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ASUS ProArt PX13 Laptop Review: An Agile Content Creator’s Best Friend

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PROS:


  • Handsome, minimalist, and lightweight design

  • Impressive performance packed in a compact size

  • Gorgeous 3K OLED screen for both viewing and color-accurate work

  • Incredible value for creative professionals on the go

CONS:


  • No full-sized SD card reader, only one USB-A port

  • Display refresh rate is only up to 60Hz

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The ASUS ProArt PX13 makes the impossible possible, delivering unbeatable performance and uncompromising mobility in an elegant and accessible package.
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The nature and execution of work have changed significantly in the past years, especially for those who use computers all the time. Mobility and flexibility have become an important part of the business, sometimes requiring people to be able to take their work anywhere life leads them. At the same time, it also allows people to do their work in the best possible location for them, which isn’t always the office. To support these new work arrangements, computer vendors have been trying to shove more power into laptops without turning them into gargantuan machines that would force people to leave them in the office anyway. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that very few brands have successfully pulled off, but the ASUS ProArt PX13 makes that very promise to one of the more discerning and particular markets. Is the ProArt PX13 able to deliver that promise of unbounded creativity anywhere or does it make too many compromises along the way? We give it a flip and a spin to bring you that answer.

Designer: ASUS

Aesthetics

The first impression you’ll have when seeing the ASUS ProArt PX13 is how compact and thin it is, at least for a supposedly powerful laptop aimed at creative professionals. Your second impression will be how sleek and elegant it looks with its deep, all-black design. It’s an aesthetic that doesn’t scream at you but instead talks mellowly, fitting a professional product. There are barely any markings on the laptop’s cover; no fancy RGB lighting at its sides, protruding edges, or sharp angles. Just one truly black slab.

Unlike other laptops that advertise a black colorway, the ASUS ProArt PX13 really walks the walk thanks to the company’s Nano Black coating that almost poetically matches the deep blacks of the OLED screen on the opposite side. It’s admittedly a matter of taste, as some will prefer the luster of silver metal like those on MacBooks or Dell, but its more subdued aesthetic makes it less distracting as well. Thankfully, that same Nano Coating also prevents fingerprint smudges so there’s very little that will stain that darkness.

Minimalist doesn’t mean plain, however, and there are a few accents that bring out the ProArt PX13’s designer-centric character. The ProArt branding, for example, is smooth and a little bit reflective, tastefully set against the blackness of the cover. The vertical stripes on the hinge are supposed to be a nod to pro camera designs, but even if you don’t make that connection, they’re still an interesting touch. All in all, the ASUS ProArt PX13’s minimalism puts the focus not on the laptop but on the creator and the content, while also providing a dark, blank canvas for owners to use to let their own creativity shine through if needed.

Ergonomics

The ProArt PX13 is hardly the thinnest laptop, whether traditional or convertible, but it’s not terrible either for a 13-inch. When you consider that it packs enough hardware to cater to creative professionals and even some gamers, you’ll even be amazed at how ASUS managed to keep the numbers down to an accessible level. At 17.78mm (0.7 inches) thick and 1.38kg (3.04 lbs) heavy, this is something you can easily stow in your bag and be on the move in a flash.

This is very important when you consider that ProArt PX13 is more than just a laptop. It can also be a tablet you can draw on, whether on your table or on your lap, as well as a “tent mode” presentation and entertainment display. Changing forms is as easy as folding the screen back and forth, and the sturdy 360-degree hinge makes sure that it stays open at whatever angle you leave it. At the same time, however, the laptop’s weight is distributed properly so that you can open it up with just a single finger, lifting the lid while the body anchors it down.

The typing experience is pretty good as well, with well-spaced keys and a good 1.7mm travel. The cursor keys are squashed, of course, but that’s nothing new nor is it extremely uncomfortable. The touchpad is a decent size, but its mechanical design might disappoint fans of more haptic touchpads.

Performance

Right off the bat, the ASUS ProArt PX13 has some of the best hardware you’ll find in a 13-inch laptop. It’s one of the first to utilize AMD’s new AI-powered Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, giving it a wide lead in AI operations. This is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, like in our review unit, or an RTX 4060. Either way, you’re getting a powerful graphics processor that, to no one’s surprise, handles AI skillfully as well. Benchmark numbers don’t always tell the whole story, but they’re impressive nonetheless. Whether the laptop is plugged in or running on battery, it will meet almost anything you can throw at it, whether it’s Photoshop, Da Vinci Resolve, or Blender.

Gaming is a bit of a different issue, though the ProArt PX13 is definitely capable. You will definitely feel the heat when pushing the system to its limits, but the cooling system does a stellar job of regulating its impact. The fans are definitely audible under heavy loads, but they quiet down just as quickly when no longer needed. And they’re barely noticeable at all if you’re just doing basic computing tasks like browsing the Web or typing up documents. The biggest setback when using this machine for gaming is actually one of its biggest strengths as well: its screen.

The 13.3-inch OLED touch screen is simply stunning, with rich colors, deep blacks, and a sufficient amount of brightness so that you can even work outdoors under overcast skies. The display is Pantone-validated and supports a wide gamut of colors, an important detail for graphics artists and content creators who need color accuracy more than anything else. The screen has a 3K resolution of 2880×1800 in a familiar 16:10 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 60Hz. The latter is what makes the ProArt PX13 less suitable for gaming, at least for those who live and breathe 120Hz or higher. It’s not totally unusable for fast-paced games, and it completely marks the laptop as a machine primarily for work, with just a bit of gaming on the side.

Battery life for the ASUS ProArt PX13 is so-so. Given its size, the 75WHr battery it packs is actually generous, but it’s offset by the more powerful hardware. On Eco/Power Saving mode and average computing tasks, it can last an average of 8 hours, definitely shorter once you push the hardware to the limit. It ships with a 200W power brick that’s large but not gigantic. It can charge over USB-C using a 100W charger, but you’ll probably bring the official charger with you anyway unless you’re traveling extra light.

Port selection is on the light side as well. It has most of the important basics but is also oddly missing a few ones. There are two USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C ports and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, one HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the proprietary DC-in charging port. There’s a microSD card reader but not a full-sized one, which is strange considering how digital cameras still mostly use SD cards, not their tiny cousins. We could always do with an extra USB-A port, especially if the only available one is already in use with an Ethernet adapter because the laptop doesn’t have its own RJ45 port.

The ASUS ProArt PX13 is overflowing with features designed for creative professionals, from hardware to software. There’s the somewhat odd DialPad in the order of the touchpad, giving quick access to actions like changing brush sizes in Photoshop, scrubbing through timelines in Premiere, and more. Not everyone will love this convenience, and it is fortunately easy to disable it completely. From the ProArt Creator Hub which has all the settings you can tweak for performance or monitor calibration, to the AI-powered software that takes advantage of the combined strength of AMD processors and NVIDIA graphics, the ProArt PX13 offers a multitude of tools to assist content creators in whatever kind of work or problem they’re facing.

Sustainability

ASUS has been making big waves when it comes to its commitment to helping protect the future of the planet, from the use of recycled materials in its products to the decrease of plastic in its packaging. It might not be visible or advertised for the ProArt PX13, but we’re banking on the company giving it the same treatment even in small amounts.

In terms of prolonging the life of the laptop, ASUS definitely took steps to make it a bit easier. The bottom plate can be removed easily using a screwdriver, except for the middle screw that’s also covered by a sticky rubber material. The NVMe SSD storage, battery, and Wi-Fi 7 module are easily replaceable, which are some of the most common components that need to be repaired or upgraded. Sadly, the LPDDR5X RAM is soldered to the motherboard, but having 32GB of memory isn’t that bad anyway.

Value

The ASUS ProArt PX13 is available in two configurations, with the RTX 4050 and 4060 being the only real difference between the two, as well as the Windows 11 Home and Pro licenses. Given the performance difference between these two very capable NVIDIA graphics processors, you couldn’t go wrong if you picked the base configuration that goes for only $1,699.99. At that price point, it already surpasses larger laptops and can hold its own against a MacBook that’s nearly double its price.

It’s pretty mind-blowing how much ASUS was able to cram inside the compact 13.3-inch body of the ProArt PX13 without hitting any significant compromises. It’s hardly the best gaming laptop or the most powerful movie maker, but what it offers is the flexibility to take your work or game anywhere without missing a bit. In that regard, it is pretty unrivaled, making it a truly tempting device for creative professionals, even those who mostly stay at their desks.

Verdict

The way we make content these days has changed greatly over the past years. Videos and graphic designs no longer have to be made on hulking towers tethered to desktops. Sometimes, the ability to quickly churn out content at a moment’s notice has become more important than production-level quality that will take hours on a regular laptop. Then again, why do you have to choose when the ASUS ProArt PX13 can give you the best of both worlds? Powerful, portable, and flexible, this convertible laptop delivers the tools that creative professionals need to bring their work to the next level, whenever inspiration strikes, wherever they are.

The post ASUS ProArt PX13 Laptop Review: An Agile Content Creator’s Best Friend first appeared on Yanko Design.

ASUS ROG Ally X Gaming Handheld Review: What the OG Ally should have been

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PROS:


  • More RAM, Double Battery Capacity

  • Two USB-C Ports

  • More ergonomic design despite heavier and thicker chassis

  • Higher performance with lower thermals

CONS:


  • Windows 11 is still awkward to use on touch screens

  • Comes in black colorway only

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a clear upgrade over the original, addressing complaints without losing what made the ROG Ally great.

They say hindsight is 20/20, but not everyone gets the opportunity to make a redo of their past actions. That’s especially true when it comes to consumer electronics, where every product involves no small amount of investment and risk. And yet ASUS surprised us at Computex 2024 last month when it revealed not a generational upgrade to its first-ever gaming handheld PC but what is, instead, a redo of the original. The ROG Ally X definitely brings a few much-needed upgrades, but it also feels like this is what should have been launched in the first place last year. That’s why we took this handsome black handheld for a spin to see if it’s really worth its weight in gold or if waiting for the real next-gen design is a better choice.

Designer: ASUS Republic of Gamers

Aesthetics

Simply looking at the ROG Ally X on its own, you might easily mistake it for a black version of the original ROG Ally. Of course, there are subtle yet significant changes here and there, but the fact that it’s able to keep its design identity is still a laudable achievement. On the flip side, there will be no mistaking it for a ROG Ally 2 that’s yet to come, as it shares that DNA so closely with the first model.

Whether the ROG Ally had a more angular and more aggressive appearance despite its white coating, the ROG Ally X is rounder, curvier, and a bit gentler. This has consequences for the device’s ergonomics, which we’ll get to later, but it also exudes a slightly different character compared to its progenitor. It manages to be a bit more welcoming, almost comfortable, without losing its cyberpunk aesthetic thanks to those RGB lighting accents.

The color choice might prove to be a bit controversial, though. Not because no one likes black but because there’s no other choice. Just like how the ROG Ally came only in white, the Ally X is a black-only design. In a way, it stands out less from the crowd, making it less distinctive. But it also invites less visible stains and dirt on a device that will most likely see a lot of action outdoors. Truth be told, gamers are more likely to slap some skins on these devices than stick with the original coating, but having some choice would definitely help improve its appeal.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics for computers often lags behind performance and aesthetics, but it is even more critical for one that you’ll hold in your hand rather than use on a table. More than just the aesthetics, it’s actually this aspect of the ROG Ally X that sees the most changes, at least externally. Suffice it to say, the handheld is finally designed to let you hold it in your hands for longer periods of time, which translates to more playtime overall.

Because of internal changes, the ROG Ally X is chunkier and heavier at 1.45 inches thick and 1.49 lbs compared to the OG Ally’s 1.28 inches and 1.34 lbs. Ironically, the handheld is actually more ergonomic now despite the added bulk and heft thanks to key changes in the grip design and button. The sides, for example, are now more rounded than angular so they don’t cut into your palm. The grips themselves have a more natural contour that’s easier to hold, though they’re still shallower compared to the Steam Deck’s design. Depending on your hand size, you might not have enough room for a good grip just like on the ROG Ally.

The buttons and sticks feel more solid, too, and give better resistance and stability than the rather loose and flimsy controls of the previous half-generation. The back buttons are smaller and placed higher to address complaints of frequent accidental presses that come too naturally when holding the device. Ironically, players with smaller hands might find it harder to reach them now. Thankfully, their function is usually optional in most games, which is why owners of the ROG Ally were fine with disabling those.

Performance

There are, of course, also upgrades internally, but not enough to call this the ROG Ally 2. It still uses the same AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, for example, which is capable but not exactly top-notch. What carries its performance forward is the new 24GB LPDDR5 RAM clocked at 7,500MHz, a rather big jump from the previous-gen 16GB 6,400MHz RAM. It’s almost unbelievable how much more RAM boosts overall performance, especially when neither the CPU nor the integrated GPU are starved for memory. More disappointing, however, is the fact that ASUS didn’t go all out to put a solid 32GB in there, but that would have probably raised the already higher price tag.

Another big upgrade is the 80Wh battery that’s double the capacity of the meager 40Wh of the OG Ally. This alone accounts for the increase in weight and thickness, and it’s a price many gamers are only too willing to pay. Of course, your mileage will vary, but this allows you to either tack on a few more hours to your game time or, alternatively, crank up the settings higher and still get the same uptime. You can also charge the battery at the maximum 100W that both USB-C ports support, but the included charger only goes as far as 65W.

And yes, you read that right, USB-C ports. Plural. ASUS has done away with the proprietary XG Mobile port for connecting an external GPU and replaced it with a USB-C port with support for USB4, Thunderbolt 4, and DisplayPort 1.4 with FreeSync. This means you can still connect an external graphics dock, but now you have more options if you don’t need to. Unfortunately, both ports are located at the top, so you have less wiggle room when connecting angled cables or thick adapters.

The ASUS ROG Ally X retains most of what its predecessor has, including the aforementioned processor. The 7-inch 120Hz IPS LCD is still the same, which means it’s still bright and vibrant, at least for an LCD panel. The speakers are supposedly upgraded a little, but you’ll hardly notice the difference. The microSD card slot is still located at the top, which might worry some who have experienced fried electronics on the first ROG Ally.

What all these changes and similarities boil down to is a more powerful computer that delivers a better gaming experience overall. Despite all that power, however, the ROG Ally X still runs cooler than its predecessor thanks to an improved cooling system that pulls heat away from the screen more effectively. This is actually important when you consider that this screen is the primary way you’ll be interacting with the Windows 11 operating system. Unfortunately, even with ASUS’ custom software, Windows is still largely a mouse and keyboard-driven platform, which means navigating through menus and windows is still a pain.

Sustainability

Unfortunately, this is one area left completely unchanged between generations. Like the majority of designs in this still nascent market, the ROG Ally X has that typical mixture of metal and plastic, both taken from new materials rather than recycled. It might take a few more generations before they start catching up to their larger gaming laptop cousins.

The same can be said for repairability and even upgradability. You can’t even upgrade the SSD storage, making that microSD card expansion slot even more critical, at least for non-game files. Again, the market is still in its infancy, so we’re holding out hope that the situation will improve over time. After all, some lesser-known brands are already providing easy access to SSD storage for upgrading, so there’s little reason why giants like ASUS can’t do likewise.

Value

It’s clear as day that the ASUS ROG Ally X is a big step forward, fixing the flaws of the ROG Ally in a half-step upgrade. But are those enough to warrant its $800 price tag that makes it one of the more expensive options in the market? As always, the answer isn’t as clear-cut, but the scales might not be tipping in the Republic of Gamers’ favor.

The original ROG Ally was by no means a terrible device even considering the ergonomics, and its current $650 price tag (or even $550 on discount) makes it a more viable starting handheld for those who aren’t sold on the Steam Deck. There’s definitely no reason for ROG Ally owners to upgrade this early, either, so only those who have been on the fence until now might find the ROG Ally X more convincing. But there are also other options in the market, like the Steam Deck that started it all or the Lenovo Legion Go with its Switch-like removable controllers. Then again, you can’t go wrong with the ROG Ally X either, especially if you have the cash to spare.

Verdict

It’s rare for manufacturers to push out a version 1.5 product, especially one that almost makes the original feel inadequate. At the same time, such a strategy weakens the appeal of the “half-step” upgrade, particularly because of the price difference between the two generations. That’s the limbo that the ASUS ROG Ally X practically finds itself in. Taken on its own, it’s a fine gaming kit that offers commendable performance in a more ergonomic design, but it’s no ROG Ally 2. If you’ve been undecided about getting your first ROG Ally, now might be a good time to grab one, especially if a good deal comes up to sweeten that price a bit.

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Top Design Innovations from Computex 2024: Where Technology Meets Aesthetics

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One of the world’s biggest computer-centric tech expos has just ended and, unsurprisingly, a lot of the rhetoric revolved around AI. But if you walk around the showroom floor, another theme quickly becomes evident in the midst of new products as well as some not-so-new wares. Consumer tastes have evolved once again, even among those who would embrace the label of being a gamer. Design is no longer just a feature for the few but an important part of a product’s DNA. We’ve seen quite a wide range of designs across an equally wide range of products, from the eccentric to the elegant. Here are some of the most notable designs to grace our paths at Computex 2024 in Taiwan, showcasing not just the trends but also the innovations in the computing industry.

Cool Computing: PC Case Designs

Desktop computers have evolved from uninspiring towers to smoldering workstations with over-the-top lighting to a smorgasbord of designs that cater to a variety of tastes and interests. Computex 2024 is a glowing testament to not only the changes in design trends but also to the extent that some manufacturers will go to in order to appeal to their loyal fans.

ADATA XPG Invader X

Designer: ADATA

Winner of an iF Design Award, the ADATA XPG Invader X values transparency in more ways than one. Its clear front and side panels let you marvel at the neatly arranged components that power this gaming beast, including the tubes and RGB-lit fans that keep the box operating at maximum efficiency. Equally interesting, however, is the chassis’s ESG-compliant design, utilizing post-consumer recycled plastics and upgrade-friendly components. It’s a stylish, eco-friendly computer that tries to offset the carbon emissions of your gaming lifestyle.

Cooler Master Mecha Cases

Designer: Cooler Master

Who said computers needed to come in the form of boxes? Cooler Master definitely didn’t. With designs that come in the form of a robotic shark and a giant mechanical sneaker, these PC cases shatter expectations and misconceptions about how our computers should look like. And as hardware becomes smaller even as they become more powerful, it’s only a matter of time before these become the standard rather than the outlier.

PNY Aftershock Bubble Tea PC

Designer: PNY x AftershockPC

Electronics and liquids don’t mix but it becomes a mind-blowing mystery when you see the two together. And now, we don’t mean liquid cooling. From the makers of ramen-themed desktop towers, this Bubble Tea PC will have you not only scratching your head but also craving a cup of boba. Instead of a sugary and milky drink, however, it’s a luscious-colored coolant that has faux tapioca balls swirling around as it keeps your cool-looking PC thermally cool. This collab between PC maker PNY and case designer Aftershock isn’t a joke either but a fully functional gaming PC that’s ready to put a new spin on your cravings.

Power In Your Hands: Handheld Gaming PCs

While there are plenty of AI-toting laptops scattered around Computex this year, they are hardly the only computers vying for attention. Gaming handheld PCs are pushing the envelope not only in performance in a small form factor but also in terms of design. There’s definitely plenty of room for experimentation, and there are a few that have caught our attention and fancy.

ADATA XPG Nia

Designer: ADATA

An unexpected contender from a brand better known for its memory and data storage hardware, the XPG Nia focuses on the aspects often left out in the wake of specs and benchmarks. A tilting screen, for example, can drastically improve the comfort of staring at a handheld computer for long periods of time, while upgradable RAM in addition to upgradable storage gives the device a longer life than even some of the smartphones we have today.

ASUS ROG Ally X

Designer: ASUS ROG

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a fine example of refinement over sensational changes. The base design remains the same, but the subtle and sometimes invisible improvements deliver an almost totally different experience that’s a step above in terms of usability. Best of all, however, ASUS isn’t removing the OG ROG Ally from the market just yet, leaving consumers with the choice between affordability and power.

MSI Claw 8 AI+

Designer: MSI

The MSI Claw A1M was an odd one when it came out, but the Claw 8 AI+ cements the manufacturer’s position in the young handheld gaming PC segment. With newer, AI-friendlier hardware comes significant improvements that are necessary for such a small gaming device. It’s still rather unique in its use of Intel silicon, and it will live or die by that commitment. Its design, however, is also enough to make it a noteworthy contender in this fast-growing arena.

ZOTAC ZONE

Designer: ZOTAC

ZOTAC is another new contender, one that has its sights set on the name that started it all: the Steam Deck. While it resembles this progenitor in some aspects, the ZOTAC ZONE tries to take the design where Valve seems reluctant to go. Better hardware and configurable controls will sing to the hearts of many gamers, but the steep price tag could be a major deterrent as well.

Material Matters: Aesthetic and Sustainable Designs

Design innovation doesn’t just have to come from wild new forms or combinations of ideas. Even the materials used for products can have a notable positive effect on the user experience, especially when they delight not just the eyes but also other senses like touch. Bonus points if they also benefit the environment, ensuring there will still be a planet for consumers to live on.

ASUS Ceraluminum

Designer: ASUS

Laptop users are becoming more and more design-conscious. Even those who don’t tend to personalize the backs of their laptops want it to be something that will leave a lasting positive impression on bystanders, not to mention on themselves. Combining the durability of metal with the luxury of ceramic, ASUS’s new Ceraluminum material subtly elevates the laptop from a technological product to an art object. First used on the new ASUS Zenbook S 16, this material exudes beauty that you not only see but also feel every time you touch the laptop or lift its lid.

TECNO CAMON 30 Series LOEWE Design Edition

Designer: TECNO

Paying homage to both coffee lovers and environment-conscious consumers, TECNO and LOEWE designed a back cover material that gives waste coffee grounds new life. Using an equally eco-friendly process, this more sustainable material gives the TECNO CAMON 30 Series LOEWE Design Edition a distinctive appearance and texture that easily sets itself apart from the crowd. Plus, the use of color blocking also marks the phone with a modern style to fit the discerning tastes of modern consumers.

Creative License: Tools for Designers

All these wonderful designs don’t just pop out from thin air. Someone has to make them, from initial ideation to prototyping to manufacturing. Designers and creators naturally need tools that can meet the growing complexities of their work, and Computex definitely has quite a few in store for them.

Acer SpatialLabs Eye 3D Camera

Designer: Acer

Spatial computing, mixed reality, and the metaverse require a special kind of content, one that breaks free from the confines of flat, 2D space. Even in video meetings and live selling streams, 3D objects are becoming more in demand, offering not just viewers but also presenters new ways to connect and communicate. Acer’s new SpatialLabs Eye 3D camera tries to democratize that process, effectively giving anyone the ability to capture, record, and stream any real-world 3D object as a digital copy.

ASUS ProArt PZ13 Detachable Laptop

Designer: ASUS

As computers become more powerful and geographical boundaries become shorter, content creation can no longer be confined to a desk in an office or room. The ASUS ProArt PZ13 gives designers, artists, engineers, and everyone in between that kind of flexibility with its portable and detachable design. What makes this 2-in-1 computer different is that it’s part of the new breed of Windows computers running on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X chip, promising improved performance and, of course, on-device AI capabilities.

Power to the User: Empowering Gamers and Creators

One thing that gamers, creators, and power users have in common is their need for power, both literally and figuratively. The ability to customize not only their experience but also the appearance of their equipment goes a long way in giving them the confidence to get their job done, and these designs definitely deliver that with a touch of pizzazz!

ASUS Project DALI E Ink Cover Laptop

Designer: ASUS

E Ink is no longer just for eBook readers. Now that it has color and is being used in signage, the eye-friendly and power-efficient display technology is finding its way to the most unexpected places, like the back of this laptop concept. Project DALI turns the laptop cover into a canvas for users of all walks of life to express themselves or simply have a different design every day if they want. All without draining the battery even when the laptop isn’t running.

ASUS ROG Mjolnir Portable UPS

Designer: ASUS ROG

Nothing scares a gamer or designer more than losing power in the middle of an intense playing or working session. Uninterruptible power supplies are a staple for these people, but if you’ll be getting one, why settle for a boring box when you can have one of the most powerful weapons in the universe? Shaped after the mythological hammer of Thor, the ROG Mjolnir is a power station with an attitude and, more importantly, the power and features to actually match.

Cooler Master MasterHUB Modular Stream Kit

Designer: Cooler Master

A typical computer keyboard has 87 to 101 keys or more, but sometimes even those aren’t enough for content creators, streamers, gamers, and advanced computer users. When you have to remember a bunch of keyboard shortcuts that differ from program to program, you’re putting a heavy burden on your mind that could be used for actual creative thinking instead. This modular MasterHUB stream kit and control center not only offers the power of programmable buttons but also lets you decide how you want those controls to be arranged and look.

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ASUS ROG Mjolnir power station promises uninterrupted gaming for an hour

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It seems that the gods of Asgard are truly smiling on brave digital warriors. After two months of debate and speculation on whether they’re just pulling a long hoax, ROG has proven that there is, indeed, a real Mjolnir power station, or at least one working unit shown off to the public at Computex 2024. And it is as massive as you might have expected, but also had a few surprises we didn’t see coming. It probably won’t satisfy outdoor adventurers, but for the avid collector, comics fan, and loyal ROG gamer, the ROG Mjolnir will definitely be one to keep an eye on, at least when ASUS finally spills all the beans.

Designer: ASUS Republic of Gamers

The ROG Mjolnir is a huge box, perhaps too big for the 768Wh battery it packs inside. Exact dimensions and weight aren’t available yet, but it’s definitely not something you’ll be carrying around a lot despite the “portable” in its name. And you’ll definitely not want to lift it by that handle sticking out from the top because you won’t be able to. And it’s not because you’ve been deemed unworthy.

As speculated, that stick is actually the torch that ASUS teased in April, but it doesn’t work the way you might expect it to. The light is actually on the top end of the stick, so you have to lift it rather than pull it up like you would when trying to pick up a hammer. The opposite end that has a flat disc is actually a magnetic connector that attaches to the magnetic wireless charger on the top of the box.

Yes, there is a 16W wireless charger and it’s compatible with both MagSafe and Qi 2.0. There’s a telltale sign of a charging coil smack in the middle of the Mjolnir’s top, and it’s a bit raised so you can feel the spot with your hand if it’s too dark to see. Of course, you could just use the torch handle to light up the space since you’ll be removing it from its spot anyway. One design oversight, however, is that there doesn’t seem to be any other way to attach the handle so you’ll have to make sure it doesn’t roll off or get lost while you’re charging your smartphone.

Apart from its majestic design, the ROG Mjolnir is pretty average as a power station and is clearly aimed at computer users more than travelers. There are two USB-C ports capable of 65W and 100W of output, two USB-A ports, and four AC outlets with a total maximum load of 1200W. There are no DC barrels or car chargers, it can be charged via solar panels if a direct power source is unavailable.

That’s pretty much a standard for portable power stations but its main purpose is really to provide an uninterruptible power supply in a sudden power outage that should last one hour at 700W or 30 minutes with the max 1200W load. With a fast switchover of 10ms, you’ll have enough time to safely shut down your PC or, better yet, finish your battle before finally going down with the power. There is no word yet on when the ASUS ROG Mjolnir will descend on stores, but expect it to have a price tag worthy of a god when it does.

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ASUS Ceraluminum brings beautiful ceramic and durable aluminum laptops

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Gone are the days when laptops were seen just as technical equipment needed to get work done. Just like with smartphones, they have also become part of our modern lifestyles and a reflection of our own selves. What all these mean is that people are now more conscious of the design of the laptops they purchase, not just the specs or the brand. Yes, there are still many that look like tanks with rainbow lighting accents, but even some more powerful notebooks now have sleeker and more refined aesthetics as well. To keep up with more discerning consumers, ASUS has engineered a new kind of material for the outer lid of their newest and most premium laptop that combines the lightness of ceramic with the durability of aluminum into an elegant surface that just screams “luxury.”

Designer: ASUS

Laptop lids are often made of either plastic or metal because of their resilience and durability. Of the two, metal, which usually means aluminum, is considered more premium but also tends to be heavier and sometimes uncomfortable due to how cold it is to the touch. In contrast, ceramic is equally premium yet almost the opposite of metal: lightweight, warm to the touch, and sadly also fragile.

ASUS has aimed to bring the best of these worlds together and has created the portmanteau “Ceraluminum” to mark the success of their years of research and experimentation. In reality, it is actually aluminum but treated in a special process, which it unsurprisingly calls “ceramization,” which gives it the properties of ceramic. This “hi-tech” new material boasts being lighter than steel yet also more durable than actual ceramic. More importantly, the material focuses as much on the tactile experience as on the aesthetics. Like ceramic, Ceraluminum is not only cool to the touch but also gives the fingers a better grip on the laptop’s lid.

Ceraluminum is still a novel material and it might not be ready for truly mass production just yet. For its maiden voyage, ASUS has chosen its new Zenbook S 16 to be the first to benefit from this amalgamation of two of the most premium materials known in the industry. It’s a perfect match as well, given how incredibly thin and lightweight the laptop is. It looks premium and definitely feels premium, a fitting exhibit for Ceraluminum’s equally premium properties.

In addition to its elegant material, the ASUS Zenbook S 16 also brings nature-inspired colors to match. Zumaia Gray takes inspiration from flysch cliffs in Spain, while Scandinavian White mimics the warm light of the sun on snowy mountains. Even this color is a product of sophisticated materials research, modifying the molecular structure of copper and oxygen atoms to give off a different color while using the same aluminum oxide material as other colors. The ASUS Zenbook S 16 is, in the final analysis, an exhibit of the brand’s innovation in creating new materials meant to delight not just the eyes but also your fingers and elevate your laptop experience.

The post ASUS Ceraluminum brings beautiful ceramic and durable aluminum laptops first appeared on Yanko Design.