The first try, with the Zenbook Duo, of Asus, had represented a moment of wonder; A return to this technological audacity which has long characterized the techno sector, before all the devices ended up. The second test session, with the most recent variation of this extraordinary portable computer, turned out to be a little less stunning, but came to confirm the advantages of this very effective machine.
Of course, the term duo always means that the computer is in fact a combination of two screens: the first, in the classic position, and the second embedded in the portable base. We therefore have access to two 14 -inch screens, clocked at 120 Hz and displaying a 3K resolution.
And like the last time, the removable keyboard is settling in, via small magnets, on this second screen, if you want to use the computer in “traditional” mode.
On the other hand, if we want to add a little madness, in our life, or if, more prosaic, we have enough workspace, it is enough to deploy the foot, at the back of the upper screen, and to detach the keyboard to have two superimposed screens offering a largely sufficient work zone for multitasking workers who do not want to spend their time changing.
If this configuration is the most “logical”, it is also possible to install the two screens so that they resemble the pages of a book. Unlike the previous version of the device, however, the foot at the rear does not seem to be designed for this use, even if the computer itself recognizes the new orientation of the screens and rotates the display automatically.
-Is it a binding from the previous version? Do we want to lead us to use this computer, slightly heavy by the way, as something that looks like a double tablet? Not that the thing is problematic, frankly, but the situation remains somewhat amazing.
An asset for artists?
Otherwise, this ZenBook Duo therefore shines with a thousand lights when used as a work station with two screens: just connect a keyboard via Bluetooth – for lack of space, the integrated detachable keyboard is functional, but without more -, as well as a mouse, and the turn is played.
Besides, after having used it all for several hours, it is clear that the duo largely achieves the objectives that can be set to it: it is a quick device, with high quality screens – touch screens, of course -, and which can obviously turn into portable into a turner.
Now, it is necessary to ask the age-old question: is the price worth the candle? Are we ready to spend at least $ 1,800 for a portable computer with two screens? The device will seduce the most daring, or the creators, especially those who may need more space for photo assembly, drawing, etc.
For ordinary office work, however, this portable computer is more proof of concept than a must. A moment of madness in a world unfortunately too often gray and dull.
