Perhaps today it is incorrect to attribute transformer as noutbuchnogo segment of the market, to the category of new products. Such devices are already well accustomed to the store shelves, and even won a niche buyers. In addition, hybrids are becoming more functional, and if before the unit can boast of, say, a powerful stuffing, at this stage apparent serious improvement.
In general, all the lyrics, which, however, brings you to the hero of our review – Transformers 2-in-1 Transformer Pad TF303CL from ASUS. Maybe this model is not too remarkable in their appearance, but inner filling it will certainly appreciate.
Design
The gadget is available in two colors: blue and gold. Suffice unusual move for the producer, because usually the device dressed in black and white body. On the other hand, it is fashionable today to stand out, but the usual banal colors clearly no surprise.
Such material is typical for manufacturers of mobile gadgets and familiar to users. Of course, the metal – it’s stylish and beautiful, but at the same time, high-quality plastic and did not spoil the device. However, without the metal still has not done: because of his engineers designed hinge connecting the upper part to the lower.
Returning to the lid, more precisely, to its surface. Plastic soft-touch is remarkable that non-slip and superficially looks very well, and most importantly, the device is quite comfortable to hold. Unfortunately, there is here and fly in the ointment: the lid on itself actively collects fingerprints. Exactly in the middle of it is the logo ASUS, above it – the rear webcam. At the ends evenly “scattered” interfaces.
Front of the tablet in the eye catches a wide frame around the screen. Orientation gadget horizontal, the speakers are located on the right and left of the display, at the top – is a webcam front, next to which another, but now a small sign ASUS.
While many manufacturers try to make the process of transformation “pozakovyristey” in this ASUS decided not to bother. Its principle is simple to ugliness: a tablet with a keyboard connected through Lasik and snaps. For the reverse transformation, just press a special button on the hinge.
By the way, if you wish, you can purchase additional cover plate, which performs two functions: it protects the device from scratches and other damage, and also serves as a support to, for example, it was convenient to watch movies on your tablet.
Of course, the dimensions of the transformer – it is also an important aspect, because the device is still mobile, accordingly, should not bring discomfort to the user’s life. So, part of the tablet ASUS Transformer Pad TF303CL following dimensions: 257h178h10 mm, weight – 550 g In the video connections vary only the thickness, growing by 10 mm. The mass also becomes larger, accounting for 1 kg 145 In general, hybrid produces an excellent impression. One can see that it is made to the “5+”, because absolutely nothing to complain about, no squeaks, no backlash or subsidence.
Display, sound and webcam
Screen device has a diagonal size 10.1 inches and a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels (WUXGA). Fortunately, the matrix has a standard IPS, which ensures good viewing angles and generally high quality picture. The brightness of about 220 cd / m2 can not be called a record, but, in principle, it is not bad. On the contrast (766: 1) the situation is much better, it is just excellent.
Of course, the display of the hybrid sensor, and it is capable of supporting up to 10 simultaneous touches. On the sensor there is absolutely no problem, it works quickly and accurately, without the need to restart.
Given the landscape orientation of the tablet, confusing the question remains: why the manufacturer put the speakers in locations where the user holds the tablet hands? Unfortunately, this sin many brands, and the logic of such actions is difficult to explain. Sound, by the way, pretty good, but still for normal listening will either connect a headset, or else connect the tablet to the keyboard and use it as a laptop or just put it beside him. In the end, we are not dealing with a player and certainly not with a multimedia gadget.
With web-cam is simple: the resolution is 1.2 megapixel front, rear – 5 megapixel. The first is good for video calling, with the help of a second can make quite normal pictures. By the way, the rear camera has autofocus, but no flash.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Docking keyboard Transformer Pad TF303CL turned trims. In principle, the comfort of the printing is not strongly influenced by, and even if you have previously worked as a user with a laptop, the difference will be felt only a short time. Keyboard made of plastic, but it looks stylish as well as decorate aluminum.
The keys have a square shape between them enough space, because Chiclet keyboard. Marking the usual white. I would like to say a little about the features of the individual buttons on the keypad. Despite the fact that it is a stripped-down, basic buttons you need to work, have a normal appearance. In particular, it is a single-row [Enter], and [Shift], and [Caps Lock]. All of them, except for the right [Shift] are elongated and very comfortable. On the keyboard provides some additional keys that make it easier to use the gadget. For example, there [Home], the sleep button, and several multimedia. By the way, the key travel is average, it is comfortable for prolonged typing.
The touchpad, respectively, also received a cut. Rather, it is the length of the standard “the notebooks’ size, but the height – significantly reduced. Again, the difference is felt for a brief period, to quickly get used to this innovation. Touchpad quite easy to use, because it has fast response and supports various multi-touch gestures (pinch, drag and drop, etc.). There are no physical keys, but there is a separator.
Performance
Operating System ASUS Transformer Pad TF303CL (90NK0142-M00940) is represented by Android 4.4 KitKat interface ZenUI. The latter is very simple and intuitive to work, plus it aims to perform many useful functions, for example, is reminiscent of an important event, plays the role of organizer. It is noteworthy that the user gets 5GB of cloud storage ASUS, and in the first year of use – an additional 11 GB of extra.
Processor Intel Atom Z3745 has in its arsenal four cores, and its working frequency range from 1.33 GHz to 1.86 GHz. This SoC is made on 22nm process technology, has 2 MB of cache and consumes up to 4 watts of power. On the whole, this chip provides a good job, quite competitive among the many tablet counterparts.
In a “sled” with the processor and the graphics card is Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail). The minimum operating frequency is 311 MHz and, if necessary, rises to 792 MHz depending on the load. Video card supports DirectX 11.0 and Shader 5.0, as well as codecs MPEG2, VP8, MVC, VC1, and others.
Anyone will be able to run a variety of games designed for the Tablet PC, for example, all sorts of shooters, the same World of Tanks or try to force the race Asphalt 8.
RAM 2 GB, which, in general, quite well. To store a built-in eMMC 16GB. However, you can buy the 32GB version and transformer.
Ports and Communications
Basically interfaces are located at the ends of the plate, on the docking keyboard has full-sized port only USB 2.0. So, on the left side of the tablet, you can see the port Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI video output and volume rocker.
Starboard is equipped with a card reader microSD, by which the amount of internal memory can be increased by a maximum of 64 GB. There you can see a combined headset jack, and more – Card slot micro-SIM.
The rear panel is empty, but you can see on the front of the trigger device.
Of the sensors used accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, light sensor and Hall sensor. As for wireless communications, they are presented with Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n, Bluetooth 4.0, the module 4G. Also there is complete only with 3G. Not to mention about the availability of navigation systems, in particular, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS.
Battery
3-cell lithium-polymer battery has a capacity of 25 Wh. Mode web surfing discharge the battery for about 7 hours, the film high quality – 6 hours, and high load – a little more than 2 hours. Incidentally, the idle time of the tablet is about 10 hours. In general, the results were very good, and the hybrid is able to withstand the test of autonomy worthy. However, if the docking station is also equipped with a battery, the duration of the transformer would be really higher.
Conclusion
In general, without a shadow of a doubt we can say that ASUS Transformer Pad TF303CL – one of the most decent Transformers today. Let’s start with the fact that the gadget is very pleasing appearance, is not exclusive, but rather interesting and attractive. By the way, not the last role to be played by non-standard colors: gold and blue. Do not disappoint the display, whose resolution is 1920×1080 pixels, and the matrix – IPS.
The keyboard, despite his crippled, compared with notebook versions, still was very comfortable and functional, the same can be said about the touchpad. However, the filling of a hybrid device of stars from the sky is not enough, then again, compared to laptops, but this is not necessary, because for solving complex problems, there are more powerful gadgets. In general, with the usual daily chores transformer handle on “hurray”.
And, of course, we should note the presence of the module 4G in our equipment. So, given the low cost of $ 340, we can fully recommend this gadget users who are in search of a transformer. Acquisition or without 4G dock will be cheaper, so you can always choose a model to your taste and budget.
New ASUS Transformer Pad TF303CL review
