Asus Chairman Jonney Shih introduced a new Windows 8 product lineup on Tuesday, Oct. 23, ranging from notebooks and tablets to All-in-One PCs.
The Asus Taichi is one of the most interesting form factors in Asus' new lineup, as it is an 11.6-inch laptop with a dual screen. While the device features a traditional clamshell notebook form factor, its lid actually houses two screens: one conventional, inward-facing screen, and one out-facing display. The dual-screen setup is designed the Taichi to serve a dual function, both as a laptop and as a tablet. Shih introduced the new product lineup during the company's "In search of incredible" event in New York City.
"We are approaching a critical transition from an age of personal computing to a new era of ubiquitous cloud computing, where every device must be intuitive, mobile and adaptable," said Shih. "With Windows 8 and our relentless pursuit of incredible innovation, ASUS is at the very forefront of this transition."
Both screens on the new Asus Taichi are based on IPS panel technology, meaning they have wide viewing angles, and both feature a Full HD resolution. The inward-facing screen, however, sports a matte finish and a wide bezel around it, while the out-facing one is prone to reflecting light, but is protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass.
Users can exploit the dual-screen setup in various scenarios, including duplicating the screens to show the same content, having each screen display something else, or turning one screen off. Users can select between modes through a dedicated key on the keyboard.
Meanwhile, the two screens also means the battery life of the Asus Taichi hybrid is questionable. Basically, the battery performance will largely depend on the brightness levels of the screens, as well as how often both screens are in use. According to Asus, a comparable, traditional laptop could last for up to five hours, while the Taichi will last only three hours running with two screens.
The new Asus Taichi dual-screen hybrid will be available in mid-November and will come in two configurations. The entry-level version will pack a third-generation Intel Core i5-3317U processor with 4GB of RAM, a 128GB solid state drive, and a $1,599 price tag. The high-end version will boast an Intel Core i7-3517U CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 256GB solid state drive, but the price tag will go up to $1,899.
Both models have Intel HD 4000 graphics, dual-band Wi-Fi with WiDi support, two USB 3.0 ports, and two cameras - a 5-megapixel out-facing camera with autofocus, and a 1-megapixel in-facing camera. According to Asus, the device weighs 2.75 pounds.
