CEBU, Philippines - An ambitious 3-in-1 laptop that packs two of everything is the new hybrid from Asus that continues with tradition but with a few unexpected features thrown in.
It’s named the Transformer Book Trio, and is the world’s first 3-in-1, dual OS hybrid device.
The glossy deep purple body is attractive, but this is a device that goes beyond looks.
While other hybrids offer a tablet or a computer, with Asus there is no toss-up as its latest offering can be used as an Android tablet and a Windows desktop PC simultaneously.
This is because there are two separate docks, each having their own battery, hard drive and Intel processor.
There are few compromises with the different form factors.
The tablet runs on Android 4.2 with an Intel Atom dual core processor and up to 64GB storage.
The keyboard, which is not just any keyboard but basically a keyboard on steroids, comes with Windows 8 complete with an Intel fourth-generation Core processor and up to 1TB hard drive.
The only missing part is a monitor, as the keyboard needs to be hooked up to a display to function as a desktop computer.
But if you don’t want to spend the cash or effort on a monitor, just use the Trio as it came out of the box – because there is a reason why Asus named it the Trio.
The third incarnation of the device is a laptop, where the tablet screen is paired with the keyboard.
Which OS will this laptop run on? Well, it’s really up to you – just click the button that takes your fancy.
Just like the Transformer AiO P1801, users can change from Windows to Android with just a click of a button when the Trio is in laptop mode — allowing users to enjoy applications on both the Windows Store and Google Play Store seamlessly.
Constant switching between the two platforms, surprisingly, does not affect the performance on the screen display.
Although the screen resolution is not as high as its older brother – the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T, the Trio’s 11.6 inch screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 is still vibrant.
This is also a super sensitive, full HD touch screen that navigates around the screen a little smoother than most other tablet screens.
The Trio is all about being versatile, with the PC station equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, one mini DisplayPort, one Micro-HDMI and one headphone/microphone jack.
As for the tablet, it offers 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, a micro-USB and a micro-SD card slot, along with headphone/microphone jack.
It may seem that there is little not to love in the Trio that has built on the success of the dual operating system in the Transformer AiO P1801 and taken it one step further with the 3-in-1 function.
But something’s got to give. In the case of the transformative Trio, it is weight.
With the dual operating system, it is no surprise that the Trio weighs in at a hefty 1.7 kg, that’s more than an 11 inches MacBook Air and iPad Mini (retina display) combined and almost two of the new Dell XPS 11 laptops. Users who are used to lightweight laptops will not be amused with the heavy weight Trio - even with three in one options.
Another heavy weight factor is the price.
With the dual operating system and the 3-in-1 function, the Trio is selling at a much higher price than most convertible laptops, retailing at $1,698 and S$1,998 for the i5 and i7 models respectively.
While the Transformer Book Trio is the perfect epitome of a hybrid product with its versatility and dual operating system, the device that has a November release, will only appeal to those who want the best of both worlds. (CNA)(FREEMAN)