The unit doesn't have to be plugged in. Follow the steps below and you will be able to get into the Recovery mode for factory restore w/data wipe.
If your tablet is on, power it off.
Press and hold Power until the device powers on, then immediately press and hold Volume Down (while still pressing Power). You will see the word Start with an arrow drawn around it.
Press Volume Down twice to designate Recovery mode.
Press Power to restart into Recovery mode. You will see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark.
While holding down Power, press Volume Up. (just press it once and let go)
Use the volume keys to scroll to "wipe data/factory reset" and press Power to select it.
Scroll down to "Yes - erase all user data" and press Power to select it.
If you have issues getting this process to work send me an email at
cl-fred@asus.com and I'll be more then happy to help you with it.