ASUS Unveils ZenBook Flip UX360CA: Ultra-Thin Convertible Laptop for $699

This week ASUS has introduced its ZenBook Flip UX360CA convertible notebooks, the company’s first ZenBook with 360° hinge based on the Skylake-based Intel Core M processor. The system sports a 13.3” display in FHD or QHD, an ultra-thin design, and a 54 Wh battery: an impressive combo for a machine running an ultra-low-power CPU. What is important is that the price of the new ZenBook Flip will not break the bank.

ASUS was one of the first manufacturers to introduce convertible laptops with 360°-rotatable display hinge several years ago. The company’s VivoBook Flip notebooks are positioned as the entry-level convertibles, whereas the current ASUS ZenBook Flip high-end machines are positioned as performance workhorses aimed at professionals, equipped with Core i7 processors, high-resolution displays and lots of memory. By contrast, the new ZenBook Flip UX360CA sits somewhere between: it features a Core M CPU, moderate specs and relatively affordable pricing, something that consumers will be glad to see.

The ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360CA is based on the dual-core Intel Core M processors (the Core m3-6Y30, the Core m5-6Y54 or the Core m7-6Y75) with two Skylake cores, ninth-generation of Intel’s integrated graphics (HD 515, Gen9), and SpeedShift technology. The processors run in ‘cTDP Up’ mode, which pushes their power consumption to 7W for an increase in base and turbo frequencies (the MacBook does this). Due to the Core M line of processors, the ZenBook Flip UX360CA is a fanless design, hence, it should be quiet. The systems come equipped with 8 GB of LPDDDR3-1866 memory as well as 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB of storage using SATA M.2 SSDs. Depending on configuration, the ZenBook Flip UX360CA may be equipped with a QHD+ (3200×1800) or a FHD (1920×1080) touch-sensitive display panel with 72% NTSC and full sRGB color gamut.

As for input/output capabilities, the ZenBook Flip UX360CA offers everything one would expect from a modern laptop: a 3.5mm connector for headsets, two 1.6 W speakers, an array of microphones, two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) Type-C port (with quick-charging capability for smartphones), one SDXC card reader, a 720p webcam, one micro-HDMI output, dual-band 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth 4.1.

Like other ZenBook notebooks, the ZenBook Flip UX360CA is thin (13.9 mm/0.55 inches), light (1.3 kilograms/2.866 lbs) and made of aluminum with concentric circle design on the display lid. The system is also equipped with a 3-cell 54 Whr battery rated to enable up to 12 hours of battery life.

One of the most important aspects of the ZenBook Flip UX360CA with FHD touchscreen is its price: $699 for the model (UX360CA-DBM1T) with 256 GB SSD and $799 for the model (UX360CA-DBM2T) with 512 GB SSD. These models are available with Mineral Grey finish. The more expensive models with QHD+ displays feature Icicle Gold or Mineral Grey styles and will be more expensive when they become available.

Gallery: ASUS Unveils ZenBook Flip UX360CA: Ultra-Thin Convertible Laptop for $699

ASUS Announces Transformer 3 Pro: 2-in-1 with Core i5/i7

Not to be outdone on the subject of 2-in-1s today, ASUS has announced a second 2-in-1 to complement the newly announced Transformer 3. Dubbed the Transformer 3 Pro, this portable is a more direct competitor to Microsoft’s popular Surface Pro lineup.

Although the standard Transformer 3 is not necessary a budget option, of the two Transformers it is the cheaper one, utilizing what’s likely a Core M processor and having all-around weaker specifications. However for users that need more processing power (Core i5/i7), more storage (Up to 1TB, PCIe), more RAM (up to 16GB), and more connectivity (HDMI, USB Type-A, MicroSD) the Pro offers all of this in a slightly thicker form factor. The Transformer 3 Pro also brings over the rest of the feature set offered by the base Transformer 3, including a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and a 12.6″ 2880×1920 screen.

The higher specifications – particularly the use of an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor – puts it in direct competition with Microsoft’s Surface Pro. And at 8.35mm thick, I’m curious how the cooling system on the Pro compares to what Microsoft has done, as putting a 15W CPU in such a thin form factor is by no means an easy feat.

Finally, like its Core M based sibling, ASUS has not yet announced a shipping date for the Transformer 3 Pro. But a starting price has been announced, with the Pro starting at $999.