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

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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