USB 3.0 for video delivery would offer a mediocre experience. If your device has type C, I would highly recommend the ASUS MB169C+. Using a type C port, it is truly able to drive a display over one cable(No Y cable!) and it uses standard interfaces(Display port) so you can get a crisp 60fps monitor that doesn't require any additional software.
I know USB 3.0 is more widespread at the moment but I just don't think it would be worth putting down 150 for a display that wouldn't be as good as something HDMI or display port based.
Is there any reason to actually need different models for this? Just include 2 cables in the box. 1 with 2xA ports and a second with 1xC. Alternately just reduce max brightness on a low power port to avoid the Y cable.
No theoretical reason the monitors couldn't support both but it doesn't seem like the ASUS does. I just checked out the ASUS offerings and found the following:
MB169C+ uses USB Type-C DisplayPort Alt Mode exclusively. Doesn't have any displaylink-link functionality, must have a USB-C port with DP output to use. So it's a native monitor that doesn't require any drivers, but can't connect to any device without one of these ports.
MB169B+: Has a USB 3.0 Micro-B connector. Connects to traditional USB 3.0 ports but this is not a native monitor. It requires a driver to run and since it runs over USB it will consume some CPU power to drive. Does not offer any native inputs.
I'm not sure any exists but there isn't anything stopping a manufacture from having a Type-C native port, a micro USB 3.0 DisplayLink port, and a microHDMI input port all in one product.
Not trying to diss the product, but with the event of USB-C for charging laptops, I wonder if a superior product (the superior being questionable) could not be achieved where you have.
A normal monitor that can use more power than 8 watts but still is on the low side of power consumption. At least 1080p screen in a 15.6 to 18" monitor.
And a USB charger that powers the monitor but also has a 2nd port, or you route the power to the monitor first and then another usb-c chord to the laptop.
And the goal is for you to carry only one USB - C Charger, where you keep the laptop power at home or work, but you use the included monitor USB-C Charger for both your monitor and your laptop. So you have only 1 charger but for traveling the main charger will be the monitor charger. Of course this will have to be a larger USB-C Charger for it will need to do 100 or 150 watts net total. That said the 87w apple adapter is about 4 inches by 4 inches by 1 inch via memory so you can still make a small easy portable adapter for the bag.
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vladx - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
That's sweet, definitely thinking of buying this.lazarpandar - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Asus makes similar compelling products you should check out as well.Flunk - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Especially because AOC monitors are terrible.Zeratul56 - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
USB 3.0 for video delivery would offer a mediocre experience. If your device has type C, I would highly recommend the ASUS MB169C+. Using a type C port, it is truly able to drive a display over one cable(No Y cable!) and it uses standard interfaces(Display port) so you can get a crisp 60fps monitor that doesn't require any additional software.I know USB 3.0 is more widespread at the moment but I just don't think it would be worth putting down 150 for a display that wouldn't be as good as something HDMI or display port based.
cerberusss - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Exactly this. USB-C is precisely made for this.DanNeely - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Is there any reason to actually need different models for this? Just include 2 cables in the box. 1 with 2xA ports and a second with 1xC. Alternately just reduce max brightness on a low power port to avoid the Y cable.peterfares - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
No theoretical reason the monitors couldn't support both but it doesn't seem like the ASUS does. I just checked out the ASUS offerings and found the following:MB169C+ uses USB Type-C DisplayPort Alt Mode exclusively. Doesn't have any displaylink-link functionality, must have a USB-C port with DP output to use. So it's a native monitor that doesn't require any drivers, but can't connect to any device without one of these ports.
MB169B+: Has a USB 3.0 Micro-B connector. Connects to traditional USB 3.0 ports but this is not a native monitor. It requires a driver to run and since it runs over USB it will consume some CPU power to drive. Does not offer any native inputs.
I'm not sure any exists but there isn't anything stopping a manufacture from having a Type-C native port, a micro USB 3.0 DisplayLink port, and a microHDMI input port all in one product.
i7 - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Wow that could come in handy.nikaldro - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
$150 for a terrible panel like that?peterfares - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
What's wrong with a 15.6" 1080p IPS panel?Roland00Address - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Not trying to diss the product, but with the event of USB-C for charging laptops, I wonder if a superior product (the superior being questionable) could not be achieved where you have.A normal monitor that can use more power than 8 watts but still is on the low side of power consumption. At least 1080p screen in a 15.6 to 18" monitor.
And a USB charger that powers the monitor but also has a 2nd port, or you route the power to the monitor first and then another usb-c chord to the laptop.
And the goal is for you to carry only one USB - C Charger, where you keep the laptop power at home or work, but you use the included monitor USB-C Charger for both your monitor and your laptop. So you have only 1 charger but for traveling the main charger will be the monitor charger. Of course this will have to be a larger USB-C Charger for it will need to do 100 or 150 watts net total. That said the 87w apple adapter is about 4 inches by 4 inches by 1 inch via memory so you can still make a small easy portable adapter for the bag.
yefi - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
1.2kg... thing is a brick. LG Gram 15 weighs less and that's a whole 15" laptop.mgl888 - Friday, May 12, 2017 - link
Definitely an interesting product, but it needs to slim down...