Database Users

[INFO] What the Transformer plus dock can do for you

The more I use my TF the more I like it. Although I understand that people with problems need to vent I want to add another positive post to the forum.
First off, I do NOT believe that there is such a thing as the "perfect tablet" (but that doesn't mean that there is not a lot of crap out there!). For some the iPad might be the best, for others the XOOM, for some the Transformer or even the Nook Color.
Now here are some of the Transformer's benefits that make it the currently best tablet for me:
The dock. This was probably the main reason for switching from the XOOM. I was looking for a case with Bluetooth keyboard for so long that the dock just came like an answer to my quest. I do a lot of typing so a physical keyboard was a must for me. The additional battery life and connectors are a HUGE plus (see more below). The keyboard is very sturdy and it is fun to type on. And of course the touch pad. Especially when browsing the web the pointer makes it indefinitely easier to click those tiny links!
ASUS's software. The widgets are minimalistic and beautiful. They add to the Honeycomb experience without forcing a manufacturer's UI upon the user. The applications that are included are well designed and work great.
Polaris Office. So far the best office suite that I have tested. This restores my faith in developers caring about productivity on tablet as compared to only entertainment and "consumption".
Connectivity. I was amazed. I have setup media sharing on my PC so I could stream videos and music to my PS3s. The first time I fired up MyNet it automatically detected my PC and the content was instantly available. No settings to alter, no messing around. Then just yesterday I connected my external HDD (NTFS) where I ripped all my movies in HD (as compared to the 640x480 res for my iPod). It also was detected and mounted automatically and the content plays flawlessly (with Mobo Player). SD card, microSD card, everything works out of the box; I remember how much trouble that was with the XOOM...
The display. Well, admittedly, an IPS screen is just great even though it might not have the most natural color reproduction or brightness. However, the viewing angles and contrast are amazing! I also like the wider bezel (compared to the XOOM) which allows for holding it in one hand without touching the actual touch screen (and I have not the biggest hands!). Sure, I have a bit of light bleed but the one on my Nook Color is worse. If I want to see it I will...
Updates. For not being a "Pure Android Experience Device" the ASUS got updates rather frequently. There seems to be a real person from ASUS support active in this forum and on other social media like facebook (in Europe at least).
Weight and Build. The TF feels nice and light when held. That it is made of plastic is unfortunate because it does feel kind of cheap but it is not too flimsy. I was apprehensive about the goldenish color but I have gotten used to it. I covered the back with carbon fiber skin though
So everyone considering to buy one of these I can only recommend it. There might be some lemons out there but you will have that with every device. If you want to wait for the newest gadgets, good luck, because as soon as you buy a high-tech device you can be sure that it's obsolete a week later...
Hope that helps some folks that were still indecisive.

I have to agree with you my experience with the transformer and dock has been wonderful. My roomate asks why I didn't just buy a net book/laptop and whenever I detach the tablet and go to work or a coffee shop it makes it worth it all. Being able to have the tablet for casual use and the dock for longer/power use is the flexibility a lot of people want. For the most part at home it's in the dock just for ease of use, battery, and I don't have to prop it up on something.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

Great post!
I would like my Transformer build quality to be a little better, but otherwise I can't complain too much after getting my dock firmware update.
It is so cool to snap the Transformer into the dock and have a netbook with an additional SD card of storage. The keyboard is pretty good, but the trackpad is amazing. I really like the feel of it. Using the trackpad doesn't feel tacked on either, Honeycomb feels like it was designed to be used with a mouse and keyboard.
I also really liked how my tablet was down to about 40% power, and when I put it in the dock it automatically started leeching energy from the dock and recharging itself. Now that is impressive! (The dock wasn't even plugged in.)
Really looking forward to Honeycomb 3.1!

bleclair said:
Great post!
I would like my Transformer build quality to be a little better, but otherwise I can't complain too much after getting my dock firmware update.
It is so cool to snap the Transformer into the dock and have a netbook with an additional SD card of storage. The keyboard is pretty good, but the trackpad is amazing. I really like the feel of it. Using the trackpad doesn't feel tacked on either, Honeycomb feels like it was designed to be used with a mouse and keyboard.
I also really liked how my tablet was down to about 40% power, and when I put it in the dock it automatically started leeching energy from the dock and recharging itself. Now that is impressive! (The dock wasn't even plugged in.)
Really looking forward to Honeycomb 3.1!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point! I forgot the touch pad. Will add it right now

Two things also impressed me about the keyboard dock that I hadn't thought of and wasn't expecting:
1. My Logitech Anywhere MX mouse works perfectly with it. Just plug the adapter into one of the dock's USB ports and it just works. For whatever reason, I didn't think it would, but I'm very happy to see that it works so well.
2. I've been using the dock to charge my Epic while away from a charger. I also hadn't thought about using the dock as a portable charger for my phone, but that works great as well.
Overall, this combo is working better than I expected, and I think my expectations were pretty high. I haven't used my HP Envy 14 notebook since I got the dock, and so I'm left wishing the TF had been available last November. Would have saved me $1000 for the Envy.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

wynand32 said:
2. I've been using the dock to charge my Epic while away from a charger. I also hadn't thought about using the dock as a portable charger for my phone, but that works great as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, I noticed you can only charge a device when the tablet is docked.
I still can't believe the dock didn't come with it's own power cord. For $150 it really, really should have.

shoehopper said:
However, I noticed you can only charge a device when the tablet is docked.
I still can't believe the dock didn't come with it's own power cord. For $150 it really, really should have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's true: the tablet has to be docked, but it doesn't have to be open or turned on. So, when stored for carrying it can charge.
And agreed: it would have been nice to have another charger and cable. Given the build quality of the dock and the fact that it includes a full-size battery, I don't know that $150 is enough at retail to give the gross margins they're looking for if they included an adapter and cable. And given that they're pricing the tablet at $399, I'm sure they're happy to maybe squeeze out a few bucks of additional gross margin out of the dock.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk

The killer features were undoubtfully keyboard with a trackpad (I hate taking hands off the keyboard just to move focus around), and the battery life.
Also, I see this becoming an awesome combo once running desktop Linux on it is perfected. That way I can pick whether I want the battery-conserving Android or full-size productivity desktop at any given moment.

int_19h said:
The killer features were undoubtfully keyboard with a trackpad (I hate taking hands off the keyboard just to move focus around), and the battery life.
Also, I see this becoming an awesome combo once running desktop Linux on it is perfected. That way I can pick whether I want the battery-conserving Android or full-size productivity desktop at any given moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used Linux (well, I tried to use it in the late 90s) but just to have the option is exciting! I wish to have an OS that allows for multitasking in different windows, even if it's just 2 or 3. Hopefully the Android of the future will have that!

funnycreature said:
The more I use my TF the more I like it. Although I understand that people with problems need to vent I want to add another positive post to the forum.
First off, I do NOT believe that there is such a thing as the "perfect tablet" (but that doesn't mean that there is not a lot of crap out there!). For some the iPad might be the best, for others the XOOM, for some the Transformer or even the Nook Color.
Now here are some of the Transformer's benefits that make it the currently best tablet for me:
The dock. This was probably the main reason for switching from the XOOM. I was looking for a case with Bluetooth keyboard for so long that the dock just came like an answer to my quest. I do a lot of typing so a physical keyboard was a must for me. The additional battery life and connectors are a HUGE plus (see more below). The keyboard is very sturdy and it is fun to type on. And of course the touch pad. Especially when browsing the web the pointer makes it indefinitely easier to click those tiny links!
ASUS's software. The widgets are minimalistic and beautiful. They add to the Honeycomb experience without forcing a manufacturer's UI upon the user. The applications that are included are well designed and work great.
Polaris Office. So far the best office suite that I have tested. This restores my faith in developers caring about productivity on tablet as compared to only entertainment and "consumption".
Connectivity. I was amazed. I have setup media sharing on my PC so I could stream videos and music to my PS3s. The first time I fired up MyNet it automatically detected my PC and the content was instantly available. No settings to alter, no messing around. Then just yesterday I connected my external HDD (NTFS) where I ripped all my movies in HD (as compared to the 640x480 res for my iPod). It also was detected and mounted automatically and the content plays flawlessly (with Mobo Player). SD card, microSD card, everything works out of the box; I remember how much trouble that was with the XOOM...
The display. Well, admittedly, an IPS screen is just great even though it might not have the most natural color reproduction or brightness. However, the viewing angles and contrast are amazing! I also like the wider bezel (compared to the XOOM) which allows for holding it in one hand without touching the actual touch screen (and I have not the biggest hands!). Sure, I have a bit of light bleed but the one on my Nook Color is worse. If I want to see it I will...
Updates. For not being a "Pure Android Experience Device" the ASUS got updates rather frequently. There seems to be a real person from ASUS support active in this forum and on other social media like facebook (in Europe at least).
Weight and Build. The TF feels nice and light when held. That it is made of plastic is unfortunate because it does feel kind of cheap but it is not too flimsy. I was apprehensive about the goldenish color but I have gotten used to it. I covered the back with carbon fiber skin though
So everyone considering to buy one of these I can only recommend it. There might be some lemons out there but you will have that with every device. If you want to wait for the newest gadgets, good luck, because as soon as you buy a high-tech device you can be sure that it's obsolete a week later...
Hope that helps some folks that were still indecisive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Such positive vibes! maybe it's not as bad as some people are trying to make out

Agree with the OP on most points. People have to keep in mind that the users with bogus units are always going to be the most vocal so it makes it seem like there are more problems than happy customers.
After the latest update that fixed my dock/keyboard, I am 99% happy. I have a discernable amount of light-bleed at the bottom left that bugs me a bit when watching video/on a dark screen. If not for that, i would be at 100%.
My sleep of death issue seems to have gone away and beside the high profile x264 issue, I don't regret my purchase one bit.

the list keeps growing!
Just shamelessly bumping this thread due to plenty of whiny 'I return my Transformer for the iPad' threads...
More things that I love about the TF:
Overclock. Yep, it's done! Several kernels now available (Netarchy's Netformer, Blades' 1.6GHz MEATABALL).
Network integration. I mentioned that in the OP but I have to reiterate how great the TF works with the installed software. The past few days I was cleaning the house a lot and simply turned on my PC, turned on my TF and streamed videos and music without having to adjust anything.
USB ports. Also mentioned in the OP. I found an awesome use for them: hooked up a goose neck USB reading light and the keyboard shone even more

Acer iconia or asus transformer?

Anyone choose the Acer over Asus Transformer?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

mikec86 said:
Anyone choose the Acer over Asus Transformer?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL... here we go again !
You're in the Acer A500 forum and asking the above question ??
That's like me seeing you driving a Mercedes and asking you if you chose the Benz over the BMW
... better put on a flame suit ...LOL

I know everyone here has the Acer, my question was who was down to choosing between the two and why the went with the Acer? Sorry for the confusion.....
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

I think also it's good to someone know what is better
If I go to BMW I ask
what you got better than MERCEDES... sell me your product
ok
- Asus
Better screen but got some light leaking...
More battery but overweighted (with keyboard 1.2kg arround but 16 Hours of battery... hu...)
Keyboard... well can be usefull sometimes and that serve as a dock so...
Nice weather stock widget ( I love it)
Less bloatware (maybe)
after I can't tell
ACER
all in one : USB, hdmi, sdcard
battery 8 hours (normal usage, game a little, wifi etc...)
FULL USB.... plug a little hub and you got mouse (3.1), keyboard, and also.... HardDrive 1TB(maybe 2TB max) can be plug in...
DOLBY that sound is great.
stronger material... my opinion.

sanaell said:
I think also it's good to someone know what is better
If I go to BMW I ask
what you got better than MERCEDES... sell me your product
ok
- Asus
Better screen but got some light leaking...
More battery but overweighted (with keyboard 1.2kg arround but 16 Hours of battery... hu...)
Keyboard... well can be usefull sometimes and that serve as a dock so...
Nice weather stock widget ( I love it)
Less bloatware (maybe)
after I can't tell
ACER
all in one : USB, hdmi, sdcard
battery 8 hours (normal usage, game a little, wifi etc...)
FULL USB.... plug a little hub and you got mouse (3.1), keyboard, and also.... HardDrive 1TB(maybe 2TB max) can be plug in...
DOLBY that sound is great.
stronger material... my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also Acer has flash for rear camera and manual lock for screen rotation. I was thinking if I wanted a tablet to look like a netbook I would have just picked up a netbook, it would be alot cheaper...
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

sanaell said:
I think also it's good to someone know what is better
If I go to BMW I ask
what you got better than MERCEDES... sell me your product
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL... ofcourse
But.... This is a community forum with device specific... We are not trying to sell you anything
Opinion...yes.... but not coming to someone's domain and ask if other were better.
Let me drop by your house and post the question to you like:
is your house better or the one down the street better ?
Your reaction would be ?
maybe I was "playing" on the OP's wording of the question
alright... back on topic... and I'm staying far away from this thread...starting now

mikec86 said:
Anyone choose the Acer over Asus Transformer?
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did. my friends recommend transformer because of its popularity, so I went to store and played with the sample, it looks ugly. here are some reasons I picked a500:
1. for $30 more you get 32G and a case
2. metal case, looks solid and for sure a little bit heavier
3. nice design, in my opinion it is the most beautiful android tablet. I compared asus, fujitsu and toshiba, cosmetically, a500 is the best
4. I love the usb port, mouse, keyboard, u-disk, you name it.
my only complain is that it doesn't do usb charging. well, others don't do it either.
besides, you can get it from costco, if you don't like it, take it back. costco.com also sells other tablets, but they are all over priced in my opinion.

I just got the Acer because of the USB port. Right now target has them for 399 and somewhere around the a500gb is a coupon for $50 off tablets @ staples. I believe you can have them price check targets price can use the coupon. Transformer has a better screen but the acers USB can come handy. I love my new a500!
Can't find the post but here's the coupon: http://reg.e.staples.com/c/s/tagfrm/hBOHH28B7SHGCB8cS0jNsq8x311/coupon.html?storeId=10001&AID=10428703&CID=AFF%253A552179%253A552179%253A10428703&cm_mmc=CJ-_-552179-_-552179-_-10428703&SID=VGg5cWlnb0JDalFBQUdAbEdmQUFBQU11&PID=552179&n=550
Act quick because coupon expires today.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

I actually had a Transformer and returned it for the Acer. Most reviews do seem to come out in favor of the Transformer, but if you read between the lines, it is always the keyboard dock that tilts it in the Transformers favor. Putting a battery in the dock to extend the battery life is a great idea. Unfortunately, based on what I read, it doesn't work. When the tablet is docked to the keyboard, it doesn't go into a deep sleep, which drains the keyboard battery. Asus does say they will fix it. You need to consider if the keyboard is worth it, over a bluetooth keyboard you could get for the Acer.
The reasons I returned my Transformer was the screen leakage problem, and the fact that the left speaker is noticeably quieter than the right. These are both very common problems. The speaker thing really annoyed me. It wouldn't matter so much if it was just one mono speaker, but with one speaker being quieter, you will actually be missing audio.
I do like the USB slot on the Acer, as well as having a cover for the microSD card. On the Asus, I believe the card sticks out of the tablet, and is easily ejected. The power supply for the Acer is also better. I found the 30 pin connector for the Asus on the bottom to be awkward when trying to use the tablet when charging.

movie playback
Hey guys this thread is helpful, thanks. I was leaning towards the transformer because of some of the video playback issues (not being able to play). The Transformer had no issues playing along side, here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyTXevfSIVk
Fast forward to 07:00
So my question is has this been resolved or is this still an issue?
Thanks guys!
Also, has anyone tried doing the Skype Video Chat? What's the experience/quality like? Will a Bluetooth headset (like a standard Jawbone) work with it? How's the Bluetooth Audio quality (assuming its capable)? I would like to use a wireless headset (stereo).
Thanks again!

The better speakers full usb on the tablet and it looks nice. besides that all the tablets have the same tegra cpu so not like your losing anything performence wise

Had 3 transformers, all with serious light bleed round the edges. Got sick of exchanging it so went for the acer and very glad I did.
Not really anything to choose on the screen, but for me, build quality is better and you have the advantage of full size usb.
On the down side it cost a little more (especially here in rip-off britain), but on the plus side, I ordered the keyboard for the transformer direct from asus when it first came out for 50 quid and sold it on flea-bay for 130 - result

Go to transformer forum and ask the same question.good luck

I have an Acer Iconia a501 and an Asus Transformer TF101 (won with BINGO!) here and put them side by side.
For colors, Asus is my favourite, colors are warmer and colors seems to be more deep and natural; the Acer produces washed out colors in comparison. Green grass on the Asus is light-green (onnatural) grass on the Acer.
The Asus screen is an IPS type and doesn't got the weird honeycomb pattern seen the Acer as bright pixels in sunlight and under certain angles; has something to do with their touchscreen tech in the display.
The Asus' dock with keyboard is a nice gadget but if I looked for this I'll be sticking with my 'old' Asus EeePC I have.
I choose the Iconia in favor of the Asus for these reasons:
- full USB and micro usb support on tablet itself
- hardware rotation lock switch
- 3G model is already on the market (got one!)
- The brushed alu look cover is very nice and sturdy
- back camera with led flash (quite bright!)
- few paid and full games included
Although I won the damn thing, the Asus is going bye-bye... because:
- No USB and micro USB support on tablet itself
- only software rotation lock (3 clicks too many!)
- 3G model is to be expected in August or even September!
- Case is nice to see, but it feels kinda plasticy.
- No flash with camera.
- No including games (even though they're only cost couple of $$)
Asus' screen wins (IMHO) over the Acer screen because it produces warmer colors and has more dedicated colors (262K vs 16M), the Acer uses 'dithering' instead.
But as in many things, you can't twist about someones personal taste.

Porto412 said:
But as in many things, you can't twist about someones personal taste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hit the nail on the head with that.
I bought the Acer because I had some gift cards to HSN to use up and at the time, they didn't have the transformer. I had considered sending the Acer back now that they have the transformer but the Acer has won me over. I'm not sure I could get by without the USB right on the tablet. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse that are amazingly plug and play. I also have a 3G dongle which also works.
I love to connect the hdmi out to my TV and use the wireless mouse and keyboard to surf the internet, watch movies and play games from across the room.

richdaley said:
Hit the nail on the head with that.
I bought the Acer because I had some gift cards to HSN to use up and at the time, they didn't have the transformer. I had considered sending the Acer back now that they have the transformer but the Acer has won me over. I'm not sure I could get by without the USB right on the tablet. I have a wireless keyboard and mouse that are amazingly plug and play. I also have a 3G dongle which also works.
I love to connect the hdmi out to my TV and use the wireless mouse and keyboard to surf the internet, watch movies and play games from across the room.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you get the dongle to work??...you on 3.1??
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App

vari9 said:
How did you get the dongle to work??...you on 3.1??
Sent from my XT720 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running Primee v8-4 and I have the Huawei E173 dongle. I had to do the steps in this post to remove the mass storage:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1118639
I am not sure why Dexter discontinued the ROM and dongle support and left xda. It is a bummer.

Sorry if im thread jacking but im in the market for one of these tablets an was wondering if they display apps and everything over hdmi out? Thanks
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

I have an Acer Iconia a501 and an Asus Transformer TF101 (won with BINGO!) here and put them side by side.
For colors, Asus is my favourite, colors are warmer and colors seems to be more deep and natural; the Acer produces washed out colors in comparison. Green grass on the Asus is light-green (onnatural) grass on the Acer.
The Asus screen is an IPS type and doesn't got the weird honeycomb pattern seen on the Acer as bright pixels in sunlight and under certain angles; has something to do with their touchscreen tech in the display.
The Asus' dock with keyboard is a nice gadget but if I looked for this I'll be sticking with my 'old' Asus EeePC I have.
I choose the Iconia in favor of the Asus for these reasons:
- full USB and micro usb support on tablet itself
- hardware rotation lock switch
- 3G model is already on the market (got one!)
- The brushed alu look cover is very nice and sturdy
- back camera with led flash (quite bright!)
- few paid and full games included
Although I won the damn thing, the Asus is going bye-bye... because:
- No USB and micro USB support on tablet itself
- only software rotation lock (3 clicks too many!)
- 3G model is to be expected in August or even September!
- Case is nice to see, but it feels kinda plasticy.
- No flash with camera.
- No including games (even though they're only cost couple of $$)
Asus' screen wins (IMHO) over the Acer screen because it produces warmer colors and has more dedicated colors (262K vs 16M), the Acer uses 'dithering' instead.
But as in many things, you can't twist about someones personal taste.

New Iconia A500 Owner
I just bought an A500 over the Asus for a few reasons.
1) The recent price drop here in the US to $399 along with a $50 gift card from Target stores made the $550 price of the Asus a non starter.
2) I own an Asus laptop and it has had poor build quality and miserable support, so the current issues with power drain on the dock and light bleed made me leery of Asus.
3) The 40-pin power/dock connector makes me really nervous about long term reliability and there aren't any replacements currently available.
Now in fairness to the Transformer, there are some pluses compared to the Acer
Slightly sharper display
nice feel of the back(less slippery)
More USB ports when docked
Longer battery life(when docked)
but I just couldn't justify a $200 delta for the Asus...

[Q] Does anyone use the Eee Pad as strictly a tablet, without the keyboard dock?

Hey all. New member here hoping to spend a lot of time with this group. I finally decided on getting a tablet and have been going back and forth between a few choices. My number one choice at this point is the Eee Pad Transformer. The price and specs are right where I want to be. Is anyone using this device as strictly a tablet? Most reviews I read seem to rave about the keyboard dock. I'm not interested in using it as a laptop, just a tablet. I notice too that this device's hardware is setup to use it primarily horizontal, where as other tablets are set up vertical. Any insight into the tablet aspect of this device would be great.

I don't have the dock, and frankly I think it's a waste of money. You can get a BT keyboard if you really need one, and I don't see the need for more battery life. Asus should have the smaller USB adapters out soon, which is more practical I think, but even there I don't know that it's necessary for many users.
Just my opinion.

SilverZero said:
I don't have the dock, and frankly I think it's a waste of money. You can get a BT keyboard if you really need one, and I don't see the need for more battery life. Asus should have the smaller USB adapters out soon, which is more practical I think, but even there I don't know that it's necessary for many users.
Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope it happens soon i realy needing a usb port now eheh

I think it's nice they offer it, but I didn't want a netbook.
Strictly a tablet for me.

I had to send my keyboard dock in for a RMA, otherwise I'd probably be using it with the dock right now. That said, it works great as just a tablet, although at this time it's difficult to obtain the official Asus desktop dock, so you'll have to rely on a third party case if you want to stand it upright while using it.
Whether or not you choose to use it mostly as a tablet or as a netbook is up to you. Personally I try to keep it on the dock for the majority of my applications, only switching to tablet mode if I need to read or browse the internet while sitting on a couch. The only real downside to using the Transformer in tablet mode is that you'll need an adapter for connecting USB devices, but the same can be said for many of the other popular Android tablets of today. The keyboard dock is by no means necessary for full functionality of the device, rather it is more of a supplemental peripheral for those of us who still need a hardware keyboard and USB ports in order to get our work done.
As far as the primary orientation of the device, landscape orientation is preferred for many Android tablets because they have a wider screen aspect ratio than the iPad, but that doesn't mean that the devices don't function well in portrait mode. In fact, the cameras and UI work just fine on any orientation, with only a few apps lacking portrait mode support. Other than that, the headphone port might be a little awkward to access while in portrait mode, so you can either rotate it the other way with the power button on the bottom, or do what I did and use a right angle headphone plug to make things easier.

I use it as a tablet. I may get the keyboard eventually but I don't need it now.

earlyberd said:
I had to send my keyboard dock in for a RMA, otherwise I'd probably be using it with the dock right now. That said, it works great as just a tablet, although at this time it's difficult to obtain the official Asus desktop dock, so you'll have to rely on a third party case if you want to stand it upright while using it.
Whether or not you choose to use it mostly as a tablet or as a netbook is up to you. Personally I try to keep it on the dock for the majority of my applications, only switching to tablet mode if I need to read or browse the internet while sitting on a couch. The only real downside to using the Transformer in tablet mode is that you'll need an adapter for connecting USB devices, but the same can be said for many of the other popular Android tablets of today. The keyboard dock is by no means necessary for full functionality of the device, rather it is more of a supplemental peripheral for those of us who still need a hardware keyboard and USB ports in order to get our work done.
As far as the primary orientation of the device, landscape orientation is preferred for many Android tablets because they have a wider screen aspect ratio than the iPad, but that doesn't mean that the devices don't function well in portrait mode. In fact, the cameras and UI work just fine on any orientation, with only a few apps lacking portrait mode support. Other than that, the headphone port might be a little awkward to access while in portrait mode, so you can either rotate it the other way with the power button on the bottom, or do what I did and use a right angle headphone plug to make things easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called today to get an RMA number for my defective dock because of the Battery Drain of Death. From 100% to 0% in 3 days with the tablet turned off is ridiculous. Paying for shipping out of my pocket to send to their Texas plant is also ridiculous.
People who need to buy a keyboard doc go buy it locally so you can return it if you get the Battery Drain of Death. I bought it from Newegg and waited a few months thinking a firmware update would fix the issue. Sure you see that silly useless "MobileDock Battery saving mode" box checked but still doesn't work. Its not a firmware issue its a hardware "chip" needing replacement issue. Wont work right until you RMA it wasting your time and money in the process.

I haven't even bought the dock.
I got my TF 3 months ago,now i use it for mainly two things:web browsing,and watching videos.Indoors,BTW.
I don't see the need for a dock...

grenademasta said:
I called today to get an RMA number for my defective dock because of the Battery Drain of Death. From 100% to 0% in 3 days with the tablet turned off is ridiculous. Paying for shipping out of my pocket to send to their Texas plant is also ridiculous.
People who need to buy a keyboard doc go buy it locally so you can return it if you get the Battery Drain of Death. I bought it from Newegg and waited a few months thinking a firmware update would fix the issue. Sure you see that silly useless "MobileDock Battery saving mode" box checked but still doesn't work. Its not a firmware issue its a hardware "chip" needing replacement issue. Wont work right until you RMA it wasting your time and money in the process.
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Yeah, it's annoying if you bought a dock that has that issue, but Asus isn't under pressure to issue a recall unless it's a matter of safety, which it isn't. Additionally, new docks no longer have that issue, so it makes no difference whether you buy locally or online because you won't likely have to deal with a RMA. I remember when I first bought mine there wasn't even the option to buy from a local retailer, as Best Buy and others simply didn't have any stock, and the employees had no idea that the Transformer even existed.
I paid about $20 to ship the device back to Asus, so it's a minor annoyance for me. I can't speak directly for Asus, but I'll bet the low price point of the tablet is the reason why you have to pay for return shipping in case you need to RMA. On the other hand, if you look at another popular device maker like Apple, the price point is significantly higher, but they have a storefront that you can return the device to, and you typically get it back within a day or two for minor issues.
Basically you get what you paid for.

I didn't really feel the need for a KB dock (because like most, I have a few laptops laying around and I want to use the transformer strictly as a tablet) but i happened to stroll through Fry's Electronics and picked one up on a whim. Needless to say, I'm using the dock 90% of the time.

no keyboard here, wanted just the tablet, love my tf101, tried others and found this best all rounder

I don't own the keyboard. I would probably use it sometimes if I had one, but I'm pretty happy with just the tablet.

II think I use both pretty evenly. I watch a crapload of stuff with it as a tablet, but when I have to type actual documents, or do some work, or chat online (not video) then I attach the dock. I also watch stuff with the dock attached so I don't have to charge it next to an outlt. However, the keyboard lag in the browsers is more noticeable with the keyboard since I type a lot faster. Hmm, I would wait on the keyboard if you have other things to use.

I use my transformer for web browsing, watching movies and email mostly. Next year when I replace the Transformer I may buy a dock if Asus offer it for the next model of tablet.

I dont have the dock either, I'm going to get it eventually because I can see its uses.
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I use it as both, depending on where I am, how I'm situated, what I'm doing, etc... which is exactly why I got it, it can do either one quite well, imo.

I wanted a device to replace my 13" macbook pro which i just use at home on the couch for surfing the web, ssh, playing music, simple image editing and viewing...originally got the mac for traveling abroad, so I can use it to upload pics/videos whenever I found a wifi hotspot.
Whole family (including my parents who are around their 70s and their learning curve to user interfaces isn't so "hot") made the move to just using Toshiba Thrives at home. Made me a tiny bit curious on how they'd catch on, what the user experience would be and it seems to be a hit...parents are video chatting more, surfing more news websites and reading ebooks.
So, I decided to get the TF101 since it's the only tablet out there which suits my needs (has the dock/mini hdmi/micro sd/sd/more usb slots), EXCEPT for the fact that it doesn't have 3G. Thought, what the heck, I'll buy it, check out honeycomb and see if i like it, then sell it off or give it to another family member when the 3g version comes out eventually (travel a lot, buy prepaid sim cards...cheaper to use prepaid internet since tethering might be chargeable later with providers).
Well, minus the fact that ad hoc didn't work to begin with and i had to root it and now having problems, it's a somewhat nice device and I'm 75% happy with it. I use only the tablet when I'm in a comfortable websurfing frame of mind and generally use the dock when I'm IRCing or writing documents.
To be honest, I hate the onscreen keyboard on this device, partly cause there's no "haptic" feedback (i.e. vibration, sounds). Tend to see more errors in my typing, so I don't bother.

I have both tab and dock
And how I use them depends on what I am trying to do. The other day I used the two together to type a long email reply. A few weeks ago I went on holiday for a week and I just took the tablet, leaving the dock at home. If I'm getting the train to work I tend to take the tablet only. If I'm driving, I take both. At the moment I'm reading a book on Kindle and I'm just using it as a tablet.

Just tablet for me.
Will probably never buy the dock as I find it pointless since I already have a netbook.

I started with a netbook and ended up with a tablet.
I love the dock and still occasionally use it. If you need to type up docs in polaris or emails its much faster. The big thing though is the battery. 16 hours is silly, its virtually impossible to kill the thing in a day with the dock. Play games, movies and work a full day and its still got plenty of charge.
Being said, I havent docked mine in a month. Not because I dont like it but because I got my girlfriend a TF during the period where Office Depot was honoring the Staples coupon and she stole my dock. She uses it about 50-50. Its perfect for her as a PHD student, she needs something mobile to hold documents has she moves between labs (they all have computers but they are supporting research equipment). She loves it as a netbook. The only thing she misses is a VGA port (most projectors are VGA). If projectors moved to HDMI or there was a good, small adapter she would never need to carry my old business book.
She actually laughs now because she keeps poking the monitors on people's computers, since she basically has a touch screen laptop she subconsciously thinks all computers should be like that.
For casual travel I opt to steal the dock from her and take it myself, leave my massive laptop at home. Its a nice laptop (SSD, 3ghz quad, dedicated video card, LED) but its big and heavy. With the tablet I can do 80% of the things (99% of the things I need to do when on vacation instead of business travel) and using Splashtop HD I can control the laptop from anywhere so I can do work from aruba if needed without carrying a heavy laptop.

why did you choose this over the transformer and tab 10.1?

because i tried comparing and this is heavy and screen is not as good as the other 2. Tab is really good. The price though is just off the mark.
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USB port....that was the big reason.
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk

1. USB without the need to purchase the overpriced dock like the transformer (after all it's just a keyboard with a battery!).
2. Alluminum back - believe me, once you've used a device with alluminum body, plastic feels cheap. I tried them both in the store and it was like trying a SGS and a DHD. One feels light and cheap like a plastic toy, the other - like a real high-end gadget. Also the pattern on the back of the transformer is not my thing - if you have sweaty hands it might help not dropping the tablet but otherwise it's just annoying.
3. Screen difference is not that great compared on full brightness. Surely not enough to compensate for the USB and premium feel.
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...if im not mistaken the a500 uses a little better RAM then the rest. I believe its low power ram that has an edge in performance. I could be off though

I tried 3 different Transformers but couldn't get one without significant light bleed or body build quality issues.
I went for the Iconia as a replacement over the xoom because the larger bezel makes it much easier to hold, and of course the excellent connectivity.
As for the tab 10.1, it wasn't available at the time my 'early adopter' monster screamed 'I NEED A TABLET' in my ear.
I wouldn't change my tablet now, I dont need the keyboard dock from the transformer, and neither it nor the tab has those all important usb ports.
Yes the screen is inferior to the Transformer, but you really have to look hard to tell the difference.

Pretty much the same here
USB port was a big positive for me, I cannot count how many times carrying my tab and a standard USB -> MicroUSB cable in my backpack has saved the day for my cell phone's battery or the battery of friends
Being able to mount a NTFS USB HDD is a *huge* plus for me, I have a 32gb MicroSD in my Iconia and love being able to plug into the external drives of friends to snag a few files from them.
Before purchasing my a500 I went to a local Best Buy and compared it with the Transformer as well as the IPad2, Samsung Galaxy tab and the Asus tab - the a500's screen seemed pretty much the same to me, but that is just my experience.
Had my a500 for a few months now, running the latest Taboonay 3.2 ROM with custom kernel, overclocked to 1.4 - 1.6 depending on useage (also great to be able to switch the CPU to "conservative" mode via SetCPU when battery life is getting low) and I am pretty damn happy with the performance.
My only complaint? The damn screen picks up smudges/fingerprints so easy! I find myself cleaning it quite often.

The Samsung 10.1 tab isn't available in Australia and i wanted a full size USB port and I wanted 3g. The A501 was the only option..
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I chose it over the galaxy because the screens are almost I identical until you get about an inch away from the screen and it does not even have a microsd slot! Its identical to the Ipad and I want funtionality, not looks. Also like the Ipad its expensive for little features.
And for the Asus, its a very nice tablet, but I use USB a lot and I want a Tablet not a netbook. That what makes me mad about reviews and the dock is what always beats the iconia. Once there a keyboard its a net book not a tablet. The dock would be awesome for trips where I could use the extra battery and a stand. But I don't want to carry around a keyboard with me.
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Iconia over the transformer:
1) USB
2) build quality
3) price (it's more expensive than the iconia to start with, and then you add $150 for the keyboard dock??? I paid $35 for a leather portfolio case with integrated keyboard for my iconia, and I love it, I actually think it's a better keyboard than the transformer one, and it doesn't suffer from the "yet another netbook" look that the transformer has)
Iconia over the galaxy tab
1) USB
2) HDMI
3) SD
4) price (you want me to pay MORE for a tablet that does LESS?)
c'mon! it has NO connectivity options and NO expandibility! if I wanted something that ridiculously locked down I'd buy an ipad... ok, maybe not, but I still can't see why anyone would want a device that has no expandable storage and no connectivity options.

As mentioned, the USB port was a very strong deciding factor.
To me, the Acer tab is one of the better all around tabs on the market. I love the portability and asthetics. The Acer looks further from Chinese knock off apple tablets. When people see it, they know it's not an ipad (not that I'm against I pads.) people claim it's one of the heaviest tabets on the market, and that's true in a sense........but it's actually one of the lightest for what comes with it. Sure the Asus is lighter, but add that dock just to gain acesss to a USB port, you have a three pound tablet.
If only the tablet had the ability like the Toshiba thrive to change out batteries would this tablet be supreme in my book. Oh yeah, better update support would be a good thing too.

USB!!! Endless possibilities!
And HDMI and a whooooole lot of other things!
I am VERY happy with the Iconia and have been since day one, I see people bashing it everywhere but the fact is that its one awesome machine for a hell of a good price!

All the same.
USB
Price
Aluminum back
...

USB port comes in handy sometimes, but mostly because the transformer wasn't in stock and I needed it for a project that day...

What I don't understand is how all of these "early adaptors" want functionality out of their tablets with USB slots. With Google and apple both moving into cloud storage and wifi file transfer apps isn't USB and micro SD going the way of the dodo?
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Stardate Tab 10.1 said:
What I don't understand is how all of these "early adaptors" want functionality out of their tablets with USB slots. With Google and apple both moving into cloud storage and wifi file transfer apps isn't USB and micro SD going the way of the dodo?
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For me, I always take my Acer with me when I go out with my telescope at night. The place I set up at is pretty removed from civilization, so no wireless means no cloud storage. I can easily shoot about 2 hours of video which completely fills my cameras internal storage. When it gets full, I just run a USB cable to my tablet, transfer everything over, delete everything off my cam and I'm back in business. Then while my cam continues to shoot more video, I sit down and play Angry Birds.
I dream of the day when I can plug my telescope mount into my tablet and control it through screen swipes. Unless you use Bluetooth I suppose, the USB port would be the only way to do it.

karlkarloff said:
For me, I always take my Acer with me when I go out with my telescope at night. The place I set up at is pretty removed from civilization, so no wireless means no cloud storage. I can easily shoot about 2 hours of video which completely fills my cameras internal storage. When it gets full, I just run a USB cable to my tablet, transfer everything over
I dream of the day when I can plug my telescope mount into my tablet and control it through screen swipes.
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That's a +1 for me. Think of using the Iconia for control and star guiding
I hate bringing my laptop. Bad battery life and heavy. Weight matters when your telecope assembled weighs 70lbs lol
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karlkarloff said:
For me, I always take my Acer with me when I go out with my telescope at night. The place I set up at is pretty removed from civilization, so no wireless means no cloud storage. I can easily shoot about 2 hours of video which completely fills my cameras internal storage. When it gets full, I just run a USB cable to my tablet, transfer everything over, delete everything off my cam and I'm back in business. Then while my cam continues to shoot more video, I sit down and play Angry Birds.
I dream of the day when I can plug my telescope mount into my tablet and control it through screen swipes. Unless you use Bluetooth I suppose, the USB port would be the only way to do it.
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I am not trying to sound like a mean person here... but I believe your the only person in the world that does this. (Edit- I stand corrected) I personally would just get expanded memory for my camera instead using my tablet as a flash drive.
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karlkarloff said:
For me, I always take my Acer with me when I go out with my telescope at night. The place I set up at is pretty removed from civilization, so no wireless means no cloud storage. I can easily shoot about 2 hours of video which completely fills my cameras internal storage. When it gets full, I just run a USB cable to my tablet, transfer everything over, delete everything off my cam and I'm back in business. Then while my cam continues to shoot more video, I sit down and play Angry Birds.
I dream of the day when I can plug my telescope mount into my tablet and control it through screen swipes. Unless you use Bluetooth I suppose, the USB port would be the only way to do it.
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what video are you taking? besides an usb adaptor from the 10.1 is available. And it doesnt weigh as much.
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Stardate Tab 10.1 said:
I am not trying to sound like a mean person here... but I believe your the only person in the world that does this. I personally would just get expanded memory for my camera instead using my tablet as a flash drive.
I very well could be the only person who does this. But the reason I don't get expanded memory for my camera is that I can't. I took apart a Nikon coolpix camera and turned it into an astronomy only cam. When I did, I lost the ability to expand the memory. Such is life. My point still stands though, a Galaxy Tab or transformer just wouldn't work for me. I used to lug my laptop with me all the time, but the A500 is way more portable. And with the addition of a few apps, I have all my star charts, manuals, etc. right there if I need them.
Beyond my very specialized needs, why wouldn't you choose a tablet that has so many more options connectivity-wise and a much more wallet friendly price tag? The main negative for the Acer is screen quality, but comparing it to the Galaxy tab, its a negligible difference to my eye. Everything else is the same or better. I've never had a hands-on with the Asus, but I'm led to believe that the build quality is questionable on more than a few of them.
Just my opinion, but that is why I chose the Acer, and remain very happy with my decision.
to fenguinpower: I take pictures of planets, galaxies, nebulas, etc. while my telescope tracks the object through the sky. I then take the individual frames and stack them to create a rather detailed picture of whatever I was viewing. It about the only way to get a decent picture of deep space objects without having access to say, the Hubble telescope. While I could get an adapter for the galaxy tab, with the Acer I don't have to.
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I have zero knowledge in camera modification, but how does that render the expandable memory useless?
As far as expandable connectivity is concerned, that was my point about cloud storage. Other than your rare need to use your tablet as a micro SD card most people who buy a wifi tablet will be using it where, you know, they have access to wifi.
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A501 Docking Keyboard

I am looking for a docking keyboard for Iconia A501 like this one
http://store.acer.com/store/aceremea/en_GB/pd/productID.232429400/categoryId.56077100

Pretty certain that the A50x series will not support a docking keyboard like the W50x series does. You will have to use either USB or BT connected keyboards.

zardoz99 said:
Pretty certain that the A50x series will not support a docking keyboard like the W50x series does. You will have to use either USB or BT connected keyboards.
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What is the port at the button for then?
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The port is for the near useless docking station. Thou we were all hoping acer would make a dockable keyboard as they have for the w5x device.. Its not looking like its going to happen..
i think if you develop one and market it I will but one from you .Well maybe i never use my bluetooth keyboard much

erica_renee said:
The port is for the near useless docking station. Thou we were all hoping acer would make a dockable keyboard as they have for the w5x device.. Its not looking like its going to happen..
i think if you develop one and market it I will but one from you .Well maybe i never use my bluetooth keyboard much
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i honestly believe that port on the bottom, is for market research. When people email them and ask them what buy for it and get an answer of this plastic holder that does nothing fancey, the customer adds in what it should be for

That port on the bottom could really be useful in the accessory world if people really put effort into. I bet that port can access all the functions of the tablet (data transfer, audio, video etc).

fermunky said:
That port on the bottom could really be useful in the accessory world if people really put effort into. I bet that port can access all the functions of the tablet (data transfer, audio, video etc).
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I totally agreee.. Im sure acer can use this port for many things.. But for end useres its for the Dock... im guessing acer was considering other accessories for this port when making it ...

Unfortunately Acer decided to make the dock connector useless. I just finished up reverse engineering most of the connections on it and here's what i've found:
The dock connector has three things - charger connector, audio connector and a serial link for the IR control on the dock.
If you wana see the details, look in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1245048
There isn't even any HDMI from what I can figure. No USB either which would've really made everything easy and useful.
Out of everything I've seen on the tablet, Acer really only screwed up on this one point at least in my opinion.

Yeah, just saw your thread and it reminded me on this post. That's really a bummer, however, with Acer already coming out with a new line of tablets, unless they used this same proprietary port, I don't think there would be much interest in the 3rd party market to invest in any development for use of the port.