MacDirectory magazine is the premiere creative lifestyle magazine for Apple enthusiasts featuring interviews, in-depth tech reviews, Apple news, insights, latest Apple patents, apps, market analysis, entertainment and more.
Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1318513
While the aesthetic beauty is obvious, the real beauty is just how easy the Espresso Display is to use. You literally take the USB-C cord provided in the box, plug one end into the Espresso Display, and the other end into your laptop. That’s it. This single cord handles both power and data at the same time. Across the multiple laptops I test, they all recognized the display automatically and configured on their own. One single cable gets you up and running with an extra display. Brilliant. Another way Espresso Displays is changing the game is by bringing touchscreen functionality to MacBooks. Yes, you read that right. The Espresso Display functions as a full touchscreen monitor for your MacBook. All the gestures you are used to using on your trackpad, plus fully integrated screen interactions and manipulation. A lot of the touch screen behavior is controlled via software, as well, so you’ll be able to customize any operations that you think need work. Don’t use a MacBook? The touchscreen functionality works on Windows laptops and smartphones as well. Do you still have a slightly older laptop that doesn’t have USB-C ports? Espresso Displays includes the connections and cables you’ll need to take advantage of this extra thin, extra portable display. Along the right-hand side of every display is a Mini HDMI port and two USB-C ports. Why this configuration? Well, if you want to use the Mini HDMI port, or if your USB-C connection doesn’t support both data and power connections on a single cable (for instance, if you use the display with a smartphone), then you may need to use two cords with your Espresso Display—one for power and one for data. The smartphone display is actually a viable path here, especially because the Espresso Display features pass through charging, so your phone will charge while it’s connected to the display. Samsung phones even switch to the desktop-esqu “DeX” mode when plugged into an Espresso Display, essentially providing a desktop-lite experience powered by your phone. 2020 is finally here. A few words on those accessories I mentioned earlier. Espresso Displays offers three ways to mount your extra monitor. For those digital nomads I mentioned earlier, the Flip Case is a thick, soft book cover case that wraps around both big sides of the displays. It unfolds to expose your screen, and a rear flap with 3 sturdy hinges kicks out to keep the monitor upright. It doesn’t have a lot of edge protection, and won’t help if you drop the thing, but for getting in and out of a bag, it will keep your screen scratch free. When you are back at your desk, you’ll want to use either the Mount Pro or the Mount Go. The Mount Pro is a square metal plate that attaches to most standard monitor arms and is fully magnetic. Meanwhile, the MountGo is a portable, hefty metal origami mount that collapses into something the size of two CD cases stacked on top of one another (remember those?). When needed, it folds out to give you a range of angles, heights and orientations to hold your display. It’s sturdy enough to inspire confidence when using the touchscreen functionalities, even at the edges, and is perfectly well suited for a stationary, full-time desktop mount. No matter which mount you are using, the Espresso Display will magnetically attach and detach with ease. Stuck at home? Looking for a change of scenery without impacting your productivity? Visiting family for longer than you’re used to? Having a second screen like the Espresso Displays means you’ll never miss a beat, regardless of where you are working, playing, or creating. With slim hardware, intuitive setup, and touchscreen operation, it’s time to stop dreaming about a second screen for your laptop. It’s already here. For more information, visit: www.espressodisplays.com