ASUS will be at SITEX 2012 at Hall 5 (Booths 5A18, 5B10 & 5B40) and Hall 6 (Booths 6C01, 6C10, 6D30 & 6E30) in the Singapore EXPO.
Click to view or download ASUS promotions for SITEX 2012. (Caution: Large 13MB PDF file with 20 pages)
Check out ASUS’ promotional offers for tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, convertibles, AIOs, desktops, Alienware gaming machines, and monitors.
ASUS ROG – built for gamers.
These include the slew of recently-launched Windows 8 computers such as the ASUS TAICHI Ultrabook-tablet convertible, Transformer Book, ZENBOOK, VivoBook, VivoTab, All-in-One PCs.
My favourite is the ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) gaming desktop PCs which are debuting in Singapore during SITEX 2012.
There’s also the innovative PadFone 2 smartphone-tablet hybrid.
Intel will be giving away a total of four Ultrabooks and 40 vouchers, worth up to a total of SGD8,500, during SITEX 2012 with the new Intel Catch & Win promotion.
The Intel Catch & Win campaign will also extend beyond SITEX to 16 December 2012, where participants can continue to find the promotional markers at participating retailers.
In addition, Intel is also giving away a total of 400 free Intel Anti-Theft Pack with One-Year service subscription to SITEX attendees who purchase an Ultrabook.
Fujitsu has introduced the new Windows 8 LIFEBOOK CH702 for the Asia Pacific region. The Ultrabook will be available in early December for S$2,388 (incl GST), in white, pink and brown.
The Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylish design and accessories.
The new Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 comes with stylishly designed accessories which include a matching wireless mouse, a set of PC case and pouch, and an elegant, slim adapter.
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 runs Windows 8
The Ultrabook comes with the 3rd Generation Intel Corei5 processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology and the latest Windows 8 operating system to provide an efficient and powerful performance machine.
The 13.3-inch Ultrabook weighs approximately 1.45kg and is 17.5mm thick.
Boasting more than 7 hours of battery lifespan, the laptop is powered to provide full day usage for users on-the-go.
The CH702 is pre-installed with Fujitsu’s new proprietary software, Diary and Scrapbook.
Matching mouse colours with white, brown and pink.
These are convenient, fun and original applications that let users organise tasks, announce important updates, enhance photos, collate interesting information, and share on social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
“Customers are looking for design elegance without neglecting PC performance. This demographic is a big market for us,” said Mr. Lim Teck Sin, Vice President, Product Marketing and Engineering, Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
Scrapbook stores and organises pictures and Web pages that users come across when they are browsing the internet.
The application allows users to create theme-based collages for saved content such as web captures.
Content can easily be managed and shared with friends as a digital scrapbook.
With Diary, users can create their very own journal by storing and organising Facebook and Twitter posts and downloaded photos.
PC case and pouch included. Images not to scale.
Incorporating stylish touches, the CH702 features a pearl-design power button, elegant keycap finish and a delicate, cubic zirconia embellishment.
Elegant, slim adapter
The top casing has been constructed with an elegant gradation with gold trim, featuring a cubic zirconia embellished flip latch that allows users to easily open the display panel.
The power button is adorned with a pearl-like accent, and the power status LED and Caps Lock keys are decorated with a LED light with diamond-cut surface.
An exquisite gold ring frames each key on the keyboard, highlighting its elegant style.
In addition, the outtake and intake vents all feature a floral motif design.
Fujitsu LIFEBOOK CH702 Ultrabook
Each CH702 comes with a matching wireless mouse that is shaped like a pretty compact powder case; a PC case and adapter pouch with pearl charm; and a slim, bejeweled AC adaptor.
Other accessories which users can purchase include the light and compact external Optical Disc Drive and USB/LAN adaptor for enhanced connectivity.
Lenovo has announced four new convertible tablet/notebook hybrids designed for Windows 8 and Windows RT: the IdeaPad Yoga 13 Ultrabook (S$1,899, mid-Nov), Yoga 11 (S$1,199, early-Dec), ThinkPad Twist S230u (S$1,699, available today), and Tablet 2 (S$899, mid-Dec).
Both IdeaPads can be pre-ordered now.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 (left) and ThinkPad Twist S230u (right) in “Tent” mode, with the Twist and its swivel screen in the centre.
The theme of the launch event at the National Library Building in Singapore was “Flip, Flex, Bend, Twist”, which describes the various ways in which you can manipulate the new convertible tablets.
Bend it like … Beckham Yoga.
I played with the devices on display and found them responsive to the touch of the fingers.
I like the hinge design of the Yoga which allows the screen to be flipped 360 degrees onto itself to convert the Ultrabook into a flat tablet (and as a free-standing display enroute).
The 16.9mm thin Yoga 13 also felt light at only 1.54kg.
When the screen is flipped more than 180 degrees, the keyboard and trackpad is disabled to prevent accidental activation of these while holding the Yoga.
Below is a summary of the four new devices. All are Wi-Fi capable but only the Tablet 2 has an option for 3G.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13 – S$1,899
This convertible Ultrabook can be flipped 360 degree to become a flat tablet.
Boasting more than eight hours of battery life, its Motion Control technology enables users to use gestures to flip through photos, or use fingers on the ten-point multi-touch screen.
Lenovo is partnering with SingTel to offer an special edition of the IdeaPad Yoga 13 (priced at $1,799 with Intel Core i5 CPU ) with every sign up of SingTel 150Mbps Fibre BroadBand at $98 per month or 15Mbps Home BroadBand at $79.90 per month.
Available in mid-November. Can pre-order now.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11 – S$1,199
The Yoga 11 claims to be the world’s slimmest multi-mode PC, measuring just 15.6 mm thin.
Its slim design, 11.6-in screen and long 13 hour battery life make it a great convertible for mobility.
Specs: Windows RT, NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU, 11.6″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, 2GB RAM, 64GB eMMC storage, 1.27kg, 15.6mm thick.
Available in early December. Can pre-order now.
ThinkPad Twist S230u – S$1,699
Another Ultrabook convertible with a twist.
This 12.5-inch powerhouse features up to Intel Core i7 CPU and is suitable for both business and personal use.
Specs: Windows 8 Pro, Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU, 12.5″ HD IPS display, up to 8GB RAM, 500GB HDD, 1.58kg, 20mm thick, 7 hours battery life.
The ThinkPad Twist S230u is available now.
ThinkPad Tablet 2 – S$899
This tablet is designed for Windows 8 and powered by an Intel Atom processor.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 supports 5-finger multi-finger touch, pen input or connection to the ThinkPad Tablet 2 keyboard and dock for a PC-like computing experience.
Both the Pen/Digitizer and keyboard are optional.
The ThinkPad Tablet 2 includes a host of IT manageability, security and corporate-level service and support to help IT managers easily deploy in their business environments.
Specs: Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro, Intel Atom CPU, 10.1″ HD (1366×768) IPS display, up to 2GB RAM, 64GB SSD, up to 600g, 9.8mm thick.
Microsoft launched Windows 8 worldwide today and held launches in 15 cities around the world. From tomorrow – Friday, 26 October – the new operating system will be available to consumers and businesses in 140 countries and 37 languages.
Windows 8 has been launched today and will be available from tomorrow onwards.
Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Tracey Fellows, President of Microsoft Asia Pacific.
For business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers mobile productivity features such as Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache; as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker.
Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets – Windows RT – which will only be available pre-installed on new devices and comes preinstalled with Microsoft Office.
The Start screen is the launch pad for Windows 8.
All the different versions feature a new fast and fluid Start screen that gives users one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the new Internet Explorer 10 that is tuned for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.
How to get Windows 8 and the prices
In addition to getting the new operating systems pre-installed on new devices, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs.
Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of US$39.99 from here (for a limited time).
Eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between 2 June, 2012, and 31 January, 2013 can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of US$14.99 with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.
In Singapore, new Windows 8 licenses can be bought at all leading IT retail stores for S$89.99 with free PIXMA printer while stocks last.
Windows 8 comes pre-installed with apps that include Mail, People, Calendar, Photos, Weather, Xbox Music and SkyDrive.
“Windows 8 delivers a no-compromise computing experience to individuals, families and businesses, where they no longer need to choose between the fun and convenience of a tablet and the power and productivity of a PC,” said Helene Auriol, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.
Additional apps can be downloaded from the cloud-connected Windows Store.
The online store can be accessed via the Windows Store App on the Windows 8 Start Screen and is a central place for users to manage their downloaded apps across multiple Windows 8 devices.
Microsoft has officially opened its Windows Store for Singapore as part of Windows 8 launch today.
Singapore and Asia Pacific launch
For Singapore and the Asia Pacific, the launch was held at the roof terrace at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, with a showcase of new Windows 8 PCs, notebooks and tablets from the main computer makers.
More than 600 Windows enthusiasts, partners and enterprise customers attended this Windows 8 Singapore launch event.
At launch, Windows 8 users can immediately download apps from the Windows Store.
Local apps available include iProperty, SingTel, StarHub, The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, SG Cab from Singapore; and The New Zealand Herald (New Zealand), Fruit Ninja (Australia), SM Cinema (Philippines), My Baby Piano (Korea), Bangkok Bank (Thailand), and iProperty (Malaysia) from the Asia Pacific.
Windows 8 devices
There are more than 1,000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets.
In Singapore, there are more than 50 Windows 8 devices from a wide range of manufacturers including Asus, Acer, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, LG, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba.
These will be available at more than 120 IT retail stores across Singapore, including Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman and Newstead.
Two days before General Availability of Microsoft Windows 8, ASUS unveils its lineup of new Windows 8 touch-enabled devices, which includes full gaming desktops, All-in-Ones, notebooks, tablets – as well as notebook/tablet convertibles/transformers. Prices within.
The ASUS VivoTab RT 3G is now available in Singapore from 9 January for S$1,049.
ASUS has unveiled a comprehensive lineup of Windows 8 computers ranging from powerful gaming desktops, All-in-One desktops, notebooks, tablets, as well as convertible and transformer notebook/tablethybrids.
Among the major computer manufacturers, I consider Asus as one of the most innovative.
Innovative pioneers
The Taiwanese company created the Netbook genre with its Eee PCs back in 2007.
ASUS Transformer Book
Asus also the pioneered the tablet/notebook hybrid with the Asus Transformer TF101 – offering a hardware keyboard that the Android tablet could be docked into for serious work that involves typing – plus added battery life and connectors.
Now every other major computer maker offers notebook/tablet hybrids in their lineup.
Either as a “Transformer” hybrid where the keyboard can be totally detached.
Or in a “Convertible” format where the keyboard cannot be detached but can be manipulated such that the machine can be held as a tablet or used like a traditional laptop.
Asus has continued its innovation with products such as the Transformer Padfone and now the Taichi – a convertible with dual screens.
Below is a summary of the new Windows 8 lineup unveiled by ASUS.
With the release of Microsoft Windows 8, HP has lined up a range of computers running the new operating system – from All-in-One desktops to notebooks – and two tablets!
HP has lined up a wide range of Windows 8 computers – from desktop AiOs and notebooks to its two new tablets.
Following its aborted foray into tablets last year (with the webOS-based TouchPad), HP will be launching not one but two tablets, based on Windows 8 – the HP ENVY x2 and the HP ElitePad 900.
Both will be available later this year and in January 2013 respectively. Below are some of the computers showcased during the HP’s “A Life Connected” event.
HP ENVY x2
Powerful and ultrathin hybrid notebook PC, with a detachable screen that becomes a full tablet when separated from the keyboard.
Ultra slim and lightweight, the docking mechanism has a seamless magnetic latch that smoothly guides the tablet into place.
Comes with Beats Audio for a rich, audio experience.
Available in late 2012. Price S$1,099.
HP ElitePad 900
The HP ElitePad 900 is HP’s premium thin and light Windows 8 tablet, designed for business.
Consumer-inspired design, and precision-crafted with quality materials like Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and sleek contoured edges.
Unique, productivity-enhancing ecosystem of elegantly designed Smart Jackets and other accessories.
Available in late January 2013. Price TBA.
Update (3 May 2013): The HP ElitePad 900 is now available in Singapore for S$1,099 (32GB SSD) and S$1,299 (64GB SSD).
HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4
The HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 brings the intuitive power of touch to a 14-inch Ultrabook format with up to 8 hours of battery life.
Powerful performance and modern, metallic good looks. Comes with Beats Audio and a booming subwoofer.
Available in late 2012 for S$1,399.
HP Pavilion Sleekbook 14 & Sleekbook 15
The HP Pavilion Sleekbook PCs provide the performance and easy applications that consumers need every day, in ultrathin 14-inch and 15.6-inch packages.
Available on October 26:
Sleekbook14 (AMD): S$699
Sleekbook14 (Intel i5): S$999
Sleekbook15: S$1,049
HP ENVY 23 & ENVY 20 TouchSmart AiO PC
The HP ENVY 23-inch and 20-inch consumer AiO PCs are the newest in the ENVY line and feature the latest touch technology in a one-cord solution with space-saving small footprint.
It is capable of sensing up to 10 fingers on the screen, so you can use both hands to play games, type or touch the screen.
Available in October:
HP ENVY 23: S$1,599
HP ENVY 20: S$1,199
HP Pavilion 20 AiO PC
The new HP Pavilion 20 is a powerful 20-inch non-touch AiO PC built for value-conscious consumers.
In the run up to Windows 8 official release on October 26, Sony has revealed its Fall lineup of Intel-based VAIO notebooks running on the new operating system – including the VAIO Duo 11 slate that comes with sliding keyboard.
Available from November 2012. VAIO Duo 11 will be sold at S$1,999 (i5-3317U processor) and S$2,699 (i7-3517U). Prices for the other notebooks TBA.
Sony’s new lineup of VAIO notebooks is helmed by the VAIO Duo 11, an Ultrabook slate with a slide-out keyboard and stylus pen; weighing only 1.3 kg and 17.85 mm thin. 11.6-inch display and available in November 2012 at S$1,999 (i5 CPU) and S$2,699 (i7 CPU).
Sony showcased its new VAIO lineup for the Fall at the Red Dot Museum in Singapore today.
New S Series models come in 13.3″ and 15.5″ screens, i5 and i7 CPUs and comes with new colour Red. 1.69 kg, 22.8 mm thin.
The new notebooks run on the latest Intel* chips and the new Windows 8 operating system, centering user experience around Touch interactivity.
These sleekly designed machines either have a 10-point multi-touch screen, or come with touchpads that enable users to utilise the touch interface of Windows 8.
As an electronics giant with a full range of electronic products, Sony demonstrated how the VAIO computers could be tightly integrated with other electronic gadgets in its stable.
These include large DLNA TV displays, cameras, video cameras, and Android smartphones.
Two new 14″E14P Series notebooks (i5 & i7). Note the soft-edged design with no bezels.
A VAIO user can therefore download, edit and share photos/videos taken with a camera or smartphone and view them either on the Web or on a large TV.
Two new 13.3″ VAIO T Series models (i5 & i7 CPU) using premium materials like magnesium and aluminium.
The VAIO Duo 11 ultrabook can function as a flat slate but has a slide-out keyboard to become a laptop.
The new S Series models has 5.5 hr battery life (additional 11 hr with optional extended battery) and a Dynamic Hybrid Graphics System that uses two graphics processors.
The two new T Series Ultrabooks has either SSD or hybrid HDD/SSD storage.
* In addition to the two new VAIO E14P Series models, the lineup also includes the VAIO E 11” and 15” series which are equipped with 3rd generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, or the AMD Radeon processor.
With the impending General Availability of Windows 8 on October 26, HP has showcased its range of All-in-One desktops, notebooks and tablets; and enunciated its vision of integrating these with smartphone usage and its printer product line – to enable a connected life.
HP showcases its extensive range of PCs and printers – and how they can be integrated to give users “A Life Connected”. Pictured here is the Officejet Pro 6700 Premium eAiO (left) and the ENVY x2 (right). Not shown to scale.
HP wants to help us integrate the disparate electronic gadgets in our digital lives seamlessly into “A Life Connected” – the theme for the showcase event.
HP is introducing two new tablets based on Windows 8. Pictured here is the ElitePad 900.
HP Singapore roped in local celebrity, Irene Ang, to demonstrate how an user could leverage the wide range of HP products for work and play, and move content and media easily between different devices.
Irene went on a fictitious holiday to Morocco, armed with HP’s recently unveiled HP Envy x2 hybrid notebook, that comes with a detachable keyboard, which she’d used to book her holiday and hotel.
Irene arrived at a Moroccan hotel where the staff used an HP EllitePad 900 tablet to check her in, printing out her check-in paperwork wirelessly using an HP printer.
The EllitePad 900 comes with a jacket that doubles battery life and provides additional expansion ports.
HP Photosmart 7520 eAiO
During her vacation in exotic Morocco, Irene snapped photos using her smartphone and used an HP app to upload and edit her photos online at Snapfish.
These photos are automatically synched with her tablet and AIO computer at home.
Along the way, she had time to do an “OppaN Irene Ang style” number to music streamed from her tablet.
And below is Oppan Irene Ang Style…
Here are some of the computers showcased during the entertaining event.
Follow this link to check out the new AiO inkjet printers with wireless direct printing technology.
Local apps available include iProperty, SingTel, StarHub, The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, SG Cab from Singapore; and The New Zealand Herald (New Zealand), Fruit Ninja (Australia), SM Cinema (Philippines), My Baby Piano (Korea), Bangkok Bank (Thailand), and iProperty (Malaysia) from the Asia Pacific.
