Computex 2012: Asus unveils TAICHI and Transformer Book running Windows 8

Computex 2012 has gotten off to a great start with Asus joining the party with more tablet/notebook hybrid devices. We hope they come up with a simpler name for these things, so till then, let’s just stick with hybrid tablets. Asus showcased two very interesting products -  the Asus TAICHI and the Transformer Book. Both these devices run Windows 8 and offer you the portability of a tablet, along with the productive of a standard notebook. The Asus TAICHI is the most interesting one of the two. It packs in two screens, both LED backlit, IPS panels with a Full HD resolution, except that the one on the outside of the lid is a touchscreen, so the notebook acts as a tablet when closed. With the lid open, the outer screen switches off and tablet transforms into a standard notebook. You get a full-sized QWERTY keyboard and trackpad. Since both the screens share the same hardware, Asus claim that you can use both the screens at the same time. Not too sure what purpose this would serve, but there you go. The entire device is extremely lightweight, just like their Zenbook series and will be available in two sizes, 11.6-inch and 13.3-inch form factors. The TAICHI will be powered by Intel’s 3rd Generation Ivy Bridge CPUs and will have SSD based storage. They haven’t divulged too much information on this yet. 

Asus TAICHI

The Transformer Book, on the other hand is more familiar, as it’s loosely based on the Android Transformer tablets and Asus is calling it the world’s first ‘convertible notebook’. It allows users to instantly switch between a notebook and a tablet by simply detaching the screen. It is aimed at users who prefer the portability of a multi-touch tablet computer for leisure, but still want access to a more traditional Windows-based notebook for productivity.

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Transformer Book

The Transformer Book features the latest Intel Core i7 processor  with discrete graphics, along with SSD and HDD storage, 4GB DDR3 dual channel RAM, and USB 3.0. It also features ASUS SonicMaster technology, developed by the ASUS Golden Ear team to deliver crystal-clear sound with deep rich bass through its integrated speakers. The Transformer Book also sports dual-cameras, with a HD front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing camera making it a tool for both photo-taking and video chats.  This lightweight ultraportable is available with an 11.6-inch, 13-inch or 14-inch Full HD IPS display with multi-touch capabilities. Asus hasn’t revealed any pricing or release details, as of now, but we should expect them towards the end of the year when Microsoft launch Windows 8.