Asus Transformer Pad TF701T looks a lot like previous Transformer Pads (pictures)
The Asus Transformer Pad TF701T takes what's worked before and continues to rest on its success.
Eric Franklin
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
If you've any familiarity with Asus tablets, you'll likely recognize this design. It's virtually the same one Asus has used for its Android Transformer line for the last two years. This is the Asus Transformer Pad TF701T, and while it packs useful features and great performance into its $449 body -- the keyboard is $150 extra -- its design is getting long in the tooth.
2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET
Sharp, but lacks color
The 2,560x1,600-pixel-resolution screen is as sharp as they come, but the limited color gamut is disappointing compared with recent high-end rivals.
3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET
Same
Yep, this is the same unibody design from two years ago. It works, but is undeniably bulky.
4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET
Hmmm
The TF701T attached to its optional keyboard accessory. Looks quite familiar.
5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET
Cramped
The design of the optional keyboard hasn't changed much in the last two years and thanks to the Surface 2 and myriad Windows 8 tablets and hybrids, my standards for tablet keyboards have only gotten higher. This doesn't cut it anymore.
6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET
On the back
Asus seems to have followed Amazon's lead, placing power and volume buttons on the back. Let's hope it doesn't do that again.
7 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET
Camera
The back camera isn't terrible, but it fails to meet my expectations of a high-end 2013 tablet camera.
