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The technology reviews may be long after the CES era, but this week we were able to look at upgraded devices from ASUS and Nikon. ASUS recently unveiled the second version of the ZenBook Duo, featuring a redesigned dual screen and software that leverages its unique design. We also spent time with Nikon’s Z7 II, which is the successor to the Z7. This newer shooter has improved some core features like battery life and autofocus, and has 4K 60p video and 5-axis stabilization.
Devindra Hardawar / Engadget
Devindra Hardawar was delighted with the upgrades that ASUS made to the second version of its ZenBook Duo laptop. The 2021 model got a power boost, a rising, slanted second screen and a software upgrade that makes better use of both screens. The new notebook has a 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 resolution main screen and also has a 12.6-inch ScreenPad Plus that sits just above the keyboard. The ScreenPad Plus lights up slightly when the laptop is opened and Devindra finds it useful to run apps like YouTube or Spotify in the background while working on the primary screen.
However, there is a compromise with this feature – the concise keyboard and trackpad. While Devindra thought the keys had a decent amount of travel and feedback, the keyboard felt uncomfortable to use without a wrist support and moved the trackpad to the right with little room for multitouch gestures. But with an 11th-generation Intel Tiger Lake processor, more powerful integrated graphics, up to 32GB of RAM, better port selection and a lower starting price of $ 999, the notebook still gets a Best of CES award from us .
Steve Dent / Engadget
Steve Dent also found valuable improvements in Nikon’s Z7 II. The successor to the Z7, this camera has better autofocus, 4K 60p video, 5-axis stabilization, longer battery life and good image quality. Steve also liked the rugged build and said that the Z7 II is a tank and that he feels comfortable putting it around everywhere. At $ 3,000, it’s also at the bottom of the price range for a high-resolution, full-frame menuless camera.
However, the upgraded Z7 II is lacking in some areas compared to its competitors. It does not support internal 10-bit video recordings, it has a low resolution EVF, mediocre shooting speed and a screen that only tilts. Steve felt that he could not compete with the Sony A7R IV in resolution, image quality or shooting speed, nor could he sustain the Canon EOS R5 in terms of autofocus and video capabilities. But the Z7 II is affordable – it’s significantly cheaper than both the other models, and it still delivers sharp images, pleasant colors and works well in different photography situations.