Asus Q505u

The ASUS Q505U (specifically the Q505UA model) is a 15.6-inch 2-in-1 convertible laptop that was primarily a Best Buy exclusive in North America. Released in late 2017, it was a pioneer for Intel's 8th Gen processors but has since been discontinued, transitioning into a popular choice for the secondary/refurbished market.

Product Specifications & Design

The Q505U was designed as a premium "workhorse" convertible, balancing performance with a versatile 360-degree hinge. Wikipedia

* Processor: Intel Core i7-8550U (Quad-Core, 1.8 GHz to 4.0 GHz).

* Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) Touchscreen with Wide-View technology.

* Memory/Storage: Typically 12GB DDR4 RAM and a hybrid storage setup (1TB HDD + 128GB/256GB SSD).

* Key Features: Harman Kardon audio, fingerprint reader for Windows Hello, and a slim aluminum chassis weighing ~4.19 lbs.

* Compatibility: Its 8th Gen CPU makes it technically compatible with Windows 11, extending its functional lifespan compared to older models.

Market Trends & Insights (2024–2026)

The ASUS Q505U currently occupies a niche in the budget-to-mid-range refurbished market, while its successors drive modern trends.

1. 1Resale Value & Availability:

* Status: Discontinued at major retail. Brand new units are unavailable. Wikipedia

* Secondary Market: Active on platforms like eBay and Back Market. Used units typically range from $250 to $400. Units upgraded with full SSD storage command the highest prices. Wikipedia

1. 2Consumer Shift to AI & OLED:

* Market data for 2026 indicates a strong consumer pivot toward AI-powered PCs (Copilot+) and OLED displays, features that were absent in the Q505U era. SynivaAccio

* Series like the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED and Vivobook S 15 (Snapdragon X) are the modern equivalents, seeing high search volume and demand for portability and battery life (up to 21 hours). FacebookYoutube

1. 3Pricing Pressures:

* While the Q505U launched at a mid-range $899, current market trends show ASUS raising prices for new hardware by 25–30% in early 2026 due to rising component costs (CPU/Memory). DigitaltrendsTrendforce This hike makes refurbished models like the Q505U more attractive for budget-conscious students and business users.

Market Alternatives

If you are sourcing for this specific form factor (15.6" 2-in-1), current market favorites include:

* ASUS Zenbook Flip 15: The direct premium successor.

* ASUS Vivobook 16 Flip: A modern high-volume alternative with better thermal solutions. Vortez

* Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga Series: Highly competitive in the refurbished B2B space for similar specs. Alibaba