Asus Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro Hands-On Review: Robust, Handy Hybrids

Asus Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro Hands-On Review: Robust, Handy Hybrids

We got out first look of the Asus Transformer 3 and Asus Transformer 3 Pro during our recent trip to Taiwan for COMPUTEX 2016 and the 2-in-1 PCs made quite the impression with its build quality, solid specifications, and their capability to connect to the Asus ROG XG Station 2 in case you feel the gaming itch. Today, we got more hands-on time with both of these devices prior to Zenvolution Philippines this coming Sunday.

Before we continue, let’s take a look at the specs for both the Transformer 3 and the Transformer 3 Pro.

Transformer 3 Specs

7th Generation Intel Core CPU
8GB of RAM
Integrated Intel HD Graphics
12.6-inch LED Backlit Display; 2880×1920 Resolution
Up to 512GB SATA M.2 SSD
1x Combo Audio Jack
1x USB Type-C Port

Transformer 3 Pro Specs

Up to Intel Core i7 6500U Processor
16GB of RAM
Integrated Intel HD Graphics 520
12.6-inch LED Backlit Display; 2880×1920 Resolution
Up to 1TB PCIE Gen3X4 SSD
1x Combo Audio Jack
1x USB 3.0 Port
1x HDMI Port
1x Thunderbolt Port

trans301

The Transformer 3 sports a unibody design that’s carved from solid aluminum and with a finish that bares the concentric circles that make it undeniably a product of the Taiwanese brand. It feels solid, yet light and actually only weighs in at 695 grams in a slender frame that’s just shy of 7mm.

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Taking a tour of the device, you’ll see the USB Type C Port on the right side, the 3.5mm audio jack on the left, there’s a fingerprint scanner embedded on the power button on top with the volume rocker beside it, a 13 megapixel camera on the back, and its docking connections to its keyboard on the bottom. The Transformer 3 is kitted out with a Quad-Speaker setup for a pretty awesome auditory experience with Asus’ SonicMaster tech.

 

Trans3Pro

The Transformer 3 Pro, as the name suggest, is for individuals who may need the power of a full-fledged laptop in the form factor of a hybrid PC and its given the specs, it can certainly hold its own. Just like its sibling, the Transformer 3 Pro has a metal build crafted from aluminum-magnesium alloy to complement the strength its hiding under its 8.35mm thin frame that weighs in under 800 (790) grams. The Transformer 3 Pro also has more options in terms of connectivity with a USB 3.0 port, HDMI port, and the Thunderbolt port that can be used to connect to the ROG XG Station 2 to enable you to game after a long day at work.

The accompanying keyboard for the Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro are backlit and the travel between keys is measured at 1.44mm; making it comfortable to use if you’re used to the smaller form factor. The Transformer 3 gets an elegant case that wraps around the device and doubles as the the stand for tablet. It also houses the keyboard and can be adjusted to two fixed viewing angles. The Transformer 3 Pro on the other hand has a kickstand built-in to the device’s body that allows you more options for its viewing with the keyboard in an equally stylish cover for the screen. Speaking of which, both the Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro sport a 12.6-inch 3k Touchscreen Display with a color gamut of 121% sRGB that translates into vivid colors and great viewing experience for consuming media or getting work done.

trans3pro02

That’s pretty much it for our hands-on and initial review for the Transformer 3 and Transformer 3 Pro. There’s no word for its official pricing in the Philippines just yet, but pricing at COMPUTEX pegged it at $799 (Php 37376) for the Transformer 3, and $999 (Php 46732) for the Transformer 3 Pro. These Hybrid PCs will be launched alongside the Asus Zenfone 3 at Zenvolution Philippines this Sunday, August 14.

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