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MEDL Technology recently unveiled its’ new device: a fully functional, portable 13.3” LED monitor named “The Panel”. This device runs on an internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery that should last about 5 hours. This LED can connect to laptops, Xboxes, PS3s, cameras, and other devices via a mini-USB (2.0), mini-HDMI, VGA, component video, S-video, or DVI. In addition, this device is very slim and lightweight, weighing only 2.2 lbs.
“The Panel” Specs:
- Display: 13.3” LED-backlit
- Resolution/Contrast Ratio: 1280×800, 400:1
- Dimensions: .63-.96 x 12.72 x 8.46 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Battery: 5 hours; rechargeable Li-ion
I see a lot of potential in this product. The sheer number of ports, the weight, and the width all contribute to this product’s appeal. College students might find this portable device especially useful since dorms in most universities are small. Instead of dealing with a large, stationary monitor or TV that take up a lot of space on small desk, students can easily set up and remove the Panel whenever needed. With the right connections, this screen also functions as a television. But even though students can connect their consoles and play video games, I am skeptical of the quality of the images. The low 400:1 contrast ratio is a bit of a turn off: normal screens have at least a 1000:1. Therefore, I’m concerned that the images on this LED back-lit Panel (with 1280 x 800 resolution) will not look crisp or sharp. The Panel also allows businessmen to easily create presentations. The extra space permits them to better view and organize important information and data. The small, portable size, allows anyone carry around and use the Panel everywhere they go. This LED monitor serves as an extra screen during meetings on which people may demonstrate their ideas or products to a client.
As far as The Panel‘s pricing and availability goes, MEDL did not publish anything in their press release. However, other sources including Engadget and Gizmodo stated that this device should be available to consumers this winter for around $300. For someone like me who needs a multi-monitor set-up, that’s a small price to pay for this device. If I buy this, I would likely use it everyday for a variety of tasks. For example, when working out of either my house or Starbucks, I can prop the Panel up next to my laptop and easily research and write articles. Depending on the quality of the images, I may or may not try to play video games using this device. Even though I am not a fan of playing on small screens, this portable monitor might be useful for LAN events. To wrap up, I think that this product will satisfy consumers because of the portable multi-monitor experience it brings, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
