As expected, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime sets an industry first, with nearly double the performance scores of the prior top devices running dual-core processors, all at 4 watts of power consumption. Jim Mielke, vice president of engineering, says, “Other quad-core processors, yet to hit production, should have similar or better performance. The differentiators this year will be time to market, power consumption, and cost.”

The 40nm process node choice by NVIDIA influenced all three variables of time to market, power consumption, and cost. While positively affecting time to market, the other two variables suffered some consequences:

• NVIDIA choose to stay on the same node as prior products and that gave them a time to market advantage.
• The Tegra 2 mobile device drew 1.3 watts while encoding a 720p video, while the Tegra 3 draws 2 watts.
• A big factor in the product cost is the die area and the Tegra 3 is 50% larger than the Tegra 2.

Mielke adds, “NVIDIA has taken the early lead for quad-core processors just like it did last year for dual-core processors. Last year, the competitors’ products followed shortly behind but on the same process node. The quad-core race is a bit different, as a few competitors have selected to use more aggressive process technologies.”

ABI Research’s new teardown, “ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime Teardown,” (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/1011650) includes dismantling photos, HD board photos, a parts list, major component teardowns, die photos, x-rays, a complete set of power measurements, and a block diagram.

It is just one of the many teardowns provided through ABI Research’s Mobile Device Teardown Service (http://www.abiresearch.com/products/service/Mobile_Device_Teardown_Service).

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 40+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.