Asus may be alienating itself in the market by producing niche laptops that carry cool aesthetics over practicality. However, the new Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 has a second screen built in front of the keyboard that is giving off some intense Cyberpunk 2077 vibes.
The ScreenPad Plus looks distinctly futuristic and comes in at the price of $3,699. Without the second screen, the Duo 15 looks like a regular high-end gaming laptop but with the pop-up screen, it’s too good to pass on. Measuring 14-inches with a resolution of 3840x1100, the screen can lift to a 13-degree angle for optimum viewing. The angle stops glare and makes for comfortable reading if you’re sitting over it and is home to additional apps and tools that function on the touchpad while displaying on the main screen.
The ScreenPad Plus can be used to hold editing toolbars if using photoshop or using Xsplit on Steam. It allows users to have the broadcast controls and video feed below the main screen. Its main function seems to be an additional platform to declutter the main screen that can be used to display various streaming controls while gaming. The laptop fans are hidden under the ScreenPad which functions as a sound barrier complete with protective screens that do not interfere with the speakers.
While the touchpad can act as a mouse, most users will find it easier to use a regular mouse as the ScreenPad does have its limitations when it comes to drag and drop. A nifty piece of software that comes with the Duo 15 is called Screen Xpert and gives users the control to manage both screens. When a window is being moved on the main screen, the software allows the user to pin that window to the touchpad or stretch it across both screens. The split-screenAsus may not work very well for games, as the lower half displayed on the touchpad is useless, but it may work well for mail or file explorer.
What it comes down to is novelty. The ScreenPad emits a wonderful glow and functionality that could make you feel like you’re surfing the web in Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City. The practicality of the second screen is debatable however and too pricey for a novelty that could wear off after an hour.
Source: IGN
