Laptops

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo: A multitasker’s dream

Is the expensive price tag worth it?

Published

November 11, 2019

MJ Jucutan

I used to play MMORPGs while doing my schoolwork. Back then, I dreamed about working on a dual-monitor set up so I can multitask. Of course, my younger self won’t be able to afford a customized set up let alone convince his parents to buy one for him.

It was always a dream, given that my attention span is as short as a goldfish; moving from one task to another, wanting to do a lot of things all at once. Unexpectedly, my childhood dream reemerged when I got my hands on the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo.

Perfect Dual Display

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo was first unveiled in Taipei during Computex 2019, enthralling everyone with a stunning, dual touchscreen display. Everyone dubbed it “The Laptop of Tomorrow” since its futuristic design could be a glimpse of how laptops might look like in the near future.

The ZenBook Pro Duo prides itself with a 4K OLED touchscreen 15.6″ main display. Yes, ASUS combined a 4K clarity and OLED display to show-off how premium this laptop is. Watching any form of entertainment is a visual treat in its humongous, stunning screen. You’ll surely build a mini theater at the comforts of your own home.

Additionally, this laptop boasts its crown jewel — the ScreenPad Plus. It’s a 4K secondary touchscreen display using an IPS LCD panel. Most people were amazed when they saw me working on a dual-display laptop. Everyone was curious and mesmerized but little did they know, it’s not that glamorous. Due to its flat placement, you have to look down to see what’s going on. Honestly, it’s impossible to look and read properly without straining your nape.

On top of the problem with its viewing angle, its aspect ratio isn’t perfect. You need to open a minimum of two apps and a maximum of three to fit the screen properly. The software used in ScreenPad Plus needs a lot of improvement.

Looking at the bright side, the ScreenPad Plus is a great way to multitask. I used to open Slack to keep in touch with my colleagues while I work remotely and play either Spotify or Netflix as background noise. In some occasions, creative individuals can use the ScreenPad Plus as an extension of their workspace while working on an artwork.

One of my favorite artists, Lei Melendres, used the secondary screen to watch YouTube videos while viewing his reference photos as a drawing guide. There’s an add-on stylus, too, in case you really love drawing on your screen.

Power that’s more than what you need

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo has so much raw power, packed with impressive specs dedicated for professionals. It runs on Intel’s best Core i9-9980HK coupled with a 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD. Additionally, it’s powered by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU. Just looking at its specs can overwhelm an everyday user.

However, if you use powerful apps like Adobe, Corel, Lumion, and SketchUp, this laptop can support you in your creative pursuits. It can handle editing photos and videos, working on heavy illustrations, animations, and architectural renders.

Play games, but moderately

When it comes to performance, you can’t really say anything bad about ASUS. They really outdid themselves with this chunky, premium laptop. Designed with every power user in mind, the ZenBook Pro Duo can be enjoyed not just by content creators and professionals, but also by gamers.

I have to tell you right from the start: The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo isn’t a gaming machine for all your gaming dreams. It has a problem with cooling, despite its ErgoLift design and Cool-Air express system with five heat pipes for proper venting.

While I have no qualms playing and running multiple apps since, I’m afraid the heat could damage the sensitive components of the laptop. A lot of times, I accidentally break my laptops because of overheating.

Nonetheless, it’s still powerful enough to run Dota 2 and other graphics-intensive games but only do so for a short time. I highly suggest you play on gaming machines if that’s your jam. If you plan on streaming while playing, it has a webcam properly placed on its top bezel but as with any built-in webcams I’ve tried, it’s best to use an external camera to use for better results.

It’s not a laptop

The ZenBook Pro Duo already looks great at first glance, even more so when you test its power and performance. However, only after using it for some time you’ll see how it’s not really a laptop. It’s thick and chunky, too heavy to carry around — definitely not fit for portability.

It has poor battery life, which runs for two-to-three hours of browsing, social media, and watching videos. If you’re a power user, you need to have this laptop stationed in a spot near a power outlet. It felt like I was using a mobile PC than a laptop.

Comfort isn’t one of its strong points

ZenBooks are known for their ErgoLift design. It tilts the laptop to a comfortable typing position, which also improves its cooling and audio performance. This design is truly enjoyable, except for the ZenBook Pro Duo.

Due to the ScreenPad Plus taking a lot of space, the keyboard was pushed down to the edge leaving no room for your palms to rest. To compensate, the laptop comes with an add-on wrist rest, which is another thing to bring unless you decide to put the laptop in a dedicated work station. But even if you have the added palm rest, its keyboard is too spongey to type on.

Additionally, the trackpad was pushed to the lower right side. It’s practically useless, as it’s too small for you to use on a dual-screen laptop. It also doubles as a calculator and a number pad, which you’ll barely need.

There are a lot of improvements needed for the ZenBook Pro Duo’s functions and ergonomics. Seeing this as a first-gen product, it’s forgivable for ASUS since the laptop will only get better in the coming years.

Design and Details

The ZenBook Pro Duo is beautifully designed. It comes in a futuristic and elegant color called Celestial Blue, decorated with its iconic Zen-inspired aluminum finish, and diamond-cut edges that add subtle sophistication. Who wouldn’t be captivated by this laptop?

It feels premium in every touch. Whenever you glide your fingers, there’s this awestruck feeling of touching a glimpse of the future. To add more to its elegance, ASUS engineered Harman Kardon speakers providing decent sound quality.

But the classiness has its shortcomings, too. For a chunky and premium laptop made for creative professionals, it doesn’t have an SD card slot and contains a few ports.

It has two USB 3.1 Type-A, one Thunderbolt 3 USB Type-C, one standard HDMI slot, one 3.5mm audio port, and a DC input. Instead of adding more ports, ASUS used the sides to put vents for cooling purposes.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo has a lot of shortcomings, but it’s easily one of the best laptops today. It’s highly innovative and powerful to help you be more productive and creative. It’s an excellent laptop for creators and professionals willing to gloss over the inconveniences such as its ergonomics, poor battery life, and portability issues. After all, it can do everything you want to do, including bringing your ideas to life.

If money is no object, I would say this laptop is my GadgetMatch. However, there’s a lot more that I can buy than this laptop with a PhP 199,995 (US$ 3931) price tag. It’s expensive, but it’s a price we’ll really pay to use a futuristic laptop packed with innovations we never thought we needed.

Like I said earlier, this laptop is a first-generation product. Just like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, this is a welcome innovation. Seeing how smartphones and laptops are getting absurd and weird upgrades, it’s astonishing to see a possibility of what our future gadgets could be.

CES 2026

Spotlight: ASUS Zenbook at CES 2026

Did They Perfect the Dual-Screen Laptop?

Published

January 15, 2026

GadgetMatch

THE Michael Josh just got back from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas — the annual tech event that attracts all the biggest tech brands.

One of which is none other than ASUS, Taiwan’s biggest computing giant. They have launched the first wave of Windows laptops for 2026. There’s a full lineup — models for everyday folks, creators, and gamers.

However, we are focusing on these Zenbooks favorites the show: the updated 2026 Zenbook DUO and Zenbook A14, as well as a bigger Zenbook A16 model.

Eager to know more about them? Here’s our Spotlight on the three power-packed ASUS Zenbooks at CES 2026.

CES 2026

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept was possible thanks to TCL

Also responsible behind the foldable display of the new motorola razr fold

Published

January 8, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

At this year’s CES 2026 in Las Vegas, TCL CSOT (China Star Optoelectronics Technology) and Lenovo have further proved their long-term partnership. The newest Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept and the motorola razr fold are equipped with displays by TCL CSOT.

Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept

The continuous collaboration of the two mighty Chinese companies bring out something that has been envisioned in laptops for quite a while now.

Ever imagined of a conventional laptop with standard 16:9 display that can instantly stretch into a 21:9 widescreen monitor? Well, the Lenovo Legion Pro Rollable Concept proves it’s more than possible.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Pioneering this partnership starts with TCL CSOT’s rollable display. Dubbed as the Lenovo PureSight OLED Gaming display. From a regular 16-inch 16:9 display, it completely transforms into an ultra-wide screen — stretching between 21.5 all the way to 24 inches.

For gamers and even e-sports athletes who seek visual flexibility (literally and figuratively), the display adapts to three (3) different training phases.

Focus Mode (16 inches) for honing reflexes
Tactical Mode (21.5 inches) for enhanced situational awareness
Arena Mode (24 inches) for full-scale competitive simulation

Behind that rollable display tech by TCL CSOT lies a dual-motor, tension-based system. This not only means that the rollable display can unroll smoothly, the expansion is not just controlled, its contraction also delivers minimal vibration and noise.

There’s also a dedicated tensioning mechanism that ensures consistent tautness across the OLED panel. Low-friction materials then secures durability throughout the rolling cycle.

motorola razr fold

Finally, after a long wait, motorola finally unveils their first ever book-style foldable.

The motorola razr fold headlines TCL CSOT’s 8.1-inch 2K LTPO flexible inner display. And unlike most foldable offerings in the market today, it supports a stylus!

When closed, its 6.6-inch external display delivers the familiarity of a candy-bar smartphone. Furthermore, its sleek, striking, and slim silhouette will feel comfortable in one’s hands.

Not much has been shared but more details will soon be unfolded by motorola.

The Co-Innovation Legacy

The steady legacy of TCL CSOT and Lenovo has already delivered consumer-ready products past the convention center show floor showcase.

Those include the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i with a flexible 4K OLED display unveiled at CES 2025. Even the motorola razr 60 series flip-style foldables launched last July 2025 was not missed.

And, with the introduction of the Legion Pro Rollable Concept and the motorola razr fold, both companies continue to turn advanced display research into practical, user-focused products — setting new standards for performance, comfort, and sustainability.

With past display innovations, these newer advancements offer a more immersive viewing experience, better eye comfort, and flexiblility across various user applications.

This continuous collaboration highlights the companies shared commitment to advancing display technology and elevating the visual experience for users worldwide.

TCL CSOT’s constant strive for innovation is mainly driven by their APEX values:

A-mazing Display Experience
P-rotective of Eye Health
E-co-Friendly to build and use; and
X-Unlimited Imaginative Potential

Jun Zhao, the Senior Vice President of TCL Technology and CEO of TCL CSOT, states that the company is dedicated in providing Lenovo high-quality displays and custom diplay solutions that turn advanced technology into something “We are dedicated to providing Lenovo with high-quality, custom display solutions that turn advanced technology into everyday excellence, and

He also says “they look forward to exploring new frontiers together.”

Editors' Choice

Favorite Laptops of 2025

This year had some hidden gems.

Published

December 23, 2025

GadgetMatch and Luigi Leonardo

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

The mystique of laptops has not abated since the pandemic. Portable PCs are still finding niches in today’s market. Whether you need an on-the-go office machine or a plug-and-play gaming rig, there is a laptop out there for you. This year is no different. As the year closes, it’s time to show some love to our Favorite Laptops of 2025.

ROG Zephyrus G14

As a gaming laptop, the ROG Zephyrus G14 brandishes a lot of the industry’s most powerful hardware. Shining with only a little more accoutrements as a MacBook, this notebook is sleek but a force to be reckoned with under its aluminum chassis.

We described the Zephyrus G14 as a laptop’s equivalent of “quiet luxury”; it doesn’t stand out, but anyone who knows the brand will give you a silent nod of approval. As part of the premium luxury segment, it does have a pretty high price tag, but that’s about the only thing that stops this laptop from being an immediate buy. Everything else is perfect.

Apple M5 MacBook Pro

Before the year ended, Apple dropped a surprising bombshell for its fans. The M5 MacBook Pro brings out a more powerful processor for Apple’s notebook segment. A premium alternative to the M4 MacBook Air, the notebook is “Pro but without the overkill.”

Obviously, it’s not for everyone. But, to those who need an additional jolt of power, the M5 MacBook Pro delivers everything you need and more.

Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition

If you’ve dabbled in notebooks over the past decade, you should recognize Lenovo’s Yoga lineup. The 2-in-1 notebook popularized foldables before foldables were even a thing. With a 360-degree hinge, users can fold the notebook back into a tablet and vice versa.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i Aura Edition is the perfection of this technology, infused with today’s hardware. It’s not a perfect laptop or a perfect tablet, but if you need both, this notebook saves you the hassle of shopping for two separate devices. It’s a great deal.

ASUS Gaming V16

A robust gaming rig might be one of the most expensive things you can spend on today, especially because of rising RAM prices. Thankfully, being a gamer doesn’t have to be just as pricey. The new ASUS Gaming series brings decent gaming performance for a fraction of the price.

The ASUS Gaming V16 is your gateway drug to portable gaming. Starting at only PhP 59,995, the notebook offers users a taste of what the gaming world can do. It has a decent Intel Core 5 chipset and an RTX 40 series GPU. Plus, with a 63Whr battery, it’s built for grinding.

Apple M4 MacBook Air

If the MacBook Pro is too much power for you, this year’s M4 MacBook Air might fit your needs more. Though it doesn’t have Apple’s latest chipset, it’s still a decent all-around notebook for everyday use.

Because it doesn’t have the most robust hardware, the new MacBook Air is a master of portability. Even if it came out in the first quarter of this year, we were quick to call it one of the best laptops of 2025. As the year winds down, we’re still not taking away that distinction.

Lenovo Legion Go S

In the strictest sense of the word, the Legion Go S technically is not a laptop. Hear us out, though: Being a Windows-powered device, the handheld gaming device can act like a notebook in a pinch. Most importantly, it deserves some love as a computer, too.

For those who were expecting more traditional laptop fare, here’s a refresher: The Legion Go S is a portable gaming device that’s shaped like a Nintendo Switch. One version comes with Windows and can do much of what a laptop can do. Though it doesn’t have a standard keyboard, the power lurking underneath earns it a spot on this list.

ASUS Zenbook A14

There’s only so many ways you can differentiate a laptop from another, while keeping its essence as a notebook intact. In the case of the Zenbook A14, beauty takes center stage. Yes, it looks like any run-of-the-mill notebook, but it will still feel like one of the most premium devices you’ve ever touched.

The notebook sports ASUS’s iconic Ceraluminum which gives the Zenbook A14 a smooth, tactile finish that feels great to lug around. Plus, it weighs only 899 grams, making it handy for portability. If that’s not enough, the PhP 65,996 price tag is so affordable for its quality.