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Asus is banking more on mobile devices such a tablets, big screen smartphones or phablets and smartphones to drive growth in 2014. This becomes evident with the range of devices that the Taiwan based company showcased at the recently concluded CES event. Also, with all the devices being powered by an Intel chip, what is also evident is that Asus is taking forward Intel’s dream of becoming a serious player in the mobile devices segment. Mentioned here are five phones and a tablet that Asus showcased at the CES 2014 event.

Transformer Book Duet (TD300)

As the name suggests this is a tablet cum laptop convertible. However, that is not the only unique aspect of the device as it is designed to dual boot both Windows 8.1 and Android. A virtual key on the screen is all that users would need to tap on to switch between the OSs. The hardware specs of the Duet starts with the core processor being an Intel Core i7 chip. It also sports an Intel HD graphics chip and a 4 GB RAM. Internal storage comprises of a 128 GB SSD memory while the keyboard dock also stacks up another 1 TB of storage space. That is not all for there is also the provision to add another 64 GB via microSD cards. The 13.3 inch display is based on IPS technology to allow for an expanded viewing angled and offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The front facing camera is HD enabled while there is also a digital mic to make video calls.

PadFone Mini

The PadFone Mini is another unique concept from Asus in that it combines a smartphone as well as a tablet for enhanced versatility. This device is powered by an Intel Atom Z2560 processor clocking at 1.6 GHz and offers 8 GB of internal storage which is further expandable to 64 GB using microSD cards. The PadFone Mini is also a dual SIM device and hides a handset of 4 inch display while the tablet is of 7 inch dimension. Users would therefore get the benefit of the 7 inch screen when the handset is docked into the tablet while the smartphone itself will function just as any other smartphone currently available in the market. The PadFone Mini also packs a dual camera, with the front facing camera being of 2 MP resolution while the rear one is 8 MP resolution.

VivoTab Note 8

An Intel Atom Z3470 makes up the core of the VivoTab Note 8, which allows for seamless multitasking functionality with the device. Running the full Windows 8.1 version, other important aspects of the VivoTab Note 8 is the long battery life of 8 hours that it offers, which means nearly a day’s worth of work can be carried out before a recharge is necessary. The storage space also is very large with 64 GB of it and users can pitch in another 64 GB of it via the microSD card slot. ASUS also offers one year of unlimited storage space at their Website for cloud computing.

ZenFone 4:

A smartphone with 4 inch of display, the ZenFone 4 comes with a vibrant color option of Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, Sky Blue, and Solar Yellow. Otherwise the device is powered by an Intel Atom Z2520 processor which is based on Quad-Thread Hyper-Threading Technology clocking at 1.2 GHz. It is also dual camera based device with the rear facing one of 5 MP resolution. Weight of the device is also interesting for it is just 115 grams.

ZenFone 5:

A bigger sibling of the ZenFone 4, this one has a 5 inch HD screen of 1280 x 720 pixels and is IPS technology based. The device is powered by an Intel Atom Z2580 processor clocking at 2 GHz. The device boasts of superior camera functions and comes with a 2 MP at the front and a 8 MP camera for the rear. The rear facing camera boasts of image stabilizing feature while there is also the backside-illumination (BSI) sensor and wide-aperture f/2.0 lens. The lens technology is quite exclusive in that it is based on ASUS PixelMaster technology. This set also has options of vibrant colors to select from, which are Charcoal Black, Pearl White, Cherry Red, and Champagne Gold.

ZenFone 6:

As the name suggests the screen size in this case is 6 inches and has the GloveTouch and PenTouch display technologies available on the ZenFone 5. The core processor is an Intel Atom Z2580 chip clocking 2 GHz. Other interesting feature is the ASUS SonicMaster audio system with virtual surround sound via headphones that can be experienced by the user. The front facing cameras is of 2 MP resolution while the rear facing one is of 13 MP with PixelMaster technology featuring in it.

There has been no dearth of hybrid tablet devices that doubles up as a notebook as well at CES 2014. Almost all the major tablet makers have taken up the idea in right earnest which means plenty of options for the buyers. One such company is Lenovo that is wooing visitors to the show with its Miix 2 tablet. The tablet is designed to be attached to the keypad unit through a magnetic connection. The device runs Windows 8.1 and makes for a decent choice for those who are looking for a Windows tablet that can make for an excellent device for both work and play.

The tablet is available in display size options of 10.1 and 11.6 inch with both offering a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The 10 inch version is powered by an Intel Atom chip and 2 GB RAM combo while its bigger sibling gets its power from a fourth gen Intel processor along with RAM of up to 8 GB. storage space available is a generous 128 GB with the 10 inch Miix while its larger model sports 256 GB of internal storage. In any case, both versions of the Miix tablet impressed with its performance which remains free from any lag or shuttering even when pushed hard. Both the tablets come with a 2 and 5 mp webcam along the front and rear respectively. As for its entertainment quotient, both the versions incorporate JBL sound technology which, it must be said does a good job at emitting good quality sound.

The display unit connects to the keypad firmly and together makes for a very robust setup which is also a lot like the way the Surface lineup connects with the keypad unit. However, the most striking difference between the two would be the weight of the keyboard itself where it is a shade heavier in case of the Lenovo Miix 2. Both cases however come with the keyboard dock where the tablet could be inserted into and connects to the keyboard. The aspect of fixing also is a bit different between the two where the fit is snugger in case of the Microsoft Surface tablet. But once the Lenovo Miix 2 is docked the fitting is very solid.

Some interesting features of the Lenovo Miix 2 are the different modes that the device can be set into. The keyboard in one mode could work as the stand. The speakers located at the rear rim gives a good audio for converting the device into a movie watching screen.

The 10 inch variant has been priced at $499 and the 11 inch fetching for $599 which is quite decent given the performance and functionality that both have to offer. Release date of the product can be expected anytime in this quarter.

Asus Announces New Range of Hybrid Smartphones And Tablets Powered by New Gen Intel Chips

CES 2014: Lenovo Announces Miix 2 Tablet/Notebook Hybrid

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