AOC’s 16-inch USB Monitor Now $99 For Limited Time
Here's a good way to expand your laptop's desktop space thanks to this display's USB-based connection.
AOC reports that its portable 16-inch USB-based monitor, the AOC e1649fwu, will see a price drop to $99 for a limited time at participating retailers. That's a $40 reduction from the original price.
For those used to working with two or more screens in the office, this is ideal when taking the laptop out on trips, as it adds an additional screen simply by plugging it into a USB port -- a separate power cord is not needed. The monitor also comes with a built-in Smart Stand that supports both landscape and portrait positions. It pivots out when needed and stores flush against the back of the monitor when not in use.
"The AOC e1649fwu combines productivity and portability into an elegant and lightweight display, providing an ideal take-along monitor for business presentations, and for other multi-screen applications like social media monitoring, photo editing, expanded spreadsheets and more," AOC said on Wednesday.
On a hardware level, the 16-inch LED-backlit screen features a max resolution of 1366 x 768 at 60 Hz, and a widescreen ratio of 16:9. Given that the USB connection supplies both video and power, there's just one port. There's also the built-in DisplayLink DL-125 which allows the monitor to be easily integrated into existing desktop environments including Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 & Apple Mac OSX Tiger / Leopard and Lion. Linux support is also available through many of the standard distributions.
"The e1649fwu has a clean and modern aesthetic that is complemented by a black piano-polish finish on the bezel, while a hard glass screen offers superior protection," the company said. "One laptop can even support multiple USB Monitor connections to create a multi-monitor setup."
From March 16 through March 31, 2012, the monitor will be available for $99 at Best Buy, Walmart, Micro Center, Newegg, HHGregg, Amazon, Circuit City, CompUSA, TigerDirect, ABC Warehouse, Electronics Express, and other major retailers. That said, instead of buying one at the regular price of $139, consumers could feasibly buy two for $198 during the sale, making a laptop a three-screen setup. Not too shabby!
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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mcd023 I was just being disappointed that I couldn't use the HDMI input on my hotel room's tv as a second screen for writing wp7 apps. I would def. get this if I could spend $100 on something.Reply -
springhalo It's a great idea in theory, unfortunately they chose to take the cheap route and use the mass produced 1366x768 screens. I have experience using a vertical 16:9 monitor (in that exact resolution) and I can say it is extremely annoying to use. Almost all programs are optimized for a screen width of 800px or more (skype windows are 400px, so they overlap on the edges) and the convenience of having a second screen is almost overshadowed by the fact that you can't do much with it. A 16:10, 4:5 or even a 4:3 screen would have been much more useful.Reply -
dalethepcman yeah, just take a 16" monitor along with you for the screen real estate. That makes complete sense over say a pico projector.Reply -
jackbling This is a decent product for the price, but i think what the people on Toms are really missing is all the sweet deals on air jordans; what ever happened to those?Reply -
willwayne "for a limited time at participating retailers"Reply
When? What retailers? Amazon has it listed for $110 (plus shipping...no Prime) and cites the list price as $130. I would rather buy one locally for $100 + tax for my wife's classroom.
Have we forgotten how to apply "Who, What, When, Where, Why and How"? -
willwayne Correction: Amazon sells it for $125 with Prime, or you can get it from someone else for $110 + $10 shipping.Reply -
rosen380 Ummm... "From March 16 through March 31, 2012, the monitor will be available for $99 at Best Buy, Walmart, Micro Center, Newegg, HHGregg, Amazon, Circuit City, CompUSA, TigerDirect, ABC Warehouse, Electronics Express, and other major retailers. That said, instead of buying one at the regular price of $139, consumers could feasibly buy two for $198 during the sale, making a laptop a three-screen setup. Not too shabby!"...?Reply -
halcyon Fortunately my laptop's 1680x1050 res is enough and a joy to look at. My iPad works great as a 2nd monitor ...but for $100 why not.Reply -
jamie_1318 SpringHaloIt's a great idea in theory, unfortunately they chose to take the cheap route and use the mass produced 1366x768 screens. I have experience using a vertical 16:9 monitor (in that exact resolution) and I can say it is extremely annoying to use. Almost all programs are optimized for a screen width of 800px or more (skype windows are 400px, so they overlap on the edges) and the convenience of having a second screen is almost overshadowed by the fact that you can't do much with it. A 16:10, 4:5 or even a 4:3 screen would have been much more useful.Reply
You do know that you car rotate it right?