Read this ASUS Transformer Mini T102HA Review before purchasing your next travel laptop. 

Are you on the market for a new travel computer? We might have the laptop for you. If you want an inexpensive and portable computer, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is a good option to look into you. At just $399, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA serves travelers as both a tablet and a miniature Windows 10 laptop with a detachable keyboard. 

But as we all know, no product is perfect. So there are definitely cons to the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA to consider. Either way, if you are interested in purchasing a new light weight computer that will complement your travel-filled lifestyle, read this Asus Transformer Mini T102HA review. 

Ready? Let's get started. 

A Little About Asus

Credit: Asus USA

Asus a Taiwan-based, multinational computer hardware and consumer electronics company founded in 1989. The company gained popularity in North America in 2007 when it “revolutionized the PC industry” with the Eee PC™. But now, ASUS is rapidly developing AI products, IOT devices, and other robotics technologies. And most recently, the company introduced Zenbo, a a smart home robot designed to provide assistance, entertainment, and companionship to families.

And ASUS is one of the World’s Most Admired Companies of 2015 and 2016, according to Fortune magazine. So they definitely have reliable companies vouching for their products! 

But ASUS has one clear goal: to be the most admirable leading enterprise in the new digital era. They are a reliable company that creates high-tech, dependable products. 

The ASUS Transformer Mini T102HA Features & Benefit

So we already know that ASUS is a dependable company. And therefore you know that Asus Transformer Mini T102HA has quite a few features and benefits to consider! So continue reading this Asus Transformer Mini T102HA for some of the best perks this product has to offer.

Credit: Asus

Features and Benefits

1. Easily Portable 

The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA may be of particular interest to avid travelers and adventurers because it is easy to transport. And that is because this tablet/laptop — which sports a small 10-inch screen — is light weight and easy to compact. 

The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA weighs just 1.76 pounds with the keyboard. Without the keyboard, it weighs 1.2 pounds. In comparison, the Lenovo Ideapad Miix 310 is a similar size, at 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches, but much heavier at 2.4 pounds. And the Acer Aspire Switch 10 E is slightly bigger than that, at 10.3 x 7 x 0.4 inches, and at 2.8 pounds and weighs a lot more. 

So if you are looking for a new secondary laptop to bring on business trips and other adventures that won't weigh down your bag, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is worth looking into.

2. Display Brightness

If you like the displays on your computer screens to be bright, then the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is perfect for you. The 10.1-inch, 1200 x 800 pixel touch screen is significantly more luminous than competing travel laptops. 

And what's more, the great display brightness is just under 500 cd/m², which means that the convertible device is just as easy to use outside as it is to use inside. So to give you a bit of comparison, the IdeaPad reaches only about 244 cd/m². That is about half of what the Transformer Book can do.

But it is worth noting that the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA drops to 426 cd/m² when running on low battery.

3. Keyboard, Touchpad and Stylus

The keyboard, touchpad, and stylus are another three perks the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA offers users. But because the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA can also be used as a laptop, the keyboard can be easily taken on and off. So if you have used an iPad or another tablet in the past, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA works the same way. However though this feature can be a benefit to many users, it is worth nothing that the keyboard is small. And some users have reported it is so small that it can feel awkward to use. 

But if you prefer to use tablets over computers, then you will likely enjoy the touchscreen feature of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA. And this feature comes in handy if the stylus is packed away or out of reach. Or if you just prefer to use the touchscreen element of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA than a stylus! 

The versatility of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is one of the reasons we suggest this product to regularly travelers. Especially for those who take part in b-leisure trips often.  

4. Audio and Speakers

Considering the compact nature of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA, it may surprise you to hear that the volume on this product is quite strong.

The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA also has a few different modes to choose from when listening to music or watching a video. Its Movie Mode is said to provide a better overall mix of sound. And its Gaming Mode offers listeners those deep bass notes. 

The two speakers of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA are on the left and right sides of the tablet. But it is easy to mask the speakers with your hands when using the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA in tablet mode. 

5. Simple, Practical Design

There are a few design aspects of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA that sets the product apart from other tablet/laptops. For starters, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA comes with a fully adjustable kickstand on the back. Therefore you can rest the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA on a desk or on your lap as you use it. So you can also adjust the inclination of the kickstand to suit your preference. And what's more, the kickstand can also act as a handle when not in use. But keep in mind the kickstand is a thin sheet of metal and is not extremely sturdy. 

The tablet is available in two colors: silver and white. And the keyboard is also available in four different shades: grey, amber, mint green, and silver. But from a stylistic standpoint, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA has a very simple design. And the exterior is a smooth texture covering its entire body without any concentric surfaces or other flashy designs. 

6. Battery Life

The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA uses up to only 6 watts of power. And the battery (a 32 Wh Li-ion with two cells, for all the tech heads out there) has a decently long run time. So if you are using the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA to search the web at 150 cd/m² brightness, you can expect the battery life to last about 10 hours. 

So that being said, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is a suitable travel tablet/laptop to bring on flights within the country. And it can even last a good amount of flights abroad, depending on how far you need to travel! 

Here is some context on battery life to help you figure out how to make your battery last: 

• 3.5 W (~8 h 30 min of use):  Light browsing, screen at 40%, Wi-Fi ON
• 3.2 W (~9 h 20 min of use): 1080p fullscreen video on Youtube, screen at 25%, Wi-Fi ON
• 2.5 W (~ 12 h of use): 1080p fullscreen in the Movie app, screen at 25%, Wi-Fi ON
• 3.3 W (~9 h 10 min of use): 4K fullscreen in the Movie app, screen at 25%, Wi-Fi ON
• 5 W (~6 h of use): Heavy browsing, screen at 25%, Wi-Fi ON

7. Ports

Because the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is on the smaller side, the tablet/laptop does not feature many ports. But the product is similar to other 10.1-inch screen tablet/laptops and only offers a headphone jack, a USB 3.0 port, a micro HDMI output, and a micro-USB port. 

And on top of the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA, you will find just one slot for a microSD card. So to give you a sense of comparison, this is the same selection offered by the Switch 10 E. However the Miix offers two full-size USB 2.0 ports instead of a single USB 3.0 port.

This brings us to our next section…

8. Hardware and Performance

Without going into too many technical details… The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is overall a tablet/laptop that is suitable for basic, simple tasks. But this is not the product you want to purchase if you plan on editing photos and videos along your travels.

So that being said, it also is not great at multi-tasking. You can of course have a few taps open at the same time, but having too many tabs and programs open can be problematic. 

But if you are looking for a product that can handle a lot of activity while you are traveling, you may want to look at other options. But if you need a simple tablet and/or laptop to take on your travels to do basic computer work, then the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is still worth considering.

9. Heat

So one problem we have personally faced many times is having a tablet or laptop overheat. But luckily, you will likely be able to avoid that issue with the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA! 

So whether you are hold the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA in your hands in tablet mode, or have the kickstand down to use it as a laptop, you can trust this product will not get too hot. And when in use, users report the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit. 

In other words: not too hot, not too cold. Just right!

10. Software and Warranty

The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA doesn't come with many programs or much software already installed. The 2-in-1's 10.1-inch display is small enough to qualify for a free copy of Microsoft's Office Mobile. And this includes programs like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote. AKA, simple programs for simple tasks. But that is what the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is good for. 

The product also has a a copy of Drawboard PDF to mark up files with the stylus. But other than this feature, the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is a standard Windows product. 

Last but not least, Asus sells the Transformer with a one-year warranty. 

11. Price and Affordability 

The Asus Transformer Mini T102HA starts at $349.00 in the United States. In Europe, the tablet/laptop sells for about 329 EUR. This is not the most expensive travel laptop option out there, but it is definitely not a purchase to make on a whim. 

Tech Specs Summarized

Credit: Asus

Asus Transformer Mini T102HA
Screen	10.1 inch, 16:10 format, 1280 x 800 px resolution, IPS, touch
Processor	Intel Cherry Trail-T Atom X5-Z8350
Video	Intel HD
Memory	4 GB DDR3 (soldered)
Storage	64 GB eMMC (soldered)
Connectivity	Wireless AC, Bluetooth 4.1
Ports	1 x USB 3.0, 1 x microUSB, 1 x microHDMI, mic/earphone, 2 MPx front-camera, fingerprint sensor
Battery	30 Wh
Operating system	Windows 10
Size	Tablet: 259 mm or 10.19” (w) x 170 mm or 6.69” (d) x 6.9 mm or 0.32” (h)Tablet + Folio: ~15 mm or 0.59″ (h)
Weight	Tablet: 0.535 kg or 1.17 lbsTablet + Keyboard Folio: 0.79 kg or 1.746 lbs
Extras	available in two colors and 4 folio variants

Social Proof

You can read as many Asus Transformer Mini T102HA reviews as you want. But until you hear about direct reviews from users, you won't know if the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is a good choice for you or not. 

Credit: Asus

What Travelers Are Saying About the ASUS Transformer Mini T102HA

There is a lot of good to be said about the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA. Overall, travelers are saying the Transformer Mini T102HA the best 10-inch tablet/laptop Asus has to offer. The device checks off many boxes for users: reviews are saying the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA has decent IO, a great screen, a huge battery life, and offers a fairly comfortable typing experience. 

Another reviewer states the Asus Transformer Mini T102HA is an “old and trusted concept” that has been “implemented successfully. So this is a great product for travelers looking for a well built and good looking device. And the Transformer Mini T102HA receives high praise for being able to conduct simple tasks on the road. 

But overall, reviewers are saying if you are in need of a small, handy, easy-to-use Windows operating system, the Asus Transformer Book T102HA is a great option for you. 

But… There are still a few cons to consider. Users say it is common to run into hiccups and delays often. Additionally, reviews suggest the Asus Transformer Book T102HA has slow Wi-FI and charges slowly. It is also more expensive than other 10-inch tablets/laptops on the market that feature similar tech specs.

So long story short, it won't hurt to shop around a little more before committing to the Asus Transformer Book T102HA. And luckily, we are going to help you do just that in the next section. 

Alternatives

We never advise Trekbible readers to commit to a product before doing some research on other options! So continue reading this Asus Transformer Book T102HA review if you need a few suggestions on other tablets/laptops to look into. 

Alternative Mini Laptops That Might Work Better For You

1. New Microsoft Surface Go

Credit: Microsoft

Price: $536.80 

The New 10” Surface Go from Microsoft is a light weight, compact, portable tablet and laptop option that can perform all your basic computer needs. The products features a touchscreen and a decent battery life. And you can expect to browse the web, search through your emails, and watch a show or two on Netflix for nine hours before having the battery give out!

In terms of ports, the New 10” Surface Go does not offer many more options that the Asus Transformer Book T102HA does. But it is also a lot more expensive. So if you are looking for a cheaper option, this product may not be for you. 

Height	0.33 inches
Width	6.9 inches
Depth	9.65 inches
Weight	1.15 pounds

2. 13-inch Macbook Air

Credit: Apple

Price: $899.00

You will find the 13-inch Macbook Air is a very light weight laptop that will not weigh down your travel bag. BUt if you want the versatility of having a laptop that can also be a tablet, you will not get that feature with the Macbook Air. 

But as a trade off, the Macbook Air can do a lot more than the Asus Transformer Book T102HA can. It can also handle a lot more activity. So if you are a photographer or videographer who wants to edit your work as you travel, then a Macbook Air is worth looking into. 

But in our opinion, there are better options out there to take traveling than the Macbook Air. However, if you live the freelance life and frequently work out of coffee shops, this is a great laptop to consider. 

Height	0.11–0.68 inch (0.3–1.7 cm)
Width	12.8 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth	8.94 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight	2.96 pounds (1.35 kg)

3. ASUS Zenbook 13 UX331UN

Credit: Asus

Price: $879.99

We have another Asus product for you the consider! Though this one is much more expensive than the first. The ASUS Zenbook 13 UX331UN 13.3-inch travel laptop that can handle significantly more activity than the Asus Transformer Book T102HA. 

But one feature this device shares with the Asus Transformer Book T102HA is its touchscreen. Reviewers rave about this versatile quality of the product. It is extremely useful for light computer work. And if you are a gamer, you will be happy to know this device runs very smoothly for most (if not all) gaming needs. 

But some cons reviewers have come across is that this device seems to “freak out” at random. But overall, it is a solid option for travelers looking for a new laptop. 

Height	0.5 inches
Width	8.5 inches
Depth	12.2 inches
Weight	2.47 pounds

In conclusion, the Asus Transformer Book T102HA is great for travelers who don't have high tech needs. 

Credit: Asus

Overall we highly recommend the Asus Transformer Book T102HA for travelers looking for an affordable secondary computer to bring on the road. So the Asus Transformer Book T102HA is not suitable for adventurers who have high tech needs, such as photo or video editing on the road. But if you want a device that can handle simple tasks that will not weigh down your bag, the Asus Transformer Book T102HA may be a great fit for you!

Do you have a travel laptop that you absolutely love? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Related Article: Best Mini Laptops Travelers Will Love And Need