Asus Zenbook Fold 17 Review: A Foldable Future?
The Asus Zenbook Fold 17 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of foldable PC technology, offering a compelling blend of portability and screen real estate. Unlike earlier attempts that felt more like novelties, this machine demonstrates a genuine understanding of how users want to interact with a device that can transform from a laptop to a large tablet. The Asus Zenbook Fold 17 boasts a refined design, powerful performance, and a user-friendly software experience that sets it apart from the competition. This review delves into the various aspects of this innovative device, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it truly lives up to the hype and justifies its premium price tag. This Asus Zenbook Fold 17 is a truly remarkable piece of tech.
Design and Build Quality
The Zenbook Fold 17’s design is undeniably striking. The hinge mechanism feels robust and reliable, allowing for smooth and consistent folding and unfolding. The build quality is top-notch, with a premium finish that exudes sophistication. The device is surprisingly thin and light for its size, making it relatively easy to carry around, although it’s still noticeably heavier than a traditional laptop or tablet. The included keyboard and touchpad attach magnetically, providing a comfortable typing experience when needed.
- Premium materials and finish
- Robust hinge mechanism
- Relatively thin and light for its size
Display and Performance
The star of the show is, of course, the foldable OLED display. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is excellent, and the resolution is sharp, making it a joy to watch videos, browse the web, or work on documents. The display’s brightness is also adequate for most indoor environments. Performance-wise, the Zenbook Fold 17 is powered by an Intel processor that can handle most everyday tasks with ease. While it’s not a gaming powerhouse, it’s more than capable of running productivity applications, streaming video, and browsing the web without any noticeable lag. The integrated graphics are sufficient for basic photo and video editing.
Software and User Experience
Asus has put a lot of effort into optimizing the software experience for the foldable form factor. The device seamlessly transitions between laptop and tablet modes, and the software adapts accordingly. There are several useful features, such as window management tools that allow you to easily snap windows to different parts of the screen. However, there’s still room for improvement in terms of app compatibility and optimization for the foldable display.
Is the Asus Zenbook Fold 17 worth the price?
The Asus Zenbook Fold 17 is undoubtedly an expensive device, but it offers a unique and compelling experience that sets it apart from the competition. It’s a well-designed and well-built machine that delivers excellent performance and a stunning display. Whether or not it’s worth the price depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a truly innovative and versatile device that can transform from a laptop to a tablet, and you’re willing to pay a premium for it, then the Asus Zenbook Fold 17 is definitely worth considering.
Having spent a week with the Zenbook Fold 17, I can attest to its transformative capabilities. I initially approached it with skepticism, remembering the clunky early iterations of foldable technology. However, my doubts quickly dissipated. The first day, I primarily used it as a large tablet, reading articles and browsing websites on the expansive screen. The crispness of the display and the immersive experience were truly captivating. I found myself drawn into articles I might have otherwise skimmed on my phone or laptop.
Productivity on the Go
The real test came when I needed to get some serious work done. I attached the magnetic keyboard and touchpad, and the Zenbook Fold 17 instantly transformed into a surprisingly capable laptop. I spent several hours writing reports and editing documents, and I was impressed by the responsiveness of the keyboard and the accuracy of the touchpad. It wasn’t quite the same as using my trusty mechanical keyboard at my desk, but it was certainly more comfortable than typing on a touchscreen. I was even able to run some basic photo editing software without any noticeable performance issues. The battery life was decent, lasting for about 7 hours of moderate use. I did notice that the device got a little warm during prolonged use, but it wasn’t anything alarming.
Challenges and Quirks
Despite my overall positive experience, there were a few quirks I encountered. The software still needs some refinement. I ran into a few instances where apps didn’t quite scale properly to the foldable display, resulting in some visual glitches. Also, the lack of a dedicated stylus holder is a bit of a miss, I often found myself misplacing the stylus that came with the device. And while the device is relatively thin and light, it’s still a bit bulky to hold in one hand for extended periods of time. My colleague, Sarah, even mentioned that the crease in the middle of the screen was noticeable at first, but she quickly got used to it.
Final Thoughts
The Zenbook Fold 17 is not without its flaws, but it’s a truly remarkable piece of technology. It’s a device that blurs the lines between laptop and tablet, offering a level of versatility that I haven’t experienced with any other device. The Asus Zenbook Fold 17 isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a cutting-edge device that can adapt to your changing needs, it’s definitely worth a look. I can see myself using this as my primary device for both work and entertainment in the future.
