Thin, lightweight ultrabooks, hybrid computers that transform from laptops and PCs into touchscreen tablets, and Microsoft's soon-to-be released Windows 8 operating system are among the highlights at this year's Computex.
The event is proving that tomorrow's computer isn't a rigid device that sits on your desk. It's portable, has a touch screen and converts into the most appropriate form factor for the activity you are completing, if new products on display during the first day of Asia's largest computer show, Computex Taipei, are any indication of future computing trends.
The event is second in the world only to CeBIT in Germany and is the launch pad for many large computing firms that have research and development centers or production factories in Taiwan.
Relaxnews has put together a recap of some of the stand-out products on display at the event:
Asus Taichi
The Asus Taichi is a dual-screen ultrabook that converts from a laptop into a tablet. The Taichi is available in 11.6" and 13.3" versions and runs on Windows 8. It features a high resolution 1920 x 1080 display, a full-size backlit QWERTY keyboard and trackpad and a third-generation Intel core processor.
http://www.techinstyle.tv/20120426666/post-types/hands-on/hands-on-with-the-asus-taichi/
Asus Transformer AiO
Asus's Transformer AiO is both an All-in-One desktop computer and the "world's largest tablet." It has an 18.4" LED touch display which can be detached from the base station and used and a touchscreen tablet. It features both Windows 8 and Android operating systems.
http://www.techinstyle.tv/20120426478/products/all-in-one-pcs/pix-pending-computex-2012-first-look-asus-transformer-aio/
Asus Transformer Book
The Asus Transformer Book is a convertible ultrabook with a screen that doubles as a detachable tablet. The laptop is available in 11.6", 13" or 14" sizes and features a Full HD IPS display with multitouch. It has two cameras (a 5MP shooter on the rear and a HD video cam on the front), a full-size QWERTY keyboard and 3rd generation Intel processors.
http://www.techinstyle.tv/20120426528/products/notebooks-laptops/computex-2012-asus-transformer-book/
Acer Aspire S7 Ultrabook
Acer's Aspire S7 Ultrabook series are thin and light full-HD touchscreen ultrabooks that run on Windows 8. The laptops are available in13.3-inch and 11.6-inch configurations and feature an aluminum metallic unibody design. The 13.3" version sports a 12 hour battery life while the 11.6" version will run for up to 9 hours on one charge.
http://asia.cnet.com/computex-2012-acer-aspire-s7-ultrabook-hands-on-62216072.htm
MSI Slider S20
The MSI Slider S20 is also a hybrid laptop. The 11.6" Ultrabook runs Windows 8 and sports a new-generation Intel processor. Its display slides down over the keyboard to transform the device into a touchscreen tablet.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/05/msi-slider-s20-windows-8-tablet-hands-on/
Samsung Series 5 Ultrabooks
Samsung has two touch-enabled Series 5 Ultrabooks on display at Computex, both of which run Windows 8 on 1366 x 768 resolution displays. The UltraTouch is a traditional-style ultrabook with touchscreen capabilities, while the Ultra Convertible has a 13" display that can fold backwards on top of the base.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/5/3064642/samsung-shows-off-ultra-touch-and-ultra-convertible-ultrabooks
Toshiba Satellite U840W Ultrabook
The Toshiba Satellite U840W Ultrabook lays claim to being the world's first widescreen ultrabook. It features a 14.4" 21:9 cinematic display, a two-tone aluminium chassis with a textured palm rest, a Intel Core i5-3317U processor, a 500GB hybrid hard drive, and Toshiba's new Hi-Speed Start. The Satellite U840W is expected to hit stores during Q3 for AU$1,499 (€1175).
http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/products/computers/ultrabook/u840w/psu5ra-002001
Toshiba Satellite Z830 Ultrabook
Weighing in at 1.12kg, the Toshiba Satellite is the world's lightest 13.3" ultrabook. The laptop sports a second generation Intel Core processor, a 16mm thick aluminium chassis with magnesium cladding, a 13.3" Widescreen HD LED Backlit Display (1366 x 768) and up to 8 hours of battery life.
http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/ultrabook#z830
