A tripod-ready mobile monitor for around $100
The MSI Pro MP161 E2 ($129.99), a 15.6-inch portable monitor, comes in at a budget price and offers both USB-C and HDMI connectivity. It has a flexible kickstand that integrates a tripod socket, and its IPS screen offers excellent contrast and adequate maximum brightness. The panel itself is the main shortfall of this budget option; its limited sRGB color coverage makes the MP161 E2 best for workaday tasks, rather than photo editing or movie watching.Design: Bring Your Own Power Supply
The E2 has typical specs for a portable monitor, sporting a 15.6-inch full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) in-plane switching (IPS) screen at a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. It is housed in a matte-black frame, with minimal bezels on the top and the sides and an inch-thick one at the bottom.
For connectivity, the E2 has two USB-C ports and one mini HDMI port on the right side. When connected to a laptop via USB, the monitor draws power (as well as receives data and video) from the computer. You can also power the E2 via an AC adapter (not included) connected to the monitor via a USB-C cable.
The E2 includes USB-C-to-USB-C and mini HDMI-to-HDMI cords, both of which have sturdy right-angle plugs.
Also on the side, you’ll find a power button and a rocker switch that controls the E2’s ample on-screen display (OSD).
A flexible kickstand that supports a variety of tilt angles is fastened to the back of the E2. By rotating the stand, you can set up the monitor in either landscape or portrait orientation. You’ll also find a 1/4-inch threaded hole for attaching the monitor to a tripod (not included).
A pair of built-in 1.5-watt speakers provide fairly soft, slightly tinny audio. MSI backs the MP161 E2 with a three-year warranty, which is generous for a budget monitor.
