Grandma Reviews Zissu's Portable Monitor

Published September 14, 2020

Now that I have a mini PC, I decided to test things a bit by purchasing a portable monitor to go along with the mini PC. I wanted to see how easy or difficult it would be to take my computer on the road.

Zissu's Portable Monitor

After researching online and reading reviews, I purchased the Zissu's portable monitor (Amazon affiliate link). It's a neat little 15.6-inch monitor that weighs less than 2 pounds.

Here’s what comes in the Zissu’s box

  • 15.6-inch monitor
  • HDMI to Mini HDMI cable
  • USB-A to USB-C cable
  • USB-C to USB-C cable
  • User Guide
  • Screen cleaning cloth

What I like about the Zissu’s monitor is it has three input ports on one side of the stand. Two of them are USB-C and the other one is a mini HDMI. Fortunately, Zissu’s provides three cables to connect the monitor.

On the other side of the stand, it has the controls for volume and various screen configurations such as brightness/contrast, color settings, audio, etc.

Zissu's Configuration Menu

Connecting to PC or Laptop

To connect it to my computer I used the HDMI and one of the USB – C ports. Being new to portable screens I didn't realize I had to use both the HDMI and a USB-C cable. The HDMI transmits the image and the USB-C supplies the power. However, connecting the monitor to another screen or a laptop, only required the USB-C cable. I used the USB-C to USB-C cable when I tested the connection to my laptop to use it as a second screen.

I particularly like the fact that I didn’t have to plug it into a wall outlet.

Note: To connect the monitor to an iPhone, you’ll need a lightning adaptor (Amazon affiliate link).  I don’t currently have an adapter so I didn’t test it with my iPhone.

Image Clarity

The image is crystal clear. At first, I was concerned because I'm coming from a 24-inch screen down to a 15.6-inch screen and these mature eyes need large text/images. I was pleasantly surprised at the monitor's clear display. Actually, I think the image is clearer on the smaller screen than the larger one. I'm able to open two browser windows at a time and place them side-by-side to work. I can read both windows clearly. I didn't think that was possible but I can do it with the Zissu's monitor.

Zissus side by side

Zissu’s Speakers

The speakers are located at the bottom of the stand. The holes for the speakers were so small and hidden that I had to turn the speaker on and listen to hear where the sound was coming from. The sound is okay. It's not as powerful as the sound that can come from a computer or Bluetooth speaker but in a pinch, it will work. There is a 3.5 mm jack for plugging in a headset or speaker for a more robust sound.

Zissu's Speakers and Non Slip Bottom

Monitor Stand

The bottom of the stand has anti-slip rubber. I particularly like the stand because the entire width of the stand and monitor lay flat on the table surface. It doesn’t have “legs” which are usually not as sturdy as this full-contact stand.

Zissu's Weight and Dimensions

The screen is very light in weight. It's less than 2 pounds (1.7 to be exact) and the dimensions are 14.0 x 8.7 x 0.16 inch or 35.5 x 22.2 x 0.4 cm.

What I particularly like is this bezel is small. Some portable monitors although they have the same 15.6-inch screen, by having a thick and cumbersome bezel it makes the monitor bigger and heavier. Zissu’s was very efficient in creating the bezel.

Touch Screen

One thing to note about this portable monitor. The screen is not a touch screen. I debated whether or not having a touch screen is important to me. In the long run, because I mainly use it as my home computer so it is not an issue. Also, the fact that I’m experimenting with portable keyboard/mouse combinations, the touch screen isn’t absolutely necessary. Besides, I’m old school. I much prefer a mouse to a touch screen.

Update 1/7/23: The monitor died!




Felicia (aka Low Tech Grandma) is a wife, mother, grandmother, freelance writer and low tech blogger.

Last Modified: 13 August 2023


Comments

  • Kai September 14, 2020, 4:36 pm

    Hey Felicia! I really appreciate your informative reports on your “missions”! I especially like that your terminology and technology requirements levels are similar to mine. There is not a lot of info out there for low tech folks, so you definitely fill that void. If it would help, I’d be happy to send a donation to help fund LTG.

    Kai

    • Felicia September 15, 2020, 8:45 am

      Hello Kai,

      I’m glad my tech missions are helping you. 🙂

      I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the donation offer. As you know, donations are not required, but they sure are helpful. I can accept donations through PayPal.

      Thank you again for your support!

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