Before you buy Microsoft Surface Pro, check out the ASUS Transformer Pro T304 Windows 10 PC
The Surface Pro only just went on sale, but you might want to reconsider that purchase. Don't get me wrong, Microsoft's hybrid tablet looks great, but ASUS has a very similar new Windows 10 PC that might be better. Called "Transformer Pro T304," it features the ports that are missing from the Surface Pro, such as HDMI and USB-C -- no dongles needed. Don't worry, there is a USB Type-A port too.
Not only does the Transformer Pro T304 have plenty of ports, but plenty of horsepower too. Regardless of configuration, you get a 7th-generation Core i7-7500U and 12.6-inch display with a 2160x1440 resolution. While the display is slightly larger than Surface Pro, the resolution on the ASUS machine is less -- something to consider. For memory, 8GB is standard, but you can opt for 16GB. The increase in RAM also gets you a storage bump, going from 256GB to 512GB. The superior model also gets Windows 10 Pro rather than Home.
"The all-aluminum ASUS Transformer Pro is finished in a cool and sophisticated Pure Silver color, and comes with a sleek charcoal grey detachable keyboard. The backlit keyboard is designed to be the best ultra-slim keyboard available, with 1.4mm key travel which exceeds that of most slim mobile keyboards. The key mechanisms and silica-gel actuator domes are engineered for optimum sensitivity and tactile feedback, ensuring a comfortable laptop-like typing experience," says ASUS.
The company further says, "Traditional tablet stands often restrict the choice of viewing angle. The ASUS Transformer Pro has an integrated full-width metal kickstand with a 155° any-position step-less hinge that lets users set the screen at almost any angle they wish -- up to an almost-horizontal 170°. So whether sitting or standing at a desk, drawing on the sofa, or watching movies on the study floor, the versatile ASUS Transformer Pro allows the user to do it all in total comfort."
ASUS shares the following specifications.
| T304UA-DS71T | T304UA-XS74T | |
| Processor | Intel i7-7500U 2.7GHz (Turbo up to 3.5GHz) | Intel i7-7500U 2.7GHz (Turbo up to 3.5GHz) |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR3 | 16GB LPDDR3 |
| Display | 12.6" FHD 2160x1440 with wide viewing angles | 12.6" FHD 2160x1440 with wide viewing angles |
| Storage | 256GB SATA III SSD | 512GB SATA III SSD |
| Card Reader | Micro SD | Micro SD |
| Camera | 2MP + 8MP HD Webcam | 2MP + 8MP HD Webcam |
| Networking | 2x2 802.11ac Built-in Bluetooth™ V4.2 |
2x2 802.11ac Built-in Bluetooth™ V4.2 |
| I/O | 1x Combo audio jack 1x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 1x USB 3.0 Type-A 1x HDMI 1x AC adapter plug |
1x Combo audio jack 1x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 1 1x USB 3.0 Type-A 1x HDMI 1x AC adapter plug |
| Battery | 39Wh 2-cell | 39Wh 2-cell |
| Power Adapter | 45W Input : 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal | 45W Input : 100 -240 V AC, 50/60 Hz universal |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 11.77 x 8.30 x 0.34 inch | 11.77 x 8.30 x 0.34 inch |
The ASUS Transformer Pro T304 can be had starting today. The pricing is rather reasonable, with the base model costing $999 and the better variant (which is a Costco exclusive) going for $1,399. Unlike Microsoft Surface Pro, both the pen and keyboard case are included -- you get the full experience without the need for additional purchases. A similarly configured Surface Pro is much more expensive.
Which Windows PC do you think is better? Microsoft Surface Pro or ASUS Transformer Pro T304? Tell me in the comments.