Consumers looking for a new laptop may want to keep an eye on the upcoming Transformer Book Duet (TD300) by Asus, a dual-OS hybrid that lets users switch from Windows 8.1 to Android 4.1 with just the press of an "Instant Switch" button.
Asus also boasts that thanks to the Intel inside, the Transformer Book Duet runs up to twice as fast as existing tablets using ARM's architecture.
"By offering both operating systems, ASUS provides users access to a world of over a million apps from the Google Play Store and over 50,000 apps from Windows Market plus the ability to run a vast array of native Windows applications," reads the company's press release.
This hybrid laptop sports a 13.3-inch Full HD IPS multi-touch display. Backing this screen is up to an Intel Core i7 processor, 4 GB of DDR3L-1600 RAM, and Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. The screen/tablet portion also provides up to 128 GB of internal storage (SSD), and a microSD card slot that adds 64 GB of additional storage. There's even a front-facing camera with a built-in digital microphone for video chatting.
As for the keyboard dock, this device provides one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, HDMI 1.4 output with 1080p support, and an audio combo jack. This attachment also provides up to 1 GB of internal storage in a second integrated hard drive. With this dock connected to the screen, the overall hybrid laptop weighs 4.2 pounds and measures around 1.28 inches thin.
"ASUS Transformer Book Duet (TD300) delivers striking visuals on its 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD IPS touchscreen display," reads the company's press release. "This multi-touch display features sensitivity and responsiveness that exceeds Microsoft's requirements for Windows 8.1. For audio, it comes with ASUS SonicMaster technology for true-to-life sound through the tablet's dual speakers."
Asus says this new hybrid will be available in late Q2 2014. Pricing for the model sporting a Core i3 and an HD display will start at $599. Pricing for the model sporting an Intel Core i3 and an FHD display will start at $699.
