ASUS wanted to take advantage of the pull of the education market and have released two new computers that are part of its new ASUS BR1100 family.
This new line of devices initially consists of an 11.6-inch pure notebook (BR1100C) and an 11.6-inch convertible (BR1100F) that transforms into a tablet.
ASUS BR1100 Datasheets
| ASUS BR1100C | ASUS BR1100F | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 11.6″ in 16:9 format Resolution 1,366 x 768, 250 nits | 11.6″ touch in 16:9 format Resolution 1,366 x 768, 250 nits |
| Processor | Intel Celeron N4500Graphics Intel UHD Graphics | Intel Celeron N4500Graphics Intel UHD Graphics |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4Expandable up to 16GB | 8 GB DDR4Expandable up to 16GB |
| Storage | 64 / 128GB eMMC | 64 / 128GB eMMC |
| Ports | 1 x USB-A (USB 2.0)1 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2)1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2)1 x HDMI 1.41 x RJ45 Gigabit EthernetHeadphone jack (3.5mm)Power connector | 1 x USB-A (USB 2.0)1 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2)1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2)1 x HDMI 1.41 x RJ45 Gigabit EthernetHeadphone jack (3.5mm)Power connector |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×4 (for SSD drives) | 1 x M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0×4 (for SSD drives) |
| WEBCAM | 13 Mpixels, 720 HDPrivacy shutter | 13 Mpixels, 720 HDPrivacy shutter |
| Sounds | SonicMaster Built-in loudspeaker Microphone array Supports Cortana | SonicMaster Built-in loudspeaker Microphone array Supports Cortana |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.0 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery | 42 Whr | 42 Whr |
| Others | 4G / LTE module option MIL-STD-810H Certification | 4G / LTE module option MIL-STD-810H Certification Convertible |
| Dimensions and Weight | 294.6 x 204.9 x 20 mm 1.26 kg | 294.6 x 204.9 x 20 mm 1.4 kg |
| PRICE | From $329 | From $329 |
Modest and repairable
The new devices in the ASUS BR1100 family have a modest profile, which is certainly reflected in their design: the screen bezels are certainly huge compared to today’s more advanced laptops.
Their dimensions and weight are also high considering this is a device with a screen diagonal of only 11.6 inches. ASUS stresses that the chassis is designed to withstand “everyday knocks, bumps, drops, and spills without damage”, which is precisely what makes them suitable for use in educational environments.
Although the design is not exactly compact, its orientation is certainly a reasonable argument to defend this type of construction, which also has an interesting advantage: it is equipment that is also designed to be easily repairable.
ASUS wanted to facilitate the maintenance of these devices using a “modular construction” that allows the keyboard, battery, thermal module, and I/O ports to be replaced. Captive screws are also used in the base, making it impossible to lose them during repairs.
Sacrifices, but also surprises
The configuration of these devices must logically make some concessions considering the price at which they are offered for sale. First of all, the displays have an HD resolution (1,366 x 768), which means that they can be used in connection with an external monitor thanks to the HDMI port on the units.
Sacrifices are also noticeable in terms of the processor, a modest but functional Celeron N4500, and the memory options (4 GB of RAM in the pure notebook), which can be expanded. The eMMC drives are also another way to reduce manufacturing costs, although here ASUS offers the option of adding SSDs via the M.2 expansion port.
There’s a good selection of ports, and the 13 Mpixel webcam (with privacy shutter) promises decent video conferencing that also benefits from noise cancellation and image post-processing.
In the area of connectivity, there is good news with support for Wi-Fi 6 networks and Bluetooth 5.0 connections.
In addition, there is an RJ45 port on the units that will enable Ethernet network connections to be enjoyed from the outset.
Both devices are identical in their specifications, and the only difference between the two is that the convertible model (BR1100F) can be converted into a tablet and its touch screen allows interaction with fingers and even a stylus to draw or take notes on the screen.
Pricing and availability
The new ASUS BR1100s are available starting today. The price for businesses starts at $329, while for end-users the price is $409.
More information | ASUS
