AOC USB monitor
Work smarter wherever your laptop goes
$195 From AOC, aoc.com Features 15.6” TFT IPS panel, 700:1 contrast ratio, 1920x1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate
If there’s one big problem with carrying a MacBook around, it’s the lack of monitor real estate. But AOC’s neat little screen proves that multiple monitors are not the exclusive preserve of the desk: the clumsily-named I1601FWUX, gives you an extra 15.6” inches on the go.
Presuming you have a Mac that’s Thunderbolt 3 compatible, this USB 3.1 screen couldn’t be simpler to set up: plug it in using the single cable, and it will be detected and activated as a second monitor. The supplied magnetic cover doubles as the screen’s stand, allowing you to position it in portrait or landscape mode with a reasonable level of adjustability.
Hardware-wise; the panel is 1080p and incredibly sharp, with an excellent range of viewing angles, but it can be dim at times. There’s around a 5ms response time, which is barely noticeable, but the panel often trended towards the smeary under our suite of moving image tests. It’s thin and light, but we suspect that its cover won’t stay put if jostled in your bag. And if you’re not planning to use this away from your desk, the asking price is higher than a larger, higher res monitor.
But what price is flexibility worth? The I1601FWUX’s immediacy is very difficult to argue with, and it’s a decent step up from some of the more sluggish and awkward portable monitors of the past. The data rate of its connection means it comfortably handles 60Hz signals, and unless you’re pushing the action you won’t be disappointed with the results.
the bottom line. It’s not the best monitor around, but this is certainly one of the best portable screens.