The Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2, what we know so far

First Look

Though it may seem eons ago, but the Asus Eee Pad Transformer was just launched on the beginning of this year in March. With its powerful Nvidia Tegra 2 SoC and user convenient docking keyboard, one might have thought that the all rounder (and surprise commercial hit) tablet was a tough act to follow. But guess what; Asus Chairman Johnny Shih has almost done that by unveiling the all new (or rather updated) EeePad Transformer 2 at the renowned technology event of AsiaD. The full unveiling of the product will take place on 9th November, but for now we can say - it certainly upholds the dictum of 'thin is beautiful'.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2

What's new

We unfortunately do not have a lot of information regarding the spot on specs of this newest iteration of the Eee Pad Transformer. But what we do know is that this device will be the very first contraption (on the face of the earth) be powered the even more boisterous quad core Nvidia Tegra 3 (Kal-El Series) SoC. According to sources from Nvidia, the Tegra 3 will not only be more powerful and stable, but will also consume lesser electrical power than its predecessors.

What's been refreshed

This device will also be among the first of the tablet packs to receive the much awaited upgrade of Android. Better known as Android 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich, this OS was specifically created (and still in the development phase) to deal with both tablets and smartphones. So, rather than having the latest version of Honeycomb, we are sure to witness an all improved user interface with easy multitasking, resizable widgets and a comprehensive notification system.

Coming to the physical attribute, the original Eee Pad Transformer exhibited a rather tacky plastic finish in comparison to the sober brushed metal look of iPad. This time it looks like Asus has taken note of the subtle 'eye-sore'. At least going by the 22 second teaser video (posted on Asus's Facebook page), we can gather that the next generation device will exhibit an aluminium finish with a slim demeanor.

Features walkthrough

Touted to be only 8.3mm thick, this Android tablet device will exhibit the same 10.1 inch multi-touch screen (that supports 10 finger multi-touches) with high definition resolution of 1280x800. This comes of course along with its iconic docking keyboard with a more efficient battery life. Other than that, the device is also expected to feature - an improved headset socket, microSD slot, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and mini HDMI output.

Coming to the 'engine', we already know the Transformer 2 will sport a more powerful quad-core Tegra 3 processor (this will actually be the very first device to sport it) along with an expansive hard disk space of 32 to 64 GB.

What’s good

It is obviously too early to judge the comprehensive qualities of Transformer 2, since the core specifications are yet to be unveiled. But some specific attributes are already known, and they will certainly appeal to the newer legion of tablet consumers.

Firstly, the device will have Android 4.0 as its operating system (while even the original Eee Pad Transformers will be upgraded to the Ice Cream Sandwich). This means the fully revamped UI will showcase much better multitasking, customizable home screens and a unique notification system for optimum user convenience.

Secondly, the device will retain its docking keyboard with enhanced typing features. This combined system sort of fuses the portability of a tablet with the practicality of a laptop.

Thirdly and finally, the device will be powered by Nvidia's Tegra 3 quad core processor. It is supposedly the ultimate result of Nvidia Kal-El project that uses Variable Symmetric Multiprocessing (vSMP) technology. It also includes a fifth CPU core for handling of lesser tasks, of course along with four more identical ARM Cortex A9 CPU cores.

What's not so good

Again, it is too early to comment upon the not-so-good features of Transformer 2. Perhaps the pricing can be on the heftier side, which will be at least comparable to the iPad 2 range.

Industry buzz

Pocket-Lint says

...if the last tablet was anything to go by, we could have another sleeper hit on our hands.

The Transformer 2 definitely looks shinier and curvier than the original Asus Eee Pad Transformer.

Expected to be a touch higher than its predecessor, the pricing is estimated to be fixed somewhere around $499. The main unveiling of the product will take place on 9th of November, and only then we can know about its availability on the commercial scale.

Wrap up

All we know is the original Eee Pad Transformer was certainly a winner from Asus, especially considering its 'work and play' essence. The newer Transformer 2 is expected to be all that and more. While retaining its connectivity features along with a novel docking keyboard, ultimately the massively powerful Tegra 3 processor may be the real game breaker here with its blistering processing power. Oh, and we also shouldn't forget about the Ice Cream Sandwich.

Picture Gallery

Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2

Asus Eee Pad Transformer 2