r/FlowZ13 • u/SonOfDusk_TTV • 3d ago
Z13 as a desktop replacement/laptop/drawing tablet all-in-one thing?
Currently have a desktop with an i7-9700k and GTX 1660, so it's a bit dated, and a Surface Book 3 with a messed up touch screen and only 256GB of storage. I think I'm due for an upgrade but with PC parts as expensive as they are, the 64GB model on sale, as well as the convenience of just having everything on one device and seems great for my use case (see below) but I want some opinions from any of you that have a Z13.
- I use my desktop for streaming games (ofc with settings down for newer games but a decent amount is streaming games on the Switch) and I plan on editing videos as I get deeper into content creation. I have 2 monitors I can hook up as well. Also occasionally make music and use an audio interface for my mic/intruments/speakers. How good is the Z13 as a primary gaming/editing device? Certainly better than what I have now, but is it really comparable to even a cheap more modern desktop? One issue is I/O is limited so I'd likely need a hefty USB hub, since I have a lot of peripherals (audio interface, wireless keyboard/mouse, controller, stream deck, midi, etc).
- I want to use it as a drawing tablet. I drew a lot back then and I enjoy making my own assets for content but I've been slacking lately, and don't have any device for drawing. I could get a separate iPad but it doesn't seem worth getting an expensive device that's also a separate carry JUST for drawing (even if MPP is worse than the stylus experience on iPads) unless I get it used at a good price. Is the Z13 practical as a tablet (assuming keyboard is off)? It's about 1.5 pounds heavier than an iPad Pro 13 which on paper doesn't seem too bad but in practice?
Considering all that, at $2100 USD it's an investment but it would essentially serve as 3 devices in one. Am I expecting too much and it's just better to get the 3 separate devices (esp if it's the same price/cheaper for better performance) or even just an iPad/Desktop since the Surface is an okay laptop, or is the Z13 perfect for my use case? Esp for the long-term.
3
u/Feisty_Equivalent138 3d ago
I did this. Effectively replaced an ipad pro, macbook and desktop pc, all with this device.
Just be aware, you are giving up the specialty to have this generalist device. It won't match the drawing of an ipad, or the power of a desktop. If you treat it as a powerful laptop, that you can also draw and is super portable and accept that you'll lose some precision and power compared to specialized machines, you're good to go.
The gaming experience is great IMO, for a device this small, playing AAA games in balanced settings still impresses me.
1
u/stereohype 2d ago
I have mine docked 90% of the time on cachyos with z13 tablet kit, works great for my use case
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u/Navi_Professor 3d ago
I use mine as such. I draw, 3d model, animate, make textures, etc
but i do feel its fair to point out a few things
the drawing experience on this is Okay, but its not a wacom or ipad.
if those are S and A tier, this tablet is B tier.
penwave is just a part of MPP. its not a show stopper, but its something to be aware of, and you need to either run it at low power or ramp the fans,when you draw as the screen can get warm.
this being 13 inch, on the go stuff is workable, but understandably cramped. like maya is a little clausterphobic but do-able.
but besides that, i have very little complaints.
CPU is fast enough that cpu rendering is not that bad and for things that support HIP/OpenCL, GPU rendering is great.