Asus' 2013 lineup will transform your life
Here's a look at why we're excited about Asus' 2013 lineup of tablets and laptops.
Asus is hoping to transform your mobile computing experience into one that includes one of its shiny new devices. The upcoming slew of releases is an impressive grab-bag variety of portable electronics that range in portability, function, and price.
Sticking with the popular trend, Asus has a healthy number of laptop/tablet hybrids that run Windows 8.1, Android, and, in one case, both operating systems. Here's a list of some upcoming Asus releases that might fit your needs or budget.
Asus Zenbook UX301
The Asus Zenbook UX301 could be renamed the Checkbook UX301, not only because it looks like a million bucks, but because it'll cost you a pretty penny. The supersleek 13.3-inch laptop is encased with scratch- and shatter-resistant Gorilla Glass 3, which reflects and shines beautifully when light hits it.
The Windows 8.1 device also allows the chance to choose between two of Intel's latest fourth-generation processors, an Intel Core i5 processor or the top-end Intel Core i7 chip, and either a regular full-HD panel or a whopping 2,560x1,440-pixel-resolution screen.
Read more about the Asus Zenbook UX301.
Asus Transformer Book T100
In the quickly swelling category of laptop/tablet hybrids, the Asus Transformer Book T100 offers Windows 8.1 powered by Intel's Atom Bay Trail-TZ3740 processor with 2GB of RAM and a refreshingly competitive starting price at $349.
The 10.1-inch laplet is a little underwhelming in build and screen quality; both the tablet and keyboard have a plasticy feel and the 1,366x768-pixel resolution lacks impressive sharpness. Understandably, some compromises have to be made to reach an affordable price point, and the T100 succeeds in not giving up too much to meet it.
Read more about the Asus Transformer Book T100.
Asus Transformer Book T300
The T300 from Asus is another tablet/laptop hybrid that runs Windows 8.1. As a standalone tablet, the 13.3-inch device feels solidly built, but it is heavier than an average large slate. Because of its size and heft, the T300 might be better off as a laptop more than a tablet.
Like the Zenbook UX301 above, the Transformer Book T300 allows you to choose which fourth-generation Intel Core processor it houses, but, unlike the Zenbook, you're stuck with a 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution.
Read more about the Asus Transformer Book T300.
Asus Transformer Pad TF701T
Yes, the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T is another tablet/laptop hybrid, but keep reading because this Android slate packs an impressive punch. The 10-inch tablet rocks a 2,560x1,600-pixel resolution and houses Nvidia's 1.9GHz Tegra 4 processor with a 72-core GeForce GPU.
Design wise, the tablet looks like previous Asus Transformers, but feels heavier, thicker, and more plasticy. The good news is that its performance is speedy and its screen is superbly sharp.
Read more about the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T.
Asus Transformer Book Trio
The Asus Transformer Book Trio takes the tablet/laptop hybrid idea a step further by allowing you to use it as an extended monitor. The three-in-one device also runs both Windows 8.1 and Android Jelly Bean 4.2.
As a tablet it can only run Android, but as a laptop it can transition from Windows 8.1 to Android easily with the push of a button. When connected to a monitor using Mini DisplayPort or Micro-HDMI, the keyboard dock can function as an Android or Windows 8.1 PC.
Read more about the Asus Transformer Book Trio.