For creative professionals on the move, the quest for the perfect blend of power and portability is an ongoing one. Enter the ASUS ProArt PX13, a compact 2-in-1 convertible laptop that aims to be the ultimate companion for demanding creative applications. This sleek and sturdy machine packs a surprising punch, offering a compelling package for digital artists, video editors, graphic designers, and anyone who needs serious performance without being tethered to a desk.
Design and Portability: Crafted for the Creative Journey
The ProArt PX13 boasts a premium aesthetic with its "Nano Black" aluminum chassis. The construction feels robust, passing MIL-STD 810H torture tests for resilience against the rigours of travel, including shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. Despite housing powerful components, this convertible laptop remains remarkably portable, weighing in at just over 3 lbs (approximately 1.39 kg). Its compact dimensions (0.7 by 11.7 by 8.3 inches) make it easy to slip into a bag and take your studio wherever inspiration strikes.
The 2-in-1 design offers versatility for various creative workflows. Whether you're sketching ideas in tablet mode with the pen support (compatible with Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0), presenting your work in stand mode, or tackling detailed tasks in traditional laptop mode, the PX13 adapts to your needs. The hinges are sturdy, minimizing screen wobble even during touch interactions.
A Visual Feast: The Stunning 3K OLED Display
At the heart of the ProArt PX13 is its gorgeous 13.3-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display. With a resolution of 2880 by 1800 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the screen offers ample vertical space for creative tools and a crisp visual experience. Colour accuracy is paramount for creative professionals, and the PX13 delivers with near 100% coverage of sRGB and DCI-P3 colour gamuts, and 95% of Adobe RGB. The display is also Pantone Validated, ensuring professional-grade colour fidelity.
While the colours are vibrant and blacks are deep thanks to the OLED technology, the display has a 60Hz refresh rate, which might be a point of consideration for those accustomed to smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. The screen boasts ample brightness, reaching around 370-380 nits in SDR and up to 500 nits in HDR. Being a glossy display, it offers vibrant colours but can be prone to reflections in bright environments.
Powerhouse Performance: Ready for Demanding Tasks
Under the hood, the ProArt PX13 is equipped with the brand-new AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads. This powerful CPU, based on the Zen 5 architecture, delivers exceptional performance for a laptop of this size, readily handling demanding tasks like video editing, photo manipulation, and 3D rendering.
Complementing the CPU is the integrated AMD Radeon 890M graphics and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU with 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM (a configuration with an RTX 4060 is also available). The RTX 4050 in this model is fed with 95 watts of power, allowing it to perform impressively for a mobile GPU. Benchmarking results showcase the PX13 outperforming competitors in CPU-intensive tasks and demonstrating strong graphics capabilities for creative applications. While not strictly a gaming laptop, the dedicated GPU allows for enjoyable gaming at reasonable settings.
The system comes with a generous 32GB of high-speed LPDDR5x RAM running at 7500 MT/s in dual-channel mode. While the RAM is soldered and not user-upgradeable, 32GB should be ample for most creative workflows. For storage, the PX13 features a fast 1TB NVMe solid-state drive (with a 2TB option available in some configurations). The SSD is user-upgradeable, although it comes in a smaller 2230 form factor, which might limit high-capacity options compared to the more common 2280 size.
Creative Tools and Connectivity: Designed for Productivity
The ProArt PX13 incorporates thoughtful features for creators, including the ASUS DialPad integrated into the touchpad. This virtual dial provides quick access to various functions in creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, allowing for intuitive adjustments of parameters like brush size, zoom level, and timeline scrubbing.
For connectivity, the PX13 offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including two USB4 Type-C ports (supporting Thunderbolt), a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a full-size HDMI 2.1 port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity is handled by Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Some sources note potential issues with the MediaTek Wi-Fi card's reliability, although it is user-replaceable should the need arise.
Battery Life and Thermal Performance: Balancing Power and Endurance
The ASUS ProArt PX13 is equipped with a 73Wh battery. Battery life is respectable for a high-performance laptop with an OLED display and dedicated graphics, generally providing around 8 hours of light use or video playback. Demanding tasks will naturally draw more power. The included 200W proprietary AC adapter allows for fast charging.
Thermal management is crucial for maintaining performance under load. The PX13 utilizes a sophisticated cooling system with dual fans and multiple heat pipes. Under everyday tasks, the laptop remains relatively cool and quiet. However, during intensive workloads like video editing or gaming, the fans become noticeable and can reach higher decibel levels. Surface temperatures can also rise in specific areas under heavy load, but the keyboard area generally remains comfortable.
Pros:
- Blazing performance from the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 (or 4060) GPU.
- Stunning and colour-accurate 3K OLED touchscreen display.
- Versatile 2-in-1 convertible design with pen support.
- Convenient DialPad touchpad enhances creative workflows.
- Sleek and sturdy construction with a premium feel.
- Good selection of ports, including dual USB4 with Thunderbolt support.
- User-upgradeable SSD and Wi-Fi card.
Cons:
- 60Hz refresh rate on the display might not satisfy all users.
- Battery life, while decent, isn't class-leading compared to ultraportable laptops with integrated graphics.
- Fan noise can be noticeable under heavy loads.
- Absence of a haptic touchpad.
- The included pen is often sold separately, increasing the overall cost.
- Potential for Wi-Fi connectivity issues with the MediaTek card.
The Verdict: A Powerful and Portable Creative Companion
The ASUS ProArt PX13 carves out a unique space in the laptop market as a highly portable 2-in-1 convertible that doesn't compromise on performance for creative professionals. Its stunning OLED display, powerful AMD Ryzen AI processor, and dedicated Nvidia RTX graphics make it well-equipped to handle demanding creative tasks on the go. While the 60Hz refresh rate and battery life might not be top-tier, the overall package delivers a compelling blend of power, portability, and versatility for those who need a capable creative workstation that can adapt to their workflow, wherever it takes them. For artists and designers seeking a premium and potent convertible, the ProArt PX13 is undoubtedly a strong contender.