Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi hands-on
The Transformer Book T300 Chi is ASUS's high-end Windows offering to CES 2015 goers and customers. It's an ultra-slim 0.30 inch (7.6mm) thin hybrid device that features a 12.5-inch 1440p IPS display and an Intel Core M processor. This makes it a bona-fide convertible laptop that gives you the best of both worlds!
Design
The T300 Chi's slender profile makes it the world's thinnest detachable 2-in-1 laptop, according to ASUS. It also looks quite attractive, too, although it's not on par with those machined aluminium laptops from the highest end. On the sides, you have a charging port, a windows start button, volume controls, dedicated power button, speakers, HDMI output, microUSB, microSD card slot, and the docking connectors. The keyboard is nothing out of the ordinary, but it has a trackpad and bluetooth connection. It doesn't charge the tablet, but it has its own battery as not to steal juice from it.
Display
ASUS is using high quality 12.5-inch 1440p and 1080p IPS panels that make Windows 8.1's tiles and folders come to life. We didn't notice any glaring issues with picture quality - just a crisp, consistent high-resolution image.
Processor and memory
Since the T300 Chi is an actual hybrid Windows PC, meaning PC first, tablet second, it will be sold in various configurations. For example, you can have it with the aforementioned 1440p screen, a Intel Core M 5Y71 processor at 1.2Ghz with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage, or with a 1080p screen, a Intel Core M 5Y10 processor at 0.8Ghz with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of SSD storage. The base price starts at $800.
Camera
There's only a front-facing 2MP camera on this beauty. It shoots 720p video recording and is probably alright for video calls. That aside, let's let out a collective "meh." aimed at the camera decision here, and move on.
Expectations
The Tranformer Book T300 Chi will be available in February, starting at $800. It's a nice offering to those who are after a hybrid computer with more processing edge to it, but aren't quite ready to splurge on a high-end laptop.
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