Asus Transformer TF101 Android Tablet

Asus Transformer TF101 Android Tablet

Click here to read an update to the review, added on 27 Feb about the upgrade to Android V4 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

My first encounter with the Transformer was on the Asus website in the form of a promotional video. My initial thoughts were, "holy cow, this is a game changer! It leaves the iPad for dead, it can't be that good." I am pleased to say that I was wrong.  It is not perfect but I can live with its' imperfections.  

What sets it apart from the rest you may ask, there are lots of tablets on the market these days and why should I pay a premium? Obviously the first reason is the detachable keyboard, it turns the unit from a casual note taking device into a full blown notebook capable of editing documents and spreadsheets.  That coupled with the extra battery life are reasons alone  The keyboard has saved me many times when I have forgotten to charge the tablet and have had to rely on the keyboard to get me through meetings (the keyboard contains a battery that extends the tables battery life). The battery life is phenomenal, you really do feel liberated from working indoors close to a plug in case you run out of juice.  The other nice thing about the keyboard is that you can plug in a USB mouse and use it just like a laptop.  I use the word laptop with reason, contrary to a normal netbook that has to share the keyboard space with on/off switches, indicators and function keys, the keyboard and touchpad are free to use all the available surface of the dock.  I therefore find the keyboard big enough to type on easily

Also note that the top row of keys duplicates a number of soft functions such as direct access to the settings menu and switching Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on an off.  You can even disable the touchpad which is very useful.  We have all had the problem with a laptop where you are typing and your input suddenly jumps to another part of the page because you have inadvertently brushed the pad.  I plug in a mouse to the USB port but you can also still use the touch screen.  One more button worth mentioning is the screen shot button.  When you push the button it will take a .jpg image of what ever is on the screen.  This is going to be useful for my app of the month blog. 

Some people do find fitting the tablet to the keyboard can be hard but I have not had this problem.  Just put the keyboard down on a hard surface, ensure that the dock portion is facing upwards, line the tablet up with the edges of the keyboard and gently push down until you hear a click. 

The other selling point that often gets neglected is the bundled software.  It comes with Polaris Office which contains a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation viewing and editing applications.  Also bundled is a package that will stream your desktop computer screen to the pad over you home network.  While none of these two applications suites are stunning it means that you are instantly productive.  There are a few other applications loaded but these are the important ones for me. 

Performance wise I have no issues, it runs smoothly even with high definition video, the display is bright when needed and the screen is very responsive to any inputs.  Asus have also been very good with the updates.  I have had the tablet around 6 months and during that time I have received a number of over the air updates, including one for the keyboard dock.  I am hoping that the Android V4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) will not be far away.  Asus has announced the update will go ahead after the release of the new Transformer Prime.

The one downside for me is that it does not have 3G connectivity like some of the iPads do.  However it is something I can live with as it tethers nicely to my phone.  There is a version of this unit, the TF101G, which does have a 3G connection.  Check your local specifications to see if this option is available.  That is the downside of being an early adopter!! If I was going to be doing a lot of travelling I would invest in a little portable hotspot. 

Because of the versatility of the system it replaces most of the functionality of my desktop computer which only gets switched on a couple of times a week for archiving email and processor intensive applications where speed is an issue.  

Would I travel with this rather than a laptop or netbook, definitely.  It would do everything I need it to.

Likes

Keyboard

Battery life

Bundled apps

16:9 format display and speed

Weight

Micro SD and SD slots plus 2 USB ports

Flash support

Dislikes

No 3G (this model TF101)

Conclusion

Bottom line would I buy one, definitely, I have one and am looking forward to the release of the Prime.  Not sure if the quad core is enough to tempt me though if it does not have 3G.  Is it better than the iPad?  Yes and no.  The iPad interface is definitely cuter and slightly more polished, however the Asus Transformer and Android is so much more flexible.  The iPad is fine if you want to live in the Apple ecosystem but personally I find that too limiting.  I like the fact that I can access my home network and download or upload any file I need without having to go through iTunes.  Final words, a truly great product and game changer. 

http://newtonsreviews.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/update-to-tf101-review-ice-cream.html#more