Review: ZSCMALLS Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch – Compact yet powerful solution for various tasks

Explore the ultimate ultra-portable monitor—ideal for gamers, professionals, and tech-savvy users... Read more

Specifications

Screen Size	15.6 Inches
Display Resolution Maximum	1920×1080
Brand	ZSCMALLS
Special Feature	USB Type C, HDMI, Flicker-Free, Built-In Speakers
Refresh Rate	60 Hz

Introduction: Discovering the Power of Portability

Let me jump right into it. The moment I laid my eyes on the monitor, the word that instantly popped up was ‘portability’. This was not just because of its size, but the packaging as well. The compact box it arrived in gave me the first impression that this gadget is designed to go places with you.

Impressionable Packaging: Unboxing the Ultra-Portable Monitor

As I slid open the box, I was impressed by how well-protected the monitor was. Nestled between two sturdy foams, it looked secure and safe. The packaging reminded me of how necessary it is to have our gadgets guarded against possible damages during transit or even regular use. It puts into perspective the careful consideration manufacturers have to put into designing packages that do a good job protecting their valuable commodities. It’s more than just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring your device gets to you in pristine condition and stays that way.

Essential Features: What the Monitor Brings to the Table?

Enough about the packaging, let’s get to the good stuff. The monitor itself which measures a compact yet sufficient 15.6 inches, comes loaded with features that make it a winner for me. On its side, you’ll find your connection points and control buttons for the screen. A nice touch is a case that already comes attached to the device. But if you’re not into it, you can simply remove it.

One of the first things I noticed was just how user-friendly the monitor was. Without even glancing at a manual, I could tell the structure and the layout were designed to be practical and straightforward. I really appreciate this as it just makes tech so much more accessible, even for those of us who aren’t overly tech-savvy.

But the portability of this monitor isn’t its only strength; it seems to offer a balance of functionality. A closer look and a brief hands-on experience reveal compelling features any user would find useful. But I’m not one to rush into conclusions. I’ve decided to really put this device to test and see if it truly lives up to its initial impression. So, sit tight as I bring you along to my journey of testing the portable monitor with multiple devices.

Testing the Compatibility: Hooking Up to Different Devices

• Compatibility with devices is instantaneous and simple.
• Monitor displays high-definition content effectively.
• Integrated speakers enhance user immersion.

Let’s dive in and get this baby hooked up to various devices, and see what it brings to our gaming and content consumption experience.

Starting Strong with Sony Playstation 4: A Console’s Best Friend

Naturally, the first device to test the unit with was a Sony Playstation 4. Simply using the supplied HDMI cable, it took no time to link the portable monitor to the console. I’ve got to nod to the ease of connection here, but let’s see how it performs.

Turn on the Playstation, and voila! The screen pops to life. The compatibility is instantaneous, with no need to adjust the settings or squabble with endless cables. Simplicity does go a long way in creating a pleasant user experience.

HD Gaming and Videos: Taking Content Consumption to Another Level

The real litmus test for me was how well this monitor would handle high-def content. Let’s just say, I wasn’t disappointed. The monitor boasts a full 1080 display which you can instantly see in the clarity and vividness of colors on screen. Safe to say, your gaming escapade or movie night just got one upped.

The built-in speakers are a big plus, while not the loudest on town, they do a great job at enhancing the immersion during gaming sessions and movie marathons, without losing audio detail.

This monitor doesn’t compromise on the user-friendly factor either. The control buttons are conveniently placed for easy access, and the ability to remove the pre-attached case offers users flexibility to adapt it to their individual needs. It’s a fine balance between design, functionality, and practicality.

• Positives : Wide device compatibility, simple setup, high-definition display, integrated speakers.
• Drawbacks : Speaker volume could be improved.

Bottom line: This part of the test showed this MacBook isn’t just eye-candy, it’s got the substance to match its looks. Moving onto cell device compatibility next!

Versatility at its Best: The Modern Cellphone Connection

• Portable monitor offers smartphone compatibility
• Samsung DeX feature enables desktop-like experience
• Cellphone can function as a touchpad

With this cutting-edge portable monitor, you’re not just limited to gaming or computer systems. It’s designed with modern users in mind and offers seamless compatibility with your smartphone as well.

Plugging in a Samsung Note 9: Bringing the Phone to Life on a Bigger Screen

Although I tested it using a Samsung Note 9, most modern phones with a Type-C connection should work just as brilliantly. It’s all plug-and-play, really. Once you connect your phone to the monitor, you need to wait a couple of seconds, and voila – your cellphone screen is now mirrored onto this monitor. Whether you want to enlarge your Candy Crush game, apply filters to your Instagram photos on a bigger screen, or watch a video, it’s all so much better on this larger display.

Samsung DeX Feature: A Leap into Futuristic Functionality

Now, here’s where things really step up a notch. Samsung’s DeX feature transforms your phone into a traditional computing environment when connected with the monitor. When you activate it, your phone’s UI changes to mimic a traditional desktop, complete with taskbars, resizable windows, and a “Desktop” experience. I must say, this opens up whole new avenues of multitasking and productivity.

Unveiling the Ability to use Cellphone as a Touchpad: Redefining Traditional Computing

If you scroll down your phone’s menu, you’ll stumble upon an interesting feature. Your cell phone can function as a touchpad! Your handy cellphone morphs into a virtual mouse, allowing you to control the pointer on the screen. Isn’t it something? You get to navigate using your phone and get a desktop-like experience – all packed into one portable monitor!

Critic’s Take

Nevertheless, this monitor is not without its drawbacks. Yes, the convenience is undeniable, and being able to bypass the need for a separate mouse is impressive. But it’s also worth noting that the transition from phone to large screen isn’t always seamless – some applications seemed a little stretched on the bigger screen. It’s a minor drawback, and one that software updates could potentially iron out, but it’s worth noting for those who might use this feature frequently.

In the grand scheme of things, though, this monitor’s convenience and versatility scores high when it comes to modern phone connectivity. It’s like carrying a portable workstation, an entertainment suite, and your personal smartphone all rolled into one!

Expanding the Horizon: Portable Monitor and Laptop Connectivity

• Portable monitor easily expands laptop workspace
• Monitor supports multitasking and improves viewing experience
• Potential compatibility issues, lacks touchscreen functionality

Every once in a while, you stumble across a product that takes your routine tasks and shakes them up in the best possible way. This portable monitor certainly falls into that category, especially when it comes to expanding my digital workspace with my laptop.

Plugging into the Laptop: Creating a Dynamic Mobile Powerhouse

The connection process is as effortless as you’d want it to be. I plugged the supplied HDMI cable into my laptop, connected the other end into the portable monitor, waited for a few moments, and voila! My laptop screen was beautifully mirrored on the much more portable monitor.

Pro tip: Make sure your laptop is powered on before establishing the connection for a seamless experience.

Extending Functionality: Doing More with Your Laptop

Now, this is where the monitor truly earns its spot in my tech arsenal. I used the monitor as a second screen, launching YouTube on one screen while browsing articles on the other — it felt like a productivity boon and proved that multitasking doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Beyond the convenience of navigating between screens, the clarity of the monitor’s display is worth noting. The 1080p full HD resolution delivers high-definition viewing, making browsing, gaming or streaming a noticeably better experience.

I have to admit, not all laptops might support a dual display mode as effortlessly. Performance could vary depending on the make and model of your laptop or the OS it’s running on.

Also, while it’s not a drawback per se, the fact that this monitor doesn’t offer touchscreen functionality may be something to consider if that’s a feature you heavily rely on.

Overall, I am genuinely impressed by this monitor’s potential to extend the functionality of my laptop. However, this feature is not without its potential hiccups, and user experiences will likely vary.

The Power-User Setup: Doubling Up with a PC

• Portable monitor enables powerful, multi-monitor PC setup
• Increases productivity and work efficiency
• Requires a robust PC capable of complex multitasking

For certified power users and multitasking enthusiasts, the benefits of this portable monitor truly become apparent when you connect it up to a PC. This might seem like an overkill to some, but let me walk you through my testing process.

Hooking up to a Home Computer: Redefining Your Workspace

For this experiment, I chose to connect the portable monitor to a home computer. To my delight, the process was as seamless as it was with the laptop and consoles. Connecting this device to a powerhouse desktop setup adds a whole new purpose to its portability factor. I mean, having an extra monitor at your disposal whenever and wherever you want it? Sounds like a power-user’s dream.

Flaunting Multiple Monitors: Unlocking the Ultimate Productivity Setup

My home computer setup already boasted two primary monitors. Together with our little portable friend, I was geared up to run a three monitor configuration. Keep in mind that a multi-monitor configuration would require a PC that could handle multitasking on such a complex level.

After plugging in, the portable monitor assumed its role as a third screen without a fuss. With this, I could easily move my content from the first monitor to the second and on to the portable monitor, proving its capability to function in a multiple display environment.

Although it requires a beefy PC setup to work this way, the potential payoff in terms of productivity is immense. Imagine coding on one screen, referencing your design on the second, and consulting documentation on the third or watching tutorials. A convenient little trio of work efficiency, if you ask me.

Just remember, depending on your home computer’s capabilities, this portable monitor might just mirror your main screen or function as a separate display. So be sure to check what your setup can handle before diving into this.

In conclusion, for the PC users who sit on the intersection of power and convenience, this portable monitor serves as an unexpected but welcome addition to their digital arsenal.

Conclusion

At the end of this exploration, I’m left amazed by the range of possibilities that this portable monitor opens up. We’ve journeyed through different set-ups, from consoles to phones and multi-monitor workstation arrangements. But what does this all mean for you as a potential buyer?

Final Thoughts: How the Portable Monitor Shakes up the Traditional Computing Experience

The one thing that stands out about this monitor is its versatility. Coupled with its portability, it fits in seamlessly into an assortment of technological scenarios. From enhancing your gaming experience on a PS4, to mirroring your phone (Samsung Note 9 in this instance), it has something to offer to everyone. It’s worth mentioning the sheer utility of having your phone double up as a touchpad, which essentially turns your monitor into a portable computer setup.

The monitor also shines when it comes to extending your PC or laptop screen. In a world where multitasking is the norm, being able to extend your workspace can make a significant difference to your productivity levels. It works just as well with a laptop, making it an efficient solution for those who are constantly on the move.

The Go-Anywhere Do-Anything Monitor: Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. This monitor offers productive solutions for work, efficient setups for gaming, and adds considerable convenience for mobile device usage. However, the important caveat here is that your devices must support HDMI or USB Type-C connections.

Let’s not forget that the performance of the monitor depends greatly on the capabilities of your computer or console, especially when trying to use multiple screens. Not all computers will be able to run more than single monitor.

Keep in mind this monitor is not a standalone device. It’s a powerful extension of your existing gear and can greatly multiply its capabilities. In short, it’s a valuable addition to your tech arsenal provided your uses and needs align with its capabilities and features.

Should you buy the ZSCMALLS Portable Monitor 15.6 Inch?

Buy it if…

You’re a frequent traveler

The portability of the monitor is perfect for satisfying your gaming, or mobile computing needs on-the-go.

You’re into high-definition gaming or movie watching

With its full 1080p display and built-in speakers, this monitor elevates your gaming and movie watching experiences.

You need a multi device hub

The monitor’s compatibility with different devices such as PlayStation, cell phones, and PCs makes it highly versatile and useful in diverse settings.

Don’t buy it if…

You prefer built-in touch screen capability

The monitor requires an external device to function as a touchpad, it does not have a built-in touch screen feature.

You’re not tech-savvy

Multiple connection options and device compatibility might require a certain level of technical understanding to utilize effectively.

You have a single use device requirement

If you intend to use the monitor with just one device and do not need its multi-device compatibility, there might be simpler alternatives available.

FAQ

What size is the monitor?

The monitor is 15.6 inches in size.

What types of devices can the monitor connect to?

The monitor can connect to gaming consoles like Playstation and Xbox, cell phones with a type C connection such as a Samsung Note 9, laptops, and home computers, both PC and Mac.

What is needed to connect the monitor to a device?

The monitor comes with a supplied HDMI cable that can be used to connect to gaming consoles and computers. For cell phones, a type C connection is needed.

Can the monitor be used as a mirrored or separate display?

Yes. The monitor can mirror the display of a connected device or act as a second screen. The type of display can be adjusted depending on the settings and capabilities of the connected device.

Is it possible to use my cell phone as a touchpad?

Yes. With the Samsung DeX feature on Samsung phones, the cell phone can be used as a touchpad to control a pointer on the monitor’s screen.

Can I connect multiple monitors to my computer?

Yes. Depending on the capabilities of your computer, you can use the portable monitor as an additional screen.