I’m a huge fan of ASUS and their Transformer and Padfone series, but the Transformer Book V concept from the Taiwanese manufacturer is more than a bit too much. The ASUS Transformer Book V is basically a combination of all of their most popular innovative lines: the Transformer Series, Padfone Series, and Transformer Book Duet.

The Transformer Book V starts off as an Android 4.4 KitKat phone that can dock into a tablet accessory, just like the Padfone Series. Right there, you’re already getting a 2-in-1 device. However, it doesn’t stop there. You can then take the phone/tablet assembly and dock it into a keyboard accessory, just like the Transformer Series, giving you a notebook form-factor that’s designed for enhanced office productivity.

Of course, you can use it as an Android laptop in this mode and there are certainly plenty of productivity apps in the Play Store that can help you replace your regular laptop. But then, why would you want to do that when Windows applications and the laptops that run them are so much better for productivity?

Now this is where it gets interesting. Unlike the Padfone Series where the tablet can’t function without the phone being docked in back, the Transformer Book V’s tablet can function independently of the phone. Why? Because it actually runs Windows 8.1! Therefore, you have a choice between a Windows or Android-powered laptop! And yes, when removed from its dock, the Transformer Book V can function as a Windows tablet too!

Transformer Book V All Modes

So let’s do a recap. You’re getting a 5 inch flagship-class Android 4.4 KitKat smartphone, an Android tablet, a Windows tablet, an Android notebook and a Windows notebook all in one device. If that doesn’t get any gadget geek salivating, I don’t know what will.

Now here’s the catch: it’s going to be hella expensive. Official pricing hasn’t been disclosed yet, but according to Yahoo, the Transformer Book V price:

…would likely cost less than the combined price of an ASUS Transformer Book T100 and a Zenfone 5. The T100 retails for $349 and an unlocked Zenfone 5s sells for around $199, which suggests that the Transformer Book V will cost less than the equivalent of $500 U.S.

After straight conversion, that would put the Transformer Book V’s price at Php22k. Of course, after customs has its way with it, the Transformer Book V will be priced closer to Php28k assuming it will ever get here.

And this super hybrid faces other hurdles as well. Its predecessor, the Transformer Book Duet was shut down before it was ever released due to pressure from both Google and Microsoft who certainly didn’t want their operating systems co-existing on the same machine.

Do I want the ASUS Transformer Book V? You know I do. Will I be able to afford it? I certainly doubt it. But then, since there’s a strong possibility that it might never reach retailer shelves, that’s something I can live with.

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