Asus has launched Transformer into the market to challenge other rival tablets. Asus transformer is a 10.1-in tablet with an additional dock which transforms it into netbook. It comes in two versions: 16GB and 32GB priced at around $400 and$500 respectively. The combined cost of 16GB tablet and the dock is around $600.00However, a separate keyboard can be bought for around $200.Transformer supports Wi-Fi connectivity but not 3G. Let us see whether Asus has succeeded in repeating the success of its mini-laptops to its tablets.
Design of tablet and dock
The design and texture around the shorter edges and throughout the back of the tablet provide a perfect grip to the user. Once the keyboard gets connected to the tablet, it becomes difficult to distinguish it from a netbook. Its weight increases a bit with the integration of keyboard dock but it’s still not too heavy. The use of metals reduces the chances of slight cracks on the screen edges. Charging is performed through a proprietary port located on the tablet. The dock also has the metal touch with a similar back side finish to that of the tablet. Two USB ports and a slot for multi-format card reader is present around the edges. The transfer executes Android 3.0 Honeycomb. This software offers 5 home screens which can be swiped with slight flicks to right or left.
Easy to use
The Transformer is whacked into the dock then a locking bar is slid to hold quickly. Once connected, a cursor pops up onto the screen and the onscreen keyboard vanishes. On folding the tablet, the transformer goes into sleep mode. On lifting back, it immediately wakes up. Apps that involve text input in large amount can be easily handled with the keyboard. While browsing the web, the browsing sessions are tracked by the trackpads top and scrolling can be done through two fingered drags. The combined hardware appears much better than most of the netbooks with respect to usability and quality. The chance of typing mistakes is minimal due to abundant spacing between the keys of the keyboard.
Battery life
The dock comes with an independent battery pack. Asus claims a battery backup of 9.5 hours for tablet and 6.5 hours for the dock, collectively 16 hours of battery backup. However, the battery life depends on the type of operation being carried out. Downloading, high brightness and gaming consume more power and reduce battery life.
Performance and connectivity
On disconnecting the keyboard, the transformer appears one of the greatest tablets itself. HDMI connectivity and dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 are also offered by this tablet to provide high speed. Both the trackpad and the keyboard are amazingly good. Some problems may occur while playing HD videos but lower resolution videos play properly. It can run games very smoothly. The display has a resolution of 1280X800 pixels which provide clarity and sharpness. A 5 MP camera is devised at the back to capture still images and videos. The front face is equipped with a 1.2 MP camera to support video calling. Its slick design and attractive display make it a standalone tablet among other android tablets. Collectively, the performance of Transformer is quite satisfactory.
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