I’ve always been intrigued by virtual reality but never took the plunge—until now. I entered the HTC Vive XR Elite, my first VR device.Unboxing and Initial ImpressionsUpon unboxing the Vive XR Elite, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and well-organized packaging. The headset felt lightweight and high-quality, which comes with overhead strap. The battery cradle can be easily connected with the glass.Comfort and FitAs a VR novice, I worried about the comfort and fit of the headset. Thankfully, the Vive XR Elite is designed with comfort in mind. The battery cradle acts as a counterbalance, while the overhead strap alleviates pressure from both the front and back of the head. I experimented with the glasses mode by removing the battery but quickly realized it's best for stationary use.Visual Clarity and PerformancePutting on the headset was like stepping into a new dimension. The dual 1920 x 1920 displays running at 90Hz offered stunning visual clarity. The glasses comes with diopter dial that allows to get a clear, sharp view in VR. The fact that it doesn’t allow to adjust for astigmatism doesn’t bother me much. The high refresh rate provided a smooth, immersive experience.Immersed and Engage: Productivity BoostersThe first app I tried was Immersed, which allows you to work on multiple virtual monitors. Syncing my MacBook Pro with the headset required some effort, involving a pairing code and a companion app, but the result was worth it.With multiple virtual windows open, I could arrange my workspace just the way I liked it. The hand tracking feature was particularly impressive, allowing me to navigate the VR environment with simple gestures. This seamless interaction between typing and controlling the virtual monitors greatly enhanced my productivity.Using Engage took my productivity to the next level. Engage enables virtual meetings, presentations, and collaborative sessions in immersive 3D environments. It made remote teamwork feel more connected and interactive, significantly improving my workflow.Exploring Gravity SketchNext, I explored Gravity Sketch, an app that showcases VR’s potential in visual creativity. Manipulating objects in a 3D space was intuitive and enjoyable. The precise tracking of the Vive XR Elite made the experience smooth and engaging. I spent hours immersed in experimenting and sketching my ideas.Battery Life and PortabilityThe battery life is about two hours of use per charge as HTC claims, which is sufficient for most of my applications. For extended sessions, tethering the headset with a USB-C cable worked perfectly.Portability is crucial for me. The Vive XR Elite excels in this area. It can be packed into a small carrying case, making it easy to carry around. Compared to Meta's Quest Pro, the Vive XR Elite is noticeably lighter and more compact, making it the perfect companion for frequent travelers.