When is a tablet not a tablet? When it yanks out the guts and just leaves the screen, of course. Acer doesn’t want you to think of its new USB-C-powered portable monitors as ‘tablets’, though. They’re… well, they’re portable screens that’ll tuck into your laptop bag and give you a second (or first) display on the move.

The tech manufacturer has brought its new 15.6in PM161Q panels to South Africa, starting at R2,500. They resemble cover-encased tablets, both when folded down and set up, but connect to your device via USB-C. Since most modern computers and smartphones feature the port, swapping your display to a second screen shouldn’t be a chore.

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The brand has two variants for South Africa. The PM161QJ is the standard model, a 700-gram 15.6in 1,920 x 1,080 IPS screen with a 4ms response time and AdaptiveSync support. That last point lets it handle both FreeSync and G-Sync tech from your source devices.

The PM161QT is much the same, but incorporates a ten-point touchscreen panel so you can complete your tablet-esque experience. HDR10 support helps to justify the price premium over its less-capable sibling. It seems both permit connections from miniHDMI and USB-A (two ports are available) sources in addition to the dual USB-C slots. Internal speakers make a case for portable media consumption, though you probably shouldn’t start watching Game of Thrones in the local McDonald’s.

Initially, Acer’s new portable monitors can be purchased via Shopacer and Takealot, though we haven’t found the listings for the latter yet. Shopacer’s pricing puts the non-touch version at R2,800, with the touchscreen equivalent costing R4,000. They will appear on other local retail platforms later this month.