Minisforum's New Portable Monitor Has Two 1080p Panels

Portable monitors are a dime a dozen these days, but this one is at least two dimes. Minisforum has recently unveiled the MDSA156, a unique portable monitor that has not one but two displays in a single device. It comes with dual 15.6-inch 1080p IPS panels connected by a 315° hinge, which means you’ll get an equivalent viewing area of a 23.8-inch display.

The bottom display has a built-in kickstand. Thanks to this, users can set up the screens in different ways: stacked vertically, side by side, or in a tent mode for presentations. When it comes to connectivity options, it comes with dual USB-C ports and an HDMI input, which means it can be connected to a wide range of devices like laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, and even smartphones. The monitor also has built-in dual speakers for audio playback.

The display specifications may limit its use for specific applications. With a peak brightness of just 250 nits and 45% coverage of the NTSC color gamut (approximately 72% sRGB), as reported by TechPowerUp, the MDSA156 may not be ideal for color-critical work or use in bright environments.

Priced at $231, this can be considered as an affordable entry point for a dual-monitor setup. It’s true that it may not compete with high-end professional displays in terms of color accuracy and brightness, but it has some definite pros. For instance, it can be used by 2 people simultaneously, both working on their different unrelated task projects.

If your laptop screen just isn’t cutting it, you might benefit from a few extra screens. At 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram), the MDSA156 shouldn’t add too much heft to your bag.