Asus launches Windows 8 laptop VivoBook

Asus has put paid to doubts whether there would be affordable touch-screen laptops in the first wave of Windows 8 devices by announcing its competitively priced VivoBook F202E along with a handful of other devices. The company also announced the launch of its much-awaited dual-screen convertible ultrabook/tablet, the Asus Taichi. While the VivoBook F202E will be among the cheapest Windows 8 laptops available with a touch-screen at Rs 39,999, the Taichi will cater to a niche clientele with its Rs 1,39,999 price tag.

While the company also announced the VivoTab RT TF600TG at Rs 61,999, Alex Huang (Managing Director, System Business Group, ASUS India) suggested that the company will be coming up with more Windows 8 tablets in all price ranges in 2013. "These models have the superlative technology with simple package yet the most essential features to offer the state-of-the-art technology to the Indian market. We intend to surpass the 'touch future' of IT industry by launching Asus Taichi and Asus VivoBook. We are assertive that our Windows 8 line-up will touch customers' heart in terms of incredible product, incredible design, incredible quality and incredible service," he said.

The Asus Taichi is a powerful notebook with a crystal-clear Full HD screen, Intel Core i7-3517M processor and backlit keyboard. Lid closed, it can transform into a lightweight tablet thanks to the multi-touch Full HD screen on the cover. The two 13-inch screens can also be used simultaneously in mirror mode for sharing or collaborating on work. The device also comes with a 5MP HD camera, stylus pen, 4GB RAM and 256GB SATA3 SSD storage.

The Asus VivoBook F202E comes with 11.6" LED Backlight HD screen (1366X768p) with a capacitive touch panel. It features the Intel Core i3- 3217U processor and weighs only 1.3 KG. The VivoBook S400 is a larger notebook with a 14-inch LED Backlight HD screen, a capacitive touch panel with multi-touch function and an Intel Core i7-3517U processor. This device will, however, cost Rs 59,999.

The 10.1-inch Asus VivoTab RT TF600 TG has the Transformer design and comes with a mobile dock complete with a QWERTY keyboard, track pad, USB port and built-in battery. It is powered by Nvidia Tegra3 and has 2G RAM and 64GB storage EMMC.