If you already carry a an iPad in your laptop bag, but use Windows or Linux on your laptop, you can use the iPad as an external monitor using:
- a cheap HDMI USB capture device ($5 from Temu)
- a short HDMI cable to connect that to your laptop's HDMI output
- a USB to lightning or USB to type C adapter (depending on your iPad model)
- a free app to display the UVC camera input full screen, e.g. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genki-studio/id6466343285
This isn't quite as convenient, but it's not much extra weight to throw in your bag.
A similar device is the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. The next gen model was shown off at CES and is coming out in a few months. That one also has a 180 degree hinge unlike the Asus model which can't be fully flattened. I've seen good reviews about the first gen model and might get the new one if I get a laptop this year.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/laptops/yoga/yoga-2-in-1-seri...
I have an earlier DUO model, one with the half-screen between the main and the keyboard. While shopping for a replacement for a laptop that had been dropped a few too many times, manic me bought it as a gimmick and when it arrived I feared it would just be that. I have found it genuinely useful in various ways though: during dev with various small utility tabs on the lower screen, messaging on bottom screen with full-screen video on top, smaller video and/or messaging on bottom with work on top, etc. Handy that you can easily turn it almost off too, to save battery when mobile.
I still carry a 14" external (USB3) monitor for when at a desk. The extra half-screen is still useful in those circumstances, though, just not as much so.
To make Windows11's taskbar less irritating (which it is even more so, if you can imagine that, with an extra screen under your primary) I recommend using something like ExporerPatcher or another shell improver/replacement.
Just a service announcement: you can get an external monitor that is charged and driven by a single USB-C for about $100 which weighs about a pound. Feels like it would get 90% of what I want out of a setup like this.
Looks very tied to MS Windows which is more than a little off-putting in 2024.
This is the first time in years that I've been interested in a Windows laptop.
This writeup doesn't include price, but others do, like https://www.engadget.com/the-asus-zenbook-duo-is-a-stunning-... . It starts at $1,499.
It's also just 3 pounds, which is 0.5 lbs lighter than the 14" Macbook Pro. I really like this breakdown by TechChap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzBxLYTUuK4, Dave2d's video is also good.
The thing also comes with a pen with high sensitivity.
It feels like this is priced as a loss leader for ASUS.
How's the (community provided, of course) Linux support for these niche laptops?
This would be amazing for Nintendo DS emulation
Has anyone had any luck using this form factor practically? Do the ergonomics and practicalities work out?
I've been on a Asus Zenbook for almost a year now and I must admit that I am extremely happy with it. I would seriously consider this one, if only I would have gotten used to dual screens. Since I am also using a desktop at home with a 32" 4k display I've really appreciated having everything on one screen.
For once I find myself grateful for a device probably having bad Linux support; my poor wallet would otherwise be in grave danger.
This is the first model that I’ve noticed offers the one feature that I am really looking for in a laptop: an integrated keyboard and the included screen at eye level.
Sure, that one has a first screen where the screen usually is (next to the keyboard), and that’s certainly useful. However, the possibility of not straining my neck is by far where most laptops fail. That’s why so many people use either one of those stands and separate keyboard, or a whole different screen and close and plug their laptop into a desk setup: better keyboard, sure, but it helps less than a well-positioned one; bigger screen, not sure that counts when you want to focus.
I use a separate screen from time to time (for presentation, I either need a separate viewing angle or some remote screen sharing like Zoom works better that way). However, I initially bought those to set them up higher while traveling, and it’s practically impossible to do without a heavy stand. Hotel rooms or café tables don’t have the support I need.
This model could. I’m very excited.
Let’s hope the screens are light enough, the base heavy enough and the hinges sturdy enough to hold it all upright.
I didn't see answers to this on the page, does anyone know if it can close with the keyboard on?
Also, does the keyboard charge automatically when connected? Or does it have to be charged separately?
I wish there was a commercially backed [L]Unix based OS that had a UI as nice as OSX. I would jump ship in a heartbeat. Apple's hardware is just full of whiz bang useless crap that drive prices through the roof.
The closet to fulling my dream is: https://blog.system76.com/post/cosmic-the-road-to-alpha And I truly hope it works out.
No clue why everyone is so exited about things like this. Makes no sense to me at all. 2 screens in a stupid position, both super small. I think anyone is better of with a basic laptop with big screen. Just because its something "fancy" that had never been done b4 does not mean its good, practical or makes any sense.
The screens are both forced into portrait mode for the only setup that would makes sense when stationery, its fucking stupid.
We've had 10-point touch for well-over a decade now, but I really don't see the UI paradigm for multi-use has evolved. If I lay this down flat, what apps can 2 people use concurrently like whiteboards or diagrams? Even 2 instance's on the screens won't work because I've not seen much handle multiple concurrent drag-selection. What can I plug 2 mice into and get 2 mice cursors?
Congrats to Asus. I would love to have a laptop as a laptop when I need the portability but also a screen on a stand + wireless keyboard and touchpad when I want the ergonomics.
Are there other products on the market right now that lets us detach the screen off the laptop and still use the keyboard and the touchpad wirelessly?
Hopefully it’s performance is better than it’s marketing page…
Late 2020 I got an earlier model zenbook duo(back when the bottom screen didn't tilt. For a daily driver, it's a gimmick, but pretty useful on the go. While something like this won't be replacing my daily driver, I can definitely see myself using one more frequently than I am now. The BIG problem I faced was the fact that I am a full time Linux user and getting everything working was a pain in the ass. I kinda suspect this won't be any better. Still, seeing this and the NUC[1] Asus took over a few months ago, all I can say is, good job Asus!
N.B. External screens that are flat as a pankake with hdmi ports can be got for 100€. I travel with dual screens: an aging Zenbook that is also flat as a pancake.
I expect a fair few more years from this one before an upgrade.
Top tech: highly recommended, & yes, no probs with Linux.
The setup is neat, but, does it only support Windows? That is a big no-go for me..
Not too interested in this as a Windows machine, but if it runs Linux well (which it seems like it should, being Intel with no dGPU) it’d be a neat Linux machine. When traveling recently I’ve used a 12.9” iPad in Sidecar mode with a 16” M1 Pro MBP and the combo is quite good. Will be interesting to see if having both screens integrated yields a significant advantage over having the two seaprate.
I never understood why they keep manufacturing these platform locked monstrosities. I bet no Linux distro will properly support it. Once I made a mistake and bought MS Surface Book, which now is a magnesium brick that doesn't last a few hours without a power socket. I'd rather bought an intel based desktop for that money, at least it would age better.
I find it strange to seriously consider any intel laptop these days for portable work.
Finally can make this happen: https://www.reddit.com/r/greentext/comments/9yreo3/anon_has_...
I was really tempted by this but I hesitate to move my workflow over to Windows. I hear WSL has gotten pretty good, may be worth a shot.
I just want the keyboard trackpad combo to use with my own PC/laptop. There are no such options out there.
I have an early zen book pro with a touch bar screen and although the laptop is well built I never used the touch bar screen. If I were to do it again I'd spend a bit extra and get a Mac because I find Mac's have better battery lives
Would be nicer if there is a DE on Linux that supports these fancy screen configurations.
I'd never buy an ASUS laptop. They've never made good laptops. It's not exclusive to ASUS. All 'consumer' tier laptops are cheap plastic, disposable, crapware. Business laptops are much better.
Amazing alright, I'd buy it but just bought a Surface and have had a couple of Asus laptops in the past and they don't seem to last the distance.
How about let's ZERO it?
Just a bloody portable NUC?
No monitor, no keyboard, no trackpad but in "notebook" form factor?
Does someone really find this practical?
That looks like a flimsy compromise between a real desktop setup and a practical travel computer.
I'm waiting for the Snapdragon X Elite to come out mid-2024. Probably will pick up a Lenovo.
ASUS are leading high-end laptop market
The hardware looks amazing. But I imagine from my experience with Asus that the software is subpar.
I was "meh" until I saw the 90 degree rotated dual tall screen setup. That seems genuinely useful for coding.
This is gonna be such a big deal when Apple invents it in 5 years. Can't wait for the MacBook Pro Duo.
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Imagine investing in hardware such as this, spending years to develop skill, creat art and have an ai bro steal it because that’s how everything work anyway then coming for your job. What a time to be alive.
Why does ASUS hate GPUs?
They got rid of anything above a 4070 in the 2024 models of the G series.
And this is a dual 120Hz OLED screen device powered by an Intel ARC integrated GPU?!
Does anyone else think the copy and design on this webpage are really 'blah'? "Let's DUO it" is a terrible tagline, haha.
I'm not an Apple fan, but they win by miles for stuff like this.
Vaguely related question for the gurus: are all Windows (/ Linux) laptops still hopelessly behind Macbooks in terms of speed? (since Apple announced the M1 and followups I mean)
I’m trying to figure out if a laptop like this one is worth the lower cpu speed
I just saw this in the wild, and talked with the user, who programs 3D AR/VR content.
I saw the dual screen in use with the top screen for a VR scene and the bottom screen for code. The user's interactions among the two screens and keyboard were seamless. The screen colors were vibrant and rich, even in bright light.
Based on what I saw, I would definitely try it for typical office use or even for typical website programming.
However, I saw a lot of graphics lag and chop in the VR scene rotations, and the user said the battery didn't last long enough to get through the day, so YMMV if you're considering developing 3D, AR, VR, etc.