ASUS unveiled all of its new products at its press event at Computex 2017. There are three new additions to its flagship ZenBook brand and a further two VivoBook models. The overarching focus is on professional customers who are looking for a premium product.
ZenBook Pro
Headlining the announcements is the new ZenBook Pro, purportedly the “thinnest, lightest and most powerful” version to date. It comes with a seventh-generation Intel Kaby Lake Core i7 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1TB SSD. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX1050 Ti graphics card provides ample power for on-the-go gaming sessions.
ASUS ZenBook Pro
ASUS / Microsoft
The laptop’s 15.6-inch display has a full 4K Ultra HD resolution. It fits within a package that weighs only 1.8kg and measures up at 18.9mm thick. Despite the 4K display and plentiful processing power, ASUS is quoting a battery life of up to 14 hours. The ZenBook Pro will launch later this summer priced from $1,299.
ZenBook 3 Deluxe
With a similar target audience to the Pro, the ZenBook 3 Deluxe is a smaller 14-inch device that weights 1.1kg and has a 12.9mm thick chassis. ASUS’ NanoEdge bezel-less display technology makes the laptop’s overall footprint only marginally larger than that of a 13-inch device.
Asus ZenBook 3 Deluxe
ASUS / Microsoft
Internally, there’s an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. In a decision that will please forward-thinking buyers, ASUS has included two USB Type-C ports as connectivity options. It will help to futureproof the laptop as USB-C starts to gain widespread adoption. Availability will start this summer priced at $1,199.
ZenBook Flip S
The ZenBook Flip S is a convertible laptop that can be used as a tablet while on the go. It has a 4K Ultra HD display, an Intel Core i7 processor and up to 1TB of PCIe SSD storage. ASUS claims the device is the world’s thinnest convertible laptop at just 10.9mm thick.
ASUS ZenBook Flip S
ASUS / Microsoft
The Flip S will support an active stylus for use with Windows Ink. It also joins the other new members of the ZenBook family in offering a built-in fingerprint sensor for secure biometric authentication with Windows Hello. Pricing starts at $1,099 with sales again commencing this summer.
VivoBook Pro 15 & VivoBook S15
ASUS has also upgraded its VivoBook collection of mid-range laptops with two new options. The Pro 15 is a 15.6-inch version with an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, a hybrid storage system and a 4K display. It includes a fingerprint sensor, twin stereo speakers and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card for gaming.
ASUS VivoBook Pro 15
ASUS / Microsoft
The VivoBook S15 sports a 15.6-inch screen too. It has a Core i7 underneath, although it’s a slower i7-7500U compared to the Pro’s i7-7700HQ. The graphics hardware is swapped out for an NVIDIA GeForce 940MX and the wealth of accompanying features present on the Pro have been dropped in favour of a lower price.
The Pro 15 will start at $799. The S15 is significantly less at $499, allowing it to cross over towards the lower end of the market. In line with the other devices announced today, both will launch in the next few months.
“The edge of beyond”
Abstract marketing taglines aside, ASUS’ new ZenBooks and VivoBooks affirm its presence as one of the leading premium laptop brands. The revised range comprises several notable strengths, including ASUS’ signature refined metal design of the past few years and new breakthroughs in overall footprint reduction.
ASUS VivoBook S15
ASUS / Microsoft
“Today is all about our relentless effort in striving toward perfection,” said ASUS chairman Jonney Shih. “Our brand-new ZenBook and VivoBook line-up truly goes to the edge of beyond, providing everyone with a new definition of thin, beautiful and powerful laptops.”
Alongside the laptops, ASUS has also unveiled a pair of new Windows 10 all-in-one computers, a flagship 27-inch QHD design-focused monitor and a unique new Wi-Fi router built with Intel technology. You can get more details on all of ASUS’ Computex 2017 announcements at the company’s website.
