ASUS ScreenPad is miles ahead of Apple TouchBar

ASUS ScreenPad combines the functionality of a traditional touchpad with the brilliance of a high resolution LCD touchscreen display panel. While Apple’s TouchPad is a vertical strip that resided about the keyboard, with minimal functionality, Screenpad does way more. But is it helpful for day to day usage? I think that this is a better implementation of ‘second screen’ on a laptop. 

ASUS ZenBook Pro 15, released last month, came with vastly improved implementation of ScreenPad. We were given a chance to test it out and boy, we were mighty impressed. We do hope that ASUS add this innovative new feature to its sub 70k laptop lineup. The ZenBook Pro 15 costs north of 2,00,000 INR. 

So, how does the ASUS Screenpad work? It works just like any touchscreen display on your phone. You set it to work in a specific mode and it works in that mode. Various modes include touchpad mode, calculator, music playback, number key, office assistant, calendar, phone sync etc.

By default, the screenpad will be working like a normal touchpad, with a tiny horizontal bar at the top. Drag the toolbar down by pulling the bar. The Toolbar is the control center for all your ScreenPad™ apps. To close the Toolbar, tap outside the Toolbar area — but even with Toolbar showing, normal touchpad functions are still available in the blank part of ScreenPad™.

Launcher is the fastest way to start your favorite apps: simply tap an app icon to close Launcher and launch the app. You can also add and remove apps from Launcher to personalize it. Pair your phone wirelessly with your laptop using ASUS Sync to access all its functions via ScreenPad™, even when your phone’s in your bag or another room.

For those who use MS Office a lot, ASUS ScreenPad offers Instant fingertip control of common functions when you’re editing Excel, Word or PowerPoint documents. This can be extremely helpful. 

You can also run special ScreenPad™ Apps entirely within ScreenPad™, putting useful tools and controls — such as a calculator or music player — right at your fingertips. ScreenPad™ can also work in an adaptive mode with desktop apps, with features and tools that change automatically according to the task in hand. There’s also a full software development kit available, so developers can create and expand the incredible possibilities. With ScreenPad™, your laptop becomes your intelligent partner, helping you work more efficiently — and more enjoyably!

ASUS ScreenPad advantages over TouchBar

• Easier to reach as it is below the keyboard and is nearer to natural hand resting position.
• You smartphone can be paired with ScreenPad to access all its functions using ASUS Sync.
• Not limited to providing some shortcuts for in-app actions.
• Can be used as a second display. For example, you can watch live streaming while working on primary display. 
• Easy one touch access to calculator, calendar etc. Quick view of calendar is very helpful as you do not have to open the application on laptop screen. 
• Huge scope for improvement. ASUS is partnering with lot of application developers to add more function to ScreenPad.