In addition to the Transformer Book Trio, Asus also introduced the Transformer Book T100 during the Intel Developer Forum conference this week, sporting a similar two-part dockable design that converts the device from a notebook into a tablet. The immediate difference is that there's no evidence of Android anywhere in sight on the T100, nor does it pack its own separate standalone Windows 8.1-based PC in the keyboard dock like the cooler Transformer Book Trio.
"The ASUS Transformer Book T100 is the perfect transformation of the Eee PC with full compatibility, detachable touch screen, immersive entertainment and enough battery for all-day computing," said ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih. "It is truly a game-changer for our mobile lifestyle."
The Transformer Book T100 is based on Intel's "Bay Trail-T" platform, sporting a quad-core Atom Z3740 chip powering a 10.1 inch IPS multi-touch HD screen with 178 degree viewing angles and a 1366 x 768 resolution. The device will also feature Windows 8.1 out of the box as well as Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013, packing full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
"The lightweight keyboard dock features precision-engineered keys designed for comfortable extended use, a multi-touch touchpad with full Windows 8.1 gesture support and USB 3.0," the company said. "Featuring a sleek design and durable finish, Transformer Book T100 is not only one of the lightest ultraportables currently available at just 2.4 lbs, but also one of the lightest 10-inch tablets around, at 1.2 lbs."
Additional reports reveal that the hybrid device will also include 2 GB of RAM, a 1.2MP camera on the front (no camera on the back), micro-HDMI output, a microSD card reader, a micro-USB port and a headphone jack.
The Transformer Book T100 will go on sale this October 18, costing $349 for the 32 GB model and $399 for the 64 GB model, which surprisingly throws the keyboard dock into the cost. That's not a bad price at all for a 10.1 inch Windows 8.1 tablet packed with a keyboard, even more so given that Microsoft charges an extra $80 for its own touch cover keyboard.