Notebook Hunter

For $599 the 10.1in ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 (32GB) is really good value for money even when taking into account the fact that its successor, the Transformer Prime, will be released at some point next year. It’s still one of the premiere tablets available, because both the tablet itself and the detachable keyboard dock are a unique combination in the market.

The TF101’s screen is vibrant and has excellent viewing angles, while the keyboard dock is one of the nicest netbook-sized keyboards we’ve ever used.

The Transformer runs Android Honeycomb 3.2 on a 10.1in (1,280x800 resolution) capacitive screen, and the performance is snappy. The 32GB of flash drive storage isn’t particularly large, but is fairly standards for tablets and the 4-in-1 card reader on the keyboard dock does at least allow storage to be expanded. There’s also a Micro SD card reader on the tablet itself, so mitigating the low storage won’t be an issue. The textured backing of the Transformer may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it does help with grip and generally this tablet feels really sturdy.

While the keyboard dock has netbook sized keys, those keys are well spaced and feel great to type on. There’s also a battery built into the dock, so while it does increase the overall weight it does improve the battery life to well over 10 hours. It also has several ports not featured on the tablet itself, with a pair of USB 2.0 ports the standout.

See the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101 (32GB) in the Notebook Hunter database.

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