ASUS targets creative pros with a Windows high achiever – ProArt GoPro edition review

Despite the best efforts of some of the biggest laptop brands in the world, when you think creative professional or video editing and you’re looking for a laptop, most of the time Apple’s MacBook Pro range is the main consideration. My time doing this ASUS ProArt GoPro edition review has shown me that it’s possible to have a thin, lightweight Windows PC laptop that does the job well, very well.

The EFTM Snapshot: Outstanding performance capable of real-world video editing, in a package that’s thin and light with AMD Ryzen power – the ASUS ProArt GoPro edition might seem like it’s aimed at GoPro users but that’s just hip branding for a fantastic laptop.

When I saw this laptop at CES Las Vegas in January, I knew it had the potential to be something pretty good, but it was always going to have a hefty price tag – when it launched in Australia, that price was $5,999 – today you’ll find it for $4,799 at ASUS online, which is a pretty decent discount. However, that price tag is the real hold back for the ProArt GoPro edition.

Offsetting the price is the less than 1.4kg weight. It’s a real lightweight heavyweight. As in, it’s a light device but is powerful too!

When you buy it, you get more than just the laptop too, a couple of decent carry cases, one hard case, one hard shell – over-the-shoulder style carry option. Great on-brand concepts for the GoPro collab, and sure this would be great if you are an adventurer with a GoPro – but I’ve approached this review from a simple video editing and performance perspective.

Aside from the weight and the unique design inspired by GoPro, when you open this up and power it on, the stunning OLED display really jumps out at you.

It’s a 13 inch 3K display and it’s a touchscreen – that’s another big point for the ASUS ProArt GoPro edition, and something you can’t get on a MacBook Pro.

The AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 has all the juice needed for pro level work.

I edited a full TV segment in Premiere Pro without any lag, stutter, or issues. And exporting from the timeline was as fast as I’d ever expect from a creative level device. There’s not going to be any issue flicking through GoPro footage here, even if it’s from the 8K 360 degree GoPro Max camera.

Plus, to make that workflow easier, there’s a dedicated GoPro hotkey to launch into your GoPro workflow.

Making this device ultra versatile is the fold-back screen, allowing it to lay flat, or sit in tent mode so you can use it as a way to stream your favourite shows while you’re on the plane to your next adventure.

The matte black finish on the outside can attract some fingerprints, but it’s not enough to take away from the really unique design.

Price is the only issue here, but there’s a fair bit of bang for your buck with the accessories and the overall design being unique to a device with this much performance.

I’d happily make it my daily driver, compact and easy to travel with but up to any task.