We’ve been saying this since 2020 – tabs are back. And the new Asus ROG Flow Z13 throws in a new element to the mix – a gaming tablet. Apple’s iPad Pro that got even more powerful in 2021 with the M1 chip is still the ‘pureplay’ tab to beat, and it can take on the most demanding editing tools and intensive gaming. But this new tab from ROG (Republic of Gamers) is geared at serious gamers; the perfect meeting point of a formidable laptop and a gaming-ready tab.
The Asus ROG Flow X13 was one of our favourite laptops of 2021. The Z13 borrows one of the coolest features of the X13 – the ability to connect to an external GPU enclosure for faster and better graphics via a proprietary port. This tab comes with multiple ports and can seamlessly connect with up to four wireless controllers for ultra-portable gaming.
Retro-futuristic design
Asus claims that the Flow Z13 is a nod to retro-futurism. We agree. It’s ultra-light for a formidable machine with a chassis covered with spacecraft-inspired machining and an anti-fingerprint coating. It’s a tab one moment and a full-fledged laptop the next. We approve of the built-in kickstand that can be opened up to 170 degrees, offering multiple viewing angles. Just like the X13, it’s featherlight at 1.1kg, and just 12mm thin. Yes, it can slip into those slim messenger bags. The lightweight (300gm) 100W adapter adds to its portability. The tablet form factor does away with a hinge, allowing room for much larger fans and a wider vapor chamber.
Need for speed
This Windows Tab has enough firepower for work and play. It’s driven by the best of breed Intel Cire i9-12900H processor with 14 cores and 20 threads that can take on the most demanding AAA games. A zippy 5200MHz LPDDR5 memory and up to 1TB of SSD storage add to its creds. The 100W fast-charger can power up the battery to 50 percent in just 30 minutes.
Immersive screen options
The X13’s vibrant touchscreen was one of our favourite features. The Z13’s 13.4-inch 16:10 IPS touchscreen can be configured either as a 4K (3840 x 2400 pixels) 60Hz display or an FHD (1920 x 1200 pixels) 120Hz display. All Z13 variants come with a detachable keyboard with RGB backlighting.
The ROG Flow Z13 was one of Asus’ showstoppers at CES 2022. Asus hasn’t disclosed a launch price yet but has said the tab will available in the first half of 2022. We could see more gaming tabs hit the scene as the blend of work and play still continues in our post-pandemic lifestyles.
