In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, ASUS emerges once again as a trailblazer with the ZenBook DUO (2024) UX8406. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to delivering unparalleled performance, this laptop redefines what it means to be productive on the go without compromising on power or functionality.
You might recall that for the last few years the Duo has been a full sizes laptop screen with a half sized screen at the top of the keyboard. This was incredibly useful especially in programs like the Adobe suite. Now the Duo has had a makeover and includes two full 120htz 14” OLED displays and a multitude of ways to apply them to your setup.
Laptop mode is when you cover the bottom screen with the magnetic lock keyboard to work in a more traditional way. This is a single screen use and is great for basic tasks and working on your lap or in a cafe type environment. The real surprise here is when the components are shut its still quite a thin profile considering everything that is going on in there. You would think adding a whole extra screen to the setup would make it really thick, but ASUS are using the tech advancements at their disposal to the fullest.
There’s a Duo mode that bypasses the included keyboard and instead uses a virtual keyboard on the lower half of the bottom screen creating a look similar to the original Zenbook Pro Duo. A handy feature but not a favourite of mine as the virtual keyboard just felt too weird to use for long periods.
Dual Screen mode is undoubtedly the hero of the device. Using the hinge stand at the back of the main displays and detaching the keyboard is where the options really open up. You can put them on the side open in a book type display for desktop mode or stacked upward which was my preferred use case 80% of the time. You can even fold it over to share your screen with someone sitting across from you or even lay it flat on the desk for a similar use case.
It would be easy to dismiss this as a dual screen tablet, but that would be seriously underplaying the power and sophistication of this beast. The components are so well integrated that even when they are separated they never feel like they are simply add ons.
Apart from the display a lot of this comes down to the keyboard section that is seamlessly attached and detached. While it is connected to the main pc it uses the small pins it locks on to for charging. When it is detached, it never feels like those cheap Bluetooth keyboards you can get. The keystrokes actually feel as comfortable and solid as a full-size keyboard and even though there’s a bit of flex when using it on a desk it’s really an impressive piece of tech. They’ve even managed to get some backlighting in there which is impressive.
Performance Beyond Expectations
Despite its ultra-compact form factor, ASUS’s focus on performance shines through in the Zenbook DUO. Powered by the latest generation of Intel processors, including the formidable Core Ultra 9 H-series, paired with up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a lightning-fast 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, this laptop effortlessly handles demanding tasks with grace and efficiency.
As a gaming machine it wouldn’t be my first choice but it’s all dependent on the types of games you want to play. If you mainly play titles like Fortnite or Rocket League, you’ll be set with the device and the dual screen can come in handy as well. It will run nearly anything, but you might have to make sacrifices with display settings on some of the more powerful titles. I certainly didn’t have any issues with anything I tested on it and spent some time playing Marvel’s Spider-Man which looks unbelievable on these displays.
Unmatched Battery Life and Rapid Charging
The Zenbook DUO ensures that productivity isn’t hindered by a short battery life. With its long-lasting 75 Wh battery, users can stay productive for up to 8 hours on a single charge. Moreover, the rapid charging capabilities are truly impressive, with a 60% charge level achieved in just 49 minutes. This is complemented by an eco-friendly extended lifespan, supporting up to 20% more charging cycles than its predecessors.
The keyboard when detached can last around 24 hours and you can also see the battery level with ease via the on screen app.
Efficient Cooling for Optimal Performance
To maintain peak performance without throttling, ASUS has implemented an advanced cooling system in the Zenbook DUO. The addition of a heat spreader between the motherboard and the OLED panel allows the CPU and GPU to operate at up to a 35 W combined TDP, ensuring smooth performance even during intense workloads.
Connectivity Without Compromise
In terms of connectivity, the Zenbook DUO’s 14.6 mm-thin chassis boasts an impressive array of ports, including two Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, an HDMI® 2.1 (TMDS) port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. This means users can stay connected without the need for bulky docking stations or multiple adapters. I seriously thought we were starting to see the end of the audio jack but I’m happy that companies are sticking with it as all my favourite headphones still connect old school.
Privacy and Security
Privacy and security are paramount in today’s digital landscape, and the Zenbook DUO prioritizes both. With features like a camera privacy shield and fast, password-free face login powered by Windows Hello Infrared (IR) camera, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing their data is secure.
AI Integration for Enhanced User Experience
Everything is AI these days, its the buzz word to use on anything “automatic” so while the devices aren’t sentient yet companies like ASUS are recognizing the growing importance of AI type technology. ASUS has integrated AI functionality into the Zenbook DUO to enhance the user experience. The Intel Core Ultra processors feature Intel’s first integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), delivering low-latency AI computing for multitasking and powering AI-enabled applications with ease.
Availability and Pricing
The ASUS Zenbook DUO (2024) UX8406 is now available in Australia priced at $3,999 AUD. It’s a significant cost but when you think about the dual screens and versatility of the device it makes sense.
There’s no doubt in my mind that ASUS Zenbook DUO (2024) UX8406 has set a new standard for portable computing, seamlessly blending performance & functionality into a sleek and stylish package that boasts that “WOW” factor. Whether you’re a professional on the go or a creative, this laptop is adaptable to be used the way you work best and exceeds all expectations.
