The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer is a large, nicely made and affordable Android 3.1 Honeycomb tablet, that features a dual-core, 1GHz processor and up to 32GB of storage. It lacks access to mobile broadband for constant connectivity, and it isn't as comfortable to handle due to edges that aren't smooth, but it makes up for it with features and a colorful backlit LED screen. Additionally, its available keyboard dock makes it look and function like a netbook.
Out of the box, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer tablet has plenty of apps for its Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system, a very nice desktop experience, video chat and other Android-centric apps and features. You can also grab more on the Android Market. ASUS includes some additional apps, including the ASUS Launcher, MyNet, MyLibrary, File Manager, MyCloud and PC Sync.
The unlimited ASUS WebStorage service that comes with the Eee Pad Transformer is a great way to store extra files, music and videos so you're not overdoing it with the tablet or your computer. It's also good for backup. You can sign up for 2GB free for both Windows and Macs, although it's a little pricey compared to dedicated cloud backups.
This tablet features a speedy NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, clocking in at 1 GHz, with 1GB of memory. This is on par with most Android tablets as far as these specs go. There is also an option for 16GB or 32GB of additional storage. These days, neither of those is quite enough space, which is why ASUS offers its WebStorage, as mentioned above.
The tablet's dimensions are 10.7 inches wide, 6.9 inches wide and .51 inches thick, and it weighs a little more than 1.5 pounds. That's slightly bigger than similar Android tablets and the iPad, but these tablets' overall design, features and price separate these devices from one another. The Eee's ergonomics are good, but it's not quite as enjoyable to hold because the edges are a little sharp. It looks nice but isn't comfortable.
I/O ports (inputs and outputs) include one SD card reader, a mini HDMI port and two audio jacks, for both headphones and a microphone. There is a built-in microphone, along with stereo speakers with SRS Premium Sound. Audio is good with the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer. There is also a sound up and down rocker and a power and lock switch. The battery gets about 9 to 10 hours during normal use, and with the dock, around 16 hours.
You can connect to the internet via a WLAN 802.11 b/g/n built-in wireless device, and it includes Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. If you're without Wi-Fi, you won't be able to connect online because this tablet doesn't include a mobile broadband option. Some users may like this because they won't be stuck with a pricey monthly cellular plan, but others may want constant connectivity.
There are two cameras – a 1.2 megapixel (MP) camera on the front, which is a little weak on the resolution side, and the rear-facing camera is a nice 5MP. Pictures look good, but recorded video is less than desirable; the overall quality suffers.
The dock includes a keyboard, touchpad, an extra card reader, an extra battery and two USB 2.0 ports. An added advantage of the dock is that you get extra battery life and a keyboard to do some serious typing and work. It is a little tricky to attach, but once you do, it functions much like an open netbook.
The display on the Eee Pad Transformer tablet is bigger than the iPad's, measuring 10.1 inches tall – or wide, if you're holding it horizontally. The screen is scratch resistant and offers a 
backlit WXGA LED monitor with excellent viewing angles that don't lose too much quality or brightness.
Resolution is a little better than 720p high definition at 1280 x 800. Photos, video, websites and more look great. It also supports 10-finger multi-touch, though we tended to use two or three fingers at a time.
This tablet is fairly easy to use, thanks to its Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system, which showcases Google's dedication to its tablet OS, and not just dropping a version of its smartphone OS on this device. However, when compared to an iPad's easy and sophisticated iOS, Android isn't quite there yet. Thanks to the dual-core processor and 1GB of memory, navigating through apps and browsing the internet is smooth and never feels jerky.
The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer is an affordable, large tablet with a great backlit LED screen and many features and apps that ship with the device from both Android 3.1 and ASUS. The edges aren't as smooth as similar tablets' edges, so it isn't quite as comfortable to hold. However, the keyboard dock gives it extra battery life and an easier way to do heavy typing.
