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

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

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

Contents of delivery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design tablet

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dock Station Design

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

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

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

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

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

There is nothing on the front to the user. Note that both USB ports are protected by plugs, so you can not worry that dirt will be broken there. True, when you want to connect a flash drive, these plugs interfere - you can't connect the flash drive with one hand.

When the tablet is connected to the docking station, the "Dock Station is connected" appears on the screen in the lower right corner, and when the text set language is selected not only virtual keyboardBut the Asus keyboard.

Laying keyboard and positioning devices

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

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

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

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

Screen

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

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

Operating system and software

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Performance and autonomous work

In the plan of the ASUS EEE Pad TRANSFORMER used, it's keeping up with the main competitors: this is SOC NVIDIA Tegra 2, which includes a dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz, as well as 1 GB of RAM. NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip has become a de facto standard for 2011 tablets - now it is already possible to say for sure. Almost all novelties large manufacturers Based on the Tegra 2 platform 2. But, of course, with the exception of the iPad 2. However, the Apple A5 chip on which iPad 2 works, has the same characteristics (dual-core processor with a frequency of 1 GHz) and architecture (ARM). Therefore, we talk about the superiority of one or another sense (and there are different applications, so even adequately test it is problematic, which we have already written in the review tablet Acer. Iconia Tab A500).

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

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

Cameras

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

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

conclusions

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

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

For excellent implementation original idea, wide functionality and representative appearance. We are awarded the ASUS EEE Pad Transformer tablet (in configuration including docking station) Award Original Design.

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

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

Design

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

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

Display

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

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

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

Keyboard and touchpad

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

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

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

Processor and productivity

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

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

Ports and communications

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

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

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

Battery

According to the representatives of ASUS, Eee Pad Transformer TF101 demonstrates just a stunning battery life. So, the device is equipped lithium polymer battery, Capacity 24 VTCH. What a tablet without a docking station can work about 8 hours without recharging, and the whole "transformer" in offline mode It worked about 16 hours. Agree, impressive.

Conclusion

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

ASUS EEE PAD TRANSFORMER TF101 on the Android 3.1 operating system was recently released. Now the company introduced the model TF201. Interestingly, the predecessor was already, and in the name of the latter we read Prime, which means "first". Most likely, it is explained by the fact that this tablet 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 tablet turned out.

Specifications

Design

Let's start with the fact that ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 has compact dimensions of 263x180.8x8.3 mm and a small weight of 586 grams. Accordingly, these sizes do not include the docking station. Manufacturers offer a choice of tablet in two colors: gray ("Amethyst Gray") and Golden ("Champagne Gold"). Both the first and the second color is excellent, and most importantly looks modern.

At first glance, it can be seen that Prime TF201 can be like stylish and fashionable and very solid. Case at the tablet all-metal with rounded edges, smooth matte surface. Although fingerprints remain on it, but they are not so visible.

The back cover of the tablet has a pleasant smooth surface with concentric circles. It can only be seen on the company's logo and a webcam lens.

As for the top of the tablet, there is nothing on it, except for the display itself and the eye of the built-in front chamber. The function buttons on the frame are missing, and it itself has an optimal width to keep the tablet in the hands, constantly not touch the surface of the screen.

By the way, a docking station is not provided with the tablet. For her it will be necessary to give about two hundred American dollars. Those who are going to purchase, it is worth knowing what it looks from above as a regular keyboard, only endowed with greater functionality, in particular uSB port.

The appearance of the CHAMPAGNE GOLD docking station will be harmoniously combined with the design of the tablet. For example, the surface is made of aluminum and grinding is present. True, in Prime TF201 itself, it is concentric, whereas here are longitudinal stripes.

By the way, and connect the docking station to the tablet is quite easy. For it, the large and enough tight fastening is responsible. On the surface there are rubber legs that allow the "newly formed" device to be comfortably located on the surface of the table.

Return to the "One Tablet" position is also simple. In the attachment there is a special lever, bent which you disconnect ASUS Transformer Prime TF201 from the docking station.

Display and sound

The TF201 model has a capacitive 10.1-inch display with a resolution of 1280x800 points. The screen has a solid protective coating Gorilla Glass and has increased scratch and shock resistance. In addition, the matrix has an excellent level of brightness of 600-thread and high contrast, which will allow you to use the tablet on the street in sunny weather. At the same time, both the image and texts will be well distinguishable and rather saturated. Well, and to the fact that the glossy display can be used to get used, as anyway, the glare and reflection on it will be.

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

Also can not be said about others additional features. For example, thanks to the accelerometer, you can see the image on the display, both in the book and in the landscape orientation. And when using a compass and a three-axle gyroscope, the tablet will know every movement. It is quite convenient when working with cards, in games.

The ASUS Transformer PRIME TF201 tablet has two webcams. One frontal, having a resolution of 1.2 mp. It is advisable to use for video calls. Next to it is the illumination sensor, so the level of brightness of the display is configured automatically depending on the lighting.

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

The PRIME TF201 model has two speakers. The sound leaving through them will not be too loud, but quite clean. For the tablet such a sound is entirely enough. Especially since you can always connect headphones.

Keyboard and touchpad

Use the keyboard you can for a set of text. Moreover, in addition to the virtual in the tablet itself, you can use physical on the docking station. As already mentioned, it can be purchased for an additional cost. Physical keyboard has almost standard layout. In other words, the functional buttons "Home", "Menu" and "Back", characteristic of devices on Android added to the usual layout. In terms of ergonomics, the keyboard is very comfortable. Buttons are pressed softly with a quiet click. The sizes of the keys are acceptable for a quick text set.

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

The touchpad has a small area comparable to the sensory zone in netbooks. The manipulator is quite sensitive, so there will be no problems in the management of the problems.

Performance

The ASUS EEE Pad Transformer Prime TF201 tablet works on the basis of the pre-installed Android 4.0 operating system (Ice Cream Sandwich). This version has a number of features. These include the function of the facial unlock, sync bookmarks with Google Chrome, improved multitasking, thanks to which the operation with running applications will be faster. In addition, manufacturers have facilitated access to the camera and updated the functionality of the gallery. In particular, you can process photos there, because the editor is built into the gallery itself.

In addition, a third-core processor of the third generation is used in the ASUS EEE Pad Transformer PRIME TF201 tablet, with an additional fifth core that saves the battery resource. Also provided 1 GB of RAM and 64 GB of integrated memory. In fact, Nvidia Tegra 3 with a clock frequency of 1.4 GHz is several times more productive and energy efficient in comparison with the processor Tegra 2. Note that this frequency Characteristic with the load of just one nucleus. And if all four work, the frequency will be 1.3 GHz. By the way, with such a CPU and with the ULP GeForce graphics you can play various toys, not only on the tablet screen, but also on the big display. At the same time, gamers will not be able to not evaluate the detailed image that allows you to really immerse yourself in what is happening, and high graphics performance in 3D games. Note that you can download or buy games the user will be able to Nvidia Tegra Zone.

Note that in the event of a shortage of 64 GB of memory, you can use the online storage of ASUS Webstorage, providing 8,8 GB of disk space.

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

It is also worth noting that under the load, the tablet is significantly heated. However, he does not create special discomfort.

Ports and communications

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

So, the Micro-HDMI interface is located on the left side of the tablet. With it, you can withdraw an image or video on the external display. Also, the left is provided with a microSD slot, a microphone and key - a "swing", with which you can adjust the sound level. It is worth adding that thanks to the SD card you can increase the amount of memory.

On the opposite side of Transformer Prime TF201 there is only a combined headphone jack and microphone.

As for the other two ends, the connector for connecting the docking station (it is also for recharging) and two holes for its mount, and at the top - the power button and the microphone. When buying a docking station, you can use another USB 2.0 port, a hidden plug, and an SD card slot. Also on the docking station there is a connector for recharging.

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

Battery

PRIME TF201 has a lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 3380 mAh (25 VTC). However, you have the opportunity to get another battery located on the docking station. This battery has a power of 22 VTC. Note that if the tablet works only from the battery in the tablet, then the time when playing video 720p and in half a reduced volume will be about 9 hours, working with texts will take at least 11, and you can play for 8 hours. By the way, if you turn off the Super IPS + mode, the tablet will work without recharging even longer. If you purchase a docking station and connect it to ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, you can safely add another 4-5 hours.

To extend the working hours offline, you can set this or that performance mode. For example, "Energy Saving" or "Balanced".

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

Widget from Socialmart.

Conclusion

So, this tablet is worthy of close attention. It is quite productive, because there is a powerful Tegra 3, functional, ergonomic. In addition, the TRANSFORMER PRIME TF201 paid attention to appearance (stylish and at the same time with this solid design) and the practical side (metal case). If you want to get not just a tablet, but a full-fledged netbook on the Android operating system, you will have to add several hundred dollars to purchase a docking station.

Apparently, such a device will like literally to everyone, and those who are often on trips, and everyone who loves to pass the chalk-other houses behind the game or to listen to music.

After Apple launches first the first, and then the second iPad, it seemed to make something in the world of tablets if not fundamentally new, then at least an evolutionary-developing industry is simply impossible. There is nothing impossible - counted in ASUS and announced the hybrid of the tablet and netbook.

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

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

Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connectors and controls

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dock station

The main difference between ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 from many similar tablets is its prefix with keyboard, touchpad and additional connectors. In such capacity, this accessory is rather reminiscent of the docking station than a means of improving the convenience of working with the tablet. For example, a keyboard is also sold for Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, but there is no touch panel on it, as well as connectors (if you do not count the power / synchronization connector).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screen

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

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

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

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

Camera

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

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

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

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

Characteristics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testing productivity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BY

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

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

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

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

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

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

By right side Rows placed the "tray" area where you can see all notifications associated with wired and wireless connections.

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

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

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

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

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

As always found a place for Google services, is invariably present mail client Gmail, Google Talk and Google Search. In addition to Gmail, there is both "omnivorous" mail program.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The standard gallery may well disappoint - the editing settings are practically no, on the background hTC And Samsung is an unforgivable omission.

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

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

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

The updated Android Market shows the tile menu, but also can return to the more familiar list by category of applications.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main advantage of the docking station is that, together with her, the tablet looks at an absolutely modified finished decision, which the other manufacturers remain just oriented. It may argue with confidence that from the point of view of design, materials, execution and general thoughtfulness from Transformer will not even long be even contrived competitors. And this is another victory over the iPad, since nothing like Apple is not even in the plans.

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

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

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

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

Plus, the docking station has its own battery, so the total battery life of the tablet increases to the stated 16 hours. What to say, the achievement exceeds netbooks and makes the transformer ideal solution for long-term trips and flights.

Output

Summing up, I want to focus on TRANSformer as on a completely new generation of tablet devices, changing the idea of \u200b\u200bappointment and opportunities this class devices. After TRANSformer, the questions themselves disappear about why analysts in their reports began to equate tablets to computers.

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

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

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

All tablets are similar to each other. And with this nothing can be done - this genre due to many reasons implies minimalism in the design. So with decorative elements, do not become particularly walking. The front side design of tablet computers is actually canonized. A black glossy frame - an indispensable attribute of these devices, and the narrow edging around it does not very much diversify the appearance.

For all experiments, the designers remain the rear side. In life, it is not so important how it is framed, - no one else will consider it anyway. Even on the shelf of the store, the tablet will be deployed to the buyer the face of the face, so that the formed sizes will not play roles. Nevertheless, so that it is not very boring, the designers of most tablets try to make anything original with the back.

Election EEE PAD TRANSFORMER case is a single metal part of light brown. Rear panel - plastic with a fairly intricate embossed pattern, also brown, but a darker shade.

Color gamma on an amateur. Perhaps it would be more reasonable to use any standard colors: black, gray, silver, white, finally. Because the most attractive feature of this device in any case is not an appearance, but completely different - the ability to connect the docking station that turns the tablet into the smartbook.

What is good, the whole mechanic, with which the half of the tandem is fastened to each other is at the bottom. On the tablet there is only a 40-pin connector and two grooves in which latches are included.

Well, this is because it allowed to make the tablet part relatively light, and the lower is heavy enough so that the device transformed into the smartbook is reliably stood and did not turn over. In general, from the point of view of Mechanics Eee Pad Transformer is very good: the lid deviates with the correct effort, the latches reliably close the halves - use pleasantly and conveniently.

The upper part of the docking station, like the edging of the tablet case, is made of metal. Lower plastic. With exactly the same embossed pattern.

The keyboard is quite convenient - most of the buttons actually used in Android have large sizes (keystrokes - 17 mm). Slightly got "arroges", but this is a justified victim - in the "robotic" OS from them still quite a little sense.

At the site of the usual series F1-F12 there are buttons controlled various functions: Include and disconnecting wireless interfaces, a change in volume or brightness and so on. Separately pleased the presence of a button that allows you to take screenshots - usually for this in the devices on Android you have to make dancing with a tambourine.

The sensory panel is large (80x48 mm), it has the right coating and is equipped with convenient buttons. True, it is necessary to use the buttons with caution: right in Android works like back / exit, so it is random to it better not to fall.

As for the interfaces, they acted very cunning with them in ASUS. On the body of the tablet, the ports are very small: the 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 desire to work humanly to work with external drives or periphery, as well as full-sized memory cards, then the volley-noilies will have to fork out to the docking station. But on it, the USB ports are immediately two - one on the left, the other on the right, both are covered with neat lids.

Positive moment: The volume of the total disk space can be increased to a very impressive. After all, you can use two memory cards at once and two flash drives. In addition, the docking station has a second battery, exactly the same as in the tablet itself. That is, in the smartbook mode, the Eee Pad Transformer works as long as longer.

Negative moment: In a full-featured version, the Eee Pad Transformer will cost very sweaty 24 thousand rubles. Moreover, only a 32-gigabyte version of the device is available with the docking station.

The ASUS tablet turned out to be quite large: it is almost a centimeter wider than Acer Iconia Tab A500, but 7 mm below. This Taiwanese couple is noticeably larger than most modern tablets.

Comparison of galleries of tablet computers
Model	Display	Width, mm.	Height, mm.	Depth, mm.	Rough estimate * 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 the sizes and, by virtue of the complex shape of the enclosures, does not fully correspond to the real volume.

With the mass, everything is a bit better, although Eee Pad, as well as all the other modern tablets, still will not hurt to lose weight.

The main trouble is that the docking station weighs almost as much as the tablet itself.

As a result, the mass of the device with a fastened keyboard is very large - the Eee Pad Transformer is harder than netbooks with the same display size. Why there, even some laptops weigh comparable!

Partly cuts out an extremely compact and lightweight power supply - even with a massive British fork, it weighs less than 100 grams. But such a phora does not help the Eee Pad Transformer to defeat the closest competitors from the PC mill.

However, compared to laptops, Eee Pad Transformer has one important advantage. The display is best of all that you can find in any, even most expensive laptop, including Apple products. Eee Pad Matrix belongs to type IPS. and provides excellent contrast, bright colors and maximum viewing angles.

Technical characteristics asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101
CPU	NVIDIA Tegra 250: ARM Cortex A9 MPCore, frequency of 1 GHz, two nuclei
Graphic 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 subscription to ASUS Web Storage with unlimited disk space
Interfaces in tablet	1 x MicroSd. 1 x Mini HDMI 1 x Headphone output / Microphone Login (MINI-Jack 3.5 mm) 1 x 40 Pin Connection Port
Interfaces in docking station	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 battery LI-POL 24.4 W * h in docking station Power supply 18 W (5V, 2 A or 15 V, 1.2 A)
Other	Docking station with keyboard and touch panel, front webcam 1.2 megapixel, webcam on the back of 5 MP, rotation sensor, light sensor, GPS module
Size, mm.	271x171x13
Mass, G.	Tablet - 680. Dock Station - 630
Operating system	Google Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Official manufacturer's warranty	12 months
Recommended prices for Russia	15 990 rubles. per version with 16 GB flash memory 19 990 rubles. per version with 32 GB flash memory 23 990 rubles. per version with 32 GB flash memory and docking station included

Like most tablet computers 2011, ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is based on the NVIDIA Tegra 2 platform and running the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. The amount of preset flash memory is also standard: 16 or 32 GB. As already written above, the drive can be significantly increased in the amount by maps of MicroSd. or even a full-sized SD / MMC in the presence of a docking station.

The tablet has a motion sensor, a full-fledged GPS module and a light sensor, adjusting the brightness for external conditions. True, it works not quite adequately. If you entrust the case of automation, then it turns out dark. And adjust the base level, relative to which the brightness will be automatically adjusted in the future, it will not work.

A set of wireless interfaces is exactly the same as in Acer Iconia Tab A500. Currently available Wi-Fi 802.11b / G / N and Bluetooth 2.1. According to the staff of the Russian representative office, ASUS, the version with 3G will not be until July. But all three modifications without 3G will appear on the shelves, including the configuration with the docking station.

Of course, there is a camera. The front is quite weak, for video calls - and rear, 5 megapixel. About the first one somehow shame to speak. As for the second, the quality of the pictures of the same level as in the Iconia Tab A500, - that is, no. In addition, there is no flash. So the only thing for such cameras genre - "We are with friends in the bath" - it turns out to be limited. Well, it did not hurt something.

Programmers ASUS added to standard interface Android 3.0 somewhat 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, which allows you to safely remove the drive or go to view its contents in the pre-installed (and sufficiently sane) file manager.

What is nice, the external storage devices are mounted not in an uninterrupted folder for normal people with the name "MNT", but in a more meaningful and much better noticeable in the list "Removable" folder. You can connect not only flash drives, but also hard drives - And there is support file System NTFS (in Tablet computer Acer. About her forgotten).

If the docking station is connected, the virtual keyboard stops appearing on the screen during text input. Switch the layout at the same time most conveniently using the standard CTRL + SHIFT key combination. However, you can switch to another way - by pressing the icon in the notification area.