Hello everyone, this is a review of the very first transformer from ASUS. I bought this device a year ago, then I had no idea how to use the Android system, because I had Toko Symbian and nokia s40, so there was a desire to try this system. Not really standing on ceremony with the choice, I went to the store and purchased this model. Reasons why I didn't buy another or more newer model, of course, because of the price, the functional keyboard and the discounts that I was offered. A year later, I regretted having bought this device.

Specifications

Let's start with the kit of this device:

Pretty standard kit (sorry, but I threw out the box with all the manuals)

Now let's look at the device on the sides:

On the left side of the case, we see the volume control and the power button

And here we see a tray closed for a 3G SIM card and a dimanic

SIM card tray, open

Top antenna: Wifi, 3G, GPS

On the right side we see a slot for a card, speaker, mini-HDMI output, microphone, 3 and 5 output for headphones and a microphone

2. And so we got acquainted with the tablet, now we are getting acquainted with its charging and the USB cable. To be honest, I am not delighted with the quality and assembly of the USB cable:

That's what I'm talking about, the plastic USB case is simply removable, in addition, it cracked, I had to stick it with tape.

3.Charging:


The charging case itself seems to be durable, but it heats up terribly. There is an assumption that because of him the plastic USB case cracked

4.Finally we'll take a look at the Docking Station or Keyboard for Transformer TF101:

I was pleased with the keyboard, which pleases me more in this model, so that it has an extended battery that allows the device to work in read mode up to 14 hours. There are also 2 USB ports, Card Reader, for external drives and usb accessories and useless touch pad. (from personal experience, almost all USB accessories work, including computer mice and keyboards, but the exception is a portable CD or DVD ROM, Android is to blame, it cannot recognize disks)

Now we turn to the software part, because of which I regretted that I bought this model. On board Android 3.2, we can say the ideal software for this model, it's better not to install a newer one, the tablet is officially updated to 4.0.3, but this firmware is terrible at work, not stable, buggy. After the update, I suffered a month and after that I made root and flashed to 4.2.2, it became more stable in operation, but the functionality of the keyboard decreased, he simply did not see the drives, I thought that they were all damaged. It became so to speak, not comfortable to work. I started looking for an alternative, I installed up to 5 firmware a day (I still think how my tablet did not turn out to be okay), and decided to return everything as it is. Of course 3.2 is not an ideal firmware, sometimes it slows down, but I can safely use all the keyboard functions. And yes the sound is louder on official firmware.
To make new applications and games more stable, I had to overclock the processor and install the Seeder program, here are screenshots of Android itself and Benchmark:

I don’t know, maybe many will disagree with me, but Android 3.2 is very beautiful. This is the first experience he gave me this tablet, I learned how to make root on this model and flash other pitfalls about Android software. I do not recommend buying this model now, it is already outdated.
In general, if you close your eyes to unstable software, then we can say that it is not a bad device with a dual-core processor from Nvidia Tegra 2. Android Market a lot, so you won't get bored with this tablet.

Those people who have read to the end, thank you for your attention. (this was my first review)... And I give advice: please, before buying devices, you need to ask what you would like to take, you may have to shell out more money, but for that you will get a good thing (although this tablet is not bad at all, but for that kind of money you can buy better) ... Thanks to all!

In the segment of tablets for Android 3.x presented key companies IT market. 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 a chip NVIDIA Tegra 2 for 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 this one replace netbooks with high level sales? 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 just 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, metal elements are indeed present 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, such a surface makes possible physical damage... 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 items on the main Eee unit Pad Transformer implemented as follows. In the upper part of the left side, at a short distance from each other, there is a power button and a volume rocker. 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 speakers are very loud and maximum values the sound is shrill, and in a quiet environment - even uncomfortably loud. Using the maximum volume does not negatively affect the quality of playback - no noise or other audio distortions were noticed.

The top end is free of any additional elements, but on the bottom 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 at first 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 turn on 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 time autonomous work(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), external storage... Other 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.

A head-to-head comparison of the TF101 and iPad 2 displays (both made using the same technology) is slightly better in quality. This is a bit surprising, since the ASUS variant looks more attractive in formal terms (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 standard set 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, let's take a closer look at the distinctive features of the 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 connected 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.

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 use cases. mobile devices... As a rule, such products are interesting in terms of ideas, attractive to the researcher, but hardly 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, which 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, engineers and strategists at ASUS, 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 was well represented in Russian stores, but it is worth noting that we are talking 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 our test along with the Docking Station (a docking station, which is a keyboard with a touchpad, additional battery 24.4 Wh, 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 just "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 some 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 (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 inserted. If you want to remove the tablet, just slide the latch lever to the left - and the tablet is easily detached!

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 ports are protected by plugs, so you don't have to worry about dirt getting in there. True, 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, it is offered not only virtual keyboard but also the Asus keyboard.

Keyboard layouts and positioners

The keyboard layout deserves a separate discussion. The manufacturer quite rightly judged that the 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", "Clear 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 with the keyboards of most netbooks that I have seen - here Asus has maintained the quality standard that is characteristic of notebooks from this company.

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 screens on IPS matrix... This is a very big plus. As for the subjective impressions of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer screen, they are the best: the colors are saturated, the brightness margin is sufficient (although you have to twist it to the maximum in the sun), 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, when switching 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 runs under control newest version OS Google android- 3.1. On the Russian market, this is the first tablet with 3.1 - Samsung tablets with the same OS version will be available 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 at the same time 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 besides, we will definitely study cloud capabilities Asus Eee Pad Transformer - These are provided by a number of exclusive Asus pre-installed applications. It 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, in terms of convenience, the Android 3.x browser surpasses Safari on the iPad. Needless to say about functionality - iOS is still missing Adobe support Flash.

We also note that the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has Polaris Office installed as an office suite, which is becoming more and more popular and soon, presumably, will replace 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 a Tegra Zone game 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 current version Asus Eee Pad Transformer has an unofficial firmware that allows you to connect a 3G modem to your 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 random access memory... The NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip has become the de facto standard for tablets in 2011 - now we can say for sure. Almost all new items large manufacturers are based exactly 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, in all fairness, 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: with different launches they varied from 2158 to 2143 ms (the fewer the number of 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 already 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, on this moment this 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 versatility, good design and excellent quality 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 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 excellent implementation original idea, wide functionality and representative appearance, we are awarding the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer (included with the docking station) the Original Design award.

Recently, the pioneering ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 was released on operating system Android 3.1. Now the company has introduced the TF201. Interestingly, there was already a predecessor, and in the name of the latter we read Prime, which means "first". Most likely, this is due to the fact that this tablet is the first with a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor on board. There are not only similarities between these two models, but also significant differences. Let's see how successful the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 is.

Specifications

Design

To begin with, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 has a compact size of 263x180.8x8.3 mm and a light weight of 586 grams. Accordingly, these dimensions do not include the docking station. Manufacturers offer a choice of tablets in two colors: gray ("Amethyst Gray") and golden ("Champagne Gold"). Both the first and the second color are excellent, and most importantly, they look modern.

At first glance, you can see that the Prime TF201 can be both stylish and fashionable, as well as very solid. The body of the tablet is all-metal with rounded edges and a smooth matte surface. Although fingerprints remain on it, they are not so visible.

The back cover of the tablet has a pleasant smooth surface with concentric circles. On it you can see only the company logo and the rear webcam lens.

As for the upper part of the tablet, in addition to the display itself and the built-in peephole, front camera there is nothing. There are no function buttons on the frame, and the frame itself has the optimal width so that while holding the tablet in your hands, you do not constantly touch the surface of the screen.

By the way, the tablet does not come with a docking station. For it you will have to pay about two hundred American dollars. Those who are going to purchase should know that it looks like a regular keyboard from above, only it is endowed with more functionality, in particular USB port.

The appearance of the Champagne Gold docking station will be in harmony with the design of the tablet. For example, the surface is made of aluminum and the sanding is present. True, in the Prime TF201 itself, it is concentric, while here there are longitudinal stripes.

By the way, it will be quite easy to connect the docking station to the tablet. A large and rather tight mount is responsible for this. There are rubber feet on the surface, allowing the already "newly formed" device to sit comfortably on the table surface.

Returning to the “one tablet” position is also easy. The mount provides a special lever, by bending which you disconnect the ASUS Transformer Prime TF201 from the docking station.

Display and sound

The TF201 has a capacitive 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1280x800 pixels. The screen has a tough protective Gorilla Glass coating and is highly scratch and shock resistant. In addition, the matrix has an excellent 600-nits brightness level and high contrast, which will make it possible to use the tablet outdoors in sunny weather. At the same time, both the image and the texts will be clearly distinguishable and quite saturated. Well, you can get used to the fact that the display is glossy, because somehow glare and reflections will be on it.

Separately, we note that the high-quality IPS + screen has sufficiently wide viewing angles (178 degrees), so even two people can see everything that will be on the screen without any distortion. In addition, a feature of the display is the recognition of various gestures. So with the help touch screen you can enlarge and reduce images, use scrolling.

Also it is impossible not to say about others additional features... For example, thanks to the accelerometer, you can see the image on the display in both portrait and landscape orientations. And with a compass and 3-axis gyroscope, your tablet will know your every move. It is quite convenient when working with cards and in games.

ASUS Transformer Prime TF201 has two webcams. One front, with a resolution of 1.2 megapixels. It is advisable to use it for video calls. There is a light sensor next to it, so the brightness level of the display adjusts automatically depending on the lighting.

The second camera (rear) with LED flash is provided for photo and video. Its resolution is an order of magnitude higher - 8 megapixels. Note that the rear webcam is equipped with an autofocus function and has the ability to shoot HD video in 1080p. Also, the owner will be able to choose the shooting mode and image parameters. In general, both videos and photos will leave a pleasant impression, as they will be clear and natural.

The Prime TF201 has two speakers. The sound coming out through them will not be too loud, but clean enough. For a tablet, this sound is entirely sufficient. Moreover, you can always plug in headphones.

Keyboard and touchpad

You can use the keyboard for typing. Moreover, in addition to the virtual one in the tablet itself, you can use the physical one on the docking station. As mentioned, it can be purchased at an additional cost. Physical keyboard has almost standard layout... In other words, the functional buttons "Home", "Menu" and "Back", typical for Android devices, have been added to the usual layout. In terms of ergonomics, the keyboard is very comfortable. The buttons are pressed softly with a quiet click. Key sizes are acceptable for speed dial text.

By the way, you can take your own notes in advance. installed application SuperNote. This can be done both with the keyboard and with your fingers.

The touchpad has a small footprint, comparable to the touch area in netbooks. The manipulator is sensitive enough, so there will be no problems in control.

Performance

Tablet ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 runs on the pre-installed operating system Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This version has a number of features. These include the face unlock function, synchronization of bookmarks with Google chrome, advanced multitasking, thanks to which work with running applications will be faster. In addition, manufacturers have made it easier to access the camera and updated the gallery functionality. In particular, you can process photos in the same place, since the editor is built into the gallery itself.

In addition, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 uses a third generation quad-core processor, with an additional fifth core to save battery life. There is also 1 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. In practice NVIDIA Tegra 3 with a clock frequency of 1.4 GHz is several times more powerful and energy efficient in comparison with the Tegra 2 processor. Note that given frequency typical when only one core is loaded. And if all four work, then the frequency will be 1.3 GHz. By the way, with such a CPU and with ULP GeForce graphics, you can play various toys, not only on the tablet screen, but also on the large display. At the same time, gamers will not be able to appreciate the detailed image that allows you to really immerse yourself in what is happening, and the high graphics performance in 3D games. Note that the user can download or buy games in the NVIDIA Tegra Zone.

Note that in case of a shortage of 64 GB of memory, you can use the online storage ASUS WebStorage, which provides another 8 GB of disk space.

By the way, there are no problems with video decoding either. When playing various formats, including Full HD, there were no delays.

It is also worth noting that the tablet heats up noticeably under load. However, it does not create much discomfort.

Ports and communications

We will consider the location of ports in the Transformer Prime TF201 in landscape orientation.

So, on the left side of the tablet is the micro-HDMI interface. It can be used to display an image or video on an external display. Also on the left there is a slot for MicroSD, a microphone and a rocker button, with which you can adjust the sound level. It is worth adding that thanks to the SD card, you can increase the memory capacity.

On the opposite side of the Transformer Prime TF201, there is only a headphone / microphone combo jack.

As for the other two ends, at the bottom there is a connector for connecting a docking station (it is also for recharging) and two holes for attaching it, and at the top there is a tablet power button and a microphone. With the purchase of the docking station, you will be able to use another USB 2.0 port, hidden by a cover, and an SD card slot. There is also a charging connector on the docking station.

The owner of this tablet can use both Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n and Bluetooth version 2.1. But the 3G module is not provided here. But in the Eee Pad TF201 there is support for the GPS function, which allows you to determine the location of objects.

Battery

The Prime TF201 has a 3380mAh (25Wh) lithium polymer battery. However, you have the option of getting another battery in the docking station. This battery has a capacity of 22 Wh. Note that if the tablet is powered only by a battery in the tablet, then the time when playing 720p video and half the volume will be about 9 hours, working with texts will take at least 11, and you can play for 8 hours. By the way, provided the Super IPS + mode is turned off, the tablet will work even longer without recharging. If you purchase a docking station and connect it to the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, then you can safely add another 4-5 hours.

To extend the working time in offline, you can set one or another performance mode. For example, "Energy Saving" or "Balanced".

We add that charging the tablet lasts no more than three hours.

Widget from SocialMart

Conclusion

So, this tablet is worthy of the closest attention. It is quite efficient, since a powerful Tegra 3 is installed here, it is functional, ergonomic. In addition, Transformer Prime TF201 focuses on appearance(stylish and solid design at the same time) and the practical side (metal body). If you want to get not just a tablet, but a full-fledged netbook on the Android operating system, you will have to add a few hundred dollars to purchase a docking station.

Apparently, such a device will appeal to literally everyone, both those who often travel, and everyone who likes to while away an hour or two at home playing a game or in order to listen to music.