Performance: Overall this laptop's performance was Excellent. Tasks like email, word processing and web browsing will be speedy. Compared to other tested laptops, it was fast for common tasks such as web browsing and video conferencing. Applications start up quickly. It was among the fastest when composing multiple documents with images, calculating large complex data spreadsheets, and running other demanding productivity tasks, and its speed was adequate for manipulating filters on images, converting and editing videos, and rendering models and calculating simulations. In addition, demanding video games will show smooth graphics and have a quick response. With hybrid graphics, the laptop can dynamically switch to the dedicated graphics card when a performance boost is needed for demanding games or applications. Everyday tasks, like web browsing or playing videos, will default to the integrated graphics chip, which is more power efficient and can reduce noise and extend battery life.
Portability: This laptop is a Good choice for traveling, although not ideal. Battery life lasted 5.5 hours in a light load of web browsing tests, and 4.5 hours in a heavier load of 4K video playback tests. Results were sufficient to get through most of a workday of mixed use tasks, but not as notable as similar laptops. Another set of battery tests run with the second display turned on lasted 4 hours in browsing tests and 4 hours in video playback tests. At 5.5 lbs, this laptop is too heavy for a laptop of this size category.
Ergonomics: Some features of the keyboard, touchpad, and labeling, were well-designed, and were comfortable or convenient to use. The keyboard has large keys and was comfortably sized. Its high contrast letters were easy to read, and the backlighting can be useful in dark rooms. There's a dedicated number pad for faster data entry. The power button was well labeled and conveniently located. The touchpad was uncomfortably small, providing less space for gestures than most others tested. A stylus is included for use with the touch screen. The ScreenPad Plus display, NumberPad screen doubles as a touchpad and number pad can be used as an alternate input method. Friction on the touchscreen may prevent fast swiping, and fingerprints may take some effort to clean off. Testers liked the sturdy build of the chassis. The touchpad has an unconventional position to the right of the keyboard, which is an awkward placement for left-handed users. Use the added wrist rest for more comfortable typing sessions.
Display: The display quality was Excellent overall. Colors were near-accurate, and mostly realistic and natural looking. The laptop's display was brighter than most, a plus for viewing in bright indoor lighting or outdoors. The display has a wide viewing angle, especially important if more than one person needs to see the screen at a time, say, for a video or presentation. Its OLED display produces a wider array of colors and has better contrast than on most other tested laptops, which can help add realism to videos or slideshows. The main display is an OLED with 4K resolution. This Asus has a "ScreenPad Plus" screen above the keyboard, which can double as a second display or drawing pad. The "NumberPad" screen can be used as a touchpad and a number pad.
Useful features and attributes on this model include: Laptop has a touchscreen. The spacious 1TB solid-state drive offers plenty of room for storing your music, photos, and movies. The 1TB solid-state drive uses less power and accesses data more quickly than conventional hard-disk drives. You can connect common external devices such as hard drives and Blu-ray burners using Thunderbolt 3 (40 Gbps) for maximum performance. This laptop has a full-size HDMI port for connecting to an HDTV or monitor.
Downsides: There's no optical drive like a CD or DVD reader, so you'll have to buy an external drive if you need one. There is no memory-card reader, so you'll need to buy an external reader or connect your digital camera directly to this laptop to transfer photos.
