In poker, sometimes the best solution is to fold. Turns out, this logic may also hold true when it comes to protective covers for tablet computers. Introducing the Transformer Prime Smart Cover by ASUS. Likely taking it’s cue from Apple’s Smart Cover for the iPad, the ASUS version has more of an origami feel. Starting out flat, the ASUS Smart Cover uses strategic folds to provide the necessary structure to prop up the Transformer Prime in either landscape, or portrait orientations. The unusual design further allows the user to position the ASUS Transformer in two distinct landscape positions, one shallow, and the other steep. These two positions offer advantages depending on whether you’re viewing the Transformer, or using it to enter data.

Admittedly, never having laid our hands on one, we’re tempted to believe that the folds may eventually abrade the rear of the Transformer Prime. Nevertheless the ASUS smart cover will provide substantial protection for the face of the Transformer, as it’s bandied about throughout the day.
Originally Spotted on Amazon’s German site, the ASUS Smart Cover already appears to be sold out. Nevertheless, it sells for 39.00 € (Roughly 54.16 CAD), which is substantially cheaper than $149.00 for the optional docking keyboard. The German Amazon site also states that the ASUS Smart cover is available “in various trendy colors”, although green, gray, pink, and black are hardly what we’d consider trendy (more like standard).
In case you’ve been out of the loop, ASUS is expecting to launch the Eee Pad Transformer Prime in December of this year. Many technophiles, and tablet aficionados are anxiously awaiting the arrival of this high-end, high performance slate. The ASUS Transformer Prime is setting the bar for both tablet looks and performance. It will be the world’s first tablet to integrate the quad-core Tegra 3 processor. The groundbreaking processor is unprecedented in both speed, and performance. Furthermore, its integrated 12-core, GeForce GPU is certain to deliver impressive graphics performance.
The ASUS Prime will also be running the very latest Android operating system (4.0), or Ice Cream Sandwich. It will offer 1GB of RAM, and a choice of either 32GB, or 64GB of storage. Other features of note are the 10.1-inch, 1280×800 IPS panel, twin cameras (8MP and 1.2MP), a built-in gyroscope, GPS, 12 hours of battery life, and six more with the optional dock. Other goodies include MicroSD, and micro HDMI ports. The optional dock provides even more options, including a USB 2.0 port, and SD card slot.