ASUS‘ ZenBook line has been known to not only be a great productivity partner, but it has, through time maintained this premium feel. The brand’s newest addition to the line, the ZenBook 14 (UX435EG) is no different.
Before being able to fully delve into the ZenBook 14‘s every nook and cranny. Here’s a short post about the initial experience I’ve had with the unit.
Typical of the ZenBook line, the packaging of the ZenBook 14 is simple and elegant. Under normal circumstances, if the box we received wasn’t damaged during shipping. It would’ve been a great piece to even put in the background of any household or office.
Out of the box
What comes out of the box for the ZenBook 14 are the usual devices you’d expect from the ZenBook or any other laptop. You get the manuals and warranties, a flier for the MyASUS, and the brand’s premium service.
You also get the USB to LAN adapter that comes with the unit since the ZenBook 14 doesn’t have a LAN port included in its design. The ZenBook 14 also comes with its own ASUS Sleeve that you can immediately use after a tedious way of getting it out of the box.
And then, of course, you have the ZenBook 14 itself which is protected by a thin sheet of plastic along with the protector of the Screenpad 2.0 this unit has.
Everything ASUS has offered from the ZenBook 14 are the usual suspects that you’d get from the ZenBook line. With the exception of the adapter for the audio jack, there’s nothing much else to add to what ASUS is offering in this regard.
First Impressions
Coming off our unboxing, I’ve gone through the usual process of checking out what the ZenBook 14 offers. Though I’m actually surprised that the unit has no battery life remaining as I am used to products having at least a sparse amount of battery upon opening.
The color options for the ZenBook 14 are Pine Grey and Lilac Mist. And the one we got is the Pine Grey version.
Light and stylish
The ZenBook 14 at a cursory glance provides what it promised. It’s handy and elegant, which fits right in if you’re looking for a more business-like aesthetic for your laptop. Its aluminum chassis makes the ZenBook 14 light with a reported weight of 1.29 kg or around 2.8 pounds so you can easily carry it anywhere you want. It has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a micro SD card slot on the right-hand side, and x2 Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, and an HDMI 2.0 port on the left-hand side. Behind the device are the trimmings and the ZenBook printed text discretely.
As per the ASUS design on its productivity line, the ZenBook 14 also uses the ErgoLift hinge. And it also has a built-in 3D IR Camera which you can use to unlock the device and of course the Screenpad 2.0.
Display-wise ASUS claims to have it at a 92% screen-to-body ratio with TÜV Rheinland Eye Care Certification for the display for anti-flicker and low blue light.
ASUS Screenpad 2.0
One of the more prominent features that took my attention after this Unboxing is the ASUS Screenpad 2.0. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, the Screenpad I mentioned in the trackpad of the ZenBook 14. It’s not just a trackpad but it’s also the device’s 2nd screen as well. The ZenBook line doesn’t have a dedicated physical Numpad unlike its sturdier and bulkier TUF Gaming and ROG cousins, but instead, has a digital or Numpad that is placed on the trackpad itself.
Normally, it’s only just a trackpad. But with the ZenBook 14, the trackpad is now changed into a screen. So instead of just a trackpad and a Numpad, you can actually use the screen pad as your built-in second screen or depending on usability, a productivity tool if used on a partnered software.
To put it in simpler terms, the ZenBook 14‘s trackpad can double as a screen. It’s just like a smartphone on top of it being the laptop’s dedicated Numpad.
I haven’t been able to fully explore the Screenpad so, for now, I am pretty impressed. At the back of my mind, it may seem like it’s just another cool gimmick for the ZenBook 14. But I would have to get more time with this to fully be able to judge correctly.
So there you have it. That’s mostly my first impressions of the ZenBook 14 (UX435EG). Watch out in a few weeks for my full review and the full video unboxing/first impressions video. What do you think? Do you have any questions about the laptop? Sound off in the comments!