Review: Asus Transformer Pad TF103

Lovers of Laptop-tablet hybrids would be really amazed to have a feel of Asus Transformer Pad TF103. This trend of hybrid PCs dates back to 2011 with the release of original Asus Eee Pad Transformer. Many similar versions have been released so far. Some examples in this regard are Acer Aspire Switch 10, Asus Transformer Back Trio, and Lenovo Yoga 2 11. The latest sensation, Asus Transformer Pad TF103 costs just £239. It is one of the cheapest models around cutting even the Acer Aspire Switch 10.

Size and Build

You can regard Asus Transformer Pad TF103 a budget model carrying plasticky feel opposite to flimsy. The hidden hinge design is quite stiff. Combined with a tablet, it is very difficult to open it with one hand.

The device is on a bit if chunky side, a bit fat when docked. It is 1mm thicker as compared to Acer Aspire Switch 10, and 2mm thicker than the iPad air. It comes in black and white colors.

Features

Unlike some other hybrid devices, it possesses both front and back camera or capturing photos and making video calls. It contains Android 4.4.2 as standard OS but that is the only platform supported by it.

The device also supports external microSD card up to 64GB. It runs 64bit Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor.

Screen

It has a 10.1 inch screen with resolution of 1280×800 pixels that gives it a pixel per inch count of 149ppi. This is quite low as compared to the 264ppi of iPad Air. However, it is not the worst that we have seen. It is slightly better than the 135ppi of the Lenovo Yoga 2 11.

Considering this price, the screen is quite impressive. Text is sharp, but colors appear to be a little pale and lack punch.

Performance

The keyboard is a little bit cramped so it is very difficult to type fast without making mistakes. The keys are wide but not tall enough for on-screen keyboard. You would really hate typing even a web address correctly in first attempt.

Using Android on laptop could be quite confusing since you compromise some functionality. You can’t scroll down web pages using arrow keys and some other deficiencies.

Battery

Its battery will last 9 hours while playing movie at 720p with activate Wi-Fi and high brightness of 100 units. It should last you a working day at least.

Verdict

Asus Transformer Pad TF103 performs the basic tasks well enough, but still low in specs as compared to some other hybrids.