The Transformer Prime is offered with either 32GB or 64B flash storage options and features a micro SD card slot.
Computer
maker Asus is rolling out a tablet powered by Nvidia's quad-core Tegra 3
chip.
Asus'
10.1-inch Eee Pad Transformer Prime, announced Nov. 9, is an
ultra-thin device, coming in at 0.33 inches thick, and lightweight, at
1.29 pounds. It features a metallic swirl design with enhancements
including the company's SonicMaster audio technology and an HD 8-megapixel rear
auto-focus camera with LED flash. Pricing will range from $499 (for the 32GB
version) to $599 (64GB), with the optional mobile dock accessory priced at
$149.
The
tablet initially will run Google's Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system, but
will quickly upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, according to reports.
With
the quad-core CPU, 12-core GeForce GPU and vSMP technology, the Transformer
Prime allows for full 1080p high-definition video recording and playback,
and due to the power management features of the Tegra 3 processor and Asus
optimizations, the Transformer Prime has a battery life of up to 12 hours.
When combined with the mobile dock, it lasts up to 18 hours.
The Transformer
Prime also boasts an IPS display with a wide, 178-degree viewing angle that is
protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which features Asus technology to enhance
the brightness of the screen for a better outdoor reading experience while
still offering a vivid viewing experience of media and Web pages indoors. Due
to Multi-Touch technology, users can use their fingers to do everything from swiping
through photos to surfing the Web, typing emails, instant messaging, and
reading books or magazines.
A
1.2-megapixel front camera allows for photos or high-quality video
conferencing with friends or coworkers while the 8MP rear camera with
auto-focus and LED flash takes photos or video thanks to a large F2.4 aperture,
back illuminated CMOS sensor, touch-to-focus depth of field and low-light noise
reduction to provide for clearer and sharper photos or 1080p HD videos.
The
Transformer Prime is offered with either 32GB or 64B flash storage options, and
both models feature a micro SD card slot, 3.5mm combo audio jack and micro HDMI
port. However, the function that gives the Transformer Prime its namesake is
the mobile dock. The design provides the user with a keyboard and touchpad,
along with expandability options via the USB port and SD card slot.
Asus
will include several applications, such as SuperNote, which has the ability to
take, draw or record notes, and Polaris Office, with the ability to read, edit
or create Word, Excel and PowerPoint (MS Office 97-2007) compatible files. In
addition, thousands of applications and games are also available at Android
Market, the company noted.
Nathan Eddy is Associate Editor, Midmarket, at eWEEK.com. Before joining eWEEK.com, Nate was a writer with ChannelWeb and he served as an editor at FierceMarkets. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
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