Asus unveiled a sleek tablet computer on Friday, after the Taiwanese firm saw the sales of its once popular line of mini-laptops stall following the launch of Apple's hit iPad.
The device is featuring an expandable keyboard docking station and promises to offer a combined battery life of up to 16 hours. It is running Google's Android 3.0 operating system, Honeycomb and features Waveshare user interface.
The device is powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor (1.0 GHz) and it has an 10.1-inch IPS Panel made from scratch-resistant glass, viewable at angles up to 178°. Built-in SRS Sound technology provides a dynamic 3D stereo audio, with maximum bass response and a wide sound field from the discrete speakers housed in the 12.98mm thick frame that weighs 680g. A 5MP rear- and 1.2MP front-facing cameras can shoot and record video, which can be played back in video on HDTVs via a mini HDMI output port.
The Transformer sets itself apart from other tablets on the market by featuring an optional docking station. This provides access to a full QWERTY keyboard along with unique Android Function keys, turning the tablet Transformer into a full-fledged notebook. Preloaded on the Transformer is Polaris Office 3.0, a professional Mobile Office Solution which enables users to edit various types of office documents including documents (.doc), spreadsheets (.xls) and presentation (.ppt) files. A touchpad, 3.5mm audio jack, two USB ports as well as a built-in SD Card reader for file sharing and storage expandability makes the Transformer a versatile media hub. ASUS WebStorage offers one year of unlimited storage space on the cloud. The docking station also extends the Transformer?s 9.5 hours of battery life up to 16 hours.
The ASUS Launcher also allows users to launch software, manage content and access online services and connect devices with a few simple taps, while ASUS? Waveshare Interface hosts a variety of applications such as MyNet, MyLibrary, MyCloud and more. MyNet streams digital media wirelessly within home network devices so HD videos or music can be played on devices such as an HDTV or desktop PCs. MyLibrary consolidates downloaded books, magazines and newspapers in to one profile while MyCloud is a total cloud solution, providing access to digital content such as music, videos and files from the cloud .
The EEE Pad Transformer became available for pre-order in Taiwan on Friday,and will goe on sale in the U.K. on March 30, to be followed by U.S. sales.
In Taiwan, the 16 GB version without the keyboard sells for 14,900 New Taiwan dollars ($500), while the keyboard version costs NT$17,900 ($600).