ASUS seems to be on track to compete with rival tablet makers with the recent launch of its 10.1-inch VivoTab Smart tablet with HD display.

"VivoTab Smart is perfect for work and play, at home or on the move. VivoTab Smart gives complete peace of mind to users too, thanks to complete compatibility with both Windows 8 Store and Desktop apps, along with plug and play support for a wide range of existing peripherals," stated the ASUS press release.

The press release confirms that the VivoTab Smart sports a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display with 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. An Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz powers the tablet. The VivoTab Smart has IPS display technology, which enables 178-degrees wide viewing angles.

The tablet is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus, a five-element lens, and is capable of 1080p Full HD video recording. The VivoTab Smart also includes a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chatting.

The device has 64GB of on-board storage that can be further expanded via a microSD card. The VivoTab Smart includes 2GB of RAM. A 25Wh battery fuels the tablet and ASUS claims that the battery can offer up to 8.5 hours of usage. The tablet runs on Windows 8 and is compatible with both Windows 8 Store and Desktop apps. It also has Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and Near-Field Communication capabilities, measures 10.43 x 6.73 x 0.38 inches and weighs 20.46 ounces.

ASUS is offering the VivoTab Smart in black, white, or red color options. Users can also buy an optional 3-in-1 TranSleeve Keyboard that magnetically attaches to the tablet. The TransSleeve Keyboard acts as a wireless keyboard, screen protector, and a stand that provides enhanced productivity.

The VivoTab Smart also features ASUS SonicMaster audio technology for enhanced sound quality from its built-in stereo speakers.

ASUS has not confirmed the release date or the price of VivoTab Smart, but ABT.com is taking pre-orders for the tablet at $499.