Among Asus' flurry of Windows 8 tablet devices announced at IFA 2012, is the Asus Taichi, a curious laptop hybrid device.
While it's a genuinely exciting and innovative product, which Asus only briefly allowed out from its glass case, we're dubious whether this will see a genuine release.
Laptop hybrids are nothing new, but up until now, they've mostly been transformer style devices where a tablet fits into a keyboard docking station to become a laptop. The Taichi is different; an Ultrabook with a second tablet display fitted into the lid, this second screen enables it to be used as a standard laptop, to be held as a tablet, or enjoyed by two people sat opposite each other.
Powering this unusual Asus Taichi is an Intel Core processor, which offers up plenty of power to multitask over the two IPS panels. They can even be used independently, so someone sat on the tablet side can use apps and games, while you work on the laptop.
Our brief hands-on couldn't find any performance issues with the Tegra 3 chip, and Windows 8 remained responsive while multi-tasking apps and switching between them.
Visions of complex Windows commands being required to start using the rear panel were thankfully dispelled, and on opening the slim chassis, a blue hotkey immediately stood out from the array of compact black buttons.
This toggle enables the user to switch between four distinct settings: notebook mode, tablet mode, dual screen mode and mirror mode.
Notebook just switches off the second screen and tablet mode enables you to use top screen while the laptop is closed, just like a tablet. Mirror mode 'mirrors' whatever is on the laptop screen onto the lid, and dual screen enables you to use both screens independently.
The clear benefit is the ability to carry your laptop and use it as a tablet on the move, opening it up when the keys are required for typing longer emails or working on documents, but enabling you to surf the web and check your email. However, it still remains a niche product, but one we hope isn't resigned to Asia only, or a muted execution by CES 2013.
Weight is important with any device that's supposed to be used as a tablet, which is still an early build, but we were assured that the thickness, weight and built is extremely similar to the Asus Zenbook.
Other concerns are with battery life, and having an Intel Core processor powering two screens will struggle to cope with anywhere near all-day use. We'll have to wait for more details to emerge before working out whether the Asus Taichi will see the light of day.
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