Which tablet should I buy? - Eee Pad Transformer General

I'm posting in this section as I have 2 Asus Eee Pad TF101's in my family.
A relative has a budget of £300 to spend on a tablet. He wants to watch videos like my dad on browser which the iPad probably won't support. I purchased my tablet way under 300. Amazon have listed it for £249 a few times recently but it's gone up to 339 again.
I'm wondering whether I should recommend the same tablet which I find great, or is there a better tablet out there? It has to be over 10 inches as the rest are too small.

I think for that budget price the TF101 is fine. Im not sure if the Transformer 300 is much more expensive but you can check that out as it has if im not mistaken a Tegra 3 instead of a Tegra 2. But for browsing web and watching movies my TF101 is perfect tho. You can check out Samsung ones but I think they might be more expensive (or even the Acer Iconia, but between Acer and Asus I'd go with Asus).

Related

[OT] Asus eee pad transformer...viable alternative???

I know the Samsung Gtab 10.1 is appealing but the Asus EEE Pad Transformer is looking very appealing. And if the cost stay as low as they say $400, that would make it a steal for me.
I know that the Samsung display is a PLS and the Asus is IPS, but the price...
Asus EEE Pad Transformer
Hope this is in keeping with this thread's intent?
There (apparently) is a tab called NotionInk that's been recommended to me as a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy but the info that I can find appears a little scant.
t-c said:
There (apparently) is a tab called NotionInk that's been recommended to me as a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy but the info that I can find appears a little scant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's called Notion Ink Adam - but it's not cheaper (than old 7'' Galaxy Tab) and it's hard too get. There is a forum here for Adams.
IF, you do not need docking station with keyboard.
IF, GT 10.1 will have Samsungs own SoC instead of Tegra 2 and you want something that does not require hours to convert video material in order to be able to watch it on tablet than NO. It is NO alternative to GT 10.1
Iv been thinking about this too. Its a great price and has a good screen. Tegra isn't **** and we still don't know what chip will be in the GT and its still a while to release.
In terms of video. The only problem is high profile stuff .. I'm thinking as soon as vlc gets released for android that may solve our problems
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
VLC realease should be close. I'll probably wait. I waited years for a good tablet, I can wait a month longer. I can (really).
italia0101 said:
Iv been thinking about this too. Its a great price and has a good screen. Tegra isn't **** and we still don't know what chip will be in the GT and its still a while to release.
In terms of video. The only problem is high profile stuff .. I'm thinking as soon as vlc gets released for android that may solve our problems
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I wouldn't call the Tegra 2 "****" specifically, but by todays standards it is only decent. The Tegra fails in comparison to Apple's A5, and many people are looking to Samsung's Exynos to even the field. We can only hope it will, as Samsung's Hummingbird processor was amazing... Samsung is oddly keeping very quiet about this.
Yea I get that. But at the end all it really gives is tthe video potential.. games are developed and optimized for tegra so they will def work with tegra...
Yea the apple processor kills it in graphics but so what? Games are the same .. no lag on tegra in gaming ..
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
I will have an eee pad transformer on Saturday. It will keep me going until the 10.1 arrives. By that time I will be able to upgrade if I feel the need. The eee is certainly an attractive tablet at an attractive price.
redmongoose said:
I will have an eee pad transformer on Saturday. It will keep me going until the 10.1 arrives. By that time I will be able to upgrade if I feel the need. The eee is certainly an attractive tablet at an attractive price.
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You can't upgrade from a transformer to a tab 10.1, if you read the specs the transformer has the better spec especially of you use the keyboard dock with full USB 2.0 at another £50, the screen is total class the best i've seen on any android device anywhere and a zillion times better than the xoom, plus full HDMI etc.
It's released next week in the UK 16th April, already cancelled my xoom order
Can't believe there's no froum on here
Yes, you can upgrade.
New GT 10,1 will have a better bat. life and better screen
If you do not need full USB 2.0 (in keyboard!!! only) and keyboard itself) no reason to go for Transformer.
Probably it will have worse cpu (tegra 2 against exynos), is thicker and heavier...
If one needs just an Android tablet GT 10.1 seems to be the best one coming (in 10.1 size)
galtom said:
Yes, you can upgrade.
New GT 10,1 will have a better bat. life and better screen
If you do not need full USB 2.0 (in keyboard!!! only) and keyboard itself) no reason to go for Transformer.
Probably it will have worse cpu (tegra 2 against exynos), is thicker and heavier...
If one needs just an Android tablet GT 10.1 seems to be the best one coming (in 10.1 size)
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Very true. Agree 100%
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
galtom said:
Yes, you can upgrade.
New GT 10,1 will have a better bat. life and better screen
If you do not need full USB 2.0 (in keyboard!!! only) and keyboard itself) no reason to go for Transformer.
Probably it will have worse cpu (tegra 2 against exynos), is thicker and heavier...
If one needs just an Android tablet GT 10.1 seems to be the best one coming (in 10.1 size)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A better battery than 18 hrs the asus tab has a 9.5 hr battery and the keyboard holds another 8.5, and if you compare prices the asus will still work out over £50 cheaper than just the samsung on it's own
Better screen than the IPS one doesn't think so does one
If buying android devices has tought me anything it's that just paying more doesn't automatically mean you get better
checkbox111 said:
A better battery than 18 hrs the asus tab has a 9.5 hr battery and the keyboard holds another 8.5, and if you compare prices the asus will still work out over £50 cheaper than just the samsung on it's own
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That is why I wrote about keyboard. I just want a tablet - I do not need keybord and I do not plan to carry anything like that with me. I already ave a netbook... why would I want another one?
When tablet itself is considered... GT 10.1N (N for new) has bigger battery (+), is thinner (+), is lighter (+).
For me (and I suppose all ppl. that do not need keyboard docking station) winner is clear - even if it is slightly more expensive.
One more thing... no one knows how this docking thing will actually work in 6 months... and just to have physical buttons to write few posts and e-mails...? Unless you really work with text but than again - wouldn't Windows 7 device be better choice to work?
One more thing.... with GT10.1 I can have small. sexy stand... maybe use it as a second screen with my desktop... with keybord docking station one needs extra space. You either have all the time with you (extra weight) or you need spece in drawer for it (but than why would you buy it?) or extra cover and space on the dest so it will not gather tons of dust! In my opinion in case of tablet (and according to MY NEEDA ) this is not money well spend.
checkbox111 said:
Better screen than the IPS one doesn't think so does one
If buying android devices has tought me anything it's that just paying more doesn't automatically mean you get better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better screen??? How???
IPS (Transformer) vs Super PLS (Tab) http://bit.ly/h2smoN (another PLUS)
As I said - for me there is only one winner here... GT10.1 seems like the best 10.1 tablet announced so far.
galtom said:
That is why I wrote about keyboard. I just want a tablet - I do not need keybord and I do not plan to carry anything like that with me. I already ave a netbook... why would I want another one?
When tablet itself is considered... GT 10.1N (N for new) has bigger battery (+), is thinner (+), is lighter (+).
For me (and I suppose all ppl. that do not need keyboard docking station) winner is clear - even if it is slightly more expensive.
One more thing... no one knows how this docking thing will actually work in 6 months... and just to have physical buttons to write few posts and e-mails...? Unless you really work with text but than again - wouldn't Windows 7 device be better choice to work?
One more thing.... with GT10.1 I can have small. sexy stand... maybe use it as a second screen with my desktop... with keybord docking station one needs extra space. You either have all the time with you (extra weight) or you need spece in drawer for it (but than why would you buy it?) or extra cover and space on the dest so it will not gather tons of dust! In my opinion in case of tablet (and according to MY NEEDA ) this is not money well spend.
Better screen??? How???
IPS (Transformer) vs Super PLS (Tab) http://bit.ly/h2smoN (another PLUS)
As I said - for me there is only one winner here... GT10.1 seems like the best 10.1 tablet announced so far.
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Click to collapse
You don't have to have the keyboard docking station of you don't want it, they're both available seperately, you can always use the standard touchscreen honeycomb board or swipe.
I know I do not have to buy keyboard. But without keyboard GT 10.1 (new) is lighter, thinner and with better battery.
Again, if it will be confirmed that it will also have different CPU (without Tegra'2 video playbeck limitations) FOR ME it is a better choice.
If it will be based as 10.1v and Transformer on Tegra 2 I think I will buy Transformer since it will be sooner in the shops.
But I will wait for official confirmation (either way) by Samsung
I already ordered Transformer because I don't mind converting from time to time and I feel that Samsung will want to throw 10.1v in Europe first and 10.1 will be late here.
I ordered my Transformer on Saturday from Comet for delivery yesterday morning, and it turned up 15 minutes before I had to leave to catch the train to Paris. I've been playing with it off and on and it really is very nice - the screen is beautiful and it really feels like a quality item.
However, it is much bigger and quite a bit heavier than my 7" Galaxy Tab, so I suspect it will likely stay at home on the coffee table in future. The Galaxy Tab 8.9 may occupy the sweet spot between the 7" Tab and the 10.1" Transformer in terms of size/weight, but the Transformer is excellent value for money.
I did originally have it on preorder with Amazon for the bundle with the keyboard dock, but decided I couldn't wait - the keyboard dock has already been ordered and paid for direct from AsusTek for £54.98p!
Regards,
Dave
Can you say if it has the same problems with video playback as Xoom?
My main interest is mkv (high profile) 720p.
Also (as I can not find it at asus web site) I suppose it has DLNA. If by any chance you have NAS drive - how is with playback from this device?
If someone would like to help me out and write a review for tabletowo.pl (it will be translated to Polish by me and your name will be used) I will be grateful - please PM me.
I'm travelling for work at the moment, so I can't test much in the way of video since I don't have much here to test.
What I can tell you is, it does have a DLNA client/server, though it is rather odd since some of the language is in Spanish (may be italian) even though the Tab is configured to be in English. I did try connecting to my Galaxy Tab, using the Tab as a DNLA server and a WiFi hotspot, but when I started AllShare on the Tab, it switched off the mobile hotspot and turned regular WiFi back on.
Unlike the Galaxy Tab, the Transformer has no native DivX support, so I've installed RockPlayer and VPlayer, and will probably give them a try tonight on a DivX or too, but I've no 720p MKVs to test.
Regards,
Dave

[Q]Help me choose: Transformer or IConia A500.

Greetings to you all.
I apologize if this is in the wrong section. I am having a heck of a time choosing between these two tablets.
Acer Iconia Pros:
Nice size
better front camera
Has a LED Flash
AFAIK a STOCK version of HC.
Has better sound ( Dolby )
REAL USB 2.0 port ( full size )
EASY TO FIND!!!!!
Cons:
Heard that Playing 1080p HD Video is horrible ( according to reviews that I have seen on youtube ) ( I consider 1080p to be be HD while 720p is more medium def )
Heard that it is not Gorilla Glass ( although I saw a thread that proved otherwise )
Heard that video recording and pics are "meh" at best.
Locked bootloader * Thanks to Lorimere for telling me about that *
and onto the Transformer:
Pros:
Slightly better battery life
IPS Panel Display
Dock that doubles as battery extender
Cons:
Aparently the Transformer has a LOT of issues. Sleep of Death, Non responsive screen, dock problems, massive light bleeding
So I was wondering what you guys would think? Give me your honest opinions ( as long as they are polite....I have no tolerance for rudeness )
I already have a Galaxy Tab 7 inch and a iPad 1 wifi 16GB.....so those who like to say "Get a ipad and be happy with it" Been there. LOL!!!!!
I have had both. And honestly you can't go wrong with either one.
I decided to keep the Acer for 2 reasons.
1) the USB host on the tablet. (after using both, I realized I really didn't need the dock, so the Iconia won here) ** just to add I use the USB port a lot, so for me tablet without it now is a no-go **
2) The build quality on the Iconia was better than on my Transformer.
If I was going to use and carry the dock a lot, the transformer would be better. But In the 2 weeks of having them both, I only felt the need for a real keyboard once. And plugging in a usb keyboard for that hour i needed it worked great.
The Transformer screen is nicer though (mine only had a very small amount of light bleed.). The Acer screen is not bad by any means, but the transformers colors were better. (but after selling my transformer I don't really miss its screen honestly.)
The only thing that keeps me from 100% recommending the Iconia is the locked bootloader. I think it will be cracked or unlocked eventualy. But the fact is as of now it is still locked.
Hmm.....did not know about the locked bootloader. Good to know. Thank You.
I have had two acer iconias. Now I have the asus transformer. And I love it very much. The asus screen is better and this tablet preforms better. The acer constantly woke up on it's on. And if left in stand by for long periods of time the screen would become unresponsive. The only way to fix this problem was to do a hard reset.
Both tablets are very good, but the asus just wins in every category except sound. Not to mention it has great software. Mycloud, Mynet, and slashtop are all exclusive to asus. And the support for acer is lacking. Asus on the other hand has issued four updates each with detailed change logs. And asus will released Honeycomb 3.1 tomorrow 5/31.
So don't believed the bad news about asus transformer all the bugs have been rectified in a timely manner. I have only had my transformer for a week and I have not experienced one problem, besides minor light bleeding. I also have the asus dock and functionality is remarkable. Two usb ports and sd card slot, and a touch pad, with a extra battery. I'm completely satisfied
I had 2 Transformers and returned them both because of excessive light bleed and a gap in the bezel on the upper left hand side which would allow dust behind the screen.
That said, if they have fixed these build quality issues and weight vs connectivity is not an issue for you then the Transformer is the better tablet, certainly in the screen department.
If weight vs connectivity is an issue for you then the Acer is a better tablet, simply because to get similar on the move connectivity as the Acer, the Transformer has to be carried with the optional keyboard dock which essentially turns it into a netbook, and doubles the weight to a hefty 1.4kg vs the Iconia 765g.
As for software glitches and random screen ons, not really an issue for me. Honeycomb is still pretty much a work in progress, and in it's current state it does everything I need it to, and therefore for me it will only get better as Acer release updates.
If you do go for the Transformer then load up a black jpeg, go into a darkened room and whack the brightness up to full to check for light bleed, because for me that was a deal breaker. A simply stunning IPS screen like that hampered by shoddy build quality just wasn't acceptable.
If you want to know what I mean, this is the level of bleed I got on both my Transformers, though not forgetting that they may well have sorted out their manufacturing issues for later batches.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80pSCclf9Eg
At first I wondered about the $50 difference in the two. After playing with the Asus at Bestbuy and reading reports I think build quality is one major reason the Acer is so much more. It's well worth it in my opinion, although the locked boot loader for me is a big regret(I'm a big FOSS advocate)
I really agree with Lorimere. The USB port is really useful for me. And the USB port can be use for keyboard and mouse, too!
Actually I really wanted to try Transformer. But ASUS reps in my country (Indonesia) were really don't know when the tablet will go on sale. ASUS really need to fix this. Some are selling it through forums, but it's way too expensive. 16 GB Transformer worth the same as 32 GB Iconia!
I just got update from @acerID (ACER Indonesia twitter reps account), that lots of Iconia accessories will start coming in right away. Yaayy, finally!
As most posts above have stated, the biggest differences are:
USB Host: Acer (built-in) vs. ASUS (on dock)
Display: ASUS generally better than Acer's (unless you get a unit with light bleed)
Build quality: Acer generally feels better made than ASUS
Bootloader: ASUS has an unlocked bootloader vs. Acer's locked
For me the biggest thing in this list is the onboard USB host. Being able to plug in a USB drive without having to carry around essentially 1/2 of a netbook to dock the unit into is a major win for the Acer.
The display issue is really pretty minor I think, unless you want to set your tablet up on a desk and watch a movie while moving around, in which case the ASUS' ISP display will be better with less viewing angle restrictions.
Other items to consider:
ASUS ships with Exchange support, although that's been added in the latest firmware update to Acer's tab; in addition, rooted Acers are able to use the ASUS apk, and some Market Apps (Touchdown is my favorite right now, particularly with the $7.99 pro license from Amazon appstore vs. $19.99 normally)
Update frequency: ASUS has apparently been pushing updates out more frequently
ASUS is more likely to get 3.1 update out first, although Acer's also said they'll be shipping it in June (test of ASUS' 3.1 has already been spotted)
Acer has better sound system (Dolby Mobile)
Final thoughts:
The issue w/ the Acer screen coming back on randomly appears to have been resolved in the latest firmware (mine hasn't turned itself back on since the .114 update).
ASUS in general appears a bit more committed to the Android platform than Acer (at least after the replacement of their prior CEO.)
Oh yeah, and you can BUY the Acer a lot more easily than the ASUS
The only reason the Asus has gotten more updates is because it had way more bugs than the Acer initially....
lord_voldemort666 said:
The only reason the Asus has gotten more updates is because it had way more bugs than the Acer initially....
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Click to collapse
Sorry, but that is just FUD!
There are plenty of reasons to pick an Acer over an Asus, and vice-versa, but this frankly isn't true.
Regards,
Dave
lord_voldemort666 said:
The only reason the Asus has gotten more updates is because it had way more bugs than the Acer initially....
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Click to collapse
A Very Big +1
Don't need updates every week for something that isn't broke.
I have had generic tablets. Viewsonic G.tablet. Xoom. And tried the transformer of a friend(he later returned it for Acer). I am very happy, with my A500 as is my friend. Sure there are a couple bugs here and there...but for 98% of the time I use my tablet...it just works. I pick it up and it almost seems eager to do all I want it too.
As for what to pick...want a tablet...get the Acer....want a net book with identity crisis...get the Asus. Or sit on the fence...a few months down the road...bigger names will enter the game and may have a more current version of honeycomb or ice cream sandwich or whatever google finds in their cafateria that sounds tasty :-D
Hi,
i have hesitate for a long time between transformer and a500. And now, don't know why so long hesitating, because a500 is far more efficient than the transformer.
My unique "regret" is the non avaibility of the 16Gb version wich is at the same price than the 16gb transformer.
Transformer is the tablet who makes you dream when you have to buy : ips is the best, the dock is nice idea, water theme is fun... But in reality, i can't find one to buy where i live. An more, if i want usb, have to buy the heavy dock (big major issue). The IPS is really nice... IF it's perfect as ipad... and it's not ! because quality built of transformer is not as good as it seems to be. Asus is active about their transformer (updates), because they are in late, it's seems have been built in emergency at many points, to solve now.
Acer is far more efficient. no hard (and loose time) developpment for any dock to fixed to the tablet, used spva screen which is really availlable (all ips are used by ipad), full simple connectivity, don't loose time on thick (like samsung), don't loose time on weight (few grams more and so ?), and maybe some less quality "electronics" (wifi, gps ?). But the tablet is really available, even here in martinique (it's a sign^^), and it really works well in my hand, it's a fact, it's not a dream, it's a fact.
For the updates activities : asus want to do well and have to work hard to be really good if they want to follow acer tab a500 who already sell their tablet in mass. Acer seems more confiant in their product, take time for update and 3.1.
at this time i have NO reasons to wait transformer, and for sure if acer know that, asus know that too
What akwaba972 said is exactly how I felt. I'm no longer thinking of Transformer right now. It's sweet, but if you can only dream of it, forget it!
Which way do I go!!!
I too am torn between the Transformer and the A500. I do not have either one of them but first leaned to the Transformer because of it low price. But one could not get it anywhere around. Since then I have been reading and now lean toward the A500 because of the USB ports. I may be a few bucks more but seem like a better build.
Thanks!!
Well it appears that fate has smiled upon me. I just got $400CDN from a friend of mine that I forgot owed me money! I have then decided to get BOTH....for now.
The Acer Iconia will be purchased when I can get up to Owen Sound Staples or will be ordered from NCIX.
The ASUS Transformer has been already ordered from NCIX and has been shipped already ( 16GB Variant ) and depending on the quality and on how I like it then and only then will I purchase the dock.
I will continue this thread to help other people out and see how these two tablets fare. If I decide to keep them both then I will sell my iPad as I will have no use for it. ( Wifi 16GB 1st Gen )
bear in mind, the asus transformer is getting a 3.1 update today, so it's safe to assume ASUS is argubly more dedicate to the firmware support than Acer. and no one seems to mention in this post the dock gives extra 6-7 battery hours plus TWO usb ports, this is crucial to me as I normally want to plug in both of my western digital passport and a mouse...(and now you can even use two xbox360 controllers!)
The 3.1 update will be the absolute FIRST thing that I will do with both devices as I get them.
I feel like a kid with a new toy...come on Purolator where ARE YOU!!!! LOL!!!
magicpork said:
bear in mind, the asus transformer is getting a 3.1 update today, so it's safe to assume ASUS is argubly more dedicate to the firmware support than Acer. and no one seems to mention in this post the dock gives extra 6-7 battery hours plus TWO usb ports, this is crucial to me as I normally want to plug in both of my western digital passport and a mouse...(and now you can even use two xbox360 controllers!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I make a cruise ship in april, and many people on it have an ipad or ebook reader.
It's at this time my wife tell me she will like to have one, and me looking for the best tablet (except the locked ipad).
If i take the example of this ship cruise, i can easily imagine somebody give me his usb key to quickly share immediatly some pics or songs on my a500 who is in the bag with the towel. Easily reload the tablet at night (8 hrs nice enough for a day).
With the transformer, first, i have to carry the dock in luggage , but still ok for now. AFTER, when l'm on the pool deck and someone give me an usb key... have to go to my room, get the dock, back, connect for finally have the usb accessibility. I cannot have the dock already at pool, because it take more place, very more weight and finally may be you do not use it at all.
Of course, it's not a dramatic issue, it's just a real example of use among many others. acer in my example is an all in one simple device.
but i agree that in your case, the dock may be fine.
I wanted the Transformer for a long time i bought the Iconia last week since i wanted a tablet for a week long work trip, i love it, with the full size USB i can mount my NTFS 1TB drive and watch my 12GB 1080p videos, you cant do that with any other tablet.
Transformers only pro to me is the dock... but go look at logitechs new bluetooth keyboard that is also a stand...
Well I got my TF....still waiting on the Acer.
Time will tell........

Eee Pad or SGT 10.1 or... wait

I love the Galaxy Tab 10.1 but the Eee Pad is $100 cheaper. Plus its easier to transfer files from my PC and it has a micro SD slot.
So should I get the Eee Pad instead of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 or should I wait for the ASUS Tegra 3 Tablet?
Also is the Eee Pad's construction solid? and is it a reliable tablet?
The build is fine, its a solid piece. Some people had problems, but I think that was the older b4 serial models. The b6 are better, but some issues still occur. Just return it and get a new one if so. The Galaxy is very nice and light. It's very similar to the ipad 2. It's pretty smooth and people seem to like the build quality. However with the Transformer, it's more like a netbook. It has almost all the functions, and if not, you can find a solution. The Galaxy has no slots or extras. You have to buy them separate. The keyboard dock is alright, and it doesnt have a trackpad. While with the Transformer you have Hdmi, MicroSD, SD, and 2 usb ports. It last 16 hours with the dock attached. Alone it can last 8 hours. They have attachments coming out, like usb, so you dont need the dock. But the dock is really nice to type and use the mouse with. Remote RDP supports the right click function of the trackpad. Streaming works well with spalshtop. All in all, the Galaxy is smooth, pretty, but lacks functionality unless you buy the attachments. The Transformer is the first concept of the tab dock, so it will have some issues. But it's such a cool thing to use, and when you undock it in front of people, they go, WHAT? What just happened?? Haha
The lack of an SD card killed the Tab for me. The Transformer is a much more versatile device with the inclusion of the laptop dock which nearly doubles battery life as well.
I see the Tab the same way I see the iPad, paying for the brand and sacrificing features.
I'm in the same boat. I have a new White 16gb iPad2 3G I'm trying to sell and deciding. I have someone wanting to trade his Transformer + Keyboard dock with the iPad2.
Tough call. MicroSD slot and HDMI out plus extra battery dock and keyboard... or the SGT10.1
I think the Transformer is the better choice in the long run. It isn't as thin, but it is cheaper and has more bang for your buck. I've owned Asus EeePC's before and very impressed by the updates and quality.
AT has a 5MP camera that is better but lacks flash like on the Tabs 3MP + Flash.
My thinking is that I'd probably never use the HDMI out. I have it on my LG G2x and use it, but I would use my phone, not my Tablet. MicroSD card slot is awesome. It would be hard to part without that.
I think I'm going to do the trade for the Transformer.
If you wait.....you will NEVER get a tablet because a newer or better one will ALWAYS be on the Horizon. Get what you want NOW and ENJOY IT.
That said....the lack of expansion on the Galaxy Tab 10.1x killed it for more. No expansion....NO DEAL. If I wanted a Tablet with no expansion I would have gone iPad.
No I like my Transformer ( Eee Pad sounds so retarded IMHO ) very much and would not trade it for the inferior Tablets.
Another good option is the Acer Iconia A500 if you want to look at it....but it does not have the awesome dock that the Transformer has ( if you buy it. )
Just to throw in there, the new Toshiba is pretty sweet too and it's in the same price range as the Transformer and Iconia.
So Im leaning towards the Eee Pad now. So ASUS has been doing good so far in their updates?
And with the most recent model the problem with the Eee Pad failing has been fixed?

why did you choose this over the acer iconia and galaxy tab 10.1?

these 2 seem to cover opposing needs which overlap with transformer. You need good display and weight then tab. You need expandability, iconia is there and cheap.
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acers too heavy and video playback is gash, otas havent been as frequent and its filled with bloat.
samsung price is too high, connectivity is rubbish, lack of support from samsung, screen problems, touch wizz.
i would have another 7" gtab gtp1000 though, good roms for it and its great for its spec.
put them side by side, looks at the screen transitional rate. Alright, transformer it is.
well long before the TF was out, was xoom and acer iconia. Both of them didnt have a smooth screen transition rate, when android was still at 3.0 honeycomb. so I decided to wait a little longer and see what the TF got to offer. Samsung galaxy tab 10.1 came too late into the market for me =\
I've owned both Asus Transformer and 10.1 and design, weight, and screen goes to Galaxy Tab 10.1. However the lack of ports was a major turn off so I've stuck with the transformer instead. I'm glad I did because its seems to be one with the most development and traffic in terms of tablet in this forum.
At the time I bought my TF the Acer was more expensive. Also, no dock and a cruddier screen almost as bad as the Xoom's.
The Galaxy 10.1 hadn't been announced yet but price, dock and a general dislike of Samsung would still have led me to the TF.
For me it was only ONE reason: The dock-to me it's a total no brainer. These tablets are all pretty much the same, with the only differences being the hardware. Having a built in, removeble, foldable keypad makes the Transformer miles ahead of all the others. Interesting enough, I find that I haven't even uncovered, much less used the USB ports or the HDMI out, as well as the external micro SD slot
Much like fldude99 I bought the Transformer for the dock.
In my look at the time (pre-A500), the Tab was pretty much the cream of the crop when I did research. Especially since I could get a version from my carrier instead of the WiFi only version; although now that I look, it seems they have stopped carrying them :-/. So if I just wanted a typical "Tablet", I would have bought a Galaxy Tab 10.1 or held out for Xoom II. While owning an Android phone, I don't have much use for a tablet unless it can do whatever I can do with my existing system. The ASUS Transformer is almost exactly like the EeePC I have been using, and except for the Android SDK, seems to let me do everything I've been doing in straight Linux (courtesy of a Debian chroot and the Market).
Since I got the EeePC earlier this year, what made it worth my while to upgrade to the Transformer -- excessive of battery life due to the dock.
Which is just good, because I can both work on code longer if the power goes out, and as my fiancee lives 4200+km away -- it is much better suited to plane travel then any other system I could get. Short of buying several battery.
keyboard dock and price.
The iconia was actually my first choice while I was deciding between the TF and the iconia. After using the iconia for a while, I realized the huge advantage of having a keyboard dock option with the TF.
I paid about $300 for the iconia. I paid $380 for the TF+dock. So, money wasn't an issue.
TF over Iconia:
TF not as bigger/fatter
TF not as heavier
TF not better looking
TF screen was nicer
The dock was a very nice option.
TF over 10.1:
TF offered MicroSD card slot (single biggest reason)
TF was $100 cheaper
FT offered a better dock option
I've always hated acer so I don't even look at their stuff. The samsung was too expensive for the same hardware(plus the screen on the galaxy tab is oversaturated)
keyboard and price for me too. and now you lucky late-adoptors can get the keyboard at the tablet's original price point. all the tegra 2 tablets are basically the same...what sets them apart are build quality and accessories.
TF isn't neccessarily the top in terms of build quality (although it's pretty good)...but with the keyboard dock, it's #1 at accessories.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
The dock is the reason I got the TF. If I only needed to consume media than the 10.1 would have been my choice. But the dock moves the TF to a different level of usefulness to me. Typing much more than a sentence or two without a dock is a pain.
I use this as a laptop replacement.
1) USB : Ethernet, 3GB, External Harddrive
2) Dock : Battery, PERFECT RDP client
Neither Acer(usually bad support) nor Samsung (no dock back then)
Asus wins!
1) dock
2) screen
3) never had problems with an Asus product, the only Acer product I've owned was rubish
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Comparing, in my opinion:
-Acer: looked cheap, felt bulky and heavy, great connectivity and expandability
-Motorola: looked great, felt heavy and bulky, expensive
-Galaxy Tab 10.1: looked great, thin & light, felt fragile, lack of connectivity and expansion
-Asus: looks good, good connectivity and expansion options, size and weight is fine, it feels good in my hands
Also after looking a bit, it seemed that those tabs aren't having a great support from the makers, while Asus was getting the updates and seemed to care more about its product.
The price and the dock.
Right now if I were buying, i'd maybe consider the Xoom due to the price drop.
About a year ago I got the now infamous ZTE Blade, which still is an awesome bit of hardware given how cheap it is and was at the time. Ended up becoming a major Android fan, trying out half a dozen different ROMs and generally playing with it. It's still a cheap and cheerful device though - plasticky, doesn't do Flash - numerous drawbacks. I still use it, and still love it though.
I started salivating over the TF when it first came out - I loved the look of Honeycomb, and really wanted to get my hands on a tab running it properly - not a bargain basement number with it hacked on. I just couldn't financially justify it - I'm not rich, and although any spare income tends to go on PC upgrades or gadgetry, the price of most Honeycomb tabs was way beyond my means. Ultimately, a very kind relative gave me a large cheque for my birthday last month and I found a cheap open box TF+dock on the site I most often use for computer related purchases and figured I was sick of obsessing about it and the should just buy the damned thing.
There were a few things that swung it for me - mainly it was the dock which had the potential (and did in practice) turn a tab from being something that seemed purely luxurious and geared towards media consumption into something that could be used productively. The full size USB ports played a part, as did the price compared to other, similar specced tabs (which all seemed to have less options, storage wise) and the fact it was ASUS hardware - all my self-build PCs have had ASUS motherboards, and I've had a couple of their graphics cards too.
So mainly the dock and the price. I've had it for under a fortnight (I was lucky - got a B05) and I don't regret it in the slightest.
it was simple for me... it had MicroSD right on it, and the propietary dock was not needed with the keyboard in order to use a SD card, external HDD, thumb drive, etc
Price and availability where key points against Samsung tab. Didn't even bother with acer as I'm not very satisfied with acer stuff.
Also the dock and speedy update where an plus for tf
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk

[Q] TF101 or other recommendations?

Hi Everyone,
I'm considering purchasing the TF101 after returning the TF201 due to bad wifi perforamnce, browser lockups, and how Asus handled the GPS not working. For those that don't know, after they released the product advertised with GPS functionality, Asus pulled GPS from the specification because it didn't work without any notice. I saw alot of posts that stated Asus told users to return the product if they didn't like this resolution. I could never find something directly from Asus stating this. The TF201 also suffers from bad and inconsistent wifi. Many believe this is due to the 'pogo' connectors, basically if you bump the device or pinch the case, it may improve or worsten wifi performance. Anyways, enough ranting about what's wrong with the TF201. I plan on using the tablet primarily for web browsing, e-mail, calendar, to-do lists, viewing MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF files, etc... I won't be doing any gaming.
At this point in time, would you recommend purchasing the TF101 or would you recommend something else?
Would you recommend waiting for the IPAD 3 or some other soon to be released device?
Unless something changes soon with TF201 quality and reliability, I'm not willing to repurchase the TF201 again.
Appreciate your feedback.
BostonDan
I don't have experience with any other tablet beside the TF101.
I like it, work for me what I need it to do.
I would recommend going to Best Buy or Staples ect.
and play around with all the different models they have.
BostonDan2 said:
I plan on using the tablet primarily for web browsing, e-mail, calendar, to-do lists, viewing MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF files, etc... I won't be doing any gaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use my TF101 for same things and i can tell you that the Browser sometimes is laggy, but depends on the rom you're using, and i think ICS will improve it much.
Other things are perfect:
E-mail client is fast and well rearranged;
Calendar has a very clear interface;
There are tons of apps for pdf reading (i like ezpdf, wich allows to edit them);
Same for Word/Excel/PPT but Polaris office (Preinstalled on TF101) is one of the best and works very well;
For Notes/To-Do Lists there are a lot of apps in the market, the best i think is Beautiful Notes wich runs pretty good.
i agree that it would best that you go personally to a best buy to check them out. The transformer has been working perfect for me for the same uses you said. However i find the galaxy tab really nice too. I was also impressed with the sony s tablet. Check them out. Imho Cant go wrong with asus, sony or galaxy.
Wait for tf700t none of the primes problems with a better screen aswell
Sent from my tf running krakd warped an twisted 1544mhz Blades kernel
The number one reason for getting a Transformer is the dock. If you want the dock (and I wanted it badly) then it's TF101 or TF201 ATM. Since you (understandably) did not like what Asus did with the TF201, that leaves the TF101 for you.
Now, the TF101 has way more going for it than just the dock. The IPS screen is beautiful (and the light bleed issue ought to be stamped out by now. In mine, I barely get light bleed, and it's a B60 model, but I guess I was lucky.). The price is acceptable, up to now, Asus has delivered when it comes to updates (let's see if they keep the trend with the ICS update. I understand that they had issues, and don't want to release a half assed update, so let's wait patiently).
Currently selling alternatives (prizing information based on local prices here in Spain, YMMV):
The Acer Iconia A500: similar specs, worse screen (but no light bleed issue that I know of), but full size USB without the need of the dock or the adapter. Similar price to the TF101.
Sony Tablet S: Slightly smaller screen, different design (not my cup of tea, but it's the selling point for some people), universal IR remote capabilities, full size USB, Full size SD instead of micro SD. Slightly more expensive than the TF101
I would not go for the Galaxy Tab, as the lack of expandable memory would force you to go for the (even) more expensive version. Also, it's way more expensive, while offering the same specs. Comes with Touchwiz, and IIRC, requires you to use Kies to perform updates. Also, Samsung has not been as speedy as Asus when it comes to updates. I would not go for the Xoom either, even if it already has ICS. Didn't like the design, too bulky. Also, it's more expensive than the TF101, though it comes with greater internal storage.
Thanks Everyone
Thanks Everyone,
I'm down to 4 choices, Asus TF101, Acer Iconia A500, IPAD 2, or waiting for the IPAD 3.
My thoughts are:
Asus TF700: After the TF201 experience, there is no way I'll consider buying an Asus tablet which hasn't been proven in the marketplace.
Asus TF101: Appears stable and it's not apple, but the more I think about the TF201 experience, I'd blame myself for trusting Asus if I end up having problems and again receive no response from Asus support.
Acer Iconia A500: Although not the latest, appears stable and it's not Apple. I have no idea what kind of support Acer provides.
IPAD-2: I can't think of a single friend or relative that regretted getting the IPAD-2. Stable and app support is very large.
IPAD-3: Having to wait an unknown timeframe until this is announced and released is a big negative. Unknown stability or problems, but Apple has the appearance of releasing more stable products than anyone out in the industry.
IPAD2 & IPAD3: It's Apple. There is just something inside of me that doesn't like Apple, with no justification or reason. From a support perspective, the ability to visit an Apple retail store for support is appealing, however I have no idea what level of technical knowledge exists at the retail stores.
ARGH!!!!!!!
Thanks Again Everyone!
Dan
BostonDan2 said:
Hi Everyone,
I'm considering purchasing the TF101 after returning the TF201 due to bad wifi perforamnce, browser lockups, and how Asus handled the GPS not working. For those that don't know, after they released the product advertised with GPS functionality, Asus pulled GPS from the specification because it didn't work without any notice. I saw alot of posts that stated Asus told users to return the product if they didn't like this resolution. I could never find something directly from Asus stating this. The TF201 also suffers from bad and inconsistent wifi. Many believe this is due to the 'pogo' connectors, basically if you bump the device or pinch the case, it may improve or worsten wifi performance. Anyways, enough ranting about what's wrong with the TF201. I plan on using the tablet primarily for web browsing, e-mail, calendar, to-do lists, viewing MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF files, etc... I won't be doing any gaming.
At this point in time, would you recommend purchasing the TF101 or would you recommend something else?
Would you recommend waiting for the IPAD 3 or some other soon to be released device?
Unless something changes soon with TF201 quality and reliability, I'm not willing to repurchase the TF201 again.
Appreciate your feedback.
BostonDan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will be happier with a netbook or ultrabook imho. Tablet suggestions I would have are the Acer Iconia Tab W500 (very vaguely a win7 transformer and not an A500) or a model of Eee Slate with 4GB RAM installed (comes with bluetooth keyboard and a pen).
For Android tablets, TF101 or the Galaxy Tab 8.9.
If you don't know, just buy iPad and see whether or not it makes you puke.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk

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