Last week at CES 2024, ASUS showcased an impressive lineup of consumer business, school, and gaming laptops. The multifaceted Taiwan-based multinational computer hardware and consumer electronics company featured new laptops embracing AI, processing power, record breaking battery life, and eye-popping design and function. Some of the newer products will be available in the next few months.
Zenbook Series
Undoubtedly, the showstopper is the new Intel Certified Intel Zenbook DUO (2024) UX8406, a multi-faceted 1.35 kg dual-screen laptop that’s an AI-powered 14-inch dual-screen laptop. With a detachable wireless keyboard and built-in kickstand, this versatile laptop offers up to a massive 19.8-inch workspace when fully opened, and it can be easily configured in a variety of practical and convenient modes. This includes traditional laptop mode or screen mode, the latter featuring two angled screens on a table stand with full keyboard at the bottom.
The dual full-size up to 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED 16:10 displays are joined by a lay-flat 180° hinge to instantly expand the visual workspace to Laptop, Dual Screen, Desktop, or Sharing — controlled by smart gestures via the intuitive ASUS ScreenXpert software.
It’s powered by an Intel Evo Edition Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI acceleration, 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory, up to a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, a long-lifespan 75 Wh battery, and a Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos audio system. The MIL-STD-810H military-grade standard ensures long-life use.
Zenbook Duo (2024) UX8406 will be available via the ASUS eShop starting from February 2024 in Canada, as well as in ASUS selected retail partners. Its version boasting the Intel Core Ultra 7, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of SSD storage, and dual 2K OLED 120 Hz panels will be available at $2,199. Zenbook Duo will also be available with an IntelCore Ultra 9, 32 GB of RAM, 1 TB of SSD storage and dual 3K OLED 120 Hz panels will be available at CA$2,499 later in 2024.
All eyes were on the new premium ultraportable Evo Edition Intel-powered Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) and AMD-powered Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406), which deliver the signature elegance, sophistication and optimized performance. Features like military-grade durability, 15+ hours, 75Wh battery, AI Enhanced Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor, Intel Arc Graphics, 14″ ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen display, 2.82 lbs. light, 0.59-inch thin aluminum chassis, Windows Copilot AI assistant, Super-liner speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, and ASUS AiSense Camera.
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is already available in Canada on the ASUS eShop at $1,399 in its Intel Core Ultra 5 version with 512 GB SSD storage and 16 GB RAM, and available later in 2024 online and physically in partners location. It is also available for pre-order exclusively on Best Buy starting from $1,599 in its Intel Core Ultra 7 version with 1 TB SSD storage and 16 GB RAM. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UM3406) with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB storage will be available later in Q2 2024 in Canada.
Note: I am currently running this eclectic laptop through the paces with a soon to come review.
The super-slim 1 cm thick and 1 kg featherlight Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) boasts the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor. Designed with recycled materials, including post-industrial recycled magnesium-aluminum alloy and eco-friendly plasma ceramic aluminum, the Zenbook S 13 OLED reduces its carbon footprint, establishing itself as the most eco-friendly model in the Zenbook series.
This Intel Evo-certified laptop harnesses 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a rapid 1 TB PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD. Coupled with an exquisite ASUS Lumina OLED display, Dolby Vision certification, and Display HDR True Black 500, this device promises to be a feast for your eyes
ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) will be available in Canada by the end of Q1 2024 on the ASUS eShop and selected retail partners at $1,599 in its Intel Core Ultra 7 version with 1 TB SSD storage and 16 GB RAM.
Vivobook Series
This year’s update for the ASUS Vivobook series includes the 15-inch ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (N6506) for creators and gamers. The thin-and-light ASUS Vivobook S series now includes new 14-, 15.6- and 16-inch models with Intel (S5406 / S5506 / S5606) or AMD (M5406 / M5506 / M5606) processors, which offer exceptional performance and features for a wide range of budgets and users.
It includes the latest AI-powered Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors, which offer better graphic performance, faster response, and increased power efficiency, allowing users to effortlessly multitask and take advantage of the latest AI-enabled applications for enhanced creativity and productivity. It accommodates up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with an integrated NPU AI engine, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with a low-latency MUX switch, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1 TB NVMe SSD. It features advanced ASUS IceCool Pro cooling technology that enables up to a 125 W combined thermal design power (TDP).
The exceptional 16:9 display is a 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED with vivid colours and a quick 0.2 ms response time. ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED includes many user-friendly features like the ASUS DialPad virtual rotary control, ASUS AiSense camera security features, and AI noise-cancelation technology for clearer conferencing audio. It also offers versatile connectivity and I/O via WiFi 6E, Thunderbolt 4, USB-C and Type-A ports, and HDMI 2.1.
The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED (N6506) will be available on the ASUS eShop starting from Q1 2024 in Canada, as well as in ASUS selected retail partners. It will be available in a configuration with an Intel Core Ultra 7, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB NVMe SSD storage, available at $1,999.
The new 14-, 15.6- and 16-inch ASUS Vivobook S series laptops employs a new design language with a simple, sleek outlook. They are compact, highly specified and lightweight models that offer the ultimate experience for those seeking on-the-go productivity and instant entertainment, with modern colour options and minimalist, high-end aesthetics. They’re the perfect choice for balanced mobility and performance. The Intel-powered models are the ASUS Vivobook S 14/15/16 OLED (S5406 / S5506 / S5606), and the AMD -powered versions are the ASUS Vivobook S 14/15/16 OLED (M5406 / M5506 / M5606).
The Intel Evo Edition ASUS Vivobook S series laptops from above are powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, with up to a 45-watt TDP and a built-in Intel AI Boost Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that provides power-efficient acceleration for modern AI applications. The AMD-powered ASUS Vivobook S series laptops are equipped with AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processors, boasting a TDP of up to 45 watts and built-in Ryzen AI acceleration for efficient performance in modern AI applications.
Additionally, these laptops feature a memory allocation function that lets users allot up to 8 GB of memory to the iGPU to enhance the performance of gaming and AI apps. Visuals are provided by ASUS Lumina OLED displays with resolutions up to 3.2K (S5606 / M5606) along with 120 Hz refresh rates, a 100% DCI-P3 gamut and DisplayHDR True Black 600 certification. The stylish and comfortable ASUS ErgoSense keyboard now features customizable RGB backlighting, and there’s an extra-large ErgoSense touchpad.
As with all ASUS Vivobook models have a lay-flat 180° hinge, an IR camera with a physical shutter, a full complement of I/O ports, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio from the powerful Harman Kardon-certified stereo speakers. All Vivobook S series laptops feature a dedicated Windows Copilot key, allowing users to effortlessly dive into Windows 11’s subscription AI-powered tools with just one press.
The 2024 ASUS Vivobook S series will be available later in Q2, 2024 in Canada on the ASUS eShop and selected retail partners.
TUF Gaming Series
High-performance and stunning visuals for immersive gaming: Asus unveiled the TUF Gaming F16, A16, and A15 models, delivering exceptional gaming performance and innovative design. The TUF Gaming F16 boasts an Intel Core i7 processor 13650HX paired with DDR5-4800MHz RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, catering to Intel enthusiasts seeking sustained value and mainstream gaming excellence. For AMD fans, the customizable TUF Gaming A16 offers up to an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX processor and DDR5-5200MHz RAM, complemented by an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU for high frame rates and low latency.
The upgraded TUF Gaming A15 features an AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors, DDR5-5600MHz RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-Series Laptop GPU. Emphasizing expandability, all models provide upgradeable memory and storage slots, adhering to the new 2024 Military MIL-STD-810H standards for enduring durability against diverse environmental conditions. The TUF Gaming A16 and F16 showcase redesigned 16-inch displays and a sleek chassis inspired by robust mecha featured in anime, available in Jaeger Gray, which features a stylish laser-sculpted TUF logo on the centre of the lid, and Mecha Gray, which features an embossed logo. These laptops integrate USB-C PD charging and a 90Wh battery. The TUF Gaming F16 features Thunderbolt 4, while the TUF A16 sports USB 3.0 Type-C and the TUF Gaming A15 provides Type-C USB4 for ultra-fast transfer speeds.
All three 2024 TUF Gaming laptops are designed to put gamers right in the centre of the cockpit. The new F16 and A16 provide visuals that fill the view with a new 16-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio display and thin bezels that make for a 90% screen-to-body ratio. The TUF Gaming A15 retains its slimmer 16:9 display, while all machines sport a resolution of 1920 x 1200 and a refresh rate of 165 Hz, hitting a sweet spot of sharp and smooth, ensuring gamers can see every enemy in the distance — and react with lightning-fast precision. G-SYNC support minimizes stuttering and eliminates screen tearing, while the IPS level panel ensures accurate, true-to-life colours.
The ASUS TUF Gaming F16, TUF Gaming A16, and TUF Gaming A15 will be available in late Q1 2024 on the ASUS eShop and selected retail partners.
For Business
The expertly crafted ASUS ExpertBook B5 (B5404) is a refresh AI-ready Intel Core Ultra multitasking processor with AiSence camera, effective ASUS AI noise canceling, US Military Grade, Dual SO-DIMM RAM, and Thunderbolt 4.0 USB-C. Enterprise features include fingerprint sensor, IR face camera, smart card reader and TRM 2.0. Ultralight from 1.29kg, fast-charging battery and WiFi 6E up to 3x4K displays, slim 16:10 slim bezel panel, 180 °lay-flat hinge and MPP 2.0 stylus. And common to most models, the ASUS Control Centre for on-stop user control of power options, updates and more.
The ExpertBook B5 (B5404CMA) will start from $1,599 with the Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 512 GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD and 16 Gb DDR5 5600 MHz. It’s Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD and 32 Gb DDR5 5600 MHz will start from $1.899.
With the new Intel Core Ultra Processor, the Expert CX54 Chromebook Plus features an 89% screen-to-body ratio WXGA display, US Military Grade, magnesium alloy frame, 1.3Kg body (1.69 cm thick) with 30% recycled aluminum. It supports up to 3x4K external displays, HDMI 2.1 Thunderbolt 4, SD Card reader, a high quality pixel binning low light 8MP HDRnet camera and includes fingerprint sensor, Kensington lock and security chip. It’s powered by AI Magic Eraser, AI Video Call Tools Creative Apps and include a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD and up to 16GB DDR4 RAM.
Zephyrus G14 and G16
The 2024 Zephyrus G14 and Zephyrus G16 are the latest in an illustrious lineup of supremely powerful thin-and-lighted gaming laptops. These machines feature a new weight-saving and more rigid CNC-machined aluminum chassis, a customizable Slash Lighting array, and a brand-new Platinum White colourway. Both come equipped with the ROG Nebula Display, and impressive colour-accurate OLED panels that are also G-SYNC capable for better gaming experiences. The Zephyrus G14 boasts a 3K resolution and 120 Hz panel, while the Zephyrus G16 sports a 2.5K 240 Hz display.
Both of these machines offer a rich mix of visual fidelity and image quality in fast-paced games. Ultra-efficient cooling technology includes tri-fan technology, liquid metal, and vapor chambers on select models enable both to breathe easily despite their ultra-portable designs. An edge-to-edge keyboard design, also has larger individual keycaps and a larger touchpad. Both also include 25% larger and 47% louder speakers with superior bass response down to 100 hz.
The Zephyrus G14 and G16 also come with larger individual keycaps and a larger touchpad, for superior typing, precision scrolling, and fluid gaming. A new Platimum White colour has been added too. The Zephyrus G14 is 1.59 cm thick and only 1.5 kg, while the larger Zephyrus G16 is just 1.49 cm thick and weighs in at just 1.85 kg. Featuring up to an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, with support for AMD Ryzen AI, the Zephyrus G14 stands ready for the future with support for Windows Studio Effects productivity tools like automatic framing, eye-contact correction, and advanced background effects in video calls. It also features up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, with access to advanced features like DLSS 3.5, Frame Generation, and Ray Reconstruction for improved visuals and gaming responsiveness in the most demanding titles.
The Zephyrus G16, by contrast, sports up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 185H with 11 TOPS of AI computation power, plus up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU for incredible performance in all of the latest games and creative applications. With dedicated AI support for tools like Omniverse and Stable diffusion, users can skip long queues in the cloud and generate images locally in just a few seconds. Video-editing and 3D-rendering projects are more than twice as fast with AI acceleration, all while consuming less power for longer battery life. With full access to the latest AI-accelerated technolog.
Strix SCAR 18 for Extreme Gaming
For serious gamers, the 2024 ROG Strix laptops include the Strix SCAR 18 behemoth where brilliant visuals meet incredible performance. First ROG laptop featuring an 18″ mini LED display keeps Strix on the vanguard of gaming visuals with brilliant details on the ROG Nebula HDR Display Flagship. It is the first 18″ laptop from ROG with InteCore i9 processors 14900HX with up to a GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with 175 W max TGP. Cooler than cool Tri-Fan tech, full-surround vents, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both CPU and GPU push performance to incredible heights.
The ROG Strix SCAR and Strix G series laptop will both be available starting from later in Q1 2024 on the ASUS eShop and selected retail partners.
The new ROG Strix SCAR 16 (G634J) will be available starting from $3,999, featuring an Intel Core i9 14900HX processor, 32 GB DDR5 5600 MHz RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 laptop GPU, a 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and with Windows 11 Pro.
The new ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834J) will be available starting from $3,999, equipped with an Intel Core i9 14900HX processor, 32 GB DDR5 5600 MHz RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 laptop GPU, and a 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.
The new ROG Strix G16 (G614) will be available starting from $2,299, featuring an Intel Core i9 14900HX processor, 16 GB DDR5 5600 MHz RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU, and a 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.
The new ROG Strix G18 (G814) will be available starting from $2,699, equipped with an Intel Core i9 14900HX processor, 32 GB DDR5 5600 MHz RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU, and a 1 TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.