Overview of the transformer ASUS Transformer Book Flip TP500LA

Transformer laptops have always been the “fad” of ASUS. Actually, the term "transformer" entrenched in the market precisely because of the products of this manufacturer. In the Transformer Book series, there are many different devices that have occupied their niche. All transformers, being laptops, in one way or another can turn into tablets: for some, the lid is detachable from the base, and for others, displays are able to fold back 360 degrees. And today I want to tell you about the representative of the second variety, the new model - ASUS Transformer Book Flip TP500LA.

Specifications (underlined values ​​correspond to the considered sample)

• Processor :
Intel® Core ™ i7 4510U Processor
Intel® Core ™ i5 4210U Processor
Intel® Core ™ i3 4030U Processor
• Operating system :
Windows 8.1 Pro
Windows 8.1
• RAM : DDR3L 4 GB, 1600 (OC) MHz
• Display :
15.6 inches, 16: 9 HD (1366x768)
15.6 inches, 16: 9 Full HD (1920x1080)
• Graphics : Integrated Intel® HD Graphics 4400
• Data warehouse :
500 GB HDD 5400
500 GB HDD 5400 + 24 GB SSD
750 GB HDD 5400
750 GB HDD 5400 + 24 GB SSD
1 TB HDD 5400
1 TB HDD 5400 + 24 GB SSD
1.5 TB HDD 5400
1.5 TB HDD 5400 + 24 GB SSD
• Card reader : 2-in-1 (SD / SDHC)
• Camera : VGA
• Network :
802.11 b / g / n
10/100/1000 / Gigabits Base T
Bluetooth 4.0
• Interfaces :
1 x audio jack
1 x USB 3.0
2 x USB 2.0
1 x RJ45
1 x HDMI
• Sound : stereo speakers with support for SonicMaster Lite and MaxxAudio
• Battery : three cell, 48 W * hour
• Power supply :
Output: 19 V DC, 3.42 A, 65 W
Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Dimensions : 380 x 258 x 22 cm (W x H x T)
• Weight : 2.1 kg
• Protection : password protection access HDD

Complete set and appearance

The box is decorated in the traditional ASUS ASUS black and gray color scheme with a color image of the device. Included is only a relatively large charger.



The transformer is quite large, still 15.6-inches. The cover is black, made of brushed aluminum with a light vertically oriented texture.



The display surface is glossy, above it is the "eye" of the webcam.



The upper panel of the transformer housing is made of silver aluminum. This solution contrasts favorably with the black cover, the gadget looks more fun.



The case is uniform in thickness, no ergonomic tilt of the keyboard is provided. It is for the better: when the lid is fully folded and the transformer turns into a pseudo-tablet, you can twist it as you please, the grip will be the same everywhere, there will be no discomfort from the fact that the device is thicker on one side and thinner on the other.



The lid attachment is powerful enough, double-hinged. When opening there is no backlash or squeaks. The stroke is quite tight so that the lid does not hang under its weight.





The keyboard is recessed into the flush case. I am glad that the Cyrillic alphabet is painted with a different color, pleasant light green. There are no complaints about the keystroke, pressing is clear and smooth, the keys do not warp or rattle. The touchpad is large, with good touch sensitivity. It is pleasantly slightly rough, but it does not interfere with work.



In the upper right corner are the indicators of the mode "in the plane", Caps Lock and Num Lock.



The bottom of the transformer is unremarkable; here you can see only the ventilation grille, rubber feet and two narrow slits of the stereo speakers.



On the left side there are: Kensington lock, hardware Windows button, two USB 2.0 ports, a volume rocker and a transformer power button.



The Windows button is similar to the one on the keyboard:



At the front end there are only power and charge indicators on the left side.





On the right side there are: audio connector, USB 3.0 and HDMI ports, card reader, LAN and power connector.



Also on the front end of the lid itself there is such a ledge:



At first glance, its purpose is incomprehensible - the lid opens perfectly without nails clinging to the protrusion, and this is completely inconvenient. Upon further inspection, two small rubber protrusions along the edges of the front end of the case were found:



After that, everything fell into place: after all, we have a transformer that can be used as a tablet, and in any orientation, including upside down. If you want to watch the video, then the usual tablet has to either lean against something, or hold in your hands, or put. In this sense, the transformer has an advantage: it is enough to leave a small gap between the lid and the body, and the device can be placed vertically on a hard surface with a hut. And here you need a protrusion on the lid and rubber feet - the device does not slip, and the ends do not wipe or scratch.

Display

The review has a model with a display resolution of 1366x768. At 15.6 inches diagonally, the pixels are quite large, and the image is “grainy”.



However, it is noticeable only at first, and then you cease to notice. The display is covered with a glossy protective glass with oleophobic coating. Nevertheless, the prints remain on the glass no worse than that of ordinary tablets.

Since the TN matrix is ​​applied here, the viewing angles are rather small. However, the overall color rendition is good, without any pronounced accents. The margin of brightness is medium; in the bright sun, the contrast of the image can be rather low.

Please note that there is a sale of another model of this transformer, equipped with a display with a resolution of Full HD on the IPS matrix.

Sound

The sound quality is very high, even despite the small gap of the speakers. For games and movies, the volume margin is enough, but if you are in a noisy environment, it is better to use headphones - the volume margin is small.

Software

The operating system here is Windows 8.1. From additional software can be noted ASUS PhotoDirector, a utility for editing photos and creating collages.

Performance

I want to draw your attention that the review was a copy with a single drive, 1 TB hard drive. However, there are modifications on sale with an additional SSD-drive, which, naturally, will positively affect the overall performance.

The result of the Winchester benchmark:



Cinebench R15:



Unigine Heaven 4.0:

Duration of work

With active surfing with listening to music and watching videos on Youtube, every 30 minutes, the transformer worked for 6 hours and 20 minutes. At the same time, the display brightness was set at about 50%. When watching movies (HD and FullHD), the battery lasted for 4.5 hours. The inclusion of energy-saving mode and reducing the brightness to a minimum will increase the duration of work.

Conclusion

This model is not designed to pull heavy games, the video card is not a game. But it also has its advantages - the device heats up poorly and in the majority of situations it works very quietly. In addition, less hot filling does not require a powerful and metal-intensive cooling system, which had a positive effect on the weight of the transformer. This is an important point, given the large size of the device and usage scenarios as a tablet. If you need high performance in games, then in this line of transformers there is also a model with a discrete video card.

First of all, ASUS TP500L can be advised as a working device for occupations where high mobility is required, where you need to work on the move, show a lot. Transformer allows you to comfortably work with documents and to correspond, and if necessary it can be turned into a tablet and hold a presentation, take on an object or some kind of event.

Of ordinary users, the transformer will be of interest to those who often need the functionality of both a laptop (comfortable keyboard) and a tablet (mobility), but at the same time do not want to produce a fleet of devices and value universal solutions.

Recommended retail price: from 51 thousand rubles