AOC Reveals Portable USB-Based 16-inch Monitor
This monitor doesn't require a power or VGA connection, but instead gets its power/video feed from a USB port on a laptop or desktop.
For those who typically work in a multi-display environment, reducing the desktop real estate to a single laptop LCD is not only awkward, but can slow down overall performance. That's where AOC's new 15.6-inch-inch plug-and-play display comes in: it's lightweight and features a built-in USB 2.0 port that receives both power and video via a single USB cable -- separate power and VGA connections are not required.
Slated for a nationwide release this October for $139 USD, the TFT Active Matrix LCD panel (model e1649fwu) will feature a 16:9 aspect ratio, WLED backlighting, a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000,000:1, a response time of 5ms, a maximum resolution of 1366 x 768 @ 60Hz, a pixel frequency of 85 MHz and a brightness level of 250 cd/m2. The display won't be compatible with High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), meaning that a good chunk of copy-protected video won't be viewable on the display.
"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."
Tuesday AOC said the USB display will feature a clean, modern aesthetic complimented by a bezel covered with a black piano-polish finish. It will also have a built-in Smart Stand that will support both horizontal and vertical positions, will pivot out when needed, and then store flush against the back when not in use. A hard glass screen will offer users superior protection against accidental scratches and evil toy-throwing children.
According to AOG, the power requirements are seemingly minimal at a maximum of 8 watts: one laptop (or desktop) will support multiple USB Monitor connections to create a multi-monitor setup. "AOC’s industry-leading LED display technology allows for a powerful and crystal clear display while minimizing power consumption," the company said.
Look for the e1649fwu USB monitor next month at retailers like Best Buy, Cosco, hhgregg and other retailers for $139 USD.


Notebook users who likes to add more than one display and technicians that repairs computers from door to door, but for them it's better to grab a monitor with actual connectors and cost a lot less.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009262
Also AOC isn't the first to have a USB monitor, Samsung had one a long time ago.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/monitors/display/samsung-sm940ux.html
Notebook users who likes to add more than one display and technicians that repairs computers from door to door, but for them it's better to grab a monitor with actual connectors and cost a lot less.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009262
Also AOC isn't the first to have a USB monitor, Samsung had one a long time ago.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/monitors/display/samsung-sm940ux.html
Indeed. But I want such a "test monitor" to be as small as possible, not 18'' and not 16'' either... 12 or less, and VGA, as you said
Also as #1 mentioned, with the USB 5v the Ampere should be 1,6A.
It seems newegg has a 8.9" and it's still USB!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824185014
Found this site that sells small LCD monitors with VGA and a USB card that actually produces 12v as well as 24v
http://www.esaw.co.uk/products.php
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815158102
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815158168
actually, i could see a use for a small usb monitor.
i could have task manager open all the time without taking screen real estate.
or i could use it as a play list so i dont have to take up space on my monitor when i have video full screend.
I don't understand how it can get enough power from a single USB connection, either. However, the idea of using one (or two) in conjunction with a notebook to create an extended desktop seems pretty cool.
I'm guessing they are going to supply it through a restaurant supplies vendor then. That, or another proof read fail.
The article mentions a maximum of 8 watts. USB power is measured in "Unit loads" (100ma in 2.0, 150ma in 3.0) up to a maximum of 5 loads in 2.0 (6 in 3.0). Reaching a total power of 500ma in USB 2.0 or 900ma in USB 3.0 as a standard. Provisions have been made for high-current devices, where the USB 2.0 port can provide 1500ma in a charging situation while still acting as a data port, or 1800ma in a power-only mode (where voltage is allowed to go up to 5.25v). Note that both devices have to be high-power certified to raise current levels that high.
So the total maximum power you could expect from a modern USB 2.0 port, would be:
5.0v x 500ma = 2500mw original specification.
5.0v x 1500ma = 7500mw Modern, while still transferring data.
5.25v x 1800 = 9450mw Modern, high current charging only (no data).
Either way, that puts the monitor right at the dangerous threshold of current draw, and you can bet that it wouldn't work in older USB ports that only deliver 500ma.
So the total maximum power you could expect from a modern USB 2.0 port, would be:
5.0v x 500ma = 2500mw original specification.
5.0v x 1500ma = 7500mw Modern, while still transferring data.
5.25v x 1800 = 9450mw Modern, high current charging only (no data).
Either way, that puts the monitor right at the dangerous threshold of current draw, and you can bet that it wouldn't work in older USB ports that only deliver 500ma.
Which is great, if all computers / laptops / USB devices on the planet were certified as USB high power devices. A host or hub Charging Downstream Port can supply a maximum of 1.5 A when communicating at low-bandwidth or full-bandwidth, a maximum of 900 mA when communicating at high-bandwidth, and as much current as the connector will safely handle when no communication is taking place. However, not all USB hosts are capable of supplying more than the standard initially required.
I kinda expect this to end up being a branched-USB plug device with two computer ends being plugged in for it to work reliably 100% of the time. They need all the data they can get to run a display though a USB port!