ASUS - ZenScreen 15.6” Portable Monitor (USB) - Dark Gray

At first I was going to give this 4 stars becasue I thought the cover that turns into a stand only made the monitor very angled back and awkward as many others mentioned. However, after using it for a couple days I realized I wans't using the stand correctly and after one adjustment the angle is correct! See photo. That said the cover doesn't protect the whole thing but does protect the screen side well. I am using this with a Dell XPS 15 (2020) laptop. All I did was plug the monitor into my USB C port and BOOM connected. I did have to change from mirroring to extension in the settings but that was it. This fit perfectly in my laptop sleeve I already have because it is so thin and about the same LxW as my laptop. Frankly, with the work I do not having this laptop plugged in all the time is not possible so I can't speak to battery drain. Overall, with the early black Friday sale this was a steal I'll use a lot!

This display is not for a Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS3, or Xbox One. There is no display port. No HDMI. No DVI. No VGA. The only connection to this portable display is USB-C. A USB-A to USB-C adapter is included, but using the adapter makes the cable jut out too far from the laptop and the adapter feels loosely connected to the laptop's USB port. I had a spare USB-A to USB-C cable to take care of that; otherwise, you'll need to purchase the cable depending on your use. I bought it for use with a MacBook Air (~2015) only to realize that *that* MacBook Air doesn't have USB-C. Almost returned the display until I saw and read about the USB-A to USB-C adapter alternative. Installed the Asus display driver from https://www.asus.com/us/Monitors/ZenScreen-MB16ACE/HelpDesk_Download/ then plugged the USB cable into the laptop. After a little bit of churning, the ZenScreen showed an extended desktop. There are multiple versions of the driver depending on the macOS. My MacBook Air was still on macOS 10.14.6, so I installed Version 5.2.1. Make sure to expand the list of drivers. For kicks, I also installed the display driver on a Dell Latitude E6440 running Windows 10. Plugged into first USB, no go. After looking at the specs, the E6440 contained USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, so I tried another USB port. Magic.... The ZenScreen display lit up. I was initially disappointed at the lack of versatility of the ZenScreen display...but ONE cable to have a portable display for the MacBook Air or Dell E6440. That's convenient. Don't have to lug around multiple cables for a versatile display. The Asus ZenScreen will now replace a Lepow portable display, which can handle more inputs but also has more cables to maintain and is slightly heavier than the Asus ZenScreen. The only other slight disappointment I have for the ZenScreen is the lack of a protective case-like covering. The Lepow has a nice case which then folds into a display stand. The ZenScreen only provides a magnetic cover that clips on over the display. The magnetic cover when unclipped then doubles as a stand. So, for what it is, the Asus ZenScreen is fine. It doesn't offer what the Lepow display offers, but on sale, it is also 50%+ lesser than the Lepow.

This is actually so much better than I expected via pictures and reviews. There isn't really any reviews though for this specific model, it seems all I can find are for AC and not ACE. This review is based off the sales price I got it for when it was on sale for a day. I got it for almost 40% off, so that's what this review is reflection of. If I paid full price, I don't think my reviews would change other than adding more CON's. First thing I noticed was how clear and accurate the picture was. Now, I'm not content creater, so I don't have a particularly picky taste in color accuracy. Instead, I am a software dev that looks at a computer screen all day that prefers IPS 4K panels. This isn't 4k, but it is IPS, and with a quick picture adjustment the colors are the exact same as my monitor. This is nice because the OCD in me isn't bugging out. I also had to change scaling resolution to 100%, it defaults to like 150%. Looking at it, a 15-Inch IPS portable monitor at 100% scaling (at its native resolution and not zoomed in to make things bigger when anything more than 100% scaling), the texts are crystal clear. I also use it on my gaming desktop sometimes. My motherboard has a USB-C 10GB port on the back. It's so easy just unplugging from my MBP to Desktop and back/forth. No software needed, just plug and play. It has the included USB-A adapter, but you have to install a software to be able to use it that way based on the manual. Every device I own has USB-C, so I don't really care about it but good to know it's there. A few things about my usage and scenarios: 1. I work for home for the time being. I have a workstation Windows laptop with 2 monitors (one 4k that is personal and one 1080p from work). I use the 4k monitor (28") for my IDE and the 1080p for everything else from project resources, chat services (MS Teams, telegram), browser, etc... I found it annoying having my chat services in the 1080p monitor because in order for me to keep track of a conversation, I have to let it take up almost half the monitor (25" for the 1080p). Which covers up parts of what I also need to look at for the project. So it's just an annoying work around that I have to do. With this ZenScreen, I just move them down to it along with any other apps that I don't frequently look at (i.e. Docker, VPN, SQLdatabase, etc.). And because it's a portable monitor, I have it angled just below my 4k monitor, so it's like a spaceship console. It's accessible at a quick glance, just look down with my eyes, instead of turning my head side to side with the other monitor. 2. I don't really use it with my MBP, but it works fine. Nothing much to say here. 3. My gaming rig desktop is purely for just that, gaming. I have decent hardware on it with GPU being the priority. It powers a 144Hz Asus 25" IPS monitor. Honestly, I didn't need to use it with this, but man does it make things more convenient. If possible, I make my games windowed borderless because I like to alt-tab whenever I'm not actively playing. Also, we do a lot of group chat on telegram and discord. I figured I'd plug this in and do the same thing I did on the workstation laptop. Moved all my chats to the Zenscreen and that's it. I can actively read what's being said without having to alt-tab out to see if I missed something. Also, I started having my NZXT Cam software up for the hell of it and moved it to the Zenscreen as well. My only con, given what I paid for it, is the case. I guess this is the other difference between AC and ACE model. AC model, based on the pics, seem to include their overly complex smart cover that also acts as a stand. This ACE model includes a overly complex stand, but not the same one as AC model because this cannot act as a cover. Okay, I mean yeah it "COVERS" the screen my tacking it on, but it's not the conventional definition of a cover that we think about when referring to tablets (which I know this isn't, but form factor basically is). I would've preferred the smart cover from the AC because it acts like a case cover with stand built in, like most tablet cases you see in the market. This does the job of acting as a stand and covering your screen, but this still exposes the whole back side for scratches. Overall, even at full price this is worth it if you're needing an extra screen without taking up much space. And I mean extra screen, not another screen right? Like, I don't consider this a 3 monitor setup for work, more like 2.5. If you need a second monitor, buy an actual monitor. 1080p 15" screen doesn't have real estate for anything too meaningful. If this is for your laptop for when you're on the go, then at that point I would consider this as "another" screen. Perfect for traveling, convenient for at home use.

Useful as a desktop side monitor for always-open applications, like email and the Windows file explorer. This keeps my main screen focused on productivity. In a world of 13 to 14-inch screens, 15.6-inches seems big again. The monitor is lightweight, portable and easy to use with excellent build quality. The matte full HD 1080p screen looks sharp and colors are uniform and pleasing, thanks to the IPS screen (FYI - I didn't have high hopes for any portable monitors, so I'm pleasantly surprised). Some reviews say it doesn't get too bright, but I am using it at only half brightness, and it's fine for my needs (I'm not in direct sunlight or fighting glare). Adjustments can be made using the buttons at the bottom of the monitor, and the onscreen menu system is good, but it's easier to use the optional desktop software (Windows in my case) to make adjustments and to save/switch between settings. This software is a nice perk that I wasn't expecting. The monitor is powered off a USB-C to USB-C cable (included), and Asus also includes a USB-A to USB-C cable adapter (nice touch). If your computer doesn't have a USB-C port, then you will still be able to use this monitor right out of the box; however, you will need to install USB drivers in order to get it working when using USB-A. It's nice to have a single cable for power and video. It keeps my desk from becoming cluttered, and it makes it easier to travel with fewer cables. This monitor does not include a built-in battery, like some of the other Asus ZenScreen portable monitors (so be careful when comparing prices or ordering). On a similar note, this monitor is not touchscreen and doesn't have speakers built-in. Prices go up quickly for these extra features. The stand, which doubles as a protective travel cover, is good. It's a folding leatherette origami style cover/stand with magnetic closure to secure the folded position. Most people use it wrong, and the instructions aren't helpful, so watch YouTube videos for guidance. If you don't like the stand, you are probably folding it incorrectly. By clever design, the stand incorporates two angles - one better for desktop usage (more vertical) and one better for laptop usage (more inclined). If you want more adjustments, you can always get an inexpensive tablet stand. When in landscape mode, the cable is connected to the bottom left side of the monitor (so it's nice to keep this monitor on the right-side of the desk). The stand also allows for portrait mode, which I haven't tried yet. The monitor would have to be oriented so that the USB-C port is at the top (orienting the monitor with the USB-C port at the bottom wouldn't leave enough room between the desk and the port to use the cable). Having the cable connected to the top (in portrait mode) seems like it could be disorganized, top-heavy and unstable. It has what I needed without unnecessary extras to drive up the cost. This monitor is recommended if you want a name brand, no-frills, basic high quality portable monitor at a reasonable price ($100 on sale for me), particularly for desktop use. When considering other offerings from Asus and the amount of non-name brand offerings on similar monitors (with extra perks like speakers, internal batteries and 4k screens) paying more for something better might be worth it to you. Laptop users, in particular, may appreciate extra features, like an internal battery or touchscreen.

I purchased this screen for my home office to add an additional monitor to my laptop. At work I use two monitors at my desk. This monitor works great, comes with a cover similar to the iPad flexible cover which the user can use as a stand. Uses a USB-c cable with USB adapter that I plug into my laptop. This little 15 inch monitor works great! Other uses is with gaming devices and add to android cell phones.

Excellent monitor. It is thin, lightweight and has hardware buttons to turn it on/off and control brightness, which my other portable monitor from a different brand does not have. It looks fantastic on my desk and is much easier on the eyes than the other portable monitor I have, which I found myself using more and more as a paperweight due to eye strain (not 1080p, requires you to look directly at screen, has glare; no brightness control, have to unplug to turn off, etc.). This Asus monitor is very easy on the eyes (to look at physically/design-wise and actually use for long periods of time) as it has brightness control, matte screen with no glare/reflections, and the blue light filter and screen modes are easy to change with buttons or the widget. I only wish the widget/software you need to rotate the screen would work when minimized to the Windows system tray so you don't have to keep it open. Otherwise, I am very impressed and wish I bought a second one to replace my portable monitor (my current work from home setup has a 27" monitor, this 15.6 Asus MB16ACE and another 15.6" portable screen from another brand for a 3 monitor setup). Note, this model does not come with the pen to help it stand up without the cover like the other "MB16AC" version but so far I have not had any issues keeping this monitor in portrait mode on my desk.

Bought this monitor when it was sale. Great monitor for the price and highly recommended. To be fair, I wouldn't have bought the monitor if it was more than $130 (there are better options for the same price). I use it along side my laptop which is always plugged in, so the lack of internal power isn't an issue for me. The screen is great for the price, though some colors like purple are too blue-ish. The stand is good enough, but isn't very adjustable. I'd recommend buying a cheap stand if the asus stand doesn't meet your needs, but this wasn't a deal breaker for me.

I've been using this portable monitor for almost a full month. No issues and easy to use. Its plug and play type c to type c (no additional power cable needed). If you device does not have a type c input, it comes with a type c to USB converter (3.1 I think). You have a standard landscape viewing angle with the magnetic protective case, that doubles as you monitor stand. The vertical viewing orientation is serviceable (good for coding or if you like setting up your outlook inbox that way). Its super thin and lights, which makes its easy to throw it your laptop bag without added bulk. All in all, I'm really happy with this purchase.