ASUS – Be Ahead CES 2021 Launch Event

CES 2021 means lots, and lots, of tech, and ASUS co-CEO Samson Hu announced the latest lineup of laptops, displays and entertainment solutions at the Be Ahead virtual launch event. Pushing the boundaries of design and innovation is what the Be Ahead event is about, to deliver the ultimate mobile computing experiences and empowering users be it in productivity or entertainment. A wide variety of new laptops – ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582), ZenBook Duo 14 (UX482), VivoBook S14 (S435), ExpertBook B9 (B9400 vPro), Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500), Chromebook CX9 (CX9400), BR1100 and TUF Dash – alongside the ProArt Display PA148CTV and ZenBeam Latte L1 projector debuted at the event.

ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582)

ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582) is the next-generation, ultra-powerful 15-inch laptop that is equipped with the new tilting ASUS ScreenPad Plus, a full-width 4K secondary touchscreen that works seamlessly with the main 4K OLED HDR display for effortless multitasking. ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED offers groundbreaking performance that is backed by up to the latest generation Intel^® Core™ i9 processor and NVIDIA^® GeForce RTX™ 3070 laptop GPU graphics. It is also validated as an NVIDIA Studio laptop — the ultimate laptops for content creators.

Expanding upon the original innovative design, ScreenPad Plus incorporates an auto-tilt mechanism that automatically raises the rear of the secondary display by 9.5° for improved readability and to reduce potential glare. ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED with the Intel Core i9 processor has the power and performance to drive cross-screen workflows using ScreenPad Plus and the main display. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU is powered by the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, delivering silky-smooth graphics and supercharging video-editing and 3D animation applications with the power of real-time ray tracing.

The full set of I/O ports features two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C^® ports, and the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) takes wireless speeds to the next level for ultra-smooth connections. Additionally, with a 1 TB PCIe^® 3.0 X 4 SSD and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED accelerates workflows and optimizes productivity.

The frameless screen design features a 93% screen-to-body ratio for more immersive visuals. The brilliant 4K OLED HDR touchscreen delivers ultra-vivid colors and deep blacks with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which is reflected by the VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 500 certification. Also, the touchscreen is PANTONE^® Validated, ensuring superb color accuracy for graphics professionals.

ZenBook Duo 14 (UX482)

ASUS ZenBook Duo 14 (UX482) is a 14-inch Intel Evo^™-verified laptop that features ASUS ScreenPad Plus, the secondary touchscreen that works seamlessly with the main FHD NanoEdge display for effortless multitasking. ZenBook Duo 14 packs heavyweight performance into its slim, 16.9-mm profile with a powerful combination of 11th Generation Intel Core processors and Intel Iris^® X^e graphics or the option of NVIDIA GeForce^® MX450 discrete graphics. ZenBook Duo 14 also features ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology, which works with the 11th Generation Intel processors to optimize performance: using Performance mode, users can enjoy a performance boost of up to 40% compared to a similar standard laptop.

With the same auto-tilt mechanism as UX582, the secondary display on ZenBook Duo 14 is tilted by 7° for improved readability and to reduce potential glare. The laptop provides a superbly immersive viewing experience, offering ultraslim bezels, an expansive 93% screen-to-body ratio and a four-sided frameless NanoEdge display that is super-bright at up to 400 cd/m². ZenBook Duo 14 is PANTONE Validated for professional-grade color accuracy and offers a wide 100% sRGB color gamut. It is also TÜV Rheinland-certified for low blue light, so it is comfortable to use for long productivity sessions. Battery life has been boosted to an exceptional 17 hours for all-day productivity, and a USB-C Easy Charge feature offers versatile charging from either a USB-C Power Delivery-certified charger or any standard USB-C charger.

For easy connections to peripherals, ZenBook Duo 14 has comprehensive high-performance I/O connectivity, including a pair of the latest Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C ports. These support Power Delivery and DisplayPort, and the 40 Gbps bandwidth enables users to connect an external 8K display or two 4K UHD displays. ZenBook Duo 14 also features WiFi 6 (802.11ax) that is enhanced with ASUS WiFi Master Premium technology.

Evolved user experiences on the new ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED and ZenBook Duo 14

Both ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED (UX582) and ZenBook Duo 14 (UX482) feature upgraded ScreenXpert 2 software, which introduces powerful and intuitive new features to streamline workflows.

Both models also premiere ASUS Control Panel, a fully customizable app on ScreenPad Plus that revolutionizes creative workflows. ASUS Control Panel gives users precise and intuitive control of creative apps, including brush-size adjustment, saturation, layer opacity and more. Control Panel currently works with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Premiere Pro and After Effects, and compatibility will be expanded in the near future.

The stylus included with ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED and ZenBook Duo 14 enables yet another layer of interactivity for users, and ScreenPad Plus provides high-precision 4096 pressure-level stylus support for an ideal writing or drawing platform.

To ensure exceptional performance, ZenBook Pro Duo 15 OLED and ZenBook Duo 14 are engineered with the new Active Aerodynamic System Plus (AAS Plus), which uses the ErgoLift hinge and auto-tilting ScreenPad Plus to increase overall cooling airflow by up to 49%.

VivoBook S14 (S435)

The all-new VivoBook S14 (S435) is a stylish, ultralight 14-inch laptop that is Intel Evo™-verified. The lightest 14-inch VivoBook model, it is a powerful companion for discovering, exploring and creating. With the latest 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Iris X^e graphics, 16 GB memory, and Intel Optane™ Memory H10, VivoBook S14 can handle any workload. Productivity is further enhanced by up to a 1 TB PCIe SSD that provides superfast storage for fast boot times and near-instant data access. VivoBook S14 also incorporates the new ASUS Intelligent Performance Technology, which delivers up to a 40% performance boost while conserving battery life, enhancing cooling efficiency and ensuring quiet operations.

The exterior of VivoBook S14 features classy diamond-cut edges, a sleek Deep Green all-metal chassis and the unique VivoBook lid logo. When the lid is opened, the bright yellow color-blocked Enter key takes center stage. Its frameless four-sided NanoEdge display and a 90% screen-to-body ratio provide incredibly immersive visuals. The display is certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue-light emissions, so it is easy on the eyes during extended use.

At only 1.3 kg light with a sleek 15.9-mm profile, the ultrathin VivoBook S14 is designed for premium portability. To provide effortless on-the-go connectivity, VivoBook S14 features ultrafast Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports that support fast charging, data transfers of up to 40 Gbps and connections with one external 8K or two 4K UHD monitors. There are also USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and USB 2.0 ports as well as a microSD card reader, enabling users to easily connect peripherals, displays and projectors. WiFi 6 connectivity on VivoBook S14 delivers fast wireless speeds and ultra-smooth connections.

ExpertBook B9 (B9400 vPro)

ExpertBook B9 is the world’s lightest 14-inch business laptop, empowering business professionals to thrive in the modern world with leading-edge technology and features. Verified as an Intel Evo platform laptop, ExpertBook B9 delivers premium performance and responsiveness, efficient battery usage and stunning visuals. The 880 g model has a 33 Wh battery, and the 1005 g model has a 66 Wh battery with all-day battery life for continuous, portable productivity. ExpertBook B9 also meets the industry-leading MIL-STD 810H U.S. military test standard, which is more rigorous and demanding than ever, ensuring that the laptop can withstand the strains of the daily grind and on-the-go use.

With the rise of remote work, modern business professionals have increasing telecommuting needs. For exceptional remote work experiences, the new generation of ExpertBook B9 provides the latest Intel vPro™ Platform, which enables seamless data security and easy remote management by IT administrators.

ExpertBook B9 is engineered with up to the latest 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processors with built-in Intel Iris X^e graphics for serious performance and visual excellence. Ample storage in the form of up to dual 2 TB SSDs with for support RAID 0 and RAID 1 technology provides improved data reliability and faster operation. For superfast, stable connections, ExpertBook B9 features Intel WiFi 6 and ASUS WiFi Master Premium technology. In terms of security, ExpertBook B9 offers a Kensington NanoSaver™ lock for keeping the laptop physically secure, and an optional Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip stores passwords and encryption keys for added security. Also, an infrared camera and smart proximity sensor enable fast biometric face logins.

Each ZenBook, VivoBook and ExpertBook in the 2021 lineup is equipped with ASUS Two-Way AI Noise-Canceling technology to enhance communication experiences. AI Noise-Canceling technology employs machine learning to isolate unwanted noise from human speech for crystal-clear voice communication. ExpertBook B9 also features quick keys that enable fast, convenient sound and noise-cancelation control, plus Harman Kardon-certified speakers for exceptional sound.

Chromebook CX9 (CX9400)

ASUS Chromebook CX9 is built for empowering professionals with cloud-first operating systems and collaborative tools. Powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Iris X^e graphics, the Chromebook CX9 offers take-anywhere mobility that combines a lightweight chassis with nimble performance for exceptional remote work experiences. Ultrafast WiFi 6, Harman Kardon-certified dual-speaker audio and an anti-glare FHD display offers an enhanced user experience to help optimize the workday, from anywhere. Additionally, the four-sided frameless 14-inch NanoEdge display on ASUS Chromebook CX9 provides an immersive, near edge-to-edge viewing experience for enhanced productivity.

ASUS Chromebook CX9 meets industry-leading MIL-STD 810H U.S. military test standards, and it features a durable, ultralight magnesium-alloy chassis that is 16 mm thin and around 1 kg light. Despite its thin profile, the laptop is loaded with I/O ports. These include cutting-edge Thunderbolt 4, as well as standard USB Type-A and HDMI outputs for comprehensive connectivity.

For business-grade protection, ASUS Chromebook CX9 is secure by design, offering Titan C security for storing sensitive information such as passwords and encryption keys. Furthermore, Chromebook CX9  automatically receives software updates every six weeks to ensure data is safeguarded with the latest protections. With Chrome OS, users enjoy uninterrupted workdays and increased productivity while IT overhead is reduced. Also, ASUS Chromebook CX9 comes with a fingerprint sensor for password-free login and a webcam shield for added protection.

ASUS BR1100 for education

The 11-inch ASUS BR1100 is the ultimate learning companion with an ultra-tough chassis, intelligent features and an easy-to-manage design that is ideal for distance learning. BR1100 is built ready for everyday knocks and drops with an ultra-tough design that features a rubber bumper surrounding all four exterior edges, military-grade durability and a spill-resistant keyboard. With two designs to choose from — convertible and clamshell — students can enjoy the laptop design that suits them the best. The convertible model features a garaged stylus to enhance taking notes and drawing, and multiple modes offer flexibility while learning. Additional designs to accommodate young learners include an antimicrobial keyboard frame and a TÜV Rheinland-certified display for eye protection.

BR1100 leverages the all-new Intel Pentium^® Silver processor to deliver the performance for a smooth experience with apps and learning tools and the connectivity and graphics for distance learning. The BR1100 also delivers this with the ASUS Two-Way AI Noise-Canceling Microphone and a noise-reducing camera for enhanced remote lesson experiences. It also provides ultrafast, stable WiFi 6 connections and includes a webcam shield and a microphone mute key for privacy. The 42 Wh battery enables all-day battery life, and a 4G LTE option provides mobile internet connections for added portability.

A full array of I/O ports are packed into BR1100 for comprehensive connectivity, including USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI slot and a microSD card reader. BR1100 offers 16 GB of RAM and the storage option of up to a 128 GB eMMC and a 1 TB M.2 SSD — perfect for large or growing collections of videos, music and school documents.

For easy on-site servicing, ASUS BR1100 has a modular design that enables quick access to key components for enhancing the efficiency of IT maintenance and minimizing downtime.

Chromebook Flip CX5 (CX5500)

ASUS Chromebook Flip CX5 is a groundbreaking new laptop that expands the capabilities of Chromebooks for cloud entertainment. It is the first 15.6-inch Chromebook Flip to be powered by an 11th Generation Intel Core processor with Intel Iris X^e graphics, and the laptop features WiFi 6 connectivity, ASUS WiFi Stabilizer technology and dual Harman Kardon-certified speakers. With support for Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce NOW on Chromebook Flip CX5, users have access to a seemingly endless world of gaming.

Chromebook Flip CX5 is styled to appeal to a young generation of users who enjoy a minimalist style on a laptop for personal or work use. It incorporates a metallic design on an elegant Immersive White exterior that has a ceramic-like feel. The Obsidian Velvet texture of the palm rest area is silky-smooth for added comfort during extended use. The 57 Wh battery in Chromebook Flip CX5 provides battery life of up to 12 hours, and the laptop also delivers up to 16 GB of memory, storage of up to a 512 GB SSD and a microSD card slot for expandability.

ProArt Display PA148CTV

ASUS ProArt Display PA148CTV is a 14-inch FHD IPS portable monitor designed to efficiently enhance the workflows of content creators. The display features ASUS Dial and Virtual Control Panel for streamlining creative processes with shortcuts and programmable hotkeys, which enhance ease-of-use with Adobe creative tools such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere and Lightroom Classic. PA148CTV delivers exceptional color with 100% sRGB and 100% Rec. 709 color spaces, and it is Calman Verified and factory pre-calibrated to provide Delta E < 2 color accuracy. The display also features a responsive 10-point multi-touch panel, which has an anti-glare film to reduce distractions.

Virtual Control Panel on ProArt Display PA148CTV provides an adjustment dials, sliders, buttons and wheels, delivering programmable hotkeys that enhance the precision and detail of creative work. ASUS Dial is a physical dial at the rear of the display that allows users to control compatible Adobe software and Microsoft Surface Dial features, enabling adjustments while staying focused on the task at hand. The integrated on-screen display (OSD) controller allows for performing further monitor adjustments quickly and easily. In addition, ProArt Preset software enables users to quickly adjust color gamut, and various display parameters can be set via ProArt Palette.

PA148CTV offers a host of ports to cater to the needs of content creators. The two USB-C ports deliver audio, video and power input over a single cable, while the micro HDMI port provides connectivity to a wide variety of input sources. A tripod socket allows for mounting the display onto a tripod, and an adjustable metal kickstand props the display up to deliver ideal viewing and working positions, making it perfect for work on the go. PA148CTV also comes with a leather sleeve for elegant portability.

ZenBeam Latte L1 projector

ZenBeam Latte L1 projector enables users to take their favorite movies or music on the go. The projector introduces a new cylindrical mug-shaped design, which enhances sound transmission while providing a compact footprint. It is also the first projector to offer a fabric exterior, which enhances audio with increased sound penetration and gives the design a comfortable, homey feel. The exceptional design of ZenBeam Latte L1 has been recognized with a CES 2021 Innovation Award, a Good Design Award 2020 and a Taiwan Excellence Award 2021.

ZenBeam Latte L1 features a user-friendly remote control, and a built-in battery offers up to three hours of battery life on a single charge for portable use. It casts imagery with a 300-LED-lumens light and has a projection range of 40 to 120 inches — so it can also be used in rooms with limited space. With support for Aptoide TV, users can enjoy their favorite streaming apps on the expanded screen of a projector. Also, users can project their mobile phone screen via wireless mirroring with ZenBeam Latte L1 for broader viewing options.

A Harman Kardon 10-watt speaker is included and connects via Bluetooth^® to accompany projection visuals with incredible audio. The speaker can also serve as a portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers up to 12 hours of audio, and the projector features three audio modes — Movie, Music and Gaming. ZenBeam Latte L1 is designed for relaxing at home and enjoying a great movie or excellent music — just like enjoying a latte.

TUF Dash

The all-new TUF Dash F15 gaming laptop is engineered to expand every gamer’s repertoire. Its super-slim design is lightweight and easy to carry, so it is ideal for on-the-go or around-the-house use. Up to an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and a GeForce RTX 3070 laptop GPU blitz through games with power to spare for serious work. Also, the Dash F15 is topped off with a range of premium features that enhance its everyday user experience for gaming, entertainment and more.

A gaming panel with up to a 240 Hz refresh rate on the Dash F15 offers gamers the same edge as esports athletes, with a 3 ms response time that reduces motion blur to make fast-paced target tracking more precise. When gamers want to do more, a versatile Thunderbolt 4 port connects to everything from docks to external GPUs. An expansive battery offers up to 16.6 hours of video playback, so gamers can unplug and unwind anywhere and later reload with convenient USB-C charging.

Advanced cooling enables the Dash F15 to fit top-tier processors in a super-slim form factor. A substantial heat spreader and five copper heat pipes distribute thermal energy while dual fans channel air through four outlets that expel heat faster and with less noise than typical ultraslim designs. The N-Blade fans are specially sculpted to move more air, and these are made from a special liquid crystal polymer that makes enough space to fit 83 blades per fan and still ensure that each blade is strong enough to hold up at high rpms. The self-cleaning cooling module maintains long-term stability and performance by preventing build-up on critical components. Updated anti-dust tunnels are shorter to create more space for airflow around the fan while still redirecting particles away from crucial hardware.

Voice chat is crystal clear due to new Two-Way AI Noise-Cancelation technology. This advanced technology removes a broad range of unwanted background noise from both input and output audio, meaning that both the user’s voice and incoming communications are fuzz-free.

This fresh addition to the TUF Gaming portfolio takes military-grade durability to ultrathin new dimensions. Resilience against everything from everyday knocks and bumps to extreme temperatures lets users work and play wherever they want, worry-free. Whether charging to the frontlines of a favorite first-person shooter or adventuring in the great urban jungle, the Dash is a reliable ally for gamers to have by their side.

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