Asus confirms working on a foldable laptop but nothing soon

Asus has confirmed that it is working on a foldable laptop, but is not close to commercial launch. Foldable smartphones and laptops are touted to be the next big thing in mobile computing

Asus, Asus Computex 2019, Asus Computex 2019 announcements, Asus Computex news, Asus ZenBook, Asus new laptop, Asus foldable laptop

The ZenBook Duo and ZenBook Pro Duo feature two screens alongside a physical keyboard. (Image source: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Asus has confirmed that it is working on a foldable laptop, but is not close to commercial launch. Foldable smartphones and laptops are touted to be the next big thing in mobile computing, with many of the major tech companies showing interest in developing devices with flexible screens.

“Right now, the experience is not the best,” Peter Chang, APAC Deputy General Manager, Asus, told indianexpress.com in a group interview with the media, ahead of the opening of Computex 2019 in Taipei, Taiwan. “We will consider, but it’s too early to conclude what is the best dimension or the use narrative.”

Chang said foldable technology is not matured enough to be used in a commercial laptop. He cited a number of reasons to support his statement. First, when you close a foldable laptop, there will be a gap between the two sides of the display when fully enclosed. Second, the reliability is not that great. Third, the cost of the panel is too high, plus the supply is also limited at the moment.

Asus is aware that a foldable laptop is not ready for commercial release. “So maybe you can show the concept, there is no problem, but you need to be able to really show that when you are going to sell it. These two products [ZenBook Duo and ZenBook Pro Duo] we are launching at Computex will be coming in next few months and we are going to sell it,” he said.

The ZenBook Duo and ZenBook Pro Duo feature two screens alongside a physical keyboard. Chang said the idea was to use current technology for a dual screen concept. “Since this is based on the current technology and we are able to commercialise it very fast. I think this is the best solution based on the current technology,” he added.

Many companies prototype devices for internal testing, but that doesn’t mean those products make it to the market. Though Chang didn’t reveal much, it is clear that the company is prototyping a foldable laptop.

Asus’ rival in the PC market, Lenovo, recently unveiled the world’s first laptop with a flexible screen. The company has been developing ThinkPad X1 for more than three years and hopes to launch the commercial version sometime in 2020. One can use the laptop as a tablet or fold up like a book.

Story continues below this ad

While there’s a lot of hype around the new form factor, the delay of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold has cast doubts over the concept. This is a major setback not just for Samsung but for the entire industry. Perhaps it is safe to say that the foldable tech is still very much in early development.

Disclaimer: The author is in Taipei attending Computex 2019 on the invite of Asus India

Anuj Bhatia

Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle. Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University. Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include: Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech. Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture. Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups. Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech. Authoritativeness & Trust Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape. Find all stories by Anuj Bhatia here. You can find Anuj on Linkedin. ... Read More

Tags:
ASUS