ASUS announces new 4K ultrabook, Android hybrids, and more at Computex

ASUS has unveiled a number of new products at Computex, including a handful of Windows devices to celebrate 25 years in the business. The company utilized the tech event to announce a new Zenbook NX500 ultrabook with 4K display, a new 4K monitor, tri-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi router, Transformer Book V with both Android and Windows 8, the Transformer Book T300 with a super-thin display, as well as other new Android hardware offerings.

Zenbook NX500

Pictured above, the Zenbook NX500 is the latest offering from ASUS, combining the usual aluminum body with a super-slim form factor we've come to expect from ASUS and the company's ultrabook family. Powered by Intel processors (up to i7) and optional NVIDIA GeForce GTX 850M, it's the beast of workhorses indeed. Then there's the additional 3-stream 802.11ac Wi-Fi and the choice beteen SATA 3 RAID 0 or PCIe x4 SSD for inernal storage. The main highlight is the display, though.

The NX500 will be the first ASUS noteook with a 4K/UHD IPS display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160. For media playback, the Zenbook combines the display with titanium-film speakers and SonicMaster audio technology. If you've been holding off for a new ultrabook, the new Zenbook may just be the perfect choice for you.

ProArt PA328Q 4K Monitor

ASUS 4K Monitor

ASUS has unveiled a new 32-inch 4K monitor for those who require higher levels of detail while working away on the PC. Featuring a 16:9 aspect ratio WLED display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 and pixel density of 138 ppi, the screen will provide more space than the standard HD display for more work to be processed. There are a variety of input options too:

  • DisplayPort 1.2 (4K at 60Hz)
  • Mini DisplayPort 1.2 (4K at 60Hz)
  • HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz) / MHL 3.0 (4K at 30Hz)
  • HDMI 1.4 (4K at 30Hz)
  • 4x USB 3.0 ports

An interesting feature of the display is the ability to view content from two separate sources simultaneously. Picture-in-Picture places a second source window in a corner of the display, while Picture-by-Picture splits the screen in two (much like apps in Windows 8).

Transformer Book V

ASUS Transformer Book V

The Transformer Book V is a five-mode laptop that sports both Windows and Android. That's a setup we've covered in the past, but was blocked by both Google and Microsoft for various reasons. Now we're seeing the end result with a Windows laptop, Android tablet and even a smartphone. If you were searching for a product you could utilize in most situations, the Transformer Book V is ASUS's first attempt.

The detachable 12.5-inch display enables owners to rock on with a touch-friendly Windows/Android environment, while a separate 5-inch smartphone docks into the tablet itself. Think of the laptop as Russian Dolls, each docking into the larger sibling. ASUS has added a dedicated hardware button to switch between Windows and Android and packs a punch with a Intel CPU and up to 1TB of internal storage.

The tablet itself comes with 128GB of internal storage, while the Atom-powered Android smartphone with LTE support has a 2500mAh power plant to provide ample juice to get through the day.

Transformer Book T300 Chi

ASUS Transformer Book T300

Thin is good in 2014 and ASUS has created a super-thin 12.5-inch display tablet, which also performs well as a laptop. Powered by Intel, the device has no fans, no exhausts and is thinner than majority of ultrabooks available today. Detaching the tablet reveals just how thin the product is at just 7.3mm thick. The Transformer Book T300 Chi features LTE support and is equipped with a 2560 x 1440 WQHD IPS display for stunningly detailed visuals.

RT-AC3200 Router

ASUS AC3200 Router

AC3200 router for UFC 247 (Image credit: Amazon)

ASUS has also unveiled a new tri-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi router that delivers speeds up to 3200Mbits per second. Various features are included in the package, including SmartConnect to automatically select ideal bands for connected devices and ASUS AiRadar to strengthen wireless signals and improve overall coverage and stability. The company boasts not only a 30 second initial setup time, but also an easy-to-use interface for consumers who aren't tech savvy.

Portable AiO PT2001

Finally, the ASUS Portable AiO is a 19.5-inch touchscreen All-in-One PC for both the home and office. Weighing just 3.2kg, the PC itself is easy enough to carry around and has an internal battery for limited use while not plugged in (for up to 5 hours). Just 12.3mm thick, the unit can be laid flat to enjoy touch-based games or configured for home movies with friends and family thanks to the full HD IPS display.

Specifications include 4th generation Intel Core processors, NVIDIA GeForce 820M and optional 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Source: ASUS

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.