Espresso 17 Pro Review
Espresso 17 Pro
4.5/5 Buy Espresso
Espresso 17 Pro avoids the usual compromises inherent in portable monitors, offering a large, glossy 4K Retina-grade multi-touch display with magnetic modularity, inspired by Apple's iPad.
Portable displays have become more common as the technology becomes cheaper and more accessible. Espresso has established a strong position in the market with its interesting portable monitors, and the 17 Pro is a standout model.
This is a 17-inch 4K monitor that can be attached to a stand or lid using magnets. A smart stylus is available, as well as a proprietary matte screen protector that makes the texture more paper-like.
The modularity of the espresso accessory ecosystem reminds me of the iPad. While it's not as versatile as an iPad or tablet, it's an interesting approach for a monitor.
Espresso 17 Pro Portable Monitor Review: Design and Accessories
The Espresso 17 Pro is a sleek portable monitor with thin bezels on three sides and a simple configuration with two USB-C ports. There are no holes for fastenings, everything is attached using magnets.
Espresso 17 Pro review: simple design without unpleasant logos
There are no top-visible logos or flashing LEDs, which is a welcome design choice. There are logos on the back, but again, fortunately, they don't get in the way.
The folio case, called espressoCase, is attached magnetically to the long side of the monitor. It's similar to Apple's iPad Folio cases and props up the monitor with a fold at the back.
The espressoCase is best used when traveling. It's so thin that the monitor and case can fit into a laptop sleeve in a backpack. Something like that.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Portable but big enough to be a problem for bags
Modern backpacks with laptop sleeves, especially those designed for Mac computers, do not have a 17-inch display with an aspect ratio of 16:9. While the monitor is portable, it likely won't fit in your bags unless it's made specifically for something that big.
When I was traveling with the monitor overnight, I packed it in my suitcase. It was securely padded under my clothing, but it's clearly not an ideal way to wear the monitor.
There is also the EspressoStand Pro, which acts like a more traditional monitor stand. It attaches magnetically to the back of the monitor, meaning the monitor can be freely rotated for vertical or horizontal use.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Using a suitcase to store your monitor while traveling
The foldable stand can be adjusted so the monitor can be placed lower, like a drawing tablet . The magnetic connection is strong enough so you don't have to worry about wobbling or slipping.
Those who want to use a VESA mount on their desk can purchase the espressoMount. It attaches the necessary monitor magnets to the VESA mount so that the monitor can be easily attached to it.
My only concern is that the stand or mount does not have an obvious central position for attaching the magnets. The monitor can be controlled by moving it, but the best way is to hold the monitor in front of the stand and let the stand “bounce” into the correct position.
Espresso 17 Pro portable monitor review: specs
The Espresso 17 Pro boasts impressive specs considering its price. The 4K display, with a resolution of 3840p by 2160p, meets Apple's native Retina resolution requirements, making it a great match for Mac computers.
Espresso 17 Pro review: A bright and colorful display that beats Apple's Retina resolution
It has a peak brightness of 450 nits, covers 100% of the P3 color gamut and can display 10-bit color. The cover glass is glossy, which means it has a finish similar to Apple's iPad and Mac, but this results in more reflectivity.
Adding a matte screen protector sold by Espresso makes the screen less reflective and gives it a paper-like texture. However, adding a layer of plastic somewhat reduces visibility, brightness and sharpness — what is expected from a matte screen protector.
The display is a touch screen with special touch drivers for smoother operation. Multi-touch gestures are supported, one of which is used to display display and volume controls by swiping from the bottom.
Espresso 17 Pro review: two USB-C ports for power and display input
The Espresso 17 Pro is not a Thunderbolt monitor. It works using DisplayPort over a USB-C connection in any of its ports.
Those who need more port options can use other dongles or docking stations. I have found that it is easiest to use a USB-4 cable to ensure that I have all the power and data capabilities in one connection.
Brightness peaks at around 90% when no external power is supplied to the connected MacBook or the display itself. Once connected to a power source, the display brightness slider can be increased to 100%, and the monitor's built-in speakers can be used.
Using the Espresso 17 Pro Portable Monitor
I used the Espresso monitor with both the folio and stand. Either option will do, depending on the required use case.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Magnetic case makes the device portable
If you travel with the Espresso 17 Pro, you'll likely swear by the flip case , as it adds minimal space and weight to your bag. However, the folio seems much more limited in terms of positioning.
Luckily, the espresso stand folds down to a relatively small size, making it easy to transport. Overall, it is the best travel companion as the monitor can be used in different directions and positions.
Connecting and using the monitor is as easy as connecting it to your Mac with a single USB-C cable. It only takes a few seconds to get your mobile multi-monitor workstation out of your bag and ready for use.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Stand can be folded low for drawing
If you want to use the internal speakers, you'll need to connect the monitor directly to the power. However, we would recommend just using AirPods or something else as the sound from the speaker is pretty bad.
The sound is tolerable in a pinch, but I wouldn't want to watch TV or listen to music. To be honest, Espresso might have been better off keeping them separate from the unit to save weight and space.
The best way to describe the sound is like a walkie-talkie or AM radio.
Speaking of power, my MacBook Pro will not keep the monitor on in clamshell mode unless external power is connected to the MacBook or monitor. The monitor turns on momentarily and then turns off until the MacBook is opened or external power is connected.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Requires external power to connect in clamshell mode
The default color profile of the Espresso display is very rich and takes advantage of the display's capabilities. The P3 color profile on this monitor is more subdued, but can produce reds and blues that are more realistic when editing photos or videos.
Regardless of the selected color profile, the colors never match the colors of the Apple MacBook Pro display. The display seems to prefer red, which is especially noticeable on app icons.
macOS allows you to use the touch screen, but it is still not a touch-optimized operating system. The targets are too small, the tapping is inaccurate, and you need to aim higher than the target to ensure you hit the right target.
Espresso pen
I'm not an artist and what I'm working on doesn't require too much input beyond the click. So, take it for what it's worth.
Espresso 17 Pro review: espressoPen charges via USB-C and attaches magnetically
Espresso 17 Pro is a touchscreen display that simulates a mouse click with tap. EsprssoPen essentially replaces finger input and doesn't offer much.
Pressing the side button on the espressoPen while touching the display brings up a modal window for opening a new Jot note or using the window for annotations. This modal window is not compatible with Stage Manager and will open a new scene unless the Shift key is pressed at the same time.
Espresso 17 Pro review: espressoPen modal window provides quick shortcuts
EspressoPen is responsive and easy to use for apps like Affinity Designer or Photometer. You can write or draw easily with little noticeable lag.
Using an iPad and Apple Pencil with a Mac via Sidecar is still better than the Espresso display with a stylus. But a larger canvas may be more beneficial for some users.
It is useful to open the photo editor on a large 17-inch canvas with 100% P3 color support. The espressoPen is good enough for basic use and is more precise than fingers when tapping.
Jot and Flow
Espresso also offers two pieces of software designed to meet your requirements. displays. . Jot is a kind of note-taking tool, while Flow allows users to manage windows and workspaces.
Espresso 17 Pro review: espressoPen simplifies touch interaction with macOS
I don't want to spend a lot of time on these apps for this review. I'm not particularly interested in either since I have note-taking apps and rely on Stage Manager, but Espresso's offerings may be of interest to some customers.
Jot becomes a kind of quick notes interface that can be called up thanks to the espressoPen shortcut in its modal popup window. Drag images or text to get markup tools or create a note.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Install Flow to get the most out of your touchscreen
Like other window management systems, Flow runs on top of Apple's systems as a manager scenes. Create your own window layouts that can be accessed using keyboard shortcuts.
Flow also helps improve touch and pen input when combined with Espresso 17 Pro. The software optimizes drawing, pinching, or five-finger swiping between desktops.
Espresso 17 Pro as an iPad monitor
Before I say anything else, I will say this: Don't buy the Espresso 17 Pro as an iPad monitor. It's usable, but not worth it for a custom iPad setup.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Touch screens on external monitors are not compatible with iPadOS
Although I have access to a portable monitor, I would leave it at home if I I'll only take my iPad Pro on a trip. It's not worth it.
There are two important reasons for this: problems with display color and touch controls.
The display color issue is more of an Apple issue than an Espresso issue, but that doesn't make it any less of a problem. iPad users cannot select a display color profile, so standard Presentation mode does not take redshift into account.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Opening settings requires three-finger swipe, which also breaks mouse input on iPad
The second problem is a more serious problem. Since the Espresso 17 Pro is a touch display, it does not allow mouse use on iPadOS.
As long as you don't touch the display at all while the iPad is connected, the mouse with the trackpad connected works fine. The second you touch the display, even to adjust the brightness using an edge gesture, the mouse no longer works until the display is reset.
Again, the problem may be related to how Apple handles input devices like mice and trackpads, but the problem is there. I'd really like to see Apple force touch displays to use Apple's multi-touch input via display drivers, but that seems impossible today.
Espresso 17 Pro review: Despite touchscreen issues, this is a great monitor for the iPad
Other than that, the display is a display. It displays content well, but there are better options for iPad users.
So if you don't already have Espresso 17 Pro to use with your Mac, don't try to buy it with the intention of using it with your iPad. There are just too many weird things.
Of course, it's not Espresso's fault. The company created the monitor with Mac and PC in mind, not the iPad.
Portable monitor for your Apple ecosystem
Espresso 17 Pro is a great portable monitor with many modular accessories that form a complete ecosystem. Choose what you need for your workflow and create the perfect portable monitor setup.
Espresso 17 Pro review: an ecosystem of portable monitors
I like that the Espresso uses magnets to make it easy to pair accessories, just like Apple's iPad. This means that moving the monitor from a desktop arm to a portable configuration takes seconds.
If you're looking for a portable Retina-class display with 100% P3 color gamut, Espresso has you covered. It beats gaming on a portable monitor, making it comparable to the Apple Studio Display, but you won't get as many weird looks when you go to a coffee shop with it.
It is competitively priced and offers a better build and accessory ecosystem than other options.
Portable monitor review Espresso 17 Pro — Pros
- Thin and light portable monitor with magnetic accessories.
- Fits in a laptop sleeve in a backpack.
- Complies with Apple specifications for Retina resolution.
- 100% P3 color gamut
- A glossy display is preferable to the cheap matte finishes offered by many portable monitor manufacturers.
- USB-C only connectivity makes setup easy…
Espresso 17 portable monitor review Pro — cons
- …But for some, USB-C alone may be the deciding factor.
- Highly reflective without matte protective film.
- Speaker quality . is poor and will not work without an external power source.
- There is no obvious place to attach a magnetic stand to the display.
- The display prefers the red spectrum and this is noticeable in some images.
- The display prefers the red spectrum and is noticeable in some images
- The display prefers the red spectrum and is noticeable in some images
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- Portable, yes, but modern bags designed for MacBooks are likely not designed to be 17 inches long with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Espresso has an almost perfect portable monitor. If it can solve some awkward problems like non-obvious magnet alignment and uneven bezels, it will be much closer to a 5.
The glossy option is the best option, but Espresso needs to find a way to reduce reflectivity in a future model. without requiring an additional matte protector.
Where to buy Espresso 17 Pro portable monitor
Buy the Espresso 17 Pro with Espresso Stand for $799 on the Espresso website. The espressoPen costs $89 and the espressoCreator screen protector costs $59.
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