Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

New Asus Device Runs Both Windows and Android

Posted by Unknown on from the double-the-vendor-lockin dept.

taz346 writes "Asus has unveiled a new 11.6-inch tablet/laptop that runs both Windows 8 and Android Jelly Bean side by side, the BBC reports. The firm said 'users would be able to synchronise data between the platforms in order to enjoy a "smooth transition" between each mode.' Hmmm, I'm guessing one could also create another partition and install a full Linux distro as well, though there's no telling how UEFI might come into play."

5 of 126 comments (clear)

  1. Both computers can be used simultaneously by Zouden · · Score: 5, Interesting

    One of the more interesting aspects about this device is that the keyboard-dock can be connected to an external monitor and used as a PC at the same time that tablet part is being used. It's essentially two independent computers that can be linked together to share peripherals and storage. I think that's quite an engineering feat.

    --
    "A week in the lab saves an hour in the library"
  2. Re:android on a computer? by Cenan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I guess the key would be familiarity with the platform, like how Windows has managed to stay on top for so long. If you can get people to accept Android on their computer, you might just have a way to break the monopoly. You're right that Android doesn't seem very suited as a general purpose computing platform, but that could change.

    --
    ... whatever ...
  3. Re:UEFI? by Joce640k · · Score: 4, Informative

    You can't turn off SecureBoot on ARM-based surfaces, only on Intel-based ones (eg. Surface Pro).

    Ref: http://www.howtogeek.com/149254/if-i-buy-a-computer-with-windows-8-and-secure-boot-can-i-still-install-linux/

    --
    No sig today...
  4. Re:android on a computer? by Nerdfest · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It is as more suited than the Windows 8 "Metro" interface, and would fulfil the requirements of most basic users. Unlike iOS, it gives you full control over the user filesystem you can easily exchange data between any applications with ease. The multitasking is very usable. It's at least *very* close to a good general purpose OS.

  5. TFA rather short on details... by Bearhouse · · Score: 5, Informative

    I thought it was running Window 8 and/or Android on same system; nope.
    Detachable screen is in fact an andoid tablet; when you plug it into the 'docking station' that's actually a full-spec Win PC sitting in the keyboard / chassis.
    If your use cases including running both a tablet and an ultra-PC, could be temping I guess, but hardling a tech breakthrough.

    Try these for more info:

    http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/03/asus-announces-the-transformer-book-trio-likens-it-to-a-laptop/

    http://www.extremetech.com/computing/157253-asus-unveils-dual-os-dual-cpu-jekyll-hyde-transformer-book-trio