Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max: 30-second review
The Aura Triple Aero Pro Max essentially features three 15.6in Full HD IPS screens that are designed to significantly boost screen real estate. The screens arrive packed down neatly with a high-quality feel, and as you unfold the monitors and fold out the stand, the monitor set expands sitting securely above the MacBook Pro’s own screen.
The setup is relatively straightforward. However, whilst this is designed to be portable and for use with a laptop, these monitors, due to their size, do require their own power source, and a USB Type-C to AC plug is included in the box. You also need to install a driver in order to get your Mac or PC to recognise the three-screen system, but the process is quick, and once installed, you can then arrange the monitors through your usual System Settings.
In use for business administration, such as working on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, the additional real estate the monitors afford is greatly welcome, especially if you’re working away from the office and more used to a larger system. However, considering that most monitors are 2.7 to 4K these days, even with that additional real estate, it does seem a shame, that the screen resolution wasn’t a little bit higher. Likewise, at just 60 Hz, if you are considering gameplay, then that 60 Hz refresh rate is just a touch low.
However, away from those downsides, you do have monitors that provide 100% sRGB colour accuracy, which, whilst not 100% perfect for creative work, does give a pretty good representation of the colours and tones for both imaging and video. Likewise, switching back to work in Excel, being able to have each of those applications on a separate monitor helps to prevent the need for constant switching of applications that is so common when you’re restricted to a single screen.
While testing and using the Aura in the field, I had them connected to a Bluetti AC70 power station, and there’s absolutely no doubt that being able to edit video with an eye on emails and other documents coming through from the shoot was a huge advantage. Rather than just relying on the occasional ping as a notification came through, I could have those notifications and emails appearing on the left-hand screen so I could respond to them quickly.
I also liked the fact that when using DaVinci Resolve, I was able to switch out to Adobe Photoshop to quickly adjust images to import back, and also to Compressor to ensure that footage was reformatted ready to blend in with my production, all on separate and easily accessible screens without having to search through tabs.
However, one of the biggest advantages of the system that I found was the fact that the three monitors can be folded back upon themselves to create a triangle of screens. So that, in a meeting, rather than everyone crowding around, you get essentially a 360° view of your screen, which can be extremely useful.
Overall, in use, the Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max, despite the need for external power and driver installations, is one of the best portable monitors out there when it comes to triple-screen systems , and the high quality makes it perfectly suitable for both business and creative use.
Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max : Price and availability
- How much does it cost? Non-touch: $699 / Touch: $599
- When is it out? TBA
- Where can you get it? Available from the official website
Retailing at $699 / £522, this triple-screen monitor is currently discounted to $599 / £447. That feels like good value to me is good value and can be purchase directly from Aura Displays in the US (click here) and in the UK (click here).
Price: 4 / 5
Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max: Design
Specifications
Ports: 2× USB‑C (one for power/video, one PD), 3× mini‑HDMI
Audio: 2× 6 Ω 2 W speakers
Size: 420 × 360 × 30 mm (16.5″ × 14.1″ × 1.1″)
Accessories: USB‑C cable, mini‑HDMI to HDMI, 65 W PD charger
Resolution: Full HD
Redfresh rate: 60Hz
The design and build of the Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max really stands out with its full aluminium build, which, while quite heavy at 3.2 kg, does give a good high quality feel. The folding design is also well thought out, although not quite as refined as you might hope, as one of the screens is exposed when the system is folded and is positioned outward rather than inward, which would better protect the screen.
However, it is designed to be portable, and to this point, the measurements of 420 x 360 x 30 mm means you’re going to have to look for a slightly larger laptop bag than your standard 16-inch option in order to carry this around. In fact, you probably need to have your own separate carry case. So, whilst this is portable, at 3.2 kg, it is not that light. It is a device that, because of the size, the need for an external power supply, and cabling, will require a little bit more thought than some other ultra-portable monitors.
However, for that inconvenience, you do get those three 15.6in Full HD IPS screens, and they are of a good high quality and will give you a 43in panoramic view—not to be mistaken for a 43in diagonal screen.
Once folded out, that full aluminium chassis really comes into its own, and with a Spatial grey finish, it matches the premium look and feel of many premium laptops. The folding design, whilst not perfect, is good and folds out nicely with three different height adjustments to perfectly match the type of laptop you’re using—be it a 13″ MacBook Air or a full-size 16in MacBook Pro. I also like the fact that the built-in kickstand is incorporated into the design, so there’s no need to search for optional extras.
When it comes to connecting the monitor to your computer, the first thing you need to do is supply it with power. To this end, there is an AC adapter included, which is essentially a USB Type-C cable and an AC power plug that will fit into any standard wall socket. If you have a small portable power station, then you can utilise that for this, and as it takes only 65 W to power the monitors, you can also power them from many power banks as long as they have an output above 65 W and a relatively decent capacity.
Once installed, you then have several options for connecting it to your computer. There’s a USB Type-C and three HDMI options that enable you to connect to multiple devices. So not only are you able to expand your monitor display, but if you wish, you can also connect to multiple machines. If you’re working in a group, this all works quite nicely if you need to share your monitors. There’s quick access to the input selection, as well as all the monitor display settings, using the buttons under the base of the central monitor.
One of the things about the design that I did notice was missing is that there is no VESA mount. So, if you did want to mount this into a van or into a rig, then you’ll have to create your own form of mounting. However, once again, the mount that comes incorporated with these three monitors is exceptionally high quality.
When everything is connected, there is one extra step before you can get started with using the monitors, and that is to download and install the driver that will enable your machine’s OS to recognise this triple monitor system. Thankfully, Aura has made this easy, and once downloaded and installed, the monitors should flicker to life. You can then use your System Settings to arrange the order of the monitors easily.
Alongside the screens, the monitors also have relatively decent built-in speakers. These are essentially designed for making voice calls rather than listening to music, so as long as you don’t raise your expectations too much, then they’re perfectly adequate.
Overall, when it comes to the Build and handling, the folding design is innovative, although there are definite areas for improvement when it comes to the protection of the outward-facing monitor, and locking the stand in the folding position when folded. Also, at 7.05 lb / 3.2 kg, it is rather weighty. However, the design, weight, and build quality are exceptionally high, so this definitely reflects the premium build and quality you would expect from any accessory that complements a MacBook Pro or premium laptop.
Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max : Features
Taking a look at the features of these triple monitors, first, each monitor is 15.6 inches, which gives you that massive 43-inch panoramic view. Each monitor features a Full HD IPS screen and offers 350 nits of brightness and a 1200:1 contrast ratio. The specifications are relatively mid-range, for exmample 100% sRGB coverage and HDR support, rather than DCI-P3 or Adobe RGB.
So, while good, it’s by no means cutting-edge, highlighting that it’s more designed for use in business and administration than for the creative or gaming sector. However, both gaming and creative users will find definite advantages from this triple monitor setup.
Having three monitors obviously means that the amount of space on either side of your laptop will be greatly increased and with that sturdy stand, the three monitors sit stable above your laptop’s screen. And with the ability to fold them back on themselves to make that triangle of monitors, you’re able to get a 360° view of those screens, which is great if you’re working with other people. To help reduce reflections, each monitor features eye-care and anti-glare coating with a 178° viewing angle.
Again, reflecting the fact that these are business monitors, the refresh rate is set at 60 Hz, which, whilst perfectly good for Word, Excel and PowerPoint, it’s limited for media production and gaming where 120Hz is better suited. However, this doesn’t restrict you from editing video or images using the screens, and the Full HD resolution and clear, crisp screens will still give you the advantage of the expanded real estate.
When it comes to connectivity, as mentioned in the build and handling section, you have two USB Type-C ports and three mini HDMI, giving plenty of connection options. However, it’s worth noting one of the USB Type-C ports is actually used for power input. But if you’re using one of the HDMI ports rather than USB Type-C, then that spare USB Type-C will enable reverse charging up to 60 watts, which can be very handy for extra devices such as your mobile phone.
So, when it comes to use, the feature set offers wide compatibility with devices from PCs, laptops, gaming consoles and even your mobile phone, although not all will make use of the triple monitor system.
Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max : Performance
Getting started with the Aura Triple Aero 15.6 Pro Max is relatively straightforward. The first thing that you notice about the monitors is the exceptional build quality. The aluminium casing gives a premium feel, and as you expand the stand and fold out the monitors, everything clicks into place and stands rigid.
My only concern here is that whilst two of the monitors fold inward and protect themselves, the third monitor folds around the back and is essentially exposed. It’s a bit of a shame that some mechanism couldn’t be made so that all three monitors were inward-facing rather than leaving one outward-facing and exposed to any knocks or bashes it might sustain while being carried.
When folded out, the hinge on the central monitor enables the screens to be tilted for easy access to the ports underneath. In this test, I was using a MacBook Pro 16″ M1 Max, so I was able to plug in a USB Type-C cable directly into the monitor and then connect the second USB Type-C to the supplied power adapter, which I plugged into a Bluetti AC70—though you could also plug it directly into a wall socket.
Then once plugged in it was just the simple case of quickly loading the driver for macOS. Thankfully, unlike some other triple monitor systems, this was quick and easy using the supplied instructions. The drivers were downloaded and installed, and within a couple of minutes, I was up and running.
The next step before starting work was just to arrange the monitors as needed for video production, editing photos and some administration. Using macOS display settings, I was able to arrange the monitors quickly. What’s nice about having three 15.6-inch monitors is that, because they’re roughly the same size as the MacBook’s monitor, when positioned, there are no dead zones when you drag across to the extended monitors, making navigation between all three easy.
Throughout the day, I had multiple applications open. To switch between Adobe Bridge, Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, and other apps, I used Command + Tab often. I’m currently designing a 35 mm film and darkroom course, which involves lots of video and lesson planning.
That means frequent switching between Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Word and PowerPoint on a single screen, which takes some agility with keyboard navigation. Here, with three monitors, I could lay everything out easily. Emails were on the right screen, Bridge on the left, DaVinci on the main MacBook display, and Photoshop on the centre monitor.
This arrangement made immediate sense. While the resolution of the Aura monitors is lower than the MacBook’s, it was perfectly workable. I did feel there was a missed opportunity here—higher resolution monitors would have elevated the product to another level, especially to match the MacBook’s own panel.
Still, having all three monitors made navigation much easier. I also liked that the on-screen display was quick to navigate. Adjusting brightness and contrast was straightforward.
Visually, the monitors looked great and definitely helped with productivity. There’s obviously a downgrade from the MacBook Pro’s own screen, which has a much higher resolution and colour gamut. Still, these monitors performed well. As long as you’re not relying on them for absolute colour accuracy or very high resolution, they’re a strong addition, especially at this price. I’d also mention again they’re only 60 Hz. Upgrading to 120 Hz would have been nice.
At the end of the test, having three additional monitors on such a sturdy stand outweighs the extra weight you have to carry. They’re a real asset to your workflow. While there are limitations, resolution, refresh rate, colour gamut, the extra screen space makes a huge difference for creative and business use alike.
Beyond using them with your own device, folding the monitors back on themselves is another highlight. The sturdy base holds the monitors firmly, making it easy to share content with others in the room. If you’re doing business administration or creative work and need to show teammates what you’re working on, this folding setup works well. Instead of people crowding around your desk, just fold them back, and the whole room can see what you’re showing, something I really like, especially on photoshoots when enhancing the day’s images.
Ultimately, there are areas where these monitors could be improved. But at the price, they still offer very good value for money and far more functionality than a standard single laptop display. They make workflows noticeably easier.
Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max : Final verdict
The Aura Triple Aero Pro Max is a three-screen system designed with portability inmind and really does help with your workload. Be that for business or creative use, it’s exceptionally well designed, and whilst I do have some concerns about that outward-facing monitor when packed up, there’s no denying the high build quality that it also sports.
In use, it really helps with workflow. Whilst it is limited to Full HD rather than 2.7K or 4K, which is currently used in the creative sector, for business and administration use, once again, these are ideally suited. Likewise, reflecting the use for business, the 60 Hz refresh rate and sRGB colour depth are perfectly suited to that style of work.
However, for creative professionals, an upgrade to 120 Hz and, at the very least, DCI-P3 colour gamut would really be a requirement. Still, there’s no denying just how useful having a triple monitor system is, and even if the resolution, refresh rate, and gamut don’t quite meet the requirements for the creative sector, you’ll still have your MacBook or your ProArt 16 laptop screen to rely on for those needs. Just having that additional real estate really does help with your workspace, even if it’s just used to keep a browser with your emails open and additional palettes.
Having these three monitors is a great option. At the price, there really does have to be a balance, and I think the features and specifications of this monitor strike that balance exceptionally well. So, as long as you’re careful with the monitor and you have AC power, be that a wall socket or power bank, then this is an exceptional addition to your portable workstation.
Should I buy the Aura Triple Aero 15.6in Pro Max ?
|
Value |
Good value for three monitors and the build quality – it would be good to see higher specs |
4 |
|
Design |
Great design and build quality but definite areas for refinement. |
4 |
|
Features |
Features are mid range beyond the triple monitor headline |
3.5 |
|
Performance |
Decent performance for Full HD monitors |
4 |
|
Overall |
Good for expanding your screen real estate, however, an upgrade in specifications would make this more desirable |
4 |
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
For more alternatives you can get right now, we’ve reviewed all the best monitors for the MacBook Pro and the best monitors for the Apple Mac Studio.
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dhgqNJybBE7KQHSbaXGxV7.jpg
Source link
