Admittedly, the world of portable monitors seldom stirs my enthusiasm, especially as I find myself typing away in a bustling Vegas bar during CES 2024. However, my lack of excitement took a dramatic turn when I laid eyes on the Asus ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH. It’s not just a portable monitor; it’s a work of art.
This exquisite device, a mere 9.7mm thick and weighing a modest 1.17kg, unfolds into a breathtaking 17.3-inch display with a resolution of 2560×1920. What sets it apart is not only its generous size but also the utilization of a mesmerizing OLED panel that renders visuals with unparalleled richness. Supporting the entire DCI-P3 color spectrum and boasting DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, the ZenScreen Fold OLED ensures a visual feast for the eyes. The innovative “waterdrop” hinge not only eliminates unsightly seams on the screen but also allows the closed display to sit perfectly flat.
Equipped with mini-HDMI, dual full-function USB-C ports, and a headphone-output jack, this monitor is as versatile as it is stunning. A thoughtful addition is the screw mount on the rear, offering the option to attach it to a tripod or similar accessory. The inclusion of a Surface-like kickstand further enhances its standalone capabilities alongside your laptop.
In essence, this portable monitor is a true embodiment of class and visual prowess, prompting me to write about a device I never thought would captivate my attention. The catch? Unsurprisingly, such sophistication comes at a price, with an expected retail cost of around $2,000 when it hits the market in the transition between the first and second quarters. Fear not, though—Asus has a range of more budget-friendly portable monitors to cater to various needs.
