Review tablet Asus T100TA. Specifications and reviews

Since its inception, netbooks have made a big contribution to the development of technology - they were cheap, portable and easy to use. Appeared later tablets could perform about the same range of tasks, but limited to the possibilities of touch control. This is the main reason why the developers began to make significant efforts to produce a device that can combine the positive features of both the tablet and the netbook.

With the release of Windows 8, developers have sought to revise the functionality of compact devices, but tablet PCs continue to rapidly replace netbooks. Asus Transformer Book T100TA was released to combine the best features of both devices - on the one hand, it's a small lightweight netbook with a ten-inch screen and a compact keyboard, on the other - you can use its removable half, turning the gadget into a tablet on Windows 8. And the cost This device is pleasantly pleased - only about $ 400.

Appearance and features

If in your view netbooks seem to be miniaturized devices with low performance, be sure - in this Asus model there is nothing like that. In its appearance, the Asus T100TA is not only surprisingly compact, but also attractive visually. Dark gray plastic, from which the base of the case is made, is effectively trimmed for metal. The glossy surface of the transformer cover is decorated with circular patterns, creating an unusual effect of rotation around the Asus logo.

With separate use, the tablet weighs only 550 grams and has eleven millimeters of thickness. At the same time, it seems that the assembly quality is not very good, especially if you compare the device with competitors on Android or with Ipad Air. This can be called a shortcoming, which is not justified by a low price. Nevertheless, such an impression occurs only with a visual inspection of the device. In fact, the case is quite strong and resistant to external influences. Mounting the tablet and keyboard Asus Transformer Book T100TA is provided with two latches on the hinges, which open when pressed until it stops.

Functionality

Full support for Windows 8 (the version for personal computers) under the control of new IntelAtom processors took place on previously released devices of the same price category, but the T100 still differs from them. First of all, it has a new BayTrailAtom processor, which works faster and offers much more power. In addition, the device offers a good battery life, and its shape and design look very pretty. In other words, the transformer on the full version of "Windos 8" is pleasantly distinguished among other market offers.

Of course, the physical keyboard differs little from other models - the keys are compact and too small. However, the touch panel is the same size as the surface of the device, and has a very fast response.

To disconnect the upper half, you need to press the button located on the right above the keyboard, and then pull the mechanical latch. Subsequently, similar actions can easily assemble the device back.

The keyboard Asus Transformer T100TA, 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 resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels of the tablet's touch screen does not look bad, but it's not particularly bright. Despite this, it is well suited for a ten-inch screen, and the IPS panel has wide viewing angles. Despite the not too high brightness, the contrast ratio is 889: 1, which ensures a clear transfer of detail in images and movies. Color rendering is also somewhat distorted - you can notice 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.

As a tablet Asus T100TA looks great, but the device is thicker and larger than the iPad or the most famous device on Android. Of course, it's pretty portable, but still does not look like a completely stand-alone tablet. The device seems like a laptop lid, which is in search of its base. For a simple home application, the gadget is fine, but it's not always possible to use it without the keyboard. In addition, the Home button is a little bit unusual - instead of pressing the Windows icon located 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, its weight is approximately 1.2 kg. This mass 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 too convenient - it is preferable to work both.

Another significant drawback of the Asus Transformer Book T100TA 64Gb is the lack of a camera on the back surface. You will not be able to take photos, except for Selfie on the avatar. 1.3-megapixel front-facing webcam is quite suitable for this purpose, as well as for communication on a video call.

Internal architecture

The new-generation BayTrailAtom Z3740 quad-core processor hides inside the device along with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD storage space. This is one of the first devices released on the new class of processors from Atom: the previous tablets on Windows 8 were pretty decent gadgets, but had a number of limitations. They coped well with the solution of everyday tasks, but could not work with "heavy" programs. In turn, when developing Asus T100TA used modern microarchitecture Silvermont. Thanks to this design, the quad-core processor provides high power, as well as support for USB 3, DDR3 RAM and 64-bit operating system. Graphical performance is pleasantly surprising due to the availability of Ivy Bridge-class GPU technology.

The frequency of the above processor Atom Z3740 is 1.33 GHz. In addition, it is able to work on packet frequencies up to 1.86 and can support up to 4 GB of RAM (despite the fact that the basic configuration of the Asus Transformer Book T100TA 64Gb assumes 2 GB of RAM).

Performance

In the daily use of the Asus T100TA 32Gb all these features give very good results. If you compare the performance of Windows 8 on devices of the previous generation (with the AtomCloverTrail processor), then this Asus model is a true record for speed. Applications are loaded much more vigorously, web browsing is fast and smooth, simultaneous work in several programs runs without interruptions, up to the point where the limitations of 2 GB of RAM begin to appear.

Ports and Connections

Ports of the tablet and slots for connection are present at a minimum, but are functional: MicroUSB, MicroHDMI, microSD card slot, and USB3.0-port based on the keyboard. Tablet Asus Transformer Book T100TA has the ability to connect 802.11a / G / N Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

Battery Testing

The battery life remains the same as expected from Atom devices. As the testing shows, with a slight dimming of the screen brightness, Wi-Fi turned off and viewing only text documents and saved web pages, the gadget works just over nine hours. Of course, this is less than that of competitors. For example, Dell Latitude 10 works in this mode 12 hours 35 minutes, but it should be borne in mind that the T100 weighs much less, and this is a definite plus.

Integrated applications

Another undeniable attractive feature of the Asus T100TA is the software bundle, preinstalled 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 treat the gadget as a planned mandatory purchase.

operating system

However, it's worth starting thinking about why Windows 8 is needed. This operating system is not very suitable for stationary computers or laptops without touch screens. And completely stand-alone tablets (without a keyboard) on it can also have some difficulties in use. To manage "Windows 8" requires the ability to work with both a touch screen and physical keys. Thus, the transformer is the only functional version for this operating system. In addition, the affordable Asus T100TA docking allows you to connect various devices, increasing the functionality of the mini-notebook.

Verdict

While Microsoft 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 impact on Windows.

The new Atom platform provides a significant increase in performance, enough power for casual games and a long battery life at a cost that allowed the company to sell the Asus Book T100TA 64gb for only $ 400. According to experts, this is very bad news for Windows RT.

As for the T100 itself, it offers all the features that you should expect from a transformer, and at a surprisingly low price. Despite some shortcomings, the device will certainly become popular with users around the world.

What can you expect from this transformer? Again, the feedback says that the device is perfect for everyday basic work and will perform it very qualitatively.

The T100 is both a laptop and a tablet. The device can function as both devices, and the results of the work are impressive. Having spent only about 400 dollars, you get two gadgets with a long battery life and a fully functional "eight".

Positive features

As noted in the feedback of users, an undoubted plus is that the Asus Transformer Book T100 runs on Windows 8.1 and comes with a full keyboard, has a long battery life and is offered at a low cost.

disadvantages

Small keys, as users say, cause fatigue when typing. In addition, the brightness and color reproduction of the screen are somewhat limited and distorted. This is especially noticeable when watching movies.