ASUS ROG Ally for Secondary After Effects Work: A Viable Option?

Many professionals find themselves needing a portable and compact alternative to their primary workhorse, particularly when it comes to software like Adobe After Effects. One such consideration is the ASUS ROG Ally, a handheld portable gaming device. However, while initially appealing, the ROG Ally's limitations may outweigh its benefits when it comes to running After Effects.

ROG Ally Specifications and Benchmarks

The ASUS ROG Ally features the AMD Z1 Extreme processor, which can outperform Apple's M1 in most benchmarks by up to 20-30%. Even the base model is around 5-10% faster in CPU performance, though it is weaker in terms of GPU. While both the AMD Z1 and M1 chips offer similar codec support, the lack of consistency in hardware advantages may lead to performance inconsistencies.

Though the AMD Z1 Extreme does offer a solid performance boost, it is essential to consider that the base model is only marginally better than the higher-end M1. This marginal gain in performance may not justify the significant limitations that come with using the ROG Ally as a secondary device specifically for running After Effects.

Limitations for Adobe After Effects

One of the most critical limitations of the ROG Ally is its form factor. As a handheld device, it lacks a traditional mouse and keyboard setup, which is essential for effectively using Adobe After Effects. The device also features a small screen, making it challenging to work efficiently on detailed projects or perform intricate edits.

The micro screen that the ROG Ally offers is far from ideal for professional grade work, especially when dealing with complex visual effects and intricate layers. The experience of fiddling with the small screen for extended periods is likely to be frustrating and counterproductive to productivity.

Alternative Options: Investing in a New, More Capable Laptop

Given the limitations of the ROG Ally, it is recommended to consider more powerful, capable laptops that can handle the demands of After Effects without compromise. The current market offers a wide range of laptops that can provide the necessary specifications and comfort needed for professional use.

Investing in a new, more powerful laptop would not only provide a better experience but also offer long-term value. With the right specifications, a new laptop can handle After Effects smoothly, ensuring a high-resolution display, ample RAM, and a robust GPU that meets the software's requirements.

Current market offerings include models like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, which features a powerful AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processor, Asus ZenBook S13, which offers a high-resolution display, and models from other manufacturers such as Dell and HP that also provide excellent performance and portability.

Conclusion

While the ASUS ROG Ally may seem like an intriguing option for a secondary device, its inherent limitations make it a less than ideal choice for running Adobe After Effects. These limitations, including the lack of a traditional input setup and the small, cumbersome screen, can significantly impact productivity and the overall user experience.

For professionals looking to enhance their workflow for After Effects without compromising on performance and comfort, investing in a new, more powerful laptop is the recommended course of action. This will ensure a seamless and efficient workflow, allowing for the best results in their projects.

If you need more detailed information on specific models or have further questions, feel free to reach out. There are plenty of resources available to help you choose the best laptop for your needs.