Asus Transformer Prime gets HD upgrade

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By Barry Collins in Las Vegas

Posted on 10 Jan 2012 at 20:35

Asus is adding an HD display to its convertible Android tablet, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime.

The Transformer Prime, which goes on sale in the UK this week, currently has a 1,280 x 800 screen to go with its detachable keyboard dock. That will be upgraded to a 1,920 x 1,200 display later this year.

An Asus spokesman at the Consumer Electronics Show told PC Pro that customers were increasingly plugging the tablet into external Full HD screens, prompting Asus to upgrade the device screen itself.

The HD version of the Transformer Prime will also get a 3G option when it goes on sale later this year, for "less than £599", according to the Asus spokesman.

Padfone

Asus is also preparing to launch its Padfone device at this year's Mobile World Congress at the end of February. The Padfone is a 4.3in Android tablet that docks into an accompanying 10.1 tablet display.

The tablet is essentially a dumb terminal that relies on the docked smartphone for processing, storage and wireless data.

The Padfone is designed to allow consumers to resort to the larger display for tasks such as watching video or web browsing, without the expense of purchasing a dedicated tablet. Asus has yet to announce a price for the Padfone, but said it will launch this year.

However, the $249 7in Android tablet announced in yesterday's Nvidia press conference won't be coming to the UK, Asus's spokesman confirmed.

Laptop refresh

Asus is one of the few PC manufacturers not using CES as an opportunity to refresh its Ultrabook range, bar a new "Rose Gold" colour refresh for the 13.3in Zenbook.

However, the company has a batch of refreshed laptops and netbooks on the way. The N6 laptop will benefit from Intel's new Core i7 and i5 Ivy Bridge processors in April/May. The 15in laptop comes with a smart piano-black lid, integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers and a Full HD display, and will start from £799 inc VAT.

The gaming-oriented G Series will also benefit from the Ivy Bridge refresh, and will come with both stereoscopic and "naked eye" 3D screen options - effectively allowing gamers to have 3D with or without the glasses. That premium range starts at £1,999 inc VAT.

Asus is also persisting with netbooks, with three new models spanning sizes from 10in to 12in. The Asus spokesman admitted that netbook sales are in decline, but claimed the company had increased its market share in the UK, as other manufacturers leave the market or fail to refresh their ranges.