compared to that of a tablet
• No protective case included
• Mac instructions a bit vague

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Laptops by design boast limited screen real estate.  Fine if you’re updating a spreadsheet or tacking a word doc, but not if you’re trying to accomplish design work in Photoshop.  Sure, you could just stay home and sit in front of your dual 30-inch LED monitors, but what fun is that when you can head off to the local coffee shop with AOC’s latest 16-inch portable LED monitor.

The e1649fwu requires no external power source as it draws its power from your computer’s USB plug, which also delivers the video feed.  The built-in stand rotates to accommodate portrait or landscape mode. The screen itself features a 1366×768 resolution, 50,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 5ms response time and 250 cd/m2 of brightness.  Not too shabby for a portable monitor that doesn’t run directly off the grid.

However, it does weigh a tad over 2.1lbs and measures 1.4-inches thick, so it will be like carrying around another ultra light laptop, which is perfectly fair considering all 17-inch laptops weigh nearly twice the total weight of both those devices combined.

AOC says that the e1649fwu 16-inch USB monitor will be available at major retailers this October for $139.  You can probably expect Newegg or Amazon to sell it for a tad less.

AOC Unveils 16-inch Portable USB Monitor, The Must-Have Laptop Accessory

Fremont, Calif. – September 20, 2011– AOC, the worldwide leader in monitor display technology, announces the sleek and portable USB Monitor, the ultimate laptop accessory. The lightweight monitor features a convenient built-in USB port that receives both power and signal via a single USB cable for plug-and-play connection.

The monitor does not require a power cord or VGA cable, and is ideal for dual- and multi-monitor setups. Along with functioning as an extended display, the accessory can also be used for on-the-go presentations. The AOC USB Monitor will be available at major retail chains nationwide in October 2011. The 16-inch model (e1649fwu) will have an MSRP of $139. “The USB Monitor showcases AOC’s dedication to expanding its display offerings and using the latest technologies to come out with innovative and user friendly products,” said Robert Velez, Marketing Manager of AOC. “The USB Monitor is ideal for business presentations, photo frame applications, multiple monitor displays and as a companion monitor for laptop and netbook users who want more out of their computer.”

With the launch of the USB Monitor, AOC continues its commitment to providing the latest in digital display technologies and innovative styling. The 16-inch e1649fwu model also offers impressive image quality with 50,000,00:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, 5ms response time and 1366 x 786 resolution. A handy built-in Smart Stand pivots out when needed and stores flush against the back of the monitor when not in use. The foldable stand supports both portrait and landscape display.

Because the monitor does not require a power cord or VGA cable, it permits maximum portability while still allowing the display of multiple applications like instant messenger, movie player, gaming and digital picture frame apps. The e1649fwu has a clean and modern aesthetic that is complemented by a black piano-polish finish on the bezel, while a hard glass screen offers superior protection.

One laptop can support multiple USB Monitor connections to create a multi-monitor setup. The USB Monitor is also compatible with desktop PCs. Every AOC monitor is manufactured to meet the most stringent green standards. Along with being mercury free, the packaging for the eco-friendly USB Monitor is made from recycled materials. In addition, AOC’s industry-leading LED display technology allows for a powerful and crystal clear display while minimizing power consumption.

• Panel Type: LED
• Widescreen 16:09
• Screen Size: 15.6″w
• Viewable Image Size: 395 mm
• Brightness (typical): 250cd
• Contrast ratio (typical): 50,000,000:1
• Response Time: 5ms
• Max. Resolution: 1366×768 @60Hz
• Input Signal: 1 USB
• HDCP Compatible: No
• Special Features: USB Powered

About AOC
AOC is the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD/LED monitors and HDTVs. With more than 60 years of design and manufacturing experience, AOC has earned a reputation for selling user-friendly, technologically advanced monitors, TVs and multi-functional displays. Every aspect of AOC’s global business focuses on the development of products that fit seamlessly into consumers’ digital lifestyle. For more information, please visit us.aoc.com.

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4 out of 5 stars

Pros:

• Great entertainment and multimedia features
• Large display and keyboard but doesn’t feel bulky
• Very good display and audio

Cons:

• Off-center keyboard is awkward
• Port location can be inconvenient

The Toshiba Satellite A665 is at the higher end of Toshiba’s wide-ranging Satellite line, which includes the NB-series netbooks, C-series student models, L-series mainstream machines, and T-series ultraportables. The A-series and more compact M-series offer full-featured entertainment machines designed for multimedia and some gaming.

The Satellite A665 features a 16-inch screen, Harman/Kardon speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio, and a choice of Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 CPUs. I reviewed the A665-S6092, which packs an Intel Core i7-740QM, 4 GB of DDR3 memory, and NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics.

The A665 offers Toshiba’s Sleep and Charge feature, which lets you charge a phone, MP3 player, or other device from the laptop’s USB port even while the computer is off. The machine also offers Sleep and Music, which lets you play your iPod, MP3 player, or phone through the A665 speakers (via the mic jack) without booting up.

The A665 is a big machine, but Toshiba did a good job of keeping it from becoming too bulky. Despite its 16-inch display, the laptop is not too thick, and it doesn’t feel that heavy (although it weighs in at over 6.5 lbs). The machine looks sharp, with rounded edges. Although the laptop feels plastic-y, it doesn’t feel cheap. The A665 features Toshiba’s Fusion X2 finish, with a nice grippy texture on the flat surfaces, and a smooth, glossy finish on the curves. Toshiba claims that Fusion X2 is “less prone to fingerprints,” but you can’t prove it by me. The test unit picked up more fingerprints than a CSI field technician.

Open up the A665 and you’ll notice that the 16-inch display fills the top shell. When the laptop is off, the screen looks like it will be too glossy. But when the computer is on the display is crisp and bright with minimal reflections. The display resolution is OK at 1366 by 768 pixels. In the bezel above the display, Toshiba has included a decent webcam as well (although I found the on-screen pop-out controls for the webcam to be annoying).

The keyboard on the A665 is a full-size, backlit, “island” style. This means that each key is separated from its neighbors by a small gap. The keys have a square profile, not slanted like most other keyboards. I found that this shape would occasionally snag my fingertips as I typed. I’m just an advanced hunt-and-peck typist, so perhaps real touch typists won’t have this issue.

Accountants and ASCII alt-code geeks will like the A665’s full-size number pad. This can be a desirable feature, but to make it fit Toshiba shifted the rest of the keyboard to the left. I found the off-centered keyboard very distracting and occasionally uncomfortable because I had to bend my wrists at an odd angle. It just felt off that the keyboard and my hands did not line up with the display.

There is a row of nice multimedia keys above the keyboard, and the entire keyboard is backlit. The touchpad has a backlit strip as well, which is useful in dim environments. I developed a love/hate relationship with the back lighting as it often seemed too harsh after a while.

The multi-touch touchpad works well and feels good. It has just the right amount of texture for a good feel, without dragging or feeling abrasive. There is only one set of touchpad buttons, however, located below the pad. The buttons are OK, but I’m a top-button kind of guy and I missed the second set of buttons often found on other laptops.

Sound quality was very good, especially for a laptop. Toshiba included its usual Harman/Kardon audio system, with Dolby Advanced Audio. There’s the usual built-in microphone plus a mic input and headphone output.

The placement of the A665’s ports is somewhat awkward. The USB ports are located near the front edge of the side panels. If you are actually using the laptop on your lap, whatever you put in the USB ports can get bumped or pressed. And if, like me, you want to use your favorite corded mouse the cord or the plug gets in the way pretty easily.

The power cord connector is also on side panel, instead of on the back. I found this awkward because it ends up making the laptop wider than it needs to be, and takes up space on your desktop. The power brick is pretty substantial, as needed to provide enough juice for that big screen and processor.

The included six-cell battery was good for about 2 hours of normal use. Toshiba does include its Eco Utility, with a dedicated Eco Button, that lets you view and monitor the power settings on your laptop. You can choose high-performance mode when you need it, power-saver mode for the least energy consumption, or balanced mode which is a blend of the other two modes.

Even with a few minor annoyances, the Toshiba Satellite A665 is an excellent entertainment laptop. If you are looking for a laptop with decent power and a good set of built-in multimedia features, you will find it in the A665’s slim and stylish package.

Performance

The following graphs shows the performance results for the Toshiba Satellite A665-S6092 as tested using Primate Labs Geekbench 2.1. The scores are comparable to other laptops in the same class, showing decent but not leading performance compared to HP or other models.

Specifications

Processor: Intel Core i7-740QM, 1.73 GHz (2.93 GHz with turbo boost), 6 MB L3 cache

Operating system: Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)

Graphics engine: NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M, 1 GB GDDR3 discrete graphics memory

Memory: 4 GB DDR3 1066 MHz (max 8 GB) 2 main memory slots; both slots occupied

Hard drive: 640 GB (5400 rpm) Serial ATA hard disk drive with 3D hard drive impact sensor

Optical drive: DVD-SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) with Labelflash

Display: 16.0 inch diagonal 16:9 widescreen TruBrite TFT display, 1366 by 768 native resolution (HD), native support for 720p, LED backlit

Audio: Microphone input, headphone jack (stereo), built-in microphone, Harman/Kardon stereo speakers

Webcam: Webcam and microphone built into LCD bezel

Wireless LAN: Wi-Fi wireless networking (802.11b/g/n)

LAN: 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN

Bluetooth: No

Modem: No

AC adapter: 120 W (19 V x 6.32 A) auto-sensing, 100-240 V / 50-60 Hz input

Battery: 6-cell Li-Ion, 48 Wh

Expansion and ports: 1 ExpressCard slot, 1 memory card reader, 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port, HDMI output port

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• Intel Core i7-720QM Processor at 1.6Ghz
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• 2MP webcam
• Bluetooth
• HDMI output
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• Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

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• 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile P7350
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• 16-inch LCD
• ATI Radeon HD 4570 with 512mb of memory
• WiFi N
• 320GB HDD
• DVD±RW
• Windows 7 Home Premium
• 4 in 1 media card reader
• 5.95lbs
• 6-cell battery

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• Intel® Core™ i3 Processor
• Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium
• 4GB DDR3 memory
• 320GB hard drive
• Intel® Integrated Graphics
• DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash™
• 1366×768 native resolution
• HDMI output
• 802.11n wireless
• Integrated webcam
• harman/kardon® stereo speakers
• Fusion® X2 Finish

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• 1.6 GHz AMD Phenom II P920 quad-core processor
• 4 GB DDR3 memory, 4 USB ports
• 500 GB SATA hard drive, DVD SuperMulti drive with Labelflash® supporting 11 formats
• 16-inch widescreen HD TruBrite LED-Backlit display, ATI Mobility Radeon? HD 5650 with 1GB DDR3 discrete graphics memory
• Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, 2.5 hours of battery life

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