ASUS Transformer Book T100 Unboxing and Initial Review

Unboxing the ASUS Transformer Book T100!

ASUS Transformer Book T100 Unboxed!

The ASUS Transformer Book T100 debuted in the Philippines two weeks ago. According to our sources from ASUS Philippines it’s been selling very well and we’re really not surprised. It’s the most affordable hybrid full featured Windows 8 machine that’s bundled with Microsoft Office. At Php23,995, it’s a really good deal already.

We finally were able to get our hands on a review unit and rest assured we will be abusing this heavily so we can see how far this can take an everyday worker. Expect the full review in two weeks but for now allow us to share with you guys our initial review and unboxing.

ASUS Transformer Book T100 Spec Sheet

Intel Atom Bay Trail-T Z3740 Quad-core Processor
2GB RAM
Intel HD Graphics
64GB Internal Storage Options, expandable via MicroSD
10.1-inch IPS Panel, 1366×768 Display Resolution
HDMI, USB 3.0, Micro USB Ports
11 Hours Battery LIfe
Pre-installed with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013

Specs definitely respectable. Can’t wait to put this through the paces!

Packaging and Unboxing

ASUS Transformer Book T100 officially Unboxed!

The ASUS Transformer Book T100 came in a big nice dark box. It definitely smacks of “coolness” as the photo and font makes the product look very sleek, classy, and smooth. We did not feel that it was just Php23,995. It actually felt like it was much more expensive! That said we have to give ASUS props for their packaging.

We peeled off the tape and popped open the lid of the box. As expected the first thing that greeted us was the tablet and the keyboard dock of the Transformer Book T100. Both components were wrapped in transparent plastic. We set both of them aside and dug deeper into the box. We found a USB to micro USB cable, the wall charger, a quick start guide manual, and the access codes for Microsoft Office (don’t throw this away).

USB to micro USB cable, Wall Charger, and the Access Code for Microsoft Office!

We removed the plastic from the keyboard and the tablet and started playing around with it.

Initial Impressions

Here’s one of the nicest things about the ASUS Transformer Book T100: it doesn’t look cheap. The patterned finish used by ASUS makes it look much more premium than it actually is. The natural innovation brought about by being a hybrid even enhances the perceived value even more. Note though that the plastic material is fairly evident once touched, especially the back of the tablet.

The Keyboard Docking Station has a brushed metal finish. Keys are laid out like netbook which might be cramped for people with big hands. There was a slight adjustment period to it but after an hour or two we were comfortably typing long messages and documents (and even blog posts) on it.

Along the sides of the tablet you’ll find a variety of ports: micro HDMI, microSD card reader, headphone/mic jack, and micro USB. There’s a USB 3.0 port located on the side of the Keyboard Docking Station.

For the tablet we have a 10.0-inch IPS display with wide viewing angles. We actually don’t have any complaints with the quality but the thick black bezels can be a turn off for some especially since bezels are shrinking across different product categories (even mobile phones) lately.

When docked the ASUS Transformer Book T100 truly does look like a portable 10-inch Windows notebook and probably the only way people will be able to see that it’s not is if you pull out the monitor and use it as a tablet. Definitely still amazing value for money given the price tag.

Full Review Coming Soon

So far we believe that ASUS has completely reinvented what budget-friendly Windows machines should be. The hybrid proposition is very compelling since there are valid use cases for both form factors (tablets and laptops). We’ll be putting this through a more rigorous test though so expect lots more of details once we publish the full review.