The post-PC era is reluctant to come, ASUS and continue to extend the current limbo of laptops, tablets and hybrids bringing its latest proposals in the form of ultrabook and as they baptized, transformable. Computex 2016 has been chosen for the presentation of the new event Zenbook 3 and the Transformer 3 mini, 3 and 3 Pro, three devices with which seeks to provide the most powerful in the smallest possible space.
A joint presentation with the new members of the family Zenfone and that despite belonging to different group’s product lines have also turned update on design and construction in metal. And here ASUS particle wanted to simplify the work unit to the maximum without sacrificing power and performance. What will be achieved? So far we have been able to test and we have some first impressions.
The minimum expression computer
When the tendency is mobility, any changes that mean an improvement in this regard is well received and acclaimed if warranted, and this seems to be what many manufacturers chasing both computers and mobile phones and tablets. ASUS Monday pulled chest and cringed in millimeters to the size of Zenbook 3 and, not surprisingly, manages to take the thinness record beating that arises as one of its main rivals: the Macbook.
If we see the profile of this computer in photographs probably not almost necessary to explain the feeling you have to grab the computer and hold: thinness and lightness are extreme and the feeling is not to hold a laptop, but a folder and not very filling. It is difficult to believe that weighs more than half a kilo and no less.
This, however, draw a question as to maintain the temperature. We talked about an i7 with 16GB of RAM, your board, your disk, and everything else in just over centimeter fear. A processor exceeds 100 to operate, and that is where the cooling system intervenes. ASUS here again take heart and reduce centimeters with a cooling system of only 3 millimeters: will this be enough to dispel the temperature and not burn us to use it?
It is easy to jump the doubts dimensions, and unfortunately the first moments with the team are not sufficient to assess whether this effectively attenuates ventilation pinpoint those degrees more. In our experience we did not feel the issue of outstanding heat through the keys given in conditions of overheating, although some devices themselves were something hot in your base (though be aware that we are talking about devices that remain on 10 and 12 hours constantly being used).
More metal
The tablets with Windows 10 are placed historically in a kind of division is not written between laptops and tablets themselves to have a more complete operating system (hence the 2-in-1). A lighter option and touch you are looking for act as computer with keyboard and case-back is the bet with the ASUS Transformer, but after seeing the Zenbook anything seems too large.
However, here we have two sizes to choose from. The design is shared on all models of transformable, with angled edges and metal construction with the sheet also it acts lectern and allows an inclination of up to 170 degrees. A design very, very Surface with aluminum construction and despite finishing at an angle not uncomfortable. They are also lightweight devices, weighing around the kilogram medium and in the case of Transformer Mini is more manageable by the size (not small, is 10.1 inches, but less than 12.6 from the other two).
Designed to be the 2-in-1 could try with sleeves-keyboard. They engage with a single connection at its base fairly quickly and being well anchored (s magnetic). Here the quality of the finishes and the typing feel depends on the model being better in the holster for large transformable, and touchpad work seamlessly with adequate sensitivity. Here’s a good job by the manufacturer, since they are thin covers that add a few millimeters to devices.
The irregular distribution of pixels
These four products represent a small range of options for those looking for a team to work with as light, thin and powerful as possible, but there is a feature that determines the ultimate experience: the display screen . Failing to test outdoors, we are panels with brightness, contrast and color, acceptable (only in the Mini we miss something more brightness and contrast).
The same applies to the viewing angles. Here approve all devices with top marks for “large” positive and necessary considering that here boast that inclination of 170 degrees for Transformers. But: the most demanding will miss some detail as to the resolution of the Zenbook 3 and tablets except for 3 and 3 Pro, since they are the only ones that reach 2880 x 1920 pixels (275 pixels per inch ). ASUS stopped (strategically?) In this way for the rest and if we are careful cost us pupils forgive the Zenbook 3 or FullHD 1280 x 800 Mini Transformer.
As for the use of front with screen, here the Zenbook 3 it does highlight and recover that spirit implicit jewel in the crown (which may also seek with gold trim).ASUS has achieved here 82% of screen-frontal ratio that is appreciated in the display, leaving a very small edges. Furthermore, it is touch devices (all) and sensitivity is acceptable in any case.
As in the case of Zenfone Ultra, talking sound also has the touch of Harman Kardon. In these situations it is difficult to assess the quality given the noise pollution of the site, but it is a good test to check the power and devices reach a good maximum volume (around 125 decibels in these “special conditions). Although as the Transformers again here we find questionable location of the speakers (four for the Zenbook 3 and 12.6 tablets and two for the mini), as are at the bottom of the sides and, according to our grip, we can cover them.
You may also like to read another article on YellowTube: ASUS ZenBook 3 thinner and lighter than a MacBook
Versatility and power in less than a centimeter
We have said before that in principle ASUS devices do not attract attention in terms of temperature and we could use them without receiving exothermic in any case. Yes, here we had certain limitations may test them as to what is often more demanding performance level as multimedia playback and games due to poor software at their disposal.
Within these conditions the devices behaved well in any case, both at opening of programs, such as performance, and tactile response. Videos are especially enjoyed in the Transformer 3 Pro, diagonal and conditions of the display (brightness and resolution), also by audio. They are teams actually quite versatile and help some added software such as gestures with three and four fingers or power directly open some apps drawing a “V” or a “D” on the locked screen (opening apps like the camera).
A common point in the four devices is the ability to configure access to Windows Hello. This depends on the hardware of each device, you can access by facial recognition in the case of Transformer 3 Pro and fingerprint reader in the Zenbook 3 Transformer 3 and Transformer mini. Facial recognition is possible thanks to slightly better front camera than the other teams, although here we find rather basic lenses as we usually see in subjective chambers of these devices.
Transformers 3 and 3 Pro also incorporates a rear camera of 13 megapixels .Failing to see the behavior under somewhat better light, indoors the result does not stand out in the presence of noise is usually seen in these conditions for similar lenses. We also noticed some lag when running the camera app without coming to worry.
Eager to see the promises
At the moment these four devices promise right experience to varying degrees, adapting to the different levels of demand within display panel and pressure sensitive keys. In the latter highlights the Zenbook, with a feeling typing rather more pleasant than in the rest of devices. And another added regarding user-device interaction is the stylus for tablets, with two buttons and some added features.
It is quite got four devices, with mixed feelings when we talk about the Transformer Mini is perhaps too behind his older brothers in terms of display and touch of the cover-keyboard and key presses. It remains to see how such a walk of autonomy , with an eye particularly on those promises 9 hours fine Zenbook 3 and its ephemeral ventilation system 3 millimeters (rapid charge) or 11 hours Transformer Mini.
On paper we have also in the case of Transformer 3 Pro a device that supports virtual reality to connect the graphics unit ROG XG Station 2. Because here we remember that thinness involves sacrificing some ports (leaving one USB type- C in the case of Zenbook) and to enlarge have to connect a hub like the ASUS Universal Dock. We will see later if finally these devices stand out well in depth analysis.