Asus NUC 13 Rugged: A Compact and Durable Mini PC
Asus has officially launched the Asus NUC 13 Rugged, previously known as the Intel NUC 13 Rugged. This move comes after Intel's decision to close its NUC division, with Asus taking over the development and distribution of NUC-branded computers under a non-exclusive license. This transition also hints at the possibility of other companies entering the market with NUC systems in the future.
Specifications:
The Asus NUC 13 Rugged is a compact, fanless, and dustproof mini PC designed to withstand harsh environments. It can operate in external ambient temperatures ranging from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for challenging settings. Powering the PC are Intel Alder Lake-N processors, including options like the Intel Processor N50, Atom x7211E, and Atom x7425E.
The NUC 13 Rugged is available in two sizes. The shorter model features a 6-watt Intel N50 processor, while the taller version is designed for processors up to 12 watts (Atom x7211E and Atom x7425E). The taller version also includes passive cooling fins on top, which the shorter model lacks.
In terms of memory, the device supports up to 16GB of DDR5 memory and offers versatile storage options. It comes with an M.2 2280 slot for a PCIe x2 NVMe SSD and an M.2 3042 slot for additional SSDs or other uses. Additionally, the system provides optional 64GB eMMC storage.
Connectivity and Ports:
The Asus NUC 13 Rugged offers a range of connectivity options. It features dual 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports and an Intel AX210 wireless card that supports WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. The mini PC also supports up to two 4K displays and optional external antennas. On the port front, it includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two RJ45 ports, and a DC power input. All of these ports are conveniently located on the same side as the power button.
Pricing and Availability:
As of now, Asus has not announced the pricing and availability details for the NUC 13 Rugged. However, corporate customers can request a quote through Asus's product page.
In addition to the NUC 13 Rugged, Asus recently unveiled their latest ZenBook 14 OLED laptop. This laptop features a 14-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Intel Core Ultra processors, up to 32GB of RAM, and a starting price of $1,299.
