The ASUS Transformer Book Duet TD300 unites Windows 8.1 and Android. Thanks to BlueStacks’ virtualization software, this 13-inch combo tablet-laptop can switch between Microsoft’s and Google operating systems at the press of a button. That gives users access to Word Excel or documents spreadsheets in Windows, and lets them swing a quick game of “Angry Birds: Star Wars” over in Android. With a detachable keyboard dock, the Duet hits high notes on specs: there’s up to a 1TB storage drive, USB 3.0, HDMI and a 1080p display upgrade.
The Transformer Book Duet also features a microSD card expansion slot, a front-facing camera, and audio enhancing SonicMaster technology to complement the tablet’s dual speakers.
Though the dual-OS packing convertible tablet is an impressive release, the tablet has a few downsides. It runs an older version of Android (4.1) and, with the dock, it’s a thick and hefty package.As for the hardware, well, this feels like a $599 machine, and that’s actually us being generous. Granted, the build quality is solid, but the textured plastic back has a cheap, hollow feel to it. Also, at 1.9kg (4.2 pounds), it’s rather heavy for a 13-inch laptop, even a touchscreen one, so if you’re going to get this, you better be really excited about the dual-OS feature (and we’re sure some of you are). On the plus side, the tablet itself feels relatively light, given its 13-inch screen size, and for that, we probably do have the plastic construction to thank. Also, keep in mind that that thicker design gets you up to 1TB of storage in the dock, up to 128GB of space in the tablet and nice-to-have ports like an Ethernet jack and full-sized HDMI socket. A fair trade, we’d say.
As for the hardware, well, this feels like a $599 machine, and that’s actually us being generous. Granted, the build quality is solid, but the textured plastic back has a cheap, hollow feel to it. Also, at 1.9kg (4.2 pounds), it’s rather heavy for a 13-inch laptop, even a touchscreen one, so if you’re going to get this, you better be really excited about the dual-OS feature (and we’re sure some of you are). On the plus side, the tablet itself feels relatively light, given its 13-inch screen size, and for that, we probably do have the plastic construction to thank. Also, keep in mind that that thicker design gets you up to 1TB of storage in the dock, up to 128GB of space in the tablet and nice-to-have ports like an Ethernet jack and full-sized HDMI socket. A fair trade, we’d say.
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