Intergalactic and extraterrestrial – that’s how we summarize our recent experience with the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition (UX5401).
I have reviewed a number of laptops in the past, but this is our first time reviewing a laptop with a space-themed design. Needless to say, it was like a solar trek from when a star is born to supernova.
Ready for a Space Adventure
Released early last year in time for ASUS’s 25th anniversary celebration of the first ASUS laptop sent and used in outer space, the design elements of the Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition are heavily influenced and inspired by the history of space travel.
Aptly themed for the purpose, this special-edition features dazzling space-motif designs complemented by muted gray and deep dark context.
Starting from the dominantly black-box package representative of our mysterious galaxy, the velcro-strap handle prepares you like an astronaut ready for the journey. A closer look in varying angles reveals “space edition” discreet messages as light strikes the surface.
Lifting the lid is like opening a space station vault – sans the smoke effects, the upper portion of the box automatically adjusts itself, with each section teasing you with nebular colorful reflections. You may start with the huge box on the left which looks like a spaceship.
Your choice won’t disappoint as opening the cover ‘elevates’ the star of the show in “Zero-G Titanium” color. Right below this, in a seemingly secret compartment, is a foil sleeve containing ‘alien’ documents and stickers to further jazz up your machine to your liking.
The right section houses a cleverly packed module for the electronic chargers. But the show is not yet over, as another hidden section awaits your discovery at the bottom of the box. Dig deep enough and a cosmonaut-suit inspired silver sleeve with an orange highlight zipper is up for the taking.
As a final nugget on form and beauty, this laptop package won an IF Design Award 2023, a global symbol of excellent design.
Now, you are ready for the Big Bang.
Celestial Design
Initial impressions on the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition would include the circular ecliptic graphics etched on the lid in Zero-G Titanium finish, But more so, you would certainly not miss the futuristic 3.5-inch monochrome OLED ZenVision display that shows a visionary animation (more on this in a while).
Gravity issues in space? This Zenbook remains true to form – thin and light – at only 15.9mm and 1.4 kg, respectively.
A quick round up of the ports on the right and left side shows the following:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (display/power)
- 1x HDMI 2.1 TMDS
- 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
- Micro SD card reader
The upside down portion is also designed fitting for a galactic exploit.
Going back to the ZenVision on the laptop lid, it can actually be customized for notifications, time display, animations, how much battery the laptop has left, or any personalized text for that matter.
Simply access the MyASUS dashboard from your Windows search bar. Then go to Customization > Exclusives where you can find the other animation options that can be updated in the aspects of type, speed, text, and effects. You may also personalize it with your own heading and subheading for some cool messages, status, or identity label including your very own QR code!
The interstellar etched design goes all the way into the body, surrounding the trackpad, and the backlit chiclet keyboard itself, for the total aesthetic. The keyboard is also ergonomic-optimized with the ASUS ErgoSense keyboard, highlighted with a rose gold “space”-bar.
With an embossed outlined, the power button incorporates a fast fingerprint login feature, while the 720p HD webcam fuses an electronic shield for advanced privacy with a single click of a button. The ASUS NumberPad 2.0 is also conveniently available for efficient multitasking with just a long-press at the upper right corner of the track pad.
Finally, complete your sensory experience with Harman/Kardon, Dolby Atmos, and immersive audio with Smart Amplifier Technology.
Add to that its AI noise cancellation on the microphone with Cortana voice-recognition support. Feel free to swiftly on/off toggle your mic through the key right beside the aforementioned electronic webcam shield button.
Astronomical Specs
The ephemerides are actually just a bonus, the technology inside is just as revolutionary.
Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5 12500H 2.5 GHz processor and 45W CPU with dual-fan, dual-heat pipe cooling system via the IceCool thermal technology, the Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition is a meteor-rocker in itself.
Fasten your astro-seat belts and shift your gear a notch with 16GB LPDDR5, 512GB PCIE4.0 SSD, Intel Iris Xe Graphics, and Wi-Fi 6E, to level-up the expedition all together.
With the expected stellar visuals, this gadget is equipped with a 14” 2.8K OLED display with a 16∶10 aspect ratio for more workspace and superb image details. In the same token, it is rigged with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, a 90 Hz refresh rate, 0.2 ms response time, with stylus support, and NanoEdge display with a cutting edge 92% screen-to-body ratio for monitoring as many black hole clusters as needed.
Don’t forget the 550 nits Touch OLED sceen which reminds me of the iconic glowing finger touch scene from the ET movie. Deck it further with PANTONE Validated and TÜV Rheinland eye care certifications, and you can ask no more from this laptop.
Space Grade & Military Standard
Finally, the best clincher for the ASUS Zenbook 14X OLED Space Edition is the fact that it has met the U.S. Military Standard MIL-STD-810H and Space-Grade durability compliant through the US Space Systems Command Standard testing (SMC-S-016A).
That’s right, more than just a label, it’s literally a “Space Edition”!
Boot up the accompanying Windows 11 OS and you’re ready to explore new galaxies! As Peter of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ movie said: “Pure Star Lord charm“!
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