14 DAY TRIAL // For those looking to purchase a relatively inexpensive Windows tablet coupled with a detachable keyboard, the ASUS Transformer Book T100 has proved to be a pretty decent choice.
The hybrid sells for under $400 / €288 and offers long lasting battery life and reasonable performance, so it was one of the best devices you could get your hands on in 2013.
The good news is that ASUS is looking to boost the appeal of the Transformer Book T100 by offering a CPU upgrade.
The folks over at Mobile Geeks have spotted a new version of the Transformer Book T100 model listed with some European retailers. This new version comes equipped with a 1.47GHz Intel Atom Z3775 quad-core processor, with speeds up to 2.39GHz.
Those familiar with the older model might remember that it featured a 1.33 GHz Atom Z3740 with burst frequencies up to 1.8GHz. The processor was powerful enough to perform daily activities and didn’t disappoint even when put to more intensive tasks. However, even with the upgraded CPU, don’t expect the Transformer Book T100 to become a high-end gadget.
Nevertheless, new Intel Atom Bay Trail chips do a better job at providing the right balance between power consumption and performance, compared to the earlier Atom generation.
Anyway, apart from the improved CPU, the Transformer Book T100 remains the same. That means that the hybrid will come with a 10.1-inch HD IPS touch-enabled display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The convertible comes fitted with 2GB of RAM, Intel HD graphics and 32GB of build-in eMMC storage (that can be increased via microSD).
Other highlights of the slate include USB 3.0, MicroHDMI and Wi-Fi capabilities.
In related news, after losing the Transformer Book Duet, which was ASUS’ first dual-OS machine capable of running both Windows and ASUS due to pressure from Google and Microsoft, the company needs to focus on the feature.
Back in February we told you that a successor for the T100, which was rolled out in the fourth quarter of 2013, was expected to arrive this year. Sources familiar with the matter claim that ASUS is gearing up to launch the Transformer Book T200 somewhere in May-June and that the new device will come with a larger 11.6-inch screen.
According to the report, ASUS shipped 500,000 units in Q4 2013 (also considered the holiday season), but it is hoping that in 2014, the combined forces of the two Transformer models will boost the sale numbers up to four million units. A refresh of the original T100 model will certainly help.