Asus is adding a HD display to its convertible Android tablet, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime.
The Transformer Prime,
which goes on sale in the UK this week, currently has a 1,280 x 800
screen to go with its detachable keyboard dock. That will be upgraded to
a 1,920 x 1,2000 display later this year.
An Asus spokesman at the Consumer Electronics Show told
PC Pro
that customers were increasingly plugging the tablet into external Full
HD screens, prompting Asus to upgrade the device screen itself.
The HD version of the Transformer Prime will also get a 3G option
when it goes on sale later this year, for "less than £599", according to
the Asus spokesman.
Padfone
Asus is also preparing to launch its Padfone device at this year's
Mobile World Congress at the end of February. The Padfone is a 4.3in
Android tablet that docks into an accompanying 10.1 tablet display.
The tablet is essentially a dumb terminal that relies on the docked smartphone for processing, storage and wireless data.
The Padfone is designed to allow consumers to resort to the larger
display for tasks such as watching video or web browsing, without the
expense of purchasing a dedicated tablet. Asus has yet to announce a
price for the Padfone, but said it will launch this year.
However, the $249 7in Android tablet announced in yesterday's Nvidia
press conference won't be coming to the UK, Asus's spokesman confirmed.
Laptop refresh
Asus is one of the few PC manufacturers not using CES as an
opportunity to refresh its Ultrabook range, bar a new "Rose Gold" colour
refresh for the 13.3in Zenbook.
However, the company has a batch of refreshed laptops and netbooks on
the way. The N6 laptop will benefit from Intel's new Core i7 and i5 Ivy
Bridge processors in April/May. The 15in laptop comes with a smart
piano-black lid, integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers and a Full HD
display, and will start from £799 inc VAT.
The gaming-oriented G Series will also benefit from the Ivy Bridge
refresh, and will come with both stereoscopic and "naked eye" 3D screen
options - effectively allowing gamers to have 3D with or without the
glasses. That premium range starts at £1,999 inc VAT.
Asus is also persisting with netbooks, with three new models spanning
sizes from 10in to 12in. The Asus spokesman admitted that netbook sales
are in decline, but claimed the company had increased its market share
in the UK, as other manufacturers leave the market or fail to refresh
their ranges.
