Asus Transformer 2-in-1 PCs are Similar to the Microsoft Surface

[dgstorm]

We must apologize for dropping the ball on this news. It was reported a couple weeks ago, but it flew right under our radar. The news is potentially exciting for Transformer fans, because Asus is releasing new models!
We have the Transformer 3 Pro, the Transformer 3 and the Transformer Mini. The most notable thing about the design of these new Transformer products is that they are very similar to the Microsoft Surface line if products. This is because they have touchscreens, kickstands and portable keyboards.

Here's a breakdown of specs for each model:

Transformer 3 Pro -

• 12.6-inch display with 2,880 x 1,920 resolution, 275-ppi pixel density and wide viewing angles
• Intel Core i7 processor and up to a 1TB PCIe SSD and 16GB of 2133MHz RAM
• USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections
• Harmon Kardon speakers
• USB 3.0 and HDMI ports
• Compatible with ASUS accessories such as the Pen, a Universal Dock, an AudioPod (a quad speaker with surround sound) and the ROG XG Station 2, (a graphics dock that gives the humble tablet PC the power of a desktop computer, and is VR ready)
• Available in Icicle Gold and Glacier Gray colors
• 8.35mm thick
• Includes a "stepless hinge" that lets you set the device at any viewing angle up to 170 degrees
• Includes a Cover Keyboard that's backlit and offers "laptop-grade 1.4mm key travel" - keyboard snaps on magnetically
• 13-megapixel rear camera plus a front-facing one as well - can use its camera for facial recognition thanks to Windows Hello
• All metal Chassis

Transformer 3 -

• 12.6-inch display with 2,880 x 1,920 resolution, 275-ppi pixel density and wide viewing angles
• Seventh-generation Intel Core processor plus up to 512GB SSD and up to 8GB of RAM
• USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 connections
• Harmon Kardon speakers
• USB 3.0 and HDMI ports
• Compatible with ASUS accessories such as the Pen, a Universal Dock, an AudioPod (a quad speaker with surround sound) and the ROG XG Station 2, (a graphics dock that gives the humble tablet PC the power of a desktop computer, and is VR ready)
• Available in Icicle Gold and Glacier Gray colors
• 6.9mm thick
• Built-in fingerprint reader on the side
• Includes a Transformer Sleeve Keyboard

Transformer Mini -

• 10.1-inch display
• 8.2mm thin and weighs 790 grams with the keyboard attached and 530 grams without
• Integrated kickstand with that stepless smart hinge design that lets you view it at any angle you like
• Built-in fingerprint reader, though it's located on the rear instead of the side.

The ASUS Transformer 3 Pro starts at $999, the Transformer 3 will start at $799, and the Transformer Mini will start at $349.

[janner43]

Don't worry DG - we had it covered. We've had a new section and sub sections with all the specs, news & links since May 30th

[zeo]

Transformer Mini -

• 10.1-inch display
• 8.2mm thin and weighs 790 grams with the keyboard attached and 530 grams without
• Integrated kickstand with that stepless smart hinge design that lets you view it at any angle you like
• Built-in fingerprint reader, though it's located on the rear instead of the side.

The ASUS Transformer 3 Pro starts at $999, the Transformer 3 will start at $799, and the Transformer Mini will start at $349.

The screen is really bright (guessed at 400) and IPS with vibrant colors but like the previous T100/T101 it's got the same low HD resolution... The fingerprint reader basically replaces the rear camera, so it only has a front facing camera and configuration will range from 2GB to 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB storage... Model number is T102... and of course all the ports are on the tablet itself because there are no ports on the type cover, just like the Surface... They also claim up to 11 hours run time and it'll be running on a x5-Z8350...

[dsf3g]

Hope they release the Transformer Mini in the U.S. soon. I'd be all over that!

[michaelthepro]

Can't wait to get my hands on it!

[Michaelflat1]

its a shame tho, the Transformer 3 Pro has a dim screen at around 270nits and has a short battery life.

[tfortexas]

I have a Surface and a Transformer Pro 3.... The transformer has more power and potential than the surface, however it is not as reliable as the surface. With under 20 Hrs of use the Transformers Keyboard has a flaw that causes it to lose connection briefly making it frustrating to type or do anything. The battery life also lacks. It does have more power and ports. I can live with the battery life being short but the keyboard issue is a real problem. This is a known issue with this device.