Review of the Asus EEE Slate Tablet Computer

I will admit that I have been rather cool toward the idea of tablet computers. Most of them are not even computers in the fullest sense, but simply internet appliances. They can surf the web, do email, ebooks, and simple games. For a full-featured portable computer, the choice has traditionally been a laptop. With the release of the Asus EEE Slate Tablet, the rules have changed.

This Asus tablet is a true computer, with it's ability to run Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit version), the included Bluetooth keyboard, and an Intel i5-470UM processor that runs at speeds up to 1.86 Ghz. It also includes 2 GB of internal memory that can be expanded to 4, WiFi connectivity, a 2 megapixel camera, and a 4 cell battery. Add an internal speaker, microphone, a 12.1 inch screen, and a 32 GB SSD hard drive, and you have a truly potent portable machine.

For those familiar with Android tablets or iPads, you know about how much they can and can't do. They can do a lot of simple tasks very well but are not as ideal for serious computer tasks like preparing reports, typing anything over a page long, or running serious business applications. The Asus EEE Slate Tablet can perform all these tasks with the adeptness previously found only in a laptop or desktop.

One of the big pluses for me is the included wireless Bluetooth keyboard. If you have ever tried to type on a tablet, you know that it is not meant to be used as a serious typing instrument. It might be okay for chatspeak or sending a text, but it is more impediment than aid when trying to type anything longer. The keyboard that comes with the EEE Slate is comfortable and essentially transforms this tablet into a notebook when desired.

Another welcome feature is the speed. This tablet is up and running in less than 20 seconds. That beats a lot of notebooks and most other tablets. The powerful i5 processor can handle even calculation-intensive applications like spreadsheets or games without difficulty. I have not run across a program yet that caused this tablet to slow down.

On the down side, the battery life certainly leaves something to be desired. When using intensive applications, it lasts around 3 hours. For lesser needs, I have sometimes gotten about 4 hours out of it, but either way, it certainly won't go all day. This is definitely my biggest gripe with this tablet.

The price is also still quite high for the EEE Slate, as well. It retails for almost $1,000 (it goes for $963 at amazon.com), which will probably keep it from becoming as big a seller as Android tablets or iPads. If the price were to come down about $400, I can see this becoming a major player in the tablet computer market.

If you have the money to spend, this is the best Windows tablet out there for the price. It can do anything you might want from a tablet and can double as a laptop as well. Just be aware that the battery life is less than optimal for the price.