Features

13 reasons why you should get the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED

It’s slimmer, lighter, and definitely better~

Published

on

Technology and style go hand-in-hand with ASUS’s Zenbook S lineup. With a yearly upgrade, the latest ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) exhibits 13 new reasons why it’s the laptop to check out if you’re in the market for one.

Slimmer, thinner

Forget heavy, bulky laptops of the past and even those ~slim~ laptops that don’t really like one. The Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) is so slim, it fits in my laptop sleeve inside my backpack, sling bag, and even my briefcase. There’s even room to slide in a tablet or another laptop!

It’s also incredibly thin at 10.9mm and still houses an impressive amount of ports. One USB-A, one full-sized HDMI port, two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, and of course, an audio jack.

So lightweight

Weighing only 1 kilogram in weight, I didn’t feel I was carrying the laptop when inside my bag. I had to double-check twice if it was already in there. Plus, I can carry it using only three fingers without straining my forearms, something that I can’t even do with the Macbook Air.

That 180-degree hinge

The Zenbook S 13 OLED has that Ergo Lift Hinge where the bottom part lifts up when you lift open the laptop. It has that air vent for cooling and a perfect angle for typing.

But more than that, the 180-degree hinge creates more versatility in terms of productivity. For people who are used to presenting their pitches and concepts to clients, a laptop that you can almost fold provides a better preview to make presentations easier.

Military-graded!

Like most ASUS notebooks, the Zenbook S 13 OLED has a MIL-STD 810H military-grade in terms of durability. It was tested against harsh environments and stress tests such as power-on drop tests, vibration tests, and operation at extremes of humidity, altitude, and temperature.

It exceeded an extreme test, just like the iconic ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition!

S means Style

I’d like to think that the S in Zenbook S 13 OLED doesn’t just mean slim, but it also means style, too. The lid is extremely stylish, smudge-resistant, and so smooth with a matte finish.

It has metallic line accents making out the ASUS A monogram, which the company debuted during its 30th anniversary a few years back. Moreover, it uses a new material called plasma ceramic aluminum making it look more premium, and more durable while being good for nature with zero harmful compounds, and a shell that’s 100% recyclable.

S also means Sustainable

The new Zenbook S 13 OLED is the first Zenbook made with eco-friendly materials. Its chassis cover and bottom case were made of 50% recycled aluminum, and the keyboard cover comes from 90% recycled magnesium and aluminum.

Both were made using the post-industrial kind, which is waste recycled from the manufacturing process. Meanwhile, the keycaps on the keyboard are all 50% recycled plastic and the speakers are made from 5% ocean-bound plastics.

Moreover, the packaging is so eco-friendly, it was made with zero plastics and no glues. Just 100% recyclable and compostable paper!

ASUS Lumina OLED Display

Using the ASUS Lumina OLED, the Zenbook S 13 OLED comes with a stunning, immersive display. Yes, it has an 85% screen-to-body ratio and sports a NanoEdge design with ultra-slim bezels.

But just in case you didn’t know, having the ASUS Lumina OLED on your laptop means you’ll get professionally-graded colors.

Aside from that, you’ll experience a PANTONE-validated display, a customizable color gamut, 70% blue light reduction for eye care, and buttery-smooth motion clarity, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate.

In a nutshell, it has a gorgeous 2.8K OLED panel with a 16:10 aspect ratio. More importantly, the panel exhibits punchy colors and an exceptional level of color accuracy — perfect for consuming and creating content.

Impressive audio

Creating and consuming content wouldn’t be great if the device didn’t come with an impressive audio system. The audio-visual experience is something ASUS prides itself at, thanks to its Harmon-Kardon tuned Dolby Atmos speakers and ASUS’ very own Smart Amp.

Enjoy watching your favorite shows while you’re on your break!

Advanced camera systems

Don’t get fooled by the Zenbook S 13 OLED’s light and small frame.

It houses a bunch of improvements on the video calling fronts, such as its new 3D noise-reduction technology, AI noise-canceling audio technology, lighting optimization to help compensate for poor lighting conditions, background blurring, and even motion tracking to keep you in the center of a frame.

The power of 13th gen

Multitasking is seamless and easy, even with a thin and light laptop like the Zenbook S 13 OLED. It’s powered by up to a 13th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU, integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, LPDDR5 RAM up to 32GB, and 1TB of PCIe 4.0×4 storage.

Despite having a small frame, it houses so much power to help you have uninterrupted, productive sessions when using this machine. Moreover, the Zenbook S 13 OLED is Intel Evo certified, which basically states that it’s a high-quality laptop that meets incredibly high standards.

To put it simply, it’s definitely a daily driver you can trust!

Almost all-day battery life

The Zenbook S 13 OLED has a 64Wh battery, promising a full workday or more. You won’t really need to rely on electric sockets when working outside!

Fast charging

If you’re still worried about the battery life, fret not. The Zenbook S 13 OLED ships with a 65W power adapter, charging the device from 0 to 70% in 49 minutes. Although, it still supports any other USB Power Delivery charger you have and even a power bank — just expect a slower speed.

Rivals MacBook Air

Above all, the ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) prides itself as a worthy rival against the MacBook Air. We even compared the 2022 model before! But of course, this 2023 model is slimmer (10.9mm versus 11.3mm), lighter (1kg versus 1.24kg), and more powerful as compared to the MacBook Air M2.

Heck, its panel is even brighter. I mean, OLED versus IPS display? Come on, man.

Price and availability

The ASUS Zenbook S 13 OLED (UX5304) retails at PhP 79.995. It’s currently available in ASUS Concept stores, online stores, and authorized shops and resellers. Click here to see the full list of where you can get this device.

The laptop is also available via Home Credit with 0% interest and up to 18 months of flexible payment terms. Upon purchase, it has ASUS Platinum Warranty: 1-year local warranty and 2 years of Global Warranty.

Peace of mind is also guaranteed since there are currently 69 service centers nationwide. You’re safe, bud!

On another note, ASUS has also launched other Zenbook laptops: the Zenbook Pro 14 OLED (UX6404) and the Zenbook 14 Flip OLED (UP3404).


This feature article is a collaboration between GadgetMatch and ASUS Philippines.

Accessories

Here are two Fancy iPhone 14 cases for the Full-on Fab

Moshi never disappoints!

Published

on

By

Already rocking the new iPhone 14 series but looking for cases that are fab and fancy? Well, Moshi is here to save you!

As of this writing, it’s Pride Month — and GadgetMatch is celebrating all genders in the spectrum.

These cases are perfect regardless of how you identify yourself. And even if you’re a guy, you could rock these too.

Heck it’s 2023! Stop putting stereotypes on case designs and colors. Be confident and BE YOU!

Swift unboxing

While Moshi’s set of accessories aren’t limited to the new iPhone 14 series, what we have here are cases that are specially-meant for the new iPhones.

With its clear packaging, you can clearly see the case details including the leather texture as well as the golden touch of its logo.

Right out of the box, it already entices you with its 10-year warranty.

Unlike the previous Moshi iPhone 13 case collection I’ve held last year, the new Moshi cases for the iPhone 14 series now have MagSafe built-in instead of their in-house SnapTo technology which is limited to Moshi cases and accessories only.

For product authenticity, no need to worry as these have ready-to-scratch seals for serial code activation. All you have to do is to grab your iPhone, open the camera app, scan the QR code, and fill-in your necessary details to activate the product.

And if the photos above did not satisfy you at all, here’s the unboxing of the two fab cases caught on video.

 

@gadgetmatch Shut up and take my money 😭 #iphone14 #iphonecase #moshi ♬ original sound – GadgetMatch

Moshi Napa Slim in Lavender Purple

Most of you were probably looking at that golden camera cutout. Well, it’s not just painted in gold as this camera cover is an aircraft-grade aluminum for better durability when laid out flat on tables or put in rugged pockets.

And as already shown earlier, the back of the Moshi Napa Slim is crafted with a vegan premium leather for that added grip and better texture when held. Speaking of better texture, the inside of the case has a microfiber inner lining to avoid unwanted scratches when putting the phone in.

The Moshi Napa Slim case is lightweight at just 94 grams (or 0.2 pounds). Durability-wise, it features a hybrid shock-absorbing frame that resists shocks when dropped all throughout.

The power button and volume rockers are also made out of aluminum-grade aluminum for that tactile response.

Setting up a pretty lockscreen wallpaper and an #OOTD that adds complement to the case and completes that fab and fancy look.

The Moshi Napa Slim is also available in three more colors including Serene Gray, Midnight Black, and Juniper Green. The regular iPhone 14 and 14 Pro cases retail at US$ 45.95 while the bigger cases meant for the iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max siblings sells for US$ 49.95.

Moshi Overture with Detachable Wallet in Serene Gray

On the outside, the Moshi Overture isn’t any different from its Napa Slim case sibling.

It features that strong anodized aluminum camera cover that is also raised — also for unwanted camera scratches.

The same can be said with its power and volume buttons — irresistibly tactile to the touch.

Et voilà! With MagSafe built-in onto the case itself, the wallet stand attachment perfectly snaps into place.

Like previously mentioned, this case also has a built-in wallet with up to three (3) slots for your debit, credit, and even transit cards.

And as already teased earlier, the Moshi Overture features this golden circular element when you completely cover your iPhone that blends well to its premium vegan leather skin as well as its microfiber lining and the same shock-absorbing frame.

And just like that, it looks classy and fabulous too — even if you’re a heterosexual male without an ounce of fragile masculinity 🤩

Moshi’s Overture case with Detachable Wallet is also available in a Midnight Black colorway. It retails for US$ 65.95 for the smaller-sized iPhone 14 and 14 Pro while a dollar more (US$ 66.95) for the larger iPhone 14 Plus and Pro Max variants.

SEE ALSO: There’s a Moshi bag for your every need 

Continue Reading

Automotive

Home away from home: Next-Gen Ford Everest makes long trips cozier

I don’t know how it gets better than this~

Published

on

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

There’s an inexplicable poignance when you’re driving late at night, alone inside an elephantine 7-seater SUV while humming to the 10-minute version of “All Too Well”.

I took a long way home after dropping off my friends, sighing at every stoplight at 32nd Street. I was crestfallen that I was alone inside a big car, yearning for companionship and laughter. When I used to drive small cars, I didn’t have this longing but I guess it was the price to pay for being engulfed with joy after driving the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

After all, this automobile gave me an opportunity to bridge people together. I finally had ample space for my buddies and our luggage. Everything and everyone was able to fit in comfortably — stories, laughter, happy moments, and emotional baggage included.

It gave me a weekend full of core memories to cherish and remember.

Home is where the heart is, but that’s not where mine lives

When my mates Aureil and Miguel arrived at 30th East A parking at The Fort, they were amused at how comfortable I was. I transferred between seats with bare feet; scarves and blankets thrown everywhere; bags scattered across the trunk.

What can I say? The Everest has a cozy vibe, it’s impossible not to feel comfortable as if it’s your own home.

That afternoon, there was a downpour and we were watching the raindrops splatter on the panoramic moonroof. We were sitting in the backseat, waiting for the rain to stop, killing time while we listen to folklore.

We comfortably sat in the second row which accommodates three individuals, thanks to the spacious leg- and headroom. Even if I was sitting in the middle, there was enough room despite the high-center tunnel. This wasn’t anything like the Ford Everest two years ago.

The soft-touch materials and leather-padded seats kept us warm like a brittle fire, even with the air conditioner turned on at 16 degrees Celsius.

That’s one of the first things I liked about the Next-Gen Everest Titanium+, everyone felt cozy in the homey atmosphere. We felt safe being in each other’s presence.

Even if we were traveling from East to South and up North, the long trip gave us a safe space to be comfortable in and with ourselves. Don’t you just like yourself more when you feel at home (with the right people)?

L-R: MJ, Miguel, Aureil, Jomi.

Drive out of the city, away from the crowds

I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with driving, what with the never-ending bumper-to-bumper traffic across Metro Manila — be it on inner roads, national highways, and even expressways.

When there’s an opportunity, I switch with a trusted confidante of mine like Jomi who also got a chance to drive the Next-Gen Ford Ranger early in February, so I can sit in the front passenger seat, shake my iced coffee, and look at the side mirror while taking selfies and ~helping~ with the navigation… sometimes. Long live the passenger princess and the walls we crashed through!

But there are also moments when I want to drive and make an effort for people close to my heart. Primarily when I have a refined, tech-savvy vehicle that makes everything comfortable.

Everything inside the Next-Gen Everest parades sophistication. It has the right blend of modern interiors, accented by high technology accordingly.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The steering wheel is incorporated with quick access buttons so you won’t have to look away just to adjust your vehicle and audio controls.

There are also several storages upfront: Bottle holders, an upper glove box, and a center glove box. As a driver with lots of unnecessary “important” stuff, having plenty of storage options give me peace of mind that whatever I need can be stored easily should I need them.

Nine out of ten, I barely needed the stuff I put in glove boxes, but it’s still a nice touch for those who really need extra space.

Just the right amount of space

Speaking of space, there’s plenty for my short legs. With an 8-way power adjustment, the front seats are easy to calibrate to get our desired seating position. This has been extremely helpful for my friend, Jomi, and I who fall below 5’4” in height and struggle with reaching the pedals.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The electronic gear shifter is easily accessible, too, even if we have short hands, which was also designed ergonomically for better grip. It felt like a bulky gaming mouse, reminiscent of the ones I use when playing with the ROG Strix G16.

The fully digital instrument cluster shows everything I need to know, in signs that are easy to understand and comprehend. Simply put, the Next-Gen Everest Titanium+ made me want to be the driver more than the passenger princess.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

I’m now at a point where I’m willing to drive and bear the traffic, even if I have to travel roads as far as 70 kilometers down South and be on the road for four hours or more. (Only if I have this car.)

Wonderstruck, blushing all the way home

When we picked up my friend Kalvin in Parañaque, he was astounded by the vehicle’s convenient and innovative features.

He was mesmerized, gasping at the sight of the hands-free Power Liftgate and the power-folding function for the third-row seats, which I pressed so we can have an adequate cargo space for all our luggage and essentials.

Miguel arranged the placement of our luggage upon opening the hands-free Power Liftgate.

When we let him ride the shotgun, he was astonished by how much technology you can tinker with inside the vehicle.

It all started with the massive, 12-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system. He was ecstatic using the voice-activated controls using Wireless Apple Carplay with our iPhones, and the Android Auto Compatibility for his Samsung Galaxy S21+.

Jomi’s iPhone 13 wirelessly charging at the pad.

Then, he saw how we used wireless charging for our iPhones, and how Miguel didn’t have any power bank and used the 230V inverter in the rear center console instead.

Of course, there are 12V sockets found in the front center console, third row, and in the cargo area — which we only got to use when we had to pick up more passengers during a heavy downpour around SM Clark and my power bank couldn’t accommodate everyone’s smartphones.

We were singing in the car, getting lost upstate

We opened the panoramic moonroof to let the light and wind in.

During our drives along C5, SLEX, Skyway, NLEX, SCTEX, and other major highways, we were blasting music using the Next-Gen Everest’s 8 speakers.

When the weather conspired in our favor, we opened the moonroof to let the light and fresh air in and sang our hearts out with Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”. Let’s run away and don’t ever look back~

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

Using Apple CarPlay, we were able to navigate the Clark Freeport Zone using Google Maps while playing on Spotify simultaneously. We felt young with no regrets, just love. (Almost 30 is still young, right?)

Remember when you hit the brakes too soon?

Perhaps, the thing that got me really excited about the Next-Gen Ford Everest is how I felt the security features and driver-assist technology. Even more-so compared to my previous rides with other Ford vehicles.

I came to the conclusion that it was the enormous veneer of the Everest Titanium+. That, coupled with my lack of expertise in maneuvering 7-seater SUVs that triggered the features made me appreciate them.

With a recent mishap using my own car during a heavy downpour and I ended up rolling down a 70-degree slope, the Next-Gen Everest’s Hill Launch Assist, Roll Over Mitigation, and Hill Descent Control gave me reassurance that the accident won’t happen again while I was behind the steering wheel.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The front and rear parking sensors were also working hand-in-hand to alert me when vehicles, pedestrians, and other inanimate objects are too near or getting in the way while I was on the road.

While driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic in the incorrigible Ortigas Avenue Extension where motorcyclists and street vendors pop in a flash, prompting other vehicles for a sudden brake, the Pre-Collision Assist activates when I didn’t get to step on the brakes as quickly as I could.

The vehicle would vibrate, emitting an alarm loud enough to shake you off the driver’s seat. I got saved by the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which works when you aren’t able to respond to a potential collision.

Remember when I pulled up and said “Get in the car”~

The evasive steer assist and lane-related features helped me navigate the hellish C5 traffic at night. But I found the parking assist even more commendable.

Parking small cars is a piece of cake for me — be it parallel, diagonal, or perpendicular. The Next-Gen Everest, however, is a different case. It’s enormous, and I found it difficult to squeeze in between other colossal automobiles.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

What astounded my friends was the activation of the Active Park Assist 2.0. The vehicle used its 360-degree camera and parks on its own with the Park Aid assist.

But of course, we have the utmost confidence in our abilities to park the Next-Gen Everest properly. We simply used the infotainment system to give an overview of whether we were alighting in perfect symmetry.

The Terrain Management System also came into play when we were driving and parking across the lahar-filled concrete and gravel parking in Alviera and around Clark Freeport Zone.

It just has everything you can ask for, and maybe more.

I just wanna stay in that lavender haze

Photo-op before we hop on a ride to participate in our Spartan BEAST (21KM+30 Obstacles) race in Alviera.

Riding the comforts of the Next-Gen Everest felt like finally finding someone whom you’ll want to clean up bottles with on New Year’s Day. It’s delicate and gorgeous at the same time — both the relationship and the experience of a shiny, new vehicle.

It lasted long enough with only less than half of the tank with over 500km ride in four days. Refueling the tank fully only happened on the fifth day as I drove back to the East.

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

Long trips used to be grueling, no matter how big a car is. But when it’s designed to look and feel like home, 500 kilometers on the road from East to South and to the North and back is just a breeze through time.

Not to mention, the exterior of the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ comes with a tough, aggressive facade. It doesn’t give a cozy vibe, but we have to look beyond its appearance. Sometimes, we end up liking a person when we spend some time to know them more.

I guess that’s the lesson the Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+ wants to impart: Look beyond what you see, and get the best experience you can ever feel. 7-seater SUVs aren’t that intimidating to me anymore.


Price and availability

Next-Gen Ford Everest Titanium+

The Next-Gen Ford Everest comes in many finishes and colors. These are: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, Equinox Bronze, Meteor Gray, Sedona Orange, Snowflake White Pearl, and Blue Lightning. It starts at PhP 1,799,000 for the Everest 2.0L Turbo Trend 4×2 AT. It goes up to PhP 2,495,000 for the Everest 2.0L Bi-Turbo Titanium+ 4×4 AT variant.

For more information, visit the Ford Everest page. To reserve the Next-Gen Ford Everest through www.ford.com.ph or check your nearest Ford dealer.

Continue Reading

Hands-On

moto razr+ Hands-on: Flip Phone Done Right!

Or moto razr 40 ultra globally

Published

on

moto razr

Meet the newest moto razr+ — or moto razr 40 ultra globally. It has all the flagship-grade hardware in a thin and compact form.

But its biggest upgrade has got to be its new full-on cover screen — and it might just be the best one yet!

Can’t wait to see how the new razr looks and feels?

Here’s our hands-on with the new moto razr+.

If you haven’t kept track of the record, motorola released two razr flip phones globally. Those are the motorola razr back in 2019, and the motorola razr 5G in 2020.

motorola (or Lenovo) then skipped the year 2021 and brought us the motorola razr 2022 — only to be sold exclusively to China.

Fast track to 2023, motorola is coming back with a whole new flip phone for the international markets! Say hello to the 2023 motorola razr family

 

Continue Reading

Trending