Asus Zenbook Duo Review: Dual-Screen Innovation for Windows 11 Users

Innovation in computing is rarely stagnant, and the latest contender in the adventure of redefining laptop architecture is the Asus Zenbook Duo. In a world where dual-monitor setups have become almost synonymous with productivity, Asus has taken the bold step of integrating not one, but two displays into a portable form factor. Here’s everything you need to know about this intriguing device, which runs on Windows 11 and embodies what’s next in portable computing.

A Cutting-Edge Design​

The Zenbook Duo isn’t just your standard laptop; it’s a celebration of flexibility and usability. Its unique design features a primary display and a somewhat surprising detachable keyboard deck. When the keyboard is lifted, you will find a second OLED screen hidden away. This is not merely a party trick; it’s an innovative approach to enhancing multitasking and productivity on the go. Imagine seamlessly managing your emails on one screen while drafting documents or browsing the web on another—this is what the Zenbook Duo promises.

Size and Weight Considerations​

However, this dual-display allure comes with trade-offs. Measuring approximately 12.34 x 8.58 x 0.57-0.78 inches and tipping the scales at 3.64 lbs (1.65 kg—keyboard included), the Zenbook Duo carries more heft than your usual ultrabook. While the wedge-shaped design helps manage the bulk, it’s worth noting that portability may take a back seat for those who prioritize weight.

Display Capabilities​

The star of the show is undoubtedly the dual 14-inch OLED displays. Each boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio—a refreshing choice that offers more vertical screen real estate than the usual 16:9. With up to 500 nits of brightness in HDR mode, the screens provide vibrant colors and sharp images. Options for 3K resolution at a buttery smooth 120Hz are also available, making the Zenbook Duo an enticing option for content consumption.

Ports and Connectivity​

On the connectivity side, Asus has managed to fit a generous assortment of ports, including three USB-C slots (with two supporting Thunderbolt 4), a USB-A port, HDMI 2.1, and a headphone jack. This impressive enumeration allows users to connect a range of modern peripherals without needing dongles—something to celebrate in this era of shrinking port counts on laptops.

Performance Under the Hood​

Running on the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, the Zenbook Duo is powered by up to 32GB of RAM and is outfitted with 1TB of fast SSD storage. This makes the laptop a capable performer, even scoring reasonably high on benchmarks like Geekbench. While it may not be the absolute fastest option out there, it certainly holds its ground in the rapidly evolving landscape of computing hardware.

User Experience: The Good and the Bad​

As enticing as this new format is, the user experience is—perhaps unsurprisingly—not without its quirks. One of the ongoing challenges with dual-screen setups is software optimization. Windows 11, while feature-rich, is still catching up in its support for non-standard setups. Users may occasionally encounter hiccups when dragging windows between screens or when the system gets confused during keyboard detachment.
However, on the brighter side, users have lauded the keyboard's travel and feedback, which remain impressive despite the thin profile. Additionally, the device features a built-in kickstand, giving the user flexibility in adjusting the angle of display usage, although some have found its bulkiness less than ideal for casual use.

Conclusion: A Look to the Future​

In summary, the Asus Zenbook Duo pushes the envelope in laptop design and functionality. Its dual screens offer a tantalizing glimpse into what the future of portable computing could look like, marrying performance with the promise of enhanced productivity. However, while the device shines in many areas, including its stunning OLED displays and robust build, it still faces the uphill battle of software adaptation and physical heft.
For those who thrive on innovation and are unafraid to navigate through some of its teething issues, the Zenbook Duo is an exciting proposition that may just redefine your approach to mobile work. The dual-screen future isn’t just an aspiration—it’s knocking on our door, and Asus is leading the charge. If you're a Windows user intrigued by this evolution, keep your eyes peeled—the future might just be a couple of displays away.

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Source: Pocket-lint The Asus Zenbook Duo offers a dual-screened glimpse into the PC's future

 

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Review: ASUS Zenbook Duo Delivers a Productivity Boost with Dual-Screen Innovation​

I recently had the chance to test the ASUS Zenbook Duo, and it quickly became clear—this dual-screen Windows laptop is a game changer for creative professionals and multitaskers alike. Priced attractively at around $1,499 to $1,699 at Best Buy, the Zenbook Duo challenges the traditional clamshell design with its innovative form factor, robust hardware, and versatile configuration options.

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Design and Display​

At first glance, the Zenbook Duo appears like a conventional laptop. However, a major surprise awaits: the detachable keyboard unveils a second, equally stunning display beneath. Both screens are 3K OLED touch displays with auto-adjusting features that let you manage multiple applications simultaneously. For creative professionals, this means:

• Multitasking Redefined:
  Seamlessly snap, pin, and arrange multiple windows across two screens. The flexibility to toggle between layouts allows for using one display for your primary application while the second acts as a dedicated palette, messenger, or research panel.
• Customization At Its Best:
  Beyond the automatic repositioning when you flip the laptop on its side, you can further personalize the experience with custom gestures, stylus button configurations, and task group management. This level of control transforms how you interact with your content, turning the device into a mobile workstation, a digital sketchpad, or even a presentation tool for client meetings.

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Hardware Performance​

The Zenbook Duo is built to handle intensive creative workloads:

• Powerful Processing:
  Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, it ensures smooth multitasking and rapid response times even when many apps are open.
• Graphics and Efficiency:
  With an Intel Arc GPU onboard, it effectively manages demanding visual tasks. Although the GPU isn't upgradable—and while some users might wish for more powerful graphics—the current configuration delivers more than adequate performance for content creation and productivity.
• Battery and Thermal Management:
  ASUS boasts over 13 hours of battery life under light usage, and in my testing, even under demanding video editing tasks both displays can run for a solid five hours without overheating. Effective thermal design, including a heat spreader and strategic component placement (with the CPU positioned away from the OLED panels), keeps performance steady without excessive warmth.

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Usability and Workflow Enhancements​

The Zenbook Duo isn’t just about impressive specs—it’s about redefining your workflow:

• Responsive Touch and Stylus Support:
  Both touch inputs and the included stylus work flawlessly on the OLED displays. The stylus, in particular, offers precision for drawing or note-taking while avoiding the smudges that often come with finger input.
• Innovative Input Methods:
  Instead of laboriously dragging windows between screens, you can "flick" the top of a window to snap it into the desired position—a small but effective feature that minimizes disruption. The keyboard, with its magnetic, auto-align mechanism, attaches effortlessly and supports comfortable typing.
• Configurability for Creative Work:
  Customizable settings allow you to assign specific tasks or shortcuts to various buttons, streamlining repetitive actions and maximizing productivity. Whether for coding, drafting an email, or designing, the dual-screen setup adapts to support your creative process.

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Final Verdict​

The ASUS Zenbook Duo stands out as a breakthrough device for creative professionals and productivity enthusiasts. Its dual-screen design, extensive customizability, and powerful hardware make it an ideal choice for those seeking a portable yet potent tool for multitasking. While its innovative design comes with a bit of a learning curve—and a few thermal quirks under sustained heavy use—the versatility it offers is unmatched in today’s laptop landscape.
If you’re ready to push your creative and productivity boundaries further, the Zenbook Duo is definitely worth considering. Its unique blend of dual OLED displays and performance-oriented internals provides a significant boost to daily workflows, making it a compelling option amidst a crowded market of traditional laptops.
Source: ZDNet

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Source: ZDNet I tested a dual-screen Windows laptop - and it gave me a big productivity boost

 

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The ASUS Zenbook Duo is rewriting the rules of portable productivity—and it’s doing so on Windows. At first glance, its dual-screen setup might sound like a gimmick, but after spending a full workday on this innovative machine, it’s clear that ASUS has struck a delicate balance between form and function that challenges preconceived notions about Windows laptops on the go.

A Dual-Screen Revolution in a Portably Powerful Package​

Imagine a laptop that feels more like having two computers in one, where your typical Windows experience is transformed into an interactive, multitasking powerhouse. That’s exactly what the ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024) UX8406 offers. Initially dismissed by some as merely a novelty, its dual-screen design turns out to be a genuine productivity booster—even for those who’ve preferred macOS for mobile work in the past.
The reviewer’s journey from skepticism to admiration is a compelling narrative: while harboring a bias toward the familiar macOS, they found themselves pleasantly surprised as the Zenbook Duo seamlessly integrated a second OLED screen to enhance workflow. When that second display flips out, magnetic keyboard aside, it instantly reconfigures open windows with uncanny responsiveness—making multitasking feel like using a productivity cheat code.

Design and Build: A Bold Step Forward​

ASUS wasn’t content with a run-of-the-mill laptop design. Instead, they went all in with dual 14-inch 2880 x 1800 120Hz OLED displays. While the extra screen does add a bit of extra bulk compared to thinner 14-inch models, the overall design remains sleek, sturdy, and purpose-built.
Key design and build aspects include:
• Multiple dual-screen modes that allow you to tailor your workspace.
• A detachable, magnetic keyboard that not only feels great but also cooperates seamlessly with the secondary display.
• A robust yet refined chassis that manages to mask its additional thickness under a polished aesthetic.
Despite the added bulk, the Zenbook Duo stands at a modest 1.65 kg, making it a compelling option for anyone willing to trade a bit of portability for a significant productivity upgrade.

Windows 11 Integration: A Seamless Experience​

Often, people worry that the dual-screen concept might cause Windows 11 to falter or create a cluttered workspace. However, ASUS flips that narrative on its head. The Zenbook Duo’s design anticipates and addresses these concerns; as soon as the secondary screen is revealed, Windows reconfigures open applications in real time.
Here are some of the stand-out software integration features:
• Instant connectivity: The second display connects seamlessly the minute you detach the keyboard, requiring no additional setup.
• Dynamic window reconfiguration: Whether you flip the displays into a “book” style or arrange them side by side, Windows automatically adjusts the UI to deliver an optimal experience.
• Consistent performance: Even with both screens active, the system remains responsive—a testament to the thoughtful interplay between hardware and Windows 11’s multitasking prowess.
For those who’ve been hesitant about using Windows on the go, the Zenbook Duo proves that Windows 11 can not only keep up with but also enhance your workflow in a dual-display environment.

Performance: Productivity Unleashed, With a Few Thermal Caveats​

Under the hood, the Zenbook Duo boasts an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor paired with an integrated Intel Arc 140T graphics unit. This configuration is robust enough to handle everyday applications—writing, editing, and even light gaming or video editing tasks—while making the most out of the dual-display setup.
Performance highlights include:
• Multitasking mastery: The dual screens allow you to run multiple applications side by side without clutter or compromise.
• Adequate gaming and creative performance: Even tasks that rely on a bit more horsepower run smoothly, although those pushing the hardware to its limits might hear the fans kick into action.
• Benchmark credentials: While standard metrics like Cinebench and GeekBench support the Zenbook Duo’s solid performance, the reviewer noted that even light web-based activities could prompt a noticeable ramp-up in fan noise due to thermal throttling.
Indeed, the thermal issues tied to the Core Ultra 9 285H are something to note. Under heavy or sustained loads, the processor can run hotter than ideal, causing fans to ramp up even with “Whisper Mode” engaged. Yet, this isn’t a deal-breaker for day-to-day productivity. It’s more a gentle reminder that pushing this dual-screen marvel to its extremes comes with the natural trade-off of a bit more audible cooling action.

Battery Life and Portability in the Real World​

One of the most reassuring aspects of the Zenbook Duo is its ability to power through a full workday—even when both screens are active. The 75WHr, 4-cell battery manages to keep the system running without the constant need to find a power outlet, a critical factor for on-the-go professionals.
Consider the following:
• A full workday powered by dual displays is a win in the mobile productivity arena.
• While battery life does take a hit when both screens are in constant use, it remains within acceptable limits for the dedicated laptop user.
• For users with a heavy workload, the dual-display experience is demonstrably beneficial, even with the occasional need for a recharge.
For those accustomed to the exceptional battery life of ultralight laptops, the Zenbook Duo’s balance between performance and power consumption offers a welcome compromise when the benefits of dual screens outweigh the occasional charge cycle.

Pricing, Competition, and Value Proposition​

The Zenbook Duo enters the competitive space of dual-screen laptops with a price tag that reflects its advanced design and capabilities. Starting at $1500—with fully kitted configurations pushing the cost to around $1700–$1800—it’s positioned as a premium offering that justifies its price through innovation and enhanced productivity.
When comparing it to rivals:
• Lenovo’s Yoga 9i, pitched around $2000, competes in the dual-screen space but may not offer the same seamless integration.
• Alternatives like the MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo and HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 present different value propositions, yet few provide the unique dual-screen experience married so well with Windows 11’s adaptability.
For those whose daily tasks benefit from multitasking and simultaneous applications, the Zenbook Duo offers a value proposition that outstrips many traditional laptops. Its competitive pricing, when compared to similarly powered ultrabooks (and even to dedicated dual-screen competitors), makes it an attractive option for professionals who need both power and visual workspace flexibility.

Who Is the Zenbook Duo For?​

In practical terms, the ASUS Zenbook Duo is best suited for users who value multitasking and a side-by-side application workflow. It’s an excellent match for:
• Content creators and editors who require simultaneous references during their work.
• Professionals juggling multiple tasks—from spreadsheets to creative suites—who can take advantage of the extra screen real estate.
• Anyone who finds that the typical single-screen experience just doesn’t cut it for an intense, fast-paced workflow.
That said, if lightweight portability or a slimmer profile is your utmost priority, or if the dual-display feature doesn’t resonate with your use-case, there might be more traditional laptops that better suit your needs.

Final Thoughts: A Game Changer for Windows on the Go​

The ASUS Zenbook Duo represents a significant shift in how we view productivity on Windows laptops. It challenges the stereotype that Windows cannot provide a seamless, efficient experience outside of the traditional desktop environment. With its dual OLED displays, robust yet thoughtfully integrated hardware, and Windows 11’s adaptive features, it transforms multitasking into an art form.
While thermal throttling and slight extra bulk are areas to note, they do not overshadow the overall benefits of this design. In many ways, the Zenbook Duo is a statement piece—a device that dares to rethink mobile productivity, offering an experience that is both unconventional and refreshingly effective. For those willing to embrace its dual-screen interface, the result is a system that truly expands your workspace in a way that’s both inspiring and practically beneficial.
In conclusion, the ASUS Zenbook Duo isn’t just another Windows laptop. It’s a bold leap toward a future where multitasking is reimagined, and where the power of dual displays redefines what’s possible on the go. For Windows users and productivity enthusiasts alike, it’s a device that not only meets the demands of modern workflows but also opens up a new realm of creative possibilities.

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Source: XDA Developers ASUS Zenbook Duo review: My first dual-screen experience couldn't have been better