ASUS Announces Transformer 3 Pro: 2-in-1 with Core i5/i7

Not to be outdone on the subject of 2-in-1s today, ASUS has announced a second 2-in-1 to complement the newly announced Transformer 3. Dubbed the Transformer 3 Pro, this portable is a more direct competitor to Microsoft’s popular Surface Pro lineup.

ASUS Transformer 3 Series
	Transformer 3	Transformer 3 Pro
Processor	Core M? (Kaby Lake)	Core i5/Core i7 (Skylake)
Memory	Up To 8GB LPDDR3	Up To 16GB LPDDR3
Display	12.6" 2880x1920
Storage	Up To 512GB	Up To 1TB, PCIe x4
Connectivity	USB Type-C, 3.1 Gen 2 w/Thunderbolt 3 HDMI USB 3.0 MicroSD 3.5mm Audio Jack
Dimensions	299 x 210 x 8.35 mm
Pricing	Starting At $799	Starting At $999

Although the standard Transformer 3 is not necessary a budget option, of the two Transformers it is the cheaper one, utilizing what’s likely a Core M processor and having all-around weaker specifications. However for users that need more processing power (Core i5/i7), more storage (Up to 1TB, PCIe), and more RAM (up to 16GB), the Pro offers all of this in the same form factor. The Transformer 3 Pro also brings over the rest of the feature set offered by the base Transformer 3, including a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and a 12.6" 2880x1920 screen.

The higher specifications – particularly the use of an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor – puts it in direct competition with Microsoft’s Surface Pro. And at 8.35mm thick, I’m curious how the cooling system on the Pro compares to what Microsoft has done, as putting a 15W CPU in such a thin form factor is by no means an easy feat.

Finally, like its Core M based sibling, ASUS has not yet announced a shipping date for the Transformer 3 Pro. But a starting price has been announced, with the Pro starting at $999.