ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481FA with ScreenPad Plus: features and who it suits

The ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481FA is a 14-inch laptop with a second touchscreen above the keyboard. ASUS calls this strip the ScreenPad Plus. The idea is to give you extra screen space for multitasking without carrying a separate monitor. This page covers how the two screens work and what the other specs mean.

Two screens, one laptop

The main display is a 14-inch Full HD NanoEdge touchscreen with a glossy finish. Under it sits the ScreenPad Plus, a 12.6-inch matte touchscreen. ASUS says you can extend the main screen onto it or split windows and apps across both displays. Its description mentions a 4K secondary screen. The matte finish on the lower display typically reduces reflections.

ASUS lists several built-in tools for it:

• Quick Key: one-tap automation of complex keyboard sequences.
• Handwriting: enter text by writing.
• App Switcher, ViewMax and Task Swap: move windows and apps between the two displays.
• Task Group: open several tasks together with a single touch.

You can also drag apps or in-app toolbars onto the ScreenPad Plus to free up room on the main display.

Stylus and the ErgoLift keyboard

Both displays are multi-touch and support stylus input. ASUS says a stylus is bundled, and the lower screen gives a stable surface for writing or drawing. A separate palm rest comes in the box. It supports the ErgoLift design, in which the keyboard tilts up when the lid opens, which ASUS says makes typing more comfortable.

Processor, memory and storage

The laptop uses a 10th-generation Intel Core i7-10510U processor, with ASUS quoting 8MB of cache and boosts up to 4.9GHz. This is a low-power quad-core chip meant for everyday productivity, browsing and light creative work. ASUS cites photo and video editing and 3D rendering as tasks it can handle, though heavy projects typically run better on a laptop with dedicated graphics.

Memory is 8GB of DDR4 and storage is a 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD. NVMe drives are much faster than hard drives and make start-up and file transfers quicker. Eight gigabytes is enough for general use but can get tight with many windows open across two screens.

Sign-in, software and size

An infrared camera supports facial recognition sign-in through Windows Hello. This model ships with Windows 10 Home. The laptop measures about 12.6 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches (32 x 20 x 1.9 cm) and weighs 2.6 lb (about 1.2 kg), so it's light for a laptop with two screens. The ASUS description notes that actual USB transfer speeds vary with the host device, file type and system configuration.

Who it suits

It suits people who live in several windows at once, such as writers working with research open, traders, students taking notes and anyone who sketches or annotates. If you mainly browse and watch video, the second screen may add little, and it uses additional battery power.

What to check before you buy

• Operating system: this unit comes with Windows 10; check current support and upgrade options for your needs.
• Second-screen habits: consider whether you'd use the ScreenPad Plus tools regularly.
• Memory: 8GB is the listed amount; check the manual for upgrade options.
• Battery life: two screens draw more power, so look at the manufacturer's battery figures.
• Ports and accessories: confirm the ports, the included stylus and palm rest.
• Model and colour: this listing is UX481FA-DB71T in Celestial Blue.

The short version

• A 14-inch Full HD touchscreen laptop with a 12.6-inch ScreenPad Plus second touchscreen.
• Intel Core i7-10510U, 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD.
• Stylus input on both screens, ErgoLift keyboard and a separate palm rest.
• IR camera for Windows Hello facial sign-in.
• About 2.6 lb.

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