Asus Zenbook Duo 2024

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Asus’s new Zenbook Duo 2024, a dual‑screen Intel laptop with detachable keyboard, is drawing interest as a portable way to get a full dual‑monitor coding or productivity setup without extra stands and cables. Commenters are split between enthusiasm for the form factor and skepticism about practicality, citing battery life, graphics performance (no dGPU), Asus build/software quality, Windows lock‑in and likely weak Linux support. Many note that cheap USB‑C portable monitors or iPad/Sidecar setups already cover most multi‑screen needs, while others see this and Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i as the start of a viable new laptop category.

Overall Reception & Hardware

  • Many find the hardware/form factor exciting, especially for portable dual-screen workflows and coding with stacked tall screens.
  • Some users report long-term satisfaction with older Asus laptops; others say Asus devices don’t “last the distance” or feel flimsy vs. premium competitors.
  • Marketing page is criticized as slow/buggy, but independent video reviews linked in the thread are largely positive.

Dual-Screen Use Cases & Ergonomics

  • Strong appeal for:
    • Coding (code on one screen, docs/logs/terminal on the other).
    • AR/VR and 3D work (scene on one, tools/code on the other).
    • Office workflows (PDF + editor, chat + IDE, tax docs + software).
  • Vertical stacked mode is seen as especially useful; some appreciate having the top screen at closer-to-eye level to reduce neck strain.
  • Concerns: keyboard can’t be split; hinge strength and long-term stability are unknown; battery life with two 120Hz OLEDs likely limited.

Performance, GPU & Battery

  • This model uses Intel integrated graphics; some question pairing high-refresh dual OLED with no discrete GPU.
  • Defenders argue it targets productivity, not gaming or heavy GPU/LLM work, and that thermals and thickness preclude high-end GPUs.
  • Reports of lag in VR content and short battery life for heavy 3D workloads; uncertain how much is pre-release driver optimization vs. limits of iGPU.

OS, Linux & “Platform Lock”

  • Several are wary of Windows bloat/ads and want Linux support.
  • Past Zenbook Duo/Linux experiences described as “painful” to get fully working; many assume this niche hardware will be similarly tricky.
  • Some see lack of good Linux support as the only thing saving them from buying one.

Comparisons & Alternatives

  • Frequent comparisons to hypothetical future Apple dual-screen/foldable MacBooks, with debate over Apple’s “reinventing” existing ideas vs. doing them “right.”
  • Lenovo Yoga Book 9i cited as the main existing dual-screen competitor; some say it feels more premium, others prefer Asus’s integrated kickstand and touchpad keyboard.
  • Many point out a cheap, light USB‑C portable monitor (often ~14–17", sometimes 4K/OLED) plus a normal laptop can achieve “90%” of this setup for far less money, albeit with more cables and setup hassle.