10 Cool Product Debuts At Computex 2017
Powerful New PCs
The message out of Computex 2017 in Taipei might be summarized as follows: The PC is not dead -- it's just evolving. PC vendors including Dell and Asus used the computing conference to unveil their latest innovations, with a focus on powerful laptops and all-in-ones that are aimed at gamers and content creators. Meanwhile, chip makers Intel and Nvidia also unveiled new offerings with an emphasis on enabling massive amounts of horsepower for users. In the following slides, we've rounded up the details on 10 of the coolest products that have debuted at Computex 2017.
Dell Inspiron 27 7000 AIO
Dell introduced two new all-in-one PCs during Computex 2017, the larger of which is the Dell Inspiron 27 7000 AIO. The all-in-one features a 27-inch display that is nearly bezel-free, and can be configured with resolution up to 4K UHD. For processing power the PC includes AMD Ryzen for CPU and the AMD Polaris RX500 Series for graphics. The focus of the Inspiron 27 7000 AIO is on enabling gaming -- in particular virtual reality gaming, with Dell touting the AIO as "ready for VR." The PC will be available "in coming weeks" starting at $999.99, according to Dell.
Dell Inspiron 24 5000 AIO
The second all-in-one that Dell unveiled at Computex is the Inspiron 24 5000 AIO. The PC is less oriented toward gaming and more toward general entertainment such as video streaming, Dell said. The AIO includes a 24-inch IPS touch display with FHD resolution and minimal bezels. It also includes seventh-gen AMD CPUs and AMD Polaris RX500 graphics, and features Rivet Networks' SmartByte technology to minimize buffering during streaming. The Inspiron 24 5000 AIO will be available "in coming weeks" starting at $699.99, according to Dell.
Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop
Dell also debuted its first Inspiron desktop PC focused on gaming during Computer 2017. The Inspiron Gaming Desktop is being positioned as an entry-level PC for gaming, including virtual reality gaming. Spec options include AMD CPUs (configurable with Ryzen), graphics from AMD or Nvidia (configurable up to GeForce GTX 1060), up to 32 GB of RAM and a variety of storage options. The Inspiron Gaming Desktop will be available "in coming weeks" starting at $599.99, according to Dell.
Intel Core i9 X-series
During Computex 2017, Intel unveiled a new desktop processor family, the X-series. The processors feature enhanced performance and are aimed at enthusiast gaming and virtual reality uses, as well as content creation. Leading the lineup is the Core i9 processor, which features up to 18 cores and 36 threads. At the very top level is the Core i9 Extreme Edition 9-7980XE, which has a starting price of $1,999. Intel is also offering four lower tiers of Core i9 processors, ranging between 10-core and 16-core versions and with prices between $999 and $1,699.
Intel Core i7 X-series
Intel also announced other chip options for gamers as part of the new X-series desktop processors. Those will include Core i7 X-series processors, such as an eight-core, 16-thread model (priced at $599) and a quad-core, eight-thread model (priced at $339). Intel will also be offering a Core i5 processor with four cores with a starting price of $242.
Nvidia Max-Q
Nvidia used Computex 2017 not to announce a new graphics product, but to disclose a new design approach that the company is bringing to its GTX GPUs (1060, 1070 and 1080). That design approach, dubbed Max-Q, will ultimately enable the development of gaming laptops that offer up to 70 percent more gaming performance while remaining as thin as a MacBook Air (0.70 of an inch thick). Laptops using the Max-Q design approach will be available from a number of vendors starting on June 27, Nvidia said. Vendors will include HP, Lenovo, Dell-owned Alienware, Acer and Asus.
Asus ZenBook Flip S (UX370)
Asus unveiled a number of new laptop offerings during Computex 2017, headed up by the ZenBook Flip S UX370, a convertible laptop. The company says it's the thinnest convertible to date, at 0.43 of an inch thick, and one of the lightest convertibles at 2.43 pounds. The ZenBook Flip S is also durable with a body made from "aerospace-grade" aluminum, and it features seventh-gen Intel Core i5/i7 processors, a 13.3-inch display (up to 4K UHD resolution) and an ergonomic backlit keyboard. The ZenBook Flip S will be available in September with a starting price of $1,099.
Asus ZenBook Pro (UX550)
The ZenBook Pro UX550 is the most powerful addition to the Asus lineup that was announced during Computex. The new ZenBook Pro features Intel's heavy-duty HQ-series of processors (seventh-gen Core i7 or i5) and up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics (which Asus calls out as "gaming-grade" GPUs). The laptop's display measures 15.6 inches and is available with up to 4K UHD resolution, and there's a touch-screen option available as well. The ZenBook Pro UX550 will have a starting price of $1,299, and a release date was not announced.
Asus ZenBook 3 Deluxe (UX490)
During Computex 2017, Asus also debuted a refreshed version of the ZenBook 3 Deluxe. Features include a 14-inch display (in what amounts to a typical 13-inch laptop chassis), a weight of just 2.43 pounds and a thickness of 0.51 of an inch. The laptop is also highly durable with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and "aerospace-grade" aluminum alloy in the body, and it includes seventh-gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor options. The ZenBook 3 Deluxe UX490 will have a starting price of $1,199, and a release date was not announced.
Asus VivoBook Pro 15 (N580)
With the VivoBook Pro 15, Asus is aiming to bring together gaming-appropriate processing power with portability and affordability. The laptop features Intel HQ-series processors (up to Core i7) and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, along with a 15.6-inch display (up to UHD resolution, touch-screen option available). It's also the thinnest and lightest VivoBook Pro model to date, measuring 0.76 of an inch thick and weighing 4.9 pounds. The VivoBook Pro N580 will have a starting price of $799, and will be available this summer.