Without getting too meta about it, one of the pitfalls of reviewing tech is you're always in danger of becoming one of those converts who spends all day trying to get other people into the latest craze you've become obsessed with.

For instance; I didn't even know RGB backlighting for your TV or monitor was a thing until I reviewed it. Now I hate watching telly without it and I won't shut up about it when people see mine and make the mistake of pointing it out.

I think the same thing has now happened to me with portable monitors.

In a very short space of time, I've gone from discovering they exist at all, to never wanting to use my laptop again unless I can bring another screen with me.

So you can only imagine what happened when I discovered how easy it was to add TWO extra screens...

Given Mighty Ape is one of the first places I go when I'm considering a new gadget of some kind, it was hardly surprising when I stumbled across the Kogan XPRESSO range of Full HD Pro portable monitors - especially when I found out I could double my fun in one fell swoop.

Kogan's Dual Screen Tri-Fold option comes in 13.3, 14 and 15.6-inch models - although there's a bit of flexibility there when it comes to what sized laptop you need to pair them with.

The concept is simple; two addon screens that fold down to the size of one when not in use for easy portability.

To that end, before we even really get started, I was impressed to discover a high-quality padded satchel in the box you can zip the XPRESSO Tri-Fold into - although, I quickly discovered I could fit it easily into my laptop bag, in the same padded pouch my computer slides into.

As I've already discovered, it's not like you need space in your bag for an extra power supply - or even that many cables. In fact, there are only two leads included and so far, I've only needed one of them. 

The USB-C to USB-C cord is just the right length to reach to your laptop's corresponding port, without excess cable to get in the way. I particularly appreciate the right-angled plug on one end, which adds flexibility to how you connect in tight spaces. There's also a somewhat intriguing cable with a USB-C on one end and two USB-A plugs on the other. I assume this is to cater for older setups where USB-A is the only available connection, so you'll need an extra plug to provide power.

In those cases, you may require the included USB thumb drive containing the required drivers to run the XPRESSO Tri-Fold but anything Windows 10 or later should be able to plug and play. Of course, there's no reason why you can't use these extra screens with a MacBook either, although anything pre M1 chip might struggle with a multi-display setup.

Needless to say, my trusty work-issued Dell had no issues.

Physically attaching this particular XPRESSO is an absolute doddle; the rear (middle) section between the two 14-inch IPS displays is spring-loaded, expanding or contracting to accommodate any laptop from 14 to 17.3-inches.

And once attached, it's pretty rock-solid. If not, there's one last little pack of genius included in the box; a tiny baggie of rubber noggins that fit over the small-but-mighty brackets at the base of the device to hold even the slimmest (or Air-iest) of laptops firmly in their grasp.

Although the XPRESSO Tri-Fold weighs in at just over a kilo - which is pretty damn light for not one but two 14-inch screens - it's important to remember all that extra weight is being transferred directly to the hinges of your source device, once everything's in place. I've developed a habit (and a technique) of moving from one radio studio to another with the whole shebang still attached. I probably shouldn't and kids, don't try this at home.

In saying that, in a sort of belt-and-suspenders approach, there's a fold-out (and extendable) kickstand on the back of the XPRESSO, complete with rubber foot, to add extra stability if required. I can't say I've required it but it's still nice to have it.

When it comes to picture quality, I was expecting to be underwhelmed. And that was fine. Two extra screens to spread all my stupid stuff onto? Who really cares how bright or colourful it is?

Thing is though, I've found display to be excellent - definitely on a par with my trusty work Dell machine - and I haven't even had to tweak the dual brightness controls, easily accessible at the top of the connecting bracket. 

Mighty Ape's listing makes a big deal about how small the bezels are on the XPRESSO's two displays - and that's to be commended. At the same time, it's a shame the housing for the hinge mechanisms on each side couldn't be just as slim. When I'm using a multi-screen setup, I'm keen to make it feel as borderless as possible, so moving the cursor from one display to another seems seamless.

This can also be a factor when gaming, of course. The illusion of an all-encompassing, wide-angle virtual world can be somewhat stifled with a couple of hefty hinges in between.

However, in saying that, I'm perfectly happy to sacrifice a centimetre or so between each panel in the name of stability and durability. Given this is an accessory I've become so addicted to and reliant on, I intend to continue to use the XPRESSO every day, for hours on end, moving between two different work spaces.

Three screens has been a revelation to me (I don't even run three displays in my home office). Obviously, two makes total sense - comparing web pages, pulling files into projects, one for email, one for browsing - but a third screen is a great place to chuck all the stuff you need to access every now and again, but not often. Thanks to Mighty Ape and Kogan, a dual screen addon has quickly become the productivity boost I didn't even know I needed.

Whatever you do, make sure I don't find out about Kogan's TRIPLE screen options on Mighty Ape. I need to draw the line somewhere.

Click here for more information and pricing on the Mighty Ape Kogan XPRESSO 14" Full HD Pro Dual Screen Tri-Fold Portable Monitor.