Asus Eee Pads and Slates First Look

Eee Pad Transformer

Manufacturer: Asus

In contrast, the Eee Pad Transformer and Slider (below) are both built on Nvidia's Tegra 2 hardware, and come with an Android 3.0 operating system, whenever that arrives.

Asus did point out that both units shown were still dummy samples - the only samples - and apologised for the scratches as they had been used quite a bit.

As you can see, the Transformer takes the EP121's detachable keyboard to a greater extreme and can either be a netbook with keyboard or tablet with no keyboard. Unsurprisingly, this is dubbed the 'Transformer', however I've yet to see an Autobot or Decepticon logo in these photos..


Asus told us that both Eee Pads will feature mini-HDMI outputs and a USB port - possibly even USB 3 (from the picture below) - although what drivers are available for USB hardware on Android has yet to be seen.

It's packed with 512MB or 1GB RAM, with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB SSD options. There will be two cameras as standard: a 1.2megapixel webcam in the front and a 5megapixel camera on the back. The 1,280 x 800 display uses IPS and capacitive touch technology, and there is also 802.11n wireless and Bluetooth built in. Asus makes no mention of 3G with the Transformer, unlike the Slider.


Asus says that in notebook mode with keyboard attached, the battery life of the Transformer lasts 'up to 16 hours', although doesn't mention how long the battery lasts with the device in its tablet form.

The Transformer will arrive a month before the Slider, in April, and aims to retail at between $399 and $699, depending on the options.