PROS:

• Handsome, minimalist, and lightweight design
• Impressive performance packed in a compact size
• Gorgeous 3K OLED screen for both viewing and color-accurate work
• Incredible value for creative professionals on the go

CONS:

• No full-sized SD card reader, only one USB-A port
• Display refresh rate is only up to 60Hz

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS

ERGONOMICS

PERFORMANCE

SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY

VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR’S QUOTE:

The ASUS ProArt PX13 makes the impossible possible, delivering unbeatable performance and uncompromising mobility in an elegant and accessible package.

The nature and execution of work have changed significantly in the past years, especially for those who use computers all the time. Mobility and flexibility have become an important part of the business, sometimes requiring people to be able to take their work anywhere life leads them. At the same time, it also allows people to do their work in the best possible location for them, which isn’t always the office. To support these new work arrangements, computer vendors have been trying to shove more power into laptops without turning them into gargantuan machines that would force people to leave them in the office anyway. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that very few brands have successfully pulled off, but the ASUS ProArt PX13 makes that very promise to one of the more discerning and particular markets. Is the ProArt PX13 able to deliver that promise of unbounded creativity anywhere or does it make too many compromises along the way? We give it a flip and a spin to bring you that answer.

Designer: ASUS

Aesthetics

The first impression you’ll have when seeing the ASUS ProArt PX13 is how compact and thin it is, at least for a supposedly powerful laptop aimed at creative professionals. Your second impression will be how sleek and elegant it looks with its deep, all-black design. It’s an aesthetic that doesn’t scream at you but instead talks mellowly, fitting a professional product. There are barely any markings on the laptop’s cover; no fancy RGB lighting at its sides, protruding edges, or sharp angles. Just one truly black slab.

Unlike other laptops that advertise a black colorway, the ASUS ProArt PX13 really walks the walk thanks to the company’s Nano Black coating that almost poetically matches the deep blacks of the OLED screen on the opposite side. It’s admittedly a matter of taste, as some will prefer the luster of silver metal like those on MacBooks or Dell, but its more subdued aesthetic makes it less distracting as well. Thankfully, that same Nano Coating also prevents fingerprint smudges so there’s very little that will stain that darkness.

Minimalist doesn’t mean plain, however, and there are a few accents that bring out the ProArt PX13’s designer-centric character. The ProArt branding, for example, is smooth and a little bit reflective, tastefully set against the blackness of the cover. The vertical stripes on the hinge are supposed to be a nod to pro camera designs, but even if you don’t make that connection, they’re still an interesting touch. All in all, the ASUS ProArt PX13’s minimalism puts the focus not on the laptop but on the creator and the content, while also providing a dark, blank canvas for owners to use to let their own creativity shine through if needed.

Ergonomics

The ProArt PX13 is hardly the thinnest laptop, whether traditional or convertible, but it’s not terrible either for a 13-inch. When you consider that it packs enough hardware to cater to creative professionals and even some gamers, you’ll even be amazed at how ASUS managed to keep the numbers down to an accessible level. At 17.78mm (0.7 inches) thick and 1.38kg (3.04 lbs) heavy, this is something you can easily stow in your bag and be on the move in a flash.

This is very important when you consider that ProArt PX13 is more than just a laptop. It can also be a tablet you can draw on, whether on your table or on your lap, as well as a “tent mode” presentation and entertainment display. Changing forms is as easy as folding the screen back and forth, and the sturdy 360-degree hinge makes sure that it stays open at whatever angle you leave it. At the same time, however, the laptop’s weight is distributed properly so that you can open it up with just a single finger, lifting the lid while the body anchors it down.

The typing experience is pretty good as well, with well-spaced keys and a good 1.7mm travel. The cursor keys are squashed, of course, but that’s nothing new nor is it extremely uncomfortable. The touchpad is a decent size, but its mechanical design might disappoint fans of more haptic touchpads.

Performance

Right off the bat, the ASUS ProArt PX13 has some of the best hardware you’ll find in a 13-inch laptop. It’s one of the first to utilize AMD’s new AI-powered Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, giving it a wide lead in AI operations. This is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050, like in our review unit, or an RTX 4060. Either way, you’re getting a powerful graphics processor that, to no one’s surprise, handles AI skillfully as well. Benchmark numbers don’t always tell the whole story, but they’re impressive nonetheless. Whether the laptop is plugged in or running on battery, it will meet almost anything you can throw at it, whether it’s Photoshop, Da Vinci Resolve, or Blender.

Gaming is a bit of a different issue, though the ProArt PX13 is definitely capable. You will definitely feel the heat when pushing the system to its limits, but the cooling system does a stellar job of regulating its impact. The fans are definitely audible under heavy loads, but they quiet down just as quickly when no longer needed. And they’re barely noticeable at all if you’re just doing basic computing tasks like browsing the Web or typing up documents. The biggest setback when using this machine for gaming is actually one of its biggest strengths as well: its screen.

The 13.3-inch OLED touch screen is simply stunning, with rich colors, deep blacks, and a sufficient amount of brightness so that you can even work outdoors under overcast skies. The display is Pantone-validated and supports a wide gamut of colors, an important detail for graphics artists and content creators who need color accuracy more than anything else. The screen has a 3K resolution of 2880×1800 in a familiar 16:10 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 60Hz. The latter is what makes the ProArt PX13 less suitable for gaming, at least for those who live and breathe 120Hz or higher. It’s not totally unusable for fast-paced games, and it completely marks the laptop as a machine primarily for work, with just a bit of gaming on the side.

Battery life for the ASUS ProArt PX13 is so-so. Given its size, the 75WHr battery it packs is actually generous, but it’s offset by the more powerful hardware. On Eco/Power Saving mode and average computing tasks, it can last an average of 8 hours, definitely shorter once you push the hardware to the limit. It ships with a 200W power brick that’s large but not gigantic. It can charge over USB-C using a 100W charger, but you’ll probably bring the official charger with you anyway unless you’re traveling extra light.

Port selection is on the light side as well. It has most of the important basics but is also oddly missing a few ones. There are two USB 4.0 Gen 3 Type-C ports and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, one HDMI port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the proprietary DC-in charging port. There’s a microSD card reader but not a full-sized one, which is strange considering how digital cameras still mostly use SD cards, not their tiny cousins. We could always do with an extra USB-A port, especially if the only available one is already in use with an Ethernet adapter because the laptop doesn’t have its own RJ45 port.

The ASUS ProArt PX13 is overflowing with features designed for creative professionals, from hardware to software. There’s the somewhat odd DialPad in the order of the touchpad, giving quick access to actions like changing brush sizes in Photoshop, scrubbing through timelines in Premiere, and more. Not everyone will love this convenience, and it is fortunately easy to disable it completely. From the ProArt Creator Hub which has all the settings you can tweak for performance or monitor calibration, to the AI-powered software that takes advantage of the combined strength of AMD processors and NVIDIA graphics, the ProArt PX13 offers a multitude of tools to assist content creators in whatever kind of work or problem they’re facing.

Sustainability

ASUS has been making big waves when it comes to its commitment to helping protect the future of the planet, from the use of recycled materials in its products to the decrease of plastic in its packaging. It might not be visible or advertised for the ProArt PX13, but we’re banking on the company giving it the same treatment even in small amounts.

In terms of prolonging the life of the laptop, ASUS definitely took steps to make it a bit easier. The bottom plate can be removed easily using a screwdriver, except for the middle screw that’s also covered by a sticky rubber material. The NVMe SSD storage, battery, and Wi-Fi 7 module are easily replaceable, which are some of the most common components that need to be repaired or upgraded. Sadly, the LPDDR5X RAM is soldered to the motherboard, but having 32GB of memory isn’t that bad anyway.

Value

The ASUS ProArt PX13 is available in two configurations, with the RTX 4050 and 4060 being the only real difference between the two, as well as the Windows 11 Home and Pro licenses. Given the performance difference between these two very capable NVIDIA graphics processors, you couldn’t go wrong if you picked the base configuration that goes for only $1,699.99. At that price point, it already surpasses larger laptops and can hold its own against a MacBook that’s nearly double its price.

It’s pretty mind-blowing how much ASUS was able to cram inside the compact 13.3-inch body of the ProArt PX13 without hitting any significant compromises. It’s hardly the best gaming laptop or the most powerful movie maker, but what it offers is the flexibility to take your work or game anywhere without missing a bit. In that regard, it is pretty unrivaled, making it a truly tempting device for creative professionals, even those who mostly stay at their desks.

Verdict

The way we make content these days has changed greatly over the past years. Videos and graphic designs no longer have to be made on hulking towers tethered to desktops. Sometimes, the ability to quickly churn out content at a moment’s notice has become more important than production-level quality that will take hours on a regular laptop. Then again, why do you have to choose when the ASUS ProArt PX13 can give you the best of both worlds? Powerful, portable, and flexible, this convertible laptop delivers the tools that creative professionals need to bring their work to the next level, whenever inspiration strikes, wherever they are.

The post ASUS ProArt PX13 Laptop Review: An Agile Content Creator’s Best Friend first appeared on Yanko Design.

Patterns used in the interior design of space play a crucial role in creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Integrating various patterns and prints can add life and personality to your decor, creating a balanced and appealing look. Each pattern choice brings a different feel to your spaces. Explore the diverse types of patterns that can elevate the overall aesthetic of your surroundings.

Designer: Adam Hillman

1. Geometric

Geometric patterns include geometric shapes, including triangles, ovals, circles, or squares. The design may either be regular and symmetrical or entirely abstract. This pattern is highly versatile and is predominantly employed in contemporary spaces.

2. Chevron

Designer: Ethan Stoltz

Chevron stands out as a widely favored option in personalized design. Characterized by its zigzag stripe pattern, typically featuring two alternating colors, often with white as one of them, this design imparts a lively and modern touch. Incorporate it into accessories such as throw pillows or upholstery to infuse vibrancy into your living spaces. It can also be incorporated into the arrangement of floor and wall tiles.

3. Damask

Image courtesy of: DC_Studio

Damask fabric is intricately woven on a loom, featuring a raised floral pattern, commonly crafted from opulent silk, lending it a luxurious sheen. This design introduces an upscale aesthetic to any space. Typically, monochromatic or dual-toned, damask can also be discovered in more vibrant patterns. It is often employed in formal decor, particularly in settings like the living room or dining room, to enhance a formal or traditional ambiance.

4. Stripes

Designer: Lars Hofsjö

Stripes stand out as one of the most fundamental fabric patterns globally. Numerous variations exist, including awning stripes, characterized by broad stripes separated by thinner ones, and barcode stripes, featuring stripes of varying widths. The beauty of stripe patterns lies in their ability to seamlessly blend with virtually any other pattern without the fear of clashing.

5. Herringbone

Designer: Raphael

Herringbone bears a resemblance to a chevron but distinguishes itself by incorporating breaks between its zigzag elements. These breaks can manifest as thin gaps or actual lines within the pattern. Herringbone designs are typically slimmer than chevron, making them well-suited for contemporary room aesthetics.

6. Ikat

Image courtesy of: gargantiopa

This fabric is exceptionally fashionable and created through a process of dyeing and weaving. It presents itself as a geometric shape that appears stretched and blurred around the edges. Available in a diverse range of color combinations and shapes, this trendy style seamlessly complements contemporary room aesthetics.

7. Paisley

Designer: Spaces Architects@KA

Having its roots in Persian design, paisley gained immense popularity in 17th-century Europe, earning its name from a Scottish town. Defined by teardrop shapes and intricate designs, paisley exudes a retro vibe, particularly reminiscent of its heyday in the 1970s. Incorporating paisley patterns into contemporary-style rooms brings a vibrant touch of color and visual interest.

8. Polka Dot

Designer: ÉCAL

The well-known polka dot pattern exudes a cheerful vibe, featuring small dots arranged in evenly spaced rows of uniform size. Its versatility makes it suitable for both children’s rooms and master bedrooms, seamlessly complementing other patterns. Polka dot patterns are available in a wide range of color schemes, catering to virtually any imaginative palette you can envision.

9. Greek Key

Image courtesy of: salajean

This ancient pattern is gaining significant popularity in the realm of interior design. It involves an interlocking arrangement of squares or rectangles, all drawn from a single continuous line. This fabric is frequently employed as a border on items such as rugs, drapes, custom bedding, and pillows, contributing to a contemporary design aesthetic.

10. Chintz Pattern

Image courtesy of: BGStock72

Chintz is a longstanding fabric that undergoes glazing to achieve a glossy finish. While traditional chintz patterns often feature large floral designs, contemporary variations frequently showcase solid jewel-tone colors. This fabric is well-suited for traditional rooms or serves as a means to introduce a vintage touch to any decor.

11. Basketweave

Designer: Nika Zupanc for Moooi

As the name suggests, the basketweave pattern resembles a basket with a cross-woven appearance. It can either be a printed pattern on the fabric or involve actual ribbons that are cross-woven, creating a textured effect. Basketweave fabrics are available in a spectrum of color combinations, ranging from neutrals to bright hues. This pattern is classified under contemporary style, adding a modern touch to your decor.

12. Chinoiserie

Image courtesy of: wirestock

Chinoiserie fabric represents Western interpretations of historical Chinese designs. With a wide selection of colors and fabrics, it offers an extensive array of designs, including popular themes like florals, fishermen, birds, boats, and children. Chinoiserie proves to be an excellent option for traditional-style rooms or spaces inspired by Asian aesthetics.

13. Ogee Pattern

Image courtesy of: safakc1

Resembling a rounded onion or diamond shape, the ogee fabric pattern is a common feature in Middle Eastern decor and has been employed worldwide for centuries. Available in a diverse range of colors and fabrics, ogee patterns can be seamlessly integrated into your room’s theme and color palette. This versatile pattern serves as a complement to global, boho, contemporary, and eclectic styles.

14. Toile

The toile pattern is printed on a white background and gained immense popularity in 18th-century France. It often depicts scenes of country life, showcasing people engaged in everyday activities or rural landscapes. This pattern harmonizes effortlessly with other designs and serves as a hallmark of the French country style of decor.

15. Houndstooth

Image courtesy of: wirestock

This timeless pattern can bring an elegant touch to various interior designs. Featuring a checked pattern with abstract and irregular points at the corners of the squares, it somewhat resembles the teeth of a dog. Typically found in black and white or combinations of neutral colors, this fabric complements eclectic or contemporary room aesthetics.

16. Moroccan Lattice

Image courtesy of: BGStock72

A modern take on the traditional lattice pattern is the Moroccan lattice print. Resembling a trellis, it features a grid design created by intersecting lines. What sets it apart are its four sides, with two being rounded and the other two pointed. This distinctive pattern complements contemporary room decor within your home.

17. Flame Stitch

Image courtesy of: StiahailoAnastasiia

This pattern gained popularity in the 1970s, featuring a closely spaced arrangement of jagged lines resembling flames. Flame stitch zigzags are typically thin but can vary in height. This playful fabric pattern is a great choice for contemporary rooms or any space where a retro aesthetic is desired.

18. Checked

Image courtesy of: nuchylee

Checkered patterns closely resemble a checkerboard, featuring alternating squares of two different colors across the fabric. Frequently, one of the colors is white, though a diverse range of other color options is also available. Checked designs harmonize effectively with country-style decor, adding a touch of classic charm to the setting.

19. Floral

Designer: Zac Feltoon

Floral patterns come in a vast array, ranging from tiny to large flowers, casual to formal styles, realistic to abstract representations, and colorful to monochromatic hues. While floral designs are commonly associated with cottage décor, their versatility allows for mixing and matching with various other patterns depending on the style.

20. Zebra

Image courtesy of: Rawpixel

The top animal print choice is zebra, featuring a black and white color scheme that serves as a versatile neutral. The irregular stripes easily complement other patterns, injecting a touch of wild style for playful allure in any design. Zebra patterns are often used in children’s rooms to create a whimsical vibe.

21. Harlequin

Image courtesy of: Photology75

This fabric pattern resembles a checkered design but is characterized by diamonds instead of squares. Often, a tiny dot is present where the points of the diamonds meet. It can feature a multitude of colors or a straightforward two-color design. This fabric is well-suited for various styles, including glam, eclectic, Parisian, or contemporary rooms.

The post Top 21 Interior Design Patterns That Bring Life to Your Home Decor first appeared on Yanko Design.

Incoming RIBA president Chris Williamson has defended his studio’s work on the controversial Neom mega project in Saudi Arabia, saying “it is not a decision I take lightly”.

In a statement written for UK publication Architects’ Journal, Williamson outlined his views on the decision of British architecture studios to work in Saudi Arabia or on the controversial Neom scheme.

“We all form our own beliefs”

“We all form our own beliefs, our own version of truth and that should be respected,” he told the Architects’ Journal.

“I’ve read all The Guardian and other critical articles and I’ve also spoken to many people more directly involved and formed an opinion, which is always of course open to change if there is new information.”

Weston Williamson + Partners co-founder Williamson will officially become RIBA president-elect next month after winning an election in July. According to the Architects’ Journal, his studio is believed to have worked on the high-speed railway that will run under the 170-kilometre-long The Line mega city.

The Line is the centre piece of the controversial Neom project in northwestern Saudi Arabia, which has been criticised on environmental and human rights grounds, particularly following reports that three men among communities evicted from the site have been sentenced to death. Saudi Arabia’s government has claimed the men are convicted terrorists.

“Until 2021 I had not visited Saudi Arabia,” Williamson wrote in his statement.

“I have since been four times, working alongside a diverse and talented group of architects, engineers and project managers on an incredibly exciting project.”

Williamson not worked on Neom for “well over a year”

Williamson confirmed to the AJ that his studio had worked on Neom, although said he had not personally worked on the project for “well over a year”.

“Although I haven’t worked on the project for well over a year – my particular commission was completed – I would be pleased to partake in a discussion about the ethics, the pros and cons of working abroad,” he said in his statement.

“I feel I have pretty good awareness and understanding of ethics and social responsibility,” the statement added.

“There was a time when I was working in USA and felt uncomfortable with what was reported to be happening in Guantanamo Bay or the plight of many prisoners incarcerated elsewhere.”

“The UK in the 1960s was not a particularly tolerant place in many respects – it is important to look at the direction of travel of the country in question, not merely where they are now.”

Williamson’s statement marks one of the first times that an architect involved in Neom has publicly addressed the controversies surrounding the project, which has drawn criticism from the UN Human Rights Council and Amnesty International.

In July, Dezeen asked the 23 studios known at that time to be working on Neom about the alleged human rights abuses, but none issued a response.

Two days after his presidential election win was announced, Williamson told Dezeen that his studio was not working on Neom. “No we are not working on the project,” Williamson responded when emailed in July.

Williamson said that he believed architects “should be expected to have higher standards than other professions”, but should make up their own minds on where to work.

He indicated that to make his decision about working on Neom he consulted with others working in the region as well as the UK government.

“My personal choices about where to work are always made following enquiries to architects and engineers I trust and admire who also work abroad – and also those who choose not to,” said Williamson. “It is not a decision I take lightly.”

“Where there is doubt about particular clients or regions I have called on the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office,” he continued.

“We follow the lead of the UK government” says RIBA

This position seems to align with that of RIBA. When earlier this year Dezeen asked the organisation about allegations of human rights abuses at Neom, RIBA indicated that it was looking to the UK government for guidance on working in Saudi Arabia (KSA), which it described as a “key UK Government trading partner”.

“We follow the lead of the UK government and will act on any government guidance following investigation of these serious, concerning allegations,” a RIBA spokesperson told Dezeen.

“As a signatory of the UN Global Compact, we ask all Chartered Practices to promote and uphold its universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption within their projects.”

Other UK-based studios believed to have carried out work on The Line include Zaha Hadid Architects, Cook Haffner Architecture Platform and Name Architecture. We recently rounded up all the studios believed to be working on Neom.

Neom is one of 14 giga projects being developed in Saudi Arabia as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to shift the country’s economy from a reliance on oil.

The post Incoming RIBA president defends work on Neom appeared first on Dezeen.

Even with the growing power of smartphone cameras, the discrete camera market hasn’t yet folded as many once prophesied. Professional cameras like DSLRs are still unmatched in power and flexibility, while the retro and nostalgia craze has actually carved a niche for Polaroid-style instant cameras. The most popular format for the latter is small vertical cards that fans love sharing or sticking on walls and fridge doors, but those square-shaped photos (not including the wide white borders) don’t exactly have enough room for everyone or everything you might want to capture. For that, you’ll need a wider picture format, almost like the stereotypical 4×6, which is something that Fujifilm’s latest INSTAX design is offering, allowing you to snap and share those once-in-a-lifetime moments with more friends.

Designer: Fujifilm

There’s just something about these instant cameras that tickle people’s fancies, regardless of whether they lived through the age of Polaroids or not. Rather than being seen as a weakness, the lack of digital features and the limits of printed photos actually add to the charm of the experience. It makes each moment even more ephemeral and precious, which is why you’d want to include as many people or as much of the scene as you can.

The INSTAX WIDE 400 provides that breathing room with its wide photo format, almost twice the size of regular INSTAX photos. That also makes the camera twice as large, as it needs to fit the cartridge holding the ink-free sheets of photo frames. That said, the camera is also designed for comfort despite its size and heft, and its traditional design makes it easy to grasp and hold even with a single hand.

One of the biggest strengths of the INSTAX cameras is their extreme ease of use. Simply turn them on, which involves turning the central dial to the left, and you’re good to go. But since it was specifically designed for group photos, the INSTAX WIDE 400 has a unique feature that lets you turn a lever to set a timer for up to 10 seconds, giving you enough time to position yourself or prepare wacky poses. It doesn’t get simpler than that.

Admittedly, the INSTAX WIDE 400 is aimed at a very niche audience, but one that really digs this kind of experience enough to fork out around $150 for just the camera alone. That said, Fujifilm also knows it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, which is why it has a wide range of INSTAX products ranging from smaller instant cameras to portable photo printers that try to offer the best of both analog and digital worlds.

The post INSTAX WIDE 400 instant camera leaves more space for your friends first appeared on Yanko Design.

Swiss studio Haller Gut Architekten has completed an extension to a school in Aeschi, providing classrooms with colourful accents and clad in thin planks of white wood.

Haller Gut Architekten added additional teaching and administrative spaces to the school, which was originally spread across four detached buildings from different decades.

Instead of creating a new, standalone structure, Bern-based Haller Gut Architekten chose to connect two of these existing buildings that sat at a right angle to one another, infilling the gap between them “as naturally as possible” to better enclose the school’s yard.

“This approach connects the two existing buildings and creates a coherent school building on the inside,” Haller Gut Architekten co-founder Marc Haller told Dezeen.

“In addition, all three buildings could be connected with just one lift on all floors without thresholds,” he added.

As well as creating new circulation spaces for the existing school buildings, the extension houses administration spaces on the ground floor and classrooms and a cloakroom on the first floor.

On the inner edge, the extension curves to enclose the school’s yard.

This creates covered access across the site on the set-back ground floor and providing views to the classrooms above through large windows.

“On the ground floor, individual very large windows with closed ventilation sashes were installed in the municipal administration, which frame the view and allow plenty of daylight into the workrooms,” explained Haller.

“The ribbon-like windows in the classrooms on the upper floor allow a view into the distance.”

The structure was created using a mix of concrete slabs, exposed brickwork and timber columns and beams.

In the classrooms, the brickwork has been painted white and the timber left exposed, creating a simple backdrop for moments of colour in the pale green window frames and bright yellow coat hooks.

“The wooden supporting structure of the roof creates a warm atmosphere in the classrooms and accommodates the lights in the spaces in between,” said Haller.

“Individual elements such as cupboards, coat hooks and the windows are treated with different colours, deliberately contrasting with the white walls and the wooden structure.”

The exterior of the extension has been clad in vertical wooden planks, finished with curved ends that create a scalloped edge.

“The expression of the new building appears light and delicate like paper as a complement to the two mural buildings,” described Haller.

Other education projects recently featured on Dezeen include a concrete secondary school in Romanshorn shaded by pale pink window shutters and a school by AOR Architects that is built from timber logs.

The photography is by Karina Castro.

The post Haller Gut Architekten adds “light and delicate” extension to Swiss school appeared first on Dezeen.