Building on the strengths of its Transformer AiO, ASUS has unveiled the Transformer Book Trio, a three-in-one device that can function as a Windows 8 notebook or desktop PC. With the screen detached, it operates as an Android Jelly Bean 11.6-inch tablet.
The Transformer Book Trio that was seen operating in its Windows 8 notebook mode.
With a quick press of a special button on its keyboard, the notebook operates on Android Jelly Bean. As far as we can see, the transition between Windows 8 and Android operating system was seamless.
With a push of this button, the user can toggle between the Android and Windows 8 operating systems.
This was the ASUS Transformer Trio that was running on Android Jelly Bean after the operating system toggle button was pushed.
Another way to enjoy the Android tablet experience untethered was to detach the tablet screen with a push of the release button on the keyboard. The tablet is powered by an Intel Atom Z2580 processor with a clockspeed of 2.0GHz; while storage is provided by its 64GB eMMC (embedded Multi-Media Controller).
The release button needed to be pressed before the tablet screen can be pulled off gently to operate as an Android tablet.
With its ability to toggle between operating systems, the device is pitched as allowing the user to enjoy applications on both Windows Store and Google Play Store. ASUS even claims that despite the two disparate operating systems, the Transformer Book Trio is able to seamlessly sync data between them. However, this claim wasn't substantiated during the product demonstration. The other feature that wasn't demonstrated was the Windows desktop PC function of the PC Station dock, after the removal of its tablet screen.
Device | ASUS Transformer Book Trio | |
Operating Systems | Windows 8 | Android Jelly Bean |
Processors | Intel Core i7-4500U | Intel Atom Z2580 |
Storage Options | up to 1TB HDD | up to 64GB eMMC |
Displays | paired external display | 11.6-inch IPS |
Resolutions | display-dependent | 1,920 x 1,080 pixels |
Batteries | 33 watt-hour (Wh) | 19.5 watt-hour (Wh) |
Application Distribution Platforms | Windows Store | Google Play Store |
The PC Station dock features a 4th-generation Intel Core i7-4500U processor with up to 1TB of HDD storage. It also houses a battery rated at 33Wh (watt-hour) to extend the battery life of the tablet screen's own 19.5Wh battery. In conclusion, given the duality of its features over its advertised three-in-one usage form, wouldn't it have been better to call this nifty device the Transformer Book Duo instead? The Transformer Book Trio is slated for a Q4 release and its pricing details are still under wraps.
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