ASUS TAICHI 31 Pro Reviews

Asus undoubtedly presents an interesting idea by combining the two above mentioned device categories in its Taichi model. Two high-quality Full HD IPS screens in one device is unique, although it eliminates the protective function of a laptop lid. When opened, it is a conventional ultrabook that convinces with a good, matte Full HD screen and a slim, elegant design in a robust aluminum unibody casing. When closed, the Taichi 31 automatically switches to tablet mode and the user can glide conveniently and intuitively through Windows 8 on an equally high-quality touchscreen. However, the latter's Metro tile interface is optimized for touch and is thus partly inaccurate. Navigating in the classic Windows interface is only satisfactory. We believe a major point of criticism is found in the hybrid device's weight of 1.55 kg, which is quite heavy for a tablet. Although this is absolutely acceptable for an ultrabook, a tablet PC is usually not placed on a desk or on the lap. It is usually held and used with one hand. The relatively high weight affects the comfort of use and the user will often place the Taichi 31 on the desk or the knees, or at least putting the arm on those for support. For comparison, Apple's iPad 4 only weighs 0.652 kg. However, the XPS 12 and Yoga 13 do not weigh less either. Only the smaller Taichi 21 with an 11.6-inch screen unloads the user a bit at 1.254 kg.