I’m salivating over the newly announced ASUS Transformer Book V. Why? Because it gives you the functionality of 5 different devices! It starts off as a flagship class Android smartphone with a 5 inch HD IPS display and an Intel Atom quad core processor. You can then dock it into a tablet accessory so you have an Android tablet as well. Then you can dock it into a keyboard accessory, turning the Transformer Book V into a productivity device! Neat!
Now, it doesn’t stop there. Unlike the Padfone series where the tablet can’t function without the phone, the Transformer Book V’s tablet actually runs Windows and can operate independently of the phone. So you not only have an Android tablet/notebook, but a Windows tablet/notebook as well!
Unfortunately, the Transformer Book V faces some hurdles. For one thing, it’s expected to be priced somewhere around $500, which is about Php22k after straight conversion. Of course, things aren’t ever priced at straight conversion when they get here. The Transformer Book V is more likely to cost about Php28k after customs has its way with import dues.
On top of that, Google and Microsoft aren’t exactly amenable to having their respective operating systems running on the same device. Pressure from both tech giants is exactly what killed off the Transformer Book V’s predecessor, the Transformer Book Duet. So while I’m not likely able to afford it when it gets here, it’s not likely a problem I’ll have to worry about because there’s a good chance it might never get here!
Still, I certainly love the idea of a gadget that can replace all my other gadgets. It would just be so much more convenient that way, wouldn’t it? Here’s hoping gray market sellers can get it here for cheap so I at least have a shot at buying one 🙂
ASUS Transformer Book V Specs
Smartphone
- 5″ HD IPS display (720 x 1280 resolution, 294ppi)
- Intel Atom quad core processor
- Android 4.4 KitKat
- 2GB RAM
- Up to 64GB internal storage
- 8mp rear-facing autofocus camera
- 2mp front camera
- 4G/LTE
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- GPS
- 2,550mAh battery
- Dimensions: 148 x 73 x 11mm
- Weight: 140g
Tablet
- 12.5″ HD IPS display
- Next Gen Intel Core processor
- Intel HD Graphics
- Windows 8.1
- Up to 128G eMMC & 1TB
- HD Camera
- 2 cells, 28WH
