Asus Zenbook 16

IFA 2024: Asus Debuts New Intel-Driven Copilot+ PCs

Asus introduced several new Copilot+ PCs at IFA 2024, which took place last week in Berlin. This includes new models in the Zenbook, Vivobook, and ExpertBook lines. Asus also introduced the NUC Mini PC with Intel Core Ultra processors. All of the new computers come equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2),

“The powerful Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) at the heart of our latest Zenbook, Vivobook, ExpertBook laptops, and NUC Mini PC deliver unmatched performance and enable a wide range of AI experiences,” says Rangoon Chang, Corporate Vice President, Consumer Business Unit at Asus. “With these new devices, together we are empowering users to harness the full potential of AI to enjoy smarter, more intuitive computing.”

Zenbook S 14

The new Zenbook S 14 (UX5406)  is the slimmest Asus 14-inch ultraportable, boasting a thin 1.1 cm profile and a feather-light 1.2 kg weight. Featuring an outer lid crafted from an Asus exclusive Ceraluminum material, it combines the tactile feel of ceramic with the strength of aluminum. The keyboard area of the chassis is further enhanced with a geometric grille design comprising 2,715 CNC-machined cooling vents, optimizing airflow, and heat dissipation for peak performance.

Equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V processor, achieving up to 48 NPU TOPS and offering the newest AI experiences, the Zenbook S 14 comes with a sleek chassis and 3K 120 Hz Lumina OLED display complemented by a four-speaker sound system. AI noise cancelation ensures crystal-clear conference calls, and the FHD AiSense IR camera supports AI effects for enhanced video interactions.

With a long-lasting 72 Wh battery, full range of I/O ports for seamless connectivity, and advanced security features, the Zenbook S 14 has an enlarged 16:10 touchpad that incorporates intuitive smart gestures.

The Zenbook S 14 is available for pre-order in Canada with units shipping on September 24th, 2024. Pricing starts at $1,799. The Zenbook S 16 (UX5606) is a 16-inch laptop with the Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). It will be available later in Q1 2025.

Asus VivoBook S 14

The Asus Vivobook S 14 (S5406SA) weighs 1.3 kg and is housed in a 1.39 cm-thin, all-metal chassis. Equipped with ASUS IceCool thermal technology featuring two 97-blade IceBlade fans and two air vents, it achieves a maximum TDP of 35 W, maintaining optimal performance.

Powered by up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 256V with an AI engine of up to 47 NPU TOPS, it excels in efficiently running AI applications. A dedicated Copilot key provides quick AI assistance to optimize workflow, while a 75 Wh battery offers up to 27 hours of unplugged use.

The laptop’s ergonomic design includes a stylish Asus ErgoSense keyboard with customizable single-zone RGB backlighting and an ultra-large ErgoSense touchpad for enhanced comfort and control. Additional features include WiFi 7 connectivity, a wide array of I/O ports, a 16:10 3K 120 Hz display, and a Harman Kardon-certified Dolby Atmos audio system.

The Asus Vivobook S 14 will start at $1,599 in Canada with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 256V, 16 GB LPDDR5X-8533 RAM and 1 TB of storage and will be available in early Q4 2024.

Asus VivoBook 14 Flip

Though not available in Canada, there’s also the  Vivobook 14 Flip (TP3407), a convertible laptop designed for students and professionals. A 360° hinge enables seamless transitions between laptop, tent, stand, or tablet mode, allowing you to adapt and enhance to your workflow. With support for Asus Pen 2.0, the laptop is ultra-slim (1.7cm) and lightweight (1.5 kg), making it ideal for use on the go. It’s powered by an up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 256V, offering up to 47 NPU TOPS for efficient execution of AI applications.

The Vivobook 14 Flip boasts a highly efficient 70 Wh battery, ultrafast Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, and a wide range of I/O ports. It comes equipped with a Dolby Atmos audio as well, along with a 14-inch FHD NanoEdge touchscreen (there’s also a larger 16-inch version with a 3K OLED display, also not in Canada).

Asus ExpertBook P5

Designed for entrepreneurs, prosumers, and small businesses is the ExpertBook Po series, including the new flagship ExpertBook P5 (P5405). It features an up to Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 256V and Asus AI ExpertMeet tools for online meetings, with advanced features like AI transcript, AI translation, AI subtitles, assisted meeting summaries, AI camera, AI noise canceling, and business watermarks. Leveraging Intel’s latest processor, which boasts up to 48 NPU TOPS and up to 120 total platform TOPS of performance, it is optimized for running AI applications.

You get multilayered security extending to the BIOS level, including advanced features like Secure Boot and a discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to guard against unauthorized interventions at startup. It also offers an optional SafeGuard Backup tool, which securely backs up important data with encrypted protection.

Asus has partnered with McAfee to pre-install McAfee+ Premium Individual Unlimited on all ExpertBook P Series laptops, free for one year globally starting September 2024. There’s also AI-powered deepfake detection technology, offering McAfee Deepfake Detector at no cost for one year in the U.S., UK, and Australia for the same time period.

Asus plans to expand the series with new form factors, including desktops and all-in-ones, scheduled to launch in 2025.

The ExpertBook P5 will be available in four configurations in Canada starting October 2024, with pricing starting at $1,299. There’s also the Asus ExpertBook P1 and ExpertBook P3 coming in early 2025.

ASUS NUC 14

Finally, there’s the Asus NUC 14 Pro AI, a compact AI mini-PC. It leverages up to the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 processor 288V and delivers top-notch performance through its multi-architecture CPU, GPU, and NPU setup, achieving up to 120 total platform TOPS. Its powerful NPU delivers up to 48 TOPS, enhancing AI capabilities and providing three times the AI performance for applications compared to the previous generation of Intel processors.

Housed in a compact chassis with a height of just 34mm, the NUC 14 Pro AI is designed for commercial use and edge computing applications, says the company. It combines doubled graphics capabilities with innovative embedded LPDDR5x design for high-speed performance and stability across a wide range of IoT scenarios.

Enjoy reliable 24/7 operation with advanced thermal management. The PC meets EPEAT Climate+ energy efficiency standards, and prioritizes security with features like Secure Boot, fingerprint recognition, and built-in Trusted Platform Model (TPM). Built-in speakers and microphones support voice commands, while Asus Control Center Remote Management and Microsoft’s Windows Autopilot streamline IT operations and device deployment.