Despite a few drawbacks and a high price, Asus’ Oled and foldable external screen at CES 2024 was able to seduce us with its relevance and simplicity of operation.
When cutting-edge technology is put to the service of simple use, it often produces beautiful things. At CES 2024, Asus is giving us a very special external screen since it can fold in half.
Seeing this umpteenth device with a foldable screen, we might feel tired of technological overkill. However, with the Asus ZenScreen Fold Oled, the use of a folding format is very relevant.
I was actually able to try the product and its potential quickly jumped out at me.
A very large screen that can be taken anywhere
First, realize the dimensions. It is a 17.3-inch panel (2560 x 1920 pixels) that can easily be carried anywhere. Once folded, the external screen takes the format of a 12.5-inch laptop PC with a thickness of 9.7 mm and a weight of 1.17 kg.
The fact that the screen folds is therefore a real added value here since it considerably reduces the bulk of the ZenScreen Fold Oled. Moreover, Asus uses a teardrop hinge to greatly reduce the bend in the middle of the panel.
It’s imperfect, but very successful. Under the reflections of the lights on the ceiling, the hollow in the screen can be seen, but this is not a problem. I run my index finger over the slab to see if you can feel the groove under my finger. Answer ? Almost not.
In any case, this is a non-subject since the ZenScreen Fold Oled is not touchscreen. You won’t have to drag your finger over it. This can also be a little disturbing if the laptop PC to which you connect it has a touch screen, as was the case for us on the Asus stand.
Place it however you want
Also note that thanks to a dedicated kickstand, you can place the external screen vertically or horizontally depending on your mood. Personally, I find the portrait format rather relevant for computer productivity. On the other hand, landscape mode is obvious in most games.
You just need to know that at present, the device does not automatically recognize the change of orientation, but this will be corrected by release, we were told on site.
Let’s talk a little about connectivity. The ZenScreen Fold Oled does not have a battery. It only works if you plug it into a device. You will find two USB-C DisplayPort ports, a mini-HDMI and a 3.5 mm jack.
Nothing particularly special to say about it except that I find it a shame that all these entrances are located on the same side. Depending on whether you place it vertically or horizontally, this positioning is not always the most practical.
Asus ZenScreen Fold Oled // Source: Arnaud Gelineau – Frandroid
Asus ZenScreen Fold Oled // Source: Arnaud Gelineau – Frandroid
We can also fear that the use of this external screen represents a large expenditure of energy for the main device which must provide power.
A pleasant screen for video games
Either way, it’s very easy to use. You plug the screen into the device and that’s it. Sometimes you just have to wait a few seconds to see the image project correctly. Let’s hope that this delay shortens between now and marketing.
For the beauty of the gesture, I plug in an ROG Ally available to play Forza Horizon. And it’s a little favorite. As I virtually cruise through beautiful landscapes in a Ford Bronco, I begin to imagine myself on a train with this screen unfolded in front of me, quietly playing a game.
The idea appeals to me, but then I wonder if I won’t annoy my seatmate by opening this large screen.
An expensive price
In short, no frills, no superfluous options. I simply have the right to a beautiful and large external screen that is very easy to use and transport (because it is foldable).
However, I would be surprised if you rushed into the product. Asus tells us about a price yet to be determined, but which would be around 2000 euros. Marketing will take place during the second quarter of 2024.
Our journalist Omar Belkaab is present at CES 2024 in Las Vegas as part of a trip organized by the CTA, the organization that manages the show.