Asus released last week their newest addition to their tablet line running on quad-core processor. But questions came up as to the need for tablets to run quad-core, when leading tablets such as Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab is currently running on dual-core processors.

Tablets are essentially a smaller version of the laptop but bigger than the smartphones. It exudes mobility and functionality equipped with a touchscreen, input device such as a stylus or a portable keyboard and backed with an operating system similar to a computer.

When choosing a tablet, the fist consideration would be the processor - or the Central Processing Unit -the higher the processor the better the performance and functionality for the tablets.

Having a quad-core processor means better efficiency for the tablet, being able to do simultaneous tasks faster. Reports say that web browsing will be 50% faster on a quad-core as compared to a dual-core device.

The Asus Transformer Prime, the first quad-core tablet, runs on Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, delivering a speed five times faster than its dual-core predecessor Tegra 2 of the original Asus Transformer and Samsung Galaxy Tab. The graphics of the Tegra 3 is also said to be three times faster than the Tegra 2.

Multitasking in the Transformer Prime will be a breeze using the quad-core processor. Web browsing with multiple tabs is expected to load faster, as well as execution of applications. Gaming with the quad-core powered tablet is also something to look forward too.

Asus Transformer Prime is the biggest innovation to the Android tablet industry, with its ability to transform similarly to a laptop when docked to its keyboard (optional, sold separately and increases battery life)

The Transformer Prime is 10.1 inch tablet with 1280x800 display, 8.3mm thick and weighs 8 pounds. Operating system is on Android 3.2 Honeycomb, but will later have an Android 4.0 Ice Cream upgrade over-the-air. It has 1GB ram with storage of 32GB or 64GB.

It would be a good investment because the Transformer Prime would retail at $499 for 32GB and $599 for 64GB, as compared to the Apple iPad 16GB that costs $499. Add $149 if you would like to avail of the keyboard.