Espresso Display V2 portable monitor review
This ultra-thin, portable monitor is the ultimate productivity hack for those short on space or working on-the-go.
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ESPRESSO DISPLAY V2 REVIEW
If you spend the better part of your day parked in front of a computer, chances are, working off a single screen just isn’t cutting it. With more of us working remotely than ever before though, having a second monitor isn’t always convenient. Enter Australian company, Espresso.
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign back in 2019, the start-up has now launched the second version of its innovative Display monitor. The USB-C powered screen comes in three configurations – a base model 13-inch priced at $529, a 13-inch with touchscreen functionality for $669 and a 15-inch touchscreen model (the model I am reviewing here) costing $749.
It’s the thinnest portable monitor available, and is able to be used with both Mac and Windows laptops and PCs, plus mobiles and gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch. Most importantly, the screen can be mounted magnetically on a number of stands (sold separately) so you can easily move it around and pack it away after use, making it great for those short on space or constantly on the go.
Given that there are a number of other more affordable portable monitors on the market though, it is reasonable to ask whether it’s worth the spend. So, as a hybrid worker myself, I decided to road test it over three months to find out.
Espresso Display V2, from $529
KEY FEATURES
- Thin and lightweight
- Touchscreen capabilities
- One cable set-up
- Bright, vibrant screen
- Built-in speakers
- Available in two size options
SET UP AND DESIGN
Straight out of the box, the Espresso Display V2 is impressive to look at. Measuring 5.3mm, and weighing less than the average laptop at 865g, I was immediately struck by just how thin and lightweight the monitor actually is.
Not only does this allow for more space on your desk, it also makes it easy to slip into a handbag or backpack once you’re done with work for the day.
The monitor is pleasant enough to look at, with a dark grey aluminium design that pairs well with most laptop models. While it can be used handheld, there are three optional stands available – and I highly recommend investing in one.
There’s the espressoStand ($99), which is a nifty little option that magnetically connects with your Display. Equipped with two hinges, the Stand can be used at any angle and also folds down into a small square, making it incredibly handy to travel with.
Then there’s the espressoCase ($69), which connects magnetically to your Display to protect it while you’re travelling, and also folds back into a stand. While it doesn’t give you the same flexibility as the espressoStand in terms of angling your screen, it is useful for those who want to use the Display for drawing.
Finally, there’s the espressoMount ($79) which can be connected to a VESA arm (not included) to hold up your Display in more permanent settings.
Espresso has developed proprietary software for the Display that allows its orientation to auto-rotate so you can use it in both landscape or portrait mode. The software also supports stylus input, with Espresso offering its own stylus if you’re willing to pay $119 for it.
Even without the software download, the Display will work as soon as you connect it to your laptop, computer or compatible device. Rather than using a power cable, the Display just needs a single USB-C cable running from your laptop to the screen, saving you desk space and helping you to avoid the clutter of excess cables.
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If you do have an older computer or laptop, or are connecting the Display to a gaming console (such as the Xbox Series S), you can also use a converter cable via a second USB-C port in the side of the Display.
PERFORMANCE
Featuring 300 nits of brightness and a 16.2 million colour range, the Espresso Display V2 looks incredibly bright and vibrant when used indoors – especially when sat next to my Windows laptop. Apple users, however, may be less impressed with the 1920 x 1080 resolution, which looks a little measly next to the resolution on recent MacBooks and Mac computers.
Given the Display is largely designed to sit further away from you on the desk though, I didn’t actually find the resolution to be a problem. If you do want to use it as a handheld, however, you may find it more limiting than competing devices.
Despite this, the 1080p does put the Espresso Display firmly in the standard Full HD range, which makes it a great option for gamers who can’t afford to splash out on an advanced 4K or UHD monitor. It is let down slightly by its 60Hz refresh rate, so you will need to make some concessions here.
I personally had no complaints about lag or graphics when hooking it up to my Nintendo Switch and playing both Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Endling: Extinction Is Forever. In fact, the brightly lit screen looked even better than playing on my TV.
The touchscreen panel is very responsive, with basic functionality like opening and closing programs, switching between tabs and scrolling through articles all very easy to do.
I did, however, find accessing the control panel a frustrating task. While a two-finger swipe is meant to pull up the on-screen controls, such as brightness and volume, it often takes me multiple attempts to get it to appear.
The other gripe I have is that the performance can be a little laggy when I’ve got a lot of tabs open at a time. In saying this, I usually need to have more than 10 tabs open across both screens for it to be an issue – so whether or not this will be a problem for you will largely depend on your workflow and the power of the device you’re connecting your Display to.
Another thing to note is that the omission of a power cable does mean that your Espresso Display will be sucking power from whichever device it’s connected with. So, those hooking it up to a laptop will need to be mindful of just how much battery life the monitor is drawing.
If you are settled somewhere long enough to warrant setting up a second screen though, it’s also likely you’ll also be situated near a power point, so this shouldn’t be a big deal for most people. If you want to use it in a truly remote setting though, I would suggest taking a portable laptop charger with you.
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SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
There’s no denying the Espresso Display V2 is a pricey investment, especially when there are plenty of cheaper alternatives on the market. Basic accessories also aren’t included, which means you will need to fork out extra for a stand – something that really should come included with the screen.
The real advantage of the Espresso though is its super slim, lightweight nature. In addition to its magnetic accessories, this makes the Display a hybrid worker’s dream, as it is able to be easily moved around and packed away as needed. It also makes it possible to take a second monitor with you when you travel, which is something of a novelty in itself.
There’s also its touchscreen and stylus input functionalities, both of which can help to drastically improve workflow and increase productivity.
However, it does suffer from a bit of lag when overloaded with tabs and its touch-controls could be improved. If you’re mainly looking for a tablet device, there are also better options on the market.
For serial movers or those who can’t fit a permanent second screen into their space though, the Espresso monitor is a fantastic take-anywhere display that could very well be worth the money.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Price: From $529
Where to buy:Mwave, Catch, eBay Australia and Espresso.
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