Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet (Black) Review
July 13, 2010 - I uploaded multiple videos showing my hands-on review and tutorials on this netvertible.So far, I've done 4 videos: first impressions, OS and RAM upgrade tutorial, Inking & Touchscreen hands-on, and a video showing Plants VS Zombies played on the Touchscreen. Some elements I may not have stated in this review may be shown in the videos. You can find them by searching "t101mt" at mycoretechs*com. Change the * to a .
First Impressions
I am very impressed with this tablet netbook. Right out of the box, my first impressions of its chassis is that it is very sexy. Let me elaborate on that. The casing material is made out of an anti-fingerprint matte material. This includes the palm rest and the keyboard. The screen bezel is still made out of the same glossy material as the previous ASUS netbooks. I like the brushed white strip design on the back of the screen- it certainly adds to the design.
Upgraded
As with many users here, I agree that to enjoy this netbook, as well as to unlock its full potential, one must do a couple of upgrades. I added a Corsair Memory VS1GSDS800D2 1 GB PC2-6400 800Mhz 200-pin DDR2 Laptop Memory Kit. The RAM upgrade really helps with the system's responsiveness (including inking) and multitasking capability. Besides the RAM, I also installed a copy of Windows 7 ultimate. Home Premium and up will unlock the multi-touch capabilities of the touchscreen. As you read this, treat each and every one of my findings as based on this upgraded version.
I'd like to add this to those who are interested in hard drive upgrades. I will make a video of this next month, but for now, here's what I know based tinkering. The hard drive bay is right under the keyboard. The keyboard is removed by inserting a small pin or precision screwdriver into 4 mini holes and lifting the keyboard unit up. There is a small sticker that says it will void warranty if removed. After removing a number of screws, the hard drive is exposed. I will be adding an SSD (or maybe an SSD hybrid) next month and will update you on this. Besides the limitation of the Atom CPU, the stock hard drive is what really provides the slightly slow program loads.
Keyboard
The keys are tremendously pleasant to type on. ASUS used the same keyboard type as the Eee PC 1201N- island chiclet keys. If you are used to keyboards without any space in between, it will take a few hours to get used to this, but as any of my friends who tried it, you will eventually come to like its spacing, as it prevents typo on this limited space. What I personally like is that this time around, ASUS placed a second Function key (one next to the left CTRL key and another under the Enter key on the far right). This allows users to use one hand to set the volume level, as well as reach other keyboard functions that are placed on the right side of the keyboard. Note: I just wanted to throw this out there- out of many netbooks I've used, I still believe the very best, in terms of ergonomics and feel, is the HP Mini 311's.
Touchscreen
The special attraction that makes this netbook unique is its touchscreen feature. The resistive touchscreen has two touch points which gives users the best of both resistive and capacitve worlds. Let me explain this, resistive screen allows users to use a stylus pen or any sharp-pointed object (like a fingernail's tip) to write on and control the smallest details on the screen. So you can literally draw and write, with the system being able to detect your strokes.
Although, this does not compare against a capacitive screen's WACOM digitizer pen, which as the name suggests, uses digital inputting and will not only read each stroke but also the users' pen pressure. But the advantage of resistive over capacitive is that, capacitive requires a special stylus or a digitizer pen to be able to do any inking. iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch all uses capacitive screens. If you have one of these devices, you will notice that it requires your finger to control the screen and will not read any stylus or fingernail strokes.
Now, with the T101MT netbook, the two touch points allow users to switch from Pen mode to Finger mode. Think of the Finger mode as imitating a capacitive screen. It uses two touch points (where Penmode uses one) and allows users to do what capacitive screens can do: multi-touch, pinching, expanding, two finger scroll.
Screen Quality
Some reviewers are claiming that this has a grainy look. I would like to add that although it does have this look (which all touchscreens have), it is quite unnoticeable unless you really put your face on the screen. I'd hate to keep bringing the Apple devices up, but to compare the graininess, the T101MT looks way less grainy than the iTouches.
Another quality I like is that this netvertible has a matte screen. It will still attract skin oil but it resists finger prints. The included stylus has a rounded tip which glides on the screen- it will not scratch your screen at all. I won't be the only one using this netvertible so I decided to protect it anyway. I placed a AG2 Anti-Glare Screen Protector for 10.1" Widescreen Netbooks on the screen. This screen protector will NOT alter the screen's quality, brightness, or touch sensitivity. It also comes with a microfiber cloth to clean the screen, really useful.
Speakers
The speakers are placed under the palm rests, on the front of the netbook. The sound is acceptable for such a small unit. It is not tinny at all. It's loud but not booming.
Battery
I get about 4-5 hours of use per battery charge, always on Windows 7 High Performance mode (not to be confused with ASUS Super Hybrid Engine). My tasks, though, are pretty inconsistent- sometimes I'm writing on my blog, or watching videos, or web browsing, or playing 2D games, but these numbers are the average amount of hours I get. Balanced mode will surely add an hour or two, depending on the tasks.
I'd also like to add that doing some CPU-taxing tasks, like streaming videos and playing games, will require me to use the Super Performance Mode of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, which brings me to CPU usage.
CPU Capability
This is a netbook. Once you accept its capabilities, you will like it. If you require more computing and graphics power on a tablet notebook, look into the HP TM2T series which uses CULV/Core i UM CPUs and optional discrete graphics, but at double the costs. There are certainly more "higher-end" netbooks around, like the ones with the Nvidia ION GPU and even the Alienware M11X, but these have a different focus and lack touchscreen features. You are getting the T101MT for its touchscreen feature in a netbook size, that's the bottom line.
Having said all that, the T101MT's Atom N450 runs at 1.6Ghz and is snappy for a netbook, but watching videos, it helps to run it on 1.85Ghz by using the Super Performance Mode of the ASUS S.H.E. To match the screen's resolution of 1024x600 and to alleviate the CPU's capability, it is best to watch lower resolution videos and switching it to full screen. I streamed a Simpsons episode on Hulu using 288p and running it at full screen without any lag. It will lag on 360p. But on Youtube, fullscreen 360p will not lag, anything higher will. As for videos on your hard drive, it is best to convert them to widescreen 480p. That's 720 pixels horizontal and 480 pixels vertical. Since the physical size of the screen isn't that big to begin with, you will not notice much quality difference from a 480p video to an hd video. It's also worth adding that it cannot decode 720p videos, it will stutter and chug.
Gaming
Getting this netbook brought me back some nostalgic moments. By this, I mean I dug up old copies of 2D and less intensive 3D games in storage. I installed some point and click games to take advantage of the touchscreen. This includes a bunch of Dash games for my girlfriend. We both enjoy Plants VS Zombies. I also installed games for casual gaming, like classic strategy games such as Warcraft III, Age of Empire, and even my dilapidated copy of StarCraft. Adventure games like Space Quest series, Syberia, The Longest Journey, Tales/Secret of Monkey Island and the Broken Sword series are also installed and run flawlessly. Some 2D casual, mystery, clue-finder games made by PopCap Games are fun on-the-go. There are still some gaming gems in the late 90s and early 2Ks that will run on this system. Like I said, once you accept and understand its full capabilities, this goes for any netbook, you can proceed to install the right software and have some fun.
ExpressGate
This is a nice addition for emergency internet use, in my opinion. Although it is a fast Splashtop, I generally do not use it, because Windows 7's loadtime does not bother me.
If you found this review helpful, please mark as Helpful. Leave a comment if you have any questions or if you did not find this helpful. Please do not mark as unhelpful until I answer your concerns or corrections. Visit my blog to watch the video reviews and tutorials. You can find them by searching "t101mt" at mycoretechs*com. Change the * to a .
Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet (Black) Feature
- Intel ATOM N450 CPU
- 1GB DDR2 1 x SODIMM slot; up to 2G; 160GB HDD; no optical drive
- 10.1" Touch Screen (Multi Touch functionality when loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium OS)
- 802.11 bgn; 3M pixel camera
- Windows 7 Starter OS; 35W/h polymer (Up 6.5* Hrs)
Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet (Black) Overview
10.1" / 1024x600 (WSVGA), Touch Screen-Multi Touch (Multi-Touch only works with Windows 7 Home Prem or higher) / Intel ATOM N450 CPU / 1GB DDR2 / Intel UMA / 160GB HDD / No ODD / Windows 7 Starter + Express Gate / 802.11 bgn / BT / 0.3M Pixel / 35W/h polymer (Up 6.5 Hrs) / Included: +500GB Internet Storage / 1 Year Global Warranty, (6 months for battery) / Black
Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet (Black) Specifications
The Eee PC T101MT-EU17 tablet netbook has a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with touch-optimized software for quick and easy access to your favorite applications and websites. Transforming the rotating screen into tablet mode makes using the Eee PC T101MT fun and simple for showing off photos, giving presentations, or surfing the Web. Plus, the Intel Atom N450 processor with the battery-boosting ASUS Super Hybrid Engine delivers efficient performance and exceptional unplugged freedom that lasts up to 6.5 hours4. Included also is a retractable stylus that tucks neatly into the chassis and extends for ease of use. And with ASUS PenWrite Technology that intelligently distinguishes the writing stylus from your palm built into the display, you’re assured a smooth and natural writing experience.
The Eee PC T101MT also has high-speed wireless N connectivity, 500GB of ASUS WebStorage2, and many more features that simplify your everyday life.
Key Features
- 10.1-inch Eee PC T101MT tablet netbook is ultra slim and light for easy on-the-go portability (Learn more)
- Convertible tablet design with retractable stylus writing tool makes note-taking and navigating easy and fun (Learn more)
- Responsive touch display for precise navigation throughout your everyday activities (Learn more)
- Intel Atom N450 processor that’s even more power efficient for extended mobility
- ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that innovatively saves battery life and boosts performance
- Palm-detecting PenWrite Technology for easy and natural note taking (Learn more)
- Eee Docking provides easy shortcuts to digital content, services, and applications (Learn more)
- High-speed wireless N Wi-Fi networking for faster wireless connectivity (802.11 b/g/n @ 2.4GHz) (Learn more)
- LivCam with 4x digital zoom for enhanced Web communications and video capturing (Learn more)
- F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy operating system recovery (Learn more)
- Express Gate boots up in only 8 seconds for quick access to music, the Internet, and more1
- 500GB of ASUS WebStorage for a secure, convenient way to backup, share, and access your data2 (Learn more)
Learn More
Portable Design & Touch Display
 | The Eee PC T101MT is one of the slimmest tablet netbooks in its class, making it the ideal Eee PC for those little tray tables in coach or for your briefcase. The Eee PC T101MT has a vivid 10.1-inch touchscreen display that can be used as a standard Eee PC or be quickly rotated to transform it from a standard netbook into a tablet PC - great for when you’re on the move. The responsive touchscreen is perfect for easily surfing the web, checking emails, and flipping through ebook pages with a simple flick of your fingers. For precision writing or drawing, you can also use the included extendable stylus that is balanced for optimal weight distribution. And with included palm-detecting PenWrite Technology, you can comfortably rest your palm on the display and be assured that the Eee PC T101MT’s screen will intelligently distinguish your palm from the stylus, letting you take notes as naturally as with a pen and paper. With a display that has up to 256 levels of pressure detection, you can create detailed sketches or accurately write your personalized signature with the Eee PC T101MT. |
Touch-Optimized Apps
 | All touch-optimized applications featured on the Eee PC T101MT are specially designed to enhance your touchscreen experience with smarter features that give even more versatility and ease-of-use. Eee Docking: A conveniently located host of shortcuts to commonly used programs. ASUS @Vibe: A one-stop shop for downloading music, video, and movies at a great value. ASUS WebStorage: Convenient online storage to backup, share, and access your data anywhere you can get online. Touch Gate: Instantly enters you into a simplified desktop with applications that make the tablet mode incredibly efficient to use. Sticky Notes: Lets you effortlessly jot down notes and easily share them. Calculator: Expanded Calculator to accommodate your fingers for on-the-fly calculations. FotoFun: A touch-optimized photo app makes touching up photos and albums fun and easy. EeeTools: Access to updates and screen calibration so the Eee PC is always operating at its best. |
A Faster Online Experience and Easy Connectivity
 | The Eee PC T101MT gets you connected to your wireless world even faster with high-speed wireless N Wi-Fi connectivity. Plus, the 0.3 megapixel webcam with image-enhancing LivCam and a digital array microphone combine to give you clear video conferencing so you can have on-the-go video chats with family and friends. A spring-loaded, Plug-and-Play flash card slot (MMC/SD/SDHC) expands your storage capability so you can view and share your digital photos, videos, and external data files instantly. |
Even More Storage
 | The Eee PC T101MT has a 160GB hard drive and comes with an additional 500GB of ASUS WebStorage, a free and secure online storage for your treasured data2. ASUS WebStorage allows you to easily share and safeguard your movies, music, and files, so you can access them anywhere you can connect online. Securely and safely share your precious stored files, videos, music, and more with additional user accounts that you can create for friends, family, and colleagues. |
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
 | The Eee PC T101MT makes system restoration simple with a built-in recovery program that can reinstall your system to its original factory settings by simply pressing the F9 key during start-up. With ASUS WebStorage, you can easily back-up your data prior to system recovery so you can pick up where you left off without a hitch. |
Eee PC with Windows 7 – Life Made Easier
 | Explore the great new features of Windows 7 Starter with the Eee PC T101MT. Featuring optimized energy-saving features and easy-to-use shortcuts, the Windows operating system is redesigned to give you an enhanced user experience making your everyday tasks simpler than ever before. Plus, Windows 7 has easy networking sharing that helps connect you instantly to Wi-Fi hotspots and networking hubs. Share more with friends and surf the Web better with Windows 7 and the Eee PC T101MT. Windows 7 Starter makes Eee PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do – less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. |
A Brand That Sparked a Revolution – The First Netbook
 | In 2007, the Eee PC forever reshaped the definition of mobile computing. Birthed from the creativity and engineering brilliance of ASUS innovation, it soon became the must-have netbook across the globe. Following that year, the Eee PC brand grew into a full portfolio of highly sought-after mobile and compact PCs with one goal “to make people’s lives easier.” The first netbook to market, ASUS has continued to lead this developing category with the longest battery life, exclusive features, and world-class design. Today, Eee products are the upmost symbol of how innovative technology can bring excitement and convenience to every person it touches. |
Customer Warranty
What's in the Box
The entire Eee PC T101MT-EU17 package contains a warranty information card, Eee PC T101MT-EU17 Tablet Netbook, Retractable Stylus, and AC AdapterSpecifications
1 x VGA port (D-Sub 15 pin)
3 x USB 2.0 ports
2 x Audio jacks (Headphone & Mic-in),
All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images.
1 The actual boot time is subject to hardware configurations and product models.
2 ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model.
3 Multi-touch must be supported by operating system, Windows 7 Home Premium or higher.
4 Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. For more information, please visit http://eeepc.asus.com/global/computing.html. The estimated maximum battery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007.
| Check Out Other ASUS Notebook Computers and Accessories |
 ASUS Eee PC Seashell Optical Mouse - Black Its slim and sleek design makes the Eee PC Seashell Optical Mouse the perfect accessory for your Eee PC Seashell. |  ASUS Crosslink Cable With the ASUS Crosslink Cable you can transfer data from one computer to another, share internet connection, even read and transfer data on one computer from another computer's optical drive. |  ASUS Slim External Optical Drive/DVD Writer Create and read CDs or DVDs with speed, style, and simplicity with the ASUS Slim External Optical Drive and your Eee PC. |  ASUS Oxygen Grey 10-inch Netbook Carrying Bag Made of extremely light, durable and protective Neoprene fabric, this official ASUS sleek Oxygen carrying bag is tailored to perfectly fit your Seashell Eee PC. |  ASUS Skype Video Phone Touch SV1TS A truly revolutionary technology, the ASUS Skype Video Phone Touch allows you to make unlimited video Skype calls at a touch without a computer or additional hardware or software. |
Available at Amazon Check Price Now!
Related Products
- Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade [Starter to Home Premium]
- Kingston Technologies 1GB PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM Notebook Memory
- Corsair Memory VS1GSDS800D2 1 GB PC2-6400 800Mhz 200-pin DDR2 Laptop Memory Kit
- Kingston ValueRAM 1GB 800MHz PC2-6400 DDR2 CL5 SODIMM Notebook Memory (KVR800D2S5/1G)
- Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet (Black) Carrying Fashion Netbook Neoprene Sleeve Case (Black/Blue)
Customer Reviews
Requires tweaking - Vin -
I purchased this tablet netbook (instead of a regular netbook/laptop/or tablet like the iPad) mainly for its physical keyboard, small portability (as opposed to a bigger heavier laptop) and taking notes in class using "Microsoft Onenote 2010." I strongly do not recommend using the built-in mic to record because you can hear yourself type and write, I recommend a USB mic.
Lenevo has a similar product and is priced competitvely with the ASUS (almost a perfect substitute, Lenevo has more advertised battery life), but I stuck with ASUS for personal preference, and I just thought it looked better.
I do not recommend this for people who are not computer savvy because to get it all to run smoothly requires some tweaking. I had to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional 32-Bit. You can not install Windows 7 64-bit. I also had to install another stick of ram. Get the 1GB SO DIMM 200-Pin DDR II 667, you can only have a max of 2GB. I'd change out the drive to Solid-State Drive, but will void out the warranty, check out the forums to see how. The tablet pen and touch settings also require you to tweak settings to get it to work right for you, I'm still trying to figure out what works for me.
Considering whats currently on the market, I thought this was the best choice for me. If you can wait until late 2010, then wait.
Value for money! Everything I wanted and more - Toni Ann Mistretta - Houston, TX
This small netbook is everything I wanted in a computer for travel and meetings without spending over 0. Upgrade to Windows 7 is essential and I had to actually read some of the manual to work the pen and touchscreen correctly but I could not be happier!
The 1 GB of Ram is plenty for everyday tasks for work - email, spreadsheets, word processing.
Love it!
Great Tablet Netbook! Warning about Upgrade! - E. Sung -
So I've had this little puppy for about two weeks now and have really enjoyed using it. The interface for Windows Home Premium (must upgrade for ~) is quite nice. I was surprised by how little I actually type on a regular basis, surfing the web requires very little input. I prefer the built in windows touchscreen keypad to the Asus's software version.
So basically what the other reviewers have said is pretty accurate. I just want to add a note about upgrading.
RAM Upgrade:
RAM upgrading is very easy. I bought a 1 gig kingston laptop memory and installed it. You must go into the bios and turn boot booster to disabled before your system will recognize the new memory. (1 gig is the max upgrade.)
Hard Drive Upgrade:
Do not do it! That is the best advice I can give anyone. I bought a larger hard drive to upgrade my system but after taking out about 30 screws, taking out the keyboard, and popping most of the edges around the netbook, I could not get the back of the netbook to pry apart. I have taken apart many laptops before and installed many hard drives but this netbook is nearly impossible. I damaged some of the plastic around my netbook and I tried physically prying the edges apart up until I thought the case would crack. No luck in getting the case to open. I tried for two hours and took out every screw I could find, including two hidden under the screen's swivel base.
I have heard from other people that upgrading the hard drive is difficult and that a professional would be advised. I think "difficult" is an extreme understatement. I would give up on the upgrading the hard drive unless I was prepared for a 25% chance of damaging the computer. In the end, it was not worth it to me to possibly crack the case just to add a few gigs of space.
Overall I like the touch tablet quite a bit though.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jul 28, 2010 22:56:21
No comments:
Post a Comment