We are living in an age where science fiction meets tech reality, and the prevalence of all-in-one tablet-and-PC devices is making this even more true. On April 12 Asus released the Transformer AiO, its take on the all-in-one phenomenon. With this tablet, you can simply pick up your PC monitor and take it with you. Here’s everything you want to know to decide if the Transformer is right for you.
Functionality of the Asus Transformer AiO
The Asus Transformer AiO is more than just a tablet. What makes this tablet unique is the fact that it can function as a typical, inclusive PC. In fact, when it’s connected to the PC Station, you will hardly know that it’s a not a traditional PC. However, if you wish to use it as an Android device, simply detach the screen and go. While much larger, and much heavier, than the iPad, the Transformer offers full Android functionality.
When you detach the screen, it switches automatically from Windows 8 to the Android OS. What if you want to use both? That’s fairly simple, just use the base’s HDMI-port to attach a monitor and you can use both Android and Windows 8 simultaneously on the split screens. This is what sets it apart from similar all-in-one units.
The Transformer AiO can be used in full Windows 8 even when not connected to the base. It has the ability to connect to the PC Station over WiFi, so you can take your work away from the base without the need to stay tethered to the base. However, this works best when the screen and the PC Station are both connected to the same 5 GHz access point, so you won’t be able to travel too far from the station.
If someone else is using the PC Station, you can continue to use the screen as a remote desktop. This means that more than one user can access the computer at the same time, if needed.
Average specs on a the tablet
While the ability to use a touch screen as a computer, and visa versa, makes the Transformer AiO interesting, the specs are what tech geeks want to know about. As far as tablets go, it’s big and bulky, but the screen performance is quite average because of the Nvidia Tegra 3 processor. The 1080p screen is great for video streaming and most games, but avid gaming finds will find it does not quite fit the bill for 3D gaming. The tablet has 32 GB of memory.
When used in PC mode, the Transformer AiO has a Core i7 processor and 2 TB hard drive. It runs Windows 8. When used in PC mode it’s one of the fastest midrange all-in-one systems available right now. The 10-point multi-touch screen works in both tablet and PC modes.
The screen is what makes this unit something people are talking about. Measuring in at 18.4 inches, it is one of the largest all-in-ones around. However, this can make it difficult to use. It weighs over five pounds, and holding it for an extended period of time is tiring.
The Asus Transformer AiO looks like something out of Star Trek. With it you can realistically take your PC work throughout your home, working away from your PC Station, on one of the largest screens available. While not a perfect machine, it fits the needs of users well for the price point.