Asus Transformer Book Hybrid Now Available For Pre-Order

Back in June, we got our hands on Asus's Transformer Book, a laptop/tablet hybrid running Windows 8. Today, some retailers have opened the 13.3-inch version up to pre-orders, with users being able to grab it for $1,480. Says one retailer, the device will be in stock and begin shipping in the middle of next month.

Officially the Asus Transformer Book TX300CA, the biggest thing that separates this svelte hybrid from Asus's Transformer Pad is its innards. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-3517U CPU, the device runs Windows 8, and functions just as any other laptop – with the exception of transforming into a tablet. This is one model in the line, which will also feature an 11.6-inch and 14-inch model.

The 13.3-inch model features 4GB of RAM in addition to the Core i7, and has a 128GB SSD. When the keyboard is tossed into the mix, however, its 500GB drive is added to the SSD, bringing the total up to 628GB of storage, a large enough amount to satisfy most users. The only downside to this setup is that access to the data on the HDD won't be available when the Transformer Book is being used as a tablet, meaning those who use it to store media, such as movies and music, will only have access to the data when the keyboard is being used.

The display is an IPS multi-touch with a full 1080p HD resolution. There's a high-definition webcam on the front and a multi-touch trackpad on the keyboard dock. Connectivity includes Bluetooth and USB 3.0. In addition to the Core i7, some retailers are also showing a cheaper version featuring a Core i5 processor.

[via Liliputing]