For consumers who can’t decide between a tablet and a laptop, the ASUS Transformer Book combines the portability of a tablet with the ease of the best laptop. Priced at less than $400 on Amazon, this device is a good option for the recreational computer user who wants to have the extra memory and ease of typing available in the keyboard.
Features of the ASUS Transformer Book
With a touchpad as well as a detachable keyboard, customers can decide how they want to use the ASUS Transformer Book T100TA-H1-GR . It weighs just 2.4 pounds, lighter than the MacBook Air MD761LL/B, and comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013. It comes with unlimited ASUS web storage for one year. Large sound chambers provide crystal-clear sound quality without adding bulk to the device.
- 500GB hard drive keyboard dock with USB 3.0 port
- 10-inch detachable tablet
- Windows 8.1
- Intel Quad Core Baytrail-T Z3740 1.33GHz. 2GB RAM
- Stores 32GB solid-state in tablet, 500GB hard drive in dock
- 11-hour battery life
- 2 MP Webcam
- Micro-HDMI port to connect to the TV
- USB port
Pros and Cons
Reviews on Amazon are mixed about this tablet, but the overall star rating comes to four stars out of five. Most of the positive reviews cite the clear, crisp screen resolution and the extended battery life as reasons for rating it so highly. The higher-rated reviews state the ASUS T100TA-H1-GR is a perfect device for light gaming, social media use, surfing the net and use of Microsoft Office. For those looking to use a device for heavy gaming or for professional programs that require faster response time and no lags, this device is not the best choice.
A common complaint on Amazon is that the ASUS Transformer touchscreen laptop does not charge. Multiple people mentioned the unit also won’t turn on, even when charged, and said the screen broke after just a few months of use.
Although this transformer book comes loaded with Microsoft Office, this does not include Outlook – only Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. Some reviewers also noted that it drops the WiFi signal periodically, even when WiFi is available and engaged. With any new electronics, there are going to be pros and cons. If you are looking for more of a laptop and lees of a fusion between laptop and tablet, then you should check out the Apple MacBook Air MD761LL/B 13.3-Inch Laptop which is one of the most popular laptops out right now.
Who will like this laptop?
With the price being $369.00 on Amazon, many will find the price reasonable for a tablet that doubles as a laptop. While it might not have enough finesse and power to be used as a professional device, the casual user will appreciate its capabilities and screen clarity. The complaints on Amazon should be considered – however, some of them could be attributed to user error, and the majority of reviewers do rate the ASUS Transformer Book at least four stars out of five.
Two big selling points of the ASUS Transformer T100TA-H1-GR are the reasonable price and the ability to be both a tablet and a laptop. For those not ready to make the switch solely to a tablet, or for those who can’t decide, this device can be a good way to bridge the gap between a tablet and laptop.