Asus has up to date its dual-screen ZenBook Duo and ZenBook Duo Professional laptops at CES 2021, and despite the fact that the present is going on just about this 12 months, Devices 360 was in a position to spend a bit time with a demo unit. The ZenBook Duo sequence now has up to date internals and an auto-tilt mechanism that raises their secondary screens to a extra snug viewing angle. The unique ZenBook Duo sequence was first unveiled at Computex 2019, following which Asus confirmed off its ROG Zephyrus Duo primarily based on the identical tough design, however with a raised secondary display to assist with airflow and ergonomics. That little modification has now made its approach again into the ZenBook lineup, and it does make a fairly large distinction.
The large secondary display, which Asus calls ScreenPad+, stretches out throughout the width of the ZenBook Duo’s decrease half. It matches the horizontal decision of the primary show so to deal with it similar to a second monitor that is aligned vertically slightly than horizontally. With the unique ZenBook Duo, the ScreenPad+ was flat and in step with the keyboard, which made it a bit onerous to make use of. Once I reviewed that laptop computer, I discovered myself hunching and leaning ahead very often. The brand new mechanism solves that downside to an extent.
Asus combines its ‘Ergolift’ hinge motion, which raises all the decrease deck, with this new auto-lift mechanism, in order that the ScreenPad+ angles itself robotically while you open the lid. The angle goes as much as 7 levels and isn’t adjustable past that. Fortunately, the raised panel would not obscure the underside of the primary display at any angle. My demo unit got here with a stylus, and the ScreenPad+ didn’t flex or bend when pressed down on.
The mechanism feels strong sufficient nevertheless it appears as if it may get broken should you attempt closing the laptop computer’s lid with one thing like a pencil by chance wedged below the ScreenPad+. There should not be a lot hazard of pinching a finger however it will be a good suggestion to deal with this laptop computer gently. I am a bit cautious of mud and lint because the hole is comparatively slender and appears like it will likely be onerous to wash, however Asus does embrace a protecting sleeve.
Each the primary show and the ScreenPad+ have matte finishes which scale back reflections to some extent. The resolutions are 1920×1080 and 1920×515 respectively. As for the inner {hardware}, now we have an 11th Gen Intel ‘Tiger Lake’ CPU with built-in Intel Xe graphics and an optionally available discrete Nvidia GeForce MX450 GPU. My demo unit has 32GB of RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, however actual specs will range.
The ‘Ergolift’ hinge raises all the decrease deck, whereas the brand new mechanism additionally tilts the ScreenPad+
The ZenBook Duo UX482E has an Intel Evo sticker, which suggests it has been designed to fulfill a set of necessities when it comes to weight, efficiency, and battery life. It is 16.9mm thick and has comparatively slender display borders, with area for a webcam within the traditional spot. Asus claims 17 hours of battery life, and this laptop computer might be charged over USB Sort-C.
There are two Sort-C Thunderbolt ports and a full-sized HDMI port on the left, plus one Sort-A port, 3.5mm audio socket, and microSD card slot on the suitable. The keyboard format is improved, in comparison with the primary technology, and we now have a extra wise arrow cluster plus the Shift keys are in the suitable place. There’s nonetheless a vertical trackpad which won’t swimsuit left-handed customers. By way of consolation, the keyboard is true on the decrease fringe of the physique which may develop into uncomfortable over time.
The ZenBook Duo (2021) has an improved keyboard format however the trackpad will not be snug for everybody
Asus has improved its software program, and you’ll simply transfer applications from one display to the opposite. You may arrange batches to launch numerous applications and have them tile robotically on the 2 screens. Each are touch-capable so the ScreenPad+ can operate as a management floor in some software program.
All in all, Asus appears to have refined the design of its authentic ZenBook Duo sequence, and the brand new mannequin needs to be extra sensible for on a regular basis use. Details about pricing and availability in India is not recognized but. Keep tuned to Devices 360 for information of when it launches in India.
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