Asus Transformer Book T100 review (Last updated 12/8/2013): Windows 8.1 ultrabooks have been competing in both specs and design and the Asus Transformer Book T100 have been in the running as one of the most attractive 2-in-1 ultraportable laptop in the market.

SPECS
Specs of the Asus Transformer Book T100 include a 10.1-inch HD display with IPS and multi-touch capabilities, a 1.2MP camera and the Windows 8.1 OS with MS Home Office & Student 2013. It’s powered with a Quad core Intel Atom processor with 2GB of memory and Intel HD graphics. Battery for the Asus Transformer Book T100 can last up to 11 hours.

PROS
ZDNet has selected the Asus Transformer Book T100 as one of the best tablets for 2013, noting that the $399 price of the unit is a full $70 less than a entry-level Surface 2 tablet. Another advantage is that it runs on the full version of Microsoft Office and not the cut-down version for Windows RT, which is what powers the Surface tablets as well as Nokia 2520.

The Asus Transformer Book T100 is a convertible that switches from a tablet to a notebook, as it comes with a keyboard as well. Thanks to the long battery life, this is one machine you can use full-day on a single charge. Asus claims that the T100 can run as long as 11 hours.

CONS
A few downsides with this tablet/PC hybrid design is that the cramped keyboard feels like than what older models of Netbooks have, according to a review by CNET. It’s also not as fast as zippier, larger and more pricey Windows products and that display for the tablet is not that vibrant.

PRICE
A quick search on Google shows the Asus Book Transformer T100 in varying prices. Office Depot online offers a 32GB variant of the Asus Book Transformer for $349.99. It’s the lowest-end of the pricing range and much lower than what Asus usually sells it’s Android tablets for, which according to Engadget usually hovers at around $500.

VERDICT
CNET notes that this is not really a device that you’ll fall in love to, but for it’s sheer price and still notable specs for a new generation of netbooks, it’s still a great buy. Engadget notes that “you’ll be making compromises” if you buy this laptop-tablet unit but for $349 “we doubt you’ll have many regrets.”