• 2 min read
This $130 Arzopa monitor fixes cramped desk setups
PCWorld’s Ben Patterson says the 16.1-inch Arzopa Z1FC delivers a bright, slim second screen for $130, or $109 for Prime members.
Image: PCWorld
A $130 portable monitor has become Ben Patterson’s favorite tech purchase of the past year, according to PCWorld. After moving from a Brooklyn apartment with room for multiple 27-inch displays to a tighter Manhattan setup, Patterson says the 16.1-inch Arzopa Z1FC helped preserve his dual-screen workflow without taking over the desk.
He admits he was initially skeptical. At $130 — or $109 for Amazon Prime members — the 1080p display looked like a big step down from the 4K monitors he was used to, and Arzopa was a brand he didn’t know. In practice, though, he says the panel has been “svelte, feather-weight, crisp, and bright,” adding that he typically runs it at about 21-percent brightness.
The Z1FC connects over a single USB-C cable and, in Patterson’s setup, works even when his work laptop is on battery power. He notes that his 2020-era MacBook Pro does need to be plugged in for the Z2FC to work. The monitor includes:
- Two USB-C ports
- One mini-HDMI port
- A built-in rear rubber-tipped kickstand
According to the piece, the monitor weighs 3.13 pounds and measures 0.39 inches thick. Patterson says it is easy to slip into a backpack, and recommends a separate zippered pouch that fits it well.
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He also points to one ergonomic drawback: the kickstand sits near the right edge of the housing, which could make placement awkward on smaller tables. For gaming, he says he can’t personally vouch for performance, but notes that PCWorld’s reviewer called it “solid” and highlighted the 144Hz refresh rate. There is no Adaptive Sync support.
Patterson says he may buy a second one for his wife — a strong endorsement for a monitor he says made downsized office life much easier.
Computing Editor
Tomas lives in the terminal. He covers chips, laptops, and operating systems with a focus on performance and efficiency. He reads kernel changelogs the way other people read fiction, and he's always on the hunt for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch. If it processes data, Tomas has an opinion on it.
via PCWorld
