Between the Zenbook 17 Fold, Project Precog and former Zenbook Duo machines, it looks like ASUS has been working in the direction of constructing a real dual-screen laptop computer for ages. And now at CES 2024, that point has include the arrival of the merely named Zenbook Duo.
Much like Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i, the Zenbook Duo options two separate screens and a removable Bluetooth keyboard that may be stashed contained in the system for touring. The distinction is that ASUS’ OLED panels look even higher, as they’re barely bigger at 14 inches, whereas additionally providing a 3K decision, 120Hz refresh price and stylus help. Plus, with a beginning worth of $1,500, it prices $500 lower than the Yoga Guide and never that rather more than your common high-end ultraportable.
That alone can be sufficient to make it attention-grabbing, however what actually elevates the Zenbook Duo is the polish ASUS has put into making it look and performance identical to an everyday clamshell. Measuring simply 0.78 inches thick and weighing 3.64 kilos (together with its detachable keyboard), it’s solely a contact bigger and heavier than a typical 14-inch pocket book. And it doesn’t quit something by way of efficiency, with an Intel Core Extremely 9 185H CPU, as much as 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD inside,. The identical factor goes for connectivity, the place you get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 slot, a 3.5mm audio jack and even a full-size HDMI 2.1 socket.
However the perfect factor concerning the Zenbook Duo is its match and end. Despite the fact that what I bought to fiddle with was a pre-production mannequin, it felt extremely sturdy. When packed up with its keyboard sandwiched between the 2 screens, there aren’t any gaps or wasted area. And regardless of its tremendous shallow dimensions, the removable keyboard options full backlighting and greater than sufficient journey to verify your fingers don’t get sore whereas typing.
ASUS additionally added one thing I want Lenovo had included on the Yoga Guide 9i: a built-in kickstand. By mounting one on the underside of the laptop computer, it sidesteps the necessity to have a separate folding cowl, which streamlines the method each time it’s important to pack up and go. The small draw back is that the orientation of the kickstand promotes a stacked setup with one show on high of the opposite. Although I’m not that bothered since that’s my desire anyway. Technically, you should use the Zenbook Duo with vertical side-by-side mode, however as a result of there’s no technique to alter the kickstand on this place, it’s not fairly as versatile.
As you’d count on from a system like this, you should use it as an ordinary clamshell with the Zenbook Duo that includes hidden magnets that permit the keyboard to snap neatly in place. Nonetheless, when you will have extra room to work with, you’ll be able to place the keyboard in entrance of the system and immediately double your display screen area. There’s additionally a responsive digital keyboard and touchpad you should use in a pinch together with useful widgets for the information, climate and monitoring system efficiency. And when it is advisable to high up the detachable keyboard’s battery, there are some thoughtfully positioned pogo pins that permit it to trickle cost whereas it’s nestled contained in the system.
Surprisingly, in the case of battery life, ASUS managed to suit a 75 Whr energy pack within the Zenbook Duo which is barely bigger than what’s obtainable within the new Zephryus G14 (73 Whr), and that’s a gaming machine with manner fewer shifting components. And ASUS claims the Zenbook Duo adheres to MIL-STD 810H testing requirements, so it must be fairly sturdy too.
Final 12 months, the Yoga Guide 9i felt like a revelation; Lenovo mixed all the best parts wanted to create an interesting dual-screen laptop computer. However ASUS has optimized that template even additional by including ports, shifting to larger and higher screens, together with a built-in kickstand and making it much more transportable. After which there’s that surprisingly inexpensive $1,500 beginning worth. I’ve been ready for years to change over to a dual-screen laptop computer, and the Zenbook Duo may truly persuade me to lastly make that soar.
The ASUS Zenbook Duo is predicted to go on sale someday later in Q1 2024.
We’re reporting stay from CES 2024 in Las Vegas from January 6-12. Sustain with all the most recent information from the present here.
This text initially appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-asus-zenbook-duo-is-a-stunning-dual-screen-laptop-with-seemingly-no-compromises-180017370.html?src=rss
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