ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Android tablet

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer review: The Eee Pad Transformer boasts a 10.1in screen, and an optional, detachable keyboard dock accessory

PC World Australia (online)

Most Android tablets seem to look and feel like very similar devices, but the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer attempts to add some much-needed variety to the market. The Eee Pad Transformer is a 10.1in Android 'Honeycomb' tablet that boasts an optional, detachable keyboard dock, transforming it from a tablet into a notebook-style device. The Eee Pad Transformer is a good idea on face value, but suffers from a few niggling problems that prevent it from being a great device.

Pros

  • Unique keyboard dock accessory
  • Good battery life
  • Flexibility of Android OS

Cons

  • Top-heavy when connected to dock
  • No USB ports without dock
  • No 3G capability

Bottom Line

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer's optional keyboard dock accessory gives it a unique edge over the competition when it comes to Android tablets. Its top-heavy design, and lack of 3G connectivity are annoyances, but the Transformer remains a worthy purchase if you're looking for an Android tablet.

Would you buy this?

  • Where to buy

    Selling at 1 store

Special Offers

Read more about the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer pricing, and check out our guide to the best upcoming tablets in 2011.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer: Design and display

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer obviously gets its name from the optional keyboard dock, but the tablet can be purchased without the keyboard dock for $599 in Australia. As a standalone device, the Eee Pad Transformer is largely unremarkable, though we do like the textured plastic on the rear which makes it easy to grip. We didn't have too many issues with build quality, though the plastic does exhibit a bit of flex when pressed, and the bezel surrounding the display seems a little large. At 271mm in length, the Eee Pad Transformer is the largest Honeycomb tablet we've reviewed. Weighing 680g, it's heavier than the featherweight Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v, but lighter than both the Motorola Xoom and the Acer Iconia A500, making it easier to carry around.

At 10.1in, the Eee Pad Transformer's screen is the same size as the aforementioned Honeycomb tablets, though ASUS has opted for an IPS (In Plane Switching) panel, the same technology used in Apple's iPad 2. The Transformer's screen displays vibrant colour and relatively crisp text, but the glossy surface doesn't always feel smooth to swipe your finger across, quickly becomes a grubby fingerprint magnet, and is tough to see in direct sunlight.

Disappointingly, the Eee Pad Transformer without its keyboard dock accessory doesn't have a full-sized USB port or even a micro USB connector. The only ports on the tablet itself are a standard headphone jack, a mini-HDMI port (for connecting a high-definition TV or projector), a microSD card slot, and a proprietary ASUS connector that doubles as a USB and charging port. Though the proprietary connection is a pain, it offers two benefits: it connects the tablet to the keyboard dock, and charges much faster (around one hour) than a regular micro USB charger.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer: Keyboard dock

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer really comes into its own when it's connected to the optional keyboard dock accessory (ASUS bundles the 32GB model with the keyboard dock for $799 in Australia). The Eee Pad Transformer's keyboard dock has two full-sized USB ports, an SD card slot and a trackpad, as well as its own built-in battery. ASUS says the battery offers an additional six and half hours of use. If both the tablet and the keyboard dock batteries are fully charged, the Eee Pad Transformer draws power from the keyboard dock first in order to preserve power for tablet-only use.

When connected, the Eee Pad Transformer folds over onto the keyboard dock and acts like a regular notebook, but connecting the two devices is best described as clunky. The tablet requires a forceful press to click into place, and there are no markers to help line up the tablet into its connector — it feels awkward to attach if it's not lined up correctly. We also don't like how the hinge raises the top half of the keyboard dock when the screen is connected.

The keyboard dock makes the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer easy to type on; its keys are well spaced and provide good tactility. We also love the addition of dedicated Honeycomb shortcuts including home, back, and settings keys, along with quick toggles for the trackpad, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, Browser, and media controls. There's also a button on the keyboard to lock the screen, which is handy if you want to keep the Eee Pad Transformer in its open position. The keyboard dock also has a touchpad, and you can use two fingers on it to scroll up and down on Web pages. It's easy to accidentally bump when typing though, so we suggest turning it off via the shortcut button when you aren't using it.

Unfortunately, the Eee Pad Transformer is very top-heavy, so it's almost impossible to position it on your lap without it toppling over. It's fine for use on a desk or table, but users planning to sit it on their lap should think twice. We also experienced some painful keystroke lag, most evidently when typing in the Web browser. This may be fixed in a future software update, but remains an issue out of the box.

User Comments

1

KenWed 08/06/2011 - 22:55

Overall, I thought this review was pretty accurate, however it is unclear to me why you keep describing the TF tablet itself as having limited functionality apart from the keyboard? As an owner of a transformer (with the dock) and an iPad, this statement is simply misleading and not accurate. Just because it does not have USB port does not make it limited in functionality. Having an HDMI output and microSD card slot is already way more than the iPad. You make it seem like unless you get the dock it is limited in its use and that is not true. I understand that you might be comparing it to some other android tablets that have USB/SD slots in the tablet but others will read that it has limited functionality and think that it is relatively worthless without the keyboard dock which is simply not true. I love this tablet way more than my iPad and is a very unique product and is incredibly functional with or without the dock.

2

VeeThu 09/06/2011 - 08:50

True that, Ken!
I also own an iPad since day 1, well OK day 14 or so. The iPad is awesome, but the Transformer is awesome with a bag of chips. The reviewer should have mentioned what a delight it is to plug it into any computer and download any files you want, no syncing up with your one single chosen computer of choice like the iPad. Also the true multitasking capability is a real joy (but maybe part of the reason it does get sluggish at times). I actually got the dock today and was jumping with joy. Instead of having to charge some bluetooth keyboard dock also, this keyboard dock is charging my tablet! And oh yeah got the game Riptide GP this game holds up to any game the iPad has and a bunch more are coming out this June. Later...

3

Ross CatanzaritiThu 09/06/2011 - 10:15

Hi Ken,

Thanks for your feedback.

The Transformer is definitely not "worthless" without the dock and I never intended to make it sound that way. Just thought it was worth mentioning that without the dock it does lack USB ports. I think most people who purchase this will also get the dock so its not a huge issue.

4

KudzaiThu 09/06/2011 - 23:50

Ross,

I'm not sure if you realize that you can change the profile of the browser from tablet to desktop. This, as you may imagine, opens desktop versions of websites.

Also, if you disable flash it's much faster at browsing than iPad2 - this to me would be apples to apples.

Overall - for the price - this is the best tablet you can currently get.

5

PerrinMon 13/06/2011 - 21:05

Reviews are here to give you an insight into a product and to help you to decide on a short list, but am I glad this was not the first review I had read or right now or the Asus Transformer would not even have been considered, let alone be my No.1 choice for a tablet.
I was fortunate to get to trial this in store (without the dock)and was instantly blown away by the the experience. This was after trying the Xoom, Acer and the iPad2 tablets, each on several occasions whereas the Asus just needed the one trial to have me convinced.
This review has concentrated too much on minor negative points of this tablet, which for those who are not prepared to research for themselves, would have left them choosing an inferior tablet, as in my opinion, the Asus EEE Transformer is by far the best option out there, with in the UK at least, the dock included at a price that beats all the competitors like for like.
P.S. If reviewing a Wi-Fi only tablet why mention lack of 3G, there will be a 3G version released soon

6

Ross CatanzaritiTue 14/06/2011 - 09:25

Hi Perrin,

Appreciate your comments, but in no way shape or form does this review suggest the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer is inferior to other Android tablets on the market - check the ratings for yourself, it stacks up very well.

As for the price, it is much more expensive in Australia than the UK, (this is an Australian site) and the lack of 3G is an issue as people want this right now, not later.

7

Alex CharlesMon 01/08/2011 - 11:09

Hello Ross,
Thanks for the insightful review.
This will be my 1st purchase of a tablet - as a replacement for a laptop, & I cant afford the money to get it too wrong.

In my research, I've whittled down to approx iPad2 or this Asus Transformer.

What I've been looking for in the reviews - including yours, is a description of the number/ frequency of the adverts that appear in the applications courtesy of Google Ads?

Eg I've got a Samsung Galaxy S phone with Android - which is great, but 90% of the applications that one gets from the Android Market has ads on it.
Understand this is an aspect one has to live-with using "free" apps, but those continuously popping ads do slow down the applications & connections.

Hence wondering is those ads appear in the standard applications that this tablet comes with, and do they appear in the 90% of tablet applications from the Android market pls?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Regards,
Alex C

8

GedThu 04/08/2011 - 22:45

Does anyone know if you can connect a broadband or a 3g USB dongle on this unit with the keyboard? Some say its not possible, but there is review in another language they had success connecting it. I believe this was in Hong Kong.
Also I have heard some reviews that the battery drains faster with the keyboard docking station attached.

9

AECThu 25/08/2011 - 16:50

Ged, in answer to your question about a 3G dongle, as this has Wi-Fi capability why not try a Huawei e5832 (just buy a 3G sim card) and you have a wi-fi hotspot, or Telstra Elite etc. when you are out and about.

10

DavideThu 15/09/2011 - 18:16

Hi guys,
do anyone of you know if is possbile to connect external HD western passport 500Gb to the min usb port? does it work?

thanks

11

herschelFri 03/02/2012 - 12:05

yes you can connect any usb harddrive.this tablet is the best on their is for me.I have had every tablet out there and this one truly is a desktop replacement

12

kimbSat 04/02/2012 - 08:56

I recently bought the Asus Transformer to use in place of my laptop. So far I am really happy. I would like to find out what kind of cord I would need to get to be able to plug in a mini usb device or a 2.0 usb device.

Thanks for any help.

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