Today, I’ll be reviewing the ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF—a modern portable monitor that could be a practical addition to your workspace at home, in the office, or at a coworking space. With its lightweight design, compact size, decent specifications, and three mounting options (all accessories included), it offers a range of conveniences. But those are just a few of its highlights. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the ZenScreen MB229CF, exploring its key features, advantages, and drawbacks. We’ll also consider who might benefit most from this monitor and, most importantly, whether it justifies its price tag. Let’s kick off the review with a quick rundown of its technical specifications.
Specifications
- Model: ZenScreen MB229CF
- Panel size: 21,5″
- Resolution: Full HD (1920×1080)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Matrix type: IPS
- Type of backlight: LED
- Display surface: matte
- Number of colors: 16.7 million colors
- Brightness (typical): 250 cd/m²
- Contrast ratio (typical): 1000:1
- Response time: 5 ms (GTG)
- Refresh rate: 100 Hz
- Pixel pitch: 0.248 mm
- Audio: 2.1-channel audio system with 1.5W subwoofer
- I/O ports: 1×USB-C (DP Alt Mode / Power Delivery 60 W); 1×HDMI 1.4; 1×3.5 mm audio jack
- Tilt adjustment: yes (+20° ~ -5°)
- Horizontal swivel: yes (+90° ~ -90°)
- Vertical rotation: yes (+90° ~ -90°)
- Height adjustment: yes (0~180 mm)
- Z-axis adjustment: yes (0~144 mm)
- VESA wall mount: 100×100 mm
- Tripod socket: yes (1/4″)
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 48.7×72.2×30.1 cm
- Dimensions without stand (W×H×D): 48.7×31.8×2.2 cm
- Package dimensions (W×H×D): 54.7×39.8×12.9 cm
- Weight: 4 kg
- Weight without stand: 2.2 kg
- Technologies: Eye Care, Flicker-Free, Trace Free, SPLENDID, GamePlus, QuickFit, HDCP, Adaptive-Sync, GameFast Input, Shadow Boost, Low Blue Light
- Certificates and standards: Energy Star, TÜV Flicker-free, TÜV Low Blue Light, FSC MIX
- Proprietary software: ASUS DisplayWidget Center
- Package contents: monitor, C-shaped bracket, HDMI cable, L-shaped screwdriver, hooks for partitions, power supply, power cord, quick start guide, USB-C cable, warranty documentation
Positioning and price
Today, I’ll be reviewing the ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF—a modern portable monitor that could be a practical addition to your workspace at home, in the office, or at a coworking space. With its lightweight design, compact size, decent specifications, and three mounting options (all accessories included), it offers a range of conveniences. But those are just a few of its highlights. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the ZenScreen MB229CF, exploring its key features, advantages, and drawbacks. We’ll also consider who might benefit most from this monitor and, most importantly, whether it justifies its price tag. Let’s kick off the review with a quick rundown of its technical specifications.
Some may argue that the price is high for the given specifications, noting that for this amount, you could purchase a desktop monitor with a larger screen, higher resolution, faster response times, and perhaps an overall better panel. And they’d be right—but only if we’re comparing it to desktop monitors. In the portable monitor segment, however, this pricing is quite reasonable. Especially when you consider that the ZenScreen MB229CF comes with a well-rounded set of accessories, which adds to its overall value.
Package contents
The monitor is packaged in a compact branded cardboard box measuring 54.7 × 39.8 × 12.9 cm and weighing approximately 6 kg. Unfortunately, the box lacks a carrying handle or openings, which makes transportation somewhat inconvenient. While the box itself is relatively small—comparable to standard laptop packaging—it would have been helpful if ASUS had included a simple handle on top for easier portability.
Inside, all the equipment is neatly packed in 2 trays: one contains the monitor, and the other everything else. Let’s unpack the contents and see what the ZenScreen MB229CF comes with:
- monitor
- C-shaped bracket
- HDMI cable
- USB-C cable
- hooks for office partitions
- small hex screwdriver
- 90 W power supply unit
- network cable
- quick start guide
- warranty documentation
The process of assembling and mounting the monitor is as simple as possible. I’m not going to describe it in words, I’d rather show you everything in a video from the ASUS website. And this video will also perfectly demonstrate 3 possible options for installing and using the monitor, because you can simply rest it on a stand, hang it on an office partition, or install it on the bundled bracket. And I would add a 4th mounting option – using a standard VESA 100×100 mm mount.
Overall, the packaging is excellent. As I mentioned earlier, on the official ASUS website, I found only two portable monitors that come with brackets: the ZenScreen MB229CF and the ZenScreen MB249C. However, to make the package even more complete, it would have been nice to include a carrying case or sleeve for the monitor. That said, with a bit of searching, it’s likely easy to find a suitable laptop case to serve the purpose.
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Design, ergonomics, build quality
The design of the ZenScreen MB229CF is premium: it features a bezel-less display, an ultra-thin body, clean and neat lines, and a simple black color. The monitor has the appearance of a slim ultrabook, giving off an office-business style vibe.
The monitor has a 22-inch diagonal, with the visible area being slightly smaller at 21.5 inches. The monitor’s dimensions are 48.7×31.8×2.2 cm, and it weighs just 2.2 kg. With the included bracket, the overall setup measures 48.7×72.2×30.1 cm and weighs around 4 kg.
The bracket itself weighs nearly 2 kg and consists of two parts: a metal stand and a C-shaped mounting. Assembling the bracket is very straightforward—essentially, you just need to attach the mounting to the stand with a single screw, and that’s it. The monitor simply hangs on the mount and is secured with locking clips that automatically engage when installed. To remove the monitor, you just press the clips on both sides and lift it off the mount.
The stand is attached to the desk using a special clamp. The contact points with the desk are covered with a rubberized coating to prevent damage. The entire setup is quite stable and offers a good degree of adjustability: you can tilt, rotate, raise, lower, or even pivot the monitor into a vertical position. For those seeking precise details on the adjustment range, here they are (taken from the official ASUS website):
- tilt adjustment: +20° ~ -5°
- horizontal rotation: +90° ~ -90°
- Vertical rotation: +90° ~ -90°
- height adjustment: 0 ~ 180 mm
- Z-axis adjustment: 0 ~ 144 mm
The front panel is dominated by a 21.5-inch matte IPS display. The bezels are quite thin, measuring 1mm on the body and 4mm on the display itself. At the bottom of the front panel, there’s a decorative insert with the ASUS logo and a grille for the built-in speakers. It’s worth mentioning that the monitor features a 2.1-channel audio system with a 1.5W subwoofer. The sound quality will be discussed in the corresponding section.
On the back of the monitor, there’s a built-in handle that can be used for carrying the display. This handle also serves as a mounting point, allowing the monitor to be hung on office partitions. To do this, the package includes two metal rails. You attach these rails to the partition, then mount the holders (with adjustable height via holes), and finally hang the monitor by its handle on the holders. It’s worth noting that in this position, the monitor is securely held, and unless deliberately knocked, it won’t fall off the partition. Also, as a reminder, the monitor weighs just 2.2 kg, so there’s no need to worry about it tipping over.
There is also a mounting bracket on the back of the monitor, which allows it to be attached to the included stand. If needed, this bracket can be removed. For example, if you want to mount the monitor on a different stand, it comes with a standard VESA 100×100 mm mounting option.
On the left side of the monitor (with the display facing you), you’ll find all the main connectivity ports: USB-C (DP Alt Mode / Power Delivery 60W), HDMI 1.4, a standard 3.5mm audio jack, and the DCIN power input. The monitor can be powered either through the standard DCIN port (using the included power adapter) or via the USB-C port, which also carries the video signal. However, it’s worth noting that the brightness of the display will be limited when using the USB-C connection for power. On the right side of the monitor, there are buttons for menu navigation and the power on/off button.
The top edge of the monitor is perfectly flat. On the bottom edge, there is a transparent plastic insert with a rubberized pad for better stability on surfaces.
The build quality is excellent, and there’s not much to say here. The materials are solid, the design is neat, and everything is assembled reliably. Overall, everything is of a high standard. In terms of ergonomics, there are no issues either. The assembly and setup of the device are easy, quick, and intuitive. If something isn’t clear, there’s a brief manual included, and there’s also a full setup video on ASUS’s official website. Using the monitor is comfortable and generally quite pleasant.
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Display and proprietary technologies
The ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF features an 8-bit IPS panel with a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080 and a maximum refresh rate of 100 Hz. It has a stated response time of 5 ms (GTG), a brightness level of 250 nits, and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. The pixel pitch is 0.248 mm, and the viewing angles are 178° both horizontally and vertically (CR≧10).
The monitor also comes with a range of features and technologies aimed at enhancing image quality and reducing eye strain. What was a bit surprising, however, was the inclusion of several gaming-oriented features, even though the monitor is primarily designed for a different audience and use case. Let’s go over them.
The ASUS Eye Care technologies are designed to protect your eyes by reducing strain. To achieve this, the monitor features blue light filtering and Flicker-Free technology to eliminate screen flickering.
To improve image quality, the ZenScreen MB229CF is equipped with ASUS Splendid proprietary technology, which automatically optimizes the display quality and offers preset display modes. Additionally, it features Shadow Boost, which enhances the visibility of dark scenes and areas without affecting the brighter parts of the image.
The gaming technologies include: Trace Free, Adaptive-Sync, GameFast Input and GamePlus. Trace Free is a matrix overclocking technology that allows you to increase its response. Adaptive-Sync adjusts the monitor refresh rate to the frame rate of games, thereby minimizing image tearing. GameFast Input reduces image input/output latency. GamePlus – various built-in gaming metrics and indicators, such as FPS counter, timer, reticle, etc.
Regarding image quality, the display offers vibrant and sharp visuals. Color reproduction is reasonably good, with rich hues and deep blacks. Among the pre-set Splendid modes, the “Landscape” mode stood out the most, delivering a bright and saturated image. Other modes may require fine-tuning based on personal preferences, although the “Game” mode is also worth noting, as it performs well even without adjustments. Both contrast and brightness are satisfactory, with no noticeable issues. Additionally, the display is inherently quite bright, which is a noteworthy feature.
The viewing angles are wide, but at extreme angles, there is a noticeable shift in brightness.
The monitor does exhibit some backlight bleed, specifically two spots near the bottom corners on the left side. However, it’s worth noting that these are more pronounced in photos than during actual use.
The monitor’s response time is generally decent. A TFT Monitor Test measured an average response time of 9.8 ms at a 100 Hz refresh rate. While this isn’t the fastest result, the monitor still delivers a smooth and responsive experience during typical use.
In gaming scenarios, the monitor performs without any issues. The experience is fast, smooth, and free of blurring or ghosting. While it isn’t marketed as a gaming monitor, it still provides an enjoyable experience for gaming.
The menu and settings navigation are managed through buttons located on the right side of the monitor. The menu can be broadly divided into eight sections: Splendid, Blue Light Filter, Color, Image, Input Select, System Setup, Shortcut, and MyFavorite.
The Splendid section allows users to switch and adjust display modes. In Blue Light Filter, the level of blue light filtration can be configured. The Color section provides options for adjusting brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color temperature. The Image menu includes settings for sharpness, Trace Free, aspect ratio, VividPixel, dynamic contrast (ASCR), variable refresh rate, and the Shadow Boost feature. In Input Select, you can choose the signal source, either HDMI or Type-C. The System Setup section houses settings for volume, GamePlus, QuickFit, ECO Mode, menu customization, language, button lock, power indicator, and resetting to factory defaults. The Shortcut menu is intended for assigning quick-access combinations for specific settings. However, I couldn’t figure out how to assign or configure them effectively. Currently, it just displays a list of menu options without any functional customization. Finally, the MyFavorite section allows users to save and load their custom settings profiles.
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Audio
The ZenScreen MB229CF is equipped with a 2.1-channel audio system, including a 1.5W subwoofer. The sound quality is typical for built-in monitor speakers—lacking bass and somewhat flat overall. However, the speakers are loud enough.
In summary, the built-in speakers are adequate for general tasks or background audio but fall short if high-quality sound is a priority. For better audio, the monitor includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the left side, allowing users to connect wired headphones or an external audio system. Connected devices deliver significantly better sound quality.
Proprietary software
Like other ASUS monitors, the ZenScreen MB229CF can be adjusted not only through the built-in menu but also via the DisplayWidget Center app. This app is particularly useful for fine-tuning the pre-set Splendid modes. Other settings in the app mirror those found in the built-in menu, except for the MultiScreen feature, which allows users to divide the screen into separate workspaces.
Additionally, the monitor’s menu can be accessed using a keyboard shortcut, enabling control directly from the keyboard. This feature is activated in the KB HotKey Settings menu.
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Conclusions
In conclusion, the ASUS ZenScreen MB229CF is an excellent model. It’s a niche yet versatile device that will find its target audience. The monitor can be used as a primary or secondary display at home, in the office, or in co-working spaces. Its compact size, lightweight design, three mounting options, great accessories, and stylish appearance make it a solid choice. A key advantage is the ability to connect the monitor without the included power adapter, which enhances its portability.
When it comes to specifications and image quality, there are no complaints. The display provides vibrant, sharp visuals with a relatively high refresh rate. The ZenScreen MB229CF is enjoyable not only for work but also for gaming. While it’s not marketed as a gaming monitor, it includes features that can be useful for gamers. I personally didn’t notice any drawbacks with this model, and I can confidently recommend it if you’re looking for a portable monitor option.
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