Justin Kole from Walsh University reviews the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101
Submitted by Justin Kole, ASUS Campus Rep at Walsh University
Hello fellow students, or people just looking for good deals on electronics.
The first review of this new blog series will be on a very popular tablet, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, otherwise known as TF101.
I have had extensive time to get to know this tablet and some of its more useful capabilities for the everyday student. Im going to give a brief overview of how it works, but go here for full Transformer specifications.
First off, no! It is not an iPad or like an iPad! Its better and I will show you why.
The Transformer runs on the increasingly popular Android platform, 3.2 Honeycomb to be exact. Good thing is, if you get one, when the 4.0 Ice-cream Sandwich comes out, you can automatically update your tablet for free, just have it do a regular scan for updates and install.
The Eee Pad Transformer TF101 is getting an update to Android 4.0 ICS in mid-February
A common question is, “Does it have an app store like the iPad?” Yes it does, it has what they call the “Android MarketPlace” where you can find basically any app you can ever think off, many of which for free.
Another good thing about the android system is that it is open source which means almost anybody can make an app for the system and its very compatible with other systems.
Now, how does this super awesome tablet work? Well, to be fair, if you have seen how an iPad works, its about the same thing, you use your fingers to touch the screen and there is an on-screen keyboard that will pop up when needed. That’s about where the similarities end.
Where the Transformer excels is by offering the solution to every complaint made by people who bought and use other tablets. The screen on the Transformer is completely scratch resistant by the use of Corning Gorilla Glass. Don’t ask me how they do it, but it’s true.
First thing I get people to do when they ask me about it is to try and scratch it with a car key, they usually hesitate, so I do it first, then they go nuts and It still looks brand new!
The Transformer has a textured rear finish that makes it more comfortable to hold
Next, is the battery life, 8-9 hours! I’m serious! I just need to charge it about once a week and I can use it every day. Another complaint of iPad owners is that their tablet is hard to hold onto due to its smooth metallic finish. The Transformer solves this by covering the back of the tablet with a rich brown pattern that adds texture and grip.
Now to the really good stuff, the Transformer can double its battery life; add 2 USB ports and a SD memory card port with one crucial item….A full QWERTY keyboard!!!! Yes, the transformer is the only tablet that you can add a keyboard to that actually extends its battery life to around 16 hours! You know how I said I could use it all week without charging it, I lied, I actually use it consistently for about 2-3 weeks between charges.
The Eee Pad Transformer has an optional Qwerty keyboard docking station that boosts battery life
Albeit these are short periods of online surfing, but still quite handy never having to worry about charging it. The 2 USB ports that come with it are very handy if you want to plug an optional mouse or CD drive into it. The SD Card reader also makes quick photo and video transfer a breeze. It also comes with a great HD quality camera/ video camera in the front and a regular quality one right above the screen.
How does the system work? If you have used any other android device, it’s should be very similar; touch interface, standard programs and apps like the Word, PowerPoint and Excel compatible Polaris office. It’s got GPSs, maps, different ways to set up and keep files, short cuts to YouTube and Facebook.
However, a point of caution, the Facebook app is a bit slow and if you visit it through the browser you cannot use the chat feature. A nifty thing that it has is a permanent Google search icon in the top left of the home screens for easy access.
When combined with the docking station Transformer bridges the gap between laptop and tablet
Some people will say they do not want to use a tablet because it is too different than their laptop or desktop and it doesn’t have enough useful features. This is where the Transformer, and most android tablets have a great advantage, there is a built in feature in all ASUS tablets called “MyCloud”.
All you have to do is download the free software onto your laptop or desktop called Splashtop Streamer, have internet access (a Gmail account helps) and as long as your computer is on, you can actually use it over you tablet. It basically looks like a smaller version of your windows computer, and you can use anything installed on your computer just like normal! This is really handy when you forget a file and you’re in class, just look it up on your computer back in your room and send it to your tablet over email or something and presto!
You can also use many things that you normally cant install onto an android tablet like any Microsoft Office programs.
Another great thing about this tablet is its price point and overall flexibility. Starting at $399 for the 16G tablet and another $150 for the optional keyboard/battery. If you just want the tablet at some times, all you do is detach the keyboard and leave it behind, but if you expect to be typing quite a bit, the real keyboard is much more comfortable to use than an on screen one.
The Transformer is perfect for taking notes in class or surfing the web on the go
Conclusion
Now this truly sounds like a great companion for the busy student who doesn’t always want to lug around their laptop or just be stuck with a desktop system, and it is a great SECOND device. I say second because I personally would not recommend this being the primary computer for people to use every day.
It is a great mobile solution if you have a very big laptop or desktop system, but in all honestly, you can’t really use it for extended periods of time. I have a big powerful desktop that I do most papers and assignments on and I use the tablet for taking notes in class or quickly searching the web or as my computer for trips.
That being said if you need a mobile solution and want to be on top of the tech trend, get this tablet because imitators will be soon to follow its great flexible setup.
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Love my TF101. When will we get 4.0?
i got this tablet as a gift and may i say it is awesome!
Very good overview of an amazing product!
I agree with what you wrote. I bought this tablet because there was an app that I can use to “rent” books. It saved all my backaches! Waiting to get a keyboard — I heard the price (some stores that is) have it at $99 and definitely will be putting this puppy to full use.
I love my ASUS Transformer I just wish tech support and the service centers were a little more professional and easier to deal with