ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime Review: A tablet in its prime

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer was launched about a year ago, and it stood out from the rest with its optional docking station with a standard keyboard and touchpad. This year, the company launched their Eee Pad Transformer Prime which claims to be the first tablet device to incorporate Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor. We managed to get one in to see how good it really is.

Transformers fans who went to the Transformer Cybertron Con at Resort World Sentosa in Singapore last week, would be fascinated by the showcase of the limited edition figures, as well as the 6.7 metres Optimus Prime aluminium-steel statue that was standing in the centre of the ballroom. Coincidentally, Taiwanese company, ASUS, has come up with their Eee Pad Android-based tablets with similar names to that of the popular changing toys; the first was the Eee Pad Transformer, followed by the recently launched Eee Pad Transformer Prime. 

Late last year, toy maker Hasbro filed a lawsuit against ASUS for infringing the trademark on the name "Transformer Prime" on the new Android tablet. The case is still ongoing, though there have been not been any new updates. However, this has not detered the Taiwanese company from continuing to manufacture their line of "Transformer" tablets.

Last October, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 made its first appearance at AsiaD: All Things Digital event in Hong Kong, and claims to be the first tablet to incorporate Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor. The Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 is slightly thinner and lighter than its older sibling, measuring 8.3mm thin and weighing 586g (to 13mm and 680g of the Eee Pad Transformer). Another distinct difference is that the TF201 sports a metallic spun finish, compared to the honeycomb texture of the Transformer. Before we take a closer look at the Android tablet, here's the specifications:-