ASUS Transformer Prime cases, covers and accessories: our picks

If you’re looking to buy the best Android tablet you can’t go wrong with ASUS EEE Pad Transformer Prime, world’s first quad-core tablet that uses the Nvidia Tegra  3 processor. The docking keyboard is probably the best accessory, as it adds a second battery prolonging autonomy to 18 hours and also allows you to type faster with the chiclet keyboard, or move the cursor on screen with the larger touchpad, just like you normally do on a laptop.

These are the things that make the ASUS Transformer Prime TF201 a premium tablet to watch if you’re seeking for the best 10 inch slate. But you don’t have to get the docking keyboard if you’re not looking to type a lot, in which case you need a nice case or cover to protect the screen and the aluminium body against scratches and smudges. As in our previous round-up top posts I’ll present you with some of the best options for cases and accessories you can get at this time for the Transformer Prime tablet.

I have to remind you that I haven’t personally reviewed the products presented here, and I also expect the offer to get more diversified after the worldwide availability of the tablet. Check back to this page as I’ll be updating it pretty often with new models worth considering.

ASUS EEE Pad Transformer Prime TF201 - availability, tech specs and details

Now let’s start with the cases, covers, skins and accessories for Transformer Prime you must check out before making your buying decision:

rooCASE Dual-View Multi Angle Leather Folio - [$25]

This is probably one of the most interesting non-ASUS accessory cases for Transformer Prime: it features a leather exterior, microsuede interior and a detachable inner sleeve for handheld operation. You can reattach the sleeve with Velcro and also rotate it to form a vertical stand. Three groves on the screen cover allow for three inclination angles to be set in both portrait and landscape stand modes.

When used as an agenda style folio the screen flap can be easily secured close thanks to magnets found inside rooCASE Leather Folio. It is not compatible with the initial Transformer tablet, so it’s a single-use case that offers access to all ports. At the price it sells for it’s almost a steal.

rooCASE Leather Folio Case

Verteks Multi-Angle Slim-Fit Leather Folio - [$10]

If you want a versatile case for your Transformer Prime tablet why not get one that doesn’t add to the bulk, like the Verteks Slim Fit Leather Folio Case Cover. It does the agenda style case function, acts as a stand with three angles, one for lower typing (when you fold the screen flap on the back) and two best suited for movie watching, when you place the tablet into a crease found on the inside of the screen flap.

You can’t use the Prime in vertical orientation, but personally I don’t find this a problem. You’ll be also impressed with the 6 reinforced grip corners that area used to hold this thing sturdily in place. At 10 bucks it’s a steal.

Verteks Multi-Angle Slim-Fit Leather Folio Case Cover

USA Gear FlexSleeve Neo-Cushion Protective Sleeve – [$12]

Sometimes the best choice is a sleeve made from weather-proof neoprene material that allows you to safely keep and transport your tablet, and then use it as it was meant to be. Why I say that? Because manufacturers put great effort into making gadgets slimmer and lighter and then we simply don’t make good use of that by buying bulky cases and covers.

The same stands for the Asus Transformer Prime, so the USA Gear FlexSleeve comes as probably one of the top simple protective cases you can get. It’s not as simple as you might think, as it features a built-in pocket for cables, SD cards, stylus, and other stuff you carry around with you at all times, a rear handle for easier transportation and comes with a microfiber cloth to clean your fingerprints of the screen.

USA Gear FlexSleeve Neo-Cushion Protective Sleeve

rooCASE Executive Portfolio Leather Agenda – [$35]

This is a variation of the other rooCASE posted above, with the difference being the magnetic stand that works with a fixed 45 degrees inclination angle and the pockets in the screen flap that offer a storage option for ID and business cards. A zipper can also be used to shut close the Executive Portfolio Leather Agenda. The same removable inner sleeve and portrait/landscape orientation are supported, just like before. The price goes up a little bit because of the new enhancements, but I’d say it’s still worth the money.

rooCASE Executive Portfolio Leather Agenda

Asus Transformer Prime TF201 Mobile Docking - [$149]

The Mobile Docking for Transformer Prime is most likely to be the best sold accessory since it provides a keyboard (with special Android keys), a touchpad, a second 22Whr battery that will increase battery life up to 18 hours and also adds a few ports: USB 2.0 and SD card reader. It’s clearly not cheap, at 149 bucks, but is the closest you can get to using a laptop while maintaining the weight of an ultrabook and the speed of a specially designed mobile OS.

There are two versions of the docking keyboard for you to choose (make sure it matches the finish of your tablet): Amethyst Gray, Champagne.

Transformer Prime docking keyboard

Skinomi TechSkin Black Carbon Fiber Shield and Screen Protector - [$25]

If you like carbon fiber imitation then you’ll love the Skinomi TechSkin Black Carbon Fiber Shield for Transformer Prime TF201. It’s a very tight fit, but only protects the back and the sides of the tablet against scratches (I don’t recommend it for drop protection, not that there’s something you can do about that). A screen protector is offered to cover the screen in a nice transparent way. It’s one of the best deals if you’re looking for style more than function.

Skinomi TechSkin Black Carbon Fiber Film Shield

Skinomi TechSkin Screen Protector - [$16]

Even if most tablets come these days with some kind of Gorilla scratch resistant glass it’s best to invest a few dollars into a screen protector and forget about worries. A damaged screen could set you back two-three hundred bucks, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Skinomi’s model is special cut to fit the Transformer Prime screen.

Skinomi TechSkin Screen Protector

What other accessories I can connect to my Transformer Prime?

Since ASUS’ tablet features Bluetooth you can add wireless mices (Logitech has some models for this task, including keyboards in case you don’t want the dock), external speakers, wireless headphones and flash disks (you need the dock for that). In the future, when Android 4.0 will be supported you’ll be even able to connect game controllers to your Prime tablet and play games just like you would do on a gaming console. This is for now the list of recommended cases, covers and accessories for the Transformer Prime. Come back soon as this article will be updated often.

[Note: I'm using Amazon.com because it offers reliable statistics on bestselling products & ratings and also allows me to add product links to keep this site alive]