14 DAY TRIAL // Last month ASUS was revealed to have quietly introduced a new model for its popular Transformer Book T100 tablet with keyboard dock.
The device remains one of the best you could pick up, and most importantly, at a decent price. But as we told you, ASUS is looking to boost the appeal of the hybrid by offering a model with a better CPU.
The upgrade is not a massive one, but it’s nice to see ASUS is taking the time to refresh its product line-up from time to time.
The model launched back in 2013 came with a 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3740 Bay Trail processor, but the new version arrives with a 1.47GHz Atom Z3775 chip instead, Liliputing informs.
The new chip retains the properties of the original processor, meaning it’s still a low-power, quad-core one, but adopters of the new models should see a modest increase in performance. Nothing too mind blowing, so don’t get your hopes up.
Even so, the new Intel Atom Bay Trail chip should do a better job at providing the right balance between power consumption and performance, when compared to earlier Atom chips.
Back in April, the model popped up in Europe, but now we can see the new Transformer Book T100 2-in-1 with the better CPU has started to hit US retail locations too.
In an interesting move from ASUS, the model is priced exactly the same as the 2013 model was, meaning the device sells for the same $399 / €292.
However, if you do a little bit of research, you might end up stumbling for retailers that offer the original Transformer Book T100 for a much cheaper price. For example, TigerDirect is giving off a refurbished version for $250 / €183.
But if you like shiny new things, note the new version is now currently available for purchase at Adorama, in white and red coloring options for $399 / €292 a pop.
Apart from the subtle CPU upgrade, the Transformer Book T100 remains pretty much the same.
The tablet arrives with a 10.1-inch HD IPs touch-enabled display that boasts a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The convertible is fitted with 2GB of RAM, Intel HD graphics and 32GB of built-in eMMC storage (expandable via micro SD).
Other positive points of the device include USB 3.0, Micro HDMI and Wi-Fi capabilities. ASUS is also expected to roll out the Transformer Book T200, which will arrive with a larger 11.6-inch display.