Among the many advantages of the Google Android Operating System, one is the most popular: Openness! It is impossible to consider that an Android device does not exist that fits one's needs and wants when it comes to software and hardware. While software is open source and hence can be use in different ways to meet users’ needs, hardware comes in so many different flavours that everyone should be able to find their perfect device in their desired specs and shape.
Up until now, that has been proven to be the case with smartphones. But what about tablets?
Although Android and Google are new to the world of tablets, Honeycomb has already evolved from 3.0 to 3.1 and 3.2, proving that it is here to stay. In addition, hardware manufacturers have realised that there is a lot of room for innovation and development in this market as users familiarise themselves with devices that are becoming simpler and smaller and running software that is becoming more interactive.
Many hardware manufacturers joined Google in this "adventure" including Motorola, HTC, Samsung and LG. Although these companies have been working very closely with Google on Android smartphones for quite some time now, none of them can claim the one thing Asus can: innovation and expertise in the netbook market.
Asus is new to the Android world, but they are the ones who gave birth to the netbook the way we know it with the Asus Eee Pad series a few years ago. Hence, it seems fitting that it was them who realised the gap between a tablet and a netbook first. It also makes sense that Asus would seek to position its first Android tablet in a niche it knows very well and which they know there is great potential demand as was the case with netbooks when they were first released.
The product we are referring to, of course, is no other than the Asus Transformer TF101. Sporting a detachable dock with a keyboard and a trackpad, it is a powerful Android-powered tablet while still remains a fully functional netbook when needed.
Removing the device from the box reveals a netbook that - although smooth - feels very grippy thanks to the honeycomb-style texture it is covered in. The chassis is made of a mix of quality materials that ensure the device remains as light as possible, although it is still slightly heavier - at 680g - than the average tablet from other manufacturers, especially when the dock is attached.
The Asus Transformer also comes with a power supply in two separate pieces: a wall charger and a usb cable. Unfortunately the socket on the device is not the universal one used on mobile phones and the cable is extremely short, - about 1m. -, making the owner having to think of where to place the netbook to charge.
On the other hand though, the device holds charge for more than enough hours - up to 16 hrs with the dock attached -, enough to allow its users flexibility to charge it only when not in use.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101: Specs
Processor:
Starting with the "brains" of the device, the Asus Transformer comes with the popular NVIDIA 1GHz dual-core CPU that is used in all other top notch Android tablets. This is a powerful state of the art processor with a GPU built in to accelerate both 2D and 3D graphics.
Memory:
In terms of memory, there is 1GB RAM to ensure the CPU is properly supported and 2 options of 16 or 32GB of internal storage for all types of files including media and system files, with the latter occupying about 3GB, effectively leaving the user 3GB short of what is actually advertised. Storage expansion is a term Android users are very familiar with though and with the Asus Transformer it could not be any different as there is a plethora of options on this device: a Micro SD slot on the side of the screen, a SD slot on the dock and 2 USB ports.
Screen/Cameras:
In terms of visual components, it comes with a 10.1-inch capacitive IPS display with a resolution of 1280x800, a 5MP rear camera and a 1.3MP front facing camera.
GPS/Connectivity:
The Asus Transformer packs a three-axis accelerometer, gryroscope and b,g,n WiFi connectivity. This ensures that users can use this device with all their favourite games / programs and wireless connectivity is compatible with all the routers in the market.
Keyboard dock:
The Asus Transformer comes with 2 batteries: the tablet-only battery which can last up to 9.5 hours on a single charge and one in the keyboard dock which can last up to an extra 6.5 hours. Together, they add up to 16 hours on a single charge - more than enough to take anyone through a whole day before leaving the device to charge at night in a convenient and safe place with that seriously short power cable.
It is worth noting here that when the device is discharging, if it is connected to the dock it will first discharge the battery in the dock, ensuring the tablet itself can last as long as possible. Moreover, in case the tablet is detached, once it is plugged back on to the dock the latter will work as a charger for the first one.
As far as the actual keyboard is concerned, it is a fully-featured keyboard, tailored perfectly to Honeycomb, making the user feel like this is no different than any other netbook with an extra line of keys at the top of the QWERTY keyboard.
This extra line is nothing less than 17 Android-specific hot keys for locking/unlocking, adjusting screen brightness, turning Wi-Fi on/off, opening the settings menu and more. The only shortcoming found in this otherwise great keyboard is that the right-Shift key is too short and too close to the UP arrow, making it easy to hit the wrong button, slowing down the user's typing speed.
In addition, there is a trackpad as big as in any laptop/netbook that enables users to use a cursor around the operating system and many applications. This is not necessarily a great idea as the touchscreen is extremely accurate and faster to run from one edge to the other.
In addition, while using the keyboard it becomes extremely common to accidentally hit the trackpad and as the cursor is usually in a completely different position on the screen, one can find themselves typing in a completely wrong place quite often. Therefore, before one starts typing a long email or document it is strongly advised that they hit the hot key on the top keyboard line that disables the trackpad - the one just after Bluetooth.
Last but not least, the Asus Transformer, thanks to Honeycomb 3.1, is able to act as a host for external USB devices such as digital cameras, external mouse or keyboard and more, making it compatible with even more peripherals and hence an even more capable substitute for a netbook.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101: Putting it into use
It is not an exaggeration to say before anything else that this device makes users feel great when using it! From the freedom of using the touch screen, trackpad or even an external mouse – or keyboard – with the Transformer, to watching HD videos on Youtube without any lag, the WiFi speeds, and the list goes on and on…
Instead of going into navigating the OS which would be a similar experience with any other Honeycomb 3.1 device, let’s go into the more important and specific features that have to do with this netbook/tablet.
First stop: The dock.
It is not difficult for anyone who watches a review video on this device to think that the “marriage” of tablet and notebook could be more of a disaster than a success when it comes to attaching and detaching two relatively heavy parts constantly. Well, after using the device for weeks and trying hard to break it, it was found that the connection is so robust and the materials so strong that it is impossible to even make it feel sloppy or loose.
The tablet part literally slots into the dock and then anyone could be made to think that this device is only made of one, not two parts. In addition, releasing the tablet could not be easier and safer as the switch is easy to slide and even easier to lock on its own when the tablet is docked.
As far as its weight is concerned, the dock is actually quite light, especially considering that it has a built-in battery that gives an extra 6.5 hours charge. At the same time, the odd thing happens: the dock is lighter than the actual tablet as it does not hold any components – processors, memory, etc. – but this does not make it unstable when placed on any surface.
Typing on this device is good too. Apart from the aforementioned issue with the small right shift button the rest of the keyboard gives users a pleasant experience and with the addition of a free copy of Polaris Office and Google Docs there is little need for another device to create office documents – Word, Spreadsheets or Presentations. In addition, users have a choice of either using the physical keyboard or the software Swype-like keyboard which is lightning fast when it comes to typing.
Second Stop: The Trackpad
Once the dock is connected to the tablet, a mouse cursor appears on the screen. As mentioned earlier, Android’s unique ability to provide consumers with a variety of choices is apparent here too as users can use the trackpad, an external USB mouse or even just keep using gestures on the touchscreen. What is even more exciting is that all three can be done simultaneously, helping users make the most of their equipment.
One thing users will find is that if their background is from an Android smartphone they will never – literally! – use the trackpad as it becomes second nature using the screen to navigate around at all times.
Next stop: The Screen
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is equipped with an IPS panel, with a 16:9 ratio and 1280x800 screen resolution. It has to be said here that this screen feels like one of the top in the market. Colours are crisp and clear, the actual screen is satisfyingly bright and viewing angle is excellent. As for touch input, the screen is extremely responsive.
Last Stop: Camera
The device comes with two cameras: one front-facing for video chat and one rear-facing for pictures. In all honesty and although the specs of the rear camera are very decent – it sports a 5MP camera – this feature has not really been tested as the question “Why carry a 10’’ tablet to shoot a picture when I have a phone with the same capabilities?” was inevitable. Rumour has it that it does not really live up to the expectations anyway… As far as video is concerned though, this camera records at a decent 1280x720 resolution – High Definition – and the end result is to a satisfactory level.
Now for the front-facing one, it really makes a difference when using a 1.2MP camera to express that feelings better than with any other device currently in the market.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101: Verdict
It is not a cliché to start the last part of this review by saying that the Asus Transformer TF101 is an excellent tablet. It's an all-round performance champion with limited weaknesses.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101: Pros
A very fast and highly responsive tablet under all circumstances. Multitasking is being handled greatly by Honeycomb and top notch hardware, even when trying to switch between running applications. Lag is non-existent even when running extremely demanding applications or HD videos.
The dock adds to the fun too, and without the dock, it will definitely feel that you are getting only half of the Transformer experience. At a price of £50, it is more of a convenience than a costly purchase. It adds so much more functionality and battery life that it becomes an important part of the experience.
Battery life alone is a massive hype – no other tablet can beat the 16 hours one can get from this device. It is also worth mentioning that charging priority always goes towards the tablet. However, do take note that only the designated charger will make this device charge up and not by plugging in the USB cable to another computer.
As far as the screen is concerned, colours and responsiveness are top quality and fingerprints are not as visible as on other screens – they are still there after heavy usage, just not as bad!
Last but not least, the inclusion of a wide variety of features for storage and input including SD and MicroSD slots, miniHDMI-out and two USB ports makes this device the one with the widest variety of inputs and outputs at no extra cost or hassle.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101: Cons
The 5MP back-facing camera is rumoured to be lacking the quality and smooth images it should deliver. Not a big disadvantage though as using a tablet to shoot pictures is rare – especially outdoors.
Some would argue that size does matter too. The balance between functionality and size is always a tricky one and it definitely depends on personal preference. This is not a big nor heavy device but definitely it is not the slimmest / lightest in the market either.
As far as the mouse is concerned, it is very important to remember these words: “The more you use the Transformer, the less you will use the trackpad”! Touching the screen becomes a habit and an external mouse always feels more accurate and faster to use, making the trackpad almost redundant by default.
Last but not least, support for developer is not there yet on full throttle and it will probably take a short while just like it did with Android smartphones but every day the applications that support Honeycomb are multiplying so it shouldn’t take long until there is enough variety.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101: Final Verdict
Size, capabilities, flexibility - all at an affordable £429 including the dock or £379 for the tablet only. Moreover, this is the only device that can directly compete with Windows devices and can claim to turn netbooks into a thing of the past. Available in all big electronics stores around the UK it is worth checking it out – most people who did ended up proudly owning one!
