The MAGICRAVEN M1603 is a 16-inch portable monitor with a 3840 × 2400 IPS screen, 400 nits of brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate[1]. It connects by USB-C or HDMI, has built-in speakers, and stands on its folding cover[1]. For a developer it’s a very sharp second screen that fits in a laptop bag.
Key facts
Which model is this?
The listing gives the model number as M1603: the 16-inch, 3840 × 2400 version[1]. The same page also sells 14.5-, 15.6- and 17.3-inch MagicRaven monitors. Pick the 16-inch option if you want this one.
MagicRaven also made a 16-inch 2.5K monitor with a 3:2 screen and a Mini HDMI port. Reviews of that model don’t describe this one.
One thing to know up front: we couldn’t find a MagicRaven product page or manual for the M1603. The magicraven.com address redirects to an unrelated shop. Every spec here comes from the Amazon listing, which is the only first-party description we found.
What is the screen like?
It’s a 16-inch IPS panel with a matte finish and a 16:10 shape. Resolution is 3840 × 2400 at 60Hz[1]. The listing rates it at 400 nits, a 1500:1 contrast ratio, 100% sRGB and 178° viewing angles. It also lists HDR, FreeSync and a low blue light mode[1].
That’s about 283 pixels per inch, sharper than most laptop screens. At 200% scaling you get the workspace of a 1920 × 1200 screen with very crisp text. At 150% you get 2560 × 1600, which is two files side by side if your eyes are good. A 400-nit IPS panel won’t do much with HDR, so treat that as a label rather than a feature.
Nothing on the listing says it’s a touchscreen, so assume it isn’t.
How do you connect it?
It has two USB-C ports and one HDMI 2.0 port. It works without drivers[1].
- USB-C, one cable: your device’s USB-C port has to carry video. MagicRaven calls this a “full-featured” USB-C port. Many laptops have one, but some USB-C ports are data and charging only[1].
- HDMI: HDMI doesn’t carry power, so plug in the power adapter (18W or more) or the USB-A power cable as well[1].
- Micro-USB: for a keyboard or mouse. The listing says not to use it for power[1].
The box has two USB-C cables. The black one carries video. The white one is for power only[1]. If your laptop can’t power the screen on its own, connect the adapter to the second USB-C port. The listing puts power use at 18W[1].
Which devices does it work with?
Amazon lists laptops, desktops and game consoles[1]. Anything with HDMI output works over HDMI with separate power, which covers most consoles.
Phones work only if their USB-C port outputs video. An iPhone with a Lightning port needs a Lightning to HDMI adapter[1]. With a phone, you can plug a keyboard or mouse into the Micro-USB port, or use Bluetooth ones paired with the phone[1].
Does it have speakers and a stand?
It has built-in speakers[1]. The listing gives no wattage, so expect laptop-grade sound at best.
The detachable cover folds into a stand. The back has 75 × 75 mm VESA holes for a desk arm or wall mount, in landscape or portrait. The VESA stand isn’t included[1]. Portrait is worth trying for long files and logs.
How big and heavy is it, and what’s in the box?
The listing gives the size as 13.74 × 9.72 × 0.39 inches[1]. The weight is the one thing we couldn’t settle. The listing says 1.54 lb for the monitor alone in one place, 1.8 lb in its description and 2 lb in its spec table[1]. The higher figures probably include the cover, but the listing doesn’t say. Plan on about 2 lb in your bag, plus cables.
The box holds the monitor, the detachable cover, a power adapter, a black USB-C to USB-C cable, a white USB-C to USB-C power cable, a USB-A to USB-C cable, an HDMI to HDMI cable and a user manual[1].
What warranty does it have?
Two years from the manufacturer[1]. With no MagicRaven site to contact, support goes through the Amazon seller. Prices change often, so check the listing for today’s price[1].
Pros and Cons
Pros
Final Verdict
Get the MAGICRAVEN M1603 if you want the sharpest text you can carry in a laptop bag and your laptop has a USB-C port that outputs video. The 3840 × 2400 16:10 panel, both USB-C and HDMI, and a full set of cables cover most setups[1]. Skip it if you want touch or a high refresh rate, or prefer a brand with its own website and manuals.
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What resolution and refresh rate does it have?
3840 × 2400 at 60Hz, on a 16-inch 16:10 screen[1].
Is it a touchscreen?
Assume not. The listing doesn’t mention touch input anywhere[1].
What’s in the box?
The monitor, a detachable cover, a power adapter, two USB-C to USB-C cables (one for power only), a USB-A to USB-C cable, an HDMI cable and a manual[1].
Does it work with a phone?
Only with a phone whose USB-C port outputs video. Lightning iPhones need a Lightning to HDMI adapter[1].
What warranty is listed?
Two years from the manufacturer[1].