For creative professionals and hardcore multitaskers, the traditional single-screen laptop can feel limiting. Enter the ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024), a revolutionary device that breaks the mold with its audacious dual-screen design. But is it just a gimmick, or a genuine productivity game-changer? After putting it through its paces for weeks, here’s my in-depth review to help you decide.
A Look at the Specs
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s get a quick rundown of the Zenbook Duo’s key specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5, 7, or 9 Processors
- Display: Dual 14-inch Full HD+ (1920 x 1200) OLED touchscreen panels
- Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics with Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
- Memory: Up to 32GB LPDDR5x RAM
- Storage: Up to 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
- Battery: 75Wh lithium-polymer battery
- Weight: Approximately 1.35 kg (without keyboard), 1.65 kg (with keyboard)
A Design Built for Work and Play
The Zenbook Duo stuns with a sophisticated dark gray aluminum chassis that exudes professionalism. It’s also MIL-STD 810H certified, making it resistant to everyday bumps and drops. Connectivity options include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, HDMI 2.1, and a 3.5mm audio jack. While the lack of an SD card reader is a letdown for photographers and videographers, the overall design feels sleek and functional.
A Feast for the Eyes: The Dual Display Experience
The Zenbook Duo’s true star is its dual-screen configuration. Each 14-inch OLED display boasts a crisp Full HD+ resolution, perfect for text-heavy tasks and creative projects. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth everyday use, while HDR and Dolby Vision support create a stunning viewing experience. ASUS kept the bezels minimal, maximizing screen real estate. Corning Gorilla Glass adds a layer of protection, making it ideal for travel.
But where the Zenbook Duo shines is in its versatility. Here are some ways I found myself utilizing the dual displays:
- Dual Screen Mode (with Bluetooth Keyboard): This setup is perfect for writers and researchers. With one display stacked above the other, you can seamlessly transition between documents and reference materials.
- Extended Mode: Ideal for creative professionals like graphic designers and video editors. Extend your workspace across both displays for ultimate multitasking freedom.
- Mirror Mode: Perfect for presentations or sharing your screen with colleagues. Both displays mirror the same content.
- Standalone Mode: Detach the keyboard and use the bottom display as a digital canvas for drawing or annotating documents with the included stylus.
Unleashing Productivity: Performance and Software
The Zenbook Duo is equipped with powerful Intel Core Ultra processors, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks. The integrated Intel Arc Graphics with NPU is capable of handling light creative workloads, but heavy-duty video editing might require a dedicated graphics card. The included software suite, ScreenXpert, helps you optimize the dual-screen experience with intuitive app organization and window management features.
Beyond the Specs: User Experience Highlights
Here are some additional aspects of the Zenbook Duo that impressed me:
- Outstanding Keyboard: The backlit keyboard delivers a comfortable typing experience with satisfying key travel.
- Perfect Stylus Integration: The included stylus is pressure-sensitive and perfect for artists, designers, and note-takers.
- Great Battery Life: Despite the dual displays, the Zenbook Duo manages to deliver impressive battery life, lasting a full workday on a single charge.
- Affordable Pricing for a Dual-Screen Laptop: Compared to other dual-screen laptops on the market, the Zenbook Duo offers a compelling value proposition, especially in lower-end configurations.
Minor Shortcomings to Consider
No laptop is perfect, and the Zenbook Duo has a few minor drawbacks:
- Speakers: While functional, the speakers sound a bit tinny and lack bass.
- Heating: The laptop can get warm during demanding tasks, but it never becomes uncomfortable.
- Missing SD Card Reader: The absence of an SD card reader is a notable omission for photographers and videographers.
FAQs:
Q: How much does the ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024) cost?
A: The price varies depending on the configuration. The base model starts at ₹1,59,990 and goes up to ₹2,39,990 for the top-of-the-line variant with the most powerful processor, memory, and storage.
Q: Is the second screen touch-enabled?
A: Yes, both 14-inch displays are touchscreens, allowing for intuitive interaction and multi-finger gestures.
Q: Does the ASUS Zenbook Duo come with a stylus?
A: Yes, the ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus is included with the laptop. It’s pressure-sensitive and perfect for drawing, annotating documents, and navigating the touchscreen interface.
Q: Can I use the ASUS Zenbook Duo as a tablet?
A: Yes, with the detachable keyboard, you can use the bottom display as a standalone tablet for tasks like sketching, reading, or taking notes.
Q: Is the ASUS Zenbook Duo good for gaming?
A: While the Intel Arc Graphics can handle some light gaming, the lack of a dedicated graphics card means it’s not ideal for demanding AAA titles.
