Asus Zenbook Fold 17 Review: Foldable Future or Flawed Fold?

The Asus Zenbook Fold 17 represents a bold step into the future of computing․ It’s a device that challenges conventional laptop design, offering a unique foldable experience․ But does it succeed in delivering a truly usable and practical alternative to traditional laptops? We spent considerable time with the Zenbook Fold 17 to delve into its strengths and weaknesses, and this comprehensive review will detail our findings․ Ultimately, the question remains: is this the foldable PC we’ve all been waiting for?

Table of Contents

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that strikes you about the Zenbook Fold 17 is its impressive build quality․ Asus has clearly prioritized durability, using robust materials that feel premium to the touch․ The 17․3-inch OLED display folds seamlessly, with a satisfying click when it snaps into place․ The hinge mechanism is incredibly smooth and shows no signs of weakness, even after extended use․ The device feels substantial and well-made, reassuring its owner of its lasting power․ This is a device that’s clearly built to last․

The exterior is a sleek, understated design, avoiding unnecessary embellishments․ This minimalistic approach allows the technology itself to be the star․ The subtle branding adds a touch of sophistication without being overly flashy․ The overall aesthetic is one of refined elegance, setting it apart from more boisterous competitors․

Screen Quality

The 17․3-inch OLED display is truly breathtaking․ The colors are vibrant and accurate, the contrast is exceptional, and the resolution is sharp enough to handle even the most demanding tasks․ Whether you’re watching a movie, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, the screen delivers an immersive and enjoyable visual experience․ The brightness levels are also impressive, making the screen easily readable even in bright sunlight․ Moreover, the touch response is accurate and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience․ It’s a display that truly elevates the entire device․

Performance and Functionality

The Zenbook Fold 17 is powered by a potent Intel processor, coupled with ample RAM and storage․ This combination ensures smooth performance even when multitasking with demanding applications․ We tested the device with various tasks, including video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming, and it handled everything with ease․ There were no noticeable lags or stutters, even when running multiple applications simultaneously․ The speed and responsiveness are commendable, proving this device is no slouch․

The keyboard, when unfolded, is surprisingly comfortable to type on․ The keys have good travel and feedback, allowing for efficient and accurate typing․ The touchpad is spacious and responsive, providing a seamless alternative to using an external mouse․ However, the keyboard’s position when folded might be slightly cramped for some users․ The keyboard’s tactile feedback is excellent, making extended typing sessions less tiresome․

Software and User Experience

Asus has done a great job optimizing the software experience for the unique form factor of the Zenbook Fold 17․ The multitasking features are particularly impressive, allowing you to effortlessly switch between applications and utilize the dual-screen functionality․ The software seamlessly adapts to the different modes of the device, whether folded or unfolded․ This adaptability is a testament to the thoughtfulness of the design and functionality․

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is a crucial aspect for any portable device, and the Zenbook Fold 17 delivers respectable performance in this area․ On average, we were able to get a full workday of use on a single charge, which is commendable considering the device’s powerful specifications and impressive display․ However, heavy usage, such as intensive gaming or video editing, will naturally drain the battery more quickly․ The battery life is consistent with similar devices in its class․ The charge time is also fairly quick․

The Zenbook Fold 17 offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 4 support, and Wi-Fi 6E․ This ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and accessories․ The connectivity options are abundant and future-proof, allowing for flexibility and seamless integration with other devices․ The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 is particularly noteworthy, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities․

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Exceptional build quality and premium design․
Stunning 17․3-inch OLED display with vibrant colors and high resolution․
Powerful performance, handling demanding tasks with ease․
Comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad․
Excellent battery life for a device of this size and power․
Comprehensive connectivity options․

Weaknesses:

Relatively high price point․
Keyboard can feel cramped when folded․
Weight can be cumbersome for extended periods of carrying․

The Verdict

The Asus Zenbook Fold 17 is a groundbreaking device that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with a foldable PC; While it’s not without its minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses․ The stunning OLED display, powerful performance, and excellent build quality make it a compelling option for users seeking a unique and innovative computing experience․ The device is undeniably expensive, but the premium design and robust features justify the cost for those who value quality and innovation․ This is a device that represents a significant step forward in foldable technology․

It’s a device that deserves serious consideration from professionals and power users alike․ The combination of portability and power makes it an ideal choice for those who need a versatile and adaptable machine․ The overall user experience is smooth and intuitive, enhancing the device’s practical utility․ The Zenbook Fold 17 is not just a technological marvel; it’s a testament to Asus’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of laptop design․ Its future-forward design establishes it as a leader in this emerging market segment․