Asus keeps rolling out new goodies at the Computex 2016, and a new line of Transformer 2-in-1 PCs should spike the interest of tablet-computer fans.
If the devices remind you of Microsoft's Surface models, you're not the only one to notice the similarity with the company's touchscreens, kickstands and portable keyboards. What is more, Asus' 2-in-1s operate on Windows 10.
The OEM has showcased three devices: the Transformer 3 Pro, the Transformer 3 and the Transformer Mini.
Transformer 3 Pro
The Transformer 3 Pro and the Transformer 3 sport 12.6-inch screens able to display resolutions of 2,880 x 1,920p, placing them at a pixel density of 275 ppi. Both devices carry the commended USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections. There are traditional USB 3.0 ports, as well.
Audio-video users will enjoy the presence of the Harman Kardon speakers HDMI ports. Asus packed security features in both the Transformer 3 Pro and the Transformer 3 in the form of fingerprint sensor support.
The two gadgets play nice with all accessories from Asus, namely the Universal Dock, the Pen, the AudioPod and the ROG XG Station 2. The last one is worthy of mention, as it can put enough oomph into a tablet PC to match the processing power of a desktop station. What is more, it is VR ready.
The two Transformer 3 tablet models have two color options: Glacier Gray and Icicle Gold.
Thanks to the kickstand of the Transformer 3 Pro, the tablet can be set up at a variety of angles, going as far as 170 degrees.
Those who appreciate a typing experience similar to notebooks will want to look closely at the Transformer 3 Pro, as it is the only one that packs a Cover Keyboard. The CK is backlit and provides the "laptop-grade 1.4mm key travel" that makes typing smooth and fast.
Other unique traits of the Transformer 3 Pro are its Intel Core i7 CPU and beefy 16 GB of RAM that is clocked at 2,133 MHz. Its storage space shows a whopping 1 TB PCIe x 4 SSD. Just like in handsets, the tablet-PC comes with a camera combo, the main one being a 13-megapixel shooter.
Transformer 3
The device is thinner than its Pro brother and relies on a 7th generation Intel Core processor for processing power. Only 8 GB of RAM are backing the CPU, and storage is only half as the one on 3 Pro, at 512 GB SSD.
When using the Transformer 3 on its stand, only two positions are available. A Transformer Sleeve Keyboard is packed as a standard, and it offers 1.4 millimeters of comfy key travel.
Transformer Mini
Asus unveiled the Mini for those who prefer portability over performance, with the tablet-PC having a 10.1-inch display.
Similar to the Transformer Pro 3, it comes with an integrated kickstand that allows for multiple viewing positions. The security fingerprint feature is embedded in the Mini, as well.
A unique trait of the Mini is an integrated palm rest. The ZenSynch smartphone integration, meanwhile, makes sure that you get notifications of text messages on your tablet, reminding a bit of iOS and OS X El Capitan's communication.
Multiple color options are in store for the Mini, such as Quartz Gray for both tablet and keyboard, and Pearl White for a tablet with an Icicle Gold, Mint Green or Amber keyboard.
Pricing And Availability
The manufacturer said the Transformer 3 Pro will have a base price of $999, with the Transformer 3 selling for $799. Meanwhile, the Transformer Mini will start at $349.
No official information about the availability of the new line of tablet-PCs from Asus permeated the media.
Do you think Asus will take a bite out of the commended Microsoft Surface market? Let us know in the comments section below.
