The market is flooded with portable monitors, but wireless options remain relatively scarce and often pricey. The ViewSonic VG1656N aims to address this gap, offering wireless connectivity at a more affordable price point. However, this convenience comes at the cost of image quality. This review delves into the VG1656N’s features, performance, and whether its wireless capability justifies the trade-offs.
Design and Setup
The ViewSonic VG1656N’s initial setup can be slightly puzzling due to the fabric-covered magnetic stand. While assembly is intuitive, the lack of a physical manual in the review unit added a moment of confusion. The stand itself, despite its seemingly flimsy appearance, proved surprisingly stable, supporting various tilt angles and both landscape and portrait orientations. This versatility is a significant advantage, especially for tasks that benefit from a vertical workspace. The 16-inch display, coupled with the detachable stand, keeps the monitor lightweight and portable, weighing just 1.8 pounds and measuring a mere 0.38 inches thick.
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The ViewSonic VG1656N in portrait mode.
The VG1656N’s wireless functionality hinges on a bundled USB-C dongle. This dongle, while larger than a typical flash drive, pairs seamlessly with the monitor, eliminating the need for complex configuration. However, its size might pose a challenge for laptops with closely spaced USB-C ports.
Connectivity and Performance
The VG1656N’s key selling point is its wireless connectivity. Connecting the monitor to a PC or Mac is as simple as plugging in the USB-C dongle. The monitor automatically detects and connects to the dongle, offering a hassle-free experience.
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The ViewSonic VG1656N connected wirelessly.
While wireless convenience is appreciated, it introduces noticeable input lag. Tests revealed a lag of approximately 100 to 200 milliseconds. While not overtly disruptive for general productivity, this lag might be perceptible for gamers or users requiring precise cursor control.
For those preferring a wired connection, the VG1656N offers two USB-C ports, both supporting DisplayPort Alternate Mode and USB Power Delivery. This dual functionality allows for video input and simultaneous charging through either port.
Features and Battery Life
The VG1656N’s on-screen menu system is minimalist, offering basic adjustments for brightness, contrast, and four preset image modes. The integrated 2-watt speakers provide adequate volume and clarity, though lacking in bass. The built-in battery promises up to 3.5 hours of usage, but real-world performance varies depending on brightness settings. At maximum brightness, the battery life dwindles to about 1.5 hours. It’s important to note that the battery solely powers the monitor and cannot charge other devices.
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The ViewSonic VG1656N’s on-screen menu.
Image Quality: A Compromise for Convenience
The VG1656N’s image quality is its most significant drawback. With a maximum brightness of 251 nits, it’s adequate for dimly lit environments but struggles in brighter settings. The contrast ratio of 1260:1 is typical for portable monitors but pales in comparison to OLED alternatives. The most glaring weakness is the limited color performance, covering only 64 percent of sRGB and 49 percent of DCI-P3. This narrow color gamut results in dull and muted colors, making it unsuitable for color-critical tasks like content creation. While color accuracy isn’t terrible, it’s not on par with the best portable monitors. Sharpness, however, is acceptable thanks to its 1920×1200 resolution.
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Conclusion
The ViewSonic VG1656N prioritizes wireless convenience over image quality. Its easy setup, decent battery life, and versatile stand make it a practical choice for users seeking a portable secondary display for basic productivity tasks. However, the subpar image quality, particularly the limited color performance, makes it unsuitable for content creation or entertainment purposes. Ultimately, the VG1656N is a viable option for those who prioritize wireless functionality above all else.
