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ASUS Announces First Portable 15.6-Inch USB-C Display

Tuesday January 5, 2016 9:38 am PST by Juli Clover
ASUS today announced the first single-cable USB display that comes equipped with a USB Type-C port, allowing it to work with Apple's Retina MacBook and other USB-C machines. The MB196C+ portable display includes a 15.6-inch screen with a 1080p resolution.

The new monitor is the successor to the USB-powered ASUS' MB168B+, which came out two years ago. It features the same metallic finish and two-way adjustable stand, but according to Engadget, the display panel in the new model has been upgraded to IPS for improved colors and viewing angles.

asusmonitor
With the monitor's single USB-C cable, a Retina MacBook can power the display without the need for a second power cord. ASUS' MB169C+ is just 8.5mm thick and it weighs approximately 1.8 pounds, making it a good companion monitor for the ultra thin Retina MacBook.

ASUS hasn't shared details on availability or pricing, but its retail cost may be similar to the prior MB168B+, which retails for $200 to $300.

Tags: Asus, CES 2016
[ 56 comments ]


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gkarris
42 months ago
If the monitor only has one USB-C port, and the MacBook only has one, how do you plug it into the wall? :eek:
Rating: 6 Votes
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KPOM
42 months ago

If the monitor only has one USB-C port, and the MacBook only has one, how do you plug it into the wall? :eek:

Unfortunately, you don't. This would be a lot more useful if it had pass-through charging support.
Rating: 3 Votes
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talkybear
42 months ago
This USB-C thing is so confusing. So you can send video/receive video/send power/receive power all on one cable, or are there multiple types of USB-C cables?

For example, if two devices both with batteries are connected to each other via USB-C, how would they decide which one will power the other?
Rating: 2 Votes
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weatherwax
42 months ago
I don't think I've ever actually seen someone with a portable monitor... folks that have one, where are you taking it and how frequently?
Rating: 2 Votes
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crsh1976
42 months ago
That'll go great with that double USB-C adapter to allow you to both use an external display and charge at the same time!

Oh wait.
Rating: 2 Votes
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ThunderSkunk
42 months ago

I don't think I've ever actually seen someone with a portable monitor... folks that have one, where are you taking it and how frequently?


Whenever we need to make presentations in the field, on-site to either larger crews or clients or partners or whomever, we have a few Wacom 12" externals handy, to plug into the truck & use. These would be a lot cleaner than the clunky wire bundle that Wacom still uses. If only these had touchscreens...
Rating: 1 Votes
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Beerstalker
42 months ago
From what I can see in the pictures it does not have power passthru, so it does run off the Macbook's battery. Or you need some kind of USB-C hub to be able to hook up both the monitor and charger at the same time.

I was also surprised to see that for some reason they did not use a USB-C connector on the monitor itself, it has a USB 3.0 Micro-B port.

Two big design mistakes in my opinion.
Rating: 1 Votes
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sw1tcher
42 months ago
So it's light at 1.8 lbs. But would people really prefer to carry 2 things (this display and a 2 lb MacBook) around vs a much more powerful 15"rMBP that's just 0.69 lbs heavier?
Rating: 1 Votes
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NOTNlCE
42 months ago
Big fan of ASUS's USB displays. I got one real cheap (like $50 vs the 110 or whatever) and love it.
Rating: 1 Votes
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swarmster
42 months ago

If the monitor only has one USB-C port, and the MacBook only has one, how do you plug it into the wall? :eek:


The MacBook comes with a battery, so it can actually operate without a wall attachment.
Rating: 1 Votes

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