Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) preview – hands on at CES 2024

Maybe the only most putting laptop computer to be unveiled on the CES 2024 tech commerce present is that this, the Asus Zenbook Duo. This laptop computer has two full-size 14-inch screens on both facet of its major hinge, plus a brilliant skinny removable keyboard and trackpad that may both sit on high of the second display screen, or be used individually when you use each the laptop computer’s screens.

Whereas many of the laptops we examined throughout CES had been gaming laptops, we couldn’t not have a play with this superb Asus machine. And certain sufficient, it’s superb. The whole lot from the thinness and high quality of the keyboard to the standard of the screens and the benefit of utilizing the system in all its varied, modes was spectacular. Learn on to seek out out extra.

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) specs

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) specs
CPU Intel Core Extremely 9
GPU Built-in Intel Arc graphics
Display 2 x 14-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 decision, 120Hz, OLED touchscreens
Max GPU energy Not said
Keyboard Removable Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad
Extras Single display screen with keyboard and dual-screen with separate keyboard modes, touchscreen keyboard and trackpad
I/O Left: 2 x USB-C, 1 x USB. Proper: 1 x HDMI, 1 x headphone jack
Weight 1.35kg

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) twin screens

Should you had been to learn concerning the idea of the Zenbook Duo, there’s a very good likelihood you’d dismiss it’s a foolish concept. We’ve seen considerably comparable laptop computer/pill hybrids earlier than – not least the earlier Asus Zenbook Pro Duo – and so they’ve seldom actually stood the take a look at of time. Nonetheless, in follow the Zenbook Duo is a surprisingly full and compelling system.

The primary win with the Zenbook Duo is that, somewhat than having the compromised odd-shaped display screen of the Zenbook Professional Duo, and even the awkwardly creased and vulnerable-to-scratches screens of foldable telephones, the brand new Duo has two full-size, utterly practical-to-use screens which might be coated in toughened glass and have a traditional hinge. Whether or not sat one above the opposite or on their facet like an open guide, the screens are large enough and normal-shaped/sized sufficient to be handled as a genuinely helpful multi-screen setup.

Asus Zenbook Duo preview 05 flip down stand

What’s extra, Asus has applied a vital, easy, and efficient technique of propping up the screens by having a flip-down stand on the underside of the decrease display screen. The flip-down mechanism is off-puttingly stiff, and inevitably provides a little bit of bulk whereas interrupting the in any other case easy strains you may need on the underside of a laptop computer, however these are minor inconveniences for the utility it supplies.

All this and the screens are beautiful high quality, with the OLED panels producing dazzling colours, true blacks, and superb distinction. Additionally they have a excessive sufficient decision to look pin-sharp on this panel dimension. 

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) keyboard

Wanting extra carefully on the removable keyboard, it’s extremely skinny but nonetheless presents up an excellent typing expertise and responsive trackpad. It’s held securely in place over the second display screen by magnets and a small charging connector, however it’s straightforward to tug away and use through Bluetooth. We are able to’t but touch upon the consolation of typing for longer durations on the keyboard when it’s flat on a desk, however typically decrease profile keyboards put much less pressure in your wrists, so if something this keyboard needs to be higher than many regular laptop computer keyboards.

If you wish to use the Duo utterly with out its keyboard then it’s also possible to deliver up an onscreen keyboard simply by swiping up with three fingers on every hand. Swipe up once more and all the decrease display screen is stuffed with an onscreen keyboard and trackpad.

Asus Zenbook Duo preview 08 onscreen keyboard

Each work amazingly effectively, and I used to be capable of kind at an honest pace on the keyboard and use the trackpad with out problem. It even managed to maintain up with motion similar to double-tapping and holding down to maneuver objects – a characteristic that’s usually a wrestle for my Dell XPS 15’s regular trackpad.

The keyboard may be charged with a USB-C port, or through gold contacts on its entrance, which dock with comparable contacts on the laptop computer. Asus reckons you’ll get a number of days of use between prices. 

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) software program

Asus has saved further software program comparatively gentle on the Zenbook Duo, with the corporate solely showcasing one major addition to make full use of the screens. Faucet slightly onscreen icon and also you get a bar of choices for adjusting a number of key settings of the system.

Asus Zenbook Duo preview 10 software

You possibly can change the brightness of each screens independently, flip the onscreen keyboard and trackpad off or on, flip off the second show solely, mirror the 2 shows (such that you might current a doc to somebody sat reverse you), activate rotation lock, and mute the mic.

It’s sufficient so as to add some genuinely helpful performance with out bloating the system or getting in the best way an excessive amount of.

Asus Zenbook Duo preview 13 mirror screen mode

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) value

The Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) value is ready to be $1,499 for a decrease spec model with twin full HD screens somewhat than the 3K decision ones present right here. In the meantime, UK patrons will solely get the latter model with costs beginning at £1,999.

Asus Zenbook Duo (2024) preliminary ideas

The Asus Zenbook Duo is astonishingly effectively achieved for a primary try at a laptop computer of this sort. The screens look superb, the removable keyboard/trackpad works a deal with, and the sensible advantages are instantly apparent. It’s not absolutely the slimmest 14-inch laptop computer going, and efficiency is fundamental – no less than when it comes to gaming – however it’s nonetheless an impressively moveable unit that’s not all that costly, contemplating what it presents. Suffice to say, we are able to’t wait to get one in for a full evaluate. Within the meantime, our present selection for the best gaming laptops may be present in our best gaming laptop information.

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