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ASUS ZenBook Duo

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ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481

The Dual-Screen Innovator

Summary

The ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481 is a 14-inch laptop primarily defined by its ScreenPad Plus, a secondary 12.6-inch touchscreen situated above the keyboard. This unique feature allows for extended workspace, multitasking, and creative input with a stylus. Under the hood, it's equipped with a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U processor, capable of handling demanding tasks, and an NVIDIA GeForce MX250 dedicated graphics card for light graphical workloads and accelerating certain applications. Coupled with 16GB of RAM and a fast 512GB PCIe SSD, this configuration promises responsive performance and ample storage for everyday use and more. The laptop sports a Full HD main display, ensuring crisp visuals.

Review

The ZenBook Duo UX481 is a laptop that sparks conversation, primarily due to the ScreenPad Plus. This secondary display is more than just a gimmick; it can genuinely enhance productivity. For users who constantly juggle multiple windows – think having email or social media feeds open while working on a document on the main screen, or using it for tools and palettes in creative applications – the ScreenPad Plus offers a seamless extension of your workspace. ASUS includes software (ScreenXpert) to help manage windows and add quick-access shortcuts on the second screen, making the dual-screen workflow relatively intuitive after a short adjustment period. It also supports stylus input, which is a boon for digital artists or note-takers.

However, the inclusion of the ScreenPad Plus necessitates a different layout for the keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard is pushed towards the front edge of the laptop, and the trackpad is a narrow, vertical strip located to the right. This takes some getting used to and can feel cramped, especially for those accustomed to a traditional laptop layout with a palm rest. For prolonged typing sessions, some users might find this less comfortable, and an external mouse is often preferred over the compact trackpad.

Performance-wise, the Intel Core i7-10510U and 16GB of RAM provide plenty of power for general computing tasks, multitasking, and even moderately intensive applications. The 10th gen i7 is a capable quad-core processor that handles everyday workloads with ease. The NVIDIA MX250 graphics card offers a step up from integrated graphics, allowing for smoother performance in photo and light video editing, as well as enabling some casual gaming at lower settings. It's not a powerhouse for demanding games or professional creative work with complex 3D rendering, but it adds useful acceleration for many tasks. The 512GB PCIe SSD ensures fast boot times and rapid application loading, contributing significantly to a snappy user experience.

The 14-inch Full HD main display is generally bright and offers good colour reproduction, suitable for both work and media consumption. The build quality of the ZenBook Duo UX481 is typically solid, with a premium feel thanks to its metallic construction. Port selection is decent for a laptop of this size, usually including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and a microSD card reader.

Battery life can vary depending heavily on the usage of the ScreenPad Plus. With both screens active and at higher brightness levels, the battery drains noticeably faster than with just the main display in use. Managing screen brightness and utilizing the ScreenPad Plus judiciously is key to maximizing unplugged time.

In summary:

The ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481 with the i7-10510U and MX250 is a compelling laptop for users who can leverage the unique dual-screen functionality for enhanced multitasking and workflow efficiency. It offers solid performance for general use and light creative tasks, along with a premium build. However, the compromises made to the keyboard and trackpad layout to accommodate the second screen are a significant consideration, and potential buyers should be aware of the impact on typing comfort and navigation. If the ScreenPad Plus aligns with your workflow and you can adapt to the input device layout, the ZenBook Duo UX481 offers a unique and potentially very productive mobile computing experience.

Overall: A innovative laptop with a genuinely useful secondary screen for multitasking, backed by capable performance for everyday tasks and light creative work, but with a keyboard/trackpad layout that requires adjustment.

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Tags : Asus duo, Laptops
Posted in: General Tech Focus

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