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| transformer T100 full frontal (Image: Asus) |
I buy a lot of gadgets. Far too many of them. My desk is literally covered with all the gadgets I own, there's not a clear spot for another. So why on earth would I be considering purchasing the Asus Transformer T100 hybrid?
First of all, it is a hybrid. The T100 is a nice 10.1-inch tablet that weighs only 1.2lbs. It's a good form for a tablet and I'm pretty sure I'd like using it. It has a keyboard dock that turns it into a real laptop. Pop the tablet in and you're good to go.
I'm familiar with the Transformer style of hybrid, I really liked the original model running Android. It worked well for my writing work and as a tablet, too. The T100 should be even better as it runs Windows 8.1. I've come to like Windows 8.1 on tablets, and I suspect I'd like it a lot on the T100.
Then there's the hardware specs of the Transformer T100, especially that Bay Trail processor. It's reported to get 11 hours on a charge with that CPU, and that meets my criteria for the minimum required battery life.
Transformer T100 hardware specs:
- Processor: 1.86 GHz Intel Atom Quad-core (Bay Trail)
- Memory: 2GB
- Display: 10.1-inch, 1366x768, IPS
- Camera: 1.2MP
- OS: Windows 8.1
- Storage: 64GB SSD
- Ports: 1-USB 3.0 (dock), audio combo, microHDMI, microSD card reader, microUSB
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.0
- Battery: 31Whr, 11 hours
- Dimensions: Notebook: 10.4" x 6.7" x 0.93"; Tablet only: 10.4" x 6.7" x 0.41"
- Weight: Notebook: 2.4lbs; Tablet only: 1.2lbs
I like my ThinkPad Tablet 2 but its pre-Bay Trail processor is looking a bit old next to the Transformer. Plus, the ThinkPad's keyboard is a separate unit, unlike the laptop dock of the T100. It's a good keyboard but not as convenient as the dock model.As if these hardware specs weren't enough to entice me, even though it's full Windows 8.1 Asus has included Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013. That's additional value to the overall package.
OK, I'm offering excuses to justify why I should buy this Transformer. To be fair, I've been using Windows 8.1 for a while and I've tested lots of tablets so I know it would serve me well. I wouldn't be taking a risk buying one so I might as well. If I can find one in stock somewhere.
I admit what set me off wanting a T100 was running into a young lady in the coffee shop this week who had one. I got a chance to see it up close and I liked it, plus she loved it. That got my gadget lust running in full gear, even though I certainly don't need one. But that never stopped me before.
If you own a Transformer T100, tell me how you like it in the comments. I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on performance, and if there's something you wish was better.
UPDATE: Uh oh, just found the 32GB model on Best Buy for just $299. They throw in a $25 gift card for the Microsoft Store, too. I like to think of myself as the gadget whisperer, but this hybrid from Asus has turned the tables and is calling my name.
Via: ZDNet
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