Review: ViewSonic TD1655 Portable Touch Monitor

By Canadian Reviewer Staff

Now that most of us have to work remotely, the challenge s having to replicate our office setups in our more cramped home offices, which we are likely sharing with our partners and our kids. For most users, a laptop is the ideal device for working from home, but while easy to carry around and eminently portable, screen real-state is limited for having multiple apps and browser windows open. External monitors are a good option, but they’re big and bulky. 

ViewSonic’s USB-C touch TD1655 portable monitor is 15.6-inch touch-enabled portable monitor that brings all the latest technologies like USB-C connectivity, ten-point multi touch and pen input capability, as well as a borderless design.  Super thin and light at 0.6” and weighing less than two pounds. This monitor is thin enough to pack in your backpack or laptop bag, and can be used in various modes. 

 

The Dual USB Type-C ports deliver fast data, audio, and video over a single cable. What's more, these USB Type-C ports also deliver two-way power: a connected laptop can power the monitor, or the monitor can power a connected laptop via USB-C power bank or AC adapter and outlet.

I connected the ViewSonic to my USB-c powered MacBook Pro as well as my Surface Duo. The latter is an Android device and it is touch compatible, it was quite refreshing to be able to use my pocket device as a desktop replacement, complete with all its touch and pen input capabilities.

 

I often need to move around the house for work, and the ViewSonic portable monitor tags right along with me. I can use it horizontally when researching, opening multiple apps and windows, and even as my main monitor since it is larger than my 13-inch MacBook Pro.

I’ve also been using it in the vertical orientation for coding, editing longer documents and articles, a well as a separate screen for streaming NBA games and the latest Netflix shows while I’m taking a break from working. The ViewSonic has ample built-in speakers which are a bit tinny but acceptable for YouTube and TV shows.

In terms of design, the ViewSonic USB-C touch TD1655 has a sturdy and quality feel to it. It has an articulating stand that can support it in various angles and it also comes with a protective cover that secures itself magnetically. It has two USB-C ports that are also powered and work with most USB-C plugs, while it features a mini-HDMI port for more universal connectivity to laptops gaming consoles, and devices like the Google ChromeCast or Roku sticks.

I like the brushed metal design of the rear as well as the clever joystick that you can use to navigate the settings and the menu. ViewSonic certainly knows how to differentiate their products from the run of the mill. My only issue really was that the power cord is not too long and if you have a standing desk or a taller table, it's a hassle to find the best placement for the monitor.

I like its versatility because it can be used in various multiple-monitor setups, attached to a gaming console for full HD 1080p games while traveling, and when used with my Surface Duo, it converts that device into a viable desktop replacement. The ViewSonic USB-C touch TD1655 looks a bit like a Microsoft Surface Pro, albeit in a larger size. It’s compact size is quite impressive, as you can quickly pack it up and go. I only wish it had a built-in battery so it could be self-powered for an hour or two for streaming videos.

During this extended remote work scenario, a portable HD monitor with touch capability is far more useful and versatile than a larger, heavier standalone LCD monitor. By including USB-C , as well as built-in stereo speakers and Audio-out ports, ViewSonic has outfitted the USB-C touch TD1655 monitor with even more features than some basic desktop monitors that cost more. 

I continue to find new ways to use this versatile monitor, it does great as a traveling larger screen for a Nintendo Switch and an excellent display for binge-watching shows like The Umbrella Academy or American Horror Story. Touch functionality is useful for presenting slides or for signing documents and PDFs. Don't expect very detailed or nuanced drawing or sketching functionality. 

There's a lot to love about the ViewSonic TD1655 Portable Touch Monitor. It's lightweight, connectivity, great design and functionality make it a solid consideration for creating your home or remote work solution as well as extending the display of your laptops, tablets, or even smartphones. 

Rating: 4 out of 5