Minisforum unveils innovative portable monitor with dual 1080p screens for $231

Something to look forward to: Dual monitors are quite common in desktop setups these days, but enjoying the same experience on the go has rarely been an option. However, a new product from Minisforum – a portable monitor that unfolds into two screens – could change that.

The MDSA156 is a unique portable monitor that unfolds to reveal two 15.6-inch 1080p IPS displays connected by a 315-degree hinge. The bottom screen includes a built-in kickstand, allowing you to prop it up in various orientations and angles to suit your needs.

Weighing just 2.2 pounds, it's impressively lightweight for a dual-screen setup. With dual USB-C ports and an HDMI input, the MDSA156 easily connects to laptops, tablets, or even smartphones, providing a quick and convenient way to expand your screen real estate on the go.

The monitor also features stereo speakers and consumes up to 30 watts of power, though actual power usage is typically lower than the advertised maximum.

Minisforum highlights a variety of use cases, including office work, business meetings, stock analysis, gaming, travel, and online courses. Promotional graphics showcase versatile configurations, such as vertically stacking the dual screens to mimic a larger monitor, angling them apart for easier sharing between two users, or folding them completely flat for single-screen use when needed.

Additionally, the company emphasizes that the monitor's unique design promotes ergonomic comfort, reducing neck strain during prolonged use and supporting a more natural posture for reading and typing.

The package does come with some compromises. The 250-nit peak brightness and limited 45 percent NTSC color gamut (equivalent to roughly 100 percent sRGB) make it less suitable for professional photo or video editing or other color-critical work.

That said, at $231, the MDSA156 offers an affordable price point for a unique dual-screen form factor.

While it may not replace a full desktop monitor setup, it's an ingenious solution for digital nomads looking to boost productivity and multitasking without adding significant bulk to their gear.

However, if your workflow involves graphically intensive tasks and requires high color accuracy, you might consider alternatives like the Edge 4K OLED Ultralight Portable Magnetic Monitor. This model boasts 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, 10-bit color support, and a peak brightness of 400 nits, making it ideal for professional-grade work.