The last few years have seen rapid growth in the tablet market, but only for the iOS and Android platforms. All that is set to change, with the upcoming launch of Windows 8 and its Metro navigation system. Unveiled at the ASUS Computex 2012 Press Conference, the ASUS Tablets comes in two flavors – the ASUS Tablet 810 (Windows 8 ) and the ASUS Tablet 600 (Windows RT).
The ASUS Tablet 810 (Windows 8 ) features the next generation Intel Atom processor along with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB eMMC for personal user storage. The display is an 11.6” screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution that uses Super IPS+ technology to deliver superior visual clarity both indoors and out, and its 10-point multi-touch is complemented by Wacom digitizer stylus support for a more natural writing experience. Complementing the impressive screen is impressive audio quality to match, featuring the same SonicMaster audio technology used on ASUS’ award-winning notebooks. High quality photographs are at hand with the rear 8MP autofocus camera with LED flash, along with a 2MP front facing camera that’s great for video chats. It also features a MicroSD card reader, Micro HDMI connection, and a built-in NFC sensor, enabling the device to easily sync with other NFC-enabled devices.
The ASUS Tablet 600 (Windows RT) is similar to its bigger brother, with the key differences being the powerful NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core CPU and Windows RT, due to the different coding architecture. As a result, it will also ship with touch-optimized desktop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. The 600 comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC for personal storage, while resolution remains the same at 1366 x 768, despite a smaller 10.1” screen. All others specs, including Super IPS+, front and rear cameras, multi-touch support, SonicMaster technology and NFC sensor chip are the same as the x86 version.
What sets these tablets apart from others in the market is the optional Mobile Dock. Similar to its Android cousins in the Transformer Pad family, the Mobile Dock instantly transforms the tablet into a compact notebook, complete with a full QWERTY keyboard, multi-touch touchpad, and additional battery for extended use away from a power socket. For the 810, the Mobile Dock features two full sized USB 2.0 ports, while the 600 features one USB 2.0 port.
Both versions offer the productivity and flexibility that Windows users have become accustomed to, combined with the mobility that a tablet offers.
Rick