ASUS TAICHI Convertible, VivoTab Smart Windows 8 Tablet, MeMO Pad Android Tablet (Price & Specs)

In January 2013, ASUS Malaysia launched 3 new products — ASUS TAICHI dual-screen Windows 8 convertible, VivoTab Smart Windows 8 tablet, and MeMO Pad 7-inch Android tablet. Read on to find the the specs, price and my first impressions of the products.

ASUS TAICHI

ASUS TAICHI is the world’s first dual-screen Windows 8 convertible. The back-to-back 11.6-inch screens both have 1920×1080 pixels. The back screen is 10 point touch screen, while front screen is not touch-enabled.

Tai Chi is a Chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise for relaxation and balance and health. source

With the unique TAICHI button on the keyboard, you can switch ASUS TAICHI in 4 display modes:

1. Notebook mode — works like notebook, back screen is off.
2. Tablet mode — close the lid and TAICHI becomes a tablet.
3. Mirror mode — both screens display the same content.
4. Dual-screen mode — display different content on each screen, as if the back screen is an external monitor.

There’s also a “screen lock” switch at the side of the notebook to turn off the tablet display.

Frankly, I don’t see how two back-to-back screen would be useful. And that unique feature add weight and size and cost to the notebook. The concept sounds cool but less practical.

Specs

• Intel Core i5 processor
• tablet screen: 11.6” Full HD (1920×1080) with 10 point touch
• notebook screen: 11.6” Full HD (1920×1080)
• Windows 8
• Integrated HD Graphics 4000
• 5M with Auto Focus 1080P Camera on tablet side
• 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD
• Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0
• 32GB Asus Cloud storage for 3 years
• 1.25 KG weight

ASUS TAICHI 21 price is RM 3,999 in Malaysia.

ASUS VivoTab Smart

ASUS VivoTab Smart is a 10.1-inch Windows 8 tablet. It is powered by Intel Atom dual-core CPU. Weighing at only 580 gram and 9.7mm thin. VivoTab Smart has a 8MP F/2.2 rear camera for those who like to take photo using a tablet.

ASUS VivoTab Smart does not comes with keyboard dock nor stand. You can complete it with TransBoard wireless keyboard (RM249) and TransSleeve Cover (RM169).

Since there is no sign of Microsoft’s Surface Pro coming to Malaysia, you may consider ASUS VivoTab Smart as a cheaper Windows 8 tablet that support all PC hardware and Windows desktop software.

Specs

• 10.1-inch (1366×768) 5 point touch display
• Intel Atom dual-core processor
• 2GB RAM
• 64GB storage
• Support WiFi (802.11 b/g/n) and 3G/LTE
• 580g
• 9.5 hours battery life

ASUS VivoTab Smart price in Malaysia is RM 1,799 (WiFi model) and RM 2,099 (WiFi + 3G/LTE model).

ASUS MeMO Pad

ASUS is the manufacturer of the famous Google Nexus 7. MeMO Pad is a cheaper 7-inch Android tablet.

READ ALSO: Nexus 7 tablet review

ASUS MeMO Pad is powered by 1GHz VIA WM8950 CPU and 1GB RAM, running Android Jelly Bean. The 7-inch 10-point multi-touch display has a resolution of 1024×600 pixels. No GPS. Unlike Nexus 7, ASUS MeMO Pad supports SD card expansion up to 32GB. You also receive 5GB of ASUS WebStorage (free for life) with purchase of MeMO Pad.

Specs

• VIA WM8950 1GHz CPU
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB/16GB storage with microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
• 5GB free ASUS WebStorage
• 7-inch (1024×600) multi-touch display
• 1MP front camera
• weight: 358 g

ASUS MeMO Pad retail price is at RM 499 in Malaysia. It is available in 3 colors: Sugar While, Titanium Gray and Cherry Pink.

➤ Visit ASUS for more information.