We tested the Asus dual-screen computer, the ZenBook Duo -

20 Minutes

  • Presented at CES 2021, the Asus ZenBook Duo is a unique laptop PC: it has a 14-inch main screen under which a 12.6-inch secondary screen is installed.

  • Disconcerting at first glance, this duo can quickly find its interest in teleworking, but also with creatives, by offering unprecedented comfort of use.

  • Sold from 1799 euros, the device remains expensive but can quickly win on condition of taming its strange ergonomics.

Asus is not at its first attempt.

In 2018, the Taiwanese manufacturer innovated with its ZenBook Pro 15 UX580, an

ultrabook

that was equipped with a

screenpad

dedicated to home applications.

So called, this second multifunction screen also served as a

touchpad

.

With its ZenBook Duo, which was presented at CES 2021, Asus pushes its concept a little further by adding, under the main screen of its PC, a second screen, much more imposing.

The Asus ZenBook Duo plays on continuity with its two screens.

- CHRISTOPHE SEFRIN / 20 MINUTES

Intimidating or obvious?

Opened, the device which contained its weight at 1.6 kg is quite impressive.

Faced with the manufacturer's 14 '' model that we were able to try (ref: X482), we first have the feeling that we are going to get lost in front of this computer which seems to be torn from the cockpit of an airplane.

However, if the two touchscreen Full HD LCD screens of 14 '' (top) and 12.6 '' (bottom) are intimidating at first glance, we quickly understand the interest.

They work together to display only one interface, or can be separated to form a pair consisting of a main screen and a backup monitor.

"The idea is really that users who were used to using two remote screens at home or at the office can keep this working ergonomics on the move," explains Asus.

Thus, the uses promised by the ZenBook Duo are almost endless.

Ideal for video meetings

We took advantage of the computer during video meetings, for example: by displaying the faces of our interlocutors on the main screen and a Word document on the auxiliary screen.

Once our meeting is over, a simple press on a dedicated key reverses the two screens: we resume writing our article on the 14 '' screen and now use the 12.6 '' one to manage our

Deezer

playlist

and keep an eye out for scrolling emails.

The hinge of the Asus ZenBook Duo.

- CHRISTOPHE SEFRIN / 20 MINUTES

For their part, creatives will undoubtedly revel in the possibilities offered by this dual screen with software such as After Effects;

Photoshop;

Première Pro or Light Room Classic, whose compatible interface adapts perfectly to the ergonomics of the Asus PC.

Thus, the small screen turns into a control panel, while the main screen offers a complete view of the work in progress.

Obviously, this secondary screen can simply be switched off, which also makes it possible to preserve the autonomy of the machine, estimated at around 8 hours.

Note, however, a display quality slightly behind that of the main screen, a more matte rendering and lower viewing angles.

Ergonomics to learn

“Everyone has their own definition of IT productivity and their own way of organizing files and folders.

This is what is allowed in the use of the screenpad: any user will be able to personalize it to the extreme, ”Asus is expected.

Slightly tilted, seeming to make continuity with the main screen, the secondary screen of the ZenBook Duo needs a few days to let itself be tamed.

Then, its use becomes almost natural.

Only the touchpad, deported to the left of the keyboard, seemed too small to us and frankly not suitable for use by left-handers.

Note that the

screenpad

can be substituted for it and be used as a

touchpad

(the keyboard will in this case be locked).

Good point: the slightly raised keyboard offers additional comfort.

The second screen of the ZenBook Duo transformed into a control panel.

- CHRISTOPHE SEFRIN / 20 MINUTES

Sold from 1799 euros *, the ZenBook Duo requires a significant investment and, given the possibilities of the machine, to properly assess its needs before a possible crack.

If it still needs to be optimized (the software overlay that Asus applies to it deserves to go further), the second screen of this PC can provide many services in mobility.

At home, and if there is room, a PC with an auxiliary monitor in addition to its main screen will continue to offer more comfort.

* Core i7 1165G7 processor (2.8 GHz / up to 4.7 GHz) - 12 MB cache.

16 GB of Ram.

1 TB SSD.

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  • Teleworking

  • Pc

  • Computer science

  • 20 minutes video

  • High Tech