ASUS Eee Slate EP121

“Asus has designed a great device with the Eee Slate. Operating system, display and connectivity open many possibilities. It's even imaginable to occasionally use the tablet PC as a desktop replacement. In any case, the system performance is sufficient for many tasks and outshines everything that other tablets currently have to offer. Windows 7 can be used very efficiently, FullHD videos are rendered smoothly and even gaming is possible with restrictions.The flipside of the coin is the comparatively high power consumption that limits the maximum battery life to a bit over 4 hours. Additionally, there is the tablets high weight and the large dimensions that oppose mobility. In return, the system noise is present, but is usually on a very restrained level and thus stays discreetly in the background.The connectivity is basically good, but suffers under the omission of a 3G modem and the extremely stiff USB port.Beyond that, the Eee Slate's display is awesome due to its size and high resolution. Even controlling via fingers and stylus works well and the especially the latter option opens additional application fields.The vast amount of application fields is ultimately also made possible by Windows 7 that is used as the operating system. The entire bandwidth of programs and peripherals are available and don't leave anything to be desired.”

“Asus' Eee Slate EP121 is a unique Windows tablet that has a lot going for it. A beautiful 12.1in IPS screen offers both capacitive and pen feedback with the included Wacom stylus, making it an intriguing artist's and designer's tool. Powerful internals ensure Windows 7 rarely feels less than smooth, while comprehensive connectivity and surprisingly good speakers are the icing on the cake. However, poor battery life and its incredibly high price limits the Slate's appeal to a niche audience of well-heeled, productivity-oriented individuals who don't need to stray too far from a power outlet.”

“Given the current tech love affair with the more consumer-oriented tablets, it's good to see Asus offer something for serious tablet users. For that market there's plenty of good decisions at play here, and as a productive device, it's particularly impressive in the hands of artists and designers.Unfortunately, while there's plenty of poke in this machine, it doesn't quite do enough to make it worth considering outside of its intended niche. Part of this problem is down to how Windows works, and how while it does offer great compatibility, its foibles are too great compared to the latest Android 3.0 and iOS machines.”

“This is one of the best Windows 7 tablets we’ve seen in years, and one of the few slate designs that targets not just artists and verticals but consumers. The $999 to $1,099 price tag might sound high relative to consumer notebooks, but it’s much cheaper than 12” Windows slates that target business users in healthcare, real estate and the like. We love the no-compromise Core i5 ULV CPU that can easily handle Photoshop, Alias Sketch Book, Painter, MS Office and coding applications. The display is simply wonderful, and graphic artists should be pleased despite the glossy glass. The tablet runs cool and quiet, but we do wish battery life were better (though we find 3 hours acceptable). Build quality, design, ergonomics and looks are top notch, and Asus includes useful accessories like the portfolio case, Microsoft 6000 Bluetooth keyboard and a microfiber cleaning cloth. If you need the power of Windows and all the applications that go with that OS, but want a tablet form factor with touch and pen, it’s hard to beat the Asus Eee Slate EP121.”