Asus Transformer Book rivals MacBook with USB Type-C

Asus has announced a new version of its Transformer Book convertible, which will be one of the first Windows devices to use the new USB Type-C connector. The USB Type-C first appeared on the 12in Apple MacBook – in fact, it’s the only port on the entire device. It seems Asus is opting for a similar approach with the Transformer Book T100HA, which features just the one USB Type-C port beneath the volume control.

Unlike conventional USB ports, the USB Type-C can be used to both charge the device and for connecting external peripherals, such as a disk drive, printer or mouse. With only one port, however, you will need to buy an adapter to plug in a peripheral and charge the device at the same time, unless Asus decides to include one in the box. 

The Transformer Book is so called because the 10.1in tablet comes with a detachable keyboard, allowing owners to use the device in either tablet or laptop mode. The new version promises to be the slimmest yet, measuring only 8.45mm and weighing 580g, without the keyboard. 

It will come pre-loaded with Windows 10, and will be powered by one of the new Intel Atom ‘Cherry Trail’ processors, which is the processor family found inside Microsoft’s Surface 3 tablet. When we reviewed the original Asus Transformer Book T100 we were already pretty impressed by its battery life. Well the company has upped the ante with its follow-up. Atom processors are low-power parts, which is why Asus is promising 14 hours of battery life from the new Transformer Book. 

The metallic-finish device will be available in four colours, which have the usual flowery names: Silk White, Tin Grey, Aqua Blue and Rouge Pink. The device will be released in the autumn, and there are no pricing details at this time. If previous models are anything to go by, we’d expect a price in the £300 to £350 range. 

Transformer Book Flip TP200

Asus also took to Computex to announce the Transformer Book Flip TP200, which is an 11.6in laptop with a 360-degree hinge allowing you a great deal of versatility when it comes to angles and usage styles including as a tablet. Asus rate the TP200 has having 8-hours of battery life and will similarly come with Windows 10 and include a USB Type-C port when it launches in Q3.

Transformer Book Chi

Fans of the Transformer Book Chi series wanting a fresh splash of colour will be pleased to see that a new colour will also be available with the addition of a ‘Crystal Silver’ option.