The 2-in-1 gaming tablet: myth or reality? Asus ROG certainly thinks it will be worth it, hence the release of the new Flow – the Z13 (GZ301).
Following 2021’s X13 convertible, the Z13 takes it a step further with an additional use case for this versatile gaming rig. This 13-inch tablet weighs only 1.1 kg and is no more than 12 mm thick.
The fact that this is a tablet means that in addition to the usual mouse, controller and keyboard controls, the touchscreen also becomes an option – although it is dependent on support for the game. And I’m throwing the stylus away for good measure, just because (not that it’s going to be of any use in a game situation).
But within that slim rectangle is the beating heart of a true gaming rig, or at least the foundation of it: the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX laptop GPU. 3050, and a combination of 16GB of 5200MHz LPDDR5 memory and a 512GB PCIe SSD, making for a capable gaming device that belies its form factor.
An unconventional design
While it’s true that squeezing everything behind the screen essentially puts two very hot devices – the screen and the processing units – right against each other, the unconventional Z13 was designed that way so that the device has better access to fresh air around its being, compared to a gaming laptop tied to a desk.
Asus also explains that by omitting the hinge mechanism, they were able to accommodate larger fans and a larger vapor chamber, superior to conventional heat pipe designs. The chamber is also capable of contacting multiple heat sources simultaneously, which makes airflow and heat transfer quite efficient. And by incorporating its proprietary liquid metal thermal compound, the Z13 never exceeds 40dB of noise, even under full load.
But if all that’s still not enough, the Z13 also comes equipped with an XG Mobile interface that lets you plug in the optional XG Mobile eGPU for a massive boost in graphics performance. Just because.
Connectivity and controls
The most unique thing about this form factor is that it supports mobile and touch-enabled games as well as traditional PC games. As such, you can play on the go. The display lid doubles as a full keyboard, with keys capable of 1.7mm travel.
If you need an external mouse and keyboard, there are several USB ports to facilitate this. On board you have a USB 2.0 port, a USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 port and the XG Mobile interface also supports a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (with DisplayPort 1.4 and Power Delivery). The two USB Type-C ports also allow you to direct visual output to external monitors.
Asus mentions that they designed the Z13 for great wireless connections and that you can pair multiple gamepads. Additionally, the Z13 also supports split-screen gaming.
ALSO READ: Asus Vivobook 13 Slate OLED merges study and play with stunning visuals
Availablity
The ROG Flow Z13 (GZ301ZC-LD110W) retails for $2,998 and is available now from the ROG Experience Store Bugis, Asus Online Store, and all authorized retailers.
From March 18-31, customers who purchased ROG Flow Z13 (GZ301) can get either Microsoft 365 Personal (1-year subscription worth $108) or XBOX Game Pass Ultimate (6-month subscription worth $119.94).
This article was first published in Potions.sg.
