Asus unveils Transformer 3 tablets with VR-ready graphics docks and 7th-gen Intel CPUs

The huge Computex convention is going to kick off tomorrow, but companies have already started announcing new and exciting hardware. The first to do so is none other than Asus, which has just unveiled a slew of new devices, including the Transformer 3 tablet series.

Asus is no stranger to the world of convertible notebooks or two-in-one devices, as the company has shipped a number of devices with such form-factors ever since the launch of Windows 8. But with the Transformer 3 series, the company is looking to take a step forward and seemingly go all-in on this market.

The new series includes three devices, ranging from a small note-taking tablet up to the full 'professional' version. To keep things fairly straightforward Asus is calling these, the Transformer Mini, Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro.

You might be forgiven for thinking you’re having deja vu, because Asus’ new models do indeed heavily resemble Microsoft’s own Surface line. From the detachable keyboards, to the integrated kickstand, the Transformer 3 tablets aren’t at all shy to show where their design inspiration came from. That being said Asus has done its own homework and packed these devices with some impressive specs, including "7th Gen Intel Core processors" - that's Intel's upcoming Kaby Lake line - for the top-end models.

Asus Transformer Mini specs:

10.1-inch display
8.2mm-thick
790 grams (530g without keyboard)
170-degree kickstand
Fingerprint reader
Powered by Windows 10
A built-in fingerprint reader allows for secure login with Windows Hello
Keyboard included
Aluminum chassis
Grey and white color options
USB Type-C ports

The Transformer 3 has only a two-position hinge

Asus Transformer 3 Specs:

12.6-inch display with 2880 x 1920 resolution, 275 ppi
6.9mm-thick, 695 grams
7^th Generation Intel Core CPU
Up to 8 GB RAM
Up to 512 GB SSD
USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
2-position hinge
Keyboard included
Windows 10

Despite having the same screen size and resolution, the Asus Transformer 3 Pro kicks things up a notch in its internal configuration. Weighing in at around a hundred grams more, and having a slightly thicker profile at 8.35mm, the Pro 3 packs an Intel Core i7 CPU, as well as up to 16 GB of RAM and 1TB PCIe x4 SSD.

The Transformer 3 Pro has a full 170-degree hinge

The Pro also comes with a backlit “laptop-grade 1.4mm key travel” keyboard, and a 170-degree hinge. Of course, both the Transformer 3 and its Pro counterpart are compatible with Asus accessories, like a capacitive pen, audio dock and so on.

The devices are also compatible with Asus' recently announced ROG XG Station 2, an external graphics dock that transforms any compatible device into a VR-ready gaming machine. The fact that these tablets are compatible with the ROG dock will sure give Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 tablets a run for their money, as the Windows-maker only supports a dGPU on the Surface Book, which is a much more expensive device.

The Transformer Mini's keyboard comes in a variety of colors

The Asus Transformer 3 will start at $799, while the Pro version goes for $999. There’s no pricing info on the Mini just yet, but all three tablets are expected to hit markets in Q3 this year.