Inarguably, the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo was the star of the ASUS’s outing at Computex 2019. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t other exciting announcements at the conference. One great piece of news announced by the company was bringing a new and improved ScreenPad to the ZenBook line and, for the first time, the VivoBook line as well.
ScreenPad 2.0, as it’s being called, adds an improved interactive secondary screen to these laptops with a smartphone-like interface for better task management and more multitasking options. The 5.65-inch touchscreen housed where the trackpad now runs on the new ScreenXpert software. It comes with ASUS utilities designed to boost productivity. These include Quick Key for one-tap automation of complex keyboard sequences; Handwriting for natural text input; and Number Key for rapid data entry.
Third-party developers can now use the ASUS API to optimize the software and user experience for the ScreenPad. It’s also now more energy efficient than its predecessor. With the ScreenPad in use, ASUS claims the laptops now last 2.5 times longer.
And this new ScreenPad is making its way to the ZenBook 13 (UX334), ZenBook 14 (UX434) and ZenBook 15 (UX534) as well as the VivoBook S14 (S432) and VivoBook S15 (S532) models.
The new ZenBooks feature the company’s four-sided frameless NanoEdge display that promises up to a 95 percent screen-to-body ratio, which ASUS boasts has the most compact footprint in their respective classes. These laptops are powered by up to 8th-generation Intel Core i7 quad-core processors, up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q graphics, 16GB of RAM, ultrafast PCIe SSDs, gigabit-class Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.
The company was able to pack in these specs into smaller footprints, thanks to that frameless NanoEdge display. The same display that promises you an immersive viewing experience with less visual distraction.
Staying true to ASUS’s design language, you get the Zen-inspired spun-metal finish on the lid with Royal Blue anodized finishes, gold lid logos, and contrasting Rose Gold trim bar. It also features the ASUS ErgoLift hinge design that automatically tilts the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience as well as offer better cooling for the laptops.
For the younger, more style-savvy users, the VivoBook gets an upgrade in terms of specs and design. The VivoBooks come in five unconventional color-blocking finishes available in Moss Green, Punk, Pink, Cobalt Blue, Transparent Silver, and Gun Metal. Each comes with accents that add a bit more personality to these laptops. For the first time, ASUS adds the VivoBook logo on the lid. These have more tactile textured finishes and feature twill-inspired vents and Harman Kardon- speakers on the underside of the chassis. These also get the ErgoLift hinge for a better typing experience.
The new VivoBooks also get frameless four-sided NanoEdge displays with up to 88 percent screen-to-body ratio. These laptops run on up to Intel Core i7 processors, NVIDIA GeForce MX250 discrete graphics, and up to 1TB PCIe SSD. Aside from being the first VivoBook models to have infrared cameras and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connectivity.
ASUS was also able to shrink down the chassis for the VivoBook S14 and S15. Weighing in at just 1.4kg and 1.8kg, respectively, these laptops can easily slip into the bags of on-the-go users.
We have no word on local availability and price at this time.
