Most of us have wanted large screens on our laptops, and it looks like the Asus Duo 14 might fulfil this. Two screen laptops are a thing now and manufactures are trying out the concept. However, Asus has invested the most in this idea by delivering the ZenBook Duo series of laptops. It has now launched the ZenBook Duo 2021, the latest in the Duo series. The first models were more like concepts but the 2021 model knocks off all the errors of the past, while bringing major performance improvements.
The Asus ZenBook Duo 2021 has a 14-inch (1,920 x 1,080) touch display paired with a 12.6-inch (1,920 x 515) touchscreen. Asus likes to call the second screen, ScreenPad Plus. Windows treats it as a second screen letting you drag windows from one screen to other. The Asus ScreenXpert 2.0 software can automatically resize up to three windows on the ScreenPad to fit evenly across it. This means you can run Spotify, Chrome tabs or photos while taking notes on the primary screen. There is also a dedicated button above the touchpad that lets you move windows up and down.
The ScreenPad can also be of great advantage for media professionals. Asus has worked with Adobe to create custom controls for Premiere, Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and After Effects for the second screen. It makes media creation work easy, by offering shortcuts to users. Asus also includes a stylus on the higher-end model that gives you even more precise controls while using software such as Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, and Procreate.
Asus also has a bunch of utilities for the ScreenPad Plus. For example, you can launch a number pad while using Microsoft Excel or tap the second screen with three fingers to turn it into a giant trackpad. The ScreenPad also comes with a hinge, that can raise the screen by 7 degrees. It positions the screen better, while also improving the airflow to keep the laptop cool.
The ZenBook Duo 14 qualifies as an Intel Evo system. Evo is a replacement for Intel’s Project Athena, and it meets a list of requirements that ensure portability and peak usability of the new generation of Intel processors. The device is available in three variants. The entry-level model (KA501TS) runs on the 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 paired with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This model comes with Intel Iris Xe graphics that offer major performance improvements over the last year’s integrated graphics solution. The mid-range model (KA521TS) has 16GB of RAM, and it comes with the Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics card. This configuration will easily let you run media creation tools and games.
If you are looking for absolute performance, the high-end (KA711TS) variant with Intel Core i7-1165G7 will suit your needs. The device has an Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics card, 16GB of RAM with 1TB of SSD. The ZenBook Duo 14 also promises up to 17 hours of battery life. The device has a 70Wh battery, and it ships with a 65W charger, so the charging times should be minimal.
The ZenBook Duo 14 is a futuristic-looking laptop, and despite having dual screens, it is fairly light. Asus has also managed to shave down the screen bezels which allows fitting a 14-inch laptop on a smaller chassis. Its overall thin and light design means you can easily carry it for hours in your backpack or sling bag. The device is made of magnesium alloy, and there is also MIL-STD 810H certification, so there are no concerns about durability. The laptop’s lid has a brushed radial design around the Asus logo which adds to the premium look. The bottom of the display lid uses the Asus Ergolift design that lifts the laptop by a few inches for a comfortable typing position. The device is available in Celestial Blue colour.
The ZenBook Duo 14 has all the ports you need. It comes with a USB 3.2 Type-A port for connecting peripherals. There are two USB Type-C ports for connecting up to two 4K and an 8K external monitor. These ports also allow ultra-fast data transfer, and you can also use them to charge the device. The device also has a microSD card slot that comes in handy while transferring data from action cameras and smartphones. The device is also pretty strong in terms of wireless connectivity. It comes with Wi-Fi 6, which puts less stress on the battery while also offering better connectivity than older Wi-Fi standards. There is also Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting external mice, keyboard and audio devices.
The ZenBook Duo 14 2021 will surely turn heads, no matter where you use it. The device’s futuristic design isn’t just a gimmick, it offers lots of flexibility and functionalities to users. It’s a completely different laptop that’s surely worth the attention. If you have made your mind to buy one, head on to www.reliancedigital.in to have it home delivered or visit your nearest Reliance Digital store to have a hands-on experience of the product.
