ET Reviews: Asus Taichi

Rating: ****

Price: Rs 1,39,999

Specifications:

Dual 13.3-inch displays (1920 x 1080), Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 5MP camera, stylus, backlit keyboard, Windows 8, 1.3kg

Positives: Unique dual touchscreen design has several uses, great design and build quality.

Negatives: Glass lid is prone to smudges, switching screen modes is not instantaneous, average battery.


NEW DELHI: The Taichi is unlike any other laptop that you have used. The super-slim profile and gorgeous design will amaze you even more when you realize that it houses two full HD, 13.3-inch displays — one of which has a capacitive touch layer. Both displays are crisp and bright — an added advantage is that the internal screen has a matte finish which reduces glare.

It's billed as a Windows 8 convertible — primary use case is to close the lid and convert the laptop into a touch enabled Windows 8 tablet. But it also allows you to have both screens on at the same time — and the screens can either mirror each other or work independently (display different things). The powerful hardware with Core i7 processor, 4GB RAM and 256GB SSD keeps things moving along at a very brisk pace.

It scores an impressive 5.6 on the Windows Experience Index. The keyboard is exceptionally easy to use with good backlighting and you get USB 3.0 ports and HDMI. The downsides are that the battery dies out at 4 hours. Plus the outer screen is shiny glass, which is prone to smudges, scratches and of course breakage. Asus has provided a nice leather case which holds the machine, stylus and cleaning cloth. It’s hugely functional, yes.

But it’s also pricey and a showcase of Asus’ technological prowess. Consider that you can get both; a high-performance Ultrabook and a high-end tablet for less than what you spend on the Taichi. Buy the Taichi if money is no object and if you want a really unique and beautiful machine – which you can also work on.

hitesh.bhagat@timesgroup.com