Since their inception, netbooks have made a big contribution to the development of technology - they were cheap, portable and easy to use. Tablets that appeared later could perform approximately the same range of tasks, but were limited by touch control capabilities. This was the main reason why the developers began to make significant efforts to release a device that can combine the positive features of both a tablet and a netbook.
With the release of Windows 8, developers have sought to redefine the functionality of compact devices, but tablet PCs continue to rapidly replace netbooks. Asus Transformer Book T100TA was released with the aim of combining the best qualities of both devices - on the one hand, it is a small lightweight netbook with a ten-inch screen and a compact keyboard, on the other hand, you can use its removable half, turning the gadget into a Windows 8 tablet. And the cost this device is pleasantly pleased - only about $ 400.
Appearance and features
If you think netbooks look like miniature devices with little performance, rest assured that there is nothing like that in this Asus model. In its appearance, Asus T100TA is not onlysurprisingly compact, but also visually appealing. The dark gray plastic, from which the base of the case is made, is effectively trimmed to look like metal. The glossy surface of the lid of the transformer is decorated with circular patterns that create an unusual effect of rotation around the Asus logo.
When used alone, the tablet weighs only 550 grams and is eleven millimeters thick. At the same time, one gets the impression that the build quality is not very good, especially if you compare the device with competitors on Android or with the iPad Air. This can be called a disadvantage that is not justified by the low price. Nevertheless, such an impression arises only during a visual inspection of the device. In fact, the case is quite durable and resistant to external influences. The Asus Transformer Book T100TA tablet and keyboard are secured with two hinged latches that open when pressed all the way.
Functionality
Full support for Windows 8 (personal version) running the new IntelAtom processors has taken place on earlier devices of the same price category, but the T100 is still different from them. First of all, it has a new BayTrailAtom processor which is faster and offers much more power. In addition, the device offers a good battery life, and its shape and design look very nice. In other words, the transformer on the full version of Windows 8 stands out from other market offers.
Of course, the physical keyboard is not enoughdifferent from other models - the keys are compact and have too small dimensions. However, the touchpad is the same size as the surface of the device and is very responsive.
To detach the upper half, you need to press the button located on the right above the keyboard, and then pull the mechanical latch. Subsequently, with similar actions, you can easily assemble the device back.
The Asus Transformer T100TA keyboard located on the bottom half has its own USB 3.0 port, the other ports are located on the top half of the transformer.
Display and screen
The 1366 x 768 pixel resolution of the tablet's touch display looks good, but isn't particularly bright. Despite this, it is well suited for a ten-inch screen, and the IPS panel has wide viewing angles. Despite not too high brightness, the contrast ratio is 889:1, which guarantees a clear transfer of details in images and films. The color rendition is also somewhat distorted - you can see an excess of yellowish color, and some shades lack courage. But all these features can not be called too significant, given the cost of the device.
The Asus T100TA looks great as a tablet, but it's thicker and bulkier than the iPad or most famous Android devices. Sure, it's pretty portable, but it still doesn't look like a completely standalone tablet. The device seems to be the lid of a laptop that is in search of its base. For a simple householdThe gadget is quite suitable for use, but it is not always possible to use it everywhere without a keyboard. Also, the location of the Home button is a little odd - instead of pressing the Windows icon just below the display, you have to press the bottom left button on the side of the tablet.
When the Asus Book T100TA is assembled, it weighs approximately 1.2 kg. This weight is quite acceptable for a 10.1-inch netbook. The tablet alone weighs half as much. It can be used with one hand, but not very convenient - it is preferable to use both.
Another significant drawback of the Asus Transformer Book T100TA 64Gb is the lack of a camera on the rear surface. You will not be able to take photos, except for selfies on profile pictures. 1. 3MP front webcam is good enough for this purpose as well as for video calling.
Internal architecture
A new-generation BayTrailAtom Z3740 quad-core processor hides inside the device along with 2GB RAM and 64GB SSD storage space. This is one of the first devices released on Atom's new class of processors: previous Windows 8 tablets were pretty decent gadgets, but had a number of limitations. They coped well with everyday tasks, but could not work with "heavy" programs. In turn, the development of the Asus T100TA used the modern Silvermont microarchitecture. Thanks to this design, the quad-core processorprovides high power, as well as support for USB 3, DDR3 RAM and 64-bit operating system. Graphics performance is a pleasant surprise thanks to the presence of Ivy Bridge-class GPU technology.
The frequency of the above Atom Z3740 processor is 1.33GHz. In addition, it is capable of burst rates up to 1.86 and can support up to 4GB of RAM (despite the fact that the base Asus Transformer Book T100TA 64Gb comes with 2GB of RAM).
Performance
In daily use of Asus T100TA 32Gb all these features give very good results. If we compare the work of Windows 8 on devices of the previous generation (with the AtomCloverTrail processor), then this Asus model is a real speed record holder. Apps load much more briskly, web browsing is fast and smooth, and multitasking is seamless, to the point where the 2GB RAM limit starts to show.
Ports and Connections
Tablet ports and connectivity slots are minimal but functional: MicroUSB, MicroHDMI, MicroSD card slot, and keyboard-based USB3.0 port. The Asus Transformer Book T100TA tablet has 802.11a/G/N Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.
Battery testing
Battery life remains as long as you would normally expect from Atom devices. As showstesting, with a slight dimming of the screen brightness, Wi-Fi off and viewing only text documents and saved web pages, the gadget works for just over nine hours. Of course, this is less than competitors. For example, Dell Latitude 10 runs in this mode for 12 hours and 35 minutes, but keep in mind that the T100 weighs much less, which is a definite plus.
Integrated Applications
Another undoubted attractive feature of the Asus T100TA is the bundle of software pre-installed by default. Somehow, Asus managed to reach an agreement with the developers to provide the device with licensed Microsoft Office and Student 2013. For many people, this alone will be enough to consider the gadget as a planned mandatory purchase.
Operating system
However, initially you should think about what Windows 8 is for. This operating system is not very suitable for desktop computers or laptops without touch screens. And fully standalone tablets (without a keyboard) on it can also have some difficulties in use. To control Windows 8, you need the ability to work with both the touch screen and physical keys. Thus, the transformer is the only functional option for this operating system. In addition, the available Asus T100TA docking allows you to connect various devices, increasing the functionality of the mini laptop.
Verdict
WhileMicrosoft is still trying to convince users that Windows RT devices are the best successors to the netbook, Intel has made good adjustments - ARM does not have a positive effect on Windows.
The new Atom platform delivers a massive performance boost, enough power for casual gaming and long battery life at a price that allowed the company to sell the Asus Book T100TA 64gb for just $400. According to experts, this is very bad news for Windows RT.
As for the T100 itself, it offers all the features you'd expect from a transformer at a surprisingly low price. Despite some shortcomings, the device will surely become popular with users around the world.
What can you expect from this transformer? Again, the reviews report that the device is great for everyday core work and will do it very well.
T100 is both a laptop and a tablet. The device is able to function as both devices, and the results are impressive. For just about $400, you get two gadgets with long battery life and a fully functional figure-of-eight.
Positive features
As noted in user reviews, the Asus Transformer Book T100 runs on Windows 8.1 and comes with a full keyboard, has a long battery life andoffered at low cost.
Flaws
Small key sizes are reported by users to cause fatigue when typing. In addition, the brightness and color reproduction of the screen is somewhat limited and distorted. This is especially noticeable when watching movies.
