ASUS has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in portable displays with the introduction of the ASUS ZenScreen Fold at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024. This unique device combines the convenience of a large 17.3-inch screen with the portability of a folding design, making it an intriguing addition to the world of portable monitors.

The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED boasts a 17.3-inch OLED panel with an impressive resolution of 2560 x 1920 pixels. When folded, it transforms into a more manageable 12.5-inch form factor, making it incredibly convenient for users on the go. However, it's important to note that this is not a touchscreen, so navigation is limited to traditional input methods, ruling out finger or stylus pen interaction.

Despite the foldable design, ASUS claims that their Waterdrop hinge technology allows for a seamless, "no-gap" display when unfolded. Nevertheless, as with other foldable displays in the market, there's still a noticeable crease, though not objectionable. 

This crease is amplified due to the glossy screen coating and overhead lighting. Nevertheless, the ZenScreen Fold OLED covers 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color space and is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified, ensuring vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Portability is a key highlight of the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED. Weighing in at just 1.17 kg and boasting a thickness of 9.7 mm, it's incredibly slim and lightweight. It also features a versatile kickstand that allows users to choose between landscape and portrait orientations, providing flexibility for various use cases.

In terms of connectivity, the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED offers options for both laptops and desktops. Users can connect to the monitor using a mini HDMI port or a USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt-Mode support. The latter option is particularly versatile, enabling a single-cable connection for ease of use.

ASUS has yet to announce the pricing and availability details for the ZenScreen Fold OLED. However, speculation suggests that this innovative monitor, minus the PC components found in the Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, could easily retail for over $1,000 and potentially approach or surpass the $2,000 mark. 

To provide context, the fully-equipped Zenbook 17 Fold OLED, complete with an Intel Core i7-1250U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, is priced at $3,500.

The ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED aims to address the common issue of limited screen real estate when using laptops on the go. While laptops are designed to be portable, their displays can often feel restrictive. This innovative foldable monitor offers a compelling solution for users who require a larger screen while maintaining portability.

With a resolution that rivals many laptops, a wide color gamut, and HDR support, the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED promises an enhanced visual experience for users who value high-quality displays. Its sleek design, lightweight build, and versatile kickstand further enhance its usability, catering to a variety of work scenarios.

However, the hefty price tag may give potential buyers pause. At $2,000, it's a substantial investment, considering that one could purchase an entire laptop for a similar price. Nevertheless, for those who require a secondary portable display, the ASUS ZenScreen Fold OLED offers a unique solution that could be worth the investment.

In addition to the ZenScreen Fold OLED, ASUS also introduced the Zenbook Duo, a dual-screen OLED laptop, at CES 2024. This laptop features two 120Hz OLED touchscreens that can expand to a total of 19.8 inches, along with a removable keyboard, offering users even more versatility in their computing experience.

ASUS plans to release the ZenScreen Fold OLED sometime in Q2 2024, giving tech enthusiasts and professionals alike something to look forward to in the realm of portable displays.