Asus Transformer 2 quad-core Android tablet may run ICS

Asus has given us a sneak peak of the Asus Transformer 2. Let's hope this quad-core Android tablet is better than the other Transformer sequel.

We like the original Transformer a lot: it's a strong tablet that turns into a nifty laptop. So we have high hopes for the Transformer 2 and its boosted specs.

It's still a 10-inch tablet with a detachable keyboard dock, but its now powered by the first Nvidia Kal-El quad-core processor. It also packs USB, mini-HDMI ports, and SD card slots, with Asus claiming 14.5 hours battery life.

Asus boss Jonney Shih whipped out the new tablet on stage at the Hong Kong conference where the Samsung Galaxy Nexus was unveiled yesterday.

The Nexus is the first phone to run Ice Cream Sandwich, version 4.0 of Google's Android software for smart phones and tablets. Ice Cream Sandwich brings together the Gingerbread smart phone features and Honeycomb tablet design into one, and will be available as an update to the Transformer 2 and the original Transformer.

It's possible, though, that the Transformer 2 will have Ice Cream Sandwich from day one, in which case it'll silence one of the biggest criticisms of the original Transformer (and Honeycomb tablets in general) -- that there aren't enough Honeycomb apps. Ice Cream Sandwich is designed so all apps will run, regardless of which device you're using.

An official announcement is planned for 9 November, when we'll bring you all the official pictures and details, and any hints at a price. In the meantime, here's a teaser video.

Do you own a Transformer? Does the prospect of a quad-core tablet with a keyboard excite you? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook page.