Asus claims new Core i7 Windows 8 laptop-tablet is fastest ever

Asus has announced what is effectively a Windows 8 version of its Android-based Transformer laptop-tablet hybrids.

Most tablets can't hope to match a laptop when it comes to sheer processor performance. Asus' new Transformer Book is not only a laptop that can turn into a tablet, but it will come equipped with the latest Intel Core i7 processors.

The 11.6in tablet will weigh around 800g when undocked from the keyboard dock which will have an extra battery inside to help prolong battery life. According to an Asus spokesperson, the company will be bringing out models with different screen sizes. Although we can't imagine anyone wanting to use an 800g tablet, nevermind an even heavier one, Asus clearly thinks differently as the company has already introduced what is effectively an 18.4in tablet.

We're still waiting for clarification from Asus as to whether they'll be using a dual core or quad core i7 chip in the Transformer Book, but the company has confirmed that Core i3 and i5 variants will be available. Asus has squeezed in 4GB of RAM and there will be versions with either a hard disk or a solid state disk (SSD).

As the Transformer Book will come with Windows 8 pre-installed, final pricing and a release date are still up in the air until Microsoft announces a release date for its new operating system.