The Asus ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition: A Stellar Laptop with a Touch of the Cosmic
Asus has certainly taken a leap into the future with their latest flagship, the ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition. More than just another laptop, this device is a celebration of Asus’s history, a testament to their innovation and a journey through the cosmos, all wrapped up in a sleek and powerful package. With its unique design, a secondary OLED display, and top-of-the-line specs, the Space Edition promises to be more than just a laptop, it’s an experience.
A Space Odyssey Unfolds
The Space Edition, as its name implies, is a special edition of the ZenBook 14X. It’s a tribute to the 25th anniversary of Asus sending a laptop into space aboard the Mir space station in 1997, where it spent 600 days orbiting Earth. This commemorative edition has a distinct space-themed aesthetic, right from the packaging. The outer box features a stunning illustration of the Mir space station, while the laptop and its USB Type-C charger are nestled in separate boxes within. The charger box can even be used as a stand for the laptop, adding to the space-inspired experience.
But the star attraction of the Space Edition is undoubtedly the 3.5-inch monochrome OLED display that graces the exterior of the lid. This innovative feature, dubbed a “space capsule,” displays messages, notifications, and status updates without forcing you to open the lid, giving you a glimpse into the world beyond without interrupting your flow. This is a refreshing take on the Anime Matrix screen seen in Asus’ Zephyrus G-series laptops, pushing the concept beyond novelty and into a realm of practicality.
Design Meets Functionality
The Space Edition’s design is as much about aesthetics as it is about functionality. The interior echoes the space theme with orange accents on the keyboard, and a “space capsule” design subtly etched on the wrist rest. This bold aesthetic is further complemented by the stunning 14-inch 4K 16:10 90Hz HDR OLED touchscreen that boasts 100 percent DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage and Pantone certification.
The laptop’s sleek and compact design is perfect for portability. Weighing in at just 1.3kg and measuring 15.9mm thick, the ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition fits comfortably into the modern laptop landscape. Its ErgoLift hinge also helps to improve airflow and elevates the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
Inside, the Space Edition packs a punch with the latest 12th Gen ‘Alder Lake’ mobile CPUs from Intel, featuring the options of Core i9, Core i7, and Core i5. This powerhouse is further supported by up to 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM (non-upgradeable), and up to a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. Additionally, the laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring seamless connectivity. All this is powered by a 63Wh battery, providing ample power for long work sessions and entertainment.
Comprehensive Connectivity
The ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition comes packed with ports, ensuring you can connect all your essential peripherals. The left side boasts an HDMI 2.0 output, and two Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports for lightning-fast data transfers and external display support. On the right side, you’ll find a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD slot for convenient expansion. While the placement of the microSD slot near the vents might cause some concern, it’s a minor inconvenience considering the overall connectivity benefits.
Taking Flight: A Glimpse into the Future
Asus has taken a bold step with the ZenBook 14X OLED Space Edition, combining cutting-edge technology, captivating design, and a dash of cosmic inspiration. The secondary OLED display, while initially seeming like a gimmick, presents a unique and practical approach to notifications. The overall design is sleek and functional, while the powerful internal specifications ensure this laptop can handle demanding tasks with ease. The Space Edition is more than just a laptop; it’s a statement, a reminder of the possibilities that lie within us and in the vast expanse of the universe. While the price tag is expected to be premium, the Space Edition offers a unique experience that seamlessly blends the future of technology with the spirit of adventure. We’ll be eagerly waiting for a more thorough review to fully assess the merits of this stellar addition to Asus’s lineup.
