CES 2020: ASUS Reveals Portable 15.6-inch ZenScreen MB16ACE USB-C Monitor
by Anton Shilov on January 13, 2020 3:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Asus
- Trade Shows
- Monitors
- CES 2020
- ZenScreen
ASUS has introduced its latest external display for laptops that features a USB Type-C connector that is used to transfer both video signal as well as power. To simplify use, the ZenBook MB16ACE monitor comes with a new foldable case that can be easily transformed into a stand.
As the name suggests, the ZenScreen MB16ACE belongs to the company’s premium Zen product lineup and therefore matches ZenBooks in terms of design and premium feel. In general, the ZenScreen MB16ACE uses a 15.6-inch IPS panel featuring a 1920×1080 resolution, 250 nits brightness, a 5 ms response time, and a non-glare coating. Since the LCD comes in a metallic chassis, it is 8 mm thick and weighs 710 grams, which can be considered as a price for some additional toughness.
One of the main selling points of the ZenScreen MB16ACE is of course its USB Type-C single-cable connection (using DP Alt Mode), which greatly simplifies use of the additional display with a laptop while on the go. The monitor can still be plugged to a regular USB Type-A port, but in this case the host system must have a DisplayLink driver installed.
Like most monitors from ASUS, the ZenScreen MB16ACE supports various color temperatures, eight video preset modes, and even modes for games. Meanwhile, the display fully supports HDCP, so it can be used to view protected content.
It is noteworthy that the ZenScreen MB16ACE can be used both in landscape as well as portrait modes and comes with a special folio that can be used as a stand, which clearly improves usability of the device.
ASUS already lists its ZenScreen MB16ACE USB-C display over at its website, so expect the product to launch shortly. Pricing is unknown.
Related Reading:
- CES 2020: ASUS Launches Ultralight 14-Inch Project Athena ExpertBook B9450 - Just 865 Grams
- Lenovo's New 595-Gram Portable Display: The ThinkVision M14 USB-C Monitor
- MSI Preps 240 Hz Optix MAG161 External Monitor for Laptops
Source: ASUS
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MenhirMike - Monday, January 13, 2020 - link
I hope it still comes with the pen that doubles as a stand, that was a cure accessory on the MB16AC.peterfares - Monday, January 13, 2020 - link
Is the only new thing the stand? Looks very similar to the one I already have.icebox - Monday, January 13, 2020 - link
Besides a case that looks a little different it seems identical to my MB16AP (the one with the internal battery).flyingpants265 - Monday, January 13, 2020 - link
Strange how manufacturers keep releasing these devices that will be bought by less than 100,000 people, but can't make a good phone, laptop or PC to save their lives.Retycint - Wednesday, January 15, 2020 - link
Strange how this one random commenter on the internet seems to know better than the hundreds of engineers, R&D employees, and executives at a billion-dollar corporationlilkwarrior - Monday, January 13, 2020 - link
Nothing close to their portable OLED monitor.wizfactor - Monday, January 13, 2020 - link
Since it uses DP-Alt mode, it might actually allow for Switch docking. Hopefully, someone can test this.mkozakewich - Monday, January 20, 2020 - link
From what I've tried and what I've read online, it seems the Switch only sends video out if it's getting power in. A general USB-to-HDMI dongle won't do anything, and it's likely that a USB C screen won't work either, unless you also manage to get a USB C hub with power.Kakti - Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - link
I can definitely see something like this being used by workers who travel often. It's a huge pain in the ass to try to do actual work (anything more than just replying to emails and hopping on conference calls) when I'm staying in a hotel. Being able to pull a 2lb second screen out of my briefcase would be fantastic when I'm out of town for several days in a row.I presume this will be compatible with any laptop that has an available USB-C port? Are there other OEMs that make portable monitors like this?
Kakti - Tuesday, January 14, 2020 - link
Drr just saw the three other ones in the "related articles" section. Very cool...next step is convincing the powers that be that I need this on the company credit card :)