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Latest C-Force CF011C portable monitor addresses some of the biggest issues plaguing the category

Latest C-Force CF011C monitor addresses some of the biggest issues plaguing other inexpensive portable monitors (Image source: C-Force)
Latest C-Force CF011C monitor addresses some of the biggest issues plaguing other inexpensive portable monitors (Image source: C-Force)
The $200 USD 15.6-inch portable monitor uses a brand new IPS panel with full sRGB coverage and a much brighter backlight than any other external monitor we've tested thus far in this price range.

We last reviewed a 15.6-inch C-Force portable monitor earlier this year where we found its light weight and ease of use to be of value on flights or temporary offices as a secondary display. Nonetheless, it still suffered from all the drawbacks common on many inexpensive portable monitors including a limited color space, a dim display, slow response times, pulse-width modulation, and poorly calibrated colors.

The latest C-Force monitor, called the CF011C, has been redesigned with even narrower bezels while keeping the same ports and features as the CF011F (sans the MicroSD reader). The more notable updates, however, relate to the panel itself as C-Force has upped the color space (60% to 100% sRGB) and brightness (200 nits to 459 nits) significantly for a much better visual experience. Colors are no longer muted and the brighter backlight helps in brightly lit environments.

Additionally, power consumption hasn't changed by all that much from the older CF011F despite the improved colors and brightness levels. The minimum and maximum brightness settings demand about 3.2 W and 9.2 W, respectively, compared to 5.8 W and 9.2 W on the CF011F.

One major drawback that remains is the relatively slow black-white and gray-gray response times which makes the CF011C a poor choice for fast-paced games. Gamers will therefore still want to consider spending more on other portable monitors like the Asus MB169B+ where motion blur is minimal.

The C-Force CF011C is now available through the manufacturer's online store for $199 USD. C-Force sent us a sample unit in order for us to provide the measurements shown below.

ProsCons
- Portable narrow-bezel design
- Bright display up to 460 nits
- Respectable contrast ratio
- Full sRGB coverage
- HDMI, USB-A, and 2x USB-C ports
- Included 30 W USB-C wall adapter
- Display is decently calibrated out-of-the-box
- No pulse-width modulation
- Screen and plastic design are easily damaged
- Slow black-white and gray-gray response times
- No more MicroSD reader
- Weak integrated speakers
- No touchscreen support
- Connecting a smartphone will require two USB-C cables (one for power, one for data)

 

C-Force CF011C
SGT1560, , 15.60, 1920x1080
AirTab Portable Monitor 15.6-inch
15.60, 1920x1080
C-Force CF011S
RTK2A3B, , 15.60, 1920x1080
Auzai ME16Z01 Portable Monitor
15.60, 1920x1080
Lepow Type-C Portable Monitor X0025I0D4P
15.60, 1920x1080
Display
Display P3 Coverage
71.2
40.72
41.08
48.53
41.31
sRGB Coverage
91.7
61
60.3
72
62.1
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
67
42.11
42.44
50.2
42.71
Response Times
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
46.8 ?(22, 24.8)
36 ?(18, 18)
41.2 ?(20.4, 20.8)
38.8 ?(20.8, 18)
30.8 ?(16.8, 14)
Response Time Black / White *
36.4 ?(19.6, 16.8)
31.2 ?(19.6, 11.6)
40.8 ?(26.8, 14)
25.2 ?(16, 9.2)
23.6 ?(12.4, 11.2)
PWM Frequency
1042 ?(20)
1000 ?(99)
201.6 ?(23)
1000 ?(23)
Screen
Brightness middle
458.8
206.5
205
300.7
193.9
Brightness
445
198
193
267
192
Brightness Distribution
86
88
88
77
88
Black Level *
0.45
0.33
0.25
0.66
0.75
Contrast
1020
626
820
456
259
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
3.03
4.25
8.01
10.26
6.66
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.97
18.11
19.93
22.93
18.75
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
2.97
4.08
4.3
5.05
3.83
Greyscale dE 2000 *
1.5
3.1
8.3
9.5
7.6
Gamma
2.15 102%
2.31 95%
2.1 105%
1.51 146%
2.04 108%
CCT
6370 102%
6994 93%
6106 106%
8200 79%
8567 76%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
60
38.7
38.7
45.8
39.3
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
91.6
60.8
59.8
71.5
61.8
Total Average (Program / Settings)

* ... smaller is better

(Source: C-Force)
(Source: C-Force)
Grayscale before calibration
Grayscale before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
Black-white response times
Black-white response times
Gray-gray response times
Gray-gray response times
No PWM
No PWM
Matte subpixel array is slightly grainy
Matte subpixel array is slightly grainy
vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
When at minimum brightness, the C-Force monitor draws just 3.2 W from the outlet. Turning the brightness up to maximum will demand almost 9.2 W total
When at minimum brightness, the C-Force monitor draws just 3.2 W from the outlet. Turning the brightness up to maximum will demand almost 9.2 W total
Slight uneven backlight bleeding along the left corners and edges
Slight uneven backlight bleeding along the left corners and edges
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2020 10 > Latest C-Force CF011C portable monitor addresses some of the biggest issues plaguing the category
Allen Ngo, 2020-10-16 (Update: 2020-10-15)