We got our first look at an upcoming Asus 2-in-1 tablet called the Transformer Pad TF103 in March. At the time, about all we knew about the system was that it was a tablet with front-facing speakers that could become a notebook when you attach an optional keyboard dock. It also seemed very likely that it would be an Android tablet.
Now a Dutch retailer has revealed more specs for the upcoming tablet (apparently by accident — the website has since been removed, but TabletsMagazine has the details).
The Transformer Pad TF103 seems to be a 10.1 inch tablet with an Intel Atom Bay Trail processor and modest specs, including a 1280 x 800 pixel display, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage.
In other words, this’ll probably be an entry-level tablet with an affordable price tag rather than a high-end machine with bleeding-edge hardware. It’s expected to sell for about 280 Euros when it launches in Europe in July.
Other features include WiFi and Bluetooth, a microSD card slot, a 2MP rear camera and a front-facing VGA camera, and Android 4.4 KitKat software. There’s also a full-sized USB port in the keyboard dock.
The Transformer Pad TF103 will likely be just one of several new Bay Trail-powered Android tablets from Asus. The company is also working on 7 inch and 8 inch tablets with Intel processors.
I’m still rockin’ with the TF700, running CyanogenMod 11. It’s speedy enough, has a great screen, and “just works.”
Still no word on tf303
I might be alone on this, but I would love an 8-inch Android tablet with a keyboard dock. Maybe an SD card reader, full-size USB 3.0, and an extra 5000mah battery?
As of current, the only way to get features like that is to buy the TF701, which is as heavy as some Ultrabooks, and more expensive than most entry-level laptops. I think an empty M-sata bay would be incredible, but I know I’m dreaming now.
Would a keyboard sized for a 8″ tablet even be worth it? The keyboards on the 10″ devices are pretty small and cramped. I can’t imagine something smaller being particularly useful.
Unfortunately msata is not for contemporary tablets, it’s just too thick. M.2 (NGFF) may be slim enough though
One of the people at my workplace has the ipad mini with a conformal keyboard built into a case. I find it ridiculous he uses it while ignoring the high end workstation on his desk or his laptop, and then he’d call up tech support complaining about formating and compatibility problems between iOS and exchange…