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The post-CES time can be slow for technology reviews, but this week we were able to check out the updated devices from ASUS and Nikon. ASUS recently launched the second version of the ZenBook Duo, which has a redesigned dual screen and software that takes advantage of its unique design. We also spent time with Nikon’s Z7 II, which is the successor to the Z7. This latest sniper has improved some basic features, like battery life and auto focus, and has 4K 60p video and 5-axis stabilization.
Devindra Hardawar / Engadget
Devindra Hardawar was pleased to see the updates that ASUS made in the second iteration of its ZenBook Duo laptop. The 2021 model achieved an increase in power, a second screen at an upward angle and a software revision that makes better use of the two monitors. The new notebook has a 14-inch main screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and also features a 12.6-inch ScreenPad Plus that sits just above the keyboard. The ScreenPad Plus goes up a bit when the laptop is opened and Devindra found it more useful for running applications like YouTube or Spotify in the background while he worked on the main screen.
However, there is a trade-off with this feature – the tight keyboard and trackpad. While Devindra thought the keys had a decent amount of movement and feedback, the keyboard was uncomfortable to use without a wrist rest and the trackpad seemed to be pushed to the right with little space for multitouch gestures. But with an 11th generation Intel Tiger Lake processor, more powerful integrated graphics, up to 32 GB of RAM, a better port selection and a lower starting price of $ 999, the notebook still won the Best of CES award from us.
Steve Dent / Engadget
Likewise, Steve Dent found valuable improvements in Nikon’s Z7 II. The successor to the Z7, this camera has better autofocus, 4K 60p video, 5-axis stabilization, long battery life and good image quality. Steve also liked the robust construction, saying that the Z7 II is “a tank” and that he felt comfortable carrying it wherever he went. At $ 3,000, it’s also at the bottom end of the price range for a high-resolution, full-frame mirrorless camera.
However, the updated Z7 II is lacking in some areas when compared to its rivals. It does not support 10-bit internal video recording, has low-resolution EVF, average shooting speeds and a tilting display. Steve felt that she could not compete with the Sony A7R IV in resolution, image quality or shooting speeds, nor could she compete with the Canon EOS R5 in terms of auto focus and video capabilities. But the Z7 II is affordable – it is significantly cheaper than both other models and still produced sharp images, pleasant colors and worked well in a variety of photographic situations.