First Look: Asus Eee Pad Transformer

Tablet-and-netbook-in-one could appeal to frequent office software users

Asus has taken a different approach to portable computing with its Eee Pad Transformer, a netbook with a screen that is actually a detachable tablet in itself.

The device can essentially be considered as a fold-up tablet PC with a keyboard, and is not unreasonably heavy or chunky compared with the other tablet devices entering the market, despite the addition of a keyboard.

The Eee Pad Transformer runs on Google’s HoneyComb 3.0 Android operating system. Unlike other tablets, it is very easy to type long documents on the Eee Pad thanks to its keyboard. Some users find it a challenge to use touch screens for extended periods.

It also runs Google’s Polaris Office software, a productivity suite built for the Android operating system.

The device has up to 16 hours battery life, as its two batteries, one in screen one in keyboard, each last eight hours.

It is not without its flaws, as the cursor control on the keyboard is not ideal for navigating around the Android OS, specifically built for mobile touch-screen devices. However, even with the keyboard connected you can still use the device’s touch-screen capabilities to navigate.

The Eee Pad Transformer will be available from 6 April, priced at £429, or £379 for the tablet without the keyboard dock.