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

If you’re looking to bling out your PC than the easiest way to do so is in the display. For a limited time from OfficeMax you can grab this AOC Monitor which is just under 19-Inches for only $69.99 after $30 in savings. This monitor has a 720p (1366 by 768) resolution for plenty of space to view HD content of course and multitasking. It has a high level of brightness; 200 nits which makes it clear and easy to see from a distance and a 5ms response time which keeps away the motion blur in high motion videos or games. It has a standard VGA connection compatible with most PCs, and while not the most impressive of monitors we’ve seen, for the money you get a slim design and HD capability.

19-inches never looked so cheap.  You can grab this monitor for just $69.99 with instant free shipping

AOC’s Aire Pro LED monitor provides a good entry point to screens that are nice to look at whether they are powered on or off. The extremely thin screen (less than ten millimeters thick) is quickly noticed for taking up only a small amount of depth while still offering a picture that is clear and comfortable. The 23” display keeps pace with larger, more expensive monitors, outputting a bright, clear, high-resolution picture that won’t set you back more than a couple hundred dollars.

With 2 HDMI ports, a VGA out, a 3.5 mm jack for audio, and just five buttons located on the monitor’s base, the Aire Pro’s angle is clearly minimalism, and it pulls that off very well. The lighting is subtle, the monitor is light-weight, easily transportable and a snap to reposition to fit your needs on your own desk surface. One aspect where I think this design betrays the overall aim of the monitor is that because all of the power, volume, and menu buttons are located on the monitor’s base, which is a silvery near-circle about six inches in diameter and an inch thick, the monitor can’t detach from the base. You have to have enough room for the base and mounting the screen is not an option whatsoever.

Other than that, the AOC Aire Pro LED performs as sharply as it looks. With a 50,000,000:1 contrast ratio, native 1920×1080 widescreen resolution, and backlit screen, one of the biggest perks about this monitor is how sharp it looks from all but the most extreme viewing angles. I was able to move all about my room and the picture quality stayed consistent no matter where I went, making this an ideal display for presentations or family or party viewing. Even when dealing with careful timing during precise gaming, the 5 ms refresh rate didn’t leave me disappointed – a sticking point I have whenever I’m looking into displays.

I was disappointed but not surprised by the quality of the monitor’s on-board speakers, in that they leave a great deal to be desired. Without hooking up any additional equipment, the sound is fuzzy, with highs too high and almost no bass to speak of. The second HDMI port can be put to use with high-end sound systems, but anything else is going to have to sacrifice at least a little audio quality using the 3.5 mm jack instead.

One of the features advertised on the box that may give some consumers, particularly gamers, cause for alarm is that the Aire Pro LED uses in-plane switching. However, the Aire Pro has no ghosting issues, almost no motion blur whatsoever, and really I can’t say anything bad about its use for any application you might put it to. Purists may protest, and sure there is room for improvement in the overall display, but for the price and the size, it’s pretty hard to argue against this display.

Editor’s Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Great

Bottom Line: The AOC Aire Pro LED is competitively priced for somebody looking for a quality display that’s not too big or too flashy. As such, it’s not really going to compare to larger, high-end monitors, and it’s easy to see where the extra cost goes sometimes. Still, this is a great monitor for your average desktop user, and I found it very handy to carry around and set up at parties or gatherings for gaming thanks to its slim build and low weight. The Aire Pro isn’t perfect, but finds a comfortable balance between affordability, portability, and usability.

Pros:

• Backlit LED makes the picture pop out and look sharp regardless of most viewing angles
• Ultra slim design fits nicely onto desks or dressers without taking up a good deal of space
• 2 HDMI ports make this unit good as a multimedia center for both computers and personal media devices

Cons:

• Since controls are attached to base, mounting the screen is not an option
• Onboard speakers are tinny and aren’t really worth the addition
• HDMI ports and 3.5 mm jacks only exclude any optical-based audio solutions

The AOC Aire Pro 23” LED Monitor is available from Amazon for $197.57.

AOC’s new Aire Monitor with Docking Station is the ultimate multimedia monitor for iPod and iPhone owners thanks to its built-in universal docking station for iPhone and iPod that allows immediate video, audio and photo playback from the mobile device through AOC’s patented plug-and-play technology. The 23-inch Full High Definition monitor also features built-in speakers with high quality SRS Premium Sound that are located at the base of the monitor. iPhone and iPod users can easily watch movies or browse photos on a 23-inch high definition flat screen directly from their mobile device. The 23-inch AOC Aire Monitor with Docking Station (e2343Fi) will be available for $279.99 at national retailers in March 2012.

Other features include: impressive image quality with Full HD 1080p resolution; a 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio and 5 ms response time; user-friendly graphical OSD menu that can be accessed directly through the mouse; and bonus features like embedded Screen+ software that allows the user to divide the screen into four self-contained work areas. With a sleek design that sports a black bezel and white back that complements Apple’s stylish products, the Aire Monitor with Docking Station will look provide some style to your desk!

This week has left us with savings on many different fronts. From TVs to digital cameras and even smartphones and speaker equipment there is something there for everyone. Here’s some of the ones that are still alive and stood out in the pack:

10. Altec Lansing M812 WIreless Speaker Dock for iPod – $97

The price on this very handy device has been dropping since we’ve first seen it, and has hit rock bottom at this level. That makes this the perfect time to grab this very handy iPod Dock and Wireless Speaker set from Altec Lansing and get the most out of your iPod. It’s a very handy dock which allows you to not only make your music heard but to allow you to play it anywhere in your home without fumbling with wires and connections.

9. Nintendo Wii Mario Kart Console Bundle – $135

Amazon certainly rolled in the savings for this game system which is still popular and going strong. Whether you were just starting, upgrading or even purchasing as a gift you definitely can’t go wrong for this price. With the console you get a copy of Mario Kart Wii along with the Steering wheel controller add-on and you can even choose if you want the white or black version as they are both the same price.

8. IOmega 34650 ScreenPlay Director 1TB Media Players – $90

Still going strong in the discount zone, don’t forget to grab this feature packed media player from iOmega so you can enjoy all sorts of content from your network, storage devices or even from the Internet all on your home theater system. It of course has full support for HD and plenty of in/outputs for connectivity to any of your equipment without issue. A good media player can definitely make a difference in a home theater setup!

7. AOC Razor E2043FK 20-Inch LED Monitor – Now $80

Yep that’s right, Tiger went and lowered the price once again on this AOC LED monitor. Now you can either begin with or expand your computer display capabilities with a 1600 by 900 HD resolution for plenty of multi-tasking glory. Other features include a 50,000,000:1 intense dynamic contrast ratio and 250 nit brightness level. It is also a very energy efficient model which takes away any future price issues away from your energy bill.

6. Star Wars: The Complete Sage on Blu-Ray – $80

Yes Amazon had to do it, now you can grab the entire Star Wars saga in glorious 1080p! Still relatively new and popular as ever but Amazon holds with their very low price and that works for us. It includes all 6 movies of course along with plenty of bonus features, commentary tracks and deleted scenes to keep any fan veteran or otherwise happy. We imagine the price will raise soon so grab it while it’s still crazy!

5. Asus Eee PC 12.1-Inch Netbook – $308

TigerDirect certainly knows how to throw a bargain. This deal is still alive and kicking and that means you can grab this stylish and sleek netbook PC at the lowest price we’ve seen. It includes a 12.1-Inch display along with AMD Fusion E-350 Processing and 2GBs of DDR3 Memory. It also boasts a very impressive battery life which peaks out at about 8 hours for very easy use no matter where you go, and at a price like this you definitely can’t go wrong!

4. Motorola Droid Bionic With $50 Gift Card – $150

Amazon has stunned us literally with the savings they have on offer for new smartphones, but what really sticks out is their take on the Droid Bionic for Verizon Wireless. This phone is still brand new and offers up very intense features including 4G LTE connectivity, Dual-Core 1Ghz processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and more. Other notable details include it’s front-facing VGA camera and high resolution rear camera, 10.8 hours of talk time and plenty of connectivity to laptops and other devices.

3. Logitech G930 Wireless Gaming Headset – $95

We’re very surprised to see that this awesome deal is still around! From ebay you can grab this feature packed Logitech headset at a huge discount. It doesn’t look like many are left as they’ve been selling very fast so assure you get yours as soon as possible. This headset includes many interesting features beyond the super sound quality and that includes the G keys on the side which can be assigned to macros and the microphone which automatically shuts off when pivoted up.

2. Samsung PN51D450 51-Inch Plasma TV with $100 Gift Card – $629

Now here’s a bargain we all should pay attention to. Not only are you able to get this 51-Inch plasma TV from Samsung at the lowest price we’ve seen but you also get a free $100 gift card useable with any other purchase at Dell. To make it even sweeter this TV features a super fast 0.001 ms response time and 600Hz sub-field drive which overall provides crystal clear imagery with no motion blur. Definitely a deal not to miss!

1. Blackberry Playbook 7-Inch Tablet – $364

Here’s the deal that just keeps on giving! Every time we’ve spotted this 7-Inch Blackberry tablet we have seen the price steadily drop, and considering this is a no holds barred tablet providing every feature you need for an ideal portable computing experience that is definitely a bargain. The Playbook is fully capable of playing flash 10.1 content along with HTML 5 and that means a full Internet browsing experience which is charged by the dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM included. Keep your eyes on this one!

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.

TigerDirect is offering a stunning low price on this AOC Razor e2043Fk 20-Inch LED Monitor!

Even if you’re on a budget it’s still possible to experience the added quality that a new LED monitor on your machine provides, and for under $100 this should be the perfect one. This 20-Inch AOC monitor features a large 1600 x 900 HD resolution which is plenty for viewing all sorts of HD content as well as making multitasking a breeze. The monitor itself has a stunning 50,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio which will certainly turn some heads and at the same time is so energy efficient that it consumes 0.1 watts while in standby mode. The display also manages to pull off a speedy 5ms response time, and in addition to that a 250 nit brightness level making it very easy to see from pretty much any angle. It also has inputs for both DVI-D and VGA so it’s easy to connect to any computer. It’s a definite steal at this price point.

A $20 mail-in-rebate hacks the price on this LCD monitor to $89.99.  It usually sells for $149.99.  S&H is $9

TigerDirect has a super low price available on this AOC F19S 19-Inch LCD Monitor for only $129.99 – $50 Instant Off + $9.16 Shipping = $89.15!

If you’re looking to save some big money on a quality display then check out that this discount has to offer! This Compact 19-Inch AOC monitor sports a 720p High Definition resolution for superior picture quality and style of media playback. It has a large 10,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio for deeper blacks and brighter whites as well as a speedy 5ms response time to eliminate motion blur and ghosting effects. It’s ultra-thin and stylish which is expanded upon with the unique single-post stand which removes the need for the bulky traditional stand and it has a piano black finish.

TigerDirect is selling this AOC 2770VH-1 27-inch LCD Monitor for just $239.99 + $10.77 Shipping = $250.76!

If you desire a truly large display for your computer viewing pleasure then be sure to check out the super low price tag on this beauty. This huge 27-Inch AOC Monitor feature a perfect 1080p (1920 by 1080) Hugh Definition resolution for amazing picture quality and enough screen real estate for impressive multitasking. It also has an impressive 60,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio for clear color as well as a super fast 2ms response time to eliminate motion blur and ghosting. It includes built-in stereo speakers and has an HDMI input as well as a DVI-D input so you can connect to even more.

Target has a discount for this AOC Envision LC27H060 27-inch LCD TV priced at just $329.99 – $70 Instant Off + Free Shipping = $259.99!

There’s no need to limit the thrill of HD to the living room alone, with a price like this you can easily take it to any bedroom or spare room. This AOC Envision 27-Inch TV supports full 1080p High Definition resolution for the best picture quality available and is packed in a super slim design which fits anywhere. It has high contrast and 300cd/m brightness for super clear colors and a speedy 5ms response time to virtually eliminate motion blur. It is packed with 3 HDMI inputs for maximum connectivity with HD devices and can also double as a very large computer monitor, so you can bring the power of HD to any computer in your home.

Amazon is offering a discount on this AOC e2343Fk 23-inch Wide LED Monitor!

If you’ve been shopping for a good deal on a decent sized LED monitor than look no further than the AOC e2343Fk Monitor! This 23-Inch monitor features a High Definition 1920×1080 resolution which is lit from behind by energy saving LEDs! This enables the monitor to have an amazing contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 to reproduce the deepest blacks and brightest whites as they were intended! This monitor also features a blazing fast 5ms response time for the best gaming performance and also conforms to Energy Star Standards in power efficiency! It weighs a measly 6.5lbs and is wall mountable. Includes connectivity for both VGA and DVI.

Final Price comes to $179.99 – $22 Instant Savings + Free Shipping = $157.99!

Deal expires on 2/7.

It’s $79.99 + $8.78 S&H = $88.77!

It’s $129.99 + $9.33 S&H = $139.32!

It’s $229.99 – $10 coupon (JMR6925) + $9 S&H = $229!

Don’t forget the $10 coupon: JMR6925 (expires: 10/2)

It’s $209.99 – $40 instant savings + free shipping = $169.99 shipped!

TigerDirect has it for $399.99 – $170 Instant Savings + $10.62 shipping = $240.61!