Laptops

ASUS Vivobook Pro 14 OLED: Creators’ vision turned reality

One fine content creating machine

Published

December 24, 2021

Andre Ibarle

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again — ASUS is a brand who isn’t afraid to be different. Not only do they give us devices with the best possible specs but also create devices that are actually enjoyable to use and have innovation with real world purpose and functionality.

If the consumers need it, they probably have a device for this specific niche.

Today, with content creation being a thriving industry, ASUS focuses on the needs of creators this time as they unveil their new ASUS Vivobook Pro 14 OLED.

Now, let’s see how much power and potential did ASUS pack in this compact laptop.

Specs-tacular

The Vivobook Pro 14 OLED is running on the Ryzen 9 5900HX processor paired with the NVIDIA RTX 3050 with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and 512GB SSD storage.

I’ve been reading about this CPU for a while now so when I saw this processor in the specs sheet, it was just pure excitement for me. I felt like a kid opening a Christmas present as I already had an idea of what this processor could offer.

It’s an eight core, sixteen thread CPU which competes and in some instances even beats its competition from Intel, the Core i9 11980HK. To put it further, it’s among one of the fastest laptop processors this 2021.

Designed for creators

Despite being a heavy weight in terms of specs, the Vivobook Pro 14 OLED is a light weight in its actual design. This device is almost as portable as an ultrabook weighing only 1.45kg with a thickness of 17.9mm. I can’t even imagine how ASUS is able to pull off packing these specs in such a small profile.

If I were to describe how this laptop looks in one word, it would be “refined.” It feels clean and minimalist and doesn’t grab too much attention with the way it looks.

Flipping the lid open, you’ll notice the print on the Enter key which seems to subtly hint the stripes we see on film set clappers. A subtle detail which makes us creators feel right at home.

The top lid is made of aluminum material with a machine embossed cutout housing the Vivobook branding which looks modestly different but also relatively attractive.

The frame holding the keyboard feels strikingly similar to those of the Zenbook book line and it feels robust to the touch.

We have a great deal on the port selection on this device. Placed on its right side is a USB-A, full sized HDMI, USB-C, microSD card reader and a 3.5mm headphone jack. And on the left are two USB-A ports.

The Vivobook Pro 14 OLED comes in two color options, the Quiet Blue and Cool Silver.

Vividly visual

I used to have the ASUS Zenbook OLED as my top contender for the best laptop display but really, this one just takes the crown. We’re looking at a 14-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio, 2.8K resolution, OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and it looks dazzling!

Seriously, this is just so good for photo editing. You’ll definitely notice the sharpness and every little detail in the photos as you’re editing.

It comes with all the benefits of the OLED technology having the ability to display true blacks and very vibrant colors that doesn’t rely on its brightness. I was actually able to see details in darker parts of the image I was editing that I didn’t even notice on my personal laptop.

Of course, being intended for creators, we expect this would be guaranteed under some sort of display capability verification. In this case, we are getting a DCI-P3 color gamut rating of 100 percent, Pantone Validation and certified with 70 percent lower blue light emissions.

In other words, this is a display panel which won’t get you lost in comparing your colors with other devices or even print media and long hours of editing won’t be eye-straining.

Convenience at your fingertips

Whenever I get to use a new laptop, it usually takes a while to adjust to typing on the keyboard. I adjusted fairly quickly with the Vivobook Pro 14 and it is quite a pleasure to use. The key sizing is comparable to the ones in 15-inchers and they feel like they’re full sized. It also has substantial feedback and key travel. I wasn’t feeling mushyness while typing on it and it also doesn’t feel cramped having adequate key-spacing. Setting the key mapping on Adobe Premiere and my hands sat nicely on my assigned shortcuts.

This keyboard also illuminates with white backlight which is helpful when we’re using it in a dimly lit environment. I can see this being very handy for wedding SDE editors. They’re usually editing in makeshift locations. It also won’t ruin the wedding mood since it doesn’t look gaming oriented.

Placed on the top right corner of the keyboard is the fingerprint power button. This lets us log in to our Windows account without having to type on a password which substantially decreases log on time without compromising security.

While it matches the look of the other keys, I don’t think accidentally hitting it to shut off the device would be a concern since it does have a different actuation feel than the other keys. It also helps that it’s leveled slightly lower than the keys beside it.

ASUS is again using their NumberPad 2.0 on the trackpad on this device. It’s a dual function trackpad that functions both as a trackpad and a number pad. Users can access it by holding on the icon on its top right corner. It’s considerably large and I can say, it’s pretty good at recognizing my touch gestures. It’s also smooth with a nice slippery feel.

Remarkable performance

I’m pretty confident with the specs on this laptop so I decided I’d edit a pile of backlog videos I had to finish on it. I didn’t realize how much time is wasted whenever I edit on my personal laptop as this eliminates stuttering and the loading times when choosing clips. Even the short lag when applying effects or switching tabs was gone. I also found myself not having to pre-render sequences and still this laptop does not back down.

Given that this laptop has a lot of power, I figured it would do well in some gaming since us creators, we also like to play games. So I went on and gave Nioh a shot. Without holding back on the settings, the game ran flawlessly with everything maxed out at its full 2.8K glory.

For a more graphically intensive game like A Plague Tale: Innocence, the RTX 3050 is respectably capable of running it at ultra settings at its highest resolution having only a few dropped frames. Though these games might be a bit dated, these are still triple-A titles and are still demanding. Which means if we’re just planning on running esports titles, then we can expect this laptop to handle those with ease.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Vivobook Pro 14 OLED comes pre-installed with Windows 10 out of the box. However, immediately upon logging in the first time, I already had the prompt if I wish to upgrade to Windows 11.

Cool and quiet

We do know that high power in a small package is a recipe for overheating. But that is not entirely true with the Vivobook Pro 14 OLED. This has the Dual-fan ASUS IceCool Plus technology implemented inside of this slim body.

During my Nioh gameplay, it managed to get 79 degrees Celsius and occasionally hit the 80 degree mark but only for less than a second. What’s more impressive is that it’s really quiet. You can barely hear it running unless you place your ear near the body of the laptop.

Battery and charging

Battery performance would of course vary person to person. And since I prefer not to compromise my experience, I mostly kept the brightness setting pretty high, keyboard backlight turned on and doing a variety of moderate to heavy tasks. I was able to get a decent five hours on battery which would likely get even longer if I was behaving a bit on my usage and on power saving mode.

For charging, it took two hours and nine minutes to get it from 15 to 100 percent which is pretty average for a high performance laptop but quite slow if compared to modern ultraportable laptops.

Is the ASUS Vivobook Pro 14 OLED your GadgetMatch?

I know I may sound like such a fanboy of this laptop all throughout this review and now that we’ve come to the end, I guess I can say I am.

It just has a lot of strong points that really makes it an irresistible choice.

As a creator, I can confidently say that I can give up my existing laptop and use this in a snap without second thoughts. If I would look for something I didn’t like about it, it’s probably because it isn’t mine. But I wouldn’t mind saving up for it since I know it’ll pay itself back with the work it’s gonna be doing for me.

The ASUS Vivbook Pro 14 OLED has a price of PhP 74,995 for this R9 5900HX, RTX 3050, 16GB RAM with 512GB SSD variant. There’s no doubt that this is a really good value for what you’re paying for.

It’s also available for PhP 59,995 for the R5 5600H, RTX 3050, 8GB RAM with 512GB SSD variant. Meanwhile, there’s one that costs PhP 47,995 for the R5 5600H, AMD Integrated graphics, 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD variant.

Laptops

Apple introduces Apple Upgrade leasing program

Flexible leasing arrives

Published

July 31, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

Apple has introduced Apple Upgrade, a new leasing program that makes it easier to get an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch through monthly payments. The program also gives customers more flexibility to upgrade to newer devices over time.

Apple Upgrade replaces new enrollments for the iPhone Upgrade Program with a single offering that covers four product categories. Apple partnered with Klarna to power the service.

Customers can lease an iPhone or Apple Watch for one or two years. Mac and iPad leases are available for two or three years.

At the end of the lease, customers have three options. They can upgrade to a newer device, purchase the leased device by paying the remaining balance, or return it with no further obligation.

Monthly payments start at US$17.99 for iPhone and US$24.99 for Mac, depending on the selected model and configuration. Customers must also qualify through Klarna before enrolling.

More than iPhones

Apple Upgrade expands beyond the company’s previous iPhone-only financing program. It brings iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch under one leasing service, making upgrades more consistent across Apple’s hardware lineup.

Customers can manage their lease through Apple, while Klarna handles financing and lease administration. They can also pay off their device early, although additional terms and fees may apply depending on the agreement.

Apple Upgrade is currently available only in the United States. Apple has not announced plans to expand the program to other regions.

Accessories

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is your next best pocketable 4K webcam

Fold the Flip for further protection

Published

July 29, 2026

Vincenz

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Several months ago, you might remember that OBSBOT revealed the Tiny 3 series of web cameras.

Six months after, they also unveil the all-new Meet Flip. From the name itself, it’s the company’s latest foldable 4K webcam that puts hardware privacy front and center.

Foldable and pocketable

Despite weighing just 37.7 grams, the Meet Flip aims to deliver premium webcam features for all types of users. Be it remote workers, professionals, or content creators.

Graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Undoubtedly, the biggest highlight has got to be the webcam’s folding design. Not only it’s portable, it protects your privacy too.

Closing the device physically blocks the lens, giving users a visual confirmation that the camera is no longer active. When it’s time for a meeting, simply unfold it and it’s ready to go.

That lightweight body also features a built-in mounting clip that works with laptops, monitors, and tripods. Users can mount it in landscape, portrait, or even upside-down orientations depending on their setup.

Despite that absurd amount of lightweightness, the OBSBOT Meet Flip is still able to house a 1/2-inch Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with Quad Bayer technology. That’s something more commonly found among bigger and higher-end web cameras.

Other camera features include:

4K video recording / 30fps
1080p recording / up to 60fps
HDR support for challenging lighting
Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF)
4x digital zoom
f/1.8 aperture with ISO 100-6400 support for low-light environments

Beyond just video calls

The OBSBOT Meet Flip isn’t just packed with serious camera hardware, it’s seriously intelligent as well.

The Meet Flip supports AI Auto Framing. This automatically keeps users centered during meetings — regardless if they are presenting alone or with a group. Gesture controls also let users activate framing or adjust zoom without touching the keyboard or mouse.

Another standout feature is AI Magic Notes which provides real-time meeting transcription and automatically generates summaries, action items, and key discussion points.

The feature works with Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams through OBSBOT Center. Every webcam includes complimentary transcription of 120 minutes.

With that being mentioned, OBSBOT Center also makes users gain access to software features such as background blur, virtual backgrounds, beauty mode, and picture-in-picture overlays for presentations.

Those who want more advanced controls can enable Smart Eye Tracking, teleprompter support, and manual image adjustments.

Audio also gets an upgrade through an intelligent dual-microphone system that offers four recording modes:

Directional Mode / solo calls
Dual-Directional Mode / interviews
Smart Omni Mode / group meetings
Pure Audio Mode / unprocessed stereo recording

AI Noise Reduction and Automatic Gain Control are also available across most modes to help improve voice clarity.

OBSBOT’s Meet Flip is also compatible with mobile devices through the OBSBOT Live app and supports integrations with accessories including Elgato Stream Deck, Nintendo Switch 2, and UVC-to-NDI/HDMI adapters.

Pricing and Availability

The OBSBOT Meet Flip is available starting today for US$119 through OBSBOT’s online store, Amazon US, and select retailers worldwide. Regional pricing may vary.

Laptops

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra wins you over

The laptop sneaks up on you

Published

July 3, 2026

Rodneil Quiteles

This is coming from someone who has done countless unboxings and has touched a wide variety of devices — the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra was… alright.

My first impression was that it certainly didn’t wow me as much as I expected it to after having read the brief, nor even after attending the tech seminar where ASUS laid out its vision for the laptop.

That’s probably the strangest thing about the ExpertBook Ultra. Because after having spent more time with it, the laptop grew on me.

Put cheekily, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra wasn’t the laptop that made my head turn. Instead, it was the laptop that kept showing up consistently. Before I realized it, it’s become the one I wanted to keep coming back to.

And I think that’s the best way to describe my experience with ASUS’ flagship business notebook.

The laptop sneaks up on you.

Built to be carried

I got the laptop right after Computex 2026 coverage. That meant my days were closer to how they normally are. That also meant I had to be more intentional about going out and bringing it with me as I tackled my day-to-day duties.

I normally carried it using my trusted EDC — the Alpaka Bravo Tote — and I have to say it definitely felt lighter than my usual laptop, which is the MacBook Pro M4.

The Apple laptop I regularly carry is, I have to admit, chunkier than I would prefer. So having the ExpertBook Ultra for about a week or so literally felt like some load was taken off my shoulders.

Did I ever forget it was there? I wouldn’t go that far.

But if you’re asking me which one I’d rather carry based on build and weight alone, I would, with no hesitation, reach for the ExpertBook Ultra.

That says a lot considering how attached I am to my usual setup.

ASUS likes talking about how light the ExpertBook Ultra is. Normally, that’s the sort of marketing line I acknowledge and quickly move past.

This time, I actually felt it.

The Nano Ceramic effect

One of the first things ASUS will tell you about the ExpertBook Ultra is its Nano Ceramic finish. I’ll admit, it felt like one of those things that sounds good on a slide presentation.

It’s one of those things that look gimmicky at first but actually feels incredible once you come across it on a daily basis.

It’s still early, so you can consider this very much part of the honeymoon phase with the laptop. Even so, the Nano Ceramic finish continues to inspire a bit of awe every time I pick it up.

I do feel like a little weirdo caressing the laptop ever so gently before I begin the day’s work wherever I may be. But that’s just a testament to how good it feels to touch.

And yes, it does reinforce the feeling that, “Hey, I’m working on a pretty fancy piece of machinery.”

It’s easy to underrate the effects of that feeling, but it’s those little intangible things that can sometimes help unlock perspectives and possibilities.

That’s not something you’ll find on a spec sheet. But it’s absolutely part of the experience.

A display that’s difficult to stop staring at

It also helps if STAYC Isa is on screen.

The display is magnificent.

As Captain America would say, “I can look at this all day.” Not the exact phrase, but you’re smart. You get it.

The OLED and matte coating is just a killer combo. Kind of like the Chaewon and Yeji “That’s a No No” challenge collab. Pardon the months-old K-pop reference. I’ve been so busy I haven’t really kept up with what’s new.

Anyway, the combination just comes at you unapologetically and you have no recourse but to bask in it. Maintaining the deep blacks and crisp colors is such a gift to your eyes.

I often sit right next to big windows when I’m out in cafés and the light did nothing to dull the effect of the display.

Two love, two love. I’m falling.

It was so good I often found myself fully diving into STAYC’s 2 LOVE music video in between writing this very review and coordinating with my team.

The matte coating deserves special mention here.

OLED panels already look fantastic. Pairing one with a matte finish that helps cut reflections without sacrificing the strengths of OLED makes for one of my favorite laptop displays in recent memory.

Typing just clicked

This is one of my favorite keyboard experiences. Things just clicked right from the start. No awkward feeling-out phase whatsoever.

I was touch typing like I was Doctor Strange trying to look into over 14 million possible outcomes and still landing on the right key every single time.

The keys feel closer to chiclet-style keyboards than anything else. Even so, the spacing is perfect and the travel satisfying.

Then there’s the haptic touchpad.

I typically don’t like using mice, especially when I’m out and about. With most Windows laptops I’ve used in the past, that eventually becomes a necessity.

That wasn’t the case with the ExpertBook Ultra. It’s easily one of the best-feeling touchpads I’ve used in recent memory.

My standard for touchpads has always been MacBooks. While the software is also doing some heavy lifting in that particular setup, the ExpertBook’s own comes pretty close.

That’s not praise I hand out lightly.

Performance that feels like overkill

Performance is one area where I cannot claim I fully pushed the capabilities of the ExpertBook Ultra.

Most of my tasks are browser-based. Plenty of tabs open, sure, but I don’t think I ever came close to really testing the capabilities of this business notebook. I imagine that would be the case for most of ASUS’ target audience.

Upon seeing the specs, I already knew this was going to be a bit of an overkill for my own use case. My time with it only proved that assessment.

The most I did with it was jump between browser tabs and chat apps, letting ChatGPT help me process unresolved feelings and questionable timing while I dealt with coordinating shoots, writing scripts and reviews, and dealing with external forces that leave me feeling drained.

Never once did the laptop feel slow. Never once did I find myself waiting.

What noise?

Speaking of things I didn’t notice, let’s talk about fan noise.

Again, since I didn’t really push this thing to its absolute limits, the fan never really kicked into high gear at any point during my time with it.

The same goes for thermals.

No task I did ever raised the temperature to uncomfortable levels. The laptop simply went about its business. Which, come to think of it, is probably the most business-laptop thing I can say about it.

Battery life that simply works

I was very impressed with its overall efficiency.

When I go out to work, I typically don’t stay out longer than five to six hours. Most of the time that’s five to six hours of really focused work—with some K-pop loving in between.

Being generally risk-averse, I still always brought my usual charger with me. Not once during my time with the device did I feel the need to plug in while working outside.

I would typically end my café work days somewhere between 30 to 40 percent and only juice the thing up once I got home while it was closed and not in use.

That’s exactly the kind of battery experience I want from a business laptop.

The AI question

The thing I struggle with when it comes to AI features on this machine is that a lot of them are Windows-based and that’s just not the AI I find reliable.

Right now, many of these features are nice-to-have.

I’m sure one of ASUS’ target users will likely find a use case for them.

As for me personally, this is one area I’d have to dig deeper into to actually find ways to integrate them into my workflow and general usage.

And honestly, that’s okay. The AI features weren’t the reason I kept reaching for the laptop.

Who is this actually for?

That’s a loaded question. Really, it’s built for anyone who can afford it.

With a starting price of PhP 129,995, this device comfortably sits in aspirational territory.

What I know for sure is that this is a machine for someone who’s already built some momentum in their chosen field and would like to level up.

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra gives you a machine that can handle your business now and inspire you to dream bigger about your future.

Is the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra your GadgetMatch?

The thing I kept coming back to with the ExpertBook Ultra is that there is no one thing that made me turn to it.

Instead, it’s the combination of everything that it brings to the table. The premium-feeling build, lightweight design, wonderful display, excellent keyboard and touchpad. efficient performance, and the thoughtful extras. Together, they make it a laptop that’s easy to recommend to anyone who’s ready for it.

But what does ready for it actually mean?