ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer (Tablet Only)

ASUS, from the Greek Pegasus, have long been associated with quality products. They have garnered numerous awards from equally numerous sources over the years, and have proved their worth as a computer manufacturer. It should come as no surprise to anyone that once they entered the “Tablet Wars”, other tab-makers should be nervous. This is a contest dominated by Apple iPads, so can anyone compete?
It should be noted that the iPad, Motorola Xoom and similar devices are essentially giant smartphones. They run apps and behave like a smartphone traditionally would. The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer is more than that; this is a truly handheld computer.

PROS

It’s like a laptop

Although marketed and performing like a tablet, the Android operating system is so awesome that the Transformer does double duty as a laptop. That’s right; a full keyboard complete with hinge and trackpad to complement your 10.1 inch tablet. You simply dock the tablet sideways on the keyboard, and away you go. I want to make sure I don’t under-sell this, but it is less of a keyboard dock and more of a transformation into a Honeycomb powered laptop.

 

Solid screen

A common concern with tablets is scratching the screen. The Transformer has Gorilla Glass, made by Corning, so you should have some peace of mind in that arena. There exists on this tablet a mini HDMI port for high-def output, and a microSD slot. Let me expound on that for a moment. This microSD slot actually works, unlike some other tablets that need special hacks or tweaks to function properly. You can just pop the card in and use it as you wish for external storage or transferring files. The Transformer is also equipped with the other sundry items other tabs have; a 5 MP camera, built in microphone, 10 hour battery life, etc.

CONS

Some hortcomings…

There must always be cons associated with such devices, even one as fantastic as the Transformer. ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer’s speakers are located on the front portion of the trim, which is a good place for them to be. They aren’t as loud as some other devices speakers, however. As for connectivity, it is Wifi only, using 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1. Compared to similar devices, it feels a little cheap and maybe too “plastic”, if that makes sense. It is similar in aesthetics to other ASUS Eee products, so it’s not like they skimped here.

WHO SHOULD BUY IT?

Anyone. Everyone. This is a phenomenal device, even with the cons. With the easy transformation between Android Honeycomb tablet and laptop, everyone would benefit from it. Even the Polaris office suite it come with can save documents in Office 2003 formats, meaning that you can even take your work with you. The full range of Google apps that come pre-installed are the ones that Android users are familiar with, so there isn’t much to get used to. There isn’t a whole lot you can’t do with the Transformer. ASUS has done this very right.

WHY SHOULD I BUY IT?

If you are in the market for a tablet, you should give the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer  some serious thought. If for no other reason, consider the price. A 16 GB Transformer will cost you $399.00, with a 32 GB version costing only slightly more at $499.00. The iPad will set you back 100 dollars more each, and that’s before you throw in whatever service contract you have to use with it. Even with the keyboard costing an extra $149.00, you can still get an Android tablet AND laptop for 550 bucks. This won’t replace a standard Mac or PC laptop just yet, but who else but ASUS can offer a Honeycomb powered laptop? No one.
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