The ASUS MB166C Portable USB Monitor is a device designed to enhance portability and simplify daily viewing experiences, offering a blend of functionality and style. It is a portable USB monitor that connects to a host system via a USB Type-C cable, supporting DisplayPort™ Alt Mode.
Function Description
The primary function of the ASUS MB166C is to serve as an external display, extending the screen real estate of a connected host system. It is particularly suited for users who require an additional monitor for productivity, entertainment, or design tasks while on the go. The monitor is powered directly through the USB Type-C port, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter, which further contributes to its portability.
The monitor features an On-Screen Display (OSD) menu that allows users to configure various display settings. This menu is accessible via dedicated buttons on the monitor's front. Key adjustable functions include:
- Splendid Modes: This feature offers eight pre-set display modes optimized for different content types, such as Standard, sRGB, Scenery, Theater, Game, Night View, Reading, and Darkroom. These modes adjust color, contrast, and sharpness to provide the best visual experience for specific applications. For instance, "Reading Mode" is tailored for comfortable book reading, while "Game Mode" is designed to enhance gaming visuals.
- Blue Light Filter: This function allows users to adjust the level of blue light emitted from the LED backlight. With four adjustable levels, it helps reduce eye strain, especially during prolonged use. Level 4 is an optimized setting that complies with TUV Low Blue Light Certification, significantly reducing harmful blue light.
- Color Settings: Users can fine-tune image colors by adjusting Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Color Temperature (Cool, Normal, Warm, and User modes), and Skin Tone (Reddish, Natural, and Yellowish). The "User Mode" for Color Temperature allows for individual adjustment of Red, Green, and Blue channels.
- Image Settings: This section provides controls for image sharpness, response time (Trace Free), aspect ratio (Aspect Control), VividPixel, and dynamic contrast ratio (ASCR). "Trace Free" speeds up response time, while "VividPixel" enhances visual clarity and detail. "Aspect Control" allows switching between "Full" and "4:3" aspect ratios, though "4:3" is only available when the input source is in that format.
- System Setup: This menu includes various system configurations such as Splendid Demo Mode, Auto Rotation, GamePlus, QuickFit, ECO Mode, OSD Setup, Language, and other advanced settings.
Usage Features
The ASUS MB166C is designed with user convenience in mind, offering several features that enhance its usability:
- Portability: As a "Portable USB Monitor," its lightweight design and single USB Type-C cable connectivity make it easy to carry and set up anywhere.
- Protective Sleeve/Stand: The monitor comes with a protective sleeve that doubles as a versatile stand. This sleeve allows the monitor to be positioned in multiple standing configurations, accommodating different viewing angles and scenarios, whether for work or entertainment.
- QuickFit Function: This exclusive ASUS feature provides two useful patterns:
- Grid Pattern: Facilitates designers and users in organizing content and layouts on a single page, ensuring a consistent look and feel. It includes "Alignment Grid 1" and "Alignment Grid 2." "Alignment Grid 1" supports auto-rotation when used with Windows OS and the DisplayWidget software.
- Photo Size: Offers real-size viewing and editing for photos, with options like "4x6" and "3x5" sizes, beneficial for photographers and graphic designers.
- GamePlus Function: This toolkit is specifically designed for gamers, providing features like a crosshair overlay (with various styles) and a timer. The crosshair is particularly useful for First Person Shooter (FPS) games, helping new gamers or beginners improve their aim.
- Auto Rotation: When used with Windows OS and the DisplayWidget software, the monitor can automatically rotate its image, adapting to the physical orientation of the screen.
- ECO Mode: This mode is available for power saving, contributing to energy efficiency.
- OSD Setup: Users can customize the OSD menu's appearance and behavior, including OSD Timeout, DDC/CI (Display Data Channel/Command Interface) settings, and Transparency.
- MyFavorite: This function allows users to save and load their preferred monitor settings, making it easy to switch between personalized configurations.
- Shortcut Key: Users can assign frequently used functions like Blue Light Filter, Splendid modes, Brightness, Contrast, Auto Rotation, Color Temp., QuickFit, or GamePlus to a shortcut key for quick access.
- Power Indicator: The monitor features a Power LED that indicates the monitor's status (Blue for ON, Amber for Standby, Dark for OFF). This indicator can be turned on or off via the OSD menu.
- Key Lock/Power Key Lock: These functions provide security by disabling all key functions or specifically the power key, preventing accidental changes or power-offs.
Maintenance Features
Maintaining the ASUS MB166C is straightforward, with guidelines provided to ensure its longevity and optimal performance:
- Cleaning: The monitor surface should be cleaned with a lint-free, non-abrasive cloth after turning it off and unplugging the cable. For stubborn stains, a cloth dampened with a mild cleaner intended for LCDs can be used. It is crucial to avoid cleaners containing alcohol or acetone and never to spray cleaner directly onto the screen to prevent electrical shock or internal damage.
- Troubleshooting (FAQ): The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common issues such as the power LED not turning on, no screen image, screen image being too light or dark, image bouncing or wave patterns, color defects, and insufficient power supply from the source device. This section provides possible solutions, guiding users to resolve minor problems independently. For instance, if the power LED blinks or shows the ASUS logo repeatedly due to insufficient power, a "safe mode" procedure is outlined to adjust brightness to a stable level.
- Safety Information: The manual emphasizes several safety precautions, including avoiding exposure to rain or moisture, never attempting to open the cabinet, ensuring correct cable connections, and protecting against dust, humidity, and extreme temperatures. It also advises against pushing objects or spilling liquids into the slots. In case of technical problems, users are directed to contact a qualified service technician or retailer, reinforcing that self-repair should not be attempted.
- Product Warranty: The warranty is contingent on the product not being repaired, modified, or altered without written authorization from ASUS, and the serial number must be intact.
- Takeback Services: ASUS provides recycling and takeback programs, encouraging responsible disposal of products, batteries, and packaging materials to protect the environment. Information on these services is available on the ASUS website.
Overall, the ASUS MB166C Portable USB Monitor is a versatile and user-friendly device, offering a range of features for enhanced display functionality, ease of use, and simple maintenance, all within a portable form factor.
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