ASUS Zenbook Duo: A Pretty Awesome Dual-Screen Laptop

For the better part of three decades, the laptop form factor has remained stubbornly consistent: a screen on top, a keyboard and trackpad on the bottom. We’ve seen refinements in materials, thickness, and power, but the fundamental design has been a constant. ASUS, however, has been consistently asking, “What if it wasn’t?”

The Zenbook Duo isn’t a new name in the ASUS lineup, but the 2024 model feels like the definitive statement—the design they’ve been working towards all along. Gone is the half-sized second screen wedged above the keyboard. In its place are two full-size, 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreens, connected by a lay-flat hinge. Paired with a detachable, full-size Bluetooth keyboard, the Zenbook Duo is less a laptop with a second screen and more a portable, dual-monitor command center.

After spending some time with this ambitious piece of hardware, it’s clear this isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a bold glimpse into the future of mobile computing, but one that comes with a unique set of trade-offs.

The Main Event: Dual-Screen Magic & Modes of Use

The entire value proposition of the Zenbook Duo rests on its dual-display implementation, and it is genuinely impressive. Both screens are identical: brilliant 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED panels with a sharp 2880×1800 resolution and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Colors are vibrant, blacks are perfect, and they’re bright enough for most environments.

The magic happens with the detachable keyboard and a sturdy, built-in kickstand. This combination unlocks several distinct modes:

1. Traditional Laptop Mode: Place the magnetic keyboard over the bottom display, and it feels just like a regular high-end ultrabook. The keys have decent travel, and the trackpad is responsive. You’d hardly know what lies beneath.
2. Dual-Screen Mode: This is the headline act. Pop off the keyboard, flip out the kickstand, and the two screens stack vertically. This instantly gives you a massive canvas that’s a dream for productivity. You can have your research on the bottom screen and your document on top; your code on the bottom and your app preview on top; your video timeline on the bottom and your playback on top. The possibilities are endless.
3. Desktop Mode: Set the screens side-by-side (either vertically or horizontally) using the kickstand for a more traditional dual-monitor setup on the go.
4. Sharing Mode: Lay the device completely flat and mirror the top screen, allowing you to easily present to someone sitting across from you.

ASUS’s ScreenXpert software does a good job of managing windows and virtual inputs. With the keyboard detached, you can summon a virtual keyboard and trackpad on the bottom screen, which works in a pinch but is no substitute for the real thing.

Under the Hood: Specs and Performance

Our review unit was specced to handle the demanding task of powering two high-resolution displays, and it didn’t disappoint in day-to-day use.

• CPU: Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 185H with an integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI-accelerated tasks.
• Graphics: Intel® Arc™ Graphics (integrated).
• Displays: 2 x 14.0-inch, 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, 500nits HDR peak brightness, 100% DCI-P3.
• RAM: 32GB LPDDR5x.
• Storage: 2TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD.
• Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt™ 4, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x HDMI® 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack.
• Weight: 3.64 lbs (1.65 kg) with keyboard.

For productivity, coding, light photo editing, and content consumption, the Zenbook Duo is a beast. The Core Ultra 9 chews through tasks, and the 32GB of RAM ensures that even with a dozen apps spread across two screens, the system never feels sluggish.

However, the reliance on integrated Intel Arc graphics defines its limits. This is not a gaming laptop, nor is it designed for heavy-duty 3D rendering or 4K video editing. It can handle lighter creative workloads, but professionals who need raw GPU power will need to look elsewhere.

Impressions and Trade-Offs

Living with the Zenbook Duo is an exercise in appreciating its strengths while accepting its compromises. The sheer utility of having two full screens in a portable package cannot be overstated. It fundamentally changes your mobile workflow for the better. The build quality is fantastic, with a solid magnesium-aluminum chassis that feels premium and durable.

But there are trade-offs. The most significant is battery life. Powering two 3K OLED displays is a tall order for the 75Wh battery. In traditional laptop mode, you can expect a full day of use. But engage that second screen, and you’ll see your battery percentage drop significantly faster. You’ll want to keep your charger handy if you plan on working in dual-screen mode for extended periods.

The other compromise is the keyboard experience when detached. It’s a Bluetooth keyboard, meaning it has its own battery and needs to be charged (it charges automatically when placed on the laptop). It’s also very thin, which leads to a slightly hollow typing feel compared to the best integrated keyboards.

Who Is This For?

The ASUS Zenbook Duo is a near-perfect machine for a specific type of user:

• The Power Multitasker: Programmers, financial analysts, researchers, and writers who live with multiple windows and are constantly Alt-Tabbing will feel right at home. This is the ultimate mobile productivity machine.
• Mobile Creative Professionals: Photographers, social media managers, and light video editors who need screen real estate for timelines, reference material, or tool palettes will find it incredibly useful.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Anyone who loves cutting-edge technology and wants a device that is both a conversation starter and a genuinely functional piece of next-gen hardware.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Despite its brilliance, this design isn’t for everyone:

• The Road Warrior: If your primary concerns are maximum portability and all-day battery life away from a power outlet, the Duo’s weight and dual-screen battery drain are significant drawbacks.
• Hardcore Gamers & 3D Artists: The lack of a powerful discrete GPU is a non-starter for anyone whose work or play involves intensive graphics performance.
• The Budget-Conscious: This is a premium, flagship device with a price tag to match. The innovation costs a premium.
• The Minimalist: If you prefer a simple, no-fuss experience, the added complexity of managing two screens, a detachable keyboard, and different modes might be more trouble than it’s worth.

The Verdict

The 2024 ASUS Zenbook Duo feels like a watershed moment for laptop design. ASUS has successfully solved the engineering challenges to deliver a dual-screen experience that is not only functional but delightful to use. It delivers on the promise of a portable, all-in-one productivity powerhouse.

It forces a clear choice upon the buyer: are you willing to trade some battery life and accept a bit more bulk for an unparalleled boost in mobile productivity? For the right user, the answer is a resounding yes. The Zenbook Duo isn’t just a great dual-screen laptop; it’s a great laptop, period, and one that offers a tangible advantage that no traditional competitor can match.