Tablet ASUS TF101: characteristics, descriptions and features, reviews of owners. Overview of the first transformer from ASUS: Eee Pad Transformer TF101 Performance and autonomous work

In the Internet, Sttt is inscriptions that the era of netbooks comes to an end. Tablets come to their place. However, if you do not yet change your usual mobile PC to the touchpoint "tablet", advises to look at the transformer from Asustek Computer. It is called this wonderful machine as ASUS Eee Pad Transformer. It can be viewed in two ways: either as a tablet with a docking station, or as a netbook transformer. That is, it is possible to use the device as a tablet, and as a subnotebook. The entire filling is hidden under the display, an additional battery is placed in the topake. Agree, the device is very interesting! By the way, Lenovo has a similar idea.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 received a 10.1-inch sensor IPS matrix with support for multitouch functions, the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform, two cameras and wireless modules. The docking station in the form of a keyboard absorbed a pair of USB 2.0 ports and a card reader. What else can you prevent potential buyers of ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, we will try to find out.

Design

Perhaps, for a more accurate description of this device, the tablet and the docking station are expedient to consider separately. So, the "Tablet" itself has dimensions of 271x171x13 mm and a mass of 680 grams. It looks very attractive and stylish. The tablet is deprived of hardware buttons, several connectors are located on its faces. The frame and part of the edging of the display is made of metal, but the posterior convex cover is made of textured plastic. The latter, by the way, is quite flexible. Display is crazy. All this "composition" looks simply and monolith.

The bottom of the docking station is made of all the same matte plastic, but the workspace and side faces are made of metal. On the connector for connecting the tablet, you can notice a special overlay, thanks to which the "Tablets" panel will not be scratched when the panel does not scratch. There are also two ASUS Eee Pad retainers adjustable by the slider. The docking station will weigh 630 grams, that is, the entire transformer will weigh about 1.3 kg. By the way, it will be possible to buy this topakes, both separately and complete with the tablet.

Display

ASUS EEE PAD TRANSFORMER TF101 is equipped with a capacitive sensory matrix with a diagonal of 10.1 inches. Its permission is 1280x800 points. This liquid crystal display is made using IPS technology. To date, IPS screens are the only of the LCD panels, always transmitting the full color depth of RGB (24 bits, 8 bits per channel). So, for example, the display of black color is close to the ideal. Viewing angles on this screen are close to absolute and reach 178 degrees. This suggests that the colors will not be inverted at all. The maximum illumination brightness is 230 kD / m2. It can be adjusted both manually and automatically.

The display is covered with Gorilla Glass glass, which has an increased resistance to scratches and shocks. That is, it's not worth worrying about the safety of the screen - the developers have already taken care of it instead.

The screen recognizes a huge number of multi-sends, that is, scaling, flipping, scrolling can be performed by two fingers of one hand. The color reproduction of the matrix is \u200b\u200bexcellent, the colors seem deep, saturated and bright. Did not forget the developers about the gyroscope and accelerometer, which are responsible for the orientation of the screen.

Keyboard and touchpad

We can assume that ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is equipped with two information entry devices. This, in fact, the tablet itself and the docking station in the form of a standard island keyboard. The sensory matrix reacts perfectly on touch, control the contents of the desktop using the fingers is quite easy and convenient. There should be no complaints about the sensitivity of the screen. By the way, you can call a virtual QWERTY keyboard on the tablet. On the side face there is a volume control key and a power button.

As you already understood by connecting the "tablet" to the topkeys, ASUS Eee Pad turns into a full-fledged netbook. The workspace is equipped with an island keyboard and a touchpad. Thanks to the docking station, the input of information is noticeably simplified. With it, you can turn off and turn on wireless adapters, adjust the brightness and volume, as well as run the browser. Given the fact that the transforming netbook operates running the Android OS, the corresponding hardware keys must be present on the keyboard. They are. This is "home", "back", "Search", "Menu".

Under the keyboard there was a touchpad. A dual mouse button-rocker hid under the sensor platform. If you use ASUS Eee Pad Transformer as a netbook, touchpad and keyboard will not be superfluous.

Processor and productivity

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer on a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor with a clock frequency of 1 GHz (both Cortex-A9 kernels operate at a frequency of 1 GHz). This CPU is a crystal system (SOC). That is, NVIDIA Tegra 2 has absorbed ARM processor, graphics processor, memory controllers and peripheral devices. Energy consumption, while quite low.

There are also 1 GB of DDR2 RAM and SSD drives, a capacity of 16, 32, or 64 GB at your disposal. There is also access to the so-called online storage of ASUS Webstorage.

Ports and communications

And ASUS Eee Pad Transformer can be viewed as two different devices: a tablet and docking station. On the "tablet" there was a loudness controller, audio sensor (headphones / microphone), MINI HDMI port, microSD slot and two webcam: front and main. The first has a resolution of 1.2 megapixel, and it serves to communicate in the video muches. But with the help of the main chamber you can do quite high-quality pictures. It has a resolution of 5 megapixels and is equipped with autofocus.

On the bottom edge of the tablet, the jack for the docking station and two holes for fixing are located. Did not forget the developers and the connector for the 3G SIM card (optional). To exchange data and charging "Tablets" will have to use proprietary cable. On the topake itself you can find two uSB ports 2.0 and Cardrider SD format.

Adapters fit in the tablet itself wireless networks Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. There are models equipped with a 3G module (optional). By the way, did not forget the developers also about E-Compass and GPS.

Battery

According to the representatives of ASUS, Eee Pad Transformer TF101 demonstrates just a stunning battery life. Thus, the device is equipped with a lithium-polymer battery, a capacity of 24 VTC. Moreover, a tablet without a docking station can work for about 8 hours without recharging, and the entire "transformer" in the offline mode will work about 16 hours. Agree, impressive.

Conclusion

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer - tablet and netbook in one person. In a comprehensive form, this device looks like a full-fledged laptop. But it can turn into a "tablet" with a slight movement of the hand. The diagonal of the touch multitouch display is 10.1 inches, the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform is based on, the device running Android 3.0 Honeycomb is running. However, Google at its recent conference reported that in June they will provide firmware updates to Android 3.1 Honeycomb.

In the tablet on Android 3.x, the key IT-market key companies are presented. The ability to choose among competing options is unconditional advantage for the buyer, however, it should be ready for a high degree of similarity of proposals among himself. So, most of them have the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip, which provides comparable performance by results. And the use of the same software platform ensures identical (or close to it) functionality.

It is not surprising that for conviction in the superiority of its model, manufacturers implement additional features that distinguish it from competitors. For example, Samsung makes a bet on Touchwiz UX, LG tries to attract the attention of 3D functions of the tablet. ASUS has concentrated on the design.

The result was the appearance of two Android tablets - Slider and Transformer. Both devices obtained a physical QWERTY-keyboard, the form factor is reflected in the names. In Slider, the keyboard is installed in the sliding case, and the Transformer is placed on the docking station disclosure.

The appearance of such an accessory makes the tablet much more versatile. It is no coincidence in the full name of the ASUS model. Communication with netbooks, a real boom for which has passed a little earlier. Will a device, similar to overlooking, replace netbooks, with high level of sales? Or will be a niche product? Let's try to figure out.

Appearance

First consider the TF101 separately as the tablet. Due to the use of a 10.1-inch display, it is large and also weighty. The weight of the device (without a connected docking station) is equal to 680 g, which is more than 100 g heavier compared to Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. On the other hand, another competitor of the tablet review, Acer Iconia Tab A500, weighs 760. Keep the Transformer in one hand will be inconvenient and hard just because of the impressive weight.

The form of the tablet is determined by the matrix. Since the latter is a widescreen, the case, repeating the proportions of the display, elongated, the width is significantly greater than the height. For this reason, it is much more comfortable to use the tablet in the landscape orientation, and not in portrait.

The housing is made of plastic, but the design of the material during the first acquaintance leaves the "metal" impression (as it will be mentioned a little further, the metal elements in the design are really present, but are not basic). The tablet as a whole is pretty "expensive", effectively. The TRANSFORMER color execution is unusual, plastic has a bronze tint. Such a choice is simultaneously neutral (not catchy, not causing) and unusual, rarely found.

The back side of the device (in a netbook mode, it performs the role of the cover) has a corrugated surface, which manages to avoid sliding. In addition, such a surface makes less noticeable possible physical damage. Practical design is the indisputable advantage of the model. The assembly is performed qualitatively, the housing produces the impression of strong and stable to external influences. Strengthens the design of the metal edging used on the ends of the case.

The location of the elements on the main Module EEE Pad Transformer is implemented as follows. In the upper part of the left end, at a short distance from each other, the shutdown key and the volume adjustment swings are placed. It is convenient to press them with an index finger if you keep the device with both hands on weight. At the right end are a slot for cards microSd memory (without a plug), MiniHDMI port and 3.5-millimeter audio jacks.

On both described ends there are dynamics. Built-in stereo speakers are distinguished by very high volume, on the maximum values, the sound is shrill, and if the quiet setting is even uncomfortable loud. The use of maximum volume is not reflected negatively on the quality of playback - noise or other audio discs noticed.

The top end is free from any additional items, but on the bottom you can detect the proprietary connector, designed to connect the cable, charger or docking station. On both sides of it are grooves that serve to attach the tablet actually to the docking station. We will tell about it in more detail.

Dock station

Thanks to the docking station, the device under consideration takes the form characteristic of an ordinary netbook with a diagonal of a 10-inch display. The plot to which the tablet is connected is provided with a hinge. Due to this, you can adjust the degree of inclination of the screen with respect to the keyboard, as well as fold the TF101 like a laptop. This can be very convenient when transporting compared with the wearing two parts of the case separately. For example, a similar accessory was presented for the popular SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet. However, the fastening in the docking station at the last fixed, fold both parts into a solid body will not be possible.

Fastening the tablet to the station is reliable, in the folded state of halves of the housing are not flawed relative to each other. To detach parts it is necessary to use a special lever.

Thanks to the docking station, the owners of the TF101 receive a physical QWERTY keyboard. In terms of its design and parameters, it is as much as possible with the corresponding blocks in netbooks. The keys are square, slightly separated by each other. They are located more dense than in ordinary laptops, so the first time when set to blindly (without prior experience of using netbooks), the likelihood of false presses of the adjacent buttons is high.

In addition to digital-letter designations, a set is provided function keysAdapted for the Android platform. So, the "Home", "Search" and "Menu" button is placed in the bottom row to make appropriate actions.

Function keys are filled with a whole top number of buttons. With their help, you can enable wireless modules, control the player, change the volume and brightness of the backlight, go to the settings or browser, and screenshots.

The touchpad placed under the keyboard unit has a small area, this may cause discomfort. When the touch panel is used, an unusual pointer appears on the screen - a small ring instead of a mouse. Since all the elements of the Android 3 interface are large, it does not cause inconvenience when controlling the "transformer" and, according to a subjective opinion, it looks very stylish.

The keys, however, are not the only advantage of the docking station. It has an additional battery that extends the battery life (this is written in more detail in the relevant section of the review), as well as additional ports. Two USB are the greatest interest. The interface is useful for connecting other accessories: mouse (on the display when using usual cursor is displayed), external drive. Others portable devices (Players, smartphones) will also be able to eat from the tablet when connected via USB. In addition, an SD format memory reader is located at the end of the docking station and another Jack for connecting the branded cable.

Display

The EEE Pad Transformer tablet boasts the IPS matrix installed. This gives models aide before Android competitors, most often using TFT displays. An objectively assessing the screen, you can see the advantages of IPS technology (the best contrast or resistance to the sunshine), but it will be wrong to say that they leave competitors behind.

With the direct comparison of the TF101 and iPad 2 displays (both are made using the same technology) the latter quality is somewhat higher. It surprises a little, because according to formal signs (pixel density, for example) the ASUS version looks more attractive.

When viewed by the EEE Pad Transformer screen, it leaves extremely positive impressions and is characterized by natural color reproduction, a large brightness margin, maximum overview angles, sensitive capacitive sensor. Among the actual proposals in the class of Android-tablets, this is definitely one of the best matrices.

Functionality

The TF101 model is running Android 3.2. The interface and most of the functionality correspond to the standard set of this platform. In fact, the differences from the original possibilities of the previously tested Acer Iconia Tab A500 - another current offer among Android-tablets - no. Therefore, it is advisable to get acquainted with the key features of the operating system (type of desktop, menu, widget management, standard applications) in the review of the Competitor mentioned. Here and now we will study the distinguishing features of Eee Pad Transformer.

Branded additions, frankly, not so much. The base of the widgets is practically not expanded, Asus suggested otherwise decorated windows with information about the time, non-tried letters. A more interesting mini-application is myzine, in which several blocks of information collected: new images from the gallery, links for the transition to calendar, mail, weather forecast, library, audio player and a newly running program.

The MyLibrary library combines directly "reader" stored in the tablet books and text documents, as well as an online kiosk with a periodic PressReader. The latter allows (though on a fee) to subscribe and download issues of world-famous newspapers and magazines. The list of supported editions is quite large. Loaded issues can be viewed both ordinary newspapers (suturing pages) and opening adapted for electronics texts of individual news or articles.

Another functional addition from the manufacturer was the MYCLOUD app, which combines several utilities. So, MyContent is associated with the ASUS netbooks known to the WebStorage service - a remote drive. On WebStorage servers you can download and store your files and access access using various devices. MyDesktop utility helps remotely control the conjugate PC.

After Apple launched the first one in production, and then second iPad.It seemed that there was something in the world of tablets if not fundamentally new, then at least an evolutionary-developing industry is simply impossible. There is nothing impossible - counted in ASUS and announced the hybrid of the tablet and netbook.

What seemed in a good way to lay on the surface, but required a competent implementation. A new device is not enough to get the name Transformer, it really knows how to turn from one type of equipment in the consonant, but already completely different. And if the model is "in the assembly", then a person who does not even have thought that this stylish mini-computer is actually so essentially.

Favoring Transformer to your hands, we will try to find answers to the most common questions - is it capable of a tablet to really replace the laptop? How successful did you get the alignment of the screen with the docking station? How does Android behave in the context of advanced novelties? The journey into the world of the hybrid device will definitely be fascinating - open the boxes and ...

Design

We see the docking station neatly packed in protective film and the tablet itself. When you take it in hand, you immediately understand that not one design "A la iPad" Living Industry and for its own "face" are not at all necessary to invent something extraordinary. The front side is made in the spirit of the last tablets and is completely devoid of controls - such as default are provided in Android 3.x, which made it possible to completely deprive the facial part of the buttons.

The main trump card model lies in the back cover. It is made of durable plastic covered with a deep embossed grid with a pattern. There was no such thing in any tablet and, if you do not argue with conventions, it is rarely found in laptops. It looks so authoritative that in the tablet belongings to the business class do not doubt. It can be seen that the thickness of the plastic is about a few millimeters, that is, it does not bend in principle.

Application of matte patterned plastic marks any hints for saving prints (which you can not say about the screen) and any other contaminants. In addition, it allows the device to firmly lie in the hand and do not felt slipping away. Over the sides stretched edging, and not from aluminum, but from metal with a color "under copper" in the tone of the entire tablet. By the way, the same Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 did not avoid complaints - the cover is made in smooth plastic, subjectively substantially inferior by the strength of Transformer, besides, it is noticeably beyond the firm "bottom", creating emptiness.

TRANSFORMER is heavy, not to hide. It weighs 680 grams and is unlikely to be convenient for long-term operation for girls "on weight." However, the mass is distributed uniformly critical pressure on the fingers does not cause. Yes, and I don't want to call the lack of disadvantage - it is clear that TRANSformer is collected from strong reliable materials, which will only benefit its durability.

Note that TRANSformer is not the most "aggravating" tablet, the Acer Iconia Tab record with 765 grams could not beat him. Absolutely all connectors of the tablet are located on its side sides, thereby having delivering a model from the "disease" of many colleagues on the workshop - removable lid. Himself with their presence, she increased the likelihood of breakdowns and often contributed to the formation of squeaks and backlash.

In one of the reviews, it was said that with the advent of iPad 2, manufacturers suddenly marked the course for the maximum reduction of thickness and weight. So, ASUS trend did not succumb to, as you can see it went to the tablet only for the benefit. His monolithination is indisputable, and the question of the quality of the assembly seems to be something unnatural.

In general, the device looks stylishly, all of its elements are perfectly combined with each other and noticeably allocate Transformer against the background of orders of competitors. The main task for the Android tablet is achieved - the model is extremely distance from any associations from the iPad. And at the same time managed to find her own unique face. Maybe this is the same alternative design for imitation?

Connectors and controls

Tablets on android database 3.x differ in the complete lack of buttons on the front panel. In theory, they replace the drawn buttons made on the panel at the bottom of the screen, which, by the way, significantly distinguishes such tablets from the iPad, which the buoyant Apple "protects" by all forces. TF101 did not exceed this regard.

The front panel is closed strongly gluing protective glass. At the top of the screen is the front chamber's eyes, and the name-logo of the manufacturer on the right of it.

All physical buttons are made to the left end: turn on / off the tablet and adjust the volume. A slightly lower over the fine perforation is the speaker.

The right face holds all connectors: 3.5 mm Audio output, mini HDMI, microSD memory card slot. The second speaker is immediately located.

A connector for charging connection is displayed on the lower end and synchronizes with a computer. On the sides of it there is a pair of ventilation holes. There is nothing at the top odder.

The back cover completely closes the device and is non-removable. On it, in addition to the manufacturer's logo, the camera's eyes are in the upper part.

Dock station

The main difference between ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 from many similar tablets is its prefix with keyboard, touchpad and additional connectors. In such capacity, this accessory is rather reminiscent of the docking station than a means of improving the convenience of working with the tablet. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 also sells the keyboard, but touchpad It does not have, as well as connectors (if you do not count the power / sync connector).

The design of the TF101 keyboard is extremely interesting. In its upper part there is a curved metal grip, which can only be rotated when inserting a tablet in it and a latch position shift.

After such an operation, the device begins to remind a regular netbook very much, especially in the opened state. By the way, the capture is pretty tight.

As for the layout, it is quite different from the usual places, which, however, naturally. But the symbol keys are located on the usual places and there should be no problems here. It is a pity that while the TF101 keyboard comes without Cyrillic. But very pleased with the keys ,, and - all of them in their places. Even their sizes did not cause complaints, except for the short right. The arrow block "squeezed" into two lower rows of keys, which does not differ in the convenience of using it. Nevertheless, here you can make a discount on what we are not dealing with a laptop or netbook, and therefore it is often not necessary to use this block.

The most important difference lies in the top row of the keys. Instead of the function key block, there is a solid range of 17 keys of different destination. So there is a return key (peculiar analog), another couple is responsible for the operation of wireless controllers, adjusting the brightness of the screen and volume, the rest call various applications and control playback in the media player. In addition, in the lower row there is a couple of "non-standard" keys. In particular, it is "home", "search" and call an additional menu.

In general, the text set on a similar keyboard occurs no less comfortable than on some 11.6-inch laptop. Of course, the Android office package is absolutely not like in Windows, but if necessary, working with documents can be carried out without any problems. True, there is not enough multi-zone mode, but it is already details. The main thing is that when an urgent need for an urgent need to create or edit one or another file with the text will be quite simple.

Not to a lesser extent is the rapid performance of the work seems to be to contribute to the touchpad. Actually, the mouse in the sensory-oriented operating system is not so much in demand. In this, we perfectly be convinced of Windows 8 with her Metro shell. Android 3.x is no exception. But on experience with the mouse pointer, we will focus more below.

Here, let's say a few words about the touchpad. It is quite large for the docking station TF101. Designers used all the available area. As a result, the height of the touchpad is maximum, but still it is not great. However, this was compensated by a large width. The surface of the touchpad rough matte and it allows you to accurately control the mouse pointer. Buttons from below thin and with tight press.

Strictly speaking, we do not see a lot from the touch panel for the Android tablet. However, there is a "side" plus that appeared precisely because of the addition of the touchpad - the workspace. It is convenient to put the wrists of the hands, which facilitates the set of text, reduces fatigue. The keyboard for Galaxy Tab 10.1 is deprived of this "surplus", which slightly reduces the number of positive emotions from working with it.

But that's not all. The keyboard for ASUS TF101 is a truly unique accessory. In addition to the two pure "laptop" manipulators, he adds a tablet to a few more connectors who make practically a real laptop from it. In particular, these are two USB and card reader for full-size Secure Digital memory cards. And, of course, duplicated power connector and synchronization with PC. The latter when connected to the dock becomes even more relevant, since the second battery is hiding inside the accessory - it's not for nothing that the keyboard is so heavy and massive.

It is very pleased that the USB connectors are full. That is, you can connect not only the data carrier, but also, for example, the usual mouse. The last works perfectly, complementing the touchpad, as if we deal with an ordinary laptop. Of course, the performance of any peripherals, even a regular printer, can hardly guarantee anyone (due to the lack of drivers for Android, and not because of the connector itself), but also such a functionality is already more than enough.

Together with USB, two card readers (second on the tablet) and the HDMI output tablet ASUS TF101 can really become a good business device. Without docking station, this is a good tablet, and with it - an almost full-fledged laptop, with which it is possible enough to comfortably and quickly fulfill an urgent and not very task.

Screen

The first generation of Android 3.0 tablets has the same permission in 1280x800 points. Togo required artificially imposed system limitations, and therefore most tablets automatically become potential iPad competitors. With the output of Android 3.2, the restriction is removed, but 10.1-inch models, which applies to the ASUS TF101, the screen resolution has not changed and is unlikely to change (except it will be increased).

In general, 1280x800 for 10.1 "is pretty good. The picture gets quite clear, working with sites is a pleasure, you can watch large PDF documents, convenient to work with text files and spreadsheets. What can I say - quite recently most laptops with a diagonal up to 15.4 "were equipped with a screen with such a resolution.

However, this advantage of the display TF101 does not end. Another, no less important is the type of IPS matrix. It has long been known that this type provides the best viewing angles and color reproduction. Confirmation This perfectly seen from each pixel of the screen of the tablet under consideration. The display is really very good and there are no complaints about it. On our subjective look he is even better than screen samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The latter is based on PLS technology, quite recently launched Samsung in commercial operation. According to its principles, it is very similar to IPS, but approximately 15% cheaper in production. However, PLS has a well-known IPS disadvantage - a black-filled screen greatly gives a purple tide. Moreover, IPS technology from this feature practically got rid of the latest generation modifications, including the TF101.

In short, the screen at the tablet Asus is wonderful and there were no complaints about it completely.

Camera

Transformer has frontal and rear cameals, both are located at the top of the covers in the center. If the location is not fundamentally on the back cover, then on the screen it is like in a netbook contributes to comfortable communication in videosities, such as Skype. Front and rear have 1.2 and 5.0-megapixel sensors, respectively. The maximum shooting resolution is 2592x1944 points. LED flash and sensors of approximation and illumination are absent.

The shooting settings are extremely small, which is surprising after Android 2.3 on smartphones. The user sets the picture quality, exposure, white balance, color effects and literally several settings.

The quality of the pictures is ambiguous. It would seem at the same weather conditions of Transformer can give and acceptable pictures, and frankly blurry. This lies the main lack of shooting - the camera does not guarantee stable quality and once again gives the opposite result, be it a long panorama or macro shot.

The frontal chamber of the complaints did not cause, in the near distance, for which it is intended, the objects are quite clear, with genuine color transmission.

Characteristics

In the ASUS EEE Pad model range tablet Transformer TF101 is not the only device. There is also a modification of the TF101G with a 3G-module, Eee Pad Slider SL101 with an integrated retractable keyboard and a couple of representatives of 12.1-inch Eee Slate - tablets on windows database 7. However, we will compare the recoverable device with its direct competitor - Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Characteristics TF101 Not so that very impressive. If you think about it, then flagship smartphones Even better than the largest "googloplantes". However, it is obvious that such a configuration is quite enough for comfortable work. Manufacturers did not put pressure on high clock frequency Processor, preferring the balance between the frequency of the CPU, the graphics accelerator and the number of nuclei. NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip for these purposes is quite well suited. Its ARM component operates at 1 GHz frequency and has two cores, and the ULP GeForce video card is considered one of the best smartphones and tablets.

In terms of communication capabilities, both tablets are also very similar. They are equipped with Wi-Fi controllers (with 802.11n support) and Bluetooth. However, the last ASUS TF101 is less perfect - it is based on version 2.1, while Galaxy Tab 10.1 already "mastered" a faster version of 3.0. The 3G module in our TF101 was absent.

The volume of operational and permanent memory from tablets coincides. However, about the latter options are possible. So there is a version of TF101 with 32 GB of memory, and the Samsung device can be equipped with a solid-state drive by 32 and 64 GB.

However, the possible disadvantage of the built-in memory in TF101 is more compensated by the presence of a slot for microSD cards, which can be complemented by another SD reader to the docking station. And do not forget a pair of USB connectors on the dock to which you can connect external drives.

In terms of connectors, the ASUS tablet is also very good. On Galaxy Tab 10.1, only 3.5 mm audio connector is displayed, while TF101 is distinguished by the presence of mini HDMI and the already mentioned USB on the dock. Mini HDMI can be useful for presentation or even to view the film on big Screen On vacation or business trip.

As for the device screens, we wrote above the difference in PLS technology and IPS, and their resolution and diagonal coincide. It remains to mention the chambers. Frontal turned out to be better at Samsung, and the rear - at ASUS. But, in our opinion, the difference in resolution in this case is completely not fundamental. Here you can easily do and smaller - it is unlikely that anyone will often use the tablet as a camera.

We wrote about the advantage of the aluminum corps above. However, its drawback is greater weight. Compared to Galaxy Tab 10.1, the ASUS tablet weighs more than 100 grams more, which is noticeable. The docking station adds another 640 grams (almost as much as TF101), which total gives 1.32 kg of weight. Usually 10.1-inch netbooks weigh less, although they are made of plastic. But this weight is comparable from 13.3-inch MacBook Air. or any of its analogue. However, all these laptops are not equipped with a pair of batteries, which give a noticeable weight share.

Operating systems remain. Both tablets were originally available with Android 3.0, however Samsung still began mass delivery of Galaxy Tab 10.1 with Android 3.1, and Asus already offers an update to Android 3.2 on its website. The latter is installed very simply, what we will tell below. In the meantime, let's see which of the tablets are faster in work.

Testing productivity

Both compared tablets are based on the same processor, have the same amount of operational and permanent memory. The only difference between them lies in various versions of the operating system and the shell, which was pre-installed by the manufacturer. So for the most part it is worth expecting relative parity.

Benchmarks testing overall system performance showed an approximately equal result, with a very small superiority of ASUS TF101. It will not clearly noticeably when working.

The QUADRANT popular test oppositely showed a noticeable superiority of the Samsung tablet. Many factors could affect the result: from the version of the OS to the corporate shell.

In the purely computing benchmark Linpack both devices go nostril in the nostril. The difference between them easily fits into the measurement error.

Browser tests also did not show anything unexpected. The difference between the tablets is present, but completely insignificant that we predicted above.

It is interesting to look at the results in the two-dimensional game Electopia. It offers to run the test in the native device resolution of the device, or in a kind of "compatibility mode", which means the resolution of 800x480. In both cases, you can observe the expected parity.

It is possible to state that the performance of ASUS TF101 and SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1 is approximately equal. So when choosing between these devices, follow their other parameters.

BY

From the moment the third generation of Android was presented, Google released three versions: 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2. The first release was extremely "raw", which fully reflected the transformer, since it was he who was installed in the first parties of the device. And here ASUS has shown a decent example for present and future manufacturers of tablets with Android.

The company organized a quick and easy way to allow the user to painlessly carry out the system update operation. If you omit some details, you only need to download the firmware from the official site, copy it to the internal memory, after which the device itself will find a new version of the OS and will offer to upgrade. Then only a few touch will lead to the fact that the system will grow independently to the latest version.

What is even more impressive - after updating, system settings and files are fully saved internal memory. Therefore, no "backups" do not have to do. Asus clearly showed that it is worked out by the installation mechanism, therefore, with the release of Ice Cream Sandwich, no additional actions will not have to take on its deployment.

Installing Android 3.2 gives a tangible performance increase, menu transitions become smoother and fast, also noticeably expands the list of preset services.

When the tablet is turned on, you can see the "ring" of unlocking like HTS SENSE. Remove the "Castle" and get to the main menu. In it, Android shows its own as never a noticeable desire to separate smartphones from tablets with the introduction of a local taskbar.

In the lower left corner are the same buttons that allowed the device to get rid of the physical control buttons: Return to the previous screen, go to the main table and call the vertical list of the last tasks.

On the right side of the string there is a "tray" area, where you can see all notifications associated with wired and wireless connections.

There is a reduced submenu and expanded with several sought-after options.

For the formation of the working medium, only five desktops are represented. Central, including subject to change, which is necessary in the light of not the best set of labels.

In the upper right corner by pressing the "+" button, the user falls in the setup menu of the screens. Here in the relevant bookmarks there are widgets, labels of all available programs and wallpapers.

We turn to the application menu, where we will study the preset items.

The first in the list is the online store Kindle, in the only possible possible english version With the only possible books in English. As far as its presence in the tablets sold in the CIS - is rather rhetorical.

As always, there is a place for Google services, the postal is invariably. gmail client, Google Talk and google search. In addition to Gmail, there is both "omnivorous" mail program.

An interesting element is the Layar service, which is missing from the new Galaxy Tab 10.1. It is a seek program from the future and is intended for use with the camera. Walking around the city, you can direct the lens to different architectural structures and receive information on them without manual search, if any. The application defines the direction of the view and the location of the user to display information.

Reading books is organized in a separate application with a visual shelf of existing publications.

Movie Studio stayed for us a mystery. Logically speaking, it is designed to edit images, but none of the proposed files he accepted. More precisely, reported notice at the end of the video process, but did not show it.

MyCloud is a collection of two cloud services. MyContent keeps multimedia content on the Internet server, providing access to it wherever you are. MyDesktop allows you to remotely control the computer, again, regardless of the location.

PRESSRADER AND ZINIO READER - Convenient services for buying magazines and newspapers, for the choice of hundreds of pieces of different topics. Those who do not want to pay for the content will most like the PressReader. There is enough Russian publications in it, and for each half a decrease in fresh numbers can be downloaded for free.

MyNet suggests an analogy with Samsung Allshare. and opens access to materials on the tablet from other devices in the area of \u200b\u200breach Wi-Fi.

The standard gallery may well disappoint - the editing settings are practically no, on the background of HTC and Samsung shells is an unforgivable omission.

File Manager allows you to perform operations with both individual folders and files and their arrays. It is necessary to mark the objects of interest, after which it will appear context menu With copying, cutting and removal operations.

It was not without a shop Tegra Zone, where games are presented specifically for NVIDIA Tegra. Tytles have an extremely attractive schedule, but so far they are too little - we think, with time the range will be much more, the benefit of the NVIDIA hardware platform has become practically a standard for 10-inch tablets.

Navigation more than standard, google services Always ready to find the road and indicate where the user is.

Updated Android Market. Shows the tile menu, but also can return to a more familiar list by category of applications.

Music is one of the main disappointments Android 3.2. Settings are reduced to a fiction minimum, there is no equalizer and sorting tracks by performers.

Despite the absence of a shortcut, the system has a built-in player, which flatly refuses to "be friends" with rollers in 720p and 1080r formats. Variations with players allowed to reproduce one of the files in normal mode, but not more. With the same files on the Samsung Galaxy R smartphone, based on the same hardware platform, there were no problems. We will negate that there may be a high screen resolution. In addition, the absolutely identical situation is observed at Galaxy Tab 10.1.

In continuation of common tasks, we mention the reading of PDF files. It is almost impossible - if the general rendering of the page takes the tolerant for a couple of seconds, then any approximation will cause to wait until 30-40 seconds, which is simply unacceptable.

Strange changes occurred with the keyboard - ASUS decided to replace the standard android brand unit, but extremely far from the ideal decision and besides extremely paradoxical. Gray palette with blurry edges - straight hello from archaic Android 2.1. Narrow elongated letters in portrait orientation - a parcel from the same distant version. Otherwise, this is the standard Android keyboard, therefore it suggests a replacement for more convenient variations of independent developers.

The transformer limit functions compensation is a browser. The first and most importantly - it supports a full-fledged tab. That is, on the top panel, you see a list of all tabs as on the computer. The browser stably drawd bulky sites, the departures did not part and worked at a high level. Is that not all videos, with the exception of those with YouTube, wanted to run.

For the "tick" we mention everyday applications, whose visual variations do not affect the main purpose: the recorder, calculator and calendar.

With the connected docking station, the tablet turns almost into a full-fledged netbook. Practically - because its restrictions are caused by the purely possibilities of Android and the absence of a multi-zone mode. Say, you will not get to see on one window player, open text Document and browser. However, if there is no need for this, TRANSformer turns out to be extremely successful.

The main advantage of the dock station is that, together with her, the tablet looks absolutely refined ready decisionwhich remains the rest of the manufacturers only to navigate. It may argue with confidence that from the point of view of design, materials, execution and general thoughtfulness from Transformer will not even long be even contrived competitors. And this is another victory over the iPad, since nothing like Apple is not even in the plans.

As we wrote, the docking station is equipped with whole two uSB ports. Asus could be limited to one port, but it would look like a demonstration possibility, here the block turns the hybrid into an effective workstation.

Connecting a conventional USB mouse. This is not limited to this, the device is even able to recognize and work correctly with external keyboards! Flash drives are also correctly serviced, except that Android cannot cope with the android hard drives.

Not only an external mouse is suitable for control, but built-in touchpad with two buttons. The left is responsible for "Click", while the right returns to the previous screen. Regardless of the connected devices, the touch screen remains working. It is extremely convenient, since sometimes you can directly point your finger with a finger the necessary element than to bring the mouse pointer to it. The mouse is really not very useful on Android. This system is "sharpened" under the control of the fingers, while the mouse pointer is useful in order to "aim" into something small. In the browser, it is more or less useful, when working with documents, it also comes well, but the rest of the touchpad or the external mouse is not enough.

The keyboard requires some time to get acquainted as any other in the usual netbook. Next, the short key of the keys provides a quick set, and the Polaris Office package is an effective alternative to Microsoft Office. If you have not come across this open package, you will specify - it performs all the basic functions of viewing and editing in text and tabular documents. Therefore, for students at lectures, and for those who simply need to work with the text "On the Go" transformer becomes a competent assistant.

Plus, the docking station has its own battery, so the total battery life of the tablet increases to the stated 16 hours. What to say, the achievement exceeds netbook indicators and makes Transformer the ideal solution For long trips and flights.

Output

Summing up, I want to focus on Transformer as a completely new generation of tablet devices, changing the idea of \u200b\u200bthe purpose and the capabilities of this class of devices. After TRANSformer, the questions themselves disappear about why analysts in their reports began to equate tablets to computers.

From the point of view of the practicality of execution, ASUS turned out perfect product. It does not have construction disadvantages, the body is assembled from strong and reliable materials as well as the docking station. The kit is convenient and organically combined with sensory control, and support for external devices and drives to couple with sensitive touchpad and are absorbed by TRANSformer to an inaccessible level for tablets.

And how impressive did the work done by ASUS, is so sad "damp" Android even in version 3.2. The system has not yet learned to read PDF normally, and a small set of codecs and a bad optimization view video in 720p format is almost impossible.

Be that as it may, Transformer looks reasonable and completed product, and software flaws in contrast to hardware can always be corrected than Google is constantly engaged.

With the appearance of several years ago, solutions from Nvidia, in the face of "Tegra" with full-fledged support for the Android platform, half of the masts of mobile gadgets rushed to conquer the segment of tablet computers.

The recipe was blissing simple: we take the most optimal modification of the video screen - "Temp 2", we adapt the interface and a regular software under the "Android" of the fourth version, and the rest leaves at the discretion of designers. In the recent thoughts and plans, as always, walked, therefore, with the originality of problems, it seems like it did not arise.

The pioneer of tablet computers can be considered a series of xoom from "Motorole". The first damn, as they say, came out with a com, but the idea was picked up other brands and, already taking into account the experience of American (now Chinese) company, they began to get quite decent devices.

One of the bright representatives of this segment can be called the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 model. The gadget is presented in several modifications that differ from each other with the amount of RAM and the version of the composite keyboard. The latter just allows you to turn an ordinary mobile device in the similarity of a netbook.

So, we present to your attention the review of the tablet computer - ASUS TF101. Characteristics of the gadget, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the expediency of buying will be considered in our article. In the preparation of the article, the views of the experts of this area and the reviews of the ordinary owners of this model were taken.

Equipment

The device goes in a pretty and stylish box of dense cardboard with dark design. On the front part, the ASUS TF101 transformer itself is depicted, and the characteristics in the form of a brief specification are located on the back of the side.

Interior decoration is made very competently, the accessories are "not swear" with each other, and neatly arranged around the perimeter. This allowed not to inflate the packaging to the size of the laptop, therefore it can be transported in a small bag or even easier - under the arm.

Contents of delivery:

• aSUS TF101 itself;
• nutrition (memory) of composite type;
• keyboard;
• micro USB cable for synchronization with PC and recharging;
• documentation with warranty coupon.

The package can be called standard, some additional accessories like covers, handbags or headsets you will not see here. But, judging by the reviews of users, it is also for the better, because such items are always bought "to their taste and color", and the excess thing bundles largely adds the cost of the gadget.

Appearance

The cover of ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is made of corrugated plastic and has a matte coating. It is pleasant to the touch and does not collect fingerprints like a vacuum cleaner, and to scratches more or less stable.

The ends received metal inserts, which adds a gadget not only protection, but also solidity. Frames, boring screen, are a bit thick, but general stylistics do not spoil and reflected on ergonomics only in the best way. Users in their reviews about other tablet computers have repeatedly complained about too thin frames, where random clicks were often not uncommon while viewing the video content. Here the plants for the fingers are quite enough.

Operating characteristics asus TF101 At quite an acceptable level and the quality of the assembly can be called excellent: no gaps, it does not crush anything, it does not embroidered. In a word - a good apparatus with which you can travel without extreme.

Interfaces

At the right end, a classic mini-jack is located 3.5 mm for headset, a mini-HDMI video output, a slot for external maps Memory and one of two speakers. On the left side there are volume swings, a shutdown key and another speaker.

The bottom part of the ASUS TF101 tablet is assigned to the docking station, and in our case, the keyboard. It can also be used both to recharging the device and for connecting another periphery. The interface itself is exactly in the middle, and the heading grooves for the keyboard are located on the sides.

The ASUS TF101 interface characteristics allow you to quietly synchronize with other mobile gadgets and a specific periphery, so the model can be called the most universal. Judging by user reviews, many service masts use a model for their professional needs.

Screen

The 10-inch "Android" -Plash received a pretty good IPS matrix, which calmly copes with a resolution of 1280 per 800 points. As such pixelization is not visible here, but if you look so much, then, maybe it turns out to consider individual points. At least a good half of users in their reviews, the presence of this effect did not notice.

The matrix provides excellent color depth, good brightness and contrast, as well as maximum viewing angles. Therefore, you can safely see any photo or video content in the company of one or two like-minded people.

It is also worth noting that the "Android" screen is protected by glass from Mastita Gorilla. At least for some kind of oleophobic coating, the manufacturer did not rip off, so the display surface as a magnet collects fingerprints, they are well removed without any special problems and very quickly.

Performance

The performance corresponds to the dual-core processor operating in the tandem with the aforementioned "tagra" of the second version from Nvidia. RAM on board on modern standards is not enough - only 1 GB, but it is enough for the ideal work of the interface and full-time applications.

By the way, about the latter. Quite many distributors and unclean sellers add their advertisements to the operating system, and remove it in conventional waysAs a rule, it fails. The only iron option to get rid of it is stock Firm For ASUS TF101. You can find it both on the official resource of the developer (Jelly Bean) and on specialized forums like 4pda.

As for game applications, problems may arise with the launch of "heavy" toys. The modern software of such a plan is rather demanding, besides intentionally adapted precisely under high-performance processors to increase the sales of the latter. So in many applications you will have to reset the graphics settings to medium, or even the minimum values, provided that they will nevertheless.

Keyboard

Judging by the reviews of users, nothing bad, and good, they can not say about the regular keyboard. Here we have a completely adequate analogue of the familiar work area of \u200b\u200bthe laptop. On it you can like the texts plenty to be used, and play.

The keyboard is fastened, it is also a docking station, not as simple as it seems at first glance, so this procedure will have to be adopted. It is also worth noting that it is equipped with additional USB interfaces and a cartrider.

Autonomy

With good load, it is included in the Internet, viewing video in high resolution and toys, the device will work around six hours. In the mixed mode, autonomous work time can be significantly stretched to one, or even two days, unless to get involved in "heavy" applications and video content.

With the docking station (fully charged), the device adds in autonomy by about twice. That is, at the maximum load, you can work almost all day. Users leave quickly positive reviews On the autonomous part of the device. Conventional plates to such indicators are very far away.

Summarizing

Despite the rather mediocre in modern standards, a set of chipsets, the tablet is in demand from a wide range of consumers. Naturally, gamers are not included in it. The model is perfect for surfing over the network and to solve some professional tasks. So the money invested into the model, and this is a little less than 10 thousand rubles, it works on full and not philonite.

We have already written many times that creating a universal mobile device is almost impossible. Therefore, it is not necessary to present to the tablets and netbooks of high demands - you just need to understand what situations and for what you are going to use these devices. And then there is a chance that you will pick up the device for yourself. However, many manufacturers are still trying to satisfy several user expectations at once and create products that expand our ideas about typical use scenarios mobile devices. As a rule, such products are interesting in terms of ideas, attractive to the researcher, but are unsuitable for use in real life. But exceptions are also happening. Today we will have to study just such an exception: an extremely unusual product that not only pleases with its originality, but also causes a strong desire to use and at the end of the first acquaintance. We are talking about the transformable tablet ASUS EEE PAD TRANSFORMER TF101.

This device clearly indicates the "pedigree" - the netbooks of the EEEPC series. As you know, ASUSTEK Computer Inc. It was one of the pioneers in this area, and - almost the most fortunate. And when last year, there was talk on the wave of popularity of the tablets that they will displace netbooks from the market, engineers and stories asus, we must assume, decided to prove that, firstly, netbooks early to write off the bills, and secondly, quite You can combine the advantages of a netbook and tablet in one device. Such a device just became ASUS EEE PAD TRANSFORMER.

For the first time, information about him appeared at the end of last year, and then it was clear that this is a very serious and promising application. And at the end of March of this year an official announcement took place. At the time of writing this article, ASUS Eee Pad Transformer was not bad in russian storesBut it is worth noting that we are talking only about the version without 3G. A version with a 3G module will appear only in August. But, of course, it does not prevent us from getting to know ASUS Eee Pad Transformer and make a general impression about him. Fortunately, the 3G version of no significant differences (in addition to, of course, the presence of a cellular module) does not offer.

Contents of delivery

The tablet came to us for a test along with the Docking Station (docking station, which is a keyboard with a touchpad, an additional battery by 24.4 W · h, the reader of SD cards and a pair of USB ports 2.0). In two large boxes. Why not in one? Because the docking station is sold separately. However, there are configurations that imply the presence in one kit and a tablet, and the docking station, but we had "separate" options on testing.

Brief user manuals were discovered in the boxes, as well as a charger and a cable to connect to a computer.

At the same time, the package cannot be called perfect: it is a pity that there is no cover for the tablet.

	SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1	Acer. Iconia tab. A500.	ASUS EEE PAD TRANSFORMER	Apple iPad 2.
Screen (size in inches, matrix type) / resolution, pixels	10.1 ", pls / 1280x800	10.1 ", MVA / 1280x800	10.1 ", IPS / 1280x800	9,7 ", IPS / 1024x768
CPU		2-nuclear, 1 GHz (platform NVIDIA Tegra 2)	2-nuclear, 1 GHz (platform NVIDIA Tegra 2)	2-nuclear, 1 GHz (Apple A5)
Oz	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	512 MB
Flash Memory	From 16 to 64 GB	16 or 32 GB	16 or 32 GB	From 16 to 64 GB
Memory card support	no / MicroSD in 3G version	microSD.	microSD.	no (through the accessory only for downloading a photo)
Wireless connection	Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) / 3G (in some models) / BT 3.0		Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) / BT 2.1 + EDR	Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) / 3G (in some models) / BT 2.1 + EDR
Camera (photo)	Frontal (2 MP), rear (3 MP)	Frontal (2 MP), rear (5 MP)	Frontal (1.2 Mp), rear (5 MP)	Frontal (0.3 mp), rear (0.7 MP)
Dimensions (mm)	256.7 × 175.3 × 8,6	260 × 177 × 13	271 × 171 × 12,98 *	241.2 × 185.7 × 8.8
Mass (g)	565	760	680 *	601
Price ** (rubles)	From 18990.	From 14990.	From 16290 (without docking station)	From 18990.

* - Mass and dimensions are indicated only by the tablet, without docking station. The mass of the docking station is 640 g, dimensions: 271 x 185 x 28 mm.

** - Prices are at the time of publication of the article.

Design tablet

Now let's look at the appearance of the tablet. It looks strictly and very solid. Metal (and not aluminum) Edging immediately causes respect, and thanks to the corrugated plastic back surface, it is very nice to keep the tablet in the hands.

Although he is very weighty (apparently due to metal). It pleases that ASUS designers did not imitate Apple - the "transformer" there is an individuality, his face.

With connectors and buttons on the tablet itself, the situation is as follows: on the left - the volume swings and the on / off button (all from metal). There are no connectors and buttons on top, headphone jack, mini HDMI and a microSD memory card slot.

From the bottom - the Dock Connector connector: the docking station, the charger, and the tablet to the desktop can be connected via it using a complete cable.

On the right and to the left of this connector, we see slits for latch locks. So, all the most necessary (in terms of connectors) is. In general, the design of the tablet is worth recognizing one of the best models of the same class.

But the appearance and functionality of the device can be radically transformed due to the docking station. Let's plug it and see what we did.

Dock Station Design

The docking station looks like a keyboard with a touchpad and is made of the same materials and in the same color solution (a combination of black and dark bronze). The mass of the docking station is 640 g, dimensions: 271 x 185 x 28 mm.

The entire surface of the keyboard is metallic, and the bottom is the corrugated plastic, completely similar to what we see from the back of the tablet.

Therefore, the appearance of the whole design (tablet + docking station) is great.

This should look like a business netbook (if such a phrase is possible). Yes, yes, it is the netbook! At first glance at the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer with a connected docking station, you will not even think that it is based on the tablet! The only thing that issues the "composite" origin of this device is a metal cradle (CRADL), in which, in fact, a tablet is installed. In the cradle there is a latch that automatically triggers when the tablet is set. If you want to pull out the tablet, then simply assign the latch lever to the left - and the tablet is easily disconnected!

Now about connectors. As we mentioned a little earlier in the text, the docking station is also equipped with some ports and slots that complement the ones on the tablet. So, on the left side, this USB 2.0 port and client Dock Connector (it is needed to recharge or connect to a computer when the main Dock Connector is activated on the tablet when connected to the docking station).

There is nothing on the front to the user's face, and on the right there is a slot to work with SD cards (supported work with MMC / SD / SDHC) and the second USB 2.0 port. Note that both USB ports are protected by plugs, so you can not worry that dirt will be broken there. True, when you want to connect a flash drive, these plugs interfere - you can't connect the flash drive with one hand.

When the tablet is connected to the docking station, the "dock station is connected" appears on the screen in the lower right corner, and when the text set language is selected, not only the virtual keyboard is offered, but also the ASUS keyboard.

Laying keyboard and positioning devices

A separate conversation deserves a keyboard layout. The manufacturer quite rightly judged that the standard laptop layout here will not cost, you need to adapt the keyboard to the Android OS. And this adaptation succeeded in fame.

Android keys on the Eee Pad Transformer keyboard are placed in the lower and upper rows. From the bottom - the "Home" button (in the same place where the Windows button is usually located), next to it - "search", and on the right side of the row - "Menu". And in the top row, these are "Back" buttons, "Enable / disable Wi-Fi", "Enable / disable Bluetooth", "Enable / disable a touchpad", "Reduce brightness", "Enlarge brightness", "Automatic brightness", "Remove Screenshot "(very valuable in Android button!)," Browser "," Settings ", three playback control keys, three sound control keys (" disable "," Reduce "and" Enlarge ") and the output button waiting mode.

The key of the key is pleasant, with the Asus keyboard, it is much more pleasant to work than with the keyboard of most netbooks that I saw - here ASUS has retained that quality standard that is characteristic of laptops of this company.

There is also a touchpad - to it, like the keyboard, there are no complaints, works without problems.

Screen

The tablet is equipped with a 10.1-inch screen, which is based on the IPS matrix. Resolution - 1280 × 800. Thus, the owners of ASUS Eee Pad Transformer will receive a picture of no less high-quality pictures than iPad owners. And, by the way, ASUS is one of the few manufacturers that use screens in their tablets on the IPS matrix. This is a very big plus. As for the subjective impressions of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer screen, they are the best: colors are saturated, the stock of the brightness is sufficient (although the sun has to unscrew it to the maximum), there are no complaints about the screen of the screen.

In connection with the screen, we note a curious feature relating to issues of ergonomics. As you already understood, the tablet with the connected docking station can be controlled (that is, perform some commands - for example, the output in the main menu) four ways: using the function keys on the keyboard, using a touchpad connected via a USB mouse, as well as Using the touch screen. And in this, at first glance, there is some redundancy. But you get used to such opportunities very quickly. And then, replanting with a regular netbook or laptop, constantly catch yourself thinking that I want to skip the web page on the screen, click on some icon, etc.

Operating system and software

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is running the newest version Google Android OS 3.1. On the Russian market, this is the first tablet with 3.1 - Samsung tablets with the same version of the OS will be later, and Acer Iconia Tab A500 is sold from 3.0 (however, users are available to 3.1). By the way, TRANSFORMER holders can already be updated to version 3.2, but we studied the tablet with the default version 3.1.

Of the differences, version 3.1, we call, first of all, the wider possibilities of multitasking. In version 3.0, the number of simultaneously open applications (displayed as a vertical series of thumbnails on the left side of the desktop) was limited to five, now it is removed. It became possible to connect various devices, joysticks, gamepads, etc.

In addition, a step forward is made in part of the support of various video formats, although the situation is still not quite clear here: where is the "border" between the "responsibility zones" of the operating system, the program player (with a set of codecs) and the device itself? We will definitely return to this issue in future articles. And, moreover, be sure to study the cloud features of ASUS Eee Pad Transformer - they are provided by a number of exclusive pre-installed ASUS applications. This is a MyNet that allows you to transfer multimedia wireless files. home network, and MyCloud, providing access to digital content on the Internet and allows you to make remote access to the computer (PC or Mac).

The Android 3.1 browser supports Adobe Flash and completely correctly displays sites with a variety of multimedia content. Perhaps, by convenience, the Android 3.x browser exceeds Safari on the iPad. What to talk about functionality - in iOS is still missing adobe Support Flash.

We also note that a Polaris Office is installed as an office package on ASUS EEE Pad Transformer, which is becoming more and more popular and soon, it is necessary to assume that Documents to Go.

But, of course, you can install another office package, as well as the most diverse additional software. As it should be, in ASUS Eee Pad Transformer has an Android Market.

In addition, there is another Tegra Zone game store. As already seen from the name, it is designed specifically for mobile devices using the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform and is supported by NVIDIA. The big plus store for the user is that the games in it are optimized to work on the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip (it will be discussed below).

We note another moment. For the current version of ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, there is an unofficial firmware that allows you to connect to a 3G modem to the tablet. A minus such a decision is obvious, but if it is very necessary, it is worth it to keep such an opportunity.

Performance and autonomous work

In the plan of the ASUS EEE Pad TRANSFORMER used, it's keeping up with the main competitors: this is SOC NVIDIA Tegra 2, which includes a dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz, as well as 1 GB of RAM. NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip has become a de facto standard for 2011 tablets - now it is already possible to say for sure. Almost all new products are based on the Tegra 2 platform 2. But, of course, with the exception of iPad 2. However, Apple A5 chip on which iPad 2 works, has the same characteristics (dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz) and architecture (ARM) . Therefore, there is no one to speak about the superiority of one or another (and there are different applications, so it is even adequate to test it problematic, which we have already written in the Acer Iconia Tab A500 tablet).

However, the justice of the sake of the sake of the results of two tests running on ASUS Eee Pad Transformer: Quadrant Standard (Application for Android) and Sunspider 0.9.1 (Web Test). The QUADRANT STANDARD The Asus Eee Pad Transformer tablet showed a very strange, implausible result - only 1528 (while other tablets on Tegra 2 are gaining more than 2000). Probably the fact is that at the time of testing the tablet, the QUADRANT developers have not yet managed to optimize their test under the Android OS 3.1. But Sunspider reported on quite logical results: at different starts, they ranged from 2158 to 2143 ms (the smaller the number of milliseconds in this test).

As for the battery life, here ASUS Eee Pad Transformer without a connected docking station may well compete with BlackBerry Playbook and even with iPad. In the active mode (online video, installation of applications, etc.) Its Li-Polymer batteries 24.4 W · h is enough for almost 7 hours, but in the "simplified" web surfing mode (without launching a "heavy" content ) ASUS Eee Pad Transformer will live for about 10 hours. Recall that the docking station has an extra battery, and in the minimum load mode (thoughtful reading and editing of the text) battery life almost doubles (according to ASUS application with a connected docking station, the EEE Pad Transformer tablet can work for up to 16 hours). It is clear that this is an incomparably the best result than "ordinary" netbooks.

Cameras

Again, in full accordance with modern trends, the ASUS EEE Pad Transformer tablet is equipped with two chambers - 1.2 MP (frontal) and 5 MP (rear). The quality of photos taken by the rear camera is not bad, but not outstanding.

But the video pleased: first, the resolution of 720r (however, it also becomes the standard), secondly, the lack of serious artifacts (even small moving objects are completely distinguishable). For the video, the H.264 codec is used. The 30-second roller weighs 39.5 MB.

conclusions

In general, the ASUS EEE Pad Transformer TF101 tablet should be recognized as a very successful and interesting product. Moreover, currently this is probably the best tablet based on Android OS 3.1. And there will be a 3G version of the tablet with a docking station with particularly successful acquisition. True, the cost of such a purchase will probably in the area of \u200b\u200b26 thousand rubles, but for versatility, good design and excellent quality is quite an adequate price for our market. And let us still seem that the desire for versatility in the field of mobile devices is the path of unreliable and not always appropriate, ASUS managed to prove that sometimes on this path can be achieved excellent results.

However, if you only need a tablet and precisely on the basis of the Android OS, not a netbook, then as ASUS Eee Pad Transformer looks great, and there is no reason to not deliver this product in the first rows of the list of applicants for the purchase.

For the excellent implementation of the original idea, broad functionality and representative appearance we are awarded tab ASUS. Eee Pad Transformer (in configuration including docking station) Original Design.