How does the multi-screen experience and workflow reflect when traveling? Asus hopes the answer lies in the new Zenbook Duo. Thanks to the Asus PR team in the UK, I spent some time with the computer to find out more. .
Conception
The Zenbook Duo is focused on dual screens, but what’s real is the built-in kickstand that supports the Zenbook in two other orientations. The portrait orientation uses the kickstand exactly as you’d expect; You extend it, it supports the weight of the screen on the long edge and when you lift the dual screen, the center of gravity sits well between the leading edge and the stand.
The small diagonal edge in the corner allows you to turn Zenbook on its side and use any of the screens as if they were the pages of a book. Here you don’t have the friction hinge to allow for a wide diversity of movement, but because the Solo line supports one aspect, the look of the moment can turn where you want to go, thanks to the strong 180-degree hinge.
The hinge works as such and the small edge is a delightful sleight of hand that makes the orientation of the moment convenient.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2024
Keyboard
Instead of the limitations of a constant keyboard, the Asus Zenbook Duo comes with a Bluetooth keyboard that sits securely over the screen momentarily when in the most classic computer mode. A magnetic pogo-pin connection allows the keyboard to be charged directly from the computer, making it a nearly invisible Bluetooth option.
In terms of keyboard feel, it doesn’t seem out of position compared to other modern computer keyboards. It doesn’t look compromised because it’s a detachable keyboard; there’s enough movement and bounce on the keys to keep typing a pleasant physical experience, and it’s smart when a Bluetooth keyboard lights up the keys.
It’s a fairytale with the trackpad. It’s huge, reminiscent of regular laptop designs, and doesn’t feel compromised when in use.
I’ve enjoyed using an external keyboard on my laptops and desktops because it allows me to place the keys and screen in the most productive ergonomic position possible. However, given that designers spend time on support, would it be too complicated to have something on the keyboard that would give it a bit of tone when it’s indifferent instead of being perfectly flat on a table surface?
Feeling of multitasking
The reason for this generation is to have a lot more virtual workspace available on the go. Working with multiple monitors at home or in the office is catching on, which is why the Asus Zenbook Duo offers a mobile solution that brings some of those benefits to a laptop. In theory, this makes you more productive (or just provides you with a “high” screen to watch your favorite baseball team while you paint).
Those using a multi-monitor setup will feel the power that Zenbook Duo can offer. For others, where it’s more of a theoretical win, it would possibly be more difficult to see the practical side of the Zenbook.
And that’s to the credit of the Zenbook. Es a universal laptop. It has an express purpose, is designed for that purpose, and provides the expected experience. I don’t know if the purpose is to convince other people to buy the idea, and even if it is, I recommend buying a momentary desktop monitor, which may be a cheaper way to try out this way of working.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2024
Windows 11
On startup, the default in Windows 11 is screen mirroring. This has benefits in a few areas: virtual artists will love running around with the stylus included in the bottom screen while watching what’s happening on the more sensitive screen, but for most people. , the benefits you will get will be the extension of the screen. This gives you twice the area to place the windows. You can use it to enlarge a window on either screen or, more likely, have two separate programs on the screen, toggling between them with your ALT-TAB or moving your mouse as you would with a dual monitor setup on a desktop with maximum sensitivity.
It works, but it seems a little clunky. There has to be something better to do it. Fortunately, Asus has some concepts and has some of those constant problems with ScreenXpert 3. This application runs in the background, captures touch input and gives you gesture commands to move around the system. You can temporarily expand apps across two screens, swapping windows between the two screens and creating app cluster layouts that can be presented with a single swipe.
In fact, you feel the advantages of those potential options when they are used. They feel like they’re a component of the operating formula rather than something added at the last minute.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2024
Harbours
Asus has targeted the Zenbook Duo as a productivity machine, aimed at business users. So why were the ports left behind? It has two four Thunderbolt ports, a USB-A port, and an HDMI 2. 1 port. I’m pleased to see the inclusion of USB-A, given the number of peripherals still used in enterprise environments that require this connection. However, only two USB-C plugs, one of which will be occupied by the charger, means the Duo doesn’t have a good point of connectivity. If you’re using it at home or in a hot table environment, you need an additional docking station. for further expansion.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2024
Speakers & Webcam
Both feel engaged due to the physical nature of the Zenbook. While the computer’s overall build makes it feel big, it has two screens, a removable keyboard, cases that want to wrap around those components, a strong hinge, and the aforementioned stand. .
This doesn’t leave much intensity to the camera lens, so while it’s rated at 1080p, it doesn’t let in much light and the symbol picks up noise temporarily and looks grainy. I suspect the decrease in volume and soundscape of the speaker is due to the fact that it’s placed in a smaller area than you’d expect on a laptop. Thankfully, there’s a 3. 5mm headphone jack for the audiophile, but those regions seem to have been sacrificed to allow the other parts of the pack to shine.
For a professional machine, I think it’s a smart choice when it comes to speakers, but with so much work involving remote presence and teleconferencing, the webcam is a noticeable issue.
Asus Zenbook Duo 2024
Battery
What may have been the Zenbook Duo’s downfall is more of a case of weakness than a hindrance. Run everything at full inclination and full brightness on the two OLED panels, manually set them to 120Hz and put a lot of demands on the processor with some not-easy media editing apps, and the 75Wh battery possibly won’t last long, but that’s the case with any computer under load. Expect a little less than two hours in those conditions.
Quieter use of the computer, such as browsing and running the internet browser, provides a more useful battery life, seven to nine hours. That’s enough to get you through a day’s work on battery alone if you’re careful, but it’s very simple. Slipping up and wanting to recharge before the end of the day if you press the computer a little. Louder.
Start general use of the OLED panel and you’ll see a drop in battery life. You can usually reduce the endurance for an hour or two, resulting in six to seven hours of lifespan with the dual-screen standalone keyboard.
Final Thoughts
While there are several dual-screen computers out there, the Asus Zenbook Duo in 2024 is one of the most mature options possible in this form factor. The current demo is an actual demo, not an additional monitor or input screen. Dual is Dual. No you can skimp on the trackpad and mouse; In fact, aside from the obligatory length in general computer mode, there’s no indication that you’re packing the screen.
This professionally oriented device leaves room in the specs for some leisure. The nine Intel Core Ultra processor and 32GB of RAM in my review style presented a lot of scope for applications. The Intel Arc graphics card is a low-end graphics card, but in 2024, many games running at 1080p will have adequate functionality. It’s not a power plant; Don’t expect the most productive functionality ever, but it’s enough for a solid gaming session, especially if you’re playing older PC games.
Prices start at $1,500, which happens to be a competitive value for the generation on offer. We’ll see more laptops with this shape in the coming years, but Asus has managed to strike the balance between form and functionality in this model. .
Disclaimer: Asus UK has a 2024 Asus Zenbook Duo for review purposes.
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