Apple NEEDS to Innovate - Zenbook PRO Duo Review

The Zenbook Pro Duo is positioned by ASUS as a high performance portable workstation that expands the desktop real estate with an additional screen above the keyboard. The reviewer emphasizes that simply adding a second screen is not enough; the hinge design and overall thermal management distinguish this model from other bulky desktop replacements. In the opening segment, the host sets the stage by promising to cover speed, specs, build quality, and real-world usage, while also handing off to a collaborator who has specialized experience with multi-monitor workflows. Early testing shows a top-tier CPU option, the Core i9-9980HK, and up to 32GB of RAM with PCIe Gen 3x4 storage and an RTX 2060 graphics solution, aiming to balance creative workloads and casual gaming. The review also highlights the cooling approach borrowed from ASUS Zephyrus, where the hinge raises the bottom for better airflow, resulting in solid sustained performance without severe thermal throttling. On the software and practical side, the built-in 4K OLED upper display is praised as a valuable addition for editors and artists, especially when used with window snapping to create quick, task-specific layouts. The co-host TarAn van Heemert shares his firsthand experience as a video editor, noting that the extra screen becomes particularly useful for bin organization in Premiere and for panel placement in Photoshop, while still acknowledging ergonomics challenges and occasional cursor issues from the touchpad. Overall, the verdict leans positive: the Pro Duo delivers a unique and premium experience with clear tradeoffs, making it a compelling option for creative professionals who value maximum screen real estate and on-the-go performance, even as Apple and others are urged to push further in innovation.

Topics · technology · computing · laptops · hardware-reviews · consumer-electronics