-
Recent Reviews
Categories
-
Archives
-
Calendar
ASUS has introduced its high end tablet, the ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity 700 series. Back at CES, this was better known as the ASUS Transformer Prime TF700 which comes with a full HD display.
At MWC 2012, ASUS has refreshed the device with a new name and upgraded specs. There are 2 versions – WiFi only which runs on Nvidia’s Tegra 3 quad core processor at 1.6GHz and the LTE version which runs on dual core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor. For the LTE version, this marks the first LTE tablet with Full HD display and also the first Cortex A15 class processor to be fitted on a tablet.
The full HD screen is of Super IPS+ variety which has a brightness of 600 nits. The design hasn’t change much from the original Transformer Prime but now there’s a noticable rubber/plastic strip at the top which could probably improve signal reception. Overall it still retains the brushed aluminium finish and has a slim profile of just 8.5mm. It still retains the 8MP f/2.2 camera at the back and comes with a 2MP camera at the front.
For the full details, head over to ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity page. Head after the break for more press photos and also a video replay of ASUS press conference at MWC.
All we can think of after watching this video is the Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF700T which was unveiled at CES. The Transformer Prime TF700T features a higher resolution 10.1-inch 1080p 1920×1200 SuperIPS+ display (the Transformer Prime TF201 that’s on sale right now has a 1280x and a revised rear cover for better GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance. The front camera has also been uprated to a 2MP unit from the 1.2MP shooter in the original Transformer Prime.
But then again, why tease a device that’s already been unveiled?
Speaking of teasers, ASUS also released a teaser video for its Padfone earlier. In case you’re wondering, the “1 + 1 + 1 = endless possibilities” suggests the Padfone consists of a phone, a tablet and a dock – or something like that.
The anticipated Quad-core ASUS Transformer Prime was spotted at one of ASUS retailers ahead of its launch on Wednesday. Last Friday ASUS Malaysia has revealed the pricing for the 32GB WiFi version with keyboard dock at RM2,199. From what we gather, most of the Transformer Prime units are either pre-booked or sold out ahead of launch. Even a reader from the comments had bought one from Lowyat Plaza yesterday. The next batch of Transformer Prime is said to be coming after Chinese New Year around February.
From the brief encounter, the Transformer Prime is currently running on the latest Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich OS. Compared to the older Transformer, it is noticeably lighter and thinner while the metal back gives it a more upmarket feel. The keyboard dock looks pretty much the same but there’s a slight change with the keyboard layout, particularly the left shift, black slash and Enter keys. The touch pad looks different too as the button and touch surface appears to be a single piece.
We will try to get more details on stock availability and hopefully we get a proper hands-on soon.
Head after the break for more photos and some sample photos taken with its 8MP camera.
UPDATE: ASUS informs stock of the first Transformer Prime is shipment limited. We don’t know how limited only that units are so limited that just a few selected stores will be selling the Transformer Prime on January 18. We will try to get the names of the stores for you if possible.
UPDATE 2: ASUS Transformer Prime was spotted at retailers ahead of launch.
ASUS has dropped the bomb. The Transformer Prime will hit store shelves next week on January 18. The price is also confirmed at RM2,199 for the 32GB WiFi-only version with the keyboard dock included.
The Transformer Prime is the world’s first Quad-core Tegra 3 processor with 1GB of RAM and a enhanced 10.1-inch SuperIPS+ display. At 8.3mm thin, the Prime is one of the slimmest tablets to date. If you’re particular about numbers, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is 8.6mm thin, the iPad 2 8.8mm and the Toshiba AT200 is a basically just a at 7.7mm thin.
So, you guys ready for this?
Can’t wait to get our hands on this one and by the looks of it, the wait won’t be long now. What do you think? Worth the RM2,199 asking price for the 32GB WiFi-only version with keyboard?
UPDATE: The RM2,199 pricing is likely to be the WiFi version. Thanks CWK for highlighting.
ASUS Malaysia has mentioned that the Transformer Prime will launch in Malaysia before Chinese New Year (January 23) but they didn’t say how much it’s going to cost. If a price list from an IT reseller is anything to go by, ASUS might not have to say anything at all.
Commenter CWK alerted us on this price list available here (under the “laptop” section) and it appears that the Transformer Prime is going to sell for RM2,199 for the 32GB 3G WiFi version — the same price as the iPad 2 32GB 3G. As reference, the original Transformer has a RRP of RM1,799 for the 16GB WiFi-only version including the keyboard dock.
The list didn’t specifically indicate if the price includes the keyboard dock but it’s pretty much safe to assume that RM2,199 will get you the keyboard peripheral as well. Aside from that, we still don’t know if Malaysia will be getting the earlier TF201 or the recently announced TF700T. Realistically however, it’s an almost forgone conclusion that we will get the TF201. Also, could the existence of a 3G version of the Transformer Prime mean there will be an operator or two that are going to offers plans for it? We don’t know.
So, how’s the pricing for you? Attractive enough for you to grab one?
Thanks CWK for the tip!
The ASUS Transformer Prime is set to make its Malaysian debut before Chinese New Year, ASUS Malaysia revealed on its Facebook page today. The announcement didn’t specifically say when the launch will happen but our money is on Friday, January 19 20.
Another uncertainty is the version that Malaysians will get. As you may have known, there are two versions of the Transformer Prime, the TF201 and the improved TF700T unveiled at CES. The TF700T brings 1080p display with a 1920×1200 pixel SuperIPS+ screen and a revised rear cover design for better GPS, WiFi and Bluetooh performance. The front camera has also been upgraded from 1.2MP to 2MP. We’re guessing Malaysia will get the earlier TF201 version but one can certainly hope.
While we wait for a full announcement from ASUS, check out our comprehensive coverage of the Transformer Prime here. Particularly the hands-on videos here and here, as well as some sample pictures taken using the 8MP camera here.
[via]
ASUS introduced a new variant of its Transformer Prime tablet at CES recently. The TF700T features a 1080p SuperIPS+ display that’s pushing 1920×1200 pixels. The TF700 also gets a revised rear cover altered to allow for better GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance. The front camera has also been uprated to a 2MP unit from the 1.2MP shooter in the original Transformer Prime.
The TF700 will come with Android 4.01 and is expected to his stores in the US in Q2 2012 with an estimated price tag of between $599 (RM1,880) and $699 (RM2,120) offering 32GB and 64GB storage options.
Question is, which version will come to Malaysia?
UPDATE: ASUS came out to refute Transformer Prime delays and they are still on track with 19th Dec US release date. Thanks to Wira for alerting at the comments.
If you have been holding up for the ASUS Transformer Prime, we got some bad news for you. The worldwide release of the anticipated tablet has been delayed until next year. It was reported that the WiFi range of the Transformer Prime isn’t up to par and ASUS will delay shipment until this has been resolved. This news came from an online retailer which was sent out to those that pre-ordered.
Earlier the Transformer Prime was expected to start shipping this month but looks like it won’t be making it into the stockings in time for Christmas. On the bright side, looks like ASUS is making sure the tablet is ready for prime time before it goes out. For us in Malaysia, January release doesn’t seem possible right now and we won’t know until this problem is fully resolved.
Meanwhile, ASUS has revamped its Transformer Prime microsite.
[ SOURCE ]
Earlier on, we’ve seen the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime Smart Cover which looks ridiculously similar with the iPad version. To make it different and possibly to avoid any trouble, the cover comes with folded lines which transform the case into a stand.
Just recently ASUS has released a video on the Smart Cover in action on their Facebook page. From the video, the case is capable of folding into 2 modes – typing and stand. While the iPad 2 smart cover has a magnetic latch, the Transformer Prime Smart Cover is attached with slot-in tabs.
