ASUS is back with an update to the oh-so-lovely G14 that we reviewed a short while ago.
Back in Black… or Grey
The G14 gets a new paint job, called Eclipse Gray. The laptop was already quite understated in terms of design. The new look gives it a Ninja-esque aesthetic. It will fly under the radar but only if you don’t want to seem Anime-ted…
On that note, let’s talk about the other new addition.
AniMe Matrix
No that was not a typo. The Zephyrus G14 get’s a new party trick called the AniMe Matrix.
If you remember HTC’s Dot Matrix cover, then you would know what this one looks like.
On the back of the screen, where the dots are, is an integrated LED display. The content on the display can be customised.
You can choose from the existing animations provided by ASUS or even upload your own GIFs to show some fun animations.
But it doesn’t end there.
You can write custom text, show your battery status (also Date, time etc), or even have a fun equaliser that moves to the music you are listening to.
Here is a detailed document showing you how to go about making these changes: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1042748/
Obviously this isn’t adding anything more than fun factor. That is further highlighted by the little ASUS animation that shows up when you start your laptop and also the “see ya” shown when you turn it off.
It’s all for a laugh.
Head on over to Instagram for some videos of the AniMe Matrix.
I could see myself sending secret messages to a unwilling participant in a coffee shop or using it as a promotional display at an exhibition. But beyond that, it gives the G14 some of the flair it was lacking.
Then I guess we can call this laptop a Bedazzled Ninja.
Specs
Since this is simply ASUS giving the G14 a fresh coat of paint and some bedazzle, the specs are exactly the same as before.
If you want more info on that, you can head on over to our full review of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 GA401I
Price and Availability
The price for this flavour of the G14 is AED 7,499.
Along with the laptop you will get these goodies in the box:
- Standard 180W charger
- 65W Type-C Charger
- ROG Impact Gaming mouse
- ROG Laptop Sleeve
The eagle eyed readers (with elephant memory) will notice a couple of things here. First, you get a mouse and two chargers!! Yes, thats quite the plus in my opinion. Second, the price is about AED 500 more than the standard silver/white G14.
So is the mouse, second charger, the new colour and the dot matrix AniMe Matrix display worth the price. That’s a call for you to make. For me, I would say yes.
If this is not for you, you can always go for the original G14.
Either way, both these versions of the G14 are still hard to bear. Way to go ASUS.
