Ever wished you could carry an extra screen in your laptop bag? I spent two weeks with the MSI PRO MP161 E2, the latest portable monitor by MSI, and I’m here to tell you why it might be the workspace upgrade you’ve been looking for. Priced at a modest ₹11,999 on Amazon India, the need for a secondary display has been on the rise. Now, whether you should buy this MSI PRO MP161 E2 or not, let’s do a deep dive quickly:
Table of Contents
First Impressions: Slim is In 🎯
Pulling the MSI MP161 E2 out of its box, the first thing that strikes you is how impossibly thin it is. At just 1.08 cm thick and weighing a mere 0.75 kg, it’s literally lighter than my tablet! I love the fact that MSI is bundling a carry pouch with this MSI PRO MP161 E2 portable monitor, because, it really helps to carry the device anywhere you want to.
The Good Stuff: What Made Me Smile 😊
Display That Delivers
- Crisp 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) panel
- IPS technology with 170° viewing angles
- Anti-glare coating that actually works
- TÃœV Rheinland Eye Comfort certified
Flexibility Champion
Think yoga, but for monitors:
- 180° adjustable kickstand
- Portrait and landscape modes
- Tripod mounting option (perfect for presentations!)
- Can be used with any device like Mobile, Tablet, Laptop, etc.
Connectivity Paradise
- 2x USB-C ports (with power delivery)
- Mini-HDMI port
- Premium L-shaped cables included
The Not-So-Good: Room for Improvement 🤔
Brightness Blues
- Could use more punch in well-lit environments
- Outdoor visibility is challenging
Power Predicament
- Needs external power for phone connections if doesn’t support Type-C delivery from phone
- Battery drain can be significant
Speaker Situation
- 1.5W speakers are more of a whisper than a roar
- Fine for quick calls, not great for media
Real-World Performance
For Work:
Perfect for:
- Spreadsheet warriors
- Code developers
- Digital artists (with color accuracy limitations)
- Remote workers
For Play:
Decent for:
- Casual gaming (60Hz refresh rate)
- Movie watching (in controlled lighting)
- Photo editing (with calibration)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this with my iPhone/iPad?
A: Yes, but it will only work with models with USB Type-C, i.e. iPhone 15 or later.
Q: Does it work with Nintendo Switch or ROG Ally?
A: Absolutely! Great for gaming on the go.
Q: How’s the build quality?
A: Surprisingly robust despite its thin profile. The kickstand is particularly sturdy.
Q: Is it good for photo editing?
A: It’s suitable for casual editing, but professionals might want something with better color accuracy.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy This?
Perfect For:
- Digital nomads
- Business travelers
- Remote workers
- Students
Maybe Skip If:
- You need high brightness
- Audio quality is crucial
- You’re a color-critical professional
Price-to-Performance Ratio 💰
At its current price point, the MP161 E2 offers excellent value, especially considering its build quality and feature set.
Pro Tips for New Users
- Keep a power bank handy
- Consider external speakers for media consumption
- Use MSI Display Kit software for optimal settings
Final Thoughts
The MSI PRO MP161 E2 isn’t perfect, but it’s a solid choice for anyone needing a portable second screen. Its combination of portability, versatility, and decent image quality makes it a valuable tool for modern professionals.
Buy from Amazon India: https://amzn.to/4joKc6T
