ASUS Zenbook Touch Ultrabook & VariDrive Flexible Dock - Linus Tech Tips CES 2013

The video showcases two notable ASUS innovations introduced at CES 2013: the Zenbook Touch Ultrabook and the VariDrive Flexible Dock. The host emphasizes that the Zenbook Touch is a full HD ultrabook running Windows 8 with multitouch input, highlighting how touch capabilities are integrated without significantly increasing the device’s thickness. He notes the portable form factor remains slim, comparing thickness to an iPhone, and catalogs the available inputs including micro HDMI, VGA with adapter, USB 3.0, DC power, and a slim, premium finish on the chassis. The presentation then shifts to the VariDrive, described as a compact all-in-one expansion unit that adds Ethernet, USB 3.0 ports, and an optical drive through a single compact module, designed to alleviate the typical IO bottlenecks of ultrabooks. The host demonstrates how the VariDrive can be used with Zenbook or other laptops, enabling more traditional connectors while keeping the setup mobile. He emphasizes the benefit of keeping the dock and its IO in a small footprint, suitable for backpack carry, which supports the idea of “mobile computing plus versatile computing.” The segment closes with encouragement to stay subscribed for more CES coverage, underscoring how these devices fit into a broader ecosystem of lightweight, highly portable performance. The overall takeaway is that ASUS is pushing both input versatility with multitouch keyboards and practical IO expansion through the VariDrive, aimed at road warriors who want reduced clutter without sacrificing expandability.

Topics · technology · consumer electronics · laptops · ces 2013