So I ordered the Asus Transformer 16 GB tablet and decided right away that I would want the USB functionality included on the Keyboard Docking Station. But it is a lot more than just that...
Pros:
Wow, typing on a real keyboard is just so much more precise and easier than using a virual keyboard. Granted, you do not get any word suggestions or spell check, but hey, I don't mind. I know we all make mistakes while typing. Keep in mind that this keyboard is sized to fit the size of the tablet, so it is smaller than the average keyboard, more like a netbook sized keyboard. But it is easier to use than any onscreen virtual keypad, and I've used the Asus Transformer's on screen keyboard, the Ipad2 virtual keyboard, and my android phone's virtual keyboard with Swype. This docking keyboard is by far the easiest and quickest way to type. Some people may argue this and say it is just as easy. That is their opinion, and this is mine. The keys are the chicklet or island style and are easy to use without messing up. Maybe if your fingers are of the larger size it might feel more cramped, but I love this.
While the keyboard is in use, you can still use the touchscreen. Makes it really easy to move the cursor around.
The track pad for controlling the cursor is very good. Multi gestures work great. Still getting used to some of them.
Hotkeys are perfectly designed and useful. Asus did a great job thinking ahead on this thing.
Keyboard seems to have upgrade capabilities through firmware.
Not only does it have one full sized USB port, but it has two of them. I had no problems popping in an 8 GB thumb drive, copying files to and from, then safely ejecting it, then pulling it out. So easy to use.
I haven't used the MMC.SD.SDHC slot since I mainly use the Micro SD on the tablet, or USB thumb drives.
Snapping the Tablet into the docking station is a snap, and removing it is easy as well. Although I could imagine some poeple pushing too hard and breaking a mechanism that connects the device if not aligned properly, but you should be careful regardless. Once docked the tablet-turned-netbook looks so sharp. It is a well thought out design.
The extra battery life for the entire device together is very nice to have as well. When docked, I noticed that the tablet itself stops using power and it drains from the keyboard battery until about 3%, then it goes to the tablet's battery for power. There are apps to view the tablet and the keyboard's power so you can see the status of each of them.
You can charge the keyboard by itself, or while docked with the tablet. When docked, it charges both from what I can tell. Not sure which one first. Also note that there is a charging light on only the docking station, not on the tablet. I noticed 4 different lights to indicate the status of the charge. Blinking orange quickly is low battery less than 3% charging. Slow blinking orange is charging is less than 10%. Solid orange is charged less than 95%, then green is charged between 95% and 100%. Please note my cons below for more info on charging.
I feel that the keyboard is fairly light, but in all honestly it does add a little weight to the overall docked product but who the heck cares. It isn't like it weighs 10 pounds or more. It is less than 3 lbs when docked. It has extra battery life and that is what is important to me, not trying to find the lightest tablet in the world. This feels pretty sturdy to me, so I don't mind the slightly added weight.
CONS:
First, I have to put this in just to be fair, it does add extra weight to the overall docked product. If you are tying to find something that practically floats when you let go of it, then look elsewhere.
This does not come with a power charger. You have to use the one that was included with the tablet, or buy an extra one. Don't expect to find an extra charger.
When typing, you may experience a slight delay after pressing the key before it shows on the screen. Not a huge delay, but some may notice it.
The power charger that comes with the tablet can be problematic when trying to charge. I found that what worked for me, after finding it through a google search, was to put the adapter, without the usb cord, in a baggie and place into the freezer until cold, then plug it in. Sounds strange, but it seriously worked for me. The next time I charged it, there was no problem that required me to freeze the charger. Please read about this problem by searching the internet. If this scares you at all, you may want to consider another product.
For me, so far, this is an excellent combination. I highly recommend the docking station keyboard.
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