ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus: A Closer Look
ASUS ZenBook 17 Fold OLED is a unique product that encapsulates the innovative spirit of Asus. Envisioned to be a powerful multitasking, multi-form device aimed at professionals who require flexible tools without compromising on quality or performance.
Specifications
| Display | 17.3″ Foldable 4:3 OLED, 2K (1920 x 2880), touchscreen |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor |
| Memory | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR4x onboard memory |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD |
| Software | Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro |
| Battery and Power | 70WHr, USB Type-C (65W) |
| Other Features | Backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, IR Camera with Windows Hello |
Device Functionality and Target Users
With its innovative folding screen, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED offers unmatched portability and flexibility, functioning as both a laptop and a tablet. You can use it in different modes for different needs: folded for compactness and traditional laptop use, flat for maximum screen real estate or as a tent for presentations.
The device is designed primarily for professionals – designers, artists, software developers, editors, and even business people – who can benefit from its multiple display modes. The device’s high-quality OLED touchscreen and Asus Pen support makes it a versatile tool for artists and designers requiring a mobile yet efficient design studio.
Conclusion
While Asus ZenBook 17 Fold OLED is a state-of-the-art device that blurs the lines between tablet and laptop, it is specifically tailored to desiring power, versatility and technology convergence. The impressive set of specifications, coupled with a foldable OLED display, make this unique machine a suitable choice for demanding professionals.
Key characteristics to consider include: the flexibility offered by the folding screen, a robust Intel processor for handling demanding tasks, and the compact form factor for mobility. However, it’s crucial to consider that a premium device like this may come with a high price point. Depending on the specific needs and budget, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED could be an excellent tool for creative and business professionals alike.
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Unique Features of ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus
- Multi-form Factor: The ZenBook 17 Fold OLED allows you to switch seamlessly between laptop, tablet, and stand modes, providing a unique level of versatility not often found in traditional laptops.
- OLED Display: The laptop features a sharp, colorful, and vibrant OLED display. With a 17.3-inch panel, it is the world’s first 17-inch foldable OLED laptop.
- Enhanced Productivity: The device features the Asus Control Panel, a customisable, touch-friendly interface that enhances productivity by allowing intuitive control of creative apps.
Advantages of ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus
- Exceptional Display: The 4k OLED display provides optimum color reproduction, sharp image quality, and true-to-life visuals, making it ideal for professional photo and video editing.
- Compact Design: Despite its generous screen size, the laptop maintains a compact design, making it easy to carry and ideal for mobile professionals.
- Strong Performance: Equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED delivers strong performance, capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Precise Stylus: One of its unique features is the Asus Pen, which offers 4096 pressure levels for precise drawing and note-taking.
- Pioneering technology: This Asus model stands at the forefront of tech innovation, bringing the foldable screen concept from smartphones to laptops.
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Performance Shortcomings
- Lacking in high-performance capabilities, unsuitable for demanding tasks like heavy video editing or advanced gaming.
- The Intel Core i7 processor is not the latest, meaning it may struggle with future software advancements and updates.
- Ram capacity is limited to 16GB and is not upgradable, which could hinder multi-tasking performance.
Display Issues
- The unique foldable design can cause stretching and distortion of the image.
- Although it’s an OLED, color accuracy may compromise due to the reflective nature of the screen.
- Despite the large screen size, the 1920×1200 resolution falls short of offering a true 4K viewing experience.
Design and Build Obstacles
- The fold design, although innovative, is not sturdy enough for rough usage.
- The device is pretty heavy, weighing at 1.8 kg, making it less portable than other ultrabooks.
- The keyboard and touchpad occupy one section of the folding screen, which reduces the viewing area when unfolded.
Price and Value for Money
- With a high price tag, it’s significantly more expensive than other laptops with comparable specs.
- Despite the high cost, it lacks certain features common in its price range like biometric security and a higher-end GPU.
Battery Life Concerns
- The battery life suffers significantly when using the device in its full foldable state or high brightness level.
- It does not offer fast charging technology, meaning you will have to wait longer to fully charge the device.
/r/gadget
In the Reddit discussion about the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold Gen 2, which is anticipated to compete with the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, opinions are mixed. Some users express skepticism about the practicality of folding devices, considering them overrated or gimmicky. Issues such as potential fragility and the visible fold line are among the concerns. However, there are positive perspectives too, with certain individuals appreciating the innovative design, particularly for its potential benefits in specific scenarios like coding or academic work where screen versatility is valuable. There’s also some enthusiasm about future possibilities for folding technology if prices become more accessible. Overall, the sentiment leans slightly negative, reflecting hesitations about foldable technology’s current value despite some optimism for its future potential.
Comparative Analysis:
ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus vs. Similar Products
Comparison Criteria
- Sizes
- Cool Factors
- Price
- Performances
- Engineering and Product Design Factors
Compared Products
- ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- Apple MacBook Pro (17 inch)
- Dell XPS 17 Laptop
Sizes
| Product | Dimensions (in inches) | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus | 12.2 x 6.7 x 0.7 | 2.65 lbs |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 8 | 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 | 1.96 lbs |
| Apple MacBook Pro (17 inch) | 15.47 x 10.9 x 0.63 | 6.06 lbs |
| Dell XPS 17 Laptop | 14.74 x 9.76 x 0.77 | 5.53 lbs |
Cool Factors
- ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus: Foldable OLED display, Active Stylus support, ErgoLift hinge for comfortable typing
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Detachable keyboard, Slim and lightweight, Surface Pen and Dial compatibility
- Apple MacBook Pro (17 inch): Retina Display, Apple M1 Pro/Max chip, ProMotion technology, Long battery life
- Dell XPS 17 Laptop: Narrow bezels, High-resolution display, Powerful performance, Good thermal management
Price
- ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus: TBD
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Starts at $1,099.99
- Apple MacBook Pro (17 inch): Starts at $2,399
- Dell XPS 17 Laptop: Starts at $1,399.99
Performances
- ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus: Powered by Intel i7, 16GB RAM, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 1TB SSD
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8: Up to Intel i7, up to 32GB Ram, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, up to 1TB SSD
- Apple MacBook Pro (17 inch): Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max, Up to 64GB unified memory, Up to 8TB SSD
- Dell XPS 17 Laptop: Up to Intel i9, up to 64GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, Up to 4TB SSD
Engineering and Product Design Factors
- ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus: Unique form factor with a folding screen, space-saving design, premium metallic finish
- Microsoft Surface Pro 8: A seamless blend of tablet and laptop, signature kickstand, sleek matte finish
- Apple MacBook Pro (17 inch): Apple’s distinctive unibody design, high-quality Retina Display, Scissor Switch Keyboard, Force Touch trackpad
- Dell XPS 17 Laptop: Classic laptop design, InfinityEdge display, carbon fiber palm rest, large touchpad
Conclusion
After evaluating the features, performance, and design aspects of the ZenBook 17 Fold OLED by Asus, as an AI, my conclusion is that it represents an impressive amalgamation of technology and innovation. However, it’s important to view this device in the context of your personal needs. If you’re searching for a laptop with a robust processor, unrivaled display quality, and the versatility of a convertible, then certainly consider this offering by Asus.
However, remember that its premium features come with a matching price tag. If your daily tasks don’t demand groundbreaking specs or if budget is a constraint, there are more cost-effective options to examine. As usual, the final decision should be a well-weighed balance between need, luxury, and affordability.
As an endnote, always remember that technology, much like a Zen practice, is all about finding your equilibrium – striking the right chord between what you want, what you need, and what you can afford, so that you can walk the path of technological wisdom with serenity and satisfaction.
