The Asus ProArt PZ13: A Powerful Alternative to the Surface Pro

The Asus ProArt PZ13 is a new contender in the Windows tablet market, equipped with a Snapdragon X+ processor designed for efficiency and portability. The combination of a lightweight design, extended battery life, and vibrant display makes it worth considering if you're looking for a mobile device that can keep up with your workload.

Coming to you from Brad Colbow, this great video review dives into the features of the Asus ProArt PZ13, showcasing its strengths and where it might fall short. One of the key advantages of this tablet is its use of the Snapdragon X+ processor. Designed for power efficiency, this processor is what gives the ProArt PZ13 its standout battery life. Colbow notes that he was able to get nearly a full day of use from the tablet, a significant improvement over many standard laptops that only offer a few hours on a charge. The Snapdragon X+ keeps the device running cool and quiet, even under heavy workloads, making it a solid choice for those who spend long hours working on creative projects.

The ProArt PZ13 also comes with a stunning OLED display, which Colbow highlights as one of the tablet’s best features. The display is color-calibrated, with vibrant colors and sharp resolution, making it ideal for those who need precision in their work, whether you're editing photos or working on digital illustrations. The included detachable keyboard and kickstand are useful for switching between drawing and typing, making the device versatile for different workflows. Additionally, the tablet features two USB-C ports and an SD card slot, which expands its functionality for photographers and videographers who need easy access to their media files.

One drawback Colbow mentions is the lack of a headphone jack, which could be a frustration for those working in audio or video editing. Although wireless headphones are more common these days, the convenience of a wired option is still valued by some, especially when juggling battery management across multiple devices. Another challenge with the ProArt PZ13 is software compatibility. Since the tablet uses an ARM-based processor, not all creative software runs smoothly on it yet. Adobe's Creative Suite, for instance, still lacks full support for ARM, though Colbow notes that emulation works well for most apps. However, some key tools, like Adobe After Effects and Fresco, remain unavailable, which might be a dealbreaker for certain professionals.

Despite these limitations, the Asus ProArt PZ13 offers compelling value, particularly when compared to its competitor, the Surface Pro. Colbow points out that, at a similar price point, the ProArt PZ13 offers more storage and RAM, making it a better value overall for creators who need powerful performance on a budget. The tablet also includes the keyboard and kickstand, while the Surface Pro requires those as additional purchases. These factors position the ProArt PZ13 as a strong alternative in the Windows tablet market for creatives. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Colbow.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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