Asus Taichi 21 Series
Processor: Intel Core i5 3317U, Intel Core i7 3517UGraphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch
Weight: 1.25kg, 1.254kg, 1.3kg
Price: 1100, 1200, 1599, 1600 euro
Average of 28 scores (from 36 reviews)
Asus Taichi 21-CW001H
With the introduction of Windows 8 and its touch-oriented interface and colorful tiles, many OEMs hastily launch laptops and tablets with touch screens to ride the wave of innovation. Some even introduce devices which can be used as laptops and tablets, e.g., the Sony Vaio Duo 11 with its sliding mechanism, the Dell XPS 12 with flippable display, and the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga which can open the screen to 360 degree. Among all these devices, the Asus Taichi 21 with its dual-screen stands out the most.
Basically, Asus took the already popular Zenbook prime design, put an additional touch-enabled screen on the lid, and called it Taichi. Thanks to its innovative design, the Taichi could attract many business customers. They can take notes in tablet mode during long meetings or present new products to potential customers in dual-screen mode. The idea behind this dual screen laptop is cool and a novelty for business users, and it works. The two high quality fullHD displays and the zenbook-like weight, built-quality and keyboard are worth mentioning here, as they make the Taichi a very attractive ultrabook.
The only two downsides of the Taichi are its somewhat short battery life compared to traditional ultrabook, which is average for touch-screen ultrabooks, and that the inner screen is not touch-enabled. The latter could be a deal breaker for many users. With the introduction of the Intel's 4th generation Core-i series, the battery life problem can surely be solved. If the Taichi concept is a little bit revised, it could be one of the most, if not the most useful, device for all scenario.
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-CW001HProcessor: Intel Core i7 3517U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.254kg
Price: 1599 euro
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Revolutionary. One device designed for all jobs. Browsing, presentations, typing, mobility and working with a partner. The simple idea of installing a dual-TFT on the front and rear is to revolutionize using a Windows PC.
Source: APC Mag Archive.org version
We’re used to seeing interesting designs when it comes to Windows 8 tablets and convertibles, but the Taichi takes the cake for originality.We’re not sold on the idea of twin displays and it’s obviously come at the cost of other components. If you can find a good reason to use both screens, there’s nothing else quite like the Taichi, although it feels more of a proof of concept than a usable solution.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/09/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: APC Mag Archive.org version
We’re used to seeing interesting designs when it comes to Windows 8 tablets and convertibles, but the Taichi takes the cake for originality.We’re not sold on the idea of twin displays and it’s obviously come at the cost of other components. If you can find a good reason to use both screens, there’s nothing else quite like the Taichi, although it feels more of a proof of concept than a usable solution.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/09/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Computer Shopper Archive.org version
There's little arguing the fact that the Taichi is a well-built premium laptop. And both of its screens are of excellent quality. But like pretty much every hybrid or convertible we've seen so far, its split personality results in a compromised experience on both sides. As a tablet, the Taichi is powerful and responsive, but it's also about twice as heavy as most similarly sized dedicated tablets. And battery life is also pretty short by tablet standards.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/22/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Computer Shopper Archive.org version
There's little arguing the fact that the Taichi is a well-built premium laptop. And both of its screens are of excellent quality. But like pretty much every hybrid or convertible we've seen so far, its split personality results in a compromised experience on both sides. As a tablet, the Taichi is powerful and responsive, but it's also about twice as heavy as most similarly sized dedicated tablets. And battery life is also pretty short by tablet standards.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/22/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: Techreview Source Archive.org version
Windows 8 opened up new possibilities for mobile computing and the Asus Taichi 21 takes advantage of this. It has dual 11.6-inch 1080p displays where the second on the back of the primary display acts as a tablet when closed. Both of the displays look really good but the battery life is short. Asus really tried to keep the Taichi 21 light and compact and they certainly succeeded. It measures 12.1 x 7.8 x 0.7-inches (wdh) and weighs just shy of 3-pounds. The design is also eye-pleasing with an aluminum keyboard deck, sides and bottom with tapering edges to finish it off. Our only design question was why Asus put such a thick bezel around the primary display.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/28/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Techreview Source Archive.org version
Windows 8 opened up new possibilities for mobile computing and the Asus Taichi 21 takes advantage of this. It has dual 11.6-inch 1080p displays where the second on the back of the primary display acts as a tablet when closed. Both of the displays look really good but the battery life is short. Asus really tried to keep the Taichi 21 light and compact and they certainly succeeded. It measures 12.1 x 7.8 x 0.7-inches (wdh) and weighs just shy of 3-pounds. The design is also eye-pleasing with an aluminum keyboard deck, sides and bottom with tapering edges to finish it off. Our only design question was why Asus put such a thick bezel around the primary display.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/28/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: V3.co.uk Archive.org version
Overall, the Asus Taichi handled the Windows 8 OS very well, with very little lag when swiping between live tiles, and programs popped up almost as soon as we selected them. However, after installing a number of applications and storing a sufficient amount of data, we can imagine that it could slow down a bit.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/11/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: V3.co.uk Archive.org version
Overall, the Asus Taichi handled the Windows 8 OS very well, with very little lag when swiping between live tiles, and programs popped up almost as soon as we selected them. However, after installing a number of applications and storing a sufficient amount of data, we can imagine that it could slow down a bit.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/11/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Asus Taichi stands up as a supremely desirable piece of consumer tech that acts as a sterling showcase for Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. Both power and usability are first class, and the design - as we've come to expect from Asus - really is head-turning. The Asus Taichi works better as a laptop than a tablet, but it's one of the best examples we've yet seen of marrying the two form factors together.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/06/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
The Asus Taichi stands up as a supremely desirable piece of consumer tech that acts as a sterling showcase for Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. Both power and usability are first class, and the design - as we've come to expect from Asus - really is head-turning. The Asus Taichi works better as a laptop than a tablet, but it's one of the best examples we've yet seen of marrying the two form factors together.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/06/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
The Taichi’s screen-on-screen action could be exactly what some people want – be they business types, show-offs or just wildly popular Ultrabook users who never get any peace from their adoring fans. It is a touch too unwieldy to use as a touchscreen tablet to justify that £1200 price tag, but it’s already available for less so you may not have to stretch right up to the RRP.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/01/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
The Taichi’s screen-on-screen action could be exactly what some people want – be they business types, show-offs or just wildly popular Ultrabook users who never get any peace from their adoring fans. It is a touch too unwieldy to use as a touchscreen tablet to justify that £1200 price tag, but it’s already available for less so you may not have to stretch right up to the RRP.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 12/01/2012
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC Pro Archive.org version
Many manufacturers are struggling to find the most natural meeting point between the tablet and the laptop, and Asus’ own Windows 8 range provides yet more evidence of this. With its VivoBooks marrying touchscreens to standard laptops, the forthcoming VivoTab range mimicking the separate tablet and keyboard dock concept of the Android-powered Transformer Pad, and the Taichi 21 ploughing its own dual-screened furrow, it seems even Asus isn’t confident enough to put all of its eggs in one basket. Give it a few years and a refined, lighter chassis married with more power-efficient CPUs and improved battery life could see this dual-screened form factor present a compelling hybrid. At present, though, Asus’ Taichi 21 feels like a bold, innovative concept that’s just a little too far ahead of its time.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/22/2012
Rating: Total score: 67% price: 50% performance: 67% features: 67% ergonomy: 67%
Source: PC Pro Archive.org version
Many manufacturers are struggling to find the most natural meeting point between the tablet and the laptop, and Asus’ own Windows 8 range provides yet more evidence of this. With its VivoBooks marrying touchscreens to standard laptops, the forthcoming VivoTab range mimicking the separate tablet and keyboard dock concept of the Android-powered Transformer Pad, and the Taichi 21 ploughing its own dual-screened furrow, it seems even Asus isn’t confident enough to put all of its eggs in one basket. Give it a few years and a refined, lighter chassis married with more power-efficient CPUs and improved battery life could see this dual-screened form factor present a compelling hybrid. At present, though, Asus’ Taichi 21 feels like a bold, innovative concept that’s just a little too far ahead of its time.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/22/2012
Rating: Total score: 67% price: 50% performance: 67% features: 67% ergonomy: 67%
Foreign Reviews
Source: PC Magazin - 3/13
Performance sufficient, battery runtime low
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2013
Source: PC Magazin - 3/13
Performance sufficient, battery runtime low
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2013
Source: Notegear KO→EN Archive.org version
Positve: Convertable; aluminum case; comfortable keyboard; fullHD display.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/07/2013
Source: Notegear KO→EN Archive.org version
Positve: Convertable; aluminum case; comfortable keyboard; fullHD display.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 01/07/2013
Asus Taichi 21-CW002H
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-CW002HProcessor: Intel Core i5 3317U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.3kg
Price: 1600 euro
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section Taichi 21-CW002H (Model)
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: PC Authority Archive.org version
Many manufacturers are struggling to find the most natural meeting point between the tablet and the laptop, and Asus’ own Windows 8 range provides yet more evidence of this. With its VivoBooks marrying touchscreens to standard laptops, the forthcoming VivoTab range mimicking the separate tablet and keyboard dock concept of the Android-powered Transformer Pad, and the Taichi 21 ploughing its own dual-screened furrow, it seems even Asus isn’t confident enough to put all of its eggs in one basket. Give it a few years and a refined, lighter chassis married with more power-efficient CPUs and improved battery life could see this dual-screened form factor present a compelling hybrid. At present, though, Asus’ Taichi 21 feels like a bold, innovative concept that’s just a little too far ahead of its time.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/19/2013
Rating: Total score: 67%
Source: Ultrabook News Archive.org version
ASUS deserves applause for trying something new and doing it as well as is possible given the current technology. It’s a flagship product that’s brought ASUS a lot of well- deserved attention but we don’t think it’s going to sell that well. It’s simply ahead of its time. Ivy Bridge is not a consumer tablet-capable processor and sandwiching two 1080p screens comes with big size and battery life trade-offs. The Taichi 21 needs to be 20% lighter with 50% better battery life. Interestingly that could be only one generation away. Haswell could make products like this into highly dynamic and usable devices that span consumer and business use.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/11/2013
Source: Engadget Archive.org version
Around the time I wrote this review, I was also working on Engadget's first-ever laptop buyer's guide. I was sure the TAICHI would be a shoo-in for the convertible section, what with its innovative design and sterling spec sheet. Unfortunately, as inventive as this is as a concept, the finished product isn't quite what we all thought it would be.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/06/2013
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
The ASUS Taichi 21 is a hybrid Ultrabook that ships with two Full HD screens. Open the lid to use it as a laptop, close the lid to use it as a tablet. It's easy to use and it provides a very good tablet experience. It's not perfect though: we think it needs some tweaks to the hardware and software. But overall, it's a unit worth considering if you're after a Windows 8 hybrid unit.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/19/2012
Rating: Total score: 75%
Foreign Reviews
Source: Chip.de DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/05/2013
Rating: Total score: 78% price: 63% performance: 75% features: 66% display: 89% mobility: 71% ergonomy: 88%
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/18/2013
Rating: performance: 70% features: 30% display: 70% mobility: 40% workmanship: 70% ergonomy: 20%
Asus Taichi 21-DH71
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-DH71Processor: Intel Core i7 3517U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.3kg
Price: 1600 euro
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: IT Reviews Archive.org version
The Asus Taichi 21 offers a unique dual-display design, but the end result is a good ultrabook combined with a middling tablet, at a fairly high price. Ultimately, the Asus Taichi 21 (Taichi 21-DH71) is a decent ultrabook, with an innovative design that may not have broad appeal. That’s a shame because the glass-backed lid looks great, and the Zenbook-like design of the laptop echoes Asus’s best systems.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/01/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
Ultimately, the Asus Taichi 21 (Taichi 21-DH71) is a decent ultrabook, with an innovative design that may not have broad appeal. That's a shame because the glass-backed lid looks great, and the Zenbook-like design of the laptop echoes Asus's best systems. Unfortunately, in this period of dual-device confusion, the attitude of "let's throw something at the touch screen and see what sticks" puts the Taichi 21 in the unenviable position of being a good ultrabook and a mediocre tablet, and not everyone will appreciate the combination of the two as a dual-display device. Despite the two-screened awkwardness, short battery life, and premium price, I'll gladly give Asus props for taking an innovative stab at today's odd design problems. For a better convertible ultrabook, however, consider either the Dell XPS 12 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13, and for our top pick for ultrabooks, consider the Editors' Choice Toshiba Portege Z935-P300 $999.00 at Amazon Marketplace.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 01/30/2013
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: CNet Archive.org version
The Asus Taichi 21 is fun, inventive, and a great conversation starter. It's also likely more clever than practical for many, and has a bit of a novelty feel -- but that's true of many of the new breed of Windows 8 laptop/tablet hybrids, as PC makers struggle to find forms that will appeal to consumers. The marketplace will ultimately decide which designs move forward.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 01/29/2013
Rating: Total score: 75% performance: 80% mobility: 70%
Source: Digital Trends Archive.org version
Oh Asus, you tried so hard to impress us with the Taichi 21 – and it worked … at first. The idea behind this hybrid is cool and different, and we want to like it. We wish the battery life was a little longer, the bottom was less toasty, and the Taichi had some apps that make the two screens less of a novelty and more of a must-have feature. Alas, that is not the case, and we’re genuinely sad to say so.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/29/2013
Rating: Total score: 55%
Source: Inside HW Archive.org version
As a finished product, Taichi is a huge step ahead for the market, especially since most other manufacturers have stopped at the drawing board for now. Disregarding its few minor drawbacks, Taichi 21 has definitely ploughed no man’s land, with ASUS starting a new chapter in the IT industry yet again.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/26/2013
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
ASUS' Taichi 21 offers an innovative dual-screen design in a lightweight chassis along with impressive sound. Not only is it easy to change from notebook to tablet mode, you can use the external screen for giving presentations. And while there's nowhere to put the pen on the system, we appreciate that the Taichi supports pen input. Unfortunately, its short battery life makes the $1,599 price tough to justify.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/25/2013
Rating: Total score: 50%
Source: Mobile Tech Review Archive.org version
After the June announcement's shock and awe wore off, the Asus Taichi seemed flashy rather than brilliant. After all, few of us really have use for two displays and those displays add weight and reduce durability (the lid is a piece of glass). Sure, it's novel and allows us to stick with the comfort of a traditional notebook hinge and form factor, but is it worth the $100 premium over single display models?
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/24/2013
Rating: Total score: 75%
Asus Taichi 21-CW003H
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-CW003HProcessor: Intel Core i5 3317U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.3kg
Price: 1100 euro
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Ultrabook King DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 02/14/2013
Rating: Total score: 75% price: 60% performance: 80% features: 90% display: 80% mobility: 60% workmanship: 80%
Source: Erenumerique FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/04/2013
Rating: Total score: 85%
Asus Taichi 21-DH51
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-DH51Processor: Intel Core i5 3317U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.3kg
Price: 1200 euro
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Reviews
Source: Comp Reviews Archive.org version
ASUS certainly offers a very different approach to a convertible laptop by making one with both internal and external displays. This is actually quite useful in some situations when sharing the laptop for presentations. The big downside here is that only the external display is touch enabled and also compatible with the digitizer pen.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/15/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Asus Taichi 21-CW009H
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-CW009HProcessor: Intel Core i7 3517U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.25kg
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section
Pricecompare
Average Score:
Foreign Reviews
Source: Dinside NO→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 05/08/2013
Rating: Total score: 83%
Asus Taichi 21-CW005H
Specifications
Notebook: Asus Taichi 21-CW005HProcessor: Intel Core i5 3317U
Graphics Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4000
Display: 11.60 inch, 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixels
Weight: 1.25kg
Links: Asus homepage Asus notebook section
Pricecompare
Foreign Reviews
Source: Laptop.bg BU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Powerful and clear sound system; wide viewing angles of the display; stylish and sleek design.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/13/2014
Comment
Asus: ASUSTeK Computer Inc. is a major Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer based in Taipei, founded in 1989. Under the Asus brand name, the company manufactures a wide range of products, including laptops, desktops, motherboards, graphics cards, monitors, smartphones and networking equipment, complete systems and PC components for end users.
Under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand name, ASUS manufactures gaming laptops known by gamers for their powerful specifications, dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays and advanced cooling systems.
Beyond gaming, a wide range of notebooks are offered for different needs and budgets, from ultra-slim and lightweight ultrabooks to versatile 2-in-1 convertibles and budget-friendly options. In 2023, Asus had a 7% global market share of the PC market.
Customer satisfaction with ASUS notebooks concerns performance, the features, and the good price-performance ratio of ASUS notebooks. However, as with any brand, there are occasional reports of problems such as overheating, driver compatibility, or build quality issues.
Non demanding games should be playable with these graphics cards.
Intel HD Graphics 4000: Processor graphics card in the high end Ivy Bridge models. Offers a different clock speed in the different CPU models (ULV to desktop quad core) and therefore a different performance.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
Intel Core i7: The Intel Core i7 for laptops is based on the LG1156 Core i5/i7 CPU for desktops. The base clock speed of the CPUs is relatively low, but because of a huge Turbo mode, the cores can dynamically overclock to up to 3.2 GHz (920XM). Therefore, the CPU can be as fast as high clocked dual-core CPUs (using single threaded applications) but still offer the advantage of 4 cores. Because of the large TDP of 45 W / 55 W, the CPU is only intended for large laptops.
3517U: Fast Ivy-Bridge-based ULV-CPU in Q2 2012. Offers a core clock of 1.9 - 3.0 GHz and an HD 4000 GPU (350 - 1150 MHz). The TDP is rated at 17 W.
Intel Core i5:
3317U: Ivy-Bridge-based ULV-CPU in Q2 2012. Offers a core clock of 1.7 - 2.6 GHz and an HD 4000 GPU (350 - 1050 MHz). The TDP is rated at 17 W.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.
No weight comment found (one expected)!
70.29%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.