Computex 2014: Asus Transformer Book V is a dual-OS laptop with a detachable 5-inch Android smartphone

Hammad Saleem

Asus Transformer Book V

Asus unveiled a bunch of new products at the Computex 2014 event currently going on in Taipei, Taiwan. Along with the Windows-based Transformer Book Flip, the company unveiled a hybrid laptop as well, which runs Android and Windows. The laptop comes with a detachable screen so it can also be used as a tablet. Interestingly, the device also comes with a 5-inch smartphone that resides in the dock on the screen.

It’s pretty interesting device, which runs Windows 8.1 as its operating system and is powered by a Intel Core processor, and comes with 4GB of RAM on board. The laptop side of the device comes with 1TB of storage so you have ample amount of storage at your disposal to save files, audio and other content. On the back of the screen, there’s a dock which houses a 5-inch Android smartphone. Interestingly, when docked in, the smartphones display is shown on the screen, so it can be used as an Android tablet.

As Asus said, the device comes with five modes: a Windows tablet, a Windows laptop, an Android tablet, Android laptop, and a smartphone.  “Transformer Book V is the world’s first five-mode, three-in-one converged laptop that features a Windows and Android laptop and tablet as well as an Android smartphone, making it an incredibly flexible device able to excel in any usage scenario. Its revolutionary and elegant design comprises a laptop with a detachable 12.5-inch screen that becomes a separate tablet and a 5-inch smartphone that docks into the tablet,” says Asus.

They further said, “Transformer Book V combines the power of a laptop with the mobility of both a tablet and smartphone, and provides the flexibility to run a wide range of apps. Together with the easy ability to switch between modes and share data between devices, Transformer Book V delivers an unparalleled user experience.”

The smartphone side of the machine runs Android 4.4 KitKat, and is the first device powered by an Intel Atom processor with 2GB of RAM. The tablet part comes with a built-in storage of up to 128GB, which is more than enough for a tablet user, since it can be connected to the keyboard and used as a full-fledged laptop.

There’s no word about the pricing of availability of the device. ASUS only said the availability will vary by country, so it may take some time to hit the retail shelves across the globe.