Unit 2-in-1 – no longer a gimmick, but rather familiar to many attribute comfort. Advantages of such gadgets are undeniable, due to their versatility, they are used as both a laptop and as a tablet. However, along with advantages there are in such models and pitfalls. In particular, manufacturers usually only think about the appearance of such devices without worrying too much about the filling. So often in the Transformers can be observed poor quality screen, weak filling, etc.

New on the basis of modern Windows 8.1 was presented at Computex 2014. It must be noted that their appearance is quite much like the predecessors of this series, so striking differences in this aspect should not wait.

Design – ASUS Transformer Book T200TA

The blue colors of the shell immediately attracts attention. No wonder, because usually it is limited to the standard black, silver, and, at best, white, and sometimes, as an alternative, suggested other options. In the case of the ASUS Transformer Book T200TA there is also a bright red coloring, but to us such a model is not likely to come.

Transformer material – plastic. Although metal and looks presentable, but the device would be even harder, and yet its weight and so can not be called a small record: 1.5 kg. By the way, thin gadget also does not look, and it is not surprising when it is not quite modest dimensions: 305h200h26 mm assembled. If we consider the individual parts, then its dimensions are 305h194h12 mm and weighs 780 grams. The cover is not too Mark, prints collects within reason, and get rid of them is easy. In the middle of the tablet is the logo ASUS, slightly above – eye of the camera.

11.6-inch screen is limited to a fairly wide black frame in the upper left corner where you can see the logo of another, and the center – front webcam. Podladonnaya surface, in contrast, received a silver color, and keyboard buttons – black. This contrast looks very advantageous, and comfortable for printing this option is more appropriate. By the way, the interfaces are evenly distributed on the lateral faces of the tablet as well as the docking station.

A few words, I would say about securing the top and bottom of the transformer. It’s no secret that each manufactured hybrid device manufacturer is trying to equip some interesting mechanism that would not remain unnoticed among fans of such gadgets. In this case, do not find fault with what: loop connecting the tablet with dock steel, robust and reliable. Joining is carried out by means of a magnetic groove, and therefore part of the user are required minimal effort. When you need to remove the top from the bottom, simply press the release button, located in the middle of the loop. Manufacturer very interesting deal with the problem that frequently occurs in transformers, when the upper part is heavier than the bottom, and there was a preponderance – engineers inserted into the front of the dock weights. Perhaps it would be nice if other manufacturers have adopted a similar idea.

The bottom is also plastic, but, in contrast to the blue cover, it’s black. On its perimeter settled four rubberized feet, thanks to which the unit on slippery surfaces behave confidently and does not slip. On the bottom there is a small compartment under the cover that hides the hard disk, if necessary, it can be replaced on the SSD or larger disk.

Overall, the assembly is not in doubt, no squeaks, no backlash, nor any alarming sounds. Transformer design looks sturdy and made with high quality.

Display, sound and webcam

The screen is 11.6 inches gadget produces mixed feelings. In terms of resolution he disappointed, because it is only 1366×768 pixels and, compared with many competitive models – is very small. The current standard can be considered a Full HD, but not HD. However, the brightness and contrast even very good – the maximum brightness is 285 cd / m2, contrast ratio – 710: 1. Likewise, things with viewing angles – the device uses a matrix IPS, which provides good visibility from any angle. But the colors are somewhat naughty, colors on the screen will appear colorful and bright, but actually not quite true. By the way, the screen is glossy, so the use of Transformer Book T200TA outside in sunny weather would not be a good idea.

Display in the Transformers, of course, touch. It supports up to 10 simultaneous touches and have no complaints. The sensor works quickly and work with the device – a pleasure.

Location speakers – very strange. No, if you use the gadget as a laptop, then no complaints, but they appear when ekspluatiruesh T200TA as a tablet. Two speakers are located on the lid just in those places where the user keeps his hands in landscape orientation. The sound quality is not impressive bass non-existent, the volume level is low, even the maximum. Yeah, without connecting an external headset as headphones are definitely not enough.

Resolution front web camera is a 2 megapixel, rear – 5 megapixel. Of course, expect something incredible from them is not necessary, but, in principle, both cameras have proved to be far from the worst. By front can communicate on the Internet, video conferencing, and the rear camera is capable to take pictures of normal quality and even self. Here are just a scourge of both cameras is a huge amount of noise in low light.

Keyboard and Touchpad

The keyboard looks quite comfortable. Square black keys are surrounded by a plastic substrate, which serves as a good tool for quality work. The buttons are large enough, and due to the fact that the keyboard island type, between them there is plenty of space. This suggests that the risk of inadvertently catch the surrounding keys – is minimal. Digital block is missing, and it’s not surprising, since such a luxury is not peculiar to compact devices. Marking is made in white color on the Latin and Cyrillic – it is not very convenient, but you can get used.

On the positive side stand the popular print button [Enter], [Shift], [CapsLock], etc. – They are elongated and very comfortable. A switch block, in turn, is small in size, but for fans of mobile technology this trend is nothing new for a long time. Some disappointment awaits those who like or need to print in dark conditions – no backlit keyboard, and typing will be in touch. Key travel – the average, during the work, they do not produce much noise.

The touchpad can boast of large dimensions that the user only on hand. Tactile though he is smooth, but it’s easy groped through clear boundaries. The response of the sensor paddle fast, which is very pleasing, and indeed, a pleasure to work with him. Physical keys, but there are conventional separator in the middle of the bottom. There is support for multi-touch gestures, including zoom, dragging, different gestures with one, two and three fingers.

Performance

Hybrid ASUS Transformer Book T200TA (90NB06I4-M01320) works on the operating system Windows 8.1 64-bit. This operating system is perfectly suited for use with touch gadgets, among its features can be identified interesting interface and software, is not characteristic of other operating systems. For example, the panel Charms, called the right side of the screen; function Snap, which allows you to work simultaneously with two applications, switching between them and others.

The role assigned quad processor Intel Atom Z3795. This SoC is able to overclock the core from 1590 MHz to 2390 MHz, has 2 MB of cache level 2 and executed on 22 nm process technology. In addition, the chip is very energy efficient – its maximum TDP of less than 4 watts. It is noteworthy that there is one complete set with the processor Intel Atom Z3775, user therefore has a choice.

Integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail) is clocked at 778 MHz, with the support Turbo Boost, while its minimum clock speed of 311 MHz is only. This video card supports DirectX 11.0 and Shader 5.0, as well as codecs such as MPEG2, VP8, MVC and others.

In terms of gaming performance Transformers especially nothing to boast. Some modern games can not run at all if would be too demanding for this gadget. But, in general, if you play in a more simple and early toys, special problems should arise. For example, Dota 2 at native resolution and medium settings go with 20-22 fps, game Sims 4 with the same parameters show about 8-10 frames per second.

It also has a 4 GB RAM standard DDR3-1600 MHz. For storing data on a built-in eMMC 32GB and 500GB HDD. By the way, the hard drive is in the docking station, and built-in memory – in the plate.

Ports and Communications

As we mentioned above, the interfaces are evenly distributed on the plate and on the dock. On the left side of the dock has a USB 3.0 port and a network RJ-45 connector, the tablet – Port Micro-HDMI, Micro-USB, card reader 3-in-1 (microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC), combo audio jack, volume rocker button and Windows.

On the right side there is only one port USB 2.0, and the keyboard.

But in front of the plate you can see the power button, and next to it – the battery charge indicator that changes color from white to orange when the battery drops below 95%. No rear ports and connectors are not provided.

The lower part of the tablet is equipped with holes for mounting, and dock connector.

Wireless interfaces presented Wi-Fi 802.11 a / b / g / n and Bluetooth 4.0.

Battery

Capacity lithium-polymer battery is 4840 mAh transformer (38 Wh). In idle mode the device will work for about 7 hours, and in the Web surfing – not more than 5 hours in the same time gadget discharged when playing high-quality video. In general, the results are quite good, but not very demonstrative.

Conclusion

ASUS Transformer Book T200TA – rather ambiguous product, because, like it or not, it is still more than the creation of marketing than actually required device. Besides being able to be transformed, he has nothing else to impress the buyer. Display resolution is not the most impressive and essentially loses other competitive models. Toppings are not the ultimate dream and able to cope with everyday tasks only, no more. The model is heavy and depressing dimensions and capacity of the battery is not even enough for a whole working day.

Given the cost of the gadget, which is about $ 750 for the complete set described, perhaps it makes sense to buy a full laptop, or choose a higher quality tablet, depending on the priorities that you set for the device.

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Officially, the concept of shared ultrabook “2-in-1” has been announced by Intel at the recent Computex 2013 , but in fact, these devices probably familiar to you under a different name. Instead of “ultrabook with a detachable display” Try to imagine a Windows-tablet with a keyboard dock and you will see that much difference between them. Of course, in the future we will see a more advanced implementation of this concept with two operating systems, a pair of individual processors and split the data warehouse, but at this time a new class of “2-in-1” may well be attributed to the more simple and functional point of view the device ASUS Transformer Book TX300.

Options

Model ASUS Transformer Book TX300 comes in a solid black box with a photograph on the cover of separated parts. Inside you can find the top of the “Transformers” in the form of a 13-inch tablet, the lower part as a keyboard dock, charger, carrying case and complete the necessary documentation.

Charger with Detachable mains plug is a compact candybar of black glossy plastic. Flat main connector looks more like a tablet than a notebook and a decision is different magnetic lock that protects the notebook from falling if accidentally yanked the cord.

The bag is made of a typical ASUS style, this envelope from a synthetic fabric with a pronounced texture. The inside of the cover trimmed with a soft cloth in a closed envelope flap with concealed magnetic closure. Interestingly, the envelope can accommodate not only the tablet part ASUS Transformer Book TX300, but all device assembly.

The tablet

Model ASUS Transformer Book TX300 is made ​​in the style of the Zenbook Ultrabook and tablet Transformer Pad / VivoPad – used almost the same materials and design solutions.

The front panel is fully covered by a protective plate glass. The top of the bezel can be found the manufacturer’s logo, web camera lens and a light sensor at the bottom – the illuminated touch key Windows. The basis of the body, including the back panel and side panels, made in the form of a single metal piece with the original radial texture and logo in the center. Closer to the short sidewalls of the perforations arranged on two multimedia speakers, while the upper part can be found grille active cooling system.

The top edge of the tablet ASUS Transformer Book TX300 contains a miniature power button and a pair of microphones, handed down by the lower bound: Connect to a docking station, separate magnetic connector for the power supply, card reader MicroSD format and a pair of mounting holes dock. Right side panel is completely free from the connectors on the left is the volume rocker, the battery charge, and Micro-HDMI video output and a combined audiport.

Dock Station

The lower part of the ASUS Transformer Book TX300 is designed as a conventional laptop case basis and is essentially a keyboard docking station with additional connectors, a second battery and hard drive.

The design of the hinge is typical of the Transformers from ASUS, are used to secure the two metal rods driven slider, and the connection of electronic components by using proprietary porta.Maksimalny screen angle markedly restricted to a fairly hefty tablet does not outweigh the foundation.

The bottom panel and a working dock made of metal, can be found just below the rubber feet and grilles over stereo speakers above – the island keyboard with adjustable backlighting and a large widescreen touchpad. The front and back faces the dock are free on the left sidewall imposed magnetic connector power supply, full-sized card reader SD format and a pair of LEDs activity. On the right side wall is a network plug RJ45, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, and video output Mini DisplayPort.

The weight of each of the blocks separately is 950 grams, respectively, the total mass of the transformer ASUS Transformer Book TX300 assembly to 100 grams does not hold up to 2 kg, which is quite a lot for a 13-inch device.

Functionality

Model ASUS Transformer Book TX300 is equipped with a 13.3-inch IPS-screen with Full HD resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. If the text and UI elements will seem too small, you can zoom in to 125% or even 150%. Dimming range is from 25 to 200 cd/m2, available automatically adjusts to ambient light conditions. The picture quality deserves a positive assessment, the picture is bright and readable in almost any conditions, other than glare from bright light sources.

The device is equipped with an economical class processor Intel Core i5 or Core i7, with 4 GB of RAM and SSD-drive with 128 GB capacity main battery is 38 Wh (5000 mAh, 7.6 V). When the connected dock storage volume data increases at the expense of the hard disk to a 320 or 500 GB, and the battery capacity increases by 24 Wh (3120 mAh, 7.6 V). In the configuration of the processor Intel Core i7-3517U and hard drive to 500 GB transformer scored 5.4 points in the ranking performance Windows, 4300 points in PCmark7, 2700 points in PCmark8 “Home” and 3300 points in 3Dmark “Cloud Gate”.

Operation

Any unique nuances of the operation ASUS Transformer TX300 failed to notice, the model of using this transformer is similar to any other modern Windows-tablet with a keyboard dock. With the tablet in hands comfortably slowly read the news, play or watch a movie, and if necessary work is logical to combine the two halves and get additional connectors (2xUSB 3.0, RJ45, Mini DisplayPort, SD) and the hardware keyboard with backlight.

The only thing you should not do, because it puts the data that may be useful to you in tablet mode on the hard drive docking station. If you do forget that working on a file on your hard drive and take off a tablet with a docking station, you will get exactly the same effect as in the case of recovered memory stick properly. In the considered configuration uses a 2.5-inch hard disk drive Hitachi HTS545050A7E380 , connected to the interface of USB 3.0, its expected performance is much lower than that of the system SSD SanDisk U100.

A very interesting things, and with the power of this device. Conventional Transformers separate from the second battery the total battery life increases with the added capacity. However, in the case ASUS Transformer TX300 second battery has almost no influence on the autonomy – in the tablet mode and notebook mode device is about 2 hours under a maximum load, and more than 5 hours in a read mode. Additional battery in the dock almost completely consumed hard drive and support for performance connectors. I am glad that the developers have provided a special regime “Battery Up”, in which only the keyboard and touchpad, and the hard drive and additional connectors are disconnected from the power supply in order to save battery power. Note that in the offline (not connected memory) Sleep mode or completely turn off the dock recharges the tablet when its battery charge level falls below the level of 30%.

To work actively cooling ASUS Transformer TX300 no claims, the location of the radiator well chosen, the flow of hot air does not overlap the hands of any one of the standard positions. Notice the fan noise was only during testing benchmarks, normal office mode of CO is almost silent.

The verdict

As a result, ASUS Transformer Book TX300 – this is a successful hybrid device, which is equally useful in both Windows-tablet with Full HD-screen mode or in full-fledged laptop with a volume data storage and a full set of connectors.

Liked

+ Nice design, implementation of the concept of “2-in-1”
+ IPS-display with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels
+ Performance at the level of modern ultrabooks
+ Full set of connectors (2xUSB 3.0, RJ45, Mini DisplayPort, SD + Micro-HDMI, MicroSD)
+ Capacious separate data storage SSD + HDD
+ Backlit keyboard
+ Magnetic connector charger

Do not like it

– Solid weight

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