Asus Transformer Prime Mini rumoured for CES

Asus will reportedly launch a smaller version of the well received Asus Transformer Prime tablet-laptop hybrid at the CES 2012 trade show.

According to Notebookitalia (via TechRadar), the Asus Transformer Prime Mini will have a seven-inch screen rather than its bigger brother's 10-inch display.

It will also have a specially designed smaller keyboard dock to accommodate the slimmed down form factor.



Notebookitalia said that the Transformer Prime Mini will be one of three tablets being shown by Asus at CES in Las Vegas this month.

The other two devices will include the previously unveiled Asus Padfone, and a new iteration of the Eee Memo Pad, featuring a seven-inch screen.

Asus's Transformer and Transformer Prime tablet-laptop hybrids have been well reviewed since they were released last year.

Packing a Nvidia Tegra 3 chip, the Transformer Prime will soon update to Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, bringing even more functionality.

However Hasbro, maker of the Transformers toys, filed legal action against Asus in Los Angeles last month over use of the name.

Hasbro accused the Taiwanese company of trademark violation, particularly as the Transformer Prime appeared to take from Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots.

In a statement, Hasbro said: "Hasbro continues to aggressively protect its brands and products and the specific actions we are taking... against Asus underscores yet again Hasbro's willingness to pursue companies who misappropriate our intellectual property for their own financial gain."

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