Asus transformer tf101 16gb tablets. Tablet Asus TF101: specifications, description and features, owner reviews. Connectors and controls
All tablets are similar to each other. And nothing can be done about it - this genre, for many reasons, assumes minimalism in design. So with decorative elements you will not particularly roam. The design of the front side of tablet computers is virtually canonized. The glossy black bezel is an indispensable attribute of these devices, and the narrow bezel around it does not diversify too much appearance.
For all the experiments, the designers have a back side. In life, it is not so important how it is framed - no one will really consider it properly. Even on a store shelf, the tablet will face the customer, so design delights will not play a role here either. Nevertheless, in order not to be completely boring, the designers of most tablets try to do at least something original with the backdrop.
The edging of the Eee Pad Transformer is a single piece of light brown metal. Rear panel- plastic with a rather intricate relief pattern, also brown, but of a darker shade.
The color scheme is not for everybody. Perhaps it would be more reasonable to use some standard colors: black, gray, silver, white, finally. Because the most attractive feature of this device in any case is not its appearance, but something completely different - the ability to connect a docking station, which turns the tablet into a smartbook.
What is good, all the mechanics with which the halves of the tandem are fastened to each other are at the bottom. The tablet only has a 40-pin connector and two slots that accommodate the latches.
This is good because it made it possible to make the tablet part relatively light, and the bottom one is heavy enough so that the device transformed into a smartbook stands securely and does not turn over. In general, from the point of view of mechanics, the Eee Pad Transformer is very good: the lid deflects with the right force, the latches securely grip the halves of the case - it's pleasant and convenient to use.
The top of the docking station, like the bezel of the tablet case, is made of metal. The lower part is plastic. With exactly the same embossed pattern.
The keyboard is quite comfortable - most of the buttons actually used in Android are large (key spacing - 17 mm). Slightly got "arrows", but this is a justified sacrifice - in the "robotic" OS they still have little use.
In place of the usual row F1-F12, buttons are located that control various functions: switching on and off wireless interfaces, changing the volume or brightness, and so on. Separately, I was pleased with the presence of a button that allows you to take screenshots - usually for this, you have to arrange dances with a tambourine in Android devices.
The touchpad is large (80x48mm), properly coated and has easy-to-use buttons. True, you need to use the buttons with caution: the right one in Android works like Back / Exit, so it's better not to accidentally get into it.
As for the interfaces, ASUS dealt with them very cunningly. There are very few ports on the body of the tablet itself: an HDMI output (not quite standard, in the "mini" version), a combined audio jack and a slot for microSD cards. And, of course, a 40-pin communication connector, with which the tablet connects to a computer, charger and docking station.
If there is a human desire to work with external drives or peripherals, as well as full-size memory cards, then willy-nilly you will have to fork out for a docking station. But it has two USB ports at once - one on the left, the other on the right, both are covered with neat covers.
On the positive side, the amount of total disk space can be increased to a very impressive one. After all, you can use two memory cards and two flash drives at once. In addition, there is a second battery in the docking station, exactly the same as in the tablet itself. That is, in smartbook mode, the Eee Pad Transformer lasts about twice as long.
Negative point: in a fully functional version, the Eee Pad Transformer will cost a very weighty 24 thousand rubles. Moreover, only the 32GB version of the device is available with the docking station.
ASUS tablet turned out to be quite large: it is almost a centimeter wider than Acer Iconia tab A500, but 7mm lower. This Taiwanese pair is noticeably larger than most modern tablets.
| Comparison of the dimensions of tablet computers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Display | Width, mm | Height, mm | Depth mm | Rough estimate * of volume, cm 3 |
| Acer Iconia Tab A500 | 10.1 ″ 1280x800 | 260 | 177 | 13,3 | 612 |
| Apple iPad | 9.7 ″ 1024x768 |
243 | 190 | 13 | 600 |
| Apple iPad 2 | 9.7 ″ 1024x768 |
241 | 186 | 8,8 | 394 |
| Archos 101 Internet Tablet | 10.1 ″ 1024x600 |
270 | 150 | 12 | 486 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.1 v1 | 10.1 ″ 1280x800 |
246 | 170 | 10,99 | 460 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.1 v2 | 10.1 ″ 1280x800 |
246 | 170 | 8,6 | 360 |
| ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 | 10.1 ″ 1280x800 |
271 | 171 | 12,98 | 602 |
| * the value is obtained by simple multiplication of dimensions and, due to the complex shape of the cases, does not fully correspond to the real volume | |||||
With weight, things are a little better, although the Eee Pad, like all other modern tablets, still doesn’t hurt to lose weight.
The main problem is that the docking station weighs almost as much as the tablet itself.
As a result, the weight of the device with the keyboard attached is quite large - the Eee Pad Transformer turns out to be heavier than netbooks with the same display size. Why, even some laptops weigh comparable!
The extremely compact and lightweight power supply partly helps out - even with a massive British plug, it weighs less than 100 grams. But even such a handicap does not help the Eee Pad Transformer defeat its closest competitors from the PC camp.
However, the Eee Pad Transformer has one major advantage over laptops. A head-up display is the best that can be found in any, even the most expensive laptop, including Apple products... The Eee Pad's matrix is IPS and offers excellent contrast, vibrant colors and maximum viewing angles.
| Specifications ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 | |
|---|---|
| CPU | NVIDIA Tegra 250: ARM Cortex A9 MPCore, 1 GHz frequency, two cores |
| Graphics controller | NVIDIA GeForce ULP, integrated into the processor |
| Screen | 10.1 ″, 1280x800; IPS technology; Capacitive touch screen |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Flash memory | 16/32 GB Free Annual ASUS Web Storage Subscription with Unlimited Disk Space |
| Tablet interfaces | 1 x MicroSD 1 x Mini HDMI 1 x headphone / mic-in (mini-jack 3.5mm) 1 x 40 pin connection port |
| Docking station interfaces | 1 x SD / MMC 2 x USB 2.0 (host) 1 x 40 pin connection port |
| Wireless connection | Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
| Sound | Two speakers, microphone |
| Food | Battery Li-Pol 24.4 W * h Additional Li-Pol battery 24.4 Wh in the docking station 18W power supply (5V, 2A or 15V, 1.2A) |
| Other | Docking station with keyboard and touchpad, 1.2MP front webcam, 5MP rear webcam, rotation sensor, ambient light sensor, GPS module |
| Size, mm | 271x171x13 |
| Weight, g | Tablet - 680 Docking station - 630 |
| Operating system | Google android 3.0 (Honeycomb) |
| Official manufacturer's warranty | 12 months |
| Recommended prices for Russia | RUB 15,990 for the version with 16 GB of flash memory RUB 19,990 for the version with 32 GB of flash memory RUB 23,990 for the version with 32 GB of flash memory and a docking station included |
Like most tablet computers in 2011, ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is built on the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform and runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. The amount of pre-installed flash memory is also standard: 16 or 32 GB. As already mentioned above, the drive can be significantly increased in volume using microSD cards or even a full-size SD / MMC with a docking station.
The tablet has a motion sensor, a full-fledged GPS module and a light sensor that adjusts the brightness to external conditions. True, it does not work quite adequately. If you entrust the business to automation, it turns out a little dark. And it will not work to correct the base level, relative to which the brightness will be automatically adjusted in the future.
The set of wireless interfaces is exactly the same as in the Acer Iconia Tab A500. Wi-Fi 802.11b / g / n and Bluetooth 2.1 are currently available. According to employees of the Russian representative office of ASUS, the version with 3G will not be available until July. But all three modifications without 3G will appear on the shelves just now - including a complete set with a docking station.
Of course, there is also a camera. The front is very weak, for video calls - and the back, 5-megapixel. It’s somehow embarrassing to talk about the first one. As for the second, the quality of the pictures is about the same as in the Iconia Tab A500 - that is, none. Plus there is no flash here. So the only genre feasible for such cameras - "we are with friends in the bath" - is limitedly available. Well, it didn't hurt, and I wanted to.
ASUS programmers have added to standard interface Android 3.0 has some extremely useful features. For example, it should be noted the possibility of more convenient work with external drives. When the device is connected, a small window appears in the notification area, allowing you to safely remove the drive or go to view its contents in the preinstalled (and quite sane) file manager.
What is nice is that external storage devices are not mounted in a folder called "mnt" that is obscure to normal people, but in a more meaningful and much better visible folder named "Removable". You can connect not only flash drives, but also hard drives- and there is support for file NTFS systems(they forgot about it in the Acer tablet computer).
If a docking station is connected, virtual keyboard stops appearing on the screen while entering text. In this case, it is most convenient to switch the layout using the standard keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift. However, you can switch in another way - by clicking on the icon in the notification area.
With the appearance several years ago of solutions from Nvidia in the face of Tegra with full support for the Android platform, a good half of the venerable manufacturers of mobile gadgets rushed to conquer the segment of tablet computers.
The recipe was extremely simple: we take the most optimal modification of the video accelerator - Tegra 2, adapt the interface and standard software for the fourth version of Android, and leave the rest to the discretion of the designers. The last thoughts and plans, as always, were filled up, so there seemed to be no problems with originality.
The Xoom series from Motorola can be considered a pioneer of tablet computers. The first pancake, as they say, came out lumpy, but the idea was picked up by other brands and, already taking into account the experience of the American (now Chinese) company, quite decent devices began to be obtained.
One of the brightest representatives of this segment is the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101. The gadget is presented in several modifications, which differ from each other in volume random access memory and a version of the composite keyboard. The latter just allows you to turn an ordinary mobile device into a kind of netbook.
So, we present to your attention a review of the tablet computer - Asus TF101. The characteristics of the gadget, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the feasibility of buying will be discussed in our article. When compiling the article, the opinions of experts in this field and the reviews of ordinary owners of this model were taken into account.
Equipment
The device comes in a nice and stylish box made of thick cardboard with a dark design. The front part shows the Asus TF101 transformer itself, and the characteristics in the form of a brief specification are located on the back side.
The interior decoration is designed very competently, the accessories do not "quarrel" with each other, but are neatly located around the entire perimeter. This allowed not to inflate the package to the size of a laptop, so it can be transported in a small bag or even easier - under the arm.
Contents of delivery:
- Asus TF101 itself;
- power supply (memory) of composite type;
- keyboard;
- micro-USB cable for synchronization with a PC and recharging;
- documentation with a warranty card.
The package bundle can be called standard, you will not see any additional accessories like covers, handbags or a headset here. But, judging by the feedback from users, it is for the better, because such items are always bought "to your taste and color", and the extra thing in the kit adds significantly to the cost of the gadget.
Appearance
The cover of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is made of corrugated plastic and has a matte finish. It is pleasant to the touch and does not collect fingerprints like a vacuum cleaner, and it is more or less resistant to scratches.
The ends received metal inserts, which adds not only protection to the gadget, but also solidity. The bezels bordering the screen are a bit thick, but they do not spoil the overall style and are reflected in the ergonomics only in the best way. Users in their reviews of other tablet computers have repeatedly complained about too thin frames, where accidental clicks were frequent while watching video content or playing games. Here there is enough space for fingers.
Operational Asus specifications The TF101 is at a quite acceptable level and the build quality can be called excellent: there are no gaps, nothing crunches, no backlash or creaks. In a word - a solid device with which you can travel without extreme.
Interfaces
On the right side there is a classic 3.5 mm mini-jack for a headset, a mini-HDMI video output, a slot for external memory cards and one of two speakers. On the left side are the volume rocker, the off key and another speaker.
The bottom of the Asus TF101 tablet is reserved for the docking station, and in our case, the keyboard. It can also be used both to recharge the device and to connect other peripherals. The interface itself is located exactly in the middle, and on the sides there are guiding grooves for the keyboard.
The interface characteristics of the Asus TF101 allow you to easily synchronize with other mobile gadgets and specific peripherals, so the model can be called the most versatile. Based on user feedback, many service technicians use the model for their professional needs.
Screen
The 10-inch "Android" tablet received a pretty good IPS-matrix, which easily copes with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. As such, pixelation is not visible here, but if you look closely, you may be able to consider individual points. At least a good half of users did not report this effect in their reviews.
The matrix provides excellent color depth, good brightness and contrast, and maximum viewing angles. Therefore, you can safely watch any photo or video content in the company of one or two like-minded people.
It is also worth noting that the screen of the "Android" tablet is protected by glass from the venerable "Gorilla". At least the manufacturer did not go broke for some oleophobic coating, so the display surface collects fingerprints like a magnet, since they can be removed without any problems and very quickly.
Performance
Responsible for performance is a dual-core processor working in tandem with the aforementioned Tegra of the second version from Nvidia. RAM on board is not enough by modern standards - only 1 GB, but this is enough for the perfect operation of the interface and standard applications.
By the way, about the latter. Quite a few distributors and dishonest sellers add their advertisements to the operating system, and as a rule, they cannot be removed using the usual methods. The only iron option to get rid of it is stock firmware for Asus TF101. You can find it both on the official developer resource (Jelly Bean) and on specialized forums like w3bsit3-dns.com.
As for gaming applications, problems may arise with the launch of "heavy" toys. Modern software of this kind is quite demanding, moreover, it is deliberately adapted specifically for high-performance processors to increase sales of the latter. So, in many applications, you will have to reset the graphics settings to medium, or even minimum values, provided that they start at all.
Keyboard
Judging by user reviews, they can't say anything bad or good about a regular keyboard. Here we have a quite adequate analogue of the usual laptop working area. On it you can both print plenty of texts and play.
The keyboard is attached, it is a docking station, it is not as easy as it seems at first glance, so you will have to get used to this procedure. It is also worth noting that it is equipped with additional USB interfaces and a card reader.
Autonomy
With a good load, and this is the Internet on, watching high-definition video and toys, the device will work for about six hours. In mixed mode, time autonomous work you can significantly stretch to one, or even two days, if you do not get carried away with "heavy" applications and video content.
With a docking station (fully charged), the device increases its autonomy by about two times. That is, at maximum load, you can work almost all day. Users leave entirely positive reviews about the autonomous part of the device. Conventional tablets are very far from such indicators.
Summarizing
Despite a rather mediocre set of chipsets by modern standards, the tablet is in demand among a wide range of consumers. Naturally, gamers are not included in it. The model is perfect for surfing the Web and for solving some professional tasks. So the money invested in the model, and this is a little less than 10 thousand rubles, it fulfills in full and does not philonite.
In the segment of tablets running Android 3.x, key companies of the IT market are represented. The ability to choose among competing options is an absolute advantage for the buyer, but he must be prepared for a high degree of similarity between offers. So, most of them have an NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip, which provides comparable performance. And the use of the same software platform guarantees identical (or close to it) functionality.
It is not surprising that in order to convince in the superiority of their model, manufacturers implement additional features that distinguish it from competitors. For example, Samsung relies on the proprietary TouchWiz UX interface, LG is trying to attract attention with the tablet's 3D functions. ASUS has focused on design.
The result was the emergence of two Android tablets - Slider and Transformer. Both devices received a physical QWERTY keyboard, the form factor is reflected in the names. In the Slider, the keyboard is housed in a sliding case, while in the Transformer it is housed in a detachable docking station.
The advent of such an accessory makes the tablet much more versatile. It is no coincidence that the full name of the ASUS model can be traced back to netbooks, which had a real boom a little earlier. Will a device like the one under review replace high-selling netbooks? Or will it be a niche product? Let's try to figure it out.
Appearance
Let's take a look at the TF101 separately as a tablet first. Due to the use of a 10.1-inch display, it is large and, moreover, weighty. The device weighs 680g (without docking station attached), which is over 100g heavier than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. On the other hand, another competitor of the reviewed tablet, Acer ICONIA Tab A500, weighs 760 g. It will be inconvenient and difficult to hold the Transformer in one hand precisely because of its impressive weight.
The shape of the tablet is also determined by the matrix. Since the latter is widescreen, the body, repeating the proportions of the display, is elongated, the width is much greater than the height. For this reason, it is much more comfortable to use the tablet in landscape orientation rather than portrait orientation.
The body is made of plastic, but the design of the material leaves a “metallic” impression upon first acquaintance (as will be mentioned a little later, there are indeed metal elements in the structure, but they are not the main ones). The tablet as a whole is decorated quite “expensive” and impressively. The Transformer color scheme is unusual, the plastic has a bronze tint. Such a choice is both neutral (not flashy, not defiant) and unusual, rare.
The back of the device (in netbook mode it acts as a lid) has a grooved surface to avoid slipping. In addition, this surface makes possible physical damage less visible. Practical design is an indisputable advantage of the model. The assembly is of high quality, the body gives the impression of a strong and resistant to external influences... The structure is strengthened by a metal edging used at the ends of the case.
Layout of the elements on the main module of the Eee Pad Transformer is implemented in the following way... At the top of the left end, on short distance from each other, the power button and the volume rocker are located. It is most convenient to press them with your index finger if you hold the device with both hands on the weight. On the right side there is a slot for microSD memory cards (without a cap), a miniHDMI port and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
Speaker slots are located on both ends described. The built-in stereo loudspeakers are very loud, the sound is shrill at maximum values, and even uncomfortably loud in a quiet environment. Using the maximum volume does not negatively affect the quality of playback - no noise or other audio distortions were noticed.
The upper end is free of any additional elements, but on the lower one you can find a proprietary connector designed to connect a cable, charger or docking station. On both sides of it there are grooves that serve to attach the tablet itself to the docking station. Let's tell you more about it.
Dock station
Thanks to the docking station, the device in question takes on the appearance typical of an ordinary netbook with a 10-inch display. The area to which the tablet is connected is provided with a hinge. This allows you to adjust the tilt of the screen in relation to the keyboard and fold the TF101 like a laptop. This can be very convenient for transport compared to carrying the two body parts separately. For example, a similar accessory was presented for the popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet. However, the latter has a fixed mount in the docking station; it will not be possible to fold both parts into a one-piece case.
The tablet is securely attached to the station; when folded, the halves of the case do not stagger relative to each other. To detach parts, you must use a special lever.
The docking station gives TF101 owners a physical QWERTY keyboard. In terms of its design and parameters, it is as similar as possible to the corresponding blocks in netbooks. The keys are square, slightly spaced apart. They are located more densely than in ordinary laptops, so the first time when typing blindly (without previous experience using netbooks) there is a high probability of false presses of adjacent buttons.
In addition to alphanumeric designations, a set is also provided function keys adapted for the Android platform. So, in the bottom row there are buttons "Home", "Search" and "Menu" for performing the corresponding actions.
The whole upper row of buttons is also filled with function keys. With their help, you can enable wireless modules, control the player, change the volume and brightness of the backlight, go to the settings or the browser, take screenshots.
The touchpad, located under the keyboard unit, has a small area, which can cause discomfort at first. When the touchpad is used, an unusual pointer appears on the screen - a small ring instead of a mouse. Since all elements Android interface 3 large, it does not cause any inconvenience when controlling the "transformer" and, according to the subjective opinion, 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 (more on this in the corresponding section of the review), as well as additional ports. Of most interest are the two USBs. The interface is useful for connecting other accessories: a mouse (a normal cursor is displayed on the display when using it), an external storage device. Others portable devices(players, smartphones) can also be powered from the tablet when connected via USB. In addition, at the ends of the docking station there is an SD memory card reader and one more jack for connecting a proprietary cable.
Display
The Eee Pad Transformer boasts an installed IPS-matrix. This gives the model a head start over its Android competitors, which most often use TFT displays. Objectively evaluating the screen, you can see the advantages of IPS technology (better contrast or resistance to sunlight), but it would be wrong to say that they leave the competition behind.
When directly comparing the displays of the TF101 and iPad 2 (both made using the same technology), the quality of the latter is slightly higher. This is a little surprising, since the ASUS variant looks more attractive by formal characteristics (pixel density, for example).
When looking at the screen of the Eee Pad Transformer in isolation, it leaves an extremely positive impression and is characterized by natural color reproduction, a large margin of brightness, maximum viewing angles, and a sensitive capacitive sensor. Among the current offers in the class of Android tablets, this is definitely one of the best matrices.
Functionality
The TF101 model runs Android 3.2. The interface and most of the functionality correspond to the standard set of this platform. In fact, there are no differences from the initial capabilities of the previously tested Acer ICONIA Tab A500 - another current offer among Android tablets. Therefore, it is advisable to get acquainted with key features operating system (desktop view, menu, widget management, standard applications) in the review of the mentioned competitor. Here and now we will study in more detail distinctive features Eee Pad Transformer.
Frankly speaking, there are not so many branded additions. The widget base is practically not expanded, ASUS offered differently designed windows with information about the time, unread letters. A more interesting gadget is MyZine, which contains several blocks of information: new images from the gallery, links to go to calendar, mail, weather forecast, library, audio player and recently launched program.
Library MyLibrary combines directly the "reader" stored in the memory of the tablet books and text documents, as well as the online kiosk with periodicals PressReader. The latter allows (albeit on a paid basis) to subscribe and download issues of world famous newspapers and magazines. The list of supported editions is quite long. Downloaded issues can be viewed both as ordinary newspapers (flipping through the pages), and by opening the texts of individual news or articles adapted for electronics.
Another functional addition from the manufacturer is the MyCloud application, which combines several utilities. So, MyContent is associated with the WebStorage service known for ASUS netbooks - a remote drive. On WebStorage servers, you can upload, store, and access your files from a variety of devices. The MyDesktop utility helps you manage your paired PC remotely.
After Apple launched the first and then the second iPad into production, it seemed that it was simply impossible to produce something in the world of tablets, if not fundamentally new, then at least evolutionary and developing in the industry. Nothing is impossible - ASUS counted and announced a hybrid of a tablet and a netbook.
What seemed like a good thing lay on the surface, but required competent implementation. The new device was named Transformer for a reason, it really knows how to turn from one type of technology into a consonant, but completely different one. And if the model is "in the assembly", then an unknowing person will not even have a thought that this stylish mini-computer, in fact, is not really such.
Having got our hands on the Transformer, we will try to find answers to the most common questions - can a tablet really replace a laptop? How successful is the alignment of the screen with the docking station? How does Android behave in the context of a cutting edge novelty? The journey into the world of a hybrid device will certainly be exciting - we open the boxes and ...
Design
We see neatly packed in protective film the docking station and the tablet itself. When you take it in your hands, you immediately realize that the industry is alive with more than one design "a la iPad" and that you don't need to invent something extraordinary for your own "face". The front side is made in the spirit of the latest tablets and is completely devoid of controls - those are provided by default software in Android 3.x, which made it possible to completely deprive the front of the buttons.
The main trump card of the model lies in the back cover. It is made of durable plastic covered with a deep embossed mesh with a pattern. This has never been seen in any tablet and, if you do not embarrass yourself with conventions, is rarely found in laptops. It looks so authoritative that there is no doubt that the tablet belongs to the business class. It can be seen that the thickness of the plastic is on the order of several millimeters, that is, it does not bend in principle.
The use of matte patterned plastic sweeps away any hints of preserving prints (which cannot be said about the screen) and any other dirt. In addition, it allows the device to lie firmly in the hand and not try to slip out. On the sides there is an edging, and not from aluminum, but from metal with a color "like copper" to match the entire tablet. By the way, the same Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 did not escape claims - the lid is made in smooth plastic, subjectively significantly inferior in strength to the Transformer, besides, it noticeably sags on the hard "bottom", creating voids.
Transformer is too heavy, you can't hide it. It weighs 680 grams and is unlikely to be convenient for long-term use for girls "on weight". However, the mass is evenly distributed does not cause critical pressure on the fingers. And I don't want to call the severity a disadvantage in any way - it is clear that the Transformer is assembled from durable reliable materials, which will only benefit its durability.
Note that the Transformer is not the most "aggravating" tablet, it failed to break the Acer ICONIA Tab record with 765 grams. Absolutely all connectors of the tablet are located on its sides, thereby saving the model from the "illness" of many colleagues in the shop - a removable cover. By its very presence, it increased the likelihood of breakage and often contributed to the formation of squeaks and backlash.
In one of the reviews it was said that with the advent of the iPad 2, manufacturers suddenly set a course for the ultimate reduction in thickness and weight. So, ASUS did not succumb to the trend, as we see it only benefited the tablet. Its solidity is undeniable, and the very question of the build quality seems to be something unnatural.
In general, the device looks stylish, all its elements are perfectly combined with each other and noticeably distinguish Transformer against the background of competitors' crafts. The main task for the Android tablet has been achieved - the model has extremely distanced itself from any associations with the iPad. And at the same time she managed to find her own unique face. Maybe this is the same alternative design to follow?
Connectors and controls
Tablets on Android base 3.x are distinguished by the complete absence of buttons on the front panel. In theory, they are replaced by painted buttons placed on the panel at the bottom of the screen, which, by the way, noticeably distinguishes such tablets from the iPad, which the raging Apple "protects" with all its might. The TF101 is no exception in this regard.
The bezel is covered with a highly reflective protective glass... There is a peephole at the top of the screen front camera, and to the right of it is the name-logo of the manufacturer.
On the left side are all physical buttons, including three: turning the tablet on / off and adjusting the volume. A loudspeaker is located just below the small perforation.
The right side accommodates all connectors: 3.5 mm audio out, Mini HDMI, microSD card slot. There is also a second speaker.
A connector for charging connection is brought out to the bottom end and synchronization with a computer is carried out through it. On the sides of it is a pair of vents. There is nothing on the top.
The back cover completely covers the device and is not removable. On it, in addition to the manufacturer's logo, there is a camera peephole in the upper part.
Dock station
The main difference between ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 and many similar tablets is its set-top box with a keyboard, touchpad and additional connectors. As such, this accessory is more like a docking station than a means of increasing the convenience of working with a tablet. For example, a keyboard is also sold for the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but there is no touchpad on it, as well as connectors (except for the power / sync connector).
The design of the TF101 keyboard is extremely interesting. In its upper part there is a bent metal grip, which can be turned only when you insert the tablet into it and change the position of the latch.
After such an operation, the device begins to very much resemble a regular netbook, especially when opened. By the way, the capture opens rather tight.
As for the layout, in some places it is quite different from the usual one, which, however, is natural. But the symbolic keys are located in their usual places and there shouldn't be any problems here. The only pity is that while the TF101 keyboard is supplied without the Cyrillic alphabet. But we were very pleased with the keys,,, and - they are all in their places. Even their size did not cause any criticism, except perhaps for the short right one. The arrow block is "squeezed" into the two bottom rows of keys, which does not in the best way affect the convenience of its use. Nevertheless, here you can make a discount on the fact that we are not dealing with a laptop or netbook, and therefore you often won't have to use this unit.
The biggest difference lies in the top row of keys. Instead of a block of function keys, there is a continuous row of 17 keys of a very different purpose. So there is a return key (a kind of analogue), a couple more are responsible for the operation of wireless controllers, adjusting the screen brightness and volume, the rest call various applications and control playback in the media player. In addition, the bottom row contains a couple of "non-standard" keys. In particular, this is "Home", "Search" and calling up an additional menu.
In general, typing on such a keyboard is no less comfortable than on any 11.6-inch laptop. Sure, office suite Android is completely different from Windows, but if necessary, work with documents can be done without any problems. True, there is not enough multi-window mode, but these are details. The main thing is that if an urgent need arises, it will be quite easy to quickly create or edit a particular file with text.
To a lesser extent, the touchpad should contribute to the fast execution of work. Actually, a mouse in a touch-oriented operating system is not so much in demand. We were perfectly convinced of this in Windows 8 with its Metro shell. Android 3.x is no exception. But we will dwell on the experience of working with the mouse pointer in more detail below.
Let's say a few words about the touchpad here. It is quite large for the TF101 docking station. The designers took advantage of the entire available space. As a result, the height of the touchpad is maximum, but still it is not great. However, this was compensated by the large width. The surface of the touchpad is rough matte and allows precise control of the mouse pointer. The buttons on the bottom are thin and with a tight push.
Strictly speaking, we don't see much use for a touchpad for an Android tablet. However, there is a "side" plus, which appeared precisely because of the addition of a touchpad - the working area. It fits your wrists comfortably on it, which makes typing easier, reduces fatigue. The keyboard for Galaxy Tab 10.1 is devoid of such "surplus", which somewhat reduces the amount 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 two purely "laptop" manipulators, he adds a few more connectors to the tablet, making it almost a real laptop. In particular, these are two USB and a card reader for full-size Secure Digital memory cards. And, of course, the power connector and synchronization with the PC are duplicated. The latter, when connected to a dock, becomes even more relevant, since a second battery is hidden inside the accessory - it's not for nothing that the keyboard is so heavy and massive.
I am very glad that the USB connectors are fully functional. That is, you can connect to them not only a data carrier, but also, for example, an ordinary mouse. The latter works great, complementing the touchpad, as if we are dealing with a regular laptop. Of course, the performance of any peripherals, even a regular printer, can hardly be guaranteed by anyone (due to the lack of drivers for Android, and not because of the connector itself), but this functionality is already more than enough.
Coupled with USB, two card readers (the second on the tablet itself) and HDMI output, the ASUS TF101 tablet can really become a good business device. Without a docking station, this is a solid tablet, and with it - almost full laptop, with the help of which you can quite comfortably and quickly complete an urgent and not very task.
Screen
The first generation of tablets based on Android 3.0 had the same resolution of 1280x800 pixels. This was required by artificially imposed system restrictions, and therefore most tablets automatically became potential competitors for the iPad. With the release of Android 3.2, the limitation has been lifted, but the 10.1-inch models, which include the ASUS TF101, have not changed the screen resolution and are unlikely to change (unless it will be increased).
In general, 1280x800 for 10.1 "is pretty good. The picture is quite clear, it is a pleasure to work with sites, you can view large PDF documents, it is convenient to work with text files and spreadsheets. What can I say - quite recently, most laptops with a diagonal of up to 15.4 "were equipped with a screen with such a resolution.
However, the advantages of the TF101 display do not end there. Another, no less important, is the type of IPS matrix. This type has long been known to provide the best viewing angles and color reproduction. Confirmation of this is clearly visible from each pixel of the screen of the tablet in question. The display is really very good and there are no complaints about it. In our subjective opinion, it is even better than screen samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The latter is based on PLS technology, which Samsung recently launched into commercial operation. In its principles of operation, it is very similar to IPS, however, it is about 15% cheaper in production. Nevertheless, PLS has a known disadvantage of IPS - the screen filled with black color gives off a strong purple tint. Moreover, the IPS technology practically got rid of this feature in the latest generation modifications, which also applies to the TF101.
In short, the screen of the ASUS tablet is wonderful and we had absolutely no complaints about it.
Camera
Transformer has a frontal and rear cameras, both are located at the top of the covers in the center. If the location on the back cover is not important, then on the screen, like in a netbook, it contributes to comfortable communication in video chats, for example, via Skype. The front and rear have 1.2 and 5.0 megapixel sensors, respectively. Maximum resolution survey is 2592x1944 points. There are no LED flash and no proximity and light sensors.
Shooting settings are extremely few, which is surprising after Android 2.3 on smartphones. The user sets the picture quality, exposure, white balance, color effects and just a few more settings.
The quality of the pictures is ambiguous. It would seem that under the same weather conditions, the Transformer can produce both acceptable images and frankly vague ones. This is the main disadvantage of shooting - the camera does not guarantee stable quality and from time to time gives exactly the opposite result, whether it is a long-range panorama or macro photography.
The front camera did not cause any complaints, at close range, for which it is intended, objects are quite clear, with natural color reproduction.
Characteristics
IN lineup The ASUS Eee Pad Tablet Transformer TF101 is not the only device. So there is also a TF101G modification with a 3G module, an Eee Pad Slider SL101 with a built-in slide-out keyboard and a couple of representatives of the 12.1-inch Eee Slate - tablets on Windows based 7. However, we will compare the reviewed device with its direct competitor - Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
The TF101's specs aren't that impressive. If you think about it, then flagship smartphones even better than the largest google tablets. However, it is obvious that such a configuration is quite enough for comfortable work. Manufacturers have not pressed for high processor clock speeds, preferring a balance between CPU frequency, graphics accelerator and the number of cores. The NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip is quite suitable for these purposes. Its ARM component operates at a frequency of 1 GHz and has two cores, and the ULP GeForce video card is considered one of the best on the market for smartphones and tablets.
Partly communication opportunities both tablets are also very similar. They are equipped with Wi-Fi (802.11n) and Bluetooth controllers. However, the latter in ASUS TF101 is less perfect - it is based on version 2.1, while Galaxy Tab 10.1 has already "mastered" the faster version 3.0. There was no 3G module in our TF101.
The amount of RAM and permanent memory of the tablets is the same. However, about the latter, options are possible. So there is a TF101 version with 32 GB of memory, and Samsung device can be equipped with a solid-state drive of 32 and 64 GB.
However, a possible drawback in terms of built-in memory in the TF101 is more than compensated for by the presence of a slot for microSD cards which can be supplemented with another SD card reader in the docking station. And don't forget a couple of USB ports on the dock to which you can plug in external drives.
In terms of connectors, the ASUS tablet is also quite good. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has only a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the TF101 features Mini HDMI and the aforementioned USB ports on the dock. Mini HDMI can come in handy for making a presentation or even watching a movie on a big screen on vacation or business trip.
As for the device screens, we wrote about the difference between PLS and IPS technologies above, and their resolution and diagonal are the same. It remains to mention the cameras. The front one turned out to be better from Samsung, and the rear one from ASUS. But, in our opinion, the difference in resolution in this case is not at all fundamental. Here you can easily get by with less - hardly anyone will often use a tablet as a camera.
We wrote about the advantage of the aluminum case above. However, its disadvantage is more weight. Compared to the Galaxy Tab 10.1, the ASUS tablet weighs more than 100 grams more, which is noticeable. The docking station adds another 640 grams (almost the same as the TF101) for a combined weight of 1.32 kg. Usually 10.1 "netbooks weigh less, although they are made of plastic. But this weight is comparable to a 13.3-inch MacBook Air or any equivalent. However, all of these laptops are not equipped with a pair of batteries, which provide a significant proportion of the weight.
The operating systems remain. Both tablets were initially available with Android 3.0, but Samsung has started bulk shipments of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 with Android 3.1, and ASUS is already offering an update to Android 3.2 on its website. The latter is very easy to install, which we will discuss below. In the meantime, let's see which of the tablets is faster at work.
Performance testing
Both the compared tablets are based on the same processor, have the same amount of RAM and permanent memory. The only difference between them lies in the different versions of the operating system and shell, which was preinstalled by the manufacturer. So for the most part, we can expect relative parity.
Benchmarks testing overall performance systems showed approximately equal results, with a very slight superiority to ASUS TF101. It will obviously not be noticeable during operation.
The popular Quadrant test, on the other hand, showed a noticeable superiority of the Samsung tablet. The result could be influenced by many factors: from the OS version to the proprietary shell.
In the purely computational Linpack benchmark, both devices go head to head. The difference between them easily fits into the measurement error.
Browser tests also showed nothing unexpected. There is a difference between the tablets, but quite insignificant, which we predicted above.
It is interesting to see the results in the 3D game electopia. It offers to run the test in the device's native screen resolution, or in a kind of "compatibility mode", which means 800x480 resolution. In both cases, the expected parity can be observed.
In total, we can state that the performance of ASUS TF101 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is approximately equal. So when choosing between these devices, one should look at their other parameters.
BY
Since the third generation of Android was introduced, Google has released three versions: 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2. The first release was extremely "raw", which fully reflected the Transformer, as it was installed in the first batches of the device. And here ASUS has set a good example for current and future Android tablet manufacturers.
The company has organized a quick and easy way that allows the user to painlessly carry out the system update operation. If you omit some details, then the owner of the Transformer only needs to download the firmware from the official website, copy it to the internal memory, after which the device will itself find the new version of the OS and offer to update. Further, just a few touches will lead to the fact that the system independently "grows up" to the latest version.
What is even more impressive - after the update, they are completely saved. system settings and files in internal memory... Therefore, the user will not have to make any "backups". ASUS has clearly shown that the installation mechanism has been worked out, so with the release of Ice Cream Sandwich, no additional steps will have to be taken to deploy it.
Installing Android 3.2 gives a tangible increase in performance, menu transitions become smoother and faster, and the list of pre-installed services is also noticeably expanded.
When you turn on the tablet, you can see the unlock "ring" like HTS Sense. We remove the "lock" and get to the main menu. In it, Android shows its more visible drive 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 up the vertical list of the last launched tasks.
On the right side of the line there is a "tray" area, where you can see all notifications related to wired and wireless connections.
There is a shortened submenu and an extended one with several popular options.
There are only five desktops to form the working environment. The central one is also subject to change, which is necessary in light of the far from the best set of labels.
In the upper right corner, by pressing the "+" button, the user enters the menu for setting screen elements. Here in the appropriate tabs are widgets, shortcuts for all available programs and wallpapers.
Let's go to the applications menu, where we will study the pre-installed elements.
The first on the list is the Kindle online store, in the only possible English version with the only possible books in English. How necessary is its presence in tablets sold in the CIS is a rather rhetorical question.
As always, there was a place for Google services, invariably present mail client Gmail, Google Talk and Google Search. In addition to Gmail, there is also an "omnivorous" mail program.
An interesting element is the Layar service, which is missing from new Galaxy Tab 10.1. It is a kind of program from the future and is intended for use with a camera. While walking around the city, you can aim the lens at various architectural structures and receive information on them without manual search if any. The application detects the direction of gaze and the location of the user to display information.
Reading books is organized in a separate application with a visual shelf of available publications.
Movie Studio remained a mystery to us. Logically speaking, he is called upon to edit images, but he did not accept any of the proposed files. More precisely, he reported a notification at the end of the video process, but never showed it.
MyCloud is a collection of two cloud services. MyContent stores media content on a server on the Internet, making it available wherever you are. MyDesktop allows you to remotely control your computer, again, regardless of its location.
PressReader and Zinio Reader are convenient services for buying magazines and newspapers, of which you can choose from hundreds of items on a wide variety of topics. For those who do not want to pay for content, PressReader will be the most popular. It has enough Russian editions, and for each half a dozen fresh issues you can download free of charge.
MyNet begs for an analogy with Samsung AllShare and opens access to materials on the tablet from other devices in range via Wi-Fi.
The Standard Gallery may well disappoint - there are practically no editing settings, this is an unforgivable omission against the background of HTC and Samsung shells.
The file manager allows you to perform operations with both separate folders both files and their arrays. It is necessary to mark the objects of interest, after which a context menu with the operations of copying, cutting and deleting will appear.
Not without the Tegra Zone store, which presents games specifically for NVIDIA Tegra. The titles have extremely attractive graphics, but there are still too few of them - we think that over time the assortment will become much larger, since the NVIDIA hardware platform has become practically the standard for 10-inch tablets.
Navigation is more than standard, Google services always ready to find their way and point out where the user is.
Updated Android Market shows a tiled menu, but can also return to a more familiar list by application category.
Music is one of the biggest disappointments in Android 3.2. The settings are kept to a minimum, there is not even an equalizer and sorting of tracks by performer.
Despite the absence of a shortcut, the system has a built-in player, which flatly refuses to "be friends" with videos in 720p and 1080p formats. Variations with players made it possible to achieve playback of one of the files in normal mode, but no more. There were no problems with the same files on a Samsung Galaxy R smartphone based on the same hardware platform. Let's make a reservation that the high resolution of the screen may be to blame. In addition, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 has an absolutely identical situation.
In continuation of common tasks, we will mention reading PDF files... It is practically impossible - if the general rendering of the page takes a tolerable couple of seconds, then any approximation will make you wait up to 30-40 seconds, which is simply unacceptable.
Strange changes happened to the keyboard - ASUS decided to replace the Android standard unit with a proprietary, but extremely far from ideal solution and, moreover, extremely paradoxical. The gray palette with blurry edges is a direct hello from the archaic Android 2.1. Narrow elongated letters in portrait orientation are a premise from the same distant version. Otherwise, this is a standard Android keyboard, so it begs to be replaced by more convenient variations of independent developers.
The browser compensates for the limited functionality of the Transformer. First and foremost, it supports full-fledged tabs. That is, on the top panel you see a list of all tabs as on a computer. The browser rendered bulky sites stably, did not frequent departures and worked on high level... Perhaps not all videos, with the exception of those from YouTube, wanted to be launched.
As a check mark, let us mention ordinary applications, whose visual variations do not affect the main purpose in any way: a voice recorder, a calculator and a calendar.
With the docking station connected, the tablet turns into almost a full-fledged netbook. Practically - because its limitations are caused purely by the capabilities of Android and the lack of a multi-window mode. Let's say you can't see a player, an open text document and a browser on the same window. However, if there is no need for this, then Transformer is a very good solution.
The main advantage of the docking station is that together with it the tablet looks like an absolutely modified ready-made solution, which the rest of the manufacturers can only focus on. He can say with confidence that in terms of design, materials, performance and overall thoughtfulness, the Transformer will not even have far-fetched competitors for a long time to come. And this is another victory over the iPad, since nothing of the kind is even planned by Apple.
As we already wrote, the docking station is equipped with two USB ports... ASUS could have limited itself to one port, but it would have looked like a demonstration opportunity, here the unit turns the hybrid into an efficient workstation.
The connection of a regular USB mouse is supported. This is not the end of it, the device is even capable of recognizing and working correctly with external keyboards! Also, flash drives are correctly serviced, except that Android cannot cope with hard drives.
For control, not only an external mouse is suitable, but a built-in touchpad with two buttons. The left one is responsible for the "click", while the right one returns to the previous screen. Regardless of the connected devices, the touchscreen remains functional. This is extremely convenient, since sometimes it is faster to point directly with your finger to the desired element than to point at it with the mouse pointer. The mouse is really not very useful on Android. This system is "sharpened" for finger control, while the mouse pointer is useful for "aiming" at something small. In the browser it is more or less useful, when working with documents it also suits well, but otherwise there is little sense from a touchpad or an external mouse.
The keyboard takes some getting used to like any other in a regular netbook. Short key travel further provides fast typing, while Polaris Office provides a powerful alternative. Microsoft Office... If you have not yet come across this open package, then let's clarify - it performs all the basic viewing and editing functions in text and spreadsheet documents. Therefore, both for students at lectures, and for those who just need to work with 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. Needless to say, the achievement exceeds that of netbooks and makes the Transformer ideal solution for long trips and air travel.
Output
Summing up, I would like to focus on the Transformer as a completely new generation of tablet devices that change the idea of the purpose and capabilities of this class of devices. After Transformer, the questions about why analysts in their reports began to equate tablets with computers by themselves disappear.
From the point of view of practicality of execution, ASUS has turned out to be an ideal product. It has no structural flaws, the body is made of strong and reliable materials, as well as the docking station. The set is convenient and organically combined with touch control, and support external devices and drives, coupled with a sensitive touchpad, elevate the Transformer to a level previously unattainable for tablets.
And as much as the work done by ASUS is impressive, the “rawness” of Android, even in version 3.2, is so disappointing. The system still hasn't learned how to read PDF properly, and a small set of codecs and poor optimization makes viewing video in 720p almost impossible.
Be that as it may, Transformer looks like a sensible and complete product, and software flaws, unlike hardware ones, can always be corrected, which Google is constantly doing.
We have already written many times that it is almost impossible to create a universal mobile device. Therefore, there is no need to make excessive demands on tablets and netbooks - you just need to understand in what situations and for what purpose you are going to use these devices. And then there is a chance that you will choose the device just for you. However, many manufacturers are still trying to meet multiple user expectations and create products that expand our understanding of typical mobile use cases. As a rule, such products are interesting in terms of ideas, attractive to the researcher, but not very suitable for use in real life. But there are also exceptions to the rule. Today we 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 after the first acquaintance. We are talking about the transformable tablet Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101.
By its name, this device unambiguously indicates the "pedigree" - the EeePC series netbooks. As you know, Asustek Computer Inc. was one of the pioneers in this area, and almost the most successful. And when last year, in the wake of the popularity of tablets, there was talk that they would oust netbooks from the market, ASUS engineers and strategists, presumably, decided to prove that, firstly, it is too early to write off netbooks, and secondly, quite you can combine the advantages of a netbook and a tablet in one device. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer has become such a device.
For the first time information about him appeared at the end of last year, and even then it was clear that this was a very serious and promising application. And at the end of March this year, the official announcement took place. At the time of this writing, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer is well represented in Russian stores but it's worth noting that it comes only about the version without 3G. The version with a 3G module will appear only in August. But, of course, this does not prevent us from getting to know the Asus Eee Pad Transformer and get a general impression of it. Fortunately, the 3G version does not offer any significant differences (apart from, of course, the presence of a cellular module).
Contents of delivery
The tablet came to us for testing along with the Docking Station (a docking station, which is a keyboard with a touchpad, an additional 24.4 Wh battery, an SD card reader and a pair of USB 2.0 ports). In two large boxes. Why not one? Because the docking station is sold separately. However, there are configurations that imply the presence of both a tablet and a docking station in the same kit, but we had exactly "separate" options for testing.
Quick Start Guides were found in the boxes as well as Charger and a cable for connecting to a computer.
At the same time, the package bundle cannot be called ideal: it's a pity that there is no case for the tablet.
| Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 | Acer Iconia Tab A500 | ASUS Eee Pad Transformer | Apple iPad 2 | |
| Screen (size in inches, type of matrix) / resolution, pixels | 10.1 ″, PLS / 1280x800 | 10.1 ″, MVA / 1280x800 | 10.1 ″, IPS / 1280x800 | 9.7 ″, IPS / 1024x768 |
| CPU | 2-core 1 GHz (NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform) | 2-core 1 GHz (NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform) | 2-core 1 GHz (Apple A5) | |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 512 MB |
| Flash memory | 16 to 64 GB | 16 or 32 GB | 16 or 32 GB | 16 to 64 GB |
| Memory card support | no / microSD in 3G version | microSD | microSD | no (via accessory for photo upload only) |
| Wireless connection | Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) / 3G (on select models) / BT 3.0 | Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) / BT 2.1 + EDR | Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) / 3G (on select models) / BT 2.1 + EDR | |
| Camera (photo) | Front (2 Mp), Rear (3 Mp) | Front (2 Mp), Rear (5 Mp) | Front (1.2 Mp), Rear (5 Mp) | Front (0.3 Mp), Rear (0.7 Mp) |
| Dimensions (mm) | 256.7 x 175.3 x 8.6 | 260 × 177 × 13 | 271 × 171 × 12.98 * | 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8 |
| Weight (g) | 565 | 760 | 680 * | 601 |
| Price ** (rubles) | From 18990 | From 14990 | From 16290 (without docking station) | From 18990 |
* - indicated weight and dimensions of the tablet only, without the docking station. Docking station weight - 640 g, dimensions: 271 x 185 x 28 mm.
** - prices are indicated at the time of publication of the article.
Tablet design
Now let's take a look at the appearance of the tablet. It looks stern and very solid. The metal (and, moreover, not aluminum) edging immediately commands respect, and thanks to the corrugated plastic back surface, it is very pleasant to hold the tablet in your hands.
Although it is very weighty (apparently due to the metal). I am glad that Asus designers did not imitate Apple - the "transformer" has an individuality, its own face.
With connectors and buttons on the tablet itself, the situation is as follows: on the left is a volume rocker and an on / off button (all made of metal). There are no connectors and buttons on top, on the right is a headphone jack, mini HDMI and a slot for a microSD memory card.
Below is the Dock Connector: a docking station, a charger are connected through it, and using the supplied cable, you can connect the tablet to a desktop computer.
To the right and left of this connector, we see the slots for the snap-on locks. So, everything you need (in terms of connectors) is there. In general, the design of the tablet should be recognized as one of the best among modern models of the same class.
But the look and functionality of the device can be radically transformed thanks to the docking station. Let's connect it and see what we get.
Docking station design
The docking station looks like a keyboard with a touchpad and is made from the same materials and in the same color scheme (a combination of black and dark bronze). Docking station weight - 640 g, dimensions: 271 x 185 x 28 mm.
The entire surface from the keyboard side is metal, and the bottom is corrugated plastic, completely similar to what we see on the back of the tablet.
Therefore, the appearance of the entire structure (tablet + docking station) is great.
This is what a business netbook should look like (if such a phrase is possible). Yes, it's a netbook! When you first look at the Asus Eee Pad Transformer with a connected docking station, you won't even think that it is based on a tablet! The only thing that betrays the "composite" origin of this device is a metal cradle (cradle), in which, in fact, the tablet is installed. The cradle has a latch that automatically locks when the tablet is installed. If you want to remove the tablet, simply slide the latch lever to the left - and the tablet easily detaches!
Now about the connectors. As we mentioned earlier in the text, the docking station is also equipped with some ports and slots that complement those available on the tablet itself. So, on the left side there is a USB 2.0 port and a client Dock Connector (it is needed for recharging or connecting to a computer when the main Dock Connector on the tablet is used when connected to the docking station).
There is nothing on the front face to the user, and on the right there is a slot for working with SD cards (work with MMC / SD / SDHC is supported) and a second USB 2.0 port. Note that both USB port protected by plugs, so you don't have to worry about dirt getting in there. However, when you want to connect a flash drive, these plugs get in the way - you can't connect a flash drive with one hand.
When the tablet is connected to the docking station, the notification "Docking station connected" appears on the screen in the lower right corner, and when you select a typing language, not only the virtual keyboard, but also the Asus keyboard is offered.
Keyboard layouts and positioners
The keyboard layout deserves a separate discussion. The manufacturer quite rightly judged that a standard laptop layout is not enough here, it is necessary to adapt the keyboard to the Android OS. And this adaptation was a success.
The Android keys on the Eee Pad Transformer are located in the bottom and top rows. Below - the "Home" button (in the same place where the Windows button), next to it - "Search", and on the right side of the row - "Menu". And in the top row there are buttons "Back", "Turn on / off Wi-Fi", "Turn on / off Bluetooth", "Turn on / off the touchpad", "Decrease brightness", "Increase brightness", "Auto brightness", "Disable screenshot ”(a very valuable Android button!),“ Browser ”,“ Settings ”, three playback control keys, three sound control keys (“ Off ”,“ Reduce ”and“ Increase ”) and a button to enter standby mode.
The key travel is pleasant, the Asus keyboard is much more pleasant to work with than the keyboards of most netbooks that I have seen - here Asus has maintained the quality standard that is characteristic of this company's notebooks.
There is also a touchpad - like the keyboard, there are no complaints about it, it works without problems.
Screen
The tablet is equipped with a 10.1-inch screen, which is based on an IPS matrix. The resolution is 1280 × 800. Thus, the owners of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer will receive a picture of no less quality than the owners of the iPad. And by the way, Asus is one of the few manufacturers that use IPS screens in their tablets. This is a very big plus. As for the subjective impressions from the screen of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer, they are the best: the colors are saturated, the brightness reserve is sufficient (although in the sun you have to twist it to the maximum), there are no complaints about the responsiveness of the screen.
In connection with the screen, we note an interesting feature related to ergonomics. As you already understood, a tablet with a connected docking station can be controlled (that is, perform some commands - for example, exit to the main menu) in four ways: using the function keys on the keyboard, using a touchpad connected via USB with a mouse, and 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, changing to a regular netbook or laptop, you constantly catch yourself thinking that you want to scroll a web page with your finger across the screen, click on some icon, etc.
Operating system and software
Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 running newest version Google Android OS - 3.1. On the Russian market, this is the first tablet with 3.1 - Samsung tablets with the same OS version will come later, and the Acer Iconia Tab A500 is sold with 3.0 (however, users can upgrade to 3.1). By the way, owners of Transformer can already upgrade to version 3.2, but we studied the tablet with version 3.1 installed by default.
Among the differences in version 3.1, we will name, first of all, the broader multitasking capabilities. In version 3.0, the number of simultaneously open applications (displayed as a vertical row of thumbnails on the left side of the desktop) was limited to five, now this limitation has been removed. It became possible to connect various devices, joysticks, gamepads, etc.
In addition, a step forward has been made in terms of supporting various video formats, although the situation is still not entirely clear: where is the “border” between the “areas of responsibility” of the operating system, the software player (with a set of codecs) and the device itself? We will definitely return to this issue in future articles. And also, be sure to explore the cloud capabilities of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer - they are provided by a number of exclusive preinstalled apps Asus. This is MyNet allowing you to transfer media files wirelessly home network, and MyCloud, which provides access to digital content on the Internet and allows you to remote access computer (PC or Mac).
Browser in Android 3.1 supports Adobe flash and quite correctly displays sites with a wide variety of multimedia content. Perhaps for convenience android browser 3.x is superior to Safari on iPad. Needless to say about functionality - iOS is still missing Adobe support Flash.
Note also that the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has Polaris Office installed as an office suite, which is becoming more and more popular and will soon, presumably, squeeze Documents To Go.
But, of course, you can install another office suite, as well as a wide variety of additional software... As expected, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has an Android Market.
In addition, there is also the Tegra Zone games store. As the name implies, it is designed specifically for mobile devices using the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform and is supported by NVIDIA. A big plus of the store for the user is that the games in it are optimized specifically to work on the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip (which will be discussed below).
Let's note one more point. For the current version of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer there is an unofficial firmware that allows you to connect a 3G modem to the tablet. The disadvantage of such a solution is obvious, but if you really need it, then you should bear in mind this possibility.
Performance and battery life
In terms of the platform used, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer keeps up with its main competitors: this is the NVIDIA Tegra 2 SoC, which includes a dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz, as well as 1 GB of RAM. The NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip has become the de facto standard for tablets in 2011 - now we can say for sure. Almost all new products from major manufacturers are based on the Tegra 2 platform. But, of course, with the exception of the iPad 2. However, the Apple A5 chip, which powers the iPad 2, has the same characteristics (dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz) and architecture (ARM) ... Therefore, it makes no sense to talk about the superiority of one or the other (and the applications are different, so even adequately testing this is problematic, which we already wrote about in the review Acer tablet Iconia Tab A500).
However, to be fair, here are the results of two tests run on the Asus Eee Pad Transformer: Quadrant Standard (Android application) and SunSpider 0.9.1 (web test). In Quadrant Standard, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer showed a very strange, implausible result - only 1528 (while other Tegra 2 tablets are gaining more than 2000). Probably, the fact is that at the time of testing the tablet, the Quadrant developers had not yet had time to optimize their test for Android 3.1. But SunSpider reported quite logical results: different launches they ranged from 2158 to 2143 ms (the fewer milliseconds in this test, the better).
When it comes to battery life, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer without a docking station can compete with the BlackBerry PlayBook and even the iPad. In active mode (online video, installing applications, etc.), its Li-Polymer battery of 24.4 Wh lasts almost 7 hours, but in the “simplified” web surfing mode (without launching “heavy” content ) The Asus Eee Pad Transformer will live for about 10 hours. As a reminder, the docking station has an additional battery, and in the minimum load mode (thoughtful reading and text editing) the battery life is almost doubled (according to Asus, with the docking station connected, the Eee Pad Transformer tablet can work up to 16 hours). It is clear that this is an incomparably better result than that of "regular" netbooks.
Cameras
Again, in full accordance with modern trends, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer is equipped with two cameras - 1.2 megapixel (front) and 5 megapixel (rear). The quality of the photos taken with the rear camera is not bad, but not outstanding.
But the video pleased us: firstly, the 720p resolution (however, this is also becoming a standard), and secondly, the absence of serious artifacts (even small moving objects are quite distinguishable). The H.264 codec is used for video recording. The 30-second video is 39.5 MB in size.
conclusions
In general, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 tablet should be recognized as a very successful and interesting product. Moreover, at the moment it is, perhaps, best tablet based on Android 3.1 OS. And the 3G version of the tablet, coupled with a docking station, will be a particularly good purchase. True, the cost of such a purchase will probably be in the region of 26 thousand rubles, but for its versatility, good design and excellent quality, this is quite an adequate price for our market. And while it seems to us that the pursuit of universality in the field of mobile devices is an unreliable and not always expedient path, Asus has managed to prove that sometimes excellent results can be achieved along this path.
However, if you only need a tablet and it is based on the Android OS, and not a netbook, then the Asus Eee Pad Transformer looks great in this capacity, and there is no reason not to put this product in the first rows of the list of contenders for purchase.
For the excellent implementation of the original idea, wide functionality and representative appearance, we award the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer tablet (in a package with a docking station) the Original Design award.