Asus Transformer Book T200TA-B2-BL 11.6″ Windows 2-in-1
A new version of the Asus Transformer Book 2-in-1 Windows 8.1 device with a detachable keyboard and the Intel Atom processor has arrived. The Transformer Book T200TA-B2-BL is the first available model from the latest T200TA series. It brings a larger 11.6-inch display than the previous 10.1-inch T100TA and is basically an enlarged version. Both use the same Intel Atom processor coupled with 2GB of RAM memory and have the same screen resolution of 1366×768 pixels.
The ultraportable hybrid weighs 3.4 pounds in total, with the tablet and keyboard measuring 1.7 pounds each. A total thickness of 1 inch is also split equally between the two portions of the device. True, it is a bit bulky in comparison to the smaller screen alternatives, but with the T200TA you get the 11.6″ display diagonal which is quite long by tablets’ standards. However, the 720p resolution is the same as on the popular 10.1-inchers, so the working area within Windows is the same. The display is IPS, so good viewing angles are ensured. The tablet portion also holds front 2MP and rear 5MP cameras, a micro USB port, micro HDMI video output, an audio jack, a microSD media card slot, Wi-Fi wireless and Bluetooth. The back of the tablet sports dark-blue soft-touch finish with Asus’ recognizable radiant pattern. As for the keyboard dock, besides the decently big non-backlit keyboard with chiclet style keys and a single-piece trackpad, it includes an internal bay for 2.5″ user-replaceable hard drives and solid state drives, as well as two USB ports and an Ethernet LAN jack. The keyboard area is made of silver-colored plastics.
The T200TA-B2-BL is apparently the lowest-end configuration. Actually, the only difference between T200TA models is internal storage and the T200TA-B2-BL has 32GB of it. The same 2-in-1 will be also available with a 64GB SSD. Another choice will be configurations with 32GB SSD in the main part of the device and an additional 500GB hard disk in the keyboard base. However, the 500GB hard drive won’t be accessible when you use the device as a standalone tablet, without the keyboard attached to it. You should also keep in mind that the main SSD storage has several limitations due to small capacity.
Computing relies on the Intel Atom Z3775 quad-core processor from the power-efficient but under-powered “Bay Trail” chip family. It’s adequate only for the daily chores of the average user. You’ll have a smooth experience while surfing the web, doing text and spreadsheet editing, or playing movies in up to 1080p quality. More demanding tasks like Full HD video editing or adjusting high-res RAW image files will fell slow. As for gaming, you can expect the included Intel HD graphics to work well only in less demanding titles such as League of Legends or Minecraft. 2GB RAM memory size is a basic one. Most of the time, it will be enough large, but in some heavy multitasking scenarios with lots of software running at the same time the system might choke.
It’s good to see that a free copy of Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 software comes with a purchase of the T200TA.
Asus claims the battery life on the Transformer Book T200TA is “up to 10.4 hours”.
Specifications of the Asus Transformer Book T200TA-B2-BL
Here are the specs of the Asus Transformer Book T200TA-B2-BL with descriptions of its features. For comparison against other laptops, you can use the "Compare Specs" button.
Brand | Asus |
---|---|
Screen Size | 11.6-inch This is a very small display size, given the most frequently used laptop screen size is 15.6". |
Screen Resolution | 1366x768 pixels HD This is an entry-level screen resolution, oftentimes found on budget laptops. It doesn't deliver picture sharpness and space on the screen like the Full HD or higher resolution laptop displays do. |
Touchscreen | Finger multi-touch input The screen supports finger touch input, including multi-touch gestures. |
Other Display Specs | IPS type Displays based on IPS technology provide much wider viewing angles than the budget-class TN screens. |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Atom Z3775 quad-core 1.46-2.39GHz 2MB cache (User Benchmark CPU score: 19) |
System Memory (RAM) Size | 2GB RAM 2GB RAM size is rare nowadays and makes laptops with it almost unusable due to the low capacity. The recommended size is at least 8GB. |
Data Storage | 32GB eMMC A barely usable capacity. |
DVD Optical Drive | None |
Graphics (GPU) | Intel HD integrated graphics of low-end CPUs (only for the lightest gaming) |
Keyboard & Input | Non-backlit keyboard without dedicated number pad The keyboard has no backlit keys and no separate numeric pad you can usually find on the right side of the keyboard on many laptop models. Touchpad with click buttons built into the surface The left and right click buttons are built into the surface of the touchpad, as opposed to separate physical buttons. Touchscreen |
Speakers & Audio | Stereo speakers As usual, the device features a pair of built-in stereo speakers. |
Camera | Front + rear Laptops usually feature a frontal webcam located on the display bezel. This device additionally has a rear camera. |
Wi-Fi Wireless | 802.11N 802.11N is an old Wi-Fi standard, precursor of the 802.11AC and the latest 802.11AX with improved data transfer speeds and connectivity. 802.11N is rarely used in modern laptops. |
Ethernet Network Port | Yes This laptop has an Ethernet LAN port for wired internet and networking connectivity. |
Mobile broadband (4G LTE) | No |
Bluetooth | Yes This laptop has a built-in Bluetooth module. It enables you to connect the computer to Bluetooth mice and other Bluetooth peripherals, smartphones, and other Bluetooth-equipped devices. |
USB Ports | 1 x micro USB 2.0 1 x USB 3.0 + 1 x USB 2.0 A pair of standard full-size USB ports. |
Video Output Ports | 1 x micro HDMI HDMI is a widely used digital video output port. You can find HDMI-in ports on most computer monitors and TVs. The laptop has a compact "micro" version of HDMI on its side. |
Media Card Reader | MicroSD card reader The laptop has a slot for MicroSD memory cards. These are small SD cards commonly used in smartphones. |
Other Features | Detachable keyboard included Free Copy of Microsoft (Office) Home & Student 2013 |
Battery | 38 Whr, "up to 10.4 hours" of battery life |
Weight | 3.4 pounds |
Height | 1" |
Width | 12" |
Depth | 7.9" |
Windows Version | Windows 8.1 Windows 8.1 is eligible for free upgrade to Windows 10 Home. Check Windows.com for more info. |
Warranty | 1-year A typical laptop warranty. |
User Reviews and Q&A on the Asus Transformer Book T200TA-B2-BL
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