Asus’ Transformer TF101 is one of the most popular non-iPad tablets on the market right now and is available for just $399.00. That is $100 less than the lowest prices iPad 2. There is also an optional keyboard available for $150.00 that turns the tablet into a virtual notebook.
The tablet runs the latest version of Android, Honeycomb 3.2, has a 2 1.0GHz dual-core CPU, and a multi-touch 10.1-inch display. The display has an ultra-wide 178-degree viewing angle and is made from scratch resistant Gorilla glass.
The Transformer TF101 also has a 1.2-megapixel front and a 5-megapixel rear camera that can record video, a mini HDMI port, and has sensors like GPS and Gyroscope.
The tablet only supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity though so there is no need for a data plan. The Transformer comes in two sizes, 16 GB that will set you back just $399 and a 32 GB model that costs $599.
A keyboard is available for the Transformer for $150.00 and basically turns the tablet into a notebook. The keyboard has a full QWERTY keyboard, a touchpad, 3.5mm audio jack and two USB ports. It also has a built-in SD Card reader that makes the tablet storage expandable up to an extra 32 GB.
According to Asus, the docking station also extends the Transformer’s 9.5 hours of battery life up to 16 hours when connected. Other than an impressive battery life, the coolest feature of the tablet is that the keyboard folds up like a laptop when it’s connected.
The Bottom Line
Thinking about getting a tablet for your real estate business? The Transformer TF101 is a good entry level tablet and while it is aggressively priced, it is not missing any key features you might need. The optional keyboard, while a bit pricey, is a great addition that can turn it into a streamlined notebook while adding additional battery life.
The Transformer has received good reviews in the past few months and was named one of the best Android tablets by PC Magazine in July.
Check out Asus.com for more information about the tablet.
Images via Asus.
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Very nice. The iPad is starting to have a lot of competition, which is good for the consumer. Do you know how it stacks up in regards to available apps? I believe that is one of the deciding factors for people besides price.
It will be interesting to see how the iPad 2 will be priced when the new iPad comes out, because like you said, there is a lot of competition now. As far as apps, it uses the Android Market Place. Apples’s App store has around 350,000 while the Android Market has around 100,000. What is interesting though it that the Android Market has ”pulled ahead” of Apple’s iTunes AppStore – “Google’s Android Market has 1.3 billion apps downloaded during the third quarter versus 1.1 billion from Apple’s iTunes AppStore,” according to IDC mobile platforms analyist Scott Ellison. What is also interesting is that as of Feb 2011, almost 66% of Android apps are free, as opposed to about 34% of iOS apps. From what I have read, the Android Market is set to eventually outpace Apples App Store at some point in the future in terms of total number of apps.
Wow, I was not aware that the Android apps were doing that good. I am glad though because that makes it a much more attractive alternative.
Thank you so much, Bryan! I had the same question as Tom about apps and your answer was great! Thank you.
The Asus Transformer is currently the most affordable Android Honeycomb tablet and is a great deal for anyone looking to dip their toes into tablets. The optional keyboard dock is just the icing on the cake. At the moment the Android landscape is a lot more exciting and fast moving than Apple’s products.