Monoblock asus transformer aio p1801 reviews. A candy bar from which you can remove the screen: experience using ASUS Transformer AiO P1801. Remote Desktop

ASUS belongs to one of those few companies on the market who constantly come up with new device concepts, look for new niches, and offer consumers unusual gadgets, easily transformable into laptops, smartphones and tablets. Of course, such innovative approaches move industries forward. The latest innovation from this company is the unique all-in-one ASUS Transformer AiO P1801.

It's no secret that the share of desktop computers on the market is gradually decreasing, and at the same time there is an increased demand for tablets with their convenient touch controls. Many users today prefer a laptop or the same tablet to a desktop computer. However, we are already accustomed to a home computer with a large screen, a full keyboard and good acoustics. Therefore, although the portability and convenience of a tablet is beyond doubt, at home most people still use a desktop computer or all-in-one PC.

This is because the compact dimensions and small screen of a tablet at home are more of a disadvantage than an advantage compared to the large monitor of a regular PC on which you can watch a movie or listen to music. Accordingly, there is a need for a universal home device that combines the functionality of a tablet with the capabilities of a desktop computer. Such a device is unusual Transformer AiO P1801 with 18.4-inch screen. We will talk about it in more detail in this review.

Transformer concept

First, let's figure out what the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 monoblock is and what it is actually needed for. It is clear that when a computer is used at home, the issue of its weight and portability fades into the background, since you can still drag it from place to place without any problems. But it becomes much more important that the computer has a large screen, powerful hardware and a full-fledged keyboard so that you can work comfortably and just have fun by watching movies, listening to music and surfing the Internet.

However, a computer with a large screen inevitably ties the user to a table or workplace, which is not always convenient. Thinking through the concept of its new device, the company ASUS decided to combine the functionality of a tablet and personal computer precisely in order to give the user relative freedom. That is, the ability to use a large screen not only on the desktop, but also anywhere in the apartment, for example, in the kitchen or on the sofa.

The idea is very interesting, and its successful implementation became possible not least thanks to the release of the new operating system Windows 8, which is designed for touch control and provides the possibility of such an unusual combination. Actually, the Transformer AiO P1801 model is a candy bar in which the screen can be simply detached and carried around the apartment in the form of a tablet, using it for various purposes.

The main unit acts as the brain center, it is equipped with more powerful hardware and OS Windows 8. On the tablet, also equipped with the necessary filling and battery, the platform is working Android . The tablet can work when the main unit is turned off, the latter is also capable of working autonomously from the tablet when an external monitor is connected to it.

There is an interesting option for using the device when using special utility and home Wi-Fi network picture from the main unit, that is, desktop from Windows 8, is transmitted to the tablet over a distance. Thus, on the tablet you can select either mode Android , or broadcast Windows 8 remotely. True, it is immediately noticeable that the last function is not worked out very well - certain distortions will be observed on the tablet screen, and the picture in this mode often slows down. Obviously, some other data transmission technology would be suitable here, for example, WiDi or something similar. Be that as it may, the very concept of the Transformer AiO P1801 device looks original and, from the point of view of user needs, seems quite relevant.

Appearance

It houses almost all the components, is designed in a minimalist style and looks quite attractive. Of course, such a device can hardly be called compact - it is simply impossible to hide serious hardware and the tablet mounting mechanism in a thin case. Externally, the TransformerAiO P1801 monoblock makes a pleasant impression thanks to its simple, elegant shapes and lack of gloss. The main unit can be easily connected to an external monitor if the capabilities of the 18.4-inch screen are not enough for the user. The screen is simply attached to a kind of docking station, resting on the surface with a special aluminum leg with rubber pads.

The candy bar body is almost entirely made of matte plastic, with the exception of the lower part and the tablet mount, which are made using aluminum. The monoblock is completed wireless keyboard and mouse. They are connected using a transmitter installed in one of the USB -ports. The keyboard is very comfortable to use and has good ergonomics.

The tablet, which can be removed from the base, has, of course, quite a decent weight (2.4 kg). These are not the compact and lightweight tablet computers that users have already become accustomed to. Such a device will be difficult to carry with you all the time; you cannot put it in your pocket, so the use of the tablet is limited to the space of an apartment or country house. The tablet is also made of matte plastic, but has separate metal elements, for example, a convenient handle on the back of the case, which you can use to pick up and carry a rather large tablet computer. By the way, in order to remove the tablet from the base, you just need to pull it up - you don’t have to press any levers.

Screen

The Transformer AiO P1801 monoblock received an impressively sized screen - 18.4 inches diagonal, which, of course, is much larger than most modern ones. tablet computers. On the other hand, by the standards of monoblocks, the diagonal of the screen is average. The matrix used here is IPS with FullHD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). It provides good picture clarity and wide viewing angles. The maximum brightness is about 300 cd/m2, and the image contrast is 600:1. These are fairly standard results, nothing remarkable about them.

Nevertheless, the screen copes well with its functions, and it is difficult to make any serious complaints about the image quality. Perhaps the only noticeable drawback of the Transformer AiO P1801 screen is its not the best anti-glare properties. Here a very decent air gap between IPS -matrix and protective glass. As a result, unpleasant glare and reflections often occur, especially when using the screen in the light, and the clarity and depth of the picture is lost.

The display tilt angle can be changed from 35 to 100 degrees, thereby choosing the optimal screen position. Thanks to touch control You can “communicate” with the candy bar not only using the usual mouse and keyboard, but also through finger touches. True, the surface of the display gets quite dirty; there is clearly a lack of a good oleophobic coating. Therefore, when regular use touchscreen, you will inevitably have to think about how to clean the surface of the screen from fingerprints.

Specifications main unit and tablet

As we have already found out, Transformer AiO P1801 consists of two autonomous devices - the main unit and the tablet, which have their own hardware. As for the monoblock itself, it is equipped with an Intel platform Core third generation (IvyBridge), four gigabytes random access memory and video card NVIDIA GeForce GT730M with two gigabytes of video memory. Provided for data storage HDD SATA volume 1 TB. It is worth paying attention to the presence optical drive, slot for SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards and a large number of ports, including four ports USB 3.0, one USB 2.0 connector, HDMI output And network interface RJ45 (LAN). Built-in Wi-Fi The adapter allows you to connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

There is also a more serious modification of the device with 8 GB of RAM, powerful processor Intel Core i7-3770 and a 2 TB hard drive. The configuration of the main Transformer AiO P1801 unit is quite comparable to that used in modern all-in-one PCs and home desktop systems. The Transformer AiO P1801 has enough performance to perform a wide range of tasks - from starting office applications, surfing the Internet to converting videos and games into modern computer toys.

Although it can be noted that the graphics subsystem of the monoblock is still not the most powerful, and here it would be nice to see some more productive solution than the GeForce GT730M. But the device boasts an effective cooling system and fairly silent operation.

As for the tablet, it uses a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with two gigabytes of RAM. The tablet has only 32 GB of memory, but there is a microSD slot available, with which you can slightly increase the capabilities of the device. Such characteristics can hardly be called top-end; rather, in terms of performance, the device can be classified as a mid-priced tablet. Nevertheless, such a hardware platform is quite sufficient for everyday tasks.

According to the manufacturer, the tablet can work offline for up to five hours when watching videos at a medium brightness level. Of course, when running resource-intensive applications and the latest games, as well as at maximum screen brightness, the battery life of the device drops to about three hours. It is noteworthy that the tablet can be recharged both from the main base and through its own charger.

So, let's summarize. Often with unusual transformers like ASUS TransformerAiO P1801, a serious problem arises due to the fact that it is not very clear how best to use such a device. In the case of TransformerAiO P1801, the concept itself seems quite logical and reasonable. Indeed, today many users purchase a desktop computer for their home, which is necessary due to its large screen and full-fledged keyboard, a laptop, and a tablet. Moreover, each device serves its own purposes. Now it becomes possible to buy one universal device that can be used for both work and entertainment.

The filling of the hybrid all-in-one TransformerAiO P1801 is quite consistent with expectations, with the exception of the video card. 18.4-inch screen on IPS The matrix produces a picture of decent quality. Among the shortcomings, we can only note the not very well-thought-out scheme for working with Windows 8 when the tablet is removed from the base. And, of course, a fairly high price for the device - from 52,000 rubles. This price, coupled with an unusual concept, turns the candy bar ASUS TransformerAiO P1801 into a niche device that can interest users looking for the best system option for their home.

When purchasing a flash drive, many people ask the question: “how to choose the right flash drive.” Of course, choosing a flash drive is not so difficult if you know exactly for what purpose it is being purchased. In this article I will try to give a complete answer to the question posed. I decided to write only about what to look for when buying.

A flash drive (USB drive) is a drive designed for storing and transferring information. The flash drive works very simply without batteries. You just need to connect it to USB port Your PC.

1. Flash drive interface

3. Housing material

4. Data transfer rate

6. Password protection

Conclusion

Good afternoon, my dear friends. In today's article I want to talk about how to choose the right mouse pad. When buying a rug, many people do not attach any importance to this. But as it turned out, this point needs to be given special attention, because... The mat determines one of the indicators of comfort while working at a PC. For an avid gamer, choosing a rug is a completely different story. Let's look at what types of mouse pads have been invented today.

Mat options

And now I would like to talk about each type in more detail.

1. First I want to consider three options at once: plastic, aluminum and glass. These rugs are very popular among gamers. For example, plastic mats are easier to find on sale. The mouse glides quickly and accurately on these mats. And most importantly, these mouse pads are suitable for both laser and optical mice. Aluminum and glass mats will be a little harder to find. Yes, and they will cost a lot. True, there is a reason for this - they will serve for a very long time. These types of rugs have minor flaws. Many people say that they rustle when operating and are a little cool to the touch, which may cause discomfort for some users.

2. Rubberized (rag) mats have soft sliding, but the accuracy of their movements is worse. For ordinary users such a rug will be just right. And they are much cheaper than the previous ones.

3. Double-sided mouse pads, in my opinion, are a very interesting type of mouse pad. As the name suggests, these rugs have two sides. Typically, one side is high-speed and the other is high-precision. It happens that each side is designed for a specific game.

4. Helium mats have a silicone cushion. She supposedly supports the hand and relieves tension from it. For me personally, they turned out to be the most inconvenient. According to their intended purpose, they are designed for office workers, since they sit at the computer all day long. These mats are not suitable for casual users and gamers. The mouse glides very poorly on the surface of such mouse pads, and their accuracy is not the best.

Mat sizes

Rugs design

This is where I want to end the article. On my own behalf I wish to do you right choice and be happy with it.
For anyone who doesn’t have a mouse or wants to replace it with another one, I advise you to look at the article:.

Monoblocks Microsoft have been replenished with a new all-in-one model called Surface Studio. Microsoft recently presented its new product at an exhibition in New York.

On a note! I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago where I reviewed the Surface all-in-one. This candy bar was presented earlier. To view the article, click on.

Design

On a note! The display resolution of 4500x3000 pixels corresponds to 13.5 million pixels. This is 63% more than 4K resolution.

On a note! For people in creative professions, I advise you to look at the article where I reviewed all-in-one computers with similar functionality. Click on the highlighted one: .

On a note! By the way, Microsoft has another amazing candy bar. To find out about it, go to.

Specifications

From the periphery, I note the following: 4 USB ports, Mini-Display Port connector, network port Ethernet, card-reader, 3.5 mm audio jack, 1080p webcam, 2 microphones, 2.1 Dolby Audio Premium audio system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The monoblock also supports wireless controllers Xbox.

Price

OCZ demonstrated the new VX 500 SSD drives. These drives will be equipped with a Serial ATA 3.0 interface and are made in a 2.5-inch form factor.

On a note! Anyone interested in how SSD drives work and how long they last can read in an article I wrote earlier:.

The number of input/output operations per second (IOPS) with data blocks of 4 KB in size can reach 92,000 when reading, and 65,000 when writing (this is all at random).
The thickness of OCZ VX 500 drives will be 7 mm. This will allow them to be used in ultrabooks.

The prices of the new products will be as follows: 128 GB - $64, 256 GB - $93, 512 GB - $153, 1 TB - $337. I think in Russia they will cost more.

Lenovo presented its new gaming all-in-one IdeaCentre Y910 at Gamescom 2016.

On a note! Previously, I wrote an article where I already reviewed gaming all-in-one PCs different manufacturers. This article You can view it by clicking on this one.

The monoblock will have several configurations. The maximum configuration includes a 6 processor Intel generation Core i7, volume hard drive up to 2 TB or 256 GB. The amount of RAM is 32 GB DDR4. Will be responsible for graphics NVIDIA video card GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce GTX 1080 with Pascal architecture. Thanks to such a video card, it will be possible to connect a virtual reality helmet to the candy bar.
From the periphery of the candy bar, I would highlight the Harmon Kardon audio system with 5-watt speakers, the Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi module, a webcam, USB ports 2.0 and 3.0, HDMI connectors.

In its basic version, the IdeaCentre Y910 monoblock will go on sale in September 2016 at a price of 1,800 euros. But the candy bar with the “VR-ready” version will appear in October at a price of 2,200 euros. It is known that this version will have a GeForce GTX 1070 video card.

MediaTek has decided to upgrade its Helio X30 mobile processor. So now the developers from MediaTek are designing a new mobile processor called Helio X35.

I would like to briefly talk about Helio X30. This processor has 10 cores, which are combined into 3 clusters. Helio X30 has 3 variations. The first - the most powerful - consists of Cortex-A73 cores with a frequency of up to 2.8 GHz. There are also blocks with Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of up to 2.2 GHz and Cortex-A35 with a frequency of 2.0 GHz.

New processor Helio X35 also has 10 cores and is created using 10-nanometer technology. Clock frequency in this processor will be much higher than its predecessor and ranges from 3.0 Hz. The new product will allow you to use up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The graphics in the processor will most likely be handled by the Power VR 7XT controller.
The station itself can be seen in the photographs in the article. In them we can see storage compartments. One bay has a 3.5" jack and the other has a 2.5" jack. Thus, it will be possible to connect both a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard drive (HDD) to the new station.

The dimensions of the Drive Dock station are 160x150x85mm, and the weight is no less than 970 grams.
Many people probably have a question about how the Drive Dock connects to a computer. I answer: this happens through the USB port 3.1 Gen 1. According to the manufacturer, the sequential read speed will be 434 MB/s, and in write mode (sequential) 406 MB/s. The new product will be compatible with Windows and Mac OS.

This device will be very useful for people who work with photo and video materials at a professional level. Drive Dock can also be used for backup copies files.
The price for the new device will be acceptable - it is $90.

On a note! Previously, Renduchinthala worked for Qualcomm. And since November 2015, he moved to a competing company, Intel.

I like these tests because they show the balance of power of the test participants relatively well. In this case, we have nothing to directly compare the ASUS P1801 with, since we usually test laptops. I can say that a result above 10,000 in the Cinebench 10 test is achievable only by older models of desktop processors. In Cinebench 11.5, the results of laptops with mobile Core i5 with discrete graphics are approximately 24 fps and approximately 2.5-2.6 pts, that is this model one and a half to two times faster.

PCMark 7. You can read the description of the test on the manufacturer’s website.

I have nothing to compare the results with, so I’ll leave them like this.

PCMark 8.

The same can be said about PCMark 8. This is a new test for which we have not yet compiled a database of results.

Here we can say that the results are low in comparison with modern gaming systems. However, I think that users will have problems only in the most modern games, which are especially demanding on the speed of the platform and video card. In most common projects, especially online ones, there should be no problems even with this configuration.

Heating and noise, temperature conditions

Heat and noise are much more relevant for mobile systems, and not monoblocks like the one under study, however, we decided to study this aspect of the work.

When working under load, the processor temperature was about 77 degrees; after turning on the load on the graphics subsystem, the temperature rose to 83 degrees. When idle, the processor temperature is 53 degrees. These are quite normal numbers.

At the same time, the hard drive shows a fairly high temperature - more than 40 degrees, and during load testing it reached 49 degrees. In my opinion, this is a lot; This temperature can negatively affect the life of the hard drive.

The exhaust grille is located at the top of the base and faces upward. Through it you can see a fairly large radiator. During operation, the back of the case heats up evenly, but slightly (about 33-35 degrees), warm air flows upward from the grille.

The noise can be considered insignificant: if you lean towards the grille, you can hear the rustle of air, but when you sit in front of the candy bar, it is practically inaudible even in a quiet room. For example, I could hear the crunching and clicking of the hard drive much better.

Form factor

If we talk about the screen size of the ASUS P1801, then the phrase immediately comes to mind: “For Athos it’s too much, and for the Count de La Fère it’s too little.” Indeed, for a modern tablet the screen is oh-so-large (and this constantly creates a funny feeling when using it), but for a modern all-in-one PC (which has an average screen size of 23 inches) it is too small.

Anticipating reader interest in this issue, I attached another 27-inch diagonal monitor to the candy bar, turned on the two screens in parallel and compared. In this situation, the main monitor ASUS Transformer AiO P1801, which previously seemed quite normal size, is immediately perceived as very small. But at the same time it is clear that ASUS AiO P1801 takes up noticeably less space than a 27-inch all-in-one. Sometimes this becomes a significant advantage, and in some cases (for example, if you have a computer desk with a “second floor”) a large monitor simply will not fit into the designated place.

As for the image on the screen, for the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 it is necessary to set the scale in Windows to 125% (you can read how this works and what consequences it leads to in our recently published review of Windows scaling “Difficulties of modern scaling”). And for a 27-inch screen - 100% at any distance to the eyes. Thus, much more text information fits on the screen of a 27-inch monitor.

Another question is how critical this is for the user: for example, when surfing the Internet, most of the screen usually remains blank. And videos on the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 screen look even better than on a 27-inch monitor. Also, a lot depends on how far the monitor is from you, and you always want to move the 27-inch model further away due to its large physical size - otherwise you won’t be able to follow the entire screen with your eyes.

Thus, I would like to once again urge readers not to chase numbers. If you're actively working, you need to put a lot of information on the screen, and you have enough space to do it. workplace- then yes, you should choose something with a larger screen. If we are talking about a home monoblock, which will stand on the edge of a common table, and about home use, then the difference will not be significant.

Frame

ASUS P1801 is made in a technological style, but without any frills, it is laconic and stylish. The screen is covered with a glossy touchscreen (unfortunately, the screen is not frameless, and the black frames are relatively thick, which spoils the impression a little), and the light base is metallic, a very nice shade. The base without a screen also looks very good: under the screen, the surface of the base is also glossy black and contrasts well with the metal part.

The body stands on a “leg”, which provides it with stability. By the way, you can place the keyboard on it - it ends up completely under the screen, leaving free space in front of the candy bar. The only thing is that our specimen has a visible scratch on this leg, although I still don’t understand how it came about. So the leg gets scratched.

The dimensions are clearly indicated in the slide from the presentation, so we will repeat it here.

Perhaps the most controversial point of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 is the weight of the tablet part. By the way, the numbers on our scales were a little higher: base - 4.2 kg, tablet - 2.5 kg. However, the difference is not fundamental, and the scales can be slightly distorted.

When you hold the tablet in your hands, you feel very well that it is plastic. However, the body is rigid and does not play under your hands - it’s more pleasant and easier to hold the tablet.

Expansion ports, body controls

In parallel, let's look at the expansion ports; fortunately, they are also well shown in the presentation. First, the back of the docking station.

The rear panel contains the main power connector. A wired network and HDMI output are also connected here. The complaints in one of the Western reviews indicate the lack of an HDMI input, but in my opinion, it would look neither out of place here nor in the city. Also at the presentation there was talk about a connector for an analog TV tuner (although the tuner itself is an option), but we simply didn’t have it.

The top button starts the tablet (Android OS), puts it into sleep mode and wakes it up. Below is the volume rocker. Below it is a blue button for switching between OS. When the tablet is on the base, pressing it switches the active system, the desktop of which is displayed on the screen. However, the matter is not limited to the desktop output: for example, the volume buttons also work in active system, i.e. if on Windows screen, which means that the volume level is adjusted in this OS, and if Android, then in it. When switching from Android system freezes (for example, movie playback stops), although when returning it is often not the lock screen that is shown, but the same application that was open before the switch. Windows continues to work even after switching the monitor to another system. Button Windows startup is located at the base.

On the right side of the tablet there is also a Mini-USB for connecting external devices and a card slot microSD memory. There is also an audio jack (on the tablet it is combined, but on the base there are two of its own connectors). The tablet also has its own charging connector, which is different in size from the connector on the base. It comes with its own power supply, i.e. the tablet can be used and charged completely autonomously. On this side of the base there is a USB 2.0 port (the manufacturer specifically indicates that it is intended for a keyboard and mouse transmitter) and an optical drive.

The base has an adjustable hinge that allows you to tilt the screen back up to 30 degrees.

There are no controls on the left side of the tablet, but on the base... However, there is nothing special to comment on, everything is indicated in the picture. At first glance, everything is fine with the connectors. There is no eSATA, it could be useful here, but modern USB 3.0 completely replaces it.

The connectors are well spaced: thick cables that are connected “once and for all” are located at the back, and those that need to be connected more often are on the side. Some people may not like the fact that they will have to insert the plugs with their left hand, but for me, on the contrary, this is a plus: but all the cables and plug-ins and devices will be on the left and will not interfere with your hand with the mouse, even if you don’t have much on your desk. places.

Screen

The screen is one of the most important components of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801, so let's talk about it in more detail. First, let's look at the technical specifications.

The main technical parameters of the screen are at a very good level today. The only subtle point is the combination of resolution and screen diagonal, which make the picture at the original scale very small. Thus, for correct operation scaling is necessary.

Let's also look at the screen performance parameters we measured.

The measured parameters of the matrix disappointed me very much. Very low brightness of white combined with high brightness of black and, as a result, disgusting contrast. By modern standards, the parameters are poor. Moreover, I began to suspect this even earlier - when I tried to watch a movie on the screen of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801. That is, low brightness and contrast are noticeable not only on paper, they actually affect the quality of work.

As you can see, the zone of the brightest shades of the matrix is ​​cut off, and the cut is present at any monitor brightness setting.

The color gamut is narrower than RGB.

Subjective impressions of the screen

The main drawback is, of course, the brightness of the matrix is ​​too low. A caveat must be made here that if you are working with text and using a high-contrast scheme (for example, a white background and black letters), i.e. you are working in text editor, mail, read something on the Internet, etc. - then there will not be any noticeable problems with the matrix, especially if the monoblock is installed at home in a room with curtains. I worked with the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 all day without any problems, my eyes did not get tired.

Problems arise when watching movies. Films require higher brightness and much greater contrast. A lot of details are lost on the ASUS AiO P1801 matrix, and when watching a movie your eyes strain, and you always want to increase the brightness. Moreover, the problem exists in both Windows and Android. The display of night scenes is especially bad. The colors of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 are a little more faded than those of the monitor I used for comparison, but the differences are not that serious. By the way, the viewing angles are also not very good; with a large deviation of the screen, the black color acquires a whitish tint, it seemed to me that there was also a purple tint.

Second and most importantly, let's not forget that our screen is covered with a touch layer. The touchscreen eats up the brightness (perhaps that’s why it turned out to be so low), and besides, its glass surface above the screen not only reflects a lot, but also acts as a good mirror. If you're watching a movie during the day (especially if it's a movie with night scenes), you won't see much in the dark scenes. But you will perfectly see your own reflection and the interior of the room. Paradoxically, in complete darkness in a night scene, you will also be able to see your reflection very well, because the backlight of the screen illuminates you. Thus, the monitor only works well in moderate lighting levels - for example, in a room with half-drawn curtains.

These shortcomings, in my opinion, greatly reduce the value of the monitor when used in multimedia applications. True, it is worth noting that to one degree or another this drawback (mirrority) is inherent in all monitors with a touchscreen, but insufficient backlight brightness (and, as a consequence, insufficient contrast) significantly aggravates it.

Sound

We also have two sound subsystems: one is in the base, the second is in the tablet. Both, according to the manufacturer, have proprietary Sonic Master technology.

SonicMaster is a sound quality enhancement technology consisting of several components. Firstly, this is an improvement in the audio path, including the use of higher quality components. Secondly, improved acoustics. And thirdly, this is a software adjustment of the sound to the characteristics of the acoustics used. All together this should help achieve High Quality sound both in headphones and on built-in speakers.

In practice, the sound may not be bad for its class, but it seems to me that it could be better. The main complaint is about the location of the speakers. In the base they are located at the bottom edge of the base and look down (not even at the user, but straight down), in the tablet - on the beveled part back cover, i.e., they look back and slightly to the sides. Therefore, whether on the tablet or on the base, the sound is always somewhat unclear. In the films I've watched, speech blurs together into a mush in which it's difficult to distinguish individual words. This drawback is more pronounced in English-language films without translation, but even with Russian voices you often catch yourself thinking that you need to listen. Overall, I plugged in my headphones a lot and it really was a relief. Also, at high volumes, the speakers in the base produced noticeable sound distortion.

Keyboard and mouse

The monoblock is equipped with a wireless keyboard + mouse set. They are powered by batteries: mouse - 2×AA, keyboard - 2×AAA. It's difficult to say how long something will last without recharging. As already mentioned in the preliminary review, communication uses a very small universal transmitter that is inserted into the USB port. So this keyboard and mouse can be used with any device without any problem.

During testing, I really liked the keyboard, primarily in terms of pressing: it has a soft and clear stroke, except that the keys hit the backing a lot. It's great for printing - I typed at a high speed and with almost no typos.

The keyboard layout is almost ideal for work and entertainment - I did not find any unpleasant aspects. Plus, there is Fn and some combinations with it: you can put the candy bar to sleep, turn off wireless communications, adjust the brightness and sound. There are media player control buttons, and separate ones. These features work on both Windows and Android. By the way, please note that the keyboard has dedicated keys for Android, to the left of the cursor ones.

With a mouse, due to subjective factors, it is a little more complicated. For example, I didn’t really like its shape and size (it’s too narrow, you have to strain your fingers to hold the mouse), and my wife, taking the same mouse in her hand, said that it fits perfectly in her palm and “I really don’t want to let go” . Maybe this difference in assessment is due to the fact that I have a larger hand. The mouse works well, there were no problems with positioning. Plus, it is a little heavier than budget mice (since there are batteries inside). The keys click with a rather hard and loud click, but the mouse does not move when pressed (this problem sometimes occurs in lightweight mice). I used the mouse both on the rug and on the kitchen tablecloth, and it had no problems with the perception of the surface.

Perhaps the most controversial decision in the mouse is the absence of a wheel, in its place there is a tiny touchpad. It works similarly to the scroll wheel, in some places it only perceives movements up and down, and in others (for example, in a browser) it also perceives movements left and right, activating horizontal scrolling. Moreover, when you move your finger, the mouse, with short pulses from the vibration motor, maintains the impression that it is a discrete wheel. If you move your finger with a sharp, strong gesture, the page scrolls for some time, and the mouse conscientiously vibrates in short pulses, and for a long time - this is no longer a wheel, this is some kind of flywheel! Several times, on long Internet pages in the browser, the touchpad stopped working and the mouse refused to scroll the page - it simply did not respond. To my surprise (I thought a reboot would be required), this effect manifests itself completely spontaneously and goes away just as spontaneously. I don’t really understand why this happens.

So, we have dealt with the mandatory program, describing all the main technical ASUS parameters Transformer AIO P1801. Now let's talk about how it all works.

How ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 works

Formally, the components of the ASUS AiO P1801 all-in-one can be considered as two independent devices: a separate base on Intel platform with Windows OS - and a separate monitor-tablet with Tegra 3 and Android OS. When on the dock, the tablet can also work as a regular monitor with a touchscreen, and there is a direct connection without any signal conversion. To switch between monitor and tablet modes, use the blue key on the right side. If you remove the monitor from the stand, the direct connection to the PC is broken and the screen switches to Android.

When the tablet is not on the base, it always runs Android OS. However, it is still possible to display the working Windows table- through technology similar to Remote Desktop (remote desktop). The Splashtop utility is responsible for displaying the image on the screen - it is not exclusive to ASUS, it is available for several platforms, and any user can install it. The only peculiarity of ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 is that it is already installed there.

When starting, you need to configure the image output by pairing the devices (pointing to both required code security, the system will show it itself). The connection is made through a fairly simple interface with prompts, so anyone can handle it.

Communication between the base and the tablet is carried out via Wi-Fi network by using home router(accordingly, the scheme will not work without it). The base has its own IP address, the monitor (on Android) also has its own IP address, and the Splashtop information for displaying the desktop is simply transmitted within the home or office network.

After publishing a preliminary review on the forum, it was suggested that some of the shortcomings in the operation of this scheme are caused not by problems with data transmission over Wi-Fi, but by incorrect work technologies on Android OS. During testing, I checked the amount of data transferred over the network, it was indeed relatively small.

Operating modes

I tried to approach ASUS description Transformer AiO P1801 from scratch, based on the impressions that I had from working with the device. However, as a result, I came to the same scheme with three scenarios that was given in the presentation.

Monoblock

This is the simplest mode - in it the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 acts as a regular all-in-one PC (i.e. desktop PC) on Windows. In principle, you can work on it like a regular PC and not even know that the tablet is a separate device.

ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 does not have any additional features in this mode. By the way, it is worth noting that when working in mode Windows system sees the Android drive, so movies and other content can be copied to and from the tablet without any problems. However, if you are in range home Wi-Fi, then it is quite possible to watch movies over the network by simply allowing access to the multimedia folders of the database over the network.

If Android is running, then you can switch between systems even with a tablet inserted into the base. At the same time, the standard keyboard and mouse will also switch, i.e. they can immediately be used in Android. The cursor in Windows freezes accordingly. But if you connect another mouse separately, it continues to work in Windows.

The tablet's sound is always output from the tablet's speakers. If you remove the monitor from the base while Splashtop is running, the sound from the base will switch to the tablet after a couple of seconds.

Tablet

If we ignore the remote desktop mode, then we have a regular Android tablet, only a very large one. It turns on and off, as well as wakes up and goes to sleep in the same way as any tablet or phone - for this you use the power key (highest on the right side). I didn’t notice any peculiarities in the work - Angry Birds fly, the video plays very well.

The most fun, of course, is to do something while holding the tablet in your hands. On the one hand, you see that this is an Android tablet, on the other hand, it is so huge! I understand that it’s funny only at first, and then it will go away as you get used to it, but still.

Almost all the commentators on the forum and everyone I spoke with indicate the weight of the tablet at 2.5 kilograms as the main drawback - they say, it’s hard to carry it around and you can’t hold it in your hands. Therefore, during testing, I constantly monitored this. And to be honest, I still think that this is not critical. When carrying it, its weight doesn’t bother you (since it’s not too far to carry in an apartment), and if you do something on it, then one way or another you’ll rest it on your stomach or put it on your knees or put it on a table or put it on the sofa...

The tablet has a battery, but not an outrageous capacity. To test it, I launched a Full HD movie on it, but with a low bitrate. MXPlayer reported that there was hardware acceleration. The film ran for exactly four hours. Halfway through, I interrupted playback overnight; by morning the battery had lost only 4% of its capacity. Wi-Fi was connected, but not used (unless the system was doing something itself).

By the way, to my surprise (a colleague noted this, and then I was convinced myself), the fonts in Android interface also look blurry, and the picture (we are talking about the desktop and applications with a text interface) is blurry. Apparently, this is some kind of feature of the system rendering. Obviously, on screens with a diagonal of 5 or 6 inches you simply won’t notice this blurriness (or maybe it was introduced on purpose so that the fonts look good on small high-resolution screens). But at 18 inches, the blurriness of fonts and small graphic elements is very noticeable.

Working in remote desktop mode

In this mode, the Windows desktop is displayed remotely through the Splashtop utility. This way you get the opportunity to work with the main system while the tablet is disconnected from the base. That's a plus. Now the cons.

Firstly, there is a significant degradation in picture quality: compression is apparently used during transmission, so fonts and graphics in the interface become blurry. I can’t say that it’s impossible to work, but the difference is immediately visible.

Secondly, lags. On the forum ASUS owner AiO P1801 wrote that after setting up the router, the lags disappeared, but I can’t even imagine what can be configured there. Moreover, Splashtop uses traffic quite economically. This idea was also expressed on the forum, and to check, I launched a utility that monitors traffic. If it shows everything correctly (some very small numbers were obtained), then network overload really cannot be the cause of the lags. Moreover, the nature of the picture fading is approximately the same as what I saw at the presentation of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801. On a desktop it’s almost invisible, but it’s very visible in movies where the picture freezes about once a second.

At the same time, Splashtop constantly lost connection with me - about once every two minutes the connection was lost, and it had to be restarted. I hope that I am the only one who has such a problem or incompatibility with my router (because if the problem were widespread, they would write about it), but nevertheless.

To test how comfortable it is to work with the monitor removed from the base, I took the tablet part, keyboard and mouse and moved them to the next room. The distance to the base was about three meters, but through a rather unpleasant wall. The screen worked well (except for lags), but there were already noticeable problems with the transmission of mouse movement data. So the option “unhook the screen and work wherever you want” is also suitable only with certain reservations. The screen image is transmitted via home network Wi-Fi, so the signal is more stable. But the keyboard and mouse communicate with the receiver on the base, and the signal “finishes off” relatively close. However, this was also expected.

Let us remind you that the kit includes a separate power supply, which allows you to charge the tablet directly, that is, you don’t have to put it on the base at all.

Working with an external monitor

The ability to connect a second monitor or TV is quite common for modern laptops and all-in-one PCs, but in the case of ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 it begins to play with new colors.

I was primarily interested in the question of whether it is possible to connect a second monitor in the absence of the main one and work with the computer. Basically, I succeeded. So an external monitor can be used as the main one if the tablet is unavailable for some reason (the most common one was to give it to the children for cartoons or birds with analogues; by the way, children can watch or play together on the big screen). Moreover, when I disconnected the main monitor, Windows on my secondary monitor switched from the extended desktop mode to the cloning mode, which, in principle, is logical.

Finally, let's again turn to the topic of small-sized or rented apartments - where the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 can act as a home multimedia center. For example, you can connect a TV and acoustics to it. Then you can use it both as a home computer, and as a 24-hour server (and you can control it via a remote desktop from anywhere in the apartment), and as a multimedia center (you can start a movie and display it on TV, etc.). With all this, you can continue to use it as a home computer.

Personal impressions of work

And finally, a little about my own impressions. As already mentioned, a monoblock is a useful thing in the household. ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 was installed on the kitchen table, since it takes up quite a bit of space (not half a table), and it looked very, very good. Plus, it can actually be used as a media station and can't be heard at night.

I practically didn’t use the remote desktop for work: I didn’t like the picture quality and constant lags, plus the keyboard and mouse only work at a relatively short distance from the base. But it has more or less taken root as an Android tablet. Firstly, and this is the main use - for watching movies. As a rule, I just watched movies with the player over the network or copied them to the device’s own memory, fortunately this does not pose any problem as long as the tablet is on the base. Secondly, there are a few games, but I’m sorry - only Angry Birds. By the way, I personally felt more comfortable playing on the big screen. Thirdly, I still turned off the base, so it was often more convenient to turn on only the tablet and quickly look at traffic jams, mail, etc. (it wakes up instantly).

I tried watching movies in a chair, lying on the sofa, etc. In all cases, the tablet has to be rested somewhere; you can’t hold it in your hands. However, with the iPad the situation is approximately the same, only you can hold it in your hands longer. But the ASUS screen is two and a half times larger, and watching movies in high definition is excellent - especially if you hold the tablet at approximately the same distance from your eyes as the iPad. You can surf the Internet, but the screen is too big and your eyes, as they say, run wild. If you expand the screen vertically, it looks like a large page, but still it was somehow not very comfortable and unusual for me to read - there were too many vertical lines on the screen.

What is ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 for?

So, now we know what the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 can do - we just need to understand what it can be used for.

At home

I have already described several scenarios home use, so here I will emphasize the main advantage of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 - versatility. He gives you a lot additional features. It is clear that each of the scenarios can be implemented without it, but with it it is easier, and within the same device.

You have a familiar candy bar on Windows OS with a good fast configuration. You have a home tablet with Android OS, on which you can quickly watch something (the same traffic jams), which you can drag around the apartment, which has rich entertainment capabilities and from which you can control your home all-in-one PC. At the same time, the computer itself allows it to be used as a multimedia center.

It seems to me that the advantages of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 will be best revealed in a small or rented apartment, especially if you do not live alone. In this situation, you will always have a shortage of space (and small sizes turn from a minus into a plus), and the need for various things like remote control increases sharply. Just like the need to move around the apartment with your electronic device- because it is very rare to sit still. I think in the article I have already listed so many possible scenarios that there is no point in continuing...

In the office

By the way, one of my colleagues came up with an interesting idea: the device could well be used by designers and other office creative employees. Let me explain: for example, if you need to show something to your colleagues outside your workplace or in a meeting room, then you can quite easily take the screen from your work computer - it’s even easier to carry than a laptop, and the screen will be much larger - including you can use for presentations. You can show and discuss your work (drawings, drawings, etc.). Finally, you can simply tear the screen off the stand and take it to the break room. Here the operation of Splashtop via a regular Wi-Fi network turns from a minus into a plus: you can go further. In my opinion, this is a very interesting scenario. I am sure that there are other situations when the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 will be suitable.

What to compare with

There really are no analogues of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 on the market; another question is that this uniqueness may remain unclaimed against the background of other devices that have a different concept, but help solve the same problems.

For example, other manufacturers have already released tablets that have a large screen and can act as analogues of all-in-one PCs - also with the ability to operate on batteries. Among their features, we can note a much less productive ultramobile platform, a smaller disk capacity (but a hybrid or SSD, i.e. significantly faster) and one system - Windows 8, which is always with you. On the one hand, they are more portable (you take the entire device with you), on the other hand, they cannot act as a media station and are slower. Here it is important to understand that the devices are different, but only the buyer can evaluate which one is suitable for whom. In this matter, you should be guided primarily by your own opinion.

Much the same can be said about laptops with large screens, which many see as an alternative. I have used them and I can say that a large laptop is significantly less convenient to carry than a tablet from ASUS Transformer AiO P1801, and it also takes up more space. It has its advantages (for example, the ability to remove it from the table, hide it, take it out of the apartment, etc.), but still, it is not always so convenient at home.

Judging by the totality of its features, the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 can be called a unique device, and the whole question is how many people this uniqueness meets the needs of. Therefore, carefully evaluate how suitable it is for you and your tasks. We should probably end here. We discussed the pros and cons of the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 so many times during the review that there is no point in repeating it.

Finally, I think no one will dispute the fact that our guest today is full of originality.

Unreal Asus Transformer AiO P1801. Computer or tablet?

Many of us have been waiting for this device for a hundred years. Finally, a computer can be transformed into a tablet, and today in our review, the Asus transformer AiO P1801 (P1801-B093K/90PT00I1000950Q) is two in one: a computer, an all-in-one PC, a dual-operator that can turn into a tablet.

Where to begin?

Our eyes are wide open because we have already seen laptops that turn into tablets. And this is the world's first computer that can be two devices at the same time. That is, initially, it is a candy bar, very compact, which does not have huge system units, but has a small charger, like from a laptop. And then, with a slight movement, you remove the screen from the stand, turning it into a very large tablet!

Combined the seemingly incompatible: Windows8 and Android4.1. Therefore, we will review two devices: a computer and a tablet. If you're tired of sitting at your desk, you take off your tablet, get comfortable, and work comfortably. Because problems on a global scale need to be solved with convenience.

Since the famous Asus creatives received a red ball for the design of the transformer, and this is neither more nor less than the Red Dot Design Award - an authoritative award in the field of design, let's start with the appearance.

Appearance of the Asus transformer

The guys from Asus your idea of ​​devices, and here our transformer is just an alien from the future. The screen is installed on the docking station. She stands on the table, on a strong aluminum leg, which can bend 30 degrees back, and at the same time does not lose her balance, and the tablet does not fly off her. All this is thanks to the rubber pads, and the candy bar is intact and the table is scratch-free.

Very beautiful black gloss, aluminum bottom and a heavy plastic back, which is warm: the “brains” heat up in it and the cooler hums. It is on this part that all the connectors and ports are located, of which there is simply an infinite number:

• 4xUSB 3.0, 1xUSB 2.0
• 1x HDMI, Ethernet
• 1 x mini USB 2.0
• 1 x Audio Input 3.5
• 1 x Audio output 3.5
• Card reader
• 3 in 1 (SD/COHC/MMC)

The most important button here is the blue button, located on the side panel of the tablet; it switches from computer mode to tablet mode. And to be more precise, with her using Windows is being replaced by Android, but you can work with one and the other operating system at the same time, this is very important.

On the base itself there is an interesting connector: this miracle comes with wireless mouse and keyboard. If this mouse connector is installed in this connector, then both components will work on both Android and Windows, and you do not need to rearrange this receiver all the time or carry it with you. It is clear that this connector is your assistant.

You can immediately say that the keyboard is incomparable, with a pleasant action, full-fledged, lightweight, with keys adapted for Android. The Esc key turns into a back button. The mouse is also not bad, very sharp, but this is adjustable. But with vibration scroll, there are people who are not used to it, but if you like it, you won’t want to use another one. The shape of the mouse may also not seem very comfortable, since it is low, but everything else is just great!

The mouse will require two batteries, and you will also receive two chargers in the kit: one for the desktop and the other for the tablet. The charger for the monoblock is the main one, so there is no need to connect two charges to the device at the same time. Neither a computer nor a tablet will charge faster because of this.

19-inch tablet made of glossy glass on one side and silver aluminum on the other. Of course, you can’t take such a miracle with you on the road - it’s too big and cumbersome. On the back panel there is not a hook to hang it on the wall, but a carrying handle. There, lower, there is a special leg on which the tablet rests.

As a monoblock, the screen is quite mediocre in size, so this screen can be removed and you will get a very interesting tablet of impressive size with Full-HD resolution and IPS matrix. IPS technology provides wide viewing angles. With bright, deep colors and fairly wide viewing angles. To be honest, the picture is simple. Everything is fine as usual, and this is a little upsetting. We can assume that this is just a good, high-quality image.

How to manage?

You can control it not only with a mouse and keyboard; the sensor supports up to 10 touches. True, the screen is monstrously soiled and made from a special anti-aliasing coating, which is really in short supply. And taking into account the fact that it is glossy, the information is not visible on it, and your reflection is all in the prints. The only good thing about this gloss is that you can fix your hair and even your makeup without leaving your workplace! In short, in general, the screen performance is good, but standard:

Width 466.6 mm, height 376 mm, depth 162 mm. Monoblock weight 6.5 kg, tablet weight 2.4 kg.

Yes, when you remember that this is the screen of an all-in-one tablet, the good mood returns again. This unique design will live in your home.

Monoblock

I really want to take this sandwich apart. On the rear panel of the monoblock are the brains: the processor, video card and hard drive. But at the same time, the tablet also has a full-fledged mind. As a computer, you get a very compact device without unnecessary wires and a compact screen running Windows 8. A full-fledged platform and processor allowed this PC to handle everything your heart desires. Maybe your soul desires a race? Agree, everything is going great! Nothing that will stop you from driving around the city or shooting at people you don’t like. You won't see any unpleasant lags or any slag that makes your head swell.

Is it worth saying after this that you can easily and simply do all your paperwork on it, solve work issues, surf the Internet, open 150 tabs at once, watch movies, play drums, edit videos, edit photos, draw projects, layouts, and even play minesweeper. That is, do everything for which you previously had to buy a heavy computer, and give it half a room and a decent fan.

And now it’s just a small monoblock, and charging, like from a laptop, and not a centimeter more. Don't forget about touch screen, which was invented for the “eight”. After all, it has long been known that a keyboard + mouse + touch screen is the key to success and strong relationships in which there is no hatred and misunderstanding.

Let's say that the base can live without a tablet. This is a fully functioning brain that can be connected via video output to a screen and used as system unit. This means that if you have an additional screen at home, you can cut this device in half and not despair at all about it.

Remote Desktop

In general, during the tests, this device surprises many times: if you work on Windows, but your back is tired and you urgently need to relocate, you remove the screen and work on a tablet, but, thanks to a special application, the unit broadcasts to the screen Windows monitor, that is, you continue to work as on Windows, but on Android, as long as you are within the same wi-fi point. It turns out that this is your remote desktop.

True, the speed of operation in this mode leaves much to be desired. But for office tasks, will do just fine. And then click on the blue button, which we talked about at the very beginning, and switch to tablet mode on Android. You work, and if necessary, balance between Windows and Android.

Android has a special application, Splachtop Remde Desktop, which allows you to switch to the Windows monitor at any time and see how things are happening there. On the tablet at this time, you can play toys, and on Windows - a performance test or launch a toy, or download a movie, or put on a video.

As for the tablet, it looks quite amazing, and lives in two forms:

First

This is when you remove the monitor, it automatically switches operating system, and on your lap you have a tablet the size of a continent.

While some call the release of Windows 8 another “fatal failure for Microsoft, from which the company will never recover,” others are starting to produce devices that, in theory, can unlock the potential of the controversial OS. In general, you may not like the new Windows for various reasons, but you still shouldn’t deny one very important detail. It is because of this operating system that everything large manufacturers laptops began to produce devices that previously would not have lasted even a few months on the market due to lack of demand. Now the situation has changed. And although other companies are still far away from the wow effect that Steve Jobs was able to create around his new gadgets, we believe that they still have a long way to go.

The hero of this review, ASUS Transformer AiO P1801, is one of the “new wave” devices. Of course, the same wow effect as the first one MacBook Air, this device did not create. But when, during the official presentation of ASUS CEO Johnny Shih, he unhooked the screen from his candy bar and went to work with it at the other end of the room, many were surprised.

ASUS Transformer AiO P1801

So, first we will look at the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 as an all-in-one PC on Windows 8, and then we will detach the tablet from it and take a good look at it separately. In the section dedicated to testing, we will also have two sets of tests - for a tablet and an all-in-one PC, respectively.

⇡ Appearance

ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 - all-in-one

As a monoblock, the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 looks very good, although 18.4 inches of diagonal will not be enough for work for everyone. The hero of our article looks a little thick, despite all the efforts of ASUS engineers and designers. Alas, it is still impossible to hide “heavy” computer hardware and the tablet mounting mechanism in a compact case. And if you can’t get rid of the thick body, then there is only one thing left to do - make it beautiful. This is exactly what ASUS managed to do, because the Red Dot Design Award - which was awarded to the ASUS Transformer AiO - is not awarded to all devices.

Monoblock ASUS Transformer AiO P1801

Perhaps the design of ASUS Transformer AiO can be called minimalistic. Fortunately, this candy bar doesn’t have any riot of colors and gloss. Although ASUS did not completely get rid of glossy surfaces. Not only the screen, but also the black glass panel of the stand acts as a collector of prints. Which, however, is completely hidden behind the installed tablet.

All-in-one ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 without tablet screen

In general, the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 looks good - both with and without a tablet screen. Therefore, if you don’t want to work behind an 18-inch glossy screen, you can connect any external monitor or TV to the all-in-one.

ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 power supply

Almost all of the candy bar's ports are located on its left panel. There are four USB 3.0 ports, two 3.5 mm audio jacks for headphones and a microphone, a card reader and a Kensington lock. On the right panel of ASUS Transformer AiO you can only find the slot for the Supermulti DVD RW slot drive and USB connector 2.0, which is very convenient to connect a transmitter from a keyboard and mouse. There are only three connectors on the back panel, which are recessed into a small niche. These are Ethernet, HDMI-out and a connector for connecting a power supply. As for the front of the all-in-one, there is only a power button and a hard drive activity indicator.

The Transformer's audio system is represented by two small speakers located in the lower part of the body. Despite the fact that the candy bar uses ASUS SonicMaster technology, which should improve the sound of the device, Transformer AiO plays like regular laptop. Well, you understand.

Like any decent all-in-one PC, ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 is equipped with a wireless keyboard and mouse. The keyboard of the ASUS Transformer AiO turned out to be good, although it is very similar to the analogues that can be found in boxes with other all-in-one PCs. Our editorial office received the American version of the candy bar, which means the keyboard layout turned out to be appropriate - with a long left “shift” and a flat “enter”. Another of its “tricks” is the “house” key, which is located next to the right Alt. This was done, as you might guess, for the Android OS - usually in place of the “house” there is a Windows key. Also on the keyboard you can see several more buttons that will be useful exclusively in Android. The key travel is soft and pleasant, albeit a little deeper than regular laptop keys. The buttons are not backlit.

Keyboard ASUS Transformer AiO P1801

Battery compartment of ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 keyboard

The mouse on the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 is made of metal. This is perhaps the first feature of the manipulator. Its second feature is that instead of the middle key there is a rectangular touch field that supports both horizontal and vertical scrolling. In addition, hidden under this “microtouchpad” is a tiny vibration motor, which gives a kind of feedback while scrolling. The solution is undoubtedly unusual, but it takes a while to get used to it.

Mouse from ASUS Transformer AiO P1801

The mouse and keyboard work without problems in both Windows and Android. But in the second case you can’t do it without the need to connect both the tablet and the transmitter to the stand. The tablet itself does not find the peripherals.

⇡ Tablet ASUS Transformer AiO P1801

The ASUS Transformer AiO tablet is the most controversial part of the gadget. All the “pills” that were in our editorial office earlier were much smaller and lighter than our today’s test subject. We repeat: the diagonal of the tablet is 18.4 inches, and it weighs two and a half kilograms. You can’t put such a tablet in your pocket, and it won’t fit into any backpack. In general, compared to Apple iPad the new “transformer” looks impressive to say the least.

ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 tablet compared to Apple iPad

Getting used to such a screen is not very easy. Despite the fact that the screen resolution is 1920x1080 pixels, many interface objects sometimes seem too large. This is especially noticeable in the browser, store Google Play and in games that do not support Full HD resolution. It's probably all about the landscape orientation of the tablet - as soon as you turn it 90 degrees, many things fall into place. For example, working with applications becomes much more convenient, and navigating Google Play is much easier. In addition, in the menu itself, mail and those applications that are “friendly” with a large screen resolution, everything is fine even in landscape orientation.

ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 tablet in portrait orientation

Let's return to the description of the tablet. Almost all of its connectors and control keys are located on the right panel. There you can find the power button, volume control, blue key for switching the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 operating mode (Android, Windows, remote desktop), as well as a slot for Micro SD, a Mini USB connector and two 3.5 mm audio jacks. The tablet's power connector is also located on right side, that's just Charger you will have to buy it separately. The connector of the included charger is simply larger than the hole in the tablet, and the included adapter itself is intended only for the stand, so you will only have to charge the tablet through it. On the panel of the tablet there is a single hole for the Kensington lock, and below you can find a proprietary connector for connecting the device to the stand. Top panel not burdened by any keys or connectors.

Unfortunately, the purpose of the Mini USB port remains unclear. Connecting the tablet to other PCs using this port did not lead to anything, and if you look at the instructions, it turns out that this port is intended “for connecting external devices.” But we couldn’t understand which ones exactly. If we are talking about USB-host, then the required adapter It was not included in the package and - according to the same instructions - it was not provided for.

There is nothing on the back of the tablet except a handle to carry it and a folding stand. Using the latter, you can install the tablet at an angle from 30 to 100 degrees. For watching videos or Internet sites, such a stand is simply necessary, especially taking into account the weight and size of the test subject.

In our high-tech and progressive times, releasing Android devices onto the market without a modified shell is considered bad manners. Therefore, every manufacturer is trying as hard as he can. In the case of ASUS Transformer AiO P1801, nothing new happened - the company followed an already beaten path. As a result, the interface of the tablet we are considering is the same as that of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime. With all its pros and cons.

Of the biggest disadvantages, it is worth noting the inconvenient location of the application bar call button, which is still located on the right top corner screen. We noticed exactly the same drawback with Transformer Prime: when the tablet was on its keyboard stand, reaching for this virtual key was not very pleasant. Let us remember that the screen size of Transformer Prime was “only” 10 inches. For the hero of our review, this is already 18.4 inches, and the tablet itself is a little further from the user than the Transformer Prime, that is, reaching for this button has become two or even two and a half times less convenient. The situation could be corrected by a special key on the keyboard, but, unfortunately, either the manufacturer did not provide for it, or it cannot be done due to Android limitations. If you remove the Transformer AiO from the stand, then the problem described above, for obvious reasons, disappears.

The issue of interaction between Windows and Android has been resolved, in our opinion, very successfully. When the tablet is placed on the stand, its storage is automatically available in Windows, but the speed of copying files - especially large videos - leaves much to be desired. As soon as you remove the tablet from the stand, it will immediately switch to Android and launch pre-installed application Splashtop Streamer, with which you can connect to the stand via a wireless network and display the Windows desktop on the tablet screen. This technology is very similar to Wireless Display from Intel. But, unlike Intel solutions, where the computer and monitor communicate on their own separate wireless network, in Splashtop Streamer, all “communication” between the tablet and its stand occurs through the router. In our opinion, this approach is much more convenient than Intel WiDi, because for Laptop Streamer you do not need to install a mountain of special software and carefully select hardware. And the distance from the screen to the computer becomes not as critical as in the case of WiDi. Overall quality remote access to Windows in Splashtop Streamer is limited only by the speed and coverage of your wireless network.

On the back panel, on the left and right edges of the tablet, you can see two small speakers covered with plastic grilles. The tablet sounds average, although it is quite enough for watching videos.

The front-facing 1-megapixel camera is quite suitable for video conferencing. For the same “Skype” it is enough.

⇡ Technical specifications

About appearance We have already described the “all-in-one tablet” ASUS Transformer AiO P1801, now it’s time to look at its specifications.

Technical characteristics of the monoblock look quite ordinary for a PC of this class. A quad-core processor, 4 gigabytes of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce GT730M video card (powered by Kepler architecture), as well as a Wi-Fi adapter capable of connecting to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Our instance has Transformer AiO installed Intel processor Core i5-3350P and we think it's optimal processor for such a monoblock. There are four cores on its chip, which means there should be no problems with performance, despite the fact that this CPU does not have Hyper support Threading. But its frequency is only a hundred megahertz lower than that of the i7-3770, which is installed in the most expensive modification of the Transformer AiO. Here, in fact, are all the main characteristics of the stand for the ASUS Transformer AiO P1801 tablet.

Tablet specifications, unfortunately, not as impressive as we would like. The NVIDIA Tegra 3 T30L system-on-chip, which nowadays is considered average, is responsible for the performance. Its four main ARM Cortex-A9 cores are capable of overclocking to 1.7 GHz; and the fifth core, the maximum frequency of which is limited to five hundred megahertz, is intended for “light” operating mode. Like Twitter, checking new photos of cats on Facebook, on your favorite sites and in mail. The GeForce ULP video subsystem, which operates at 416 MHz, is responsible for graphics processing.

The tablet's battery capacity, unfortunately, remains unknown. The manufacturer's website indicates a value of 38 watts, but it is difficult to say what exactly it means. Most likely, this is a trivial error and the battery capacity is 38 Wh.