How we work has fundamentally shifted, with remote work becoming increasingly common. In this evolving landscape, technology that enhances productivity is paramount. Dual-screen laptops are specifically designed to optimize your workflow, whether you’re a business professional, a creative powerhouse, or a digital nomad constantly on the move. These innovative devices, also known as two-screen laptops, are built for seamless multitasking. Below, we’ll explore some compelling dual-screen laptop options and delve into their unique perks and features.
Why Choose a Dual-Screen Laptop? Unlocking Multitasking Efficiency
Dual-screen laptops, featuring two integrated displays within a single chassis, are engineered for users who demand efficient multitasking. The addition of a secondary screen provides unparalleled convenience and can significantly boost your productivity. Imagine effortlessly participating in virtual meetings while simultaneously browsing the web or managing multiple applications across two distinct displays. Say goodbye to the limitations of a single screen and the need for cumbersome external monitors – dual-screen laptops offer a perfect and highly portable solution. Innovative brands like Asus and HP are leading the charge in the dual-screen laptop arena.
Key Advantages of a Dual-Screen Laptop:
- Enhanced Referencing: Use the second screen to keep reference materials, documents, or websites readily visible.
- Optimized Toolbars and Menus: Locate toolboxes, palettes, and extra menus on the secondary display, decluttering your primary workspace.
- Simultaneous Color Correction: Ideal for creative professionals who can dedicate one screen to the main visual and the other to color correction tools.
- Eliminate External Monitors: Enjoy the benefits of dual displays without the need to carry and set up an external monitor.
- Beyond Split-Screen Limitations: Experience true multitasking without the constraints of splitting a single screen.
- Increased Comfort and Mobility: Enjoy a dual-screen setup in a portable form factor, enhancing your workflow on the go.
- Significant Productivity Gains: Streamline your tasks and switch between applications more efficiently, leading to increased output.
Furthermore, dual-screen laptops are a game-changer for creative professionals. Video editors and graphic designers can leverage the high-end components and stunning primary displays (FHD, 4K, UHD) while utilizing the second screen for timelines, tools, or previews. Even gamers can benefit, using the secondary screen for quick access to shortcuts, maps, or walkthroughs, all while maintaining an immersive gaming experience on the main display. Overall, dual-screen laptops are a powerful tool for anyone who frequently multitasks and appreciates a cutting-edge and efficient design.
Top 3 Dual-Screen Laptop Picks to Consider:
1. Asus ROG Zephyrus DUO Series: The Ultimate Gaming Dual-Screen Laptop
The original Asus ROG Zephyrus DUO 15 (GX550) set a benchmark as a top dual-screen laptop for hardcore gaming. The subsequent Asus ROG gaming laptop lineup, including models like the ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 SE, has continued to push performance boundaries with the latest-generation processors. These powerhouses often feature new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs and AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors (or newer), delivering incredibly realistic graphics. Moreover, they boast fast and vibrant displays with high resolutions and rapid refresh rates for an unparalleled gaming experience.
With their ultra-thin designs, powerful internal components, a significant secondary screen (typically a 14-inch IPS touchscreen available in FHD or UHD resolutions), and a high-refresh-rate main display (often 120Hz in UHD), the Zephyrus Duo series is an excellent choice for esports enthusiasts, streamers, creative professionals, and all types of gamers.
Key Features: Powerful CPUs and GPUs, high-refresh-rate main displays, integrated secondary touchscreen, advanced cooling systems.
2. Asus ZenBook Pro DUO: Portable Dual-Screen Powerhouse for Content Creation
Available in both 15.6-inch (ZenBook Pro DUO 15 OLED) and 14-inch (ZenBook Pro DUO 14) sizes, the updated ZenBook Duo series offers a truly portable workstation ideal for content creation and boosting productivity while working remotely.
- Asus ZenBook Pro DUO 15 OLED: This model often features high-end specifications, including up to a 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor (or newer), dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics (e.g., RTX 3070 or newer), and ample memory (up to 32GB). A key innovation is the ScreenPad Plus, Asus’s unique hinge design that tilts the secondary display upwards (up to almost 10 degrees). This provides a more ergonomic viewing angle and improves airflow, particularly beneficial for the larger 15-inch model. The primary display is typically a stunning 15.6-inch 4K OLED touchscreen with Pantone Validation and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. It’s complemented by a 14-inch UHD secondary touchscreen below it.
- Asus ZenBook Pro DUO 14: The smaller ZenBook Pro Duo 14 typically features a 14-inch FHD touchscreen (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) paired with a 12.6-inch secondary touchscreen of the same resolution. It often sports the latest Intel Core processors (e.g., Core i7 or Core i5 of the 11th generation or newer) with Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, with the option to add a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX series GPU (e.g., MX450 or newer). The refreshed ZenBook Pro Duo 14-inch models offer faster performance, a lightweight design, and potent components, including the latest Nvidia GPUs and Intel processors.
Key Features: High-resolution primary displays (often OLED), innovative ScreenPad Plus secondary touchscreen, powerful Intel processors and dedicated Nvidia graphics options, sleek and portable designs.
3. HP OMEN X 2S: Dual Screens for Gaming and Streaming
The HP OMEN X 2S is another compelling dual-screen laptop, recognized for its powerful processors and top-tier gaming performance. It often features high-performance Intel Core processors (e.g., up to 9th Gen Intel Core i9 or newer), significant RAM (up to 32GB), and powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPUs (e.g., RTX 2080 Max-Q or newer). Like the Asus ROG gaming laptops, it often incorporates advanced cooling solutions like liquid metal on the CPU to effectively dissipate heat.
The primary display is typically a 15-inch 1080p panel with a high refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz), with options to upgrade to 240Hz or a 4K HDR version. Its unique secondary screen, located above the keyboard, is a 6-inch 1080p display. This second screen offers various functionalities, such as chatting with friends on Discord or streaming videos on YouTube while gaming on the main display. It also often includes a real-time screen mirroring feature to magnify specific areas of the primary screen for better focus.
Key Features: Powerful Intel processors and NVIDIA RTX graphics, high-refresh-rate main display options, unique secondary screen above the keyboard, and advanced cooling systems.
What‘s a Dual-Screen Laptop Worth? Understanding Resale Value
If you own a dual-screen laptop and are considering selling, buyback platforms like Gadget Salvation can provide a convenient way to re-purpose it and get cash online. The value you receive will depend on the specific model and its condition.
- Example Resale Values (Illustrative):
- HP Omen X 2S 15 gaming laptop (Intel Core i9, NVIDIA RTX 2070, flawless): $736.*
- Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Series (Intel Core i9, NVIDIA RTX 2060, good condition): $881.*
- Asus ZenBook Pro Duo UX581 Series (Intel Core i7, NVIDIA RTX 2060, brand new): $713.*
Bottom Line: Embrace the Dual-Screen
While dual-screen laptops often come with a premium price tag due to their high-end components and innovative design, they offer unparalleled multitasking potential in a surprisingly light and portable package. If you’re considering upgrading to the latest Asus ZenBook Duo or another dual-screen model and wondering what to do with your older one, a laptop trade-in for cash can be a smart move. It allows you to recoup some funds to offset the cost of your new gadget while also giving your used computer a second lease on life.
*Priced 3/9/21. Subject to change.