The Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is a 10.1in. tablet running Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). It comes with a keyboard into which the tablet docks in landscape mode. The idea is that you can use it for ultra-mobile tablet-style computing when travelling light, adding the keyboard when need to do some real work.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer - Memory & Performance:
The ASUS 16GB Eee Pad Transformer Tablet features a 10.1" LED backlight, capacitive display with 10 finger multi-touch support, WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution and viewing angles up to 178°. There's 16GB of storage capacity and a 1GB DDR2 memory. It runs an Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system and is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, which provides ultra-fast web browsing, quicker response time and more efficient multi-tasking performance.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer - Connectivity:
ASUS equipped the Transformer with WLAN 802.11 b/g/n wireless connectivity and Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR. It features a mini HDMI port for viewing stored and Internet content on an HDTV in full 1080p HD with a 5.1 ch surround sound system. There are also front and rear facing cameras that can shoot and record HD video, which makes the mini HDMI output especially useful for viewing your recorded HD video on an HDTV. Plus, the Transformer has expandable storage via the micro SD card reader and 1-year free trial of unlimited ASUS WebStorage.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer - Sound:
When you're on-the-go, you'll appreciate the SRS Sound technology, 2-in-1 audio jack and durable IPS scratch resistant panel. The built-in SRS Sound technology provides a dynamic 3D stereo audio experience, with maximum bass response and a wide sound field from the stereo speakers integrated into the tablet. The 2-in-1 audio jack utilizes a single jack as a headphone output and microphone input. There is also a digital array mic integrated into the tablet. The IPS panel protects the brilliant 10.1" display with a durable and scratch-resistant glass enclosure, which can endure the rigors of daily commuting and ultra-mobility.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer - Other Features:
The portability of the Transformer is enhanced by its 0.5" thickness and 1.5 lb weight. It also features a unique textured back pattern that increases grip and provides comfortable holding from any position. As you turn the Transformer in your hand, the G-sensor automatically changes the screen from portrait to landscape mode. The Transformer also includes a gyroscope, light sensor, E-compass and GPS sensor. The Li-polymer battery lasts nearly ten hours and the ASUS Waveshare User Interface facilitates quick access to the tablet's software suite for easier on-the-move computing. Plus, if you choose to purchase the optional ASUS Transformer Keyboard Docking Station, the battery life will be extended to 16 hours and you'll have the ability to swiftly transform your tablet into a full-on notebook with full QWERTY keyboard and touchpad.
Powerful Entertainment On-the-Go:
Powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, the Transformer affords ultra-fast web browsing, quicker response time and efficient multi-tasking performance. It features 16GB of storage, 1GB DDR2 memory, Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR and WLAN 802.11 b/g/n wireless connectivity @ 2.4GHz
Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS with ASUS Waveshare Interface:
Google's Android Honeycomb is specially designed and optimized for tablets, and enables a full web experience for on-the-go web browsing, communicating and casual computing. It supports Adobe Flash 10.2 and the ever expanding Android Market. The convenient ASUS Launcher allows users to easily launch software, manage content and access online services and connect devices with a few simple taps. The ASUS Waveshare Interface hosts a variety of unique applications such as MyNet, MyLibrary and MyCloud
IPS Panel:
The Transformer features an IPS Panel made from durable and scratch-resistant glass. It's viewable at angles up to 178° and produces a crisp, accurate color range. The 10.1" display features an LED backlight capacitive touch screen with 10 finger multi-touch support and WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution.
HDMI Output:
Sporting a HDMI 1.3a port, the Transformer can connect to an HDTV and 5.1 surround sound system, which allows you to share your stored / Internet content with friends and family - delivering an enhanced multimedia experience
Ultra-Thin Style:
The super slim and lightweight Transformer is 0.5" thick and weighs only 1.5 lb. It's designed to be held comfortably from any position and the unique textured pattern offers better grip
Front & Rear Cameras:
A 5.0 Megapixel rear-facing camera and a 1.2 Megapixel front-facing camera can both shoot and record HD video, which can be played back in stunning 1080p full HD
SRS Sound Technology:
Built-in SRS Sound technology provides a dynamic 3D stereo audio experience, with maximum bass response and a wide sound field from the two discrete stereo speakers housed within the tablet
Polaris Office 3.0:
Preloaded on the Transformer, Polaris Office 3.0 enables users to edit various types of office documents including documents (.doc), spreadsheets (.xls) and presentation (.ppt) files, making the Transformer very attractive for professional use
Optional Keyboard Docking Station:
Sold separately, the Transformer Keyboard Docking Station facilitates the attachment of a full QWERTY keyboard to the tablet via a docking port. The keyboard is equipped with a touchpad, 3.5mm audio jack, two USB ports as well as a built-in SD Card reader for easy file sharing and storage expandability. The docking station also extends the Transformer's 9.5 hours of battery life up to 16 hours and provides unique Android Function keys, turning your Transformer tablet into a full-fledged notebook.
Conclusion:
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is an impressive marriage of tablet and keyboard. The design is generally good, although the system's top-heaviness in clamshell mode is a worry. Professional-level Android applications are still thin on the ground, which limits the Eee Pad Transformer's appeal to businesses. Having said that, the bundled Polaris Office does a reasonable job of knocking out simple office documents. The range of Android apps optimised for Android 3.0 is also currently small.
COMMENTS