Asus looking for enterprise business with new hybrids

Asus is looking to attract enterprise customers with its new commercially-focused range of hybrid devices.

The Taiwanese company yesterday launched two Transformer hybrids which it believes will make it a more attractive option in enterprise environments.

Asus notebook manager Jackson Hsaio said “we’re looking at very large enterprises such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, who were very interested in our Taichi hybrid.”

Hsaio added Asus is supporting “value added resellers such as Harvey Norman because they can give more solutions to commercial customers”.

Asus will tailor the new devices to accommodate commercial orders, Asus' product marketing manager Dean Williams said.

“There are some extra Intel features – such as enhanced security – that we enable for enterprise orders. If customers have a specific requirement then we can also customise the order.”

Intel sales director Andrew McLean said there was a clear demand for hybrid computers in businesses.

“If we look at consumption models in the mobility space, that’s really been driving the use of notebooks and tablets. It’s created a new sweet spot in the industry which is this 2-in-1."

Computers for work and play

Asus launched two hybrid devices at the event: the Transformer Book T100 and the Transformer Book Trio. The company also revealed the new flagship Zenbook ultrabook.

The Transformer Book Trio is a 'three-in-one' ultraportable, Asus claims. Although it looks like a typical tablet-notebook hybrid, between the detachable keyboard and screen it features two processors, two memory drives and two operating systems.

This way it can be used as a tablet, a notebook or as a PC when the keyboard is coupled with a monitor. The Transformer Book Trio will be released in November with a retail price of $1599.

The Transformer Book T100 is a 10 inch tablet-notebook hybrid powered by an Intel processor and running Windows 8.1. When released in November it will retail for just $599, proving a competitive alternative to Apple's iPad.

Topping Asus' executive range is a new Zenbook ultrabook. The third generation Zenbook features Intel's fourth generation processor, a Windows 8.1 fluent multitouch screen and strong memory options. When it is released in November the Zenbook will have a starting retail price of $1799.