Asus T100 with Windows 8.1- good gift?

[Michael Goff]

My sister needs a new computer, and it looks like I might finally be getting a job. I was thinking of saving up and getting this for her. I don't know if anyone here has used it, so I figured I'd ask.

She does:
-Basic browsing (some flash usage)
-Emulator games
-Older games (Morrowind, for example)
-GIMP usage

I have some questions about it:
Does it support pens? If so, how well.
Would it run emulated playstation/GBA games well?
How good is the touch screen?
How good is the keyboard?

Any other help would be appreciated. The thing she is upgrading from would be a Gateway with the original i3 processor with first-gem Intel HD graphics. Oh, I suppose I should ask if it would actually be an upgrade (considering the Gateway machine has a 1st gen i3 with 4GB of RAM).

 

[needfx]

I am no authority on atom core systems, but this sounds like a downgrade considering the ram too

why would you update her computer anyway? buy her a ticket to travel somewhere

 

[Michael Goff]

I am no authority on atom core systems, but this sounds like a downgrade considering the ram too

why would you update her computer anyway? buy her a ticket to travel somewhere

Because her computer is missing keys on the keyboard, the USB don't work, the screen has a low resolution, and she loves the internet.

Oh, and she has issues that would make being around people a horrible idea.

 

[needfx]

Because her computer is missing keys on the keyboard, the USB don't work, the screen has a low resolution, and she loves the internet.

Oh, and she has issues that would make being around people a horrible idea.

sounds like a fun person to be around, is that why you want her stuck on the net?

in all seriousness though, not sure this is a steady, long lasting system. transforming parts might wear off and specs don't look too promising.

maybe someone who owns it should weigh in and/or find some reviews online

 

[Michael Goff]

sounds like a fun person to be around, is that why you want her stuck on the net?

in all seriousness though, not sure this is a steady, long lasting system. transforming parts might wear off and specs don't look too promising.

maybe someone who owns it should weigh in and/or find some reviews online

All of the reviews I found are of earlier on. I think some of the issues might be ironed out through software methods or through manufacturing (like the reviews said the keyboard is hit and miss, something I think might have been fixed in later batches).

 

[spinedoc77]

Save up a bit more and get her an i3 surface Pro, try to get an education discount.

If the price holding you back I'd suggest a Dell Venue 11 Pro. The Outlet store has them on clearance VERY often, like 1-2x/month and if you keep watch you can usually find one for $300 or less. You can also get a keyboard cover for it similar to the surface tablets and it does have pen input, although the pen input is arguably not super good but at least it's there and does function somewhat decently.

I've owned both and the Dell is a much higher quality and functions about as well in terms of horsepower. I also have more faith in Dell than Asus as a company and their quality.

 

[rui no onna]

I have some questions about it:
Does it support pens? If so, how well.
Would it run emulated playstation/GBA games well?
How good is the touch screen?
How good is the keyboard?

Any other help would be appreciated. The thing she is upgrading from would be a Gateway with the original i3 processor with first-gem Intel HD graphics. Oh, I suppose I should ask if it would actually be an upgrade (considering the Gateway machine has a 1st gen i3 with 4GB of RAM).

Keyboard is cramped. Touchscreen isn't particularly responsive. Processor is way slower than a 6-year old Core 2 Duo E8400. I've seen laptops (Lenovo, HP, etc) with Pentium/Core i3 Ivy Bridge or Haswell for around what this one costs. You're much better off getting her one of those.

 

[Michael Goff]

Keyboard is cramped. Touchscreen isn't particularly responsive. Processor is way slower than a 6-year old Core 2 Duo E8400. I've seen laptops (Lenovo, HP, etc) with Pentium/Core i3 Ivy Bridge or Haswell for around what this one costs. You're much better off getting her one of those.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[apolloa]

Don't worry about this just yet......

Because next week and the week after (I think) is the IFA show where they all announce their new tablets etc.
You could also take a look at the Lenovo Ideapad Yoga, has a core i3 in it and a 11.6" screen in it, no idea about emulation on it but it does run Windows 8.1, Intel HD Graphics 4000 and 4 gig RAM, touchscreen etc.

If you want pen input though then I would say grab a Surface Pro 2 as it's now cheaper or an i3 or i5 Pro 3.