After a slow introduction last year, USB Type-C is poised to be a hot topic in 2016, with numerous devices and peripherals that support the technology hitting the market. USB Type-C monitors rolled out earlier this week as CES 2016 got underway, and now ASUS is ready to take the concept in another direction with the introduction of the first USB Type-C-powered portable monitors.
The ASUS MB169C+ is a 15.6-inch 1920x1080 portable monitor that uses just a single USB Type-C cable for both data and power, making it ideal for road warriors who prefer the convenience of a second display. An upgrade to ASUS's USB 3.0-powered MB168B+, the MB169C+ adds an improved IPS panel for better viewing angles and color reproduction, although it arrives just a bit thicker (0.5mm) than its predecessor.
Overall dimensions remain reasonable for a device intended to be portable, with the MB169C+ sized at 14.9 inches wide, 9.3 inches tall, and a weight of 1.76 pounds. The MB169C+ requires a device with a USB Type-C connector, such as the 12-inch Retina MacBook, Google Chromebook Pixel, Nokia N1 tablet, and more devices which are sure to be released in the coming months.
ASUS has not yet commented on pricing or availability for the MB169C+, but the final price is expected to be within the range of the MB168B+, which currently sells for between $275 and $300.