As a gamer, thin notebooks are difficult to love. Despite the loss of convenience, the thought of playing all my favorite games in one machine is still more tantalizing. However, with commute times getting longer by the day, it’s now impossible to ignore the importance of portability. Once again, with an ultrathin 1.1cm profile, the ASUS Zenbook S14 makes the perfect everyday commute buddy.

A laptop light enough to run with

The Zenbook S14 weighs only 1.2 kilograms. Just from handling it, you can tell that this weight (or lack thereof) makes so much of a difference. You can hardly tell that you’re holding a laptop. The Zenbook series has been known for ultrathin portability, so it’s no surprise that the new S14 has this down to perfection.

If that’s not enough, we put the laptop through a run test. That is, I tried running a 5K with the laptop on my back. It wasn’t a difficult time at all. In fact, I had to pack in more things inside my backpack just to make it feel more impactful.

Ultimately, it didn’t matter how heavy the backpack was. The Zenbook S14 barely contributes to your daily pack. If you had to face a long commute every day, this ultrathin laptop is a perfect match for you.

Ceraluminum: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

I’ve said this the last time I had my hands on a Zenbook. Ceraluminum remains one of the most consistently good features of the series. The matte texture once again adds a look that simply stands out.

Though the gray is similar to the shade common today, Ceraluminum feels pleasantly tactile and smooth to the touch. Plus, it’s also durable.

When I stuffed the notebook with an umbrella inside my pack, I intentionally left the notebook without a sleeve to see how the chassis would react with other things. Lo and behold, after running a few kilometers, the Zenbook S14 had no discernible scratches. Besides the portability, it’s a durable beast that fits in any pack.

Fourteen inches of fun

Normally, I prefer larger screens for my laptops. However, the Zenbook S14’s 14-inch 3K Lumina screen was more than enough for what I needed the laptop to be.

Color accuracy was almost spot-on but leaned a bit towards the vivid side. This wasn’t a huge problem for me, but it might be a consideration for those who need absolute accuracy.

Also, while I was doing my run, I did test the screen under the sunlight. In bright situations, the glare became a bit of an issue. The 1100 nits of peak HDR brightness overcame this, though.

The touchscreen capabilities is another useful tool. I don’t usually need touchscreens on laptops, but it’s still useful to have. The experience was smooth and responsive. It was particularly useful for small games like Balatro.

A machine good enough for most things

The Zenbook S14 is no slouch. Under the hood, the notebook touts an Intel Core Ultra 9 386H. For a work device, this seems like overkill. Do you really need a robust processor to get through your workday?

Well, it’s a matter of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s there. This powerful chipset is a godsend for multitasking.

Personally, I prefer working with a lot of windows up at the same time: a word processor, a bunch of tabs for research, another bunch for music or videos, and the usual slew of chatting apps. Despite having so many things up at once, the laptop never seemed like it was struggling to keep up.

The performance is beefed up with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage. It’s smooth for everyday use and can last for a long time without needing a cleanup.

That said, the chipset is not enough for gaming, especially for power-hungry games like Call of Duty. However, it’s just enough for lighter fare like Balatro. It’s no great loss, though. Rather, it’s an assurance that you can leave the heavy gaming rig at home but still have a decent machine for quick fixes.

Also, if you’re coming from the previous model, this new version doesn’t really offer much in terms of upgrades. This doesn’t take away from the current model’s capabilities as its own device, but it’s a consideration if you already own the previous model.

The battery life to keep you going

For such a light laptop, the Zenbook S14 still touts a sizable 77Whr battery. ASUS claims that a full charge can last up to 27 hours. On paper, that’s enough to last two working days with some change.

From personal experience, the notebook does last a good amount of time. As I mentioned above, I usually work with several windows up at the same time. Of course, that means more of a load on the battery. When I worked in a café for an entire afternoon, the laptop lasted handily.

While I’m confident that the battery can last from morning to evening based on my experience, I’d still take a charger with me because of the heavy nature of my work. That said, if you’re more used to normal office work, this notebook can get you through the day with no issues.

If you do need a charger, the package comes with a compact brick that barely makes any dent on your kit’s total weight. It’s also rated for 68W wired charging, which can fill the battery up from empty in just around 90 minutes.

Is the ASUS Zenbook S14 your GadgetMatch?

Alas, here’s the rub: The Zenbook S14 isn’t friendly on your wallet. The notebook costs PhP 129,995. For what the notebook is, the price tag feels a bit too much. At that price, you might want to get a hardier device with more robust specs.

Swipe Left if you prefer a daily notebook with top-of-the-line specs, or if you’re a gamer looking for a platform to play on.

However, if you’re looking for the ultimate portable buddy for your daily kit, the Zenbook S14’s impressive weight and profile makes this a Swipe Right.

You don’t drop into Marathon expecting mercy. You drop in expecting silence—broken only by the scrape of boots on alien metal and the echo of your own breath inside a suit that feels one size too tight. Every run is a gamble. Every corridor feels like a question you aren’t ready to answer.

In Marathon, you’re not the hero. You’re a runner—hungry, ambitious, expendable. Extraction isn’t guaranteed. Survival is never promised. What you carry out is what you earn.

First taste? Yeah, it bites back

A quick disclaimer: Marathon is my first extraction shooter. I’ve spent plenty of time with first- and third-person hero shooters, so I’m not new to the “shooter with abilities” formula—but this is a different beast entirely.

My first few runs were brutal. Extraction shooters introduce a level of tension I wasn’t prepared for. Losing everything on death raises the stakes in a way few other genres do. Fighting UESC bots alone is already challenging—their AI is surprisingly aggressive and reactive—but once you factor in other players who will shoot you on sight, the experience quickly becomes overwhelming.

First run, first lesson: Nothing is yours

My first deployment was on Perimeter with two random teammates. We spawned near the Hauler, a massive land vehicle on the west side of the map. Not knowing what we were getting into, we went inside—only to find it packed with UESC bots.

Our team’s Destroyer, the tank of the group, went down first, though not without taking a few enemies with him. As the Triage—Marathon’s support/healer role—it fell on me to revive him. I managed to clear the remaining bots, but burned through all my ammo and consumables in the process.

My reboot ability, which allows for ranged revives, wasn’t ready yet, so I attempted a manual revive. That’s when a UESC ghost appeared out of nowhere and dropped me in two shots from behind.

With both of us down—reduced to loot bags—it was up to our Assassin, who had been lurking nearby. He popped a smoke screen, revived me first, and dropped a couple of patch kits. I immediately used my reboot ability on the Destroyer, grabbed a kit, and deployed my healing drone. Somehow, we stabilized.

We cleared the Hauler, looted better gear, and decided to extract early. But on the way to exfil, another team ambushed us. The fight wasn’t even close—we were wiped instantly.

Then came that dreaded screen: elimination, along with a breakdown of everything we’d just lost.

That moment defined Marathon for me.

The game doesn’t need to cheat—you’ll die anyway

The UESC bots are no joke. Some strafe and dodge gunfire, others rush you down with melee attacks, and some will snipe you from rooftops with lethal precision. There are grenadiers that bombard you relentlessly, shielded elites that soak damage, and ghosts that move quickly and unpredictably.

Each map also features a Warden boss—something you absolutely shouldn’t underestimate. I learned that the hard way.

Beyond bots, there are additional threats like Ticks, turrets, and drones. Environmental hazards are just as dangerous: toxin plants, explosive claymores, heat cascades, and frost rooms can all end a run if you’re careless.

Loud, neon, and unapologetically weird

As a fan of cyberpunk and utilitarian sci-fi, I love Marathon’s visual style. It won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s undeniably distinct.

Where many shooters lean into muted palettes and desolate landscapes, Marathon goes in the opposite direction—bold, high-contrast visuals with rich neon tones. It’s a risky choice, but it pays off. The aesthetic not only stands out but also reinforces the game’s tone and identity.

If you’re not listening, you’re already dead

The audio design is one of Marathon’s strongest elements. The soundtrack is filled with high-energy tracks that heighten tension, and subtle shifts in music often signal danger before you even see it.

Sound cues are everything here. Sprinting produces loud, unmistakable footsteps. Even walking can give you away if you’re not careful. Crouch-walking is quieter, but not silent—nearby players can still hear you.

Everything makes noise. Opening containers, interacting with objects, even doors—especially doors. The larger they are, the louder they sound. I’ve never paid this much attention to audio in a shooter before, and Marathon trains you to listen or die.

The guns? Yeah, they carry this game

Gunplay is easily the highlight of the experience.

At launch, Marathon features 28 weapons across eight categories, covering everything from close-quarters combat to long-range engagements. Standouts include the M77 Assault Rifle, V75 Scar, Bully SMG, V22 Volt Thrower, Demolition LMG, WSTR Combat Shotgun, Longshot sniper, Ares RG Railgun, and the V11 Punch pistol.

Weapons can be heavily customized with mods and attachments that don’t just tweak stats—they fundamentally change how guns behave. Putting a stack overflow mod chip on a WSTR Combat Shotgun suddenly gives you four bullets instead of two. Unique gold mods like the Overcharge Lens for the V22 Volt Thrower turn the SMG into Halo’s Needler.

The result is a system that rewards experimentation and mastery. PvP encounters feel incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it—landing headshots, timing abilities, and outplaying opponents creates moments that keep you coming back.

Great style, messy menus

Visually, the UI aligns well with the game’s aesthetic. The UX, however, needs improvement.

Inventory management can be frustrating. Many items look nearly identical, and mods often differ only slightly in appearance. You’re forced to hover over items and read tooltips to distinguish them—something that feels at odds with the game’s fast-paced, high-risk nature.

In a game where every second matters, clarity is crucial. I’ve lost runs simply because I was stuck comparing item tooltips mid-loot.

Additionally, some font choices feel inconsistent and occasionally jarring, which further impacts readability.

It punishes you—and that’s the point

Marathon is not a game that welcomes you—it tests you. It punishes hesitation, rewards awareness, and demands that you learn quickly or lose everything.

As a first-time extraction shooter player, the experience was overwhelming at first, even frustrating. But beneath that harsh learning curve is something deeply compelling. The tension of every run, the satisfaction of a successful extraction, and the adrenaline of unpredictable encounters create a loop that’s hard to walk away from.

Its strengths are clear: tight, satisfying gunplay, exceptional audio design, and a bold visual identity that sets it apart from its peers. At the same time, it isn’t without flaws. The UI/UX friction, particularly around inventory management, can actively work against the player in critical moments.

But maybe that friction is part of what defines Marathon. It’s not just about surviving the map—it’s about managing risk, making fast decisions, and accepting that sometimes, you’ll lose it all anyway.

And yet, you queue up again.

Not because it’s forgiving—but because it isn’t.

I’ve never quite pegged myself as a “content creator” in the traditional, polished sense. In my head, I’m a writer surviving the advertising trenches and a photographer who values the raw grit of a sports gig.

But life — much like a fast-paced YA novel — decided to turn my journey into an epic adventure of documenting high-mileage runs, fast-paced travel, and mundane gym sessions.

I thought my iPhone 16 Pro and a 360 camera were a complete kit. But after living with the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 since January, I’ve had an epiphany: it’s simply the best tool I’ve found to film myself as I star in my own story.

Familiarity doesn’t breed contempt

Moving from a mirrorless setup to the Pocket 3 originally felt like learning a new language. But moving from the 3 to the 4? It’s like upgrading your favorite pair of running shoes.

Because I use this for work, like capturing highlight reels at events so people can feel the vibe they missed, the familiarity is a godsend.

While the silhouette is similar, the tactile experience has matured significantly. The Pocket 4 replaces the previous model’s basic controls with a new 5D analog joystick for ultra-precise gimbal pans and adds dedicated physical buttons under the touchscreen for fluid zooming.

The internal architecture has seen a massive shift too, moving from the Pocket 3’s “SD-only” setup to a built-in 107GB of internal storage.

This is paired with a hardware upgrade from USB 2.0 to USB 3.1, which physically enables wired transfer speeds of up to 800MB/s — roughly 5 to 10 times faster than the older model.

Even the battery has been bulked up to 1545mAh (compared to the 1300mAh on the 3), giving you more endurance for a full day of reporting without reaching for a power bank.

Sensor that sees more

The new 1-inch sensor is the upgrade I didn’t know I needed until I saw the results.

I took it to a cafe in Bangkok where the lighting was… let’s call it “challenging.” We’re talking low-light interiors clashing with blown-out al fresco sunlight.

The Pocket 4 handled it with the grace of a professional cinematographer, thanks to its 1-inch CMOS engineered for better detail and more accurate color. The camera was good enough to reduce shadow and noise to keep the image how we see it.

When I want to shoot fast, the vertical 3K mode is great, especially for quick social updates. But shifting to the 4K horizontal mode is where the magic happens, thanks to its 14-stop dynamic range. It preserved the delicate highlights of a moody, dimmed interior or night shot that make it looks like a cinematic masterpiece.

Because this dynamic range works across 4K/60fps and 4K/30fps, it adds a tangible depth to the footage that makes everything feel more three-dimensional.

To really push that cinematic aesthetic, the Pocket 4 now supports 10-bit color depth even in standard mode, which means smoother gradients in the sky and zero color banding.

If you’re shooting in those dim, late-night settings, the camera even has a dedicated 4K low-light video mode that pushes the dynamic range up to two stops further, ensuring that nighttime portraits remain bright and natural instead of becoming a grainy mess.

Adding soul through color

With the introduction of 10-bit color depth in standard mode, the Pocket 4 now captures over a billion colors.

It delivers significantly smoother gradients and virtually eliminating the “stepping” of color banding in wide-open skies. This technical leap provides much greater post-processing flexibility, yet even without a single tweak, the camera captures incredibly vibrant, true-to-life imagery.

I put this to the test when Netflix’s live-action One Piece adaptation transformed Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City into “Port Bonifacio.”

I visited the activation alongside notable cosplayers and creators, and the Pocket 4’s ability to “interpret” the vivid colors of that world was stunning.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by mj (@hemjaye)

By applying my own film-like retro preset in CapCut, the footage easily took on a stylized, anime-like vibe. I felt like the protagonist of my own arc, capturing everything from the arrival of Laboon to the docking of the Going Merry with cinematic texture.

For those who want to push their craft further, the D-Log Pro Mode is a professional-grade essential. It expands the dynamic range in high-contrast or color-rich scenes, preserving maximum data for flexible color grading.

This allows you to apply complex filters and LUTs while maintaining total control over the highlights and shadows, giving your videos a distinct “soul” that feels less like a digital recording and more like a cinematic film.

My ideal production crew

By no means am I a professional shooter. I rarely have the luxury of time to produce a cinematic masterpiece on my own accord, but as someone who frequently has to shoot with zero cameramen — especially during solo travels or international assignments — the Creator Combo is a godsend.

Shooting solo gives me the liberty to dictate every shot and style, essentially acting as my own director and editor. If you’re a strong, independent gal, say no more; the Osmo Pocket 4 feels like a dedicated production crew that I can tag along anywhere I like.

While my more rugged adventures are better suited for the Osmo Nano or Action 6, the Pocket 4 shines in controlled environments where I can plan my shots across Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by mj (@hemjaye)

My absolute favorite new feature is the six built-in film tones, which are a game-changer for achieving a professional look straight out of the camera without extra editing.

You can opt for CC Film for Fuji-inspired cool tones and soft skin, or NC Film for a classic negative style that delivers bright, luminous complexions.

If you crave a brighter aesthetic, Pastel provides a cool-toned, transparent vibe with rosy skin, while Warm Tone offers rich, saturated colors perfect for scenery and buildings.

For that classic street shot aesthetic, Movie adds cinematic depth and dimension, and Retro creates a nostalgic film mood that feels tailor-made for historic architecture and old-world streets.

Glowing in every frame

Even when you’ve mastered the art of being in front of the lens, that flicker of self-consciousness never truly disappears.

I noticed that the Pocket 4’s native shots are quite intimate, so I find myself reaching for the wide-angle lens from the Creator Combo to gain better control over my framing and composition.

Zoomed-in captures of your face can be daunting, but thankfully, the Pocket 4 delivers instantly bright, clear, and glowing skin.

This is thanks to a massive jump in photo resolution — from the 9.4MP of the Pocket 3 to a stunning 37-megapixels — combined with built-in filters.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by mj (@hemjaye)

It functions like a high-end beauty mode on a smartphone, allowing you to smoothen your complexion and fine-tune your skin tone’s warmth with total ease.

If the environment isn’t doing you any favors, you can take it up a notch with the Magnetic Fill Light. It snaps onto the gimbal like a tiny, personal ring light, ensuring you stay perfectly lit even when the world around you is dark (or when you just need that “holy” glow).

The light moves in sync with the gimbal, and you can easily toggle through three levels of brightness — 12, 25, or 40 lux — and adjust the temperature from a cozy 2800K to a crisp 5500K. In a way, it’s making sure you always look your best, regardless of the setting.

Now an athlete’s choice

Beyond the tech and the art, 80 percent of my life is defined by being an athlete. Historically, I’d never dream of bringing a Pocket device into my training; earlier models felt far too fragile, with gimbals and screens that seemed destined for disaster.

The Pocket 4, however, introduces a much-needed gimbal clamp that prevents it from turning on automatically while jostling inside your pouch.

I’ll be honest: I’ve accidentally knocked this camera five times already (I am that clumsy!) but when the impact was strong, the device actually displayed “Gimbal Protected”.

Now, that’s a companion that can finally keep up with my pace.

I put this to a test at a HYROX class in The Commune in Jakarta. While a dimly lit gym isn’t the easiest place to film, the Pocket 4’s upgrade to 4K with 2x zoom allowed me to station it safely out of the way while still capturing a tight, high-quality shot.

This is where Active Track 7.0 feels like magic; a simple double-tap locks the focus on me, and the intelligent autofocus keeps me centered even during the most intense movements.

You can even use Dynamic Framing to position yourself via the rule of thirds or the golden spiral for a more professional look.

Most importantly for the solo shooter, it prioritizes pre-registered faces. It literally learns to look for you!

When a simple palm or “V” gesture is all it takes to start recording, you realize that beyond being a camera, it’s also a partner in your fitness journey.

For capturing your favorite memories

Over the holidays, I had an epiphany. I finally decided to start a project that had been simmering in my mind since 2023.

For the past seven years, I’ve been slowly collecting Instax films: tangible, physical snapshots of my favorite moments and the people I’ve shared them with.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by mj (@hemjaye)

To honor those memories, especially the connections that have since drifted away due to distance or disagreements, I finally took those films out of their memory box to put them in a frame for display.

Documenting this tactile activity with the Pocket 4 felt like weaving a narrative in high resolution. It’s an art form, per se, but one that becomes significantly easier to master when you have the right gear to translate physical memories into a digital story.

Beyond these aesthetic reflections, the Pocket 4 proves its worth in vlogging and storytelling through its technical maturity. It features 4-channel output, delivering a professional audio capture that recreates the immersive feel of a live concert.

The Audio Zoom is equally impressive; the capture intelligently adjusts with the video zoom, amplifying the sound as you move in and dampening it as you pull away.

When I remember to use the DJI Mic 3 transmitter from the Creator Combo, the clarity is undeniable, ensuring the narrative remains as clear as the visuals.

Which should you get?

Deciding between the two versions depends entirely on how deep you want to go into your own narrative.

If you opt for the Osmo Pocket 4 Standard Combo, you get the essentials: the device itself, a USB-C to USB-C PowerDelivery Cable, the Gimbal Clamp, a Wrist Strap, a Handle with 1/4″ Thread, and a portable carrying pouch.

It’s the perfect entry point for those who want to “shoot, edit, and upload” without getting bogged down by technicalities. You still get that signature high-grade quality regardless of the accessories.

However, the Creator Combo is where the story truly expands. On top of the standard kit, you get the DJI Mic 3 Transmitter (complete with magnetic clips and windscreens), the Fill Light, a mini Tripod, the wide-angle lens, and an additional carrying bag.

If you make a living through your content, like handling brand partnerships or professional video work, this combo is a non-negotiable.

The return on investment is staggering; even after months of use, I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of its capabilities.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

The Osmo Pocket 4 has transcended the typical “vlogging camera” label.

It has become a legitimate replacement for a smartphone camera for those who want to document their lives with the precision of a professional production crew. This tool pushes the “main character” narrative to its peak, allowing you to record your best life even when the journey requires being alone.

I relate to this device deeply because I am a “multi-purpose” friend: I’m down for anything, and I can handle anything. The Osmo Pocket 4 mirrors that versatility. It’s an expert at capturing life’s fragments, documenting your personal projects, and producing the kind of high-stakes videos people actually want to watch.

For its ability to turn everyday behavior into cinema, the Osmo Pocket 4 is a Super Swipe Right and earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

There is no reason to Swipe Left unless you are specifically looking for the rugged durability of an action camera or the granular technical control of a mirrorless setup.

But even then, you’d be missing the point. The Pocket 4 isn’t a device you choose instead of others; it’s the tool you pick to fill the gaps in your arsenal.

I work with a mirrorless camera, a 360 action camera, and an Osmo Nano, but the Pocket 4 has found its unique place in my routine. It’s a matter of fitting the technology into your life until it serves its true purpose: making your story feel real.

The Osmo Pocket 4 Standard Combo retails for PhP 28,990, while the Creator Combo is priced at PhP 37,490.