Released by ASUS this month, the T100 Transformer Book is a new 10.1-inch Windows 8.1 tablet that has the tech community buzzing due to the combination of competitive pricing and the impressive performance of Intel’s Bay Trail processor.

Reviewers are also praising the fact that it includes a keyboard, has an 11 to 12.5 hour battery life on a single charge and comes with a free version of Microsoft Office 2013 Home and Student.

Priced approximately $100 to $150 cheaper than the Microsoft Surface 2 (depending on the storage size, 32GB versus 64GB), the ASUS T100 Transformer Book performs extremely well in benchmark tests. While you won’t be playing the latest games on the tablet, it’s an extremely efficient and speedy work companion device as well as a media consumption device.

For anyone who needs more storage space, the device includes a Micro SD slot that can take a SDXC card up to 64GB in storage capacity. This gives you the option of picking up the 32GB SSD version for $349 rather than the 64GB version for $399. The 10.1-inch IPS panel has a 1366 x 768 resolution and there’s a high definition camera included on the front of the display for video chatting.

Be aware that complaints about the tablet include a cramped layout to the included keyboard and slow charging speeds. However, it’s easily becoming the top budget tablet to own this year, assuming you are interested in the Windows operating system over iOS or Android. It’s also extremely difficult to locate at this time due to high demand for the tablet.

Here’s a selection of expert reviews of the device. You can also find pictures of the ASUS T100 Transformer Book below.

• LaptopMag
• AnandTech
• Computer Shopper

Check the Price of the ASUS T100 Transformer Book on Amazon

Shut Up and Take My Money: ASUS T100 Transformer Book