Asus Launches Stylish New Laptops, the ZenBook 3, Transformer 3 pro, and ZenBook Flip


AsusZenbook3Transformer3ProZenbookFlipAsus picked three lovely new devices to announce all at once. The ZenBook 3, Transformer 3 Pro, and ZenBook Flip are all noted as stylish laptops, ready to take a stab at all of their Apple and Dell competition. In fact, each laptop has its own similar form factor counterpart. For example, the Zenbook 3, you’ll find, is quite similar in its clamshell body to the MacBook 12, the Transformer 3, a hybrid, is going to remind you a bit of the Surface Pro, while the ZenBook Flip, in lieu of its 360 degree hinge, is a bit like HP’s Spectre x360.

Onto the specs of each. The ZenBook 3 is the most traditional laptop device of the three. It doesn’t bend in crazy ways, however it is one of the slimmest and lightest designs you’ve probably seen in a bit. I know that’s a lot to say, especially with “thin and light” being the magic words in the laptop universe, but look at this ZenBook. I don’t know if it’s the crazy gorgeous midnight blue exterior (or that pinkish champagne option), or the fact it’s crafted out of new aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (which is 50% stronger than standard), or the fact that it measures just 11.9mm and weighs just 910 grams. It features a 12.5-inch HD (non-touch) Gorilla Glass 4 display, a backlit chiclet keyboard, and fingerprint login for Windows Hello (this is sure becoming a quick trend). For ports, it’s up to date with USB Type-C 3.1 for charge and data, which by the way, charges 0-60 percent in 49 minutes. There’s also USB-C to HDMI, USB 3.0 for expansion, Bluetooth 4.1, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Pricing starts around $2,699 with Intel’s latest Kaby Lake Core i7 processors, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

AsusZenbook3Transformer3ProZenbookFlip1Onto the Transformer 3 Pro 2-in-1 T303UA by Asus, which has that kick-stand and detachable keyboard folks are consistently adoring on the Surface Pro. This 8.35mm thin, 800g device has a 12.6-inch touchscreen display (with a 121% sRGB gamut, and a 178 degree viewing angle), features 2880 x 1920p, thats 275ppi, also known as 3K. Also Windows Hello camera ready, with dual 3D/IR front facing cameras for facial recognition. There’s a full-sized trackpad, backlit chiclet keys, and an Asus Pen/Stylus with 1024 pressure levels for “intuitive creativity”. Charging is done via USB Type-C 3.1 (Thunderbolt), plus HDMI, as well as full size USB 3.0 ports. This guy starts at $1,699 for an Intel i5 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, a Harman Kardon audio system, and even bonus vapor-chamber and fan cooling systems that take up little to no room but do a ton for the beasty power.

Finally is the ZenBook Flip UX360UA, the true hybrid 2-in-1, built around the 360 degree hinge, that lovely versatility that allows for laptop, tent, and tablet mode. At a mere 1.3 kg, and just 13.9 mm thick, the device’s hinge has been dramatically reduced by 50 percent in size, made for easier transitions. These devices feature Full HD 13.3-inch displays with wide-view-angle technology, said to provide much better color reproduction, and contrast, matched with a wide color gamut of 100 percent sRBG and 72 percent NTSC. Inside, there are Intel Core i7 and i5 processors, 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM, up to a 512GB SSD, plus an alleged 12 hours of battery life. Ports include an SD card reader/combo audio jack, 2 USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-C, and a full-sized HDMI display port. Like the Transformer 3 Pro, this device starts at $1,699.

AsusZenbook3Transformer3ProZenbookFlip2Whichever one you grab, know the ZenBook 3 doesn’t just look itty bitty, it is in fact “the slimmest and lightest laptop to date” (with an insane 82% screen to body ratio), and it’s got the specs on it to be a real winner as well. As far as the Transformer 3, sure Microsoft invented “the” Hybrid, with its great detachable keyboard and cover, however Asus does just fine with this form factor, giving it pretty much the exact same look, and an incredible contender vibe. If you’re willing to go for the ZenBook design, the Flip UX360UA has its (ZenBook’s) exact DNA, all while providing you with a nice 360 degree hinge and outstanding display specs. All three pretty much provide the user with the same options for power and performance, but you can’t beat a suggested 12 hours of battery life on this guy. Yay for options!

Topics: Technology News Convergence & Convertible Hybrid PCs Laptops & Ultrathin Ultrabooks Tablets Tech Reviews

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