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Cape Town - Taiwanese computer maker Asus has launched two new laptops in South Africa that offer increased security with a fingerprint reader and robust design.
The top-of-the-range B-Series features a fingerprint reader for an additional layer of security and is powered by Windows 8.1 and an Intel processor.
But the machine is designed to take hits and survive. It has a carbon-fibre-reinforced LCD cover, spill resistant keyboard and shock resistant hard drive.
The P-series devices are more suited (read "priced") for the consumer market with standard features like USB 3.0 that Asus says provides quick charging for mobile devices.
Unlike the B-series, the P-series laptops do not fold down to 180°, but the company says that users should get a long battery life from the removable pack.
PC nosedive
Despite the uptick in PC sales in 2014, the market remains relatively flat as consumers opt for smartphones and tablets as primary technologies to access the internet.
Laptops remain relevant even as smartphone sales increase in sales. (Asus)
International Data Corporation (IDC) reported that in the last three months of 2013, PC shipments to the region were hard hit by a 14.3% decline as consumers turned to mobile devices.
Most recent statistics have indicated that PCs have halted their nosedive, but in the last three months, the traditional computer has returned to growth, though it's early days yet.
"The Middle East and Africa PC market brought seven successive quarters of year-on-year declines to a halt in Q2 2014, posting long-awaited annual growth of 2.2% to total 4.5 million units," industry firm the IDC said.
Manufacturers have been pressured by demand to produce smartphones in light of consumer demand for the gadgets. Asus has launched the Fonepad 7 in September.
The B-Series and P-Series range of machines will be available by the end of November.
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