Computex 2013: ASUS Takes on Lenovo with Pro Line of Business Notebooks
by Anand Lal Shimpi on June 10, 2013 2:26 AM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
- Asus
- Trade Shows
- Computex 2013
- Notebooks
ASUS has Lenovo square in its sights with its ASUS Pro brand of business notebooks. Based on Ivy Bridge silicon (longer upgrade cycles in business, Haswell will come later), the ASUS Pro lineup is clearly designed to mimic the no-frills design of Lenovo's ThinkPad line. Although not new to Computex, this is the first time we've talked about ASUS Pro on the site.
Although you can't really tell from the photos here, the ASUS Pro systems actually look and feel great in person. I don't know if they're up to snuff with the ThinkPads for long term use, but given how far ASUS has come as a consumer manufacturer I suspect pursuing the business market with that same relentless focus will only yield good results.
The notebooks will ship with either Windows 8 Pro or 7 Pro, a clear nod to those businesses who prefer sticking with the previous generation OS. The BU400A model I checked out at Computex featured a 14-inch display, with options for 1366 x 768 or 1600 x 900 panels.
The BU400A is complete with up to a 256GB SSD, NVIDIA NVS 5200M graphics and a 53Wh battery.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
18 Comments
View All Comments
warisz00r - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
Tried the KB + trackpad?dryloch - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
No trackpoint no sale! The first thing I looked for was a rubber nipple on the keyboard. I will admit that a lot of people at my office never take the time to learn to use the trackpoint. I find it much more accurate then the alternative.w_km - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
No trackpoint, no sale!1366x768 or 1600x900 display, NO SALE!
Homeles - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
"1600x900 display"Really? Boy, you have caviar tastes.
LoneWolf15 - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
1600x900 is fine for me, but if you're shooting at ThinkPad owners, the trackpoint is a must. That's 25% of why I buy a ThinkPad in the first place.Dahak - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
1366x768 should die as a resolution on any business/pro laptopI uses a 14inch HP Elitebook for work with 1600 x 900 and that should be the minimum.
Again the 1366x786 should DIE DIE DIE
LittleB69 - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - link
Why? On a 14" or lower screen it works just great. I have a 15" with 1920x1080 and it is great when watching movies or playing games but the rest of the time is spent zoomingOtunia - Thursday, June 13, 2013 - link
1366x768 must die, 16:9 must die too.Please follow Apple's lead and start building laptops with 16:10. These are business laptops and they don't come cheap, right? Don't worry about asking for a few more bucks for 16:10 screens. People will pay. And yes, 15" is better than 14".
By the way, I saw a retina MBP today, 16:10 (good) but ruined by the glossy display and the simulated "best for retina" 1440x900 resolution. Not everything Apple does it great but 16:10 definitely is.
Einy0 - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
Warranty ??? Businesses care about warranties. They want three years, no hassles, two way paid shipping and fast turn around times. See Lenovo T Series which incedently has been on the decline since T400\T500 series. Lenovo service is still fantastic. People who speak English you can understand, fast and friendly. Lenovo business class knows customer service. Anyone who can copy that formula can compete; especially at the price premium Lenovo charges.Mayuyu - Monday, June 10, 2013 - link
Waiting for shipping? Next Day Onsite repair is well worth the extra cost.