The Taiwanese company ASUS has presented new equipment in the sector of professional notebooks. However, we must highlight the new range ZenBook Pro consisting of two models: 14 and 15 inches. And not only change the screen size, but its settings. Now, what will attract your attention the most are its trackpads. These have been baptized as ScreenPad and they function as a secondary display.
15,6 and 14 inch screens. These are the sizes of the panels that the new ASUS ZenBook Pro will use. Also, inside both models we will have an eighth generation Intel Core processor. In the 15-inch model we can include an Intel Core i9, while the 14-inch version will go up to an Intel Core i7.
Technical specifications
| ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 | ASUS ZenBook Pro 14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 15.6 inch 4K | 14 inch Full HD |
| Processor | Intel Core i9 | Intel Core i7 |
| RAM | up to 16 GB | up to 16 GB |
| Storage | 1TB 4x SSD | 1TB 4x SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1051 Ti | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Q-Max |
| Sound | Harman Kardon | Harman Kardon |
| Operating system | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Local | Bluetooth 5.0 / WiFi ac / USB-C / fingerprint reader | Bluetooth 5.0 / WiFi ac / USB-C |
| ScreenPad | 5.5-inch Full HD multi-touch | 5.5-inch Full HD multi-touch |
On the other hand, the screens will have a maximum 4K resolution in the case of the ZenBook Pro 15 and Full HD resolution in the ASUS ZenBook Pro 14. In the case of the 15-inch model, the company indicates that it has: 4-inch 15,6K UHD NanoEdge technology with PANTONE® validation, 100% Adobe RGB color space support and? E (Delta-E) <2.0 color accuracy. In the 14-inch model, on the other hand: it only indicates that the technology used is NanoEdge Full HD. What's more, the space occupied by both screens in the total area reaches 83 percent, so the frames have been reduced and this also makes its dimensions more moderate compared to other models on the market. What's more, we can tell you that neither of the two exceeds 1,8 kilograms in total weight.
Regarding RAM, the user can choose configurations up to 16GB. And we can't complain about storage either: both models will have a 4 SSD configuration that will offer 1 TB space.
As for the graphical part, the ASUS ZenBook Pro 15 will have a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti and the ASUS ZenBook Pro 14 with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Q-Max. We will also have sound signed by Harman Kardon; Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, WiFi ac and USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 profile (this only on the 15-inch model).
ScreenPad, the auxiliary screens on the trackpad of the ASUS ZenBook Pro to launch applications
Now, we come to the most striking feature of this ASUS ZenBook Pro family. And it is what they have dubbed "ScreenPad". Is about an auxiliary screen mounted on the trackpad of both models that will help the user to be more productive "Or so the company says." The invention sounds to us like the attempt to include an alternative to the "TouchBar" that we can see in the latest MacBook Pro, but with another location.
The trackpad will continue to function normally. Now, when you turn on this secondary screen - by the way, in full color - we will have a large catalog of icons with shortcuts to applications. According to ASUS 'own press release, this ScreenPad supports the following: “Currently, supports Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and YouTube applications. ». Likewise, ASUS says that it is working on the integration of new functions such as ASUS Sync., An app that allows you to control your mobile from the small screen.
Likewise, and as with Apple models, ASUS also leaves the door open for third-party developers to include new features to this ScreenPad of their ASUS ZenBook Pro. Both models will appear on the scene this year 2018. Although it is true that neither prices nor exact launch date are known yet. Of course, they will be available in two shades to choose from: Navy Blue Background or —and to continue with the fashion— in Golden Gold.