Rather than just a refreshed chassis, the ExpertBook Ultra leans heavily into Intel’s latest silicon and a high-end display tech usually reserved for premium tablets and creator-class machines.

Under the hood, the ExpertBook Ultra is powered by up to the Intel Core Ultra 7 (Series 3) processors. The standout metric here for professionals is the dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which Asus claims delivers 50 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). When combined with the CPU and GPU, the total platform output reaches up to 180 TOPS, intended to handle local AI workloads like real-time meeting summaries and background noise cancellation without taxing the main processor.

To keep the thin-and-light frame from throttling under these loads, Asus has implemented its “ExpertCool Pro” system. The cooling solution utilises a triple air outlet design that reportedly increases central air pressure by 12%. This allows the machine to maintain a 50W performance profile in turbo mode, even while the lid is closed. Which is a common pain point for professionals using docked setups.

Perhaps the most notable hardware inclusion is the 14-inch 3K tandem OLED touchscreen. Tandem OLED technology uses a dual-layer structure to achieve higher peak brightness – up to 1400 nits in this case – while actually consuming less power than traditional single-layer OLED panels. This is paired with a 120Hz variable refresh rate and a layer of Gorilla Glass for scratch resistance, a necessary addition for a touchscreen intended for travel.

The chassis itself is constructed from an aviation-inspired magnesium-aluminum alloy, keeping the weight down to just 0.99 kg (roughly 2.18 lbs). Despite the sub-kilogram weight, Asus claims the device meets 9H durability standards and features a “Nano Ceramic” coating designed to resist the stains and scratches that typically plague matte-finish business laptops.

For IT departments and those obsessed with particulars, the ExpertBook Ultra includes the “ExpertGuardian” suite. This provides BIOS-level controls and is compliant with NIST SP 800-193 security guidelines. Hardware-level security is also present via a TPM 2.0 chip and Microsoft Pluton, alongside a physical fingerprint sensor for biometric login. My key takeaway here? The fingerprint sensor login.

While various configurations exist globally, the primary retail variant for the South African market features the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 32GB of LPDDR5x RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The ExpertBook Ultra is priced at R59 999 and is available through major tech retailers including Takealot, Incredible, and Computer Mania.

These powerful gaming laptops have an all-new compact design and front light bar with customizable Aura Sync lighting. Both laptops feature the world’s first 144Hz super-narrow-bezel display with an ultrafast 3ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time, a HyperStrike Pro gaming keyboard for improved control, and HyperCool Pro technology to cool their high-performance CPU and GPU. They are also the world’s first laptops to feature multi-antenna Wi-Fi for improved connectivity.

Super-narrow-bezel display with 144Hz refresh rate and 3ms GTG time

For maximum advantage in fast-paced games, Strix SCAR II and Hero II boast the world’s first 144Hz super-narrow-bezel display with an ultrafast 3ms GTG response time. This new design results in less distracting frame, so chassis dimensions can be reduced to a minimum — both these laptops are 2.33cm narrower than their predecessors, but don’t sacrifice precious screen space.

They are lighter, too, with an overall weight of just 2.4kg for gaming on the go. A unique rubber frame surrounds the display to protect it from damage when the lid is closed, it also visually enhances the slimness of the bezel for a more immersive feel. The 144Hz panel and 3ms response time ensures supersmooth and clear visuals, allowing gamers to react instantly and precisely to what’s happening in-game.

Gaming keyboard with HyperStrike Pro technology

Both Strix SCAR II and Hero II feature a gaming keyboard with HyperStrike Pro technology for decisive command and control. The keyboard has a desktop-inspired layout, including four hotkeys, customizable Aura Sync-compatible RGB backlighting across four zones, and ergonomically-designed keys with 0.25mm-deep keycap curves.

Exclusive ROG Overstroke technology enables earlier key actuation, and has a longer overstroke distance for fast, accurate and effortless keystrokes. The keyboard has specially-highlighted WASD (for SCAR II) or QWER (for Hero II) key groups with transparent key caps, and N-key rollover technology. The keyboard is durable, too, with a 20-million-key-press lifespan.

ROG RangeBoost technology for zero dead spots

SCAR II and Hero II are the world’s first gaming laptops to feature multi-antenna Wi-Fi for more stable online gaming. Patented ROG RangeBoost technology uses a combination of four antennas — located at the front and back of the laptop — with a unique algorithm that constantly scans and selects the best pair of antennas to cover dead spots, resulting in 30%-wider coverage than dual-antenna configurations. The latest 802.11ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi standard delivers speeds of up to 1.7Gbps — twice that of 802.11ac 2×2 and 12x that of 802.11b/g/n.

Geared for gaming

The new Strix gaming laptops are powered by up to the latest 8th Generation Intel® Core processor with up to 32GB of DDR4 2666MHz memory, and a choice of either NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or GTX 1070 graphics. For storage, it can be specified with up to a 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe® 3.0 x4 and a 1TB Seagate® FireCuda solid-state hybrid drive (SSHD).

The 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H six-core CPU is 23% more powerful than previous-generation processors. Intel Speed Shift and Turbo Boost technologies also push the processor to speeds of up to 4GHz (four-core) and 3.9GHz (six-core) respectively. Intel Hyper-Threading enables up to 12 threads to handle every task quickly and efficiently, including simultaneous gaming, recording, and live-streaming. In addition, there’s also up to 32GB of DDR4 2666MHz dual-channel memory for faster processing speeds and lower power consumption.

The 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 SSD offers a potential bandwidth of up to 32Gbps so everything feels fast and smooth. When used as primary storage or as a secondary drive to support the SSD, the 5400rpm FireCuda SSHD loads games in less than half the time taken by the 1TB 7200rpm HDDs — and it’s quieter, too. The SSHD takes note of the most frequently used files, and caches them onto its onboard flash memory for faster file access speeds.

Extreme cooling with HyperCool Pro

The HyperCool Pro thermal system provides the cooling performance to get the most out of the laptop’s high-performance CPU and GPU. An extended cooling plate soaks up heat and spreads it evenly to avoid thermal throttling and keep chipset power components below 90°C, while two high-performance 12V fans deliver stronger airflow and increased air pressure to cool the CPU and GPU and drive hot air out of the chassis.

HyperCool Pro also incorporates the patented Anti-Dust Cooling (ADC) system, which uses centrifugal force to expel dust particles and dirt out of the chassis. This prevents build-up on the heatsink fins and ensures a stable gaming experience. There’s less noise too, since the fans aren’t overworked. The special copper cooling fins are just 0.1mm thin — half the thickness of regular fins. This increases the surface area for heat dissipation by up to 10%, and reduces air resistance by 7%.

Normal laptop lid designs could block airflow out of the chassis which could, in some instances, cause overheating. The patented trapezoid-cut lid improves thermal efficiency by up to 27% over traditional designs.

The Overboost app, accessible by pressing FN + F5 or via the Gaming Center hotkey, can be used to select three different fan settings. Fan Overboost provides the fastest fan speed to fully exploit the power of Strix SCAR II and Hero II during intense gaming. Silent mode curbs fan speed and power consumption for less demanding tasks. A balanced mode delivers stable fan performance at a moderate noise level.

Clearer, louder audio

Both laptops deliver clearer, louder, and more accurate audio via powerful side-firing speakers that provide immersive sound. Smart-amplifier technology monitors audio output and makes real-time adjustments, with audio output up to 200% louder than before, with increased dynamic range and bass. Sonic Studio III provides high quality in-game audio, surround sound for headphones, as well as improved streaming and audio recording for perfect voice pickup and noise reduction.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ROG Strix SCAR II and Strix Hero II will be available from November in South Africa from Evetech. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

At an exclusive event held on 30 May at Sally Mustang – Johannesburg’s hottest new venue – a select group of South Africa’s tech and gaming media were treated to a showcase of new ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers) offerings, in the form of five new gaming laptops that promise to level up the gaming experience in more ways than one. Hosted by MC Pippa Tshabalala, the launch event challenged even the most hardcore gamers, putting their tech knowledge to the test, and rewarded the most knowledgeable teams with an array of awesome ASUS prizes.

“The five new laptops are specifically designed to enhance the gaming experience by addressing the issues that any gamer worth their salt already knows all too well; from overheating to delayed loading, and dull colours to frustrating refresh rates,” explained Bora Aras, ASUS’s Regional Head of Africa, Turkey and Israel. “The new laptops are made with serious gamers in mind – and the excitement we witnessed from the guests at our event is proof that ASUS has, yet again, gotten it right.”

Here’s a rundown of the five machines set to change everything you know about gaming laptops.

ROG G703

This powerful laptop has what it takes to stand up to today’s strongest desktop rigs, with a factory-overclocked 8^th Generation Intel® Core i9 processor and overclockable NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 graphics card. That means you’re free to play your favourite games on ultra-settings without compromising on performance! The G703 also boasts HyperDrive Extreme storage, combining three NVMe PCI Express® SSDs in Raid 0 configuration, resulting in read speeds of up to 8700MB/s – so say goodbye to slow load times.

ROG Zephyrus

Another model built for hardcore gamers, the ROG Zephyrus is the world’s slimmest gaming laptop, powered by up to an 8th Generation Intel® Core, better than any competitors and still has all the hardware to take on high-end desktop builds. Its body has been slimmed to an unbelievable 16.9-17.9mm and conceals a surprisingly powerful cooling system that delivers unbeatable acoustic efficiency thanks to the new Active Aerodynamic airflow system. Thinking of switching from desk to lap? This model’s RGB keyboard will have you feeling right at home.

ROG Zephyrus M

Big performance in a small package, the Zephyrus M is powered by an 8th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 graphics card – making it the perfect accompanist for e-Sporters and travelers alike. It’s also a master in the visual department, with an IPS-level display and lightning-fast 144Hz refresh rate. And for those inevitable all-nighters, the Optimus power-saving mode means impressive battery life, too.

ROG Strix Hero Edition

Built for epic multiplayer, RPG, and RTS battles, and further optimized for esports gaming, the Strix laptop comes with Windows 10 Pro, features a 120Hz display for super-smooth visuals, and includes wide-view technology and a color gamut that’s almost equal to 130% sRGB. It also comes equipped with a desktop-style Aura Sync-enabled keyboard and a 20-million-key-press lifespan for years of reliability. Put simply, this laptop is all you need to elevate your gaming to new levels of awesome and is exclusive to Incredible Connection.

ROG Strix SCAR Edition

This is one for the sharpshooters – designed specifically for domination in the FPS arena. In addition to Windows 10 Pro, an 8th Generation Intel® Core i7 processor, and NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 10-Series graphics, you’ll experience silky-smooth visuals thanks to the IPS-level display, which features a 144Hz refresh rate, 3ms response time, and NVIDIA G-SYNC technology. Find this piece of machinery on Evetech exclusively.

Make no mistake – these laptops are NOT for the noobs among us. Our gaming enthusiasts were practically gagging to get their hands on one as soon as the showcase was over. No doubt, you will too.

In addition to sampling the exciting new product range, a surprise announcement was made. An ASUS e-Sport Tournament will kick off in July, coined the ASUS Republic of Gamers: DOTA2, with registration beginning in June.

The notable thing here is that the Transformer Book Flip will arrive with similar pricing to ASUS’ middleweight to entry-level Vivobook series. (We managed to get local pricing: the Flip starts at R5 999 for the 11.6-inch Dual-core 2.16 GHz model)

Screen resolutions go up to 1366 x 768, we’d advise sticking to the higher resolution models if you can afford to. The build quality looks a lot like the middleweight laptops that ASUS has shown in years past, although there’s a classy brushed aluminum effect to the top of the laptop. The device is already available at major PC hardware retailers. We can’t wait to get out hands-on. 

Samsung Galaxy Tab S

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The Tab S from Samsung arrived hot on the heels of the Tab Pro series. There’s a bit less processing power on board, but its display is one of the best and brightest around, making it perfect for media consumption. It’s also light and easy to hold, with stellar battery life, to boot. The line includes both 8-inch and 10.5-inch models, so if you’re looking to do more multitasking than movies, the extra real estate could come in handy. It will set you back R4500.
Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

The main reason this tablet didn’t get top marks in my review was its high price. Other Android tablets with better specs could be had for less, but if you’re flush with cash or a die-hard Sony fan, this is still a solid slate. The Z3 Tablet Compact is thin, fast and even waterproof, with a vibrant screen and great battery life, to boot. If Sony ever sees fit to drop the price (and we bet it will), this will be a top contender. Pricing is set at R4000

ASUS MeMO Pad 8

When price is a factor, but you still care about quality, the MeMO Pad 8 is one to keep an eye on. It builds on the success of 2014’s HD 7 model, but packs in an improved Atom processor, refined software and a better front-facing camera. And all that comes at a R2830

Lenovo A330
If you’re looking for a well-rounded Windows tablet in a portable form factor, we suggest checking out this 7-inch beast from Lenovo. It may not offer a high-res screen, but there’s an HDMI output and its battery life is respectable compared to others in its peer group. It is highly responsive to heavy, everyday use and productivity apps. It sells for R1500.

ASUS Transformer Book T100

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Looking for a PC experience, but want it in a slimmer form factor? The T100 gives you a quad-core Atom processor, desktop Windows apps and a bundled keyboard dock in a netbook-like package. It may not be a leader in performance, but it’s got stamina: This tablet can manage around 11 hours on a charge. It costs R3428

Leave it to a slightly lesser known brand, then, to shake things up. ASUS is about to start selling that skinny, 0.48-inch-thick Zenbook UX305 we saw announced last summer, and the price is actually quite reasonable, especially considering its specs more or less match the competition.

All told, the higher-end edition that steps up to a 3,200 x 1,800 touchscreen. At that point, it basically match machines like the Yoga 3 Pro, which come standard with a QHD+ display, except in this case, you can expect to pay R11 999 and not R15 000. Kind of nice, isn’t it.

The strongest evidence of ASUS’ if-it-ain’t-broken philosophy manifests on the outside. If you’ve used any ASUS mobile device before, the basic layout of their MeMO Pad 7 will be very recognizable. And that’s mostly a good thing. They’re easy to hold, with rounded edges and side buttons that you’re unlikely to hit by accident. You’ll find micro-USB and headphone ports on the top, the power and volume controls on the right and a microSDXC storage slot on the left. There’s little on the front – not even the company logo – but just the front-facing camera (2 megapixel). On the back, you’ll spot a rear camera above (five megapixels, respectively), stereo speakers with SonicMaster below and the company logo staring back at you in all its glory. Strangely, the MeMO Pad reminded me of Microsoft’s 1520 phablet.

The 7-inch MeMO Pad 7 is the most featherweight device we’ve laid hands on this year, only weighing in at just under 400g and 37 inch thick, so it’s ever so slightly easier to grab with one hand. I was happy to use the MeMO for significant stretches of time without propping it up on my lap; this is a fine device for reading on the couch or playing games that demand a two-handed grip.

However, the MeMo’s matte finishes also have their quirks. Its smooth backing tends to stay relatively pristine (thanks to the gold finish) and the texture makes it more stable in my hands, but it picks up lint like nobody’s business. The MeMO Pad 7’s new camera layout also doesn’t do anyone any favors. ASUS has moved the camera from near the center to the corner, making it a little too trivial to block the lens when you’re shooting.

There isn’t really much to look forward to on the inside apart from the processor, although that’s not shocking given that the Pad 7 cost just R3699. In SA models, you’ll still see 16GB of built-in storage (11.1GB free), 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0. Sadly, there’s no HDMI output, so you’ll have to lean on Miracast streaming to send video to a TV. ASUS does have an ace in the hole with its built-in GPS and GLONASS positioning, however. You can use any of these devices for navigation so long as you have offline maps; many rivals, including iPads, can’t do that unless you buy their cellular-equipped variants.

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[title type=”h2″ class=””]Display[/title]

With the MeMO Pad 7 you get the basic display technology: a 1,280 x 800, IPS-based LCD. The MeMO delivers rich colours that aren’t overdone, and you only really lose brightness when you look at them from sharp angles. There are a few practical differences beyond the raw surface area, mind you. The model is easily visible indoors, but you’ll definitely want the larger slab if you venture outside. I also noticed that it had a warmer, slightly yellowish colour cast out of the box, although ASUS’ Splendid screen utility makes it easy to dial that out.

[title type=”h2″ class=””]Software[/title]

If you’ve read our review of the new Transformer Pad, you’ll know what to expect software-wise. The MeMO Pad is running the same ZenUI interface, which spruces up Android 4.4.2 KitKat with a trendy “flat” look and a handful of customizations. ASUS strikes a careful balance between adding its own flourishes and leaving Android’s better features alone. You’ll get quick settings, some well-done media galleries and app drawer sorting, but multitasking and most other Google-made elements remain intact. Yes, that means you’ll miss out on multi-window support and other perks from heavier Android skins, like what you get on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 4 line. Still, it’s hard to object to ZenUI’s more restrained approach — it’s simple, colourful and responsive. We love.

[title type=”h2″ class=””]In Closing[/title]

This lovely 7-inch system offers superb speed for a R3699 tablet, but it’s somewhat hobbled by the downgraded cameras. I’d make the sacrifice, as I rarely snap photos with any tablet, but it isn’t as well-rounded as you’d expect it to be.

It’s a harder call when pitting ASUS against its opponents. While it should be clear by now that the MeMO Pad can take on most any task you’d expect from a mobile tablet, they’re not the best at everything; you can find nicer screens and cameras without much difficulty, especially if you’re willing to go beyond the R3999 mark. I don’t think that specs alone tell the whole story, though. ASUS makes a good case for custom Android interfaces. ZenUI is more helpful than the largely stock Android implementation on the Dell Venue 7 or 8, yet it never gets in your way. I can comfortably recommend the MeMO Pad 7, but you do have to be aware of what you’re giving up – this isn’t much of a sleeper hit as its a wisely calculated trade-off.

[title type=”h2″ class=””]Hardware[/title]

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It’s not an easy feat to make a tablet that looks or feels different from those hundreds of slabs that have come before, yet the Nextbook is indeed quite distinctive on both fronts. It’s genuinely hard to differentiate our visual impressions from our tactile ones, if you know what I mean.

The exterior of the book is a cool, matte surface that looks dark and feels quite strong and durable. It’s constructed using Microsoft’s Vapor Mg process, which relies on vapor deposition to create this distinctive tactility, which we found ourselves quite drawn to. The material feels amazing in the hand and here it’s used to create a structure that is quite complex, flat on the front and back of course with the sides straightened outward.

This straightened edges makes for a very reassuring feel when walking around carrying this tablet under one arm, and also gives room for a display that is slightly larger than your average 7- or 9-inch slates. In fact, its display clocks in at 10.1 inches, with its resolution far lower, at just 1,366 x 768. As we saw when we got to go behind the scenes of the device’s design and development at launch, that 16:9 display and size were custom-crafted to make the most of Windows’s ideal orientation and, as I’ll detail in the next section, the quality of this panel mostly makes up for its relative lack of resolution.

That rim around the edge is perforated in many places, much more than your average tablet, including two new proprietary magnetic connectors. The first, and biggest, is on the bottom of the tablet. It has fvie contacts, providing power and data connectivity for its own keyboard and, hopefully, more peripherals down the road. On the lower-right is another, similar but incompatible magnetic connector, this one with only one pin. It’s here that the device’s AC adapter plugs in, that custom plug meaning you’ll have to bring it with you whenever you hit the road, but this does at least mean it pushes more juice through than your average USB connector and therefore charges faster. We do, though, wish that connector was a bit more grabby. With MagSafe it seems like if you get the plug anywhere near the connector the two pull themselves together. Microsoft’s option requires a good bit more precision and doesn’t hold nearly as tightly.

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Following up the right edge the next port you’ll find is a micro USB 2.0 connector that’s ready and waiting for thumb drives, keyboards, hubs, mice and anything else you can throw at it. – through its full size adapter. We can’t help but be slightly disappointed it isn’t USB 3.0, but having this port is incredibly useful — as is the micro-HDMI connector that sits above. Then comes the right speaker, with its mate to be found over on the other side. Up top you’ll find a pair of microphones along with the power button, which can be found toward the right edge. On the left side is the 3.5mm headphone jack positioned just above a volume rocker. Finally, tucked at the bottom on the side is a microSDXC port, which means near-infinitely expandable storage is just one tiny little chip away.

Fitting all those ports means this book is on the large side, and not just because of the display. Full dimensions are 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inches (275 x 172 x 9.4mm). And when it’s time to reach out and get this thing online, as it is, of course, of limited use when disconnected, you have WiFi and… that’s it. Microsoft is not offering a 3G- or LTE-equipped model, at least not yet, but you do get a comprehensive suite of 802.11 interconnects: a/b/g/n with 2×2 MIMO sending and receiving. There’s Bluetooth 4.0, too.

[title type=”h2″ class=””]Performance and Batter life[/title]

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Under the hood, the Nextbook purrs along on 1GB of RAM and an Intel Quad Core chip, the same SoC powering other Windows RT tablets, like the ASUS VivoTab. Since we’re not yet aware of any benchmarks tailored to this operating system, we’ll stand on this: Intel’s Quad Core is more than capable of handling Windows’ Live Tiles and Modern UI. The tablet cold-boots in just under 25 seconds and launches apps briskly. It responds smoothly to taps and swipes, and we also found that the tablet is quick to respond if you open an app, change your mind and hit the home button before the app is finished loading. I love this.

That said, I did notice some occasional pauses when quickly swiping the left side of the screen to toggle between open apps. To be clear, it didn’t matter how many apps we had open: in fact, we frequently lost count of how many were running. We rarely bothered to manually close any and the machine never seemed to suffer for it. In short, the performance has a few limitations, but overall, Nextbook is fast, responsive and stable

[title type=”h2″ class=””]Cameras[/title]

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The Nextbook has dual 720p cameras, but unless you’re in the mood for video chatting, you probably won’t be using them much. Even by tablet standards, the image quality here is pretty poor. Our full-res, 1,280 x 720 shots look awfully pixelated, even in brightly lit environments that shouldn’t have yielded any noise. You’ll also notice a good deal of color saturation. As for the Surface’s 720p video recording, we noticed some motion blur, but we were pleasantly surprised by how gentle the audio rendering was. Too often, our clips taken with tablets have a buzzing, distorted quality. In this case, the tablet didn’t pick up any stray gusts of wind that might have otherwise spoiled our recording.

[title type=”h2″ class=””]In Closing[/title]

The Microsoft Nextbook with Windows 8’s R2599 (current pricing at Makro) starting RRP means those thinking about making the investment here will be carefully cross-shopping against same-priced offerings from Samsun, Acer ASUS and others. Where does this one rate? Very well — but very differently. While those devices are primarily targeted at content-hungry consumers, the Nextbook is a slate upon which you can get some serious work done, and do so comfortably. You can’t always say that of the competition.

It’s in the other half of the equation, that of the content consumption and entertainment, where the Nextbook is currently lacking. It needs a bigger pile of apps and games to make up for that and, while we’re sure they’re coming, we don’t know when. If those apps arrive soon, then early adopters will feel vindicated. If, however, the Windows market is slow to mature, not truly getting hot for another six months or so, holding off will prove to have been the smarter option.

So, if gaming and music and movies and reading are what you’re looking to enjoy, then we might advise sitting this one out for a few months just to make sure that all your bases will indeed be covered. If, however, you’re looking for an impeccably engineered tablet upon which you can do some serious work, a device that doesn’t look, feel or act like a toy, then you should get yourself a Nextbook with Windows 8.