Asus Transformer Prime TF201 Comprehensive Specs Pricing and Review

Introduction to Asus Transformer Prime TF201

The Asus Transformer Prime TF201 was a groundbreaking device when it launched in late 2011, marking a significant step forward in the world of hybrid tablets. With its detachable keyboard, the device offered consumers a hybrid experience that combined the portability of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop. Powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, the Transformer Prime was one of the first tablets to showcase the potential of quad-core processors in mobile computing. This article provides a comprehensive look at the various specifications and features that make the Transformer Prime TF201 a unique device.

Design and Build Quality

The Asus Transformer Prime TF201 boasted a sleek and elegant design, characterized by its ultra-thin profile and premium build quality. Measuring 263 x 180.8 x 8.3 mm and weighing in at 586 grams, the device was incredibly slim and lightweight, making it highly portable. The materials used in its construction, such as the metallic finish available in Amethyst Gray and Champagne Gold, offered both durability and a sophisticated aesthetic appeal. The detachable keyboard dock was designed to seamlessly integrate with the tablet, offering additional ports and extended battery life, enhancing the device's practicality.

Display

The Transformer Prime featured a 10.1-inch Super IPS+ LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 149 ppi. The display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches. The Super IPS+ technology allowed for vibrant colors and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for media consumption. The screen's performance in sunlight was notably superior, offering good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, which was a significant advantage for users on the go.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the Asus Transformer Prime was the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a ULP GeForce GPU. This combination delivered exceptional performance for a device of its class, providing smooth multitasking and impressive graphics capabilities. With 1GB of RAM, the device managed everyday tasks with ease, although it occasionally showed limitations with more demanding applications. The storage options included either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, with the flexibility of expanding storage using a microSDHC card.

Camera Capabilities

The Transformer Prime TF201 was equipped with an 8 MP rear camera featuring autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording 1080p video at 30 frames per second. The camera's performance was commendable for a tablet, offering decent image quality in good lighting conditions. For video calls and selfies, a 1.2 MP front-facing camera was included, which provided satisfactory results for everyday use.

Software and User Interface

Initially shipped with Android 3.2 Honeycomb, the device offered an intuitive user interface designed specifically for tablets. It was later upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, bringing improved performance and additional features. Asus incorporated several customizations and applications that enhanced productivity and functionality, making good use of the device’s screen real estate.

Connectivity Options

The Asus Transformer Prime TF201 supported a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for wireless internet access and Bluetooth for communication with other devices. It featured GPS and A-GPS for location tracking, although it lacked cellular connectivity, making it reliant on Wi-Fi for data. The provided USB 2.0 port facilitated data transfer and peripheral connectivity.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Transformer Prime TF201 was its impressive battery life, powered by a non-removable Li-Po battery with a capacity of 25 Wh. It offered up to 12 hours of usage on a single charge, making it ideal for long work sessions or media consumption. When combined with the keyboard dock's additional battery, users could achieve even longer usage times, further emphasizing its suitability for on-the-go productivity.

Audio and Multimedia

The device featured stereo speakers that delivered a reasonable audio output, sufficient for personal use without external speakers. It also included a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. The multimedia experience on the TF201 was enhanced by the vibrant display and a capable GPU, allowing users to enjoy movies, games, and music seamlessly.

Conclusion

The Asus Transformer Prime TF201 remains a significant device in the history of tablets, representing a successful fusion of power, design, and flexibility. Its innovative hybrid design paved the way for future devices in the category, offering users the unique ability to switch between a tablet and a laptop seamlessly. Despite its discontinuation, the Transformer Prime TF201 is remembered as a pioneering product that set a benchmark for hybrid devices in the years following its release.