For years, I’ve been utilizing the Microsoft Surface Pro as my major work machine. The pill is my pc of selection, due to its simplicity and the add-on equipment such because the keyboard sort cowl and Surface Pen. The newest VivoBook 13 Slate OLED adopts the identical kind issue however is geared as a secondary computing system, with the main focus squarely on its positioning as a transportable OLED TV. That’s all advantageous however what about my “personal computer”?
I used the VivoBook 13 Slate OLED for just a few weeks, and right here is my evaluation of the 2-in-1 removable pc.
Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED evaluation: Design and aesthetics
At a primary stage, the VivoBook 13 Slate is designed to appear like the Surface Pro. Essentially, it’s a pill that runs a legit Windows 11 working system. The pill is gentle and simple to carry, and regardless of the polycarbonate shell, it does not look low-cost. On the left edge, you’ve gotten a 3.5-mm combo audio jack, two USB-C ports, a microSD card reader, and speaker mesh. As for the suitable facet, you’ve gotten extra speaker mesh, the Dolby Atmos emblem, and quantity rockers. On the highest, you’ll discover a devoted space for the ASUS Pen 2.0 (extra on that later) and an influence button. Lastly, on the underside, you solely have the magnetic accent port, which is used for attaching a keyboard cowl.
The front-facing 5MP webcam can be utilized for video calls, whereas the 13MP rear digital camera takes satisfactory pictures. The pill additionally helps Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
Accessories are an enormous a part of the VivoBook 13 Slate OLED. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The USP of the VivoBook 13 Slate is how the consumer expertise might be enhanced utilizing the equipment. It’s not vital to purchase equipment, however in case you are somebody who desires to make use of a pill as a PC, I’d suggest choosing a mannequin that features equipment. If not, no less than think about a Bluetooth keyboard and a mouse for improved productiveness.
The base mannequin, which sells for Rs 45,990, doesn’t come bundled with equipment. My evaluation unit, which has a retail value of Rs 62,990, got here with the stand, the keyboard and the Pen 2.0. Unlike the Surface Pro, which has a built-in kickstand, this system comes with a separate stand and a keyboard that attaches to the tablets through robust magnets. Notably, the again cowl’s hinged kickstand works in each panorama and portrait orientation, though I used the pill principally within the former mode.
Meanwhile, the Asus Pen 2.0 is snug to make use of but it surely by no means matches the extent of expertise that you simply get with the Surface Pen or Apple Pencil. It might be charged through a USB-C connector that is hidden behind the higher part of the stylus. Asus does present a charging cable – however I at all times had a worry of dropping it. You will discover a perform button on the top-end and two facet buttons (right-click and erase); it additionally comes with 4 ideas with completely different friction. Although the stylus comes with a magnetic holder that attaches to the pill with a loop in the place the Pen 2.0 is stowed, I discover the implementation poor.
I want Asus had trimmed the facet bezels surrounding the attractive 13.3-inch contact OLED display screen. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED evaluation: Display and audio
The display screen is totally attractive. It’s a 13.3-inch multitouch OLED panel that delivers Full HD decision, 16:9 side ratio, and 550 nits of peak brightness. The OLED panel is vivid, vibrant, and pixel-dense. Colors soar off the display screen, and the blacks are as inky and deep, particularly after I was watching Single All The Way on Netflix and Gehraiyaan on Prime Video. It’s a wonderful display screen, vivid sufficient to make use of outdoor and indoors.
The pill lacks a fingerprint scanner, and there’s no Windows Hello for facial recognition because of the lack of an IR digital camera. A front-facing 5MP digital camera within the prime bezel is an enormous enchancment over low-quality 720p webcams we’re used to on a laptop computer. That’s one space Asus has actually paid consideration to on the VivoBook 13 Slate. Even, the microphones are on the identical stage.
Asus put 4 audio system into the VivoBook 13 Slate with Dolby Atmos. The result’s a loud, full expertise that sounds nice whether or not you’re watching a YouTube video, listening to Apple Music, or attending a Zoom name. They are ok, however there is no such thing as a bass.
The VivoBook 13 Slate OLED runs Windows 11, Microsoft’s newest desktop working system. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED evaluation: Keyboard and touchpad
As I mentioned to start with, the keyboard just isn’t included within the base model however my evaluation unit got here with one, which is priced on the upper facet. The most vital factor for me is to enhance the usefulness of a tool just like the VivoBook 13 Slate in eventualities the place I would like my pill to be extra like a laptop computer. The keyboard has a pleasant feeling to the touch and feels sturdy sufficient. What in regards to the typing expertise? Well, I’m pleased to report that typing on this keyboard is a pleasure. The keyboard isnt cramped and the clicking sound of the keys is much less resounding. To my shock, the top-row perform keys embody microphone mute, quantity, and brightness controls. However, it lacked a backlit choice, which I feel ought to have been given. Clicking on the touchpad feels nice. It’s simply the suitable measurement and gestures truly really feel very pure.
I just like the keyboard, however not the Asus Pen 2.0. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED evaluation: Performance and battery
The VivoBook 13 Slate makes use of a low-end Intel Pentium Silver N6000 Processor, a quad-core CPU with built-in Intel UHD Graphics and 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD on my evaluation unit. The pitch right here is that the pill can be utilized each as a piece and play machine. I used the system primarily as my work machine for per week, and I discovered it ok for primary computing duties however the expertise just isn’t as seamless as whereas utilizing a laptop computer. The factor is this isn’t fairly as speedy as a daily laptop computer. That’s precisely what’s anticipated of a tool just like the VivoBook 13 Slate, which is meant to be a general-use process like writing and enhancing paperwork on Google Docs, searching the net, or attending a Zoom assembly fairly than working Photoshop and enhancing movies. The product is not a compromise when you understand what is the pitch and who can buy this system. I’d suggest you to go for a top-end mannequin, partly as a result of that additional reminiscence and storage improves the soundness of apps and efficiency.
Battery life is first rate. I might get 7 to 9 hours of use on a single cost – that is acceptable for a tool working desktop-class Windows 11 software program.
The VivoBook 13 Slate OLED is okay for primary computing duties – however I want it was working a non-Intel-based processor. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Asus VivoBook 13 Slate OLED evaluation: Should you purchase it?
With the VivoBook 13 Slate, Asus goes after particular customers who need a system that doubles as an OLED TV and a 2-in-1 hybrid laptop computer. At Rs 62,990 the unit I obtained could appear on the upper facet however the bundle consists of the keyboard case and the Pen 2.0. With this sort of set-up, the VivoBook 13 Slate turns into greater than a pill – it additionally acts as a correct, absolutely functioning Windows 11 pc. Is the VivoBook 13 Slate good? Not in any respect. A tool like this might have used an ARM chip – as a substitute of an Intel processor. Those who need primarily a piece machine ought to nonetheless go for a laptop computer, and those that simply need a pill for media consumption, internet searching, and social media can buy a cheaper Android pill. But for individuals who need a secondary pc that has a phenomenal display screen however do not need a system highly effective sufficient for top-end work ought to search for one thing just like the VivoBook 13 Slate.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
