Asustek Computer Inc (華碩), the world’s fifth-largest PC vendor, yesterday launched its first three-in-one notebook with a standalone smartphone and a detachable keyboard to transform it into a tablet. The device can run both Google Inc’s Android and Microsoft Corp’s Windows operating systems.
The Transformer Book V features a 12.5-inch high-definition in-plane switching (IPS) display and is powered by an Intel Corp Core processor, Asustek chairman Johnny Shih (施崇棠) said at a product launch ahead of the annual Computex tech show, which opens today.
While the tablet, which can slide into a dock to turn it into a laptop, runs on both Android and Windows platforms, the smartphone, which is equipped with a 5-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera, has its own 64-bit Intel Atom quad-core processor and runs only on Android, he said.
Photo: Pichi Chuang, Reuters
The company yesterday also introduced its new-generation tablet-laptop computer hybrid — the Transformer Book T300 Chi, which features a wide-quad-high-definition (WQHD) 12.5-inch display that is just 7.3mm thick.
Asustek said the device features the world’s thinnest 12.5-inch tablet, adding that its latest two-in-one detachable laptop is LTE-ready and also has an Intel Core processor.
“We are passionate about technology, and driven by innovation, we will continue to dream, dare and strive to challenge the boundaries of the possible as we move forward on our journey in search of incredible,” Shih said.
Asustek has not disclosed prices nor availability for its new products.
The company last month said it aimed to ship between 21 million and 22 million notebooks this year, up from last year’s 18.8 million units, due to the strong sales momentum of its Transformer Book-series products.
Asustek’s new product launches followed Taiwanese rival Acer Inc’s (宏碁) announcement of its first wearable device, the Liquid Leap wristband, on Friday last week.
Both companies are taking part in this year’s Computex, which runs from today through Saturday at the Taipei World Trade Center’s Exhibition Halls 1 and 3, the Nangang Exhibition Hall and the Taipei International Convention Center.
Traditionally a PC-focused show, this year’s Computex is reflecting the surging market for smart gadgets, with a new SmarTech area including sections devoted to wearables, intelligent vehicle systems and security.
“In recent years, technology has shifted drastically, especially in the field of the Internet of Things [IoT],” said Walter Yeh (葉明水), executive vice president of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), which co-organizes the show.
“This year the hottest technology for Computex is IoT,” he added.
IoT sees everyday objects from home appliances to cars linked to the Internet and able to communicate with other devices, providing an extensive flow of personal data.
A fifth of exhibitors will be from the IoT sector, said Yeh, with wearables making the biggest waves.
“Wearable technology is this year’s fastest growing category with 59 exhibitors from abroad and Taiwan,” he told a pre-show press conference yesterday.
Additional reporting by AFP
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