Mini PC specialist Minisforum has just launched a portable dual monitor with two 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 screens. They are hinged to provide a more ergonomic experience when using the built-in stand. On top of that, you can fold it out like a tent, allowing you to easily share the screen with the person in front of you. Minisform MDSA156 Compatible with Windows and Mac, priced at $231 Mini forum website.
| Specification | Mini forum MDSA156 |
|---|---|
| size | 15.6 inches (x2) |
| brightness | 250 nits (typical) |
| Color gamut | 45%NTSC |
| contrast | 1000:1 (typ.) |
| solve | 1920 x 1080 per screen |
| ratio | 16:9 per screen |
| response time | 20 milliseconds |
| Viewing angle | 170 degrees (typical) |
| frequency | 60 Hz |
| flip angle | 0 to 315 degrees |
| video input | USB Type-C (x2), HDMI (x1) |
| audio output | 3.5mm jack, built-in dual speakers |
| Rated power | 30W |
| aspect | 355.7×217.3×24.4 mm |
| weight | 1.6kg |
| Stand tilt | 135 degrees |
| Bracket installation | 75×75mm |
Looking at the key specs, we noted possible weaknesses, such as a lower maximum brightness level, a relatively narrow color gamut, and a quoted slow response time. Potential buyers must weigh these aspects against the practical value of dual screens and price.
This monitor has two USB Type-C ports, allowing you to use a single cable for power and data transfer. If your Mac or PC cannot provide enough power through USB-C, you can use other Type-C ports to ensure power supply stability. Of course, you can also use the HDMI port to connect a portable monitor to your PC, but you can’t use the dual monitor as two separate screens.
You can use the Minisforum MDSA156 in three different modes: 90-degree reading mode (two vertical monitors side by side), 180-degree desktop mode (two 15.6-inch monitors stacked horizontally), and 315-degree shared mode, ideal for small personal groups Personal presentation. It also offers stitching mode, which allows you to use two 15.6-inch screens as a single 23.8-inch screen.
In addition to the display, you also get two built-in speakers, so you don’t have to worry about carrying extra Bluetooth speakers. But if you prefer to use wired audiophile headphones, you can use the available 3.5mm headphones to plug into your portable monitor vocal Jack.
While the monitor is designed for portable use, you can also mount it permanently using the 75 x 75mm mounting holes on the back of the lower monitor. Even though it’s not VESA certified, it should fit standard VESA mounts. But if you want to be more productive on the go without hurting your back, the Minisforum MDSA156 weighs only 3.5 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air. It’s about the same size as a typical 15-inch laptop, so you can easily slip it into a laptop sleeve for transport and storage.