Asus M70AD desktop PC with NFC launched at Rs. 62,000

Asus has launched its M70AD desktop PC which claims to be the first with NFC (Near Field Communication) built in. The M70AD can pair with Android-based smartphones or tablets which enables the user to log into his or her account automatically. An Asus app allows the Android device to be used as a touch-screen launcher for Windows 8, and also automatically backs up photos and data on the device to the PC.

The Asus M70AD desktop also includes other unique features such as a built-in UPS that allows the PC to shut down safely in the event of a power failure, after all data and documents are saved. There's also a Qi wireless inductive plate and fast USB charging that will allow devices to charge even when the PC is shut down.

A hot-swappable Universal Storage Module (USM) drive bay makes it easy to use high-capacity external SATA hard drives. The industry-standard USM interface is around twice as fast as USB 3.0 and all USM drives can also use a simple USB adapter for easy portability.

The M70AD also features two sound enhancements for more powerful audio. Sonic Master Technology is Asus' own enhancement, and MaxxAudio from Waves has received a Technical Grammy award.

Asus' latest product is based on 4th generation Intel Core (Haswell) processors with integrated Intel graphics or discrete Nvidia GeForce graphics cards. There is 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a slim DVD-RW drive, and a 16-in-1 card reader. The M70AD tower case is also designed with aggressive angles and a polished metal finish.

The M70AD desktop runs Windows 8 64bit and comes with a number of Asus applications including Asus Launcher, Asus WebStorage (32GB for 3 years), Power Director, Photo Director, and Music Maker Silver. There are trial versions of office and antivirus suites.

The launch information makes no mention of a monitor or multiple variants with integrated and discrete graphics, but lists the price as Rs. 62,000 (all inclusive).