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Asus Transformer Pad TF103 maintains the chunky design status-quo (pictures)

An affordable tablet-hybrid is a rare sight, but the underwhelmingly revamped Transformer Pad TF103 impresses more with its price tag than its design.

Xiomara Blanco
Xiomara Blanco is an associate editor for CNET Reviews. She's a Bay Area native with a knack for tech that makes life easier and more enjoyable. So, don't expect her to review printers anytime soon.
Xiomara Blanco
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1 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Portable tablet-hybrid

Portable laptops usually float around the 13-inch size, so the 10.1-inch Asus Transformer Pad TF103 offers a more compact build for taking your work on the go.

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2 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

New model, old look

Despite being the latest in the Transformer line of tablets, Asus chose to keep the outdated design seen in previous models.

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3 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

New easy to use hinge

The TF103 can be used with or without its keyboard dock, but since it's so thick and heavy, I found leaving it in the dock to be the best practice.

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4 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Silver button

To eject the tablet from the dock, you simply press the center button. It's easy to press and doesn't get stuck after using it a lot.

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5 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Bottom edge

Though the hinge design has improved throughout the years, it unfortunately hasn't had an effect on a sleeker design for the Transformer Pad.

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6 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Chunky like its predecessor

Even without the keyboard dock, the 10-inch tablet is a thick device. It's also heavy on the hands at 1.2 pounds (544 grams).

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7 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Thicker with the dock

The Transformer Pad TF103 is reminiscent of a netbook, especially since it's small, compact, affordable, and limited in capabilities.

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8 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Soft matte back

Asus ditched the grippy texture seen on previous models and opted for a soft matte back that's smooth on the fingertips.

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9 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Average screen resolution

Asus packs its Splendid screen calibration software on the TF103 it helps out with balancing the color of the display. HD video looks sharp, but the screen resolution is meek in comparison to pixel-packed slates like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

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10 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Cramped keyboard

The keyboard dock is smaller than what you would find on a laptop, so individuals with larger hands will find it to be a little cramped.

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