Foldable laptops for the everyday consumer are still a few years away, owing in part to the price and durability of such displays. However, until the foldable dream becomes a reality, Asus has announced a new dual-screen laptop called the Asus Zenbook Duo, combining the best of both worlds. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Asus Zenbook Duo: Design
The most striking aspect of the Duo’s design philosophy is undoubtedly the 3K 120Hz OLED touchscreen dual screens that stretch across both halves. But one might wonder, what is the need for two displays? Asus’s reasoning behind this decision relies heavily on the office environment. For most employees, their desk consists of a monitor into which they plug their laptops. While this solution is effective in providing users with multiple displays for their workflow, they lose this ability as soon as they have to move to a meeting room.
With the Zenbook Duo, users don’t need to worry about this. They can set up their laptop using the built-in kickstand, and are ready to use both displays. Additionally, the device comes with a detachable keyboard, which rests inside the laptop when closed.
Moreover, users can set up their Duo in different configurations. These include a laptop mode, with the lower screen covered by a traditional keyboard and trackpad, a “Dual Screen” mode, where the screens are arranged vertically, and a “Desktop” mode, where users can keep both screens horizontally. Asus also advertises a “Sharing” mode, allowing users to lay the laptop flat on a surface, screens facing up.
Specifications
The Zenbook Duo packs a serious punch in performance with its Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU (also available with lower CPU variants), up to 32GB RAM, and 2TB SSD. In terms of connectivity, the device houses two Thunderbolt ports, a USB-A port, HDMI out, and a 3.5mm jack.
Additionally, Asus has managed to pack in a substantial 75Whr battery, which charges via USB-C. Moreover, the device also supports ASUS’ stylus, making it a compelling option for designers and artists.
Pricing
Perhaps the best part about the Asus Zenbook Duo is its pricing. The laptop starts at $1,499 in the US. For users in the UK, prices begin at £1,699.99, and in Europe, the starting price is €2,099.99.
