ASUS has announced a wide variety of new laptops for CES 2021, which includes the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582), ZenBook Duo 14 (UX482), VivoBook S14 (S435), ExpertBook B9 (B9400 vPro), Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500), Chromebook CX9 (CX9400), BR1100 for education, and the TUF Dash Gaming Laptop. These new models will push the boundaries of design and innovation to deliver ultimate mobile computing experiences.
Let’s start with the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED, it is the next-gen, beefy 15-inch laptop that comes with ASUS’s ScreenPad Plus, which is a tilting full width 4K secondary touchscreen that could work simultaneously with the main 4K OLED HDR display for better productivity. It could be fitted with up to the latest Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU chipset. Besides that, it is also validated as an NVIDIA Studio laptop, which is a certified ‘ultimate’ laptop for content creators.
Despite the slim form factor, the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 has a full set of I/O ports that features two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, and the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) that takes wireless speeds to the next level. Furthermore, the laptop also comes with a 1TB PCIe 3.0 X 4 SSD and 32GB of DDR4 RAM for a better workflow and optimized productivity.
Next up, the ZenBook Duo 14 which also features the ASUS ScreenPad Plus, complimenting the main FHD NanoEdge display for effortless multitasking. The ScreenPad Plus has a similar tilt system to the one on the ZenBook Pro Duo 15 (UX582), whereby the screen tilts up slightly to reduce glare and improve ergonomics. The ZenBook Duo can be fitted with a powerful combination of 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics or the option of NVIDIA GeForce MX450 discrete graphics. The battery life has been boosted to an incredible 17 hrs for all-day productivity.
The ZenBook Duo 14 also has a comprehensive array of high-performance I/O connectivity, which includes a pair of the latest Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. These ports support power delivery and DisplayPort, and with a 40Gbps bandwidth that enables users to connect an external 8K display or two 4K UHD displays.
Shifting our focus to conventional-looking laptops, the new VivoBook S14 is a stylish, ultralight 14-inch laptop, which makes it the lightest VivoBook ever, made perfect as a companion for discovering, exploring, and creating. It is equipped with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, and Intel Optane Memory H10.
The design of the VivoBook S14 features classy diamond-cut edges, with a sleek all-metal chassis. When opened, the user is greeted by its 90% screen to body ratio NanoEdge display. Weighing at only 1.3kg with a sleek 15.9mm profile, it makes portability seemed second nature for the user. To provide effortless on-the-go connectivity, VivoBook S14 features ultrafast Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports that support fast charging, data transfers of up to 40 Gbps, and connections with one external 8K or two 4K UHD monitors. There are also USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and USB 2.0 ports as well as a MicroSD card reader, enabling users to easily connect peripherals, displays, and projectors. WiFi 6 connectivity on VivoBook S14 delivers fast wireless speeds and ultra-smooth connections.
ASUS also has a business-oriented laptop with its introduction of the ExpertBook (B9400 vPro). It is touted as the world’s lightest 14-inch business laptop by ASUS and it has a 33Wh battery for the 880g and 66Wh battery for the 1005g model. The ExpertBook B9 meets the industry-leading MIL-STD 810H durability test, ensuring the laptop could withstand daily abuse and neglect.
The ExpertBook B9 comes with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processors with built-in Intel Iris Xe graphics for serious performance and visual excellence. It also has a great storage capacity with its dual 2TB SSDs with support for RAID 0 and RAID 1 technology. In terms of security, ExpertBook B9 offers a Kensington NanoSaver lock and an optional Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip that stores passwords and encryption keys for added security. Also, there is an infrared camera and smart proximity sensor for fast biometric face logins.
Moving on to the Chromebooks, the Chromebook Flip CX5 is the first 15.6-inch Chromebook Flip to be powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics. The Flip CX5 has support for Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, which allows for an endless world of gaming. The Flip CX5 is designed to appeal to a young generation who appreciates a minimalist style. Its exterior incorporates a metallic design with a white backplate exterior. Furthermore, the 57Wh battery in the Flip CX5 provides a battery life of up to 12 hours, the laptop also delivers up to 16GB of memory, storage of up to 512GB SSD, and a MicroSD card slot for expandability.
Next up is the Chromebook CX9, which is built for empowering professionals with cloud-first operating systems and collaborative tools. It is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Iris Xe graphics. The display is a frameless 14-inch NanoEdge panel for an immersive viewing experience. It also meets the MIL-STD 810H U.S. military durability test and it features a durable, ultralight magnesium alloy chassis that is only 16mm thin and around 1kg light. Besides that, it also has business-grade protection, offering Titan C security for storing sensitive information such as passwords and encryption keys. Also, the Chromebook CX9 comes with a fingerprint sensor for password-free login and a webcam shield for added protection.
Lastly, the BR1100 is an 11-inch laptop for learning, built with an ultra-tough chassis, intelligent features, and an easy-to-manage design that is ideal for distance learning. The BR1100 has two variants to choose from, which is a convertible and a clamshell. It is equipped with an all-new Pentium Silver processor that delivers a smooth experience overall. It also has a full array of I/O ports that are packed into its slim form factor, including USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and a MicroSD card reader. The BR1100 offers 16GB of RAM and the storage option of up to 128GB eMMC and a 1TB M.2 SSD.