I love finding products that come in handy when you really need that thing, whatever “that thing” might be. These niche products may not be for everyone, but they often can be a big help to those who do need them.
The product I found for this week I could see as a niche product, something that would be ideal for business. It could serve another niche - letting kids watch the same show while not having to sit next to each other. So parents and business people, this one is for you.
This interesting product is a portable monitor - a display that extends the monitor on your computer or laptop.
AOC recently released a 16-inch monitor that works via USB - and only via USB. In other words, users don’t have to have a power adapter or a thick monitor cable to use the device.
The E1659FWU USB 3.0 Monitor is a simple as you can get. The package contains the monitor, the USB cable, a CD of drivers and a bonus carrying case.
The monitor is incredibly easy to set up. On a PC, users simply insert the CD and let it install the drivers for the monitor. Mac users will have to download drivers from the Web. The link can be found in the manual on the CD. Yes, you have to read the manual. Shocking, I know.
Once the monitor drivers are loaded, users simply plug the monitor into the computer with the included USB cable. Users then go into their display controls (such as Control Panel or System Preferences, depending on whether they are on a PC or a Mac). These controls will let users adjust the monitors, so they can make the USB monitor an extension of the one already on the computer. The other option is to mirror the monitors, so what is displayed on one is displayed on the other. Users also can rotate the display so the monitor displays the image in either a landscape or portrait mode.
The beauty of this monitor is that you don’t have to be next to a wall or power plug. The included USB cable not only sends the video signal, but it also powers the monitor. However, users have to be careful on a laptop. The monitor powers itself through the laptop’s power source. If that happens to be a battery, it will get sucked dry very quickly with two displays running simultaneously.
If the monitor doesn’t have enough power, the included cord can help fix that. The USB end is split into two ports, so users can plug it into two USB ports at once. This gives it more power. You shouldn’t need to use this much, unless your computer has a very old, very small power source. But it’s nice that it’s there.
The AOC display has two great bonuses. The first is the built-in kickstand, which pops out from the monitor and props it up in landscape or portrait orientation. This kickstand holds up the monitor very well.
The second bonus is the included case. The case is simple, but it’s nice to have. It’s a soft, thick case with a nylon exterior and a fleece-like interior. The monitor slides into it nicely, and a Velcro strap flips over the end and keeps the monitor from sliding out. It makes it easier to carry the monitor and cord,and it keeps the monitor from being scratched or getting dirty.
The only catch to the monitor is the cord. Users have to make sure that they don’t lose the cord.
While it is a USB cable, it’s a rather unique one. One end has the double cables, as I mentioned.
The other has a specialized connector that looks like a USB connector has been squished together.
While such a connection can be found, it can’t be found very easily, and not necessarily with a double USB connector on the other end. In other words, if you lose the cable, you’re going to have to special order a new one.
Luckily, the cable fits just fine into the free case and, thanks to its rubber and the fleece-like interior of the case, it doesn’t move around very much. So as long as users keep the cord near the bottom of the case, they should be safe with it.
The monitor won’t offer the quality of a computer’s high-tech display, but it does the job nicely. I found it great for work when I needed a second monitor for working in paginating programs. I also could see this monitor being used to display what’s on your computer while speaking in meetings. And, as mentioned, you could set a movie going on the computer, put one child at one end of the table with the monitor and the other at the other end with the computer. Peace. What more could you want?
This fits the business niche nicely, and comes in handy when some extra display room is needed. It’s always good to find products that fit the niche.
Melissa L. Jones can be reached via email at [email protected].
Where it’s @
The AOC E1659FWU 16-inch USB 3.0 Monitor requires a PC or Mac with a USB monitor. PC drivers are included; Mac drivers can be downloaded. The product retails for $139. More information is available at us.aoc.com.
Business, Pages 23 on 09/30/2013