ASUS Zenbook Duo 2024 Review: The Dual-Screen Laptop That Will Change Your Game
Dimensions that aren’t much bigger than a traditional clamshell, ASUS’ Zenbook Duo is the first dual-screen laptop you’d actually want to buy.
The Journey to Dual-Screen Laptops
Dual-screen laptops have been a dream for many tech enthusiasts, but the reality has always fallen short. From the bulky and awkward Acer Iconia 6120 to Razer's overly ambitious Project Valerie, we've seen a lot of attempts to create a functional dual-screen laptop. But it wasn't until ASUS released the Zenbook Duo that we finally got a device that proves that two screens are indeed better than one.
ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop 2024
Dual 14” OLED 3K 120Hz Touch Display, Intel Evo Certified, Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, Intel Arc Graphics, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11, Inkwell Gray, UX8406MA-PS99T
Design: Sleek and Functional
The Zenbook Duo doesn't look like a Frankendevice, as some of its predecessors did. It's a regular-looking 14-inch laptop with a physical keyboard and touchpad, as well as a good selection of ports. But the real magic happens when you detach the keyboard and the second display springs to life. You can tap three fingers on the lower panel to summon a floating touchpad or use eight fingers to bring up a virtual keyboard. And the best part? You can customize these virtual features to suit your needs, like adding a numpad or switching to a different language layout. Plus, with a built-in kickstand, you can use both screens as proper displays, making it like a portable dual-monitor setup. And all of this in a sleek and lightweight package that's barely bigger or heavier than a regular clamshell laptop.
The Delightful Displays
The Zenbook Duo's pair of 14-inch OLED displays are a delight to use. With strong brightness and accurate colors, they offer a great viewing experience. And when used together, they open up a whole new world of possibilities. You can easily drag and drop apps between the screens or use ASUS' ScreenXpert software for shortcuts and widgets. However, it's important to note that not all apps are optimized for dual screens, so you may encounter some bugs or awkward interactions.
Performance: Fast and Efficient
Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD, the Zenbook Duo delivers fast and efficient performance. It's on par with similarly equipped clamshell laptops, and even with both screens in use, it remains snappy and responsive. However, it's not ideal for more demanding tasks like video editing, as it lacks a discrete GPU.
Battery Life: Surprisingly Good
You might expect a dual-screen laptop to be a battery hog, but the Zenbook Duo surprised us with its battery life. With just one screen on, it lasted over 13 hours on our video rundown test, and with both screens in use, it still managed to last for over 10 hours. This makes it a perfect companion for a full workday or a long flight.
Final Thoughts: A Torchbearer for Dual-Screen Laptops
The ASUS Zenbook Duo is not just a gimmick or a prototype, it's a fully functional dual-screen laptop that can change the game for anyone who appreciates multiple monitors. It's perfect for travelers who need a portable workstation, and its detachable keyboard makes it just as versatile as a regular laptop. The only downside is that the software experience could be more polished, but that's not entirely on ASUS. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and surprising battery life, the Zenbook Duo is a marvelous torchbearer for a new class of portable PCs.
Get Your Hands on the ASUS Zenbook Duo Today!
Don't miss out on the first dual-screen laptop worth buying. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and surprising battery life, the ASUS Zenbook Duo is the perfect choice for anyone who needs a portable workstation with the added bonus of a second screen. Get yours today and experience the future of laptops!
