ASUS and the art of Zen at CES 2018

Taiwanese computer maker ASUS showed off its latest offerings at CES 2018 including a new ZenBook 13, X507 15.6” laptop, two All-in-one PCs, and the first Windows 10 Qualcomm 835 equipped laptop – the innovative Novago.

It also had its latest modems, small form factor computers, and more leading-edge gaming equipment from its Republic of Gamers sub-brand.

I admit a fondness for ASUS – I have owned many of their laptops and PCs over the past 20+ years, and they have been very reliable and good value. The ZenBooks are particularly svelte and add a certain je ne sais quoi to laptop style and design.

Highlights of the show included (all website references are from the global site):

ZenBook 13 (UX331UAL)

The ZenBook 13 is a Windows 10 laptop that’s ultralight (935g), ultra-thin and ultra-powerful with all-day 15-hour battery life. The latest iteration has an 8th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and superfast 1TB PCIe and Harman Kardon audio system.

ASUS X507

The 15.6” 1.68kg ASUS X507 is powered by a 7th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX110 graphics and a flexible, convenient dual-storage (SSD and HDD) design. With its slim-bezel NanoEdge Full HD display, Star Grey or Icicle Gold finish, it is the ideal laptop for daily computing and entertainment.

Vivo AiO V272

Vivo AiO V272 features an up to 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics. The 27-inch multitouch display has a wide 100% sRGB colour gamut and 178˚ wide-view technology, ASUS SonicMaster audio system with its bass-reflex speakers to offer a superbly immersive entertainment experience.

The ASUS ZenAnywhere app gives users remote access and turns Vivo AiO V272 into a personal cloud storage centre.

Vivo AiO V222

Vivo AiO V222 has a frameless 22-inch Full HD display with an 87% screen-to-body ratio for edge-to-edge visuals. Combined with its ASUS SonicMaster bass-reflex speaker system, exclusive ASUS Splendid and Tru2Life Video technologies, Vivo AiO V222 delivers deliciously immersive visuals with superb, crystal-clear sound for the ultimate entertainment experience.

Mini-PC – one of the largest ranges

New models included PB40, PN40, ChromeBox 3, and a Tinker Board S. Mini PC’s are used for a variety of commercial applications and as terminal servers where space is an issue.

Connectivity – Routers, Lyra Mesh Wi-Fi, Lyra Voice and Novago

GadgetGuy has mentioned Novago and desperately wants to see if Windows 10 on a Qualcomm 835 is a real workable option. But more than that its Gigabit LTE capable and has a 22-hour battery life. This could be a game changer for personal computing.

ASUS showed its RT-AX88U, a dual-band router Wi-Fi AX for speeds of up to 6000Mb/s. It also includes AiProtection, commercial-grade network security powered by Trend Micro, to block and neutralise internet security threats for all connected smart devices. It’s also compatible with the ASUS AiMesh Wi-Fi system for seamless whole-home coverage.

Lyra Trio is a stylish, Wi-Fi AC dual-band, 3 x 3 MIMO, multi-hub mesh Wi-Fi system with unique antenna placement to deliver Wi-Fi to every corner of the home.

ASUS Lyra Voice won the CES 2018 Innovation award – two-in-one Wi-Fi AC mesh Wi-Fi system and voice assistant with powerful stereo speakers, a microphone and integrated Amazon Alexa voice control.