In Taipei, Taiwan, Computex 2012 has started. Computex is an International Information Technology Show held annually in Taipei and this year manufacturers are eagerly showing off their new Windows 8 machines. Acer, ASUS, and MSI are just a handful of companies that will attempt to sway customers with a brand new Windows 8 desktop, laptop, tablet or some innovative hybrid. Here are some of the more compelling products, in no particular order:
I. ASUS TAICHI
"Taichi", named after an ancient Chinese martial art which encourages the practice of flexibility and promotes circulation. This laptop uses a swivel hinge to convert this ultra-thin laptop to a tablet. Available in 11.6-inch and a 13.3-inch, each will sport a blazing Intel Core-i7 (quad-core) processor, 4 GB of DRAM, an SSD, dual-cameras, mini-DVI, mini-VGA, 802.11n wifi, USB 3.0 (x2). and a back-lit keyboard. Unfortunately no pricing is currently available.
ASUSTek TAICHI
II. Acer Aspire 7600U/5600U
A 27-inch all-in-one desktop machine. This computer has 1080p screen and includes Dolby Home Theater surround sound. More impressive, is the 64 point, simultaneous contact touch screen. The smaller 23-inch version (5600U) debuts as one of the thinnest all-in-one PCs around. No pricing was found for either model.
Acer 7600U AiO
III. MSI Slider S20
The MSI Slider S20 can slide open and convert to from a tablet to a notebook, similarly to the ASUS EeePad Slider. The downside is this makes it slightly thicker, but easily overlooked for the major advantage of not having to carry a separate keyboard with you. The MSI Slider S20 features an Intel Ivy Bridge processor and has a nice 11.6-inch screen size.
MSI Slider S20
IV. Acer Iconia W700
The ICONIA W700 is a tablet running Windows 8 featuring an 11.6-inch (1920x1080) display. When coupled with its cradle, the ICONIA comes across as a nice personal multimedia unit or useful for other presentational purposes. The dock can be used in a horizontal, or landscape view, or a vertical, or portrait view. Information about its internal components is still unknown.
Acer Iconia W700
V. Transformer Books
Last but certainly not least, ASUS added a few new models to its veteran Transformer line. Featuring detachable screens, these Transformer Prime "laplets" will be available in 11.6-, 13, and 14-inch screen sizes. These new Transformers will feature Ivy Bridge Intel Core processors with 4 GB RAM, much like the TAICHI. Also, like many quality tablets, front and back digital cameras will be present. Rumor is, these may sport a discrete graphics card and just might be able to dual-boot Windows 8 and Google's Android OS.
ASUS Transformer Book
Whether you love Windows 8 and the new Metro or not, one thing is certainly clear -- manufacturers are sold on the new versatility of Windows 8. From new visions of convertible laptops, innovative tablets to new touch-screen all-in-ones, everyone will have something to look forward to later this year when Windows 8 ships.