First Impressions:
This thing is HUGE! Not just impressive or imposing, but unwieldy. There’s no debate over the largest Android tablet device out there, nothing else even comes close. Most Android devices are compared with phones or tablets, and this just …. isn’t. The display measures 18½ inches wide and 12 inches tall making the Transformer a rival for the iMac in size, and as a desktop PC running Windows 8, it’s very similar to the Apple all-in-one solution. But what clearly sets it apart (pun intended) is when the display comes off the base and becomes a tablet PC running the Android OS - a tablet that weighs 5 freakin’ pounds!
This type of device may provide the first real digital game board. Board games like Monopoly, Risk, Aggravation, Settlers of Catan, etc. play much differently on computers for two big reasons: moving pieces and taking turns. Moving a piece (and especially more than one) becomes cumbersome and takes away from the fun of playing. This huge tablet might just be the answer to both. Obviously a touch screen would make selecting and moving pieces less of a hassle and such a large surface would allow multiple players to execute their moves while sitting around a table instead of taking turns at the desk.
Digital game board
Beyond that, I can see some real potential for a “gameboard” allowing players to participate at the same time. Think Slapjack, Solitaire, or Jeopardy where players are competing to claim a card or “buzz in”. How about digital Charades or Pictionary … or even darts?
Plenty of potential
Another thought is a digital sketchbook. By using fingers and hands rather than tools, any learning curve would be eliminated. Without a pointing device getting in the way and with plenty of room to work, this could be an ideal way to get started on tracing letters, shapes and solving mazes. Getting an early learner interested in writing, drawing, and painting would be a snap.
Hungry for more?
Here are a few industry pros with detailed inspections:
http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/systems/52737-asus-transformer-aio-p1801/
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/asus-transformer-aio/4505-3118_7-35567072.html
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2416309,00.asp
Please let me know what you think if you get one of these, but I think it might be a little too soon. This type of device could evolve quickly though; it’s definitely a niche that looks to grow now that the ice has been broken. Email to: examiner.jm@gmail.com. I’ll explain or research or review your suggestions based on demand (or if my daughter tells me to).
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