The Asus laptop performs admirably both as a powerful dual-screen desktop productivity tool and as a lightweight laptop.
Science fiction films have long featured portable computers with many touchscreens. Nevertheless, dual-screen laptops have not yet proven viable in the real world, despite the efforts of numerous manufacturers.
This usually happens when they tried to take on too much and gave in too much. With a new dual-screen laptop that boasts a full-size detachable physical keyboard, Asus now thinks it has the answer.
The Zenbook Duo 2024 model, then, should provide the best of both worlds: a conventional laptop with a conventional keyboard and trackpad and a cutting-edge gadget with two touchscreens.
Nevertheless, the costs associated with these breakthroughs are usually high. The pricing and configuration of the new computer vary based on your location; in the UK, it starts at £1,799, and the Core Ultra 9 version, which was tested, costs £2,000.
The Zenbook Duo includes two 14-inch OLED touchscreen screens that are hinged like a book: one screen is located on the lid, while the other is located where the keyboard normally is. The bottom screen is entirely covered by the full-size laptop keyboard and trackpad, which adhere magnetically to pins. You may not even be aware that there is a monitor underneath. With very few adjustments, you can use it as a standard laptop thanks to its architecture. To add even more convenience, the keyboard can be removed and utilised via Bluetooth.
You may access both screens by unclipping the keyboard. A full-size touchscreen keyboard with a virtual touchpad may be included in the bottom display; this is useful for short tasks like search queries or AI inquiries. You may write or draw on the screen with the bundled stylus. The efficacy of handwriting recognition varies based on the application; Asus’s technology is less dependable than Microsoft’s.
The Duo’s kickstand on the back provides for more configuration options than just the typical laptop L-shape. The Duo’s screens can be arranged vertically, which makes it perfect for dual-screen work at a desk and greatly increases productivity. As an alternative, you may stand it up with the screens side by side like an open book, which is ideal for working with papers.
The Core Ultra 9 version’s 3K 120Hz OLED panels are amazing, with fine details, rich blacks, and brilliant colours. But because of their lack of brightness, it is challenging to eliminate glare and reflections from direct light, which means that in bright surroundings, screen angles must be adjusted.
Specifications
Screen: Dual 14-inch FHD OLED (60Hz) or Dual 14-inch 3K OLED (120Hz)
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (155H) or Core Ultra 9 (185H)
RAM: 16GB or 32GB
Storage: 1TB or 2TB
Graphics: Intel Arc
Operating System: Windows 11
Camera: 1080p front-facing, Windows Hello
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, headphone jack
Dimensions: 313.5 x 217.9 x 19.9 mm
Weight: 1,650g
Performance and battery life
The tested model of the Zenbook Duo, which has Intel’s most recent Core Ultra chips—the Ultra 9 185H variant—offers powerful performance for a thin and light notebook. It performed flawlessly on daily duties like sophisticated photo editing and easily switched between two 3K laptop displays and an external 4K monitor.
The Zenbook Duo performs comparably to Apple’s M1 Pro CPUs in the 14-inch MacBook Pro and other comparable 14-inch PC laptops from Dell, Lenovo, and other manufacturers in benchmark tests. Even with little use, the Zenbook has a tendency to become rather warm, especially in the upper quadrant of the lowest portion of the device.
The number of screens being used has a substantial impact on battery life. When the screen is turned to about 70% brightness and used as a regular laptop with the keyboard attached, it lasts the longest—just over seven hours for light work using programmes like Evernote, Chrome, a light text editor, and messaging apps. Under similar conditions, this period is half to less than four hours when both screens are utilised simultaneously. Naturally, when performing more demanding duties, the battery runs out significantly faster.
Windows 11 + some stuff
Windows 11 is pre-installed on the Duo, providing strong support for multi-screen configurations. Windows 11 makes it simple to transfer windows between the screens, remembers the positions of apps on both screens, and automatically changes display orientations when you rotate them.
To improve the dual-screen experience, Asus has included software. This includes a tool that offers rapid controls for toggling the lower screen, accessing the virtual keyboard, rearranging windows, and other features.
You may personalise the virtual dials, buttons, and tools on the bottom screen with the Asus Dial and Control app. For instance, you could design a volume knob for Spotify or a dial to change the brush width in a painting software. Nevertheless, I discovered that it was more advantageous to utilise the second screen as a full monitor as opposed to covering it with touchscreen controls.
It is noteworthy that the Zenbook Duo will not be able to utilise Microsoft’s recently released Copilot+ AI features via Windows 11 updates, as these are limited to particular more recent CPUs.
Sustainability
According to Asus, the battery ought to hold onto at least 80% of its initial capacity for a minimum of 1,200 full cycles of charging. It also comes with maintenance tools that help you extend the battery’s life by only charging it to 80%. The device can usually be fixed in the UK, and an update can be made to the SSD. Recycled magnesium-aluminum alloy was used to make the device’s body, and Asus offers free machine recycling.
Price
Priced at £1,799 (€1,899.99/$1,499.99) with an Intel Ultra 7 CPU and FHD screens, or £1,999.99 (€2,499.99/$1,699.99/A$3,999) with an Intel Ultra 9 chip and 3K displays, is the Asus Zenbook Duo (2024).
In contrast, the starting price of the Microsoft Surface Laptop is £1,049, the Apple MacBook Air M3 is £1,099, and the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i Gen 9 dual-screen laptop is £2,011.50.
Verdict
One of the most successful attempts to produce a dual-screen laptop that performs well in practical situations is the Zenbook Duo. Its great keyboard and trackpad allow it to easily switch between a laptop and a desktop. On the other hand, setting up your desk with two screens at your workplace reduces neck and back pain and increases productivity dramatically. This may be done quickly while seated
Some with artistic abilities might find the touchscreen keyboard or widget-filled controls more appealing, but the supplied stylus makes drawing possible.
There are four main trade-offs: it costs more, operates hotter than comparable regular laptops, has a somewhat shorter battery life, and is thicker and heavier. The Duo, albeit new, is powered by an Intel CPU that is incompatible with the new Copilot+ features that Microsoft is rolling out for Windows. It remains to be seen if these concessions are deal-breakers.
I wouldn’t suggest this laptop to everyone, but the Zenbook Duo does a great job if you require a dual-screen configuration that is portable.
