ASUS Zenbook Duo: Almost perfect Dual screen laptop

ASUS has once finally able to make a dual screen laptop which in actual is quite useful and does not feel incomplete. The 2024 Zenbook Duo was launched by Asus at CES 2024. This laptop might resemble the Zenbook 14 from the outside, but it’s a different beast altogether. It’s the great combination of functionality meeting design, especially when you open it up to reveal its most distinctive feature: two displays.

CES has always been a ground for new innovative products and experiments. From experimental Samsung transparent displays to dual screen laptops first introduced by Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. Now this dual screen innovation has finally perfected by Asus.

Specifications of ASUS Zenbook DUO (2024)

Design and Ergonomics

The Zenbook Duo’s design philosophy revolves around its dual-screen setup. Unlike previous iterations (Zenbook Pro Duo 14) where the second screen was placed above the keyboard, the new model features the second screen directly under the keyboard. This placement is not just a design choice; it’s a practical one. It eliminates the awkward typing experience of previous models and offers a more comfortable setup, especially for left-handed users.

Detachable Keyboard – The biggest Plus

The keyboard detaches and connects via Pogo pins, remaining charged all the time. When detached, it seamlessly switches to Bluetooth, offering flexibility in placement. The keyboard itself is surprisingly robust with satisfying key travel and actuation, making it a pleasure to type on. The touchpad, now larger and made of glass, offers a smooth and responsive experience.

Dual-Screen Functionality

Display Specifications

Both screens are 2800×1800, 16:10 premium ASUS Lumina OLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate. They come with Dolby Vision certification, Pantone Validation and have a cinema-grade 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Tis enables them to have fantastic color accuracy, a wide color gamut, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. They are also VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified for the deepest black levels.

Both the displays are also touchscreens supporting high-precision stylus input using the optional 4096 pressure-level ASUS Pen, and the built-in ScreenXpert software enables smartphone-like multitouch gesture support for intuitive operation: users can launch a virtual keyboard, maximize a window, and much more with simple multi-finger gestures.

Software Integration

ASUS has integrated software to maximize the dual-screen functionality. The ScreenXpert app provides granular control over the displays, allowing independent brightness adjustment or synchronization. The app also offers quick access to utilities like a virtual keyboard, task groups, and more.

User Experience

The dual screens can be used in various configurations: stacked, flat, or in a sharing mode. This flexibility is not just a gimmick, but a practical feature that enhances productivity and collaboration. The hinge design ensures stability in all modes.

Performance and Hardware

Keeping in the thin and dual touchscreen form factor. One would consider the laptop to have moderate specs in terms of performance. But the Zenbook Duo come packed with Intel Core^™ Ultra 9 processor with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI acceleration, up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory, up to a 2 TB PCIe^® 4.0 SSD, a long-lifespan 75 Wh battery, and a Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos^® audio system.

Now, this is a great move, Asus is making sure, Zenbook is practical as possible with no bar left behind, especially performance. Plus in the graphics department it comes with Intel Arc integrated GPU, which has a decent performance.

Real-World Usage

The Zenbook Duo performs admirably in various scenarios, from photo editing to tax preparation. The Intel Meteor Lake CPU provides a significant performance boost over last year’s model. However, for intensive tasks like 4K video editing, a dedicated GPU would be more suitable.

Connectivity and Upgradeability

On the left side, the laptop features a USB 3.2 port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and an additional Type-C port. The right side houses an HDMI 2.1 port and a combo audio jack. The RAM is soldered, but the NVMe SSD is upgradeable.

Additional Features

• AI-enhanced 1080p webcam with auto framing and noise cancellation.
• Intel Arc GPUs offer improved performance for light gaming.
• Facial recognition using Windows Hello.
• Dynamic wallpapers.

Conclusion

The ASUS Zenbook Duo is a remarkable step forward in dual-screen laptop design. Its practicality lies in its simplicity; there’s no ceremonial setup – you open it, and it’s ready for action. The ergonomic improvements, coupled with the robust hardware and innovative software, make it a compelling choice for professionals seeking versatility and efficiency.

ASUS has not just created a dual screen laptop. It has almost redefined what an actual practical dual screen laptop can be. Other like Lenovo initiated this with their dual screen 2023 Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. But have been now finally been almost perfected by Asus.