Tech in Style Christmas Special 2012 by ASUSTeK Inc.

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Tech in

BRINGING INNOVATIONS TO LIFE issue 20 www.techinstyle.tv

Windows of Opportunity

Introducing the dual-display ASUS TAICHI™

Viva la VivoTab!

ASUS VivoTab, VivoTab RT and VivoTab Smart

TiS Christmas Buying Guide

We’ve got what you want for Christmas

FOREWORD

EDITOR'S NOTE

o after months of waiting with bated breath, Windows 8 is finally here. What we have here is an operating system which straddles both PC and tablets, giving users the best of both worlds. Gone is the familiar Windows 7 that we’re so used to, and in comes a radical tile-based interface that is totally alien to most of us. What can we expect? Tiles aside, we’re looking at touch screen support, apps, Windows Store and increased cloud connectivity. But of course we’re going to need new toys to go along with that shiny new OS, and Christmas comes early this year in the form of a range of ASUS products that have been designed to work with Windows 8. We’re looking at an entire range of Windows 8-ready computing platforms from ASUS – starting with the VivoTab™ tablets, the ASUS TAICHI™, the ZENBOOK™ Touch, and Transformer Book notebooks, all the way to Windows 8-ready motherboards And of course, with Christmas just around the corner, we’ve thrown in our Christmas gift buying guide as well. We hope you enjoy this issue and we’ll see you at CES 2012. Happy holidays!

EDITORIAL Editor-in-chief Tim Smalley Editor Joseph Yadao Contributor Julian Prokaza PRODUCTION Production Manager Helen Ling Art Director Quawn Hsu Senior Designer Chiou Chong Lee

Copyright: ASUS Technology Private Limited, 2012. All editorial content in this magazine has been sponsored by ASUS. While every care was taken preparing this magazine, ASUS Technology Private Limited cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information nor any consequences arising from it.

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished reading.

Joseph Yadao Editor

About ASUS ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning, motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets and smartphones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,886 awards in 2011 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 11,000 employees around the globe with a worldclass R&D team of 3,100 engineers. Company revenue for 2011 was approximately US$11.9 billion.

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CONTENTS issue 20

04 Welcome to Windows 8

Get up close to Windows 8 with ASUS

06 Vivo to go

Work and play on one new OS with the ASUS VivoTab™ tablets

08 The portable with multiple personalities

One is good, two is even better. Introducing the ASUS TAICHI™

10 Say Zen

The ZENBOOK™ just got a Touch better

12 The tablet transformed

Do you want a notebook or a tablet? How about both with the ASUS Transformer Book

14 Get onboard with Windows 8

ASUS motherboards are certified to receive this new OS

16 One size fits all

For daily computing or home entertainment, the ASUS ET2300 All-in-One PC has you covered

18 Calling the shots

Still clamouring for PadFone 2 specs? Here you go

20 Tech in Style Christmas gift guide

We take a look at what’s good to leave under the tree during the holidays

november 2012

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Windows 8 The groundbreaking Windows 8 is now with us and ASUS has a whole new range of products that capitalise on its new features

y the time you read this, Windows 8 will be widely available — both for new and existing PCs, and on an exciting new range of tablets. Windows 8 reimagines the way we use computers and introduces a whole new personal computing experience. Windows 8 brings faster startup times, a completely reinvented touch-friendly interface and huge scope for personalisation. By putting the most important information front and centre, Windows 8 gives instant access to everything from apps to social media, which means you can spend less time searching for your stuff and more time getting things done.

Getting started

Key to Windows 8 is the new Start screen. No longer a static, passive display, this tile-based interface offers a fast and fluid way to interact with apps, the internet and everything in between. Live tiles show photos, the latest news and weather, and informative updates from variety of other Windows 8 apps. The Start screen even connects with Xbox services, which means you can enjoy movies, TV shows and music, not to mention a host of games.

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More than a gesture

While it works great with a mouse and trackpad, Windows 8 is optimised for touch. New fingerfriendly controls make it easy to interact with and switch between apps using familiar gestures. Tap to launch an app, swipe from the left of the screen to switch between running apps, tap and drag a tile to reposition it on the Start screen and pinch to zoom the display — it’s all at your fingertips. A swipe on the left of the screen opens another key feature in Windows 8 — the Charm bar. This quickaccess toolbar has tools for sharing applications and information, searching and adjusting various computer settings.

Accessing apps

Apps are at the heart of Windows 8 and built-in access to the new Windows Store makes it easier to discover new ones. Browse through lists of popular apps, see recommendations and get personalised picks based on your own favourites — it’s never been easier to find and install new software. Windows 8 is also connected to the cloud. The Start screen’s live tiles show new messages and social media updates, and email and apps are kept in sync across Windows 8 computers. Cloud storage for files, photos, video and more also comes built-in, courtesy of Microsoft SkyDrive.

Happiness 2.0

Windows 8 promises to revolutionise the way we interact with computers and, to coincide with its release, ASUS is launching a number of new products that fully exploit its features and potential. These new models range from tablets to desktops and notebooks with multi-touch displays. ASUS has several models with ingenious new features too, including the ability to transform into a notebook PC to suit a particular user’s needs. Users are key to the success of everything ASUS creates and consideration of their needs permeates every stage of the product development process. In fact this approach is the very core of the ASUS Happiness 2.0 philosophy that is dedicated to delivering the best possible products through a combination of elegant design, intuitive features and technology to enhance the user experience, rather than just for the sake of it

november 2012

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DESIRED

Vivo to go ASUS VivoTab Windows 8 tablets

Meet Vivo — three new Windows 8 tablets perfectly designed for both work and play

indows 8 offers a completely new mobile computing experience and what better way to enjoy it than with three brand new Windows 8 tablets from ASUS? The VivoTab™ and VivoTab™ RT combine slim, lightweight and highly portable premium metallic designs with incredible performance, making each model the ideal companion for anyone who wants to get things done. Ultra-thin and light, the VivoTab™ Smart brings the fun of Windows 8 applications to life. Available in three stylish colours, it features a 2-in-1 mobile dock with keyboard and tablet protector.

Three takes on the tablet

The VivoTab is a tablet designed with productivity in mind. Just 8.7mm thick and weighing a mere 675g, the VivoTab with Windows 8 is powered by the latest Intel® Atom™ Z2760 processor running at 1.8GHz. It has a brilliant 11.6” Super IPS+ screen with capacitive multi-touch. Corning® Fit glass helps keep the screen clear and free from scratches, while TruVivid technology delivers a sharper, brighter image by removing the air gap between

Exclusive extras

the screen sensor and the display below. Better still, 1024-level pressure Wacom Digitiser technology means the VivoTab responds accurately to both a stylus and a fingertip, so it’s perfect for Windows 8 inputs and high-precision tasks like drawing and painting. Anyone more interested in mobile entertainment will love the 525g VivoTab RT. The NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor ensures everything from apps to games to movies look great on the 10.1” Super IPS+ screen, but that’s not to say productivity has been overlooked — Windows RT comes complete with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT. The VivoTab Smart runs Windows 8 and features the Intel® Atom™ Z2760 dual-core processor. Together they offer stunning responsiveness, fast web-browsing speeds, and touch-friendly productivity. At just 580g, it comes loaded with features like a 10.1” IPS display, an 8MP rear camera with LED flash, 2MP front camera with LED indicator, as well as NFC functionality.

Whichever Vivo tablet you choose, you’ll also get to enjoy a few unique ASUS extras. Both the VivoTab and VivoTab RT come with a redesigned ASUS Mobile Dock that not only connects to the tablet to create a clamshell ultraportable with full Qwerty keyboard, but also has a built-in battery for even longer mobile use. ASUS SonicMaster technology with quad-speakers mean sound quality is seriously impressive too, while the rear 8MP (f/2.2 aperture) and front 2MP cameras capture high-quality images.

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Tech Specs ASUS VivoTab

ASUS VivoTab • Windows 8 • Intel® Atom™ processor Z2760 processor @1.8 GHz • 11.6” Super IPS+ capacitive multi-touch screen with Wacom Digitiser technology • 8.7 mm thick • 675 g • Mobile Dock with Qwerty keyboard and battery for up to 19 hours of battery life ASUS VivoTab RT • Windows RT • NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor • 10.1” Super IPS+ capacitive multi-touch screen • 8.3 mm thick • 525 g • Mobile Dock with Qwerty keyboard and battery for up to 16 hours of battery life ASUS VivoTab Smart • Windows 8 • Intel® Atom™ Z2760 processor @1.8 GHz • 10.1” IPS capacitive multi-touch screen • 9.7 mm thick • 580 g • 3-in-1 Transleeve serves as protection for the keyboard and tablet and doubles up as a stand

ASUS VivoTab RT

ASUS VivoTab Smart

November 2012

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DESIRED

ASUS TAICHI™

The portable with multiple personalities One device, two displays, several ways of working — that’s the ASUS TAICHI™

SUS is always looking for innovative new ways of working with information and the TAICHI is the culmination of an idea that first came to light as a concept computer. At first glance, the TAICHI appears to be a slim and stylish ultraportable PC with ZENBOOK™ good looks, but look closer and it’s clear that what would be the lid on any normal laptop is actually nothing of the sort — it’s a second screen. Squeezing two screens back-to-back into an ultraportable isn’t just a way for ASUS to demonstrate its engineering prowess, however — it creates some new and intriguing ways of working, too. Just like a standard laptop with an external secondary display, the TAICHI’s outer screen can operate in both Mirror and Dual Screen modes. This makes it ideal for demonstrations, where the audience needs to see what the user is doing, and for presentations, where the speaker’s notes can be kept out of sight.

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The outer screen is a full 10-point multi-touch display that can be used independently of the inner screen, which means two people can sit face-toface and use Windows 8 at the same time. With the lid closed, however, the TAICHI can also be used as a Windows 8 tablet, yet can be converted into a full ultraportable PC with a backlit keyboard at a moment’s notice. Users can switch between notebook and tablet modes through a TAICHI key.

Tech Specs ASUS TAICHI™ • Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 Processor • Dual 11.6” and 13.3” IPS Full HD (1920 × 1080) displays • 4GB DDR3 RAM • 256GB SATA6 SSD storage

• Switch between Windows 8 tablet and Windows 8 ultraportable modes with the lift of a finger. • With a design inspired by the ASUS ZENBOOK™ ultraportable, TAICHI’s sleek profile tapers from 17.4mm to a mere 3mm. • TAICHI’s outer screen switches between display modes by pressing a dedicated the TAICHI key above the keyboard. • 10-point multi-touch brings full support for Windows 8 tablet gestures and the 256-level pressure sensor gives extremely accurate stylus input. • High-quality HD and 5-megapixel cameras, plus a full array of sensors and ports, make the TAICHI one of the best equipped portables available — in whatever mode it’s used.

november 2012 |

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RE-WIRED

Say Zen ZENBOOK™ Touch

The new ZENBOOK™ Touch is an Ultrabook that’s more incredible than ever

he original ASUS ZENBOOK™ raised the bar for Ultrabook design, but that creates a quandary — how can it be improved? The answer is the new ZENBOOK Touch. The ZENBOOK Touch is a next-generation Ultrabook that introduces a raft of new premium features. Precision engineered with a gorgeous spun metal finish, the ZENBOOK Touch is still as wonderfully slim and stylish as ever, but packs more performance, faster wireless networking, a backlit keyboard and high resolution screens with full multi-touch support ready for Windows 8.

Tech Specs ZENBOOK™ U500VZ • Intel® Core™ i7 standard voltage quad-core processor • 8GB DDR3 RAM • 15.6” Full HD display with optional multi-touch • Up to 512GB SATA III SSD, supporting RAID 0 technology • 380 x 254.5 x 6 ~ 19.7 mm • 2.06 kg (non-touch screen and without harddisk); 2.2 kg (touch screen and without harddisk)

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ZENBOOK™ UX31A • Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processor • 4GB DDR3 RAM • 13.3” HD or Full HD display with optional multi-touch • 128GB or 256GB SATA III SSD • 325 x 223 x 3 ~ 18 mm • 1.3 kg (non-touch screen) 1.4 kg (touch screen)

Incredible images Full HD IPS display technology and an anti-reflective finish keeps the ZENBOOK Touch’s screen clear and bright under all lighting conditions. Optional Full HD resolutions on both 13.3” and 15.6” models are complemented by capacitive multi-touch too, making the ZENBOOK Touch the perfect Ultrabook for Windows 8. Incredible performance Next generation connectivity comes as standard with the ZENBOOK Touch. USB 3.0 delivers ultra-fast data transfer rates with compatible peripherals and the USB Charger+ mode cuts mobile device recharge times in half. Dual-band Wi-Fi gives faster wireless network performance too, while Bluetooth 4.0 supports the very latest wireless peripherals with minimal energy consumption. Incredible beauty The ZENBOOK Touch is precision engineered from premium materials, from the curved aluminium exterior with unique spun metal finish to the frameless glass screen with capacitive multi-touch. The case tapers to a mere 3mm at its thinnest point, but the sleek profile belies the raw performance within. Incredible comfort Considerate design touches abound on the ZENBOOK Touch. The backlit keyboard is controlled by an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts its brightness for optimum visibility and ASUS SonicMaster technology ensures crystal clear audio, even at low volumes. The ZENBOOK Touch is also the coolest Ultrabook money can buy, thanks to its efficient, custom-designed, thermal management system. Incredible standby times The ZENBOOK Touch offers the best balance between battery life and standby time with two different modes to suit users’ needs. Performance mode combines two-second ‘instant on’ with up to two weeks’ standby time, while Battery Saving mode wakes in seven seconds and gives an astonishing standby time of up to seven months. November AUGUST 2012 2012

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DESIRED

The notebook transformed

ASUS Transformer Book TX300

Windows 8 tablet or Windows 8 notebook? With the ASUS Transformer Book, there’s no need to choose

eet the world’s first fully convertible notebook. On one hand, the ASUS Transformer Book is a slim and lightweight ultraportable PC with a backlit keyboard and a 500GB hard drive; on the other, it’s a 13.3” tablet with a Full HD multi-touch display and 128GB SSD. It comes with a workstation keyboard dock that features a hard disk drive, a USB 3.0 port, four speakers, along with RJ45 and mini-display ports. Attach the dock when you want to work, detach it when you want to play — the ASUS Transformer Book is two portable computers in one. ASUS Transformer Book TX300CA • 13.3” Full HD IPS screen with capacitive multi-touch • Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processor • 4GB DDR3 1600 RAM • 128GB SATA3 SSD (tablet) & 500GB SATA3 hard drive (dock) • Front HD camera rear 5MP and 720p video recording camera (optional) • SonicMaster audio co-developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower® with quad speakers

Tech Specs

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As a tablet, the ASUS Transformer Book is a self-contained computer with a Full HD multitouch display and 128GB of solid-state storage. Connect the full-size keyboard and it’s instantly transformed into a notebook with a 500GB hard drive and a second battery for longer mains-free use. The ASUS Transformer Book has performance in spades, thanks to a choice of 3rd generation Intel® Core™ i5 or i7 processors. Seamlessly switch between applications with effortless multitasking and get an automatic burst of speed whenever it’s required with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. Typing on-screen is never a challenge with the ASUS Transformer Book’s brilliant Full HD IPS display with ultra-wide 178° viewing angles, but the backlit keyboard with ambient light control means it can even be used in complete darkness in notebook mode. The ASUS Transformer Book turns heads whether used a tablet or notebook, thanks to a stunning slimline profile and a unique spun metal finish that’s as resilient as it is beautiful. ASUS SonicMaster audio technology co-developed with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower®, quad-speakers, and Wave Maxx audio mean it sounds as good as it looks, too. A 13.3” 10-point multi-touch display and large trackpad with smart gesture deliver the perfect finger-friendly Windows 8 experience on the ASUS Transformer Book. Nothing is further than a tap, swipe or two-finger pinch away, whether in tablet or notebook mode. A wide array of ports make the ASUS Transformer Book one of the most expandable tablets around and there are even more in notebook mode, including USB 3.0. The front HD camera and an array mic make the ASUS Transformer Book an ideal video conferencing tool. It also comes with an optional rear 5MP camera with 720p video recording capability. A high speed bridge ensures that the ASUS Transformer Book offers ultra-fast transfer rates between the dock and the tablet.

november 2012 |

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RE-WIRED

ASUS Windows 8-ready motherboards

Get onboard with Windows 8 Windows 8 will be fully supported on a range of ASUS motherboard for desktop PCs, which bring with them a number of new features

indows 8 will run on more than just tablets and notebook PCs, of course, and ASUS is already set to fully support this new operating system on its desktop PC motherboards. The ASUS P8Z77-M was the first motherboard to gain Windows 8 WHQL certification earlier this year, thanks to drivers and a BIOS that have been built from the ground up for complete compatibility and total stability. ASUS has refreshed its motherboards, including mainstream channel models, dedicated ROG and TUF Series products, as well as FM1 socket-compatible and APU-based models in preparation for Windows 8. Each product offers a variety of new ASUS-exclusive technologies that have been tailored and tested to comply with the Windows 8 architecture and have gone through a full series of compatibility assurance tests. These motherboards have a number of exclusive Windows 8 features, including Fast Boot for two-second start-up times and ASUS Boot Setting for a customized PC start-up process.

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Fast Boot New hardware and software designs eliminate annoying waits while the PC boots. On select ASUS motherboards, Windows 8 starts up in just two seconds for an even smoother user experience.

Boot Setting ASUS Boot Setting makes it much easier to customise a PC’s startup process. Enter the BIOS directly with one click and a user-friendly interface offers fast or standard boot options. Settings are saved too, so there’s no need choose every time the PC is switched on.

DirectKey A dedicated DirectKey button gives fast access to the motherboard BIOS with a single press, even when the PC is in standby, so there’s no need for a perfectly timed press on the DEL key when the PC is booting.

November 2012

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INSPIRED

Four spatial array speakers expand the ET2300’s sound stage with immersive audio, without taking up valuable desktop space. ASUS SonicMaster technology ensures superlative sound quality too, with a wide frequency range that’s further enhanced by the external subwoofer for even deeper and richer bass.

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The compact self-contained design means the ET2300 is free from the table-top clutter that plagues traditional desktop PCs, but it doesn’t skimp on expansion options. Two Intel® Thunderbolt ports allow everything from monitors to high-speed storage devices to be daisy-chained, plus there is HDMI in and out, WiDi, USB 3.0, eSATA and a multi-format memory card reader, too.

An ingenious double-hinge design makes the ET2300 easy to use both as a traditional desktop PC, and as a king-size digital canvas. The fully adjustable design allows the Full HD screen to sit upright when used with a keyboard and mouse, or be folded back to sit parallel to the table top for comfortable touchscreen control of Windows 8.

All-in-One PC ET2300

One size fits all Compact desktop PC, home entertainment centre, king-size digital canvas — the new ET2300 All-in-One PC does it all

he new ASUS ET2300 is an all-in-one PC that redefines the meaning of the term. With a 23” capacitive 10-point multi-touch screen, four built-in array speakers with an external subwoofer and a host of next-generation connectivity options, it’s a desktop computer that doubles as a complete home entertainment centre — and vice versa. It may be a jack-of-all-trades, but the ET2300 is a master of them all. Powered by a 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor with a choice of Intel® HD or discrete NVIDIA® GT 630M graphics, it packs enough performance

for any task, from high-end productivity to playing the latest games. The 23” Full HD widescreen display is LED backlit and uses IPS technology for a bright, vibrant image with wide viewing angles, making it an ideal movie-viewing platform. 10-point multi-touch makes it the perfect way to interact with Windows 8 too, while an ingenious double hinge allows the screen to fold flat for a more natural hands-on position. HDMI input and output means the ET2300 can connect to an external display or be used as a standalone display for everything from games consoles to Blu-ray players. When it comes to the options list, the ET2300 has WiDi technology that allows it to stream wirelessly to any compatible HDTV; while two Intel® Thunderbolt ports offer blisteringly fast connections to a host of compatible peripherals.

Tech Specs • 23” Full HD LED-backlit IPS screen with 10-point multi-touch • Intel® Core™ i3/i5/i7 processor • Up to 8GB DDR3 RAM • NVIDIA® GT 630M or Intel® HD graphics • Up to 2TB SATA hard drive • Slot-loading DVD writer

NOVEMBER 2012

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INSPIRED

Calling the shots - PadFone 2 Padfone 2

The rumour mill was rife with speculation long before the PadFone 2’s launch, so here’s the official word on the dynamic smartphone-tablet hybrid More performance

Enjoy unbelievable performance with the faster 1.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ S4 processor and 2GB of RAM

Photographic perfection

Capture images with quality comparable to a DSLR’s, thanks to the 13-megapixel rear camera with a 5-element lens, auto-focus and LED flash

Incredible battery life

Get up to 16 hours’ 3G talk-time from the PadFone 2’s battery and up to 36 hours’ when docked with the PadFone 2 Station

Tech Specs • 4.7” HD / 10.1” (1280 × 800) multi-touch screen • Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor • 16/32/64GB storage • 13-megapixel camera • Android 4

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Say goodbye to syncing

Dock the Padfone 2 to the Padfone 2 Station and it’s instantly transformed from smartphone to tablet, with access to the same apps and data — and the same SIM card for mobile internet access.

Crystal clear screen

The PadFone 2’s 4.7” HD (1280 × 720) Super IPS+ screen is bright enough to use even in bright sunshine and Corning® Fit glass makes it resistant to scratches.

Enjoy enhanced audio

Both the PadFone 2 and PadFone 2 Station employ SonicMaster technology for superior sound with enhanced frequency response and improved audio clarity, fine-tuned by Waves, recipient of a Technical GRAMMY Award®.

november 2012

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GUIDE

Christmas gift guide Tech in Style

Stuck for gift inspiration for this festive season? We’ve got an idea or two…

t’s that time of year again, which means if you’re short of gift inspiration for the technology lover in your life — or you just fancy treating yourself — Tech in Style has some timely suggestions. Over the next four pages you’ll find Christmas gift ideas for all tastes and at all prices.

Nexus 7

The Nexus 7 is the first fully-fledged Android tablet from Google. Developed and designed with ASUS, the Nexus 7 is a high performance 7” tablet at an affordable price that makes a wide range of entertainment and productivity apps available to all. It runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, the latest version of the world’s most popular mobile platform, and is powered by an NVIDIA® Tegra 3 quad-core processor that runs even the most demanding apps with silky smoothness. Weighing just 340g and with up to 9.5 hours battery life, the Nexus 7 is the perfect tablet for anyone who wants highperformance in a highly portable package — but without the high price tag to match.

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Transformer Pad Infinity

If you think you’ve seen everything on an Android tablet, you clearly haven’t seen the Transformer Pad Infinity. Its 10.1” Full HD (1920 × 1200) multi-touch display with Super IPS+ technology means movies and photos appear with breathtaking clarity, while web sites and ebooks have never looked so sharp. The 1.6GHz quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra 3 processor delivers silky smooth performance for apps and games too, and the keyboard dock adds five hours to the already incredible 9.5-hour battery life.

ROG Orion PRO gaming headset

Any keen gamer will be thrilled to find the ROG Orion PRO in their stocking this Christmas. This stylish gaming headset combines extreme comfort with a bevy of features, yet still doesn’t cost a fortune. Large 100mm ear cups ensure a snug fit and 50mm neodymium magnet drivers deliver crisp, dynamic sound; while a retractable noise-filtering microphone offers clear voice pickup. Passive noise cancellation minimises distraction for noisy surroundings too, all in a lightweight design that weighs just 231g. The accompanying driver-free ROG Spitfire USB audio processor features three in-game audio modes, headphone amplifiers, FPS EQ, along with virtual 7.1 surround sound for quality audio.

november 2012

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GUIDE

ASUS VivoBook S Series

Make the most of the exciting new ways of working with Windows 8 with a new ASUS VivoBook S Series notebook. With a slim and stylish design that slips easily into a bag, the ASUS VivoBook is eminently portable and 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors means models are powerful too. A generously proportioned trackpad makes the new Windows 8 gestures a joy to use, but why stop there? A choice of crystal-clear multi-touch edge-to-edge panels also gives complete fingertip control — and at an affordable price.

All-in-One PC ET2220

Fancy getting your fingers on Windows 8, but need something other than a laptop or tablet? Take a look at the new All-in-One PC ET2220. This compact and slimline AiO has a 21.5” Full HD display with 10-point capacitive multi-touch that give full support for Windows 8’s new gesture-based controls. Better still, the screen sits on an adjustable stand that tilts right back for more comfortable hands-on use. There’s plenty of performance too, thanks to a choice of 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors and optional NVIDIA® GT 610M graphics.

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ROG TYTAN CG8480

With a unique 3rd generation Intel® i7 processor whose four cores can all be overclocked simultaneously with just one click, the ROG TYTAN CG8480 is a desktop gaming PC like no other. Inside the angular lines of its stealth fighter-inspired case is a host of high-end technology designed to deliver the ultimate in gaming performance, including sophisticated thermal management, a choice of the latest NVIDIA® 6-Series or ATI® HD 7-Series DirectX 11 graphics cards and a high-quality sound card with Dolby Home Theater technology.

Designo MX monitors

Bring a dash of style to your desktop with a choice of two new ultra-slim Designo MX monitors. Both the 23” MX239H and 27” MX279H sport a stunning edge-to-edge, frameless design with an ultra-wide 178° viewing angle Full HD display, along with a sundial-inspired stand which provides a sturdy base to rest on. Dual HDMI ports make both models perfect for home entertainment, plus built-in speakers with ASUS SonicMaster and Bang & Olufsen ICEpower® technology ensure outstanding sound quality.

november 2012