ICYMI: See ASUS ‘new dual-screen laptop in action

Post-CES time can be slow for tech reviews, but this week we were able to check out upgraded devices from ASUS and Nikon. ASUS recently released the second version of the ZenBook Duo, which features a redesigned dual display and software that takes advantage of its unique design. We also spent time with the Nikon Z7 II, which is the successor to the Z7. This newer shooter has improved some basic features like battery life and autofocus, and it has 4K 60p video and 5-axis stabilization.

Devindra Hardawar was thrilled to see the upgrades ASUS brought to the second iteration of her . The 2021 model received a power boost, a slanted second screen, and a software redesign that takes more advantage of the two screens. The new laptop has both a 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution main screen and it also has a 12.6-inch ScreenPad Plus that sits right above the keyboard. The ScreenPad Plus lifts slightly when the laptop is open and Devindra has found it very useful for running apps like YouTube or Spotify in the background while working on the main screen.

However, there is a tradeoff with this feature: the cramped keyboard and trackpad. While Devindra thought the keys offered a decent amount of travel and feedback, the keyboard was uncomfortable to use without a wrist rest, and the trackpad was pushed to the right with little room for multitouch gestures. But with an 11th gen Intel Tiger Lake processor, more powerful integrated graphics, up to 32GB of RAM, better port selection, and a lower starting price of $ 999, the laptop has consistently won the Best of CES award. on our side.

Likewise, Steve Dent found some interesting improvements in . Successor to the Z7, this camera has better autofocus, 4K 60p video, 5-axis stabilization, longer battery life and good image quality. Steve liked the sturdy build as well, saying the Z7 II is “a tank” and felt comfortable carrying it wherever it went. At $ 3,000, it’s also on the lower end of the price scale for a full-frame high-resolution mirrorless camera.

However, the upgraded Z7 II lacks in a few areas compared to its rivals. It doesn’t support 10-bit internal video recording, it has low-resolution EVF, medium shooting speeds, and a screen that only tilts. Steve felt he couldn’t compete with the Sony A7R IV on resolution, image quality or shooting speeds, and it also couldn’t keep up DSC R5 in terms of autofocus and video capabilities. But the Z7 II comes at an affordable price – it’s significantly cheaper than these other two models, and it still produces crisp images, pleasing colors, and performs well in a variety of photographic situations.