Dual-screen laptops have emerged as powerful tools for a variety of users, from creative professionals and business people to dedicated gamers. The addition of a secondary screen offers a unique way to optimize workflow and interface interaction. Imagine effortlessly managing work meetings, running multiple applications simultaneously, or having dedicated space for tools and references. These innovative devices often feature stunning 4K, UHD, and FHD displays, boast a ground-breaking design, and come in surprisingly portable formats.
However, before diving into the world of dual-screen laptops, there are a few factors to consider. For instance, the inclusion of a second screen might impact the keyboard size or even lead to innovative keyboard placements. While this can take some getting used to, it often contributes to the device’s overall lightness and portability. Another significant consideration is the price, as dual-screen laptops typically command a higher price point compared to traditional laptops (e.g., the Asus 14-inch ZenBook Duo, which starts around $1500).
That said, here are our top dual-screen laptop selections, catering to both office productivity and immersive gaming experiences.
1. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581: The Dual-Screen Powerhouse for Professionals
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is defined by its remarkable secondary 4K ScreenPad Plus display. This innovative dual-screen laptop from Asus is its biggest selling point and most noticeable feature. It boasts a stunning 15.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) OLED touchscreen, delivering exceptional image quality.
Furthermore, it features a unique combination of a Touch Bar and the expansive ScreenPad Plus, which can even display entire applications. The keyboard is positioned towards the front of the device’s bottom half, with the touchpad located to the right of the keyboard.
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 has powerful components, contributing to its premium price. For example, a model with a 6-core Intel Core i7-9750H processor was priced around $2,699, and another configuration featuring an 8-core Intel Core i9 9980HK processor was approximately $3,299.
Due to its dual-screen design, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 is relatively thick and heavy. It measures 0.94 x 14.13 x 9.68 inches (2.4 x 35.9 x 24.6 cm) and weighs 5.51 pounds (2.5 kg).
The specifications highlight a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, as well as multiple RAM and storage options.
Key Takeaway: The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 offers a premium dual-screen experience with a stunning 4K OLED display and powerful performance. It is ideal for creative professionals who can leverage the expansive ScreenPad Plus.
2. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX481: High Performance at a Competitive Price
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX481 provides a compelling dual-screen laptop option with strong performance at a more accessible price point. It features a 14-inch matte display with a 1080p screen and a secondary 12.6-inch panel. Due to its capable performance and solid battery life, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX481 is well-suited for video editors, creative and business professionals seeking to maximize screen real estate, and others.
The main screen boasts excellent color accuracy, a slightly more saturated profile, and a matte finish. The secondary screen occupies the upper half of the Duo’s deck, with the keyboard positioned at the front and a vertical touchpad.
Other notable specifications include an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce MX250 graphics, and Harman Kardon audio. It was priced around $1,499 and weighs 4 pounds.
Key Takeaway: The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX481 offers a more budget-friendly entry into the dual-screen world without significantly compromising performance, making it a good choice for everyday productivity and creative tasks.
3. Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15: The Ultimate Dual-Screen for Gaming
The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 stands out as a top-tier gaming laptop thanks to its efficient cooling system and exceptional gaming performance. It features an ROG ScreenPad Plus secondary display and powerful internal components designed to handle demanding AAA titles. This dual-screen gaming laptop is typically powered by a high-end Core i9 CPU, a stunning 4K display option, up to 48GB of RAM, 2TB of storage (in specific configurations), and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics.
The Zephyrus Duo 15 boasts a relatively thin and compact design. It measures 0.82 by 14.2 by 10.6 inches (HWD) and weighs less than 5.3 pounds, making it surprisingly portable for a high-performance gaming rig. It features a stylish blue-steel color with a metallic finish.
This laptop’s defining feature is its dual-screen setup. The main 15.6-inch display can be either a 4K 60Hz or an FHD 300Hz panel. The secondary display, integrated into the upper half of the keyboard deck, is a 14.1-inch 60Hz touchscreen with a resolution of 3840 x 1100. The Zephyrus Duo 15 often features an Adobe RGB color space, particularly appealing to gamers. Additionally, Asus typically provides a 90W battery for extended gaming sessions.
However, the cost can be a significant factor. The most high-end configurations, featuring a 4K screen, an Intel Core i9-10980HK processor, 32GB of RAM, 2TB (RAID 0) storage, and an RTX 2080 Super graphics card, could reach around $3,699.99.
Key Takeaway: The Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 delivers a premium dual-screen gaming experience with powerful hardware and an innovative secondary display perfect for enhancing gameplay and streaming.
4. HP Omen X 2S: Dual Screens for Immersive Gaming and Enhanced Control
The HP Omen X 2S dual-screen laptop features a primary 15.6-inch LCD panel with a FHD resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate, often compatible with Nvidia G-Sync. Its secondary screen is a 5.98-inch 1080p multi-touch display located above the RGB keyboard. This dual-screen laptop offers strong performance and dedicated graphics for an immersive gaming experience.
The model is designed for enhanced gameplay. It typically includes an Intel Core i9 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 graphics with Max-Q design. To further enhance the gaming experience, it features audio boosted by HP AUDIO BOOST 2.0 and DTS X ULTRA, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial audio cues. The device weighs 5.18 lbs and is 0.78 inches thick.
Key Takeaway: The HP Omen X 2S offers a powerful gaming experience with a unique secondary screen for real-time information, quick access to apps, and enhanced control during gameplay.
5. Lenovo ThinkBook Plus: The Innovative Multitasking on the Go
The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus takes a different approach to the dual-screen laptop concept, focusing on versatile multitasking. Its standout feature is an e-ink display integrated into the cover, allowing users to take notes directly with the included stylus. You can even sync these notes with OneNote and convert them into diagrams or text, saving time during meetings and brainstorming sessions.
Internally, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus is typically powered by an Intel 10th Gen Core i7 processor with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD with 16GB Intel Optane Memory, and Intel UHD Graphics. It has a 13.3-inch FHD main screen and a 10.8-inch e-ink display, with an estimated battery life of around 10 hours. Furthermore, it includes several security features, such as fingerprint readers integrated into the power button and a physical webcam shutter. It also often integrates the Alexa voice assistant. The starting price was around $1199.
Key Takeaway: The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus offers a unique dual-screen experience with its innovative e-ink cover, making it an excellent choice for professionals who prioritize note-taking, reading, and extended battery life in a portable design.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Dual-Screen Laptop for Your Needs
When it comes to dual-screen laptops, the ideal choice depends heavily on your primary use case and budget. For gaming enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 and HP OMEN X 2S offer powerful performance and innovative secondary screens to enhance gameplay. The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 and Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX481 are compelling options for professionals seeking to boost daily productivity. If multitasking and unique features like an e-ink display are your priority, the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus stands out.
Ultimately, carefully consider your individual needs and financial constraints before heading to the store. And if you happen to have older gadgets at home that you no longer use, visit the Gadget Salvation site to resell them. We pay cash for pre-owned electronics like PC laptops, smartphones, MacBooks, and more, providing a way to declutter and potentially fund your new dual-screen laptop purchase.
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