ASUS Eee Slate EP121-1A010M 12.1-Inch Tablet PC  

Asus EP121 Introduction

The Asus Eee Slate EP121 is the first tablet from Asus to feature Windows 7 in a market dominated by Apple and Android tablets. With desktop-grade parts and features, the Eee Slate is more a computer in tablet form factor than a casual tablet device running a smartphone OS. As such it does not offer the usual bells and whistles like apps or tablet-exclusive features but it makes up for this omission by offering full PC functionality and a dual-mode touchscreen that responds both to finger and pen input. For the price you not only get a tablet but also a few more accessories than average including a Bluetooth keyboard, a Stylus pen and a folio case that you can use to prop up the Eee Slate. Primarily aimed at the business market, the Asus Eee Slate is perfect for professionals on the go who need more computing power than a netbook , Apple iPad , or Android tablet can provide.

Features

The Eee Slate boasts of a powerful computing performance and backs this up with the most powerful processor ever to be put on a tablet today: a dual core Core i5 470UM processor clocked at 1.3GHz, ensuring that speed and performance will be on par with that of a desktop. This also means that it can get hot much faster when running CPU-intensive applications.

To make the most out of the Core i5 CPU the Eee Slate also comes with 4GB of memory. This is much faster than most smartphones or tablets currently in the market today but as a result of the increased speed more power is required. Enjoy a noticeable increase in speed in boot-up and application start-up times thanks to its 64GB solid state drive.

While the Eee Slate is not marketed as a gaming device, the integrated Intel HD Graphics is still capable of running lower to mid-end games but higher end games where you need to be mindful of FPS may suffer. Videos, on the other hand, are rendered without a hitch and can run up to 1080p HD playback on the large 12.1" screen.

The Eee Slate is indeed a much larger than its other tablet counterparts. The 12.1" screen is a capacitive multi-touch LED-backlit HD display that features great color reproduction, contrast and viewing angles for a device of its size. It is also the first of its kind to include the Wacom digitizer technology. The pressure-sensitive screen allows you to use the included stylus to write and draw on the device. This is great for digital artists who want a tablet they can draw on without the need for a separate device. Taking notes in class or in the boardroom is also possible due to the polished handwriting recognition technology.

Wireless connectivity options include standard b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Ports run aplenty along the sides including a card reader, audio and mic, USB and mini-HDMI that you can use to connect your tablet to your HDTV or monitor. Running along three sides are slots for vents and speakers - the tablet needs all of the active cooling it can get due to its hot processor. The device sports a 2MP camera for taking photos or recording video.

The device also comes complete with all of the accessories you'll need for uninterrupted productivity. There's a Bluetooth keyboard for typing when you feel tired of running your finger across the screen. You can also use the folio case as a cover when not in use or as a stand to prop up the tablet for viewing on a flat surface. The stylus pen can easily be pulled out of its built-in slot for quick note-taking.  

In terms of productivity, the Eee Slate comes installed with Windows 7 Home Premium. This means that most applications that run on your desktop can also run on the device, from Microsoft Office Suite to more CPU-intensive software like Adobe Photoshop. Finger-browsing can get clunky, as Microsoft still has not perfected multi-touch support on Windows 7. Coming from an iPad or Android tablet, the Eee Slate may feel less responsive in comparison.

All of these features and computing power come with downside. The standard 4-cell battery included in the tablet can only hold up to 3 hours of usage in normal real-world application. This is not a tablet that you can just bring anywhere without worrying it will die on you in the middle of a task. Charging it is easy; the power adaptor with USB port charging function means that you can choose to charge your tablet through either an electrical outlet or your desktop computer's USB port.

The Eee Slate is a relative heavyweight in the tablet arena.  Weighing more than 2 pounds it can get unwieldy when holding in one hand and trying to finger-tap or write with the other. It sports a thin profile so you can instead choose to prop it up on the crook of your arm for a more secure grip.

Conclusion

After trailblazing the netbook scene with their Eee PC line of netbooks, Asus is looking to revolutionize the tablet space with their newest product. The Asus Eee Slate is a serious workhorse of a tablet and business professionals looking for a lighter notebook replacement may well find it in the Eee Slate's powerful features. The polished Windows 7 OS and Flash support allow it to be used in a corporate environment without a hitch. For the price, the Eee Slate also includes a number of accessories that are often sold separately on other products. The higher price point and size, however, may turn off casual users looking for a tablet for light browsing or media consumption. Mobility can be hampered by a lack of mobile broadband and the short battery life but using it in an office setting where Wi-Fi and an electrical outlet are available should solve this. Accessory options like bags are also available to protect your tablet. Overall this is a tablet made to be used for productivity-it succeeds in delivering performance.