Asus T100: Good value tablet for touring

[bohrsatom]

18 months ago I bought an Asus T100 tablet to take away on tours. It's a hybrid device, in that it has a touch screen but also a keyboard/trackpad dock.

In general I've been very happy with the machine. It has a few quirks, some of the drivers are a bit rubbish and I had some issues with the wifi (now resolved), but I think it's a fair compromise given the size of the machine.

What I like about it:

• Runs full version of Windows 8.1 so no need to rely on Windows Store Apps being available (important for me as I use Garmin Basecamp)
• Has a proper keyboard and mouse so not reliant on touchscreen for typing
• Good battery life (8-10 hours I reckon)
• Charges over USB. No need for specialist chargers, also means you can charge from a backup battery when camping
• Light weight. According to my kitchen scales the whole thing, including the dock, weighs 1130g

Unfortunately after three months in my panniers (without a case I should add!) the touch screen digitiser cracked. All was not lost though - I disabled the touch screen and have been using it as a 'regular' laptop ever since.

I originally paid £329 but Argos now has two different models, both refurbished, available on eBay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161468058404? ... rmvSB=true - £139.99 (older processor but longer battery life)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161682895564? ... rmvSB=true - £149.99 (slightly faster processor but shorter battery life)

I think that's such a good price I bought a replacement

[andy_scot_uk]

does it qualify for the windows 10.1 free upgrade?

[bohrsatom]

does it qualify for the windows 10.1 free upgrade?

Yup, I upgraded my original to Win 10 a couple of weeks back

[edocaster]

I recently got a Linx 8 tablet refurb on eBay for £50. It has a fairly similar spec, but smaller screen and tablet only - no keyboard. It's excellent value. Battery life is a little poor, but it will charge from a USB power pack without problems. I also bought a slim Bluetooth keyboard for when I need that side.

[robing]

1.1kg is a lot of extra weight. I got an Acer Iconia 7" tablet with a view to take touring. But in the end I was happy with just my smart phone. It can do all that a tablet can do, so why take the extra weight (and something else to charge)?

[simonhill]

Thanks for posting a useful review.

Nonetheless I agree that 7" tablet is far better for touring. Not only much lighter, but also much smaller. I keep my Nexus 7 in my pannier rear pocket and can whip it out to check route using GPS and Google maps.

Also easier to carry out to cafe, etc if no WiFi in hotel.

Once you get used to the touchscreen it makes standard PCs seem so c!unky.

Fair enough if you (really) need a laptop style, but I love my small tablet. A large smartphone is similar, I just don't use a phone on tour.

[bohrsatom]

Regarding weight, 1.1Kg is a lot for a tablet but not very much for a laptop .

I needed a laptop in order to run Garmin Basecamp, which is only usable with a keyboard and mouse. BaseCamp lets me plan routes offline, as you never know whether an internet connection will be available at a hotel or campsite. Then I transfer the routes to my Garmin Edge to follow during the day. The keyboard also makes blogging a bit faster and easier.

If you just need a larger device for web browsing then you can definitely find something smaller and cheaper - I'd probably take my Hudl2!.

[mrjemm]

I use basecamp on my Dell Venue 8 (8.1 at mo), with a bluetooth mouse. Works well. Have a Bluetooth keyboard too, but carry that less. The t100 is a good format though, and if they put a battery in the keyboard like my old Android version of the transformer, it would be better. Some have hard discs in them though, AIUI.

[Paulo]

Thanks for the info. May get one.

[al_yrpal]

I get on OK with a smartphone. My new one Moto E 2nd generation has an astounding battery life and does everything tablets do. I am hoping to use just that next year. It's 4 G too..

Al

[foxyrider]

My Blackberry does everything i need and its a phone @150g including charge adapter!