ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity (TF700T) Review
by Anand Lal Shimpi on June 25, 2012 3:00 AM ESTGPU Performance
The increase in memory bandwidth from using DDR3-1600 memory should improve 3D performance as well as maintain general UI perf. To find out we turned to GLBenchmark 2.1. Let's start with the synthetics:
The fill rate test shows a greater than 20% increase in performance, all due to memory bandwidth. We saw a jump with the TF Pad 300 for similar reasons as well.
Triangle throughput hasn't changed, which makes sense because there's no increase in processing power or GPU clock speed. Let's look at the impact on simulated gameplay however. First up are the offscreen, 720p results:
As we've surmized in the past, GLBenchmark's tests are largely compute bound - thus the 11% increase in performance over the Transformer Prime isn't too surprising at 720p.
The older Pro test is less compute limited and here we see nearly a 20% increase in performance thanks to the higher bandwidth memory subsystem. The real question is whether or not DDR3-1600 is enough to drive a game at the panel's native 1920 x 1200 resolution.
Although hardly the most visually complex demonstration in the world, the Egypt benchmark does show us that over 30 fps is possible at 1920 x 1200. GPU performance is obviously shy of what Apple crammed into the next-generation iPad, but it can be sufficient for the Infinity.
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rickcain2320 - Monday, June 25, 2012 - link
And thus, Microsoft completely misunderstands the tablet market by even considering it could be a laptop.jmhart - Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - link
Too bad MS has yet to build an OS that bridges the PC/laptop gap yet. Maybe they'll pull it off with WinRT, but to date that haven't so their "understanding" means nothing.DeciusStrabo - Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - link
This might be the case some day, but WindowsRT won't be a laptop any more or less than the Transformer, thanks to internals being even weaker than this tablet shown here and its limitation to Metro (and Office Home version).Only Windows 8 Pro will be really trying to bridge the gap, and then you get the usual Ultrabook issues (fan noise, heat, shorter run time, weight). So while I would love a real tablet-laptop hybrid, I'm afraid it won't be before we see Broadwell released that this dream comes true. The best are compromises (either like the Transformer here at tablet with a keyboard attachment or like the Windows 8 Pro thin a Ultrabook with a touchscreen).
kpopat - Wednesday, June 27, 2012 - link
The question is, how will you type on the Surface tablet, if you do not have a table?(BTW - Reader of Anandtech since I think 2000 and this is the second or third times I have posted on this site - after a very long break :-D)
B3an - Monday, June 25, 2012 - link
And you dont seem to understand anything. Surface already looks vastly higher quality than this, and already has FAR more interest than any Android tablet will get. Many people dont want gimmicks, they want a real PC the size of a tablet thats actually useful."Plus how are you going to use the kickstand+touch cover on your lap?"
And what kind of stupid question is that?? You simply dont. But it's there when you need it, for things like actual work/typing.
When Surface is released and sells far more than any Android tablet i cant wait to laugh at people like you.
3DoubleD - Monday, June 25, 2012 - link
The question still stands though... how do you use a surface tablet on your lap with the softcover keyboard?You can't unless you brought a hard surface to prop it up on.
An ultraportable laptop/netbook/tablet that can't be used while traveling is probably the most useless thing I've ever heard of.
Spunjji - Monday, June 25, 2012 - link
Tray table? That's where I use my laptop on trains/planes/whatever...3DoubleD - Monday, June 25, 2012 - link
That works on planes, but what about when you are waiting to board a plane?Not all trains have the trays (I'd say most don't have them).
Bus? Car? Bench in a park?
I don't see the point of an ultra-portable that forces you to look for a tablet to use it!
The ASUS concept for the Transformer is by far the better design.
french toast - Monday, June 25, 2012 - link
You don't have to use the keyboard if you don't want to, perhaps on a plane you could use the tray? Use on screen keyboard? Or perhaps by a mini Bluetooth foldup keyboard? ..I think it's great to see some innovation going on, nothing will ever suit everyone..it can't..if you don't like it..don't buy it.
Despite that it looks like a high end device imo.
Belard - Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - link
You know 3DoubleD... you have some issues. We get it, you don't like or need mobile devices.I rarely use my notebook... but I do use it. It works in cars, hotels. its a portable computer. Nothing more. Go out of town, need to do articles, print reports, etc... notebook is easier to carry than a 25lb box!
I use my iPad more than my ThinkPad... I use it on the can, use on the sofa, use on the train... I can prop it or hold it in my hand... it gets about 8 hours of use... something my notebook CAN'T do.
What works for you, might not work for someone else.