An Overview of the Asus Transformer AiO (All-in-One)

Just last week, Asus announced the world’s first ever All-in-One PC cum Tablet – the ASUS Transformer AiO, which is a powerful combination of the perfect desktop PC and a mobile Tablet that switches seamlessly between the Windows and Android operating systems.

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According to Elly Yeoh, Country Product Manager, the launch of the ASUS Transformer AiO marks a significant milestone for the brand in the country.

“We are fully confident this latest product will be greatly received by the local market as the ASUS Transformer AiO is truly a compact and stylish package that will set a new standard for popular productivity and entertainment software around the home,”

– Elly Yeoh, Country Product Manager.

Press Release :

ASUS Transformer AiO is a powerful all-in-one PC capable of handling a wide range of demanding Windows 8 productivity and entertainment applications, making it highly suitable for work professionals.

Designed for desktop use, its PC Station is powered by a 3rd generation Intel® Core™ desktop processor and features a comprehensive array of ports, including USB 3.0.

Vanessa Ng, Market Development Manager, Intel Malaysia said, ”All-in-one PCs powered by the Intel® Core™ processor family can act as a centerpiece for an expanded home computing experience, delivering the performance and versatility of a desktop in a stylish design you’ll want to show off.

Intel® Core™ processors give this powerhouse the ability to adapt to your needs, along with smooth, seamless, stunning visuals that take full advantage of its large screen.”

Its 18.4-inch LED-backlit display has a 1080p Full HD resolution with 10-point multi-touch and features IPS technology for a bright, vibrant image with 178-degree wide viewing angles for easy shared enjoyment.

The dual-band Wi-Fi allows for high-performance wireless networking with compatible routers, with the 5GHz Wi-Fi providing the significant benefit of reduced interference from nearby 2.4GHz networks in crowded Wi-Fi areas. Meanwhile the ASUS SonicMaster audio technology also ensures outstanding sound quality for music, movies and everything in between.

The ASUS Transformer AiO switches seamlessly between the Windows 8 and Android 4.1 OSes at the touch of a button. Its display can be used as two different types of king-size tablet.

Its wireless Remote Desktop technology (with dual-band Wi-Fi) that provides complete multi-touch control over Windows 8 on the PC Station for easy access to popular productivity and entertainment software around the home.

Alternatively, the 18.4-inch display can also be used as a standalone tablet with Android 4.1, with battery life of up to 5 hours. The display also features a convenient carrying handle and a folding stand for comfortable tabletop use away from the PC Station.

“The sleek tablet brings greater convenience to the mobile and home users with advanced dual operating systems that allow the adults to work with the desktop PC while the children can play with the Android tablet,” says Elly Yeoh, Country Product Manager.

Transformer AiO is basically a combination of the usual PC setup, with a tablet part.

The dock holds the PC part of it, which is powered by an Intel Core i7-3770 (3.4ghz) processor, NVIDIA GeForce GT730M GPU, 8GB of RAM and a 2TB hard disk space, DVD-RW burner, five USB 3.0 ports (4 USB 3.0), HDMI output, LAN port and a 3-in-1 card reader.

The tablet part is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, comes with 32GB of flash storage, mini USB 2.0 port, card reader, 3.5mm audio jack, gyro sensor, 1MP camera and two 1.5W speakers. Bluetooth and WiFi are supported on both parts, with the PC station supporting dual band frequencies. The tablet is said to be able to last up to 5 hours on battery.

The ASUS Transformer AiO retails at RM 4,999. Every purchase of the Transformer AiO will be bundled with a wireless keyboard and mouse. More details at the official product page

How does it work?

We’ve manage to get Elly Yeoh, the Country Product Manager to do a quick demo of the Transformer AiO.

Put it simple, the WINDOWS 8 part is on the dock while the ANDROID part is on the tablet. You can run both when docked. In tablet mode, you can still run both BUT the tablet has to be within range and connected wireless to the signal from the dock.

Once out of range, the tablet would remain as an exclusive ANDROID-ONLY tablet. So if you’re thinking of going out with a super huge Windows 8 tablet (for whatever reasons) – you can’t.

You could however, have someone using the dock portion of the system while another person is using the tablet.

Overall, and interesting device. Especially considering the fact that it comes with IPS display, Core i7, 8GB RAM, 2TB drive, Sonic Master audio and could work as a super-sized Android tablet.