Ok, so the Transformer has firmly ensconced itself in my "Digital Lifestyle" (tm).. why am I posting this? Because with all the pieces starting to fall into place, this device is really still sitting there as the new hotness..
Those pieces are.. (ok, they probably won't mean much to your average joe consumer, but given the often bumpy ride we've taken to get here, means a lot to me..)
Timely updates from Asus (yeah, Honeycomb 3.1 delivered on time as promised put a big smile on many faces)
The Dock (and its subsequent fixes)
Increasing number of apps
Slowly increasing selection of accessories (yeah, I like my FolioGuard)
I'll admit to being a happy consumer of Apple's IPad First Gen.. I know its not for everyone, but for me and the missus, having a tablet to just pick up and use for web surfing, email, showing pictures, watching episodes of Fringe in a hotel room on a rained out holiday etc., the ease of use of a tablet class device both at home and when travelling for "media consumption" was something that fit right into our household needs...
..Unfortunately, with the iPad there was always something "missing".. The Wife wondered whether she'd be able to take it away to work conferences as a replacement for her netbook - giving her superior battery life, a better screen and just better "comfort" ergonomics.. The answer was no dice.. Given that as part of her work she had a need to handle decrypting and encrypting emails (amongst other things that necessitated her carrying at least a netbook class device and the overal 'flexibility' of a full fleged OS) the iOS solutions that existed were just for want of a better word.. messy..
..Then Google teased us all with glimpses of Honeycomb and Asus teased us further with the Transformer and what just might be possible..
Fast forward a little while and one quick install of K9 with APG later.. job done..
She's off to another conference in Paris tomorrow, wants to take my beloved TF with her.. to see if she really can replace her netbook and extra batteries, with it and the dock.. see how she gets on with the better screen and superior battery life... see how she copes with doing the things she'd normally feel confident doing with a PC O/S... so far, all her key bases have been covered courtesy of the Android Market and a little learning curve.. but time will tell..
I do know that she also wanted to copy some episodes of Grey's Anatomy she'd recorded and put on her USB stick, to the tablet's SD card for watching on the flight if she didn't have the dock handy.. She took my TF to work today, to see how she got on with it, without me hovering like an anxious parent.. I got an instant message a short while later saying the files had been copied via to dock and she'd tested them in Moboplayer just fine..
..In an iOS world.. forget it.. (ok, not without a trip home to dock the ipad to the mothership, fire up iTunes.. copy/sync the .avi files to CineXPlayer and hope its compatible.. hardly the end of the world but, let's be honest.. its a faff fo' sho')
The thing is.. I was left with the 'old' iPad today, for my casual surfing/the usual XDA lurking etc... and as great as that device still is.. it felt... primative.. behind the times.. I've seen the future of iOS as have a great many of you.. and it feels.. well.. lets just say its going to be a long week without my transformer (minor light bleed and the occasional force close - how I shall miss thee)
Quick question (for any owners really). With the dock, do you still get the touch screen? A lot of reviews don't really mention that, they either mention how much the do or do not like the touch pad, but don't bring up if they can still use the touch screen in conjunction. Not a HUGE deal per say, but I am curious.
The touchscreen is still fully usable when docked!
Transformer rocks!
degeneration said:
Quick question (for any owners really). With the dock, do you still get the touch screen? A lot of reviews don't really mention that, they either mention how much the do or do not like the touch pad, but don't bring up if they can still use the touch screen in conjunction. Not a HUGE deal per say, but I am curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the touchscreen is still fully operational. The touchpad is nice, but still too sensitive, needs to be updated to not be so touchy, so a lot of times I disable it and just touch the screen. Works great.
It sure is cool having a netbook formfactor type device with a fully functioning multi-touch screen.. you'll feel weird going back to a 'normal' laptop/netbook after using it
I find it interesting how I adapted some sort half-screen, half-keyboard interaction with the transformer. I always thought when I got it that I would do one or the other while using it - now it is like use keyboard, keyboard short-cut here, tap screen, tap screen, keyboard short-cut, tap, keyboard etc. etc.
bithir said:
I find it interesting how I adapted some sort half-screen, half-keyboard interaction with the transformer. I always thought when I got it that I would do one or the other while using it - now it is like use keyboard, keyboard short-cut here, tap screen, tap screen, keyboard short-cut, tap, keyboard etc. etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, same here. I was using my laptop the other day and i started touching the screen before i realized that it didnt have a touch screen .
jms_uk said:
It sure is cool having a netbook formfactor type device with a fully functioning multi-touch screen.. you'll feel weird going back to a 'normal' laptop/netbook after using it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like when you pick up someone's old dumb phone and try to open something up by touching it, then tapping it, then pounding it, then remembering a time before touch screens?
bithir said:
I find it interesting how I adapted some sort half-screen, half-keyboard interaction with the transformer. I always thought when I got it that I would do one or the other while using it - now it is like use keyboard, keyboard short-cut here, tap screen, tap screen, keyboard short-cut, tap, keyboard etc. etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same with me. I kept trying to touch my dads laptop screen to click icons. Really is a super nice experience with the option for both input methods
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
degeneration said:
Like when you pick up someone's old dumb phone and try to open something up by touching it, then tapping it, then pounding it, then remembering a time before touch screens?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soooooooo true
I'm finding the more I use it, the more new things I can do with it and poor PC must think its days are numbered,the dock just makes it, and while having to tweak certain things to your liking to me that's what makes mine feel unique
ASUS TRANSFORMER PRIMED
combat goofwing said:
I'm finding the more I use it, the more new things I can do with it and poor PC must think its days are numbered,the dock just makes it, and while having to tweak certain things to your liking to me that's what makes mine feel unique
ASUS TRANSFORMER PRIMED
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since my G1 I have realized half the fun of android is the tweaking. However everyone keeps bringing up the dock. My plan is to just get the tablet for now, and once my school money starts rolling in again i will pick up the dock. Will I be less than satisfied until then?
I hate admitting it but I am guessing a majority of it's use during the summer with be dungeon defenders and http://www.gamesforcats.com/... DON'T JUDGE ME!
Still no update for me.
I do not plan on rooting it or force the update though.
haha i agree with all of this my TF with dock is the best.. never use my laptop much anymore.. especially due to the keyboard. And just like a few of you when i did use my laptop i touched the screen once forgetting it wasnt touch screen.. b/c on my TF i definitely use both touch and keyboard in conjunction with each other to surf around.
TF and Honeycomb is a match made in heaven!
Related
After keeping up with over 8000 posts of trying to get the Transformer, I gave in and spent the extra 50 for the Acer.
1) It was readily available at my local BB.
2) I didn't want to wait.
Im hoping before my 2 week return policy is up, transformers will start showing up and I can get one locally. If not, I have 14 days to decide if I keep the Acer or not.
Bottom line, Acer is nice. We also have an Ipad and NC in our household, and really, as a daily user, I don't see much difference between the Acer LCD and the IPS.
Internet loads faster than the Ipad. I havent tested everything but for what I use it for, its working fine.
My point: Try the Acer from your local BB. It may fit the need for the extra 50.
Or, cross our fingers and maybe Target will have a coupon code to get it sub 400 if and when it arrives May 15.
The acer doesn't look bad until you put side by side with the transformer.
Understandable!
Definitely be interested in hearing your impressions and what you like / don't like about it.
I love my Transformer, but there are a couple things that are pretty neat about the Acer, including haptic feedback and a USB port...
I personally only went with the Transformer because of the keyboard dock.
chay03 said:
We also have an Ipad and NC in our household, and really, as a daily user, I don't see much difference between the Acer LCD and the IPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you can say that. I've owned an iPad, NC - had an Acer for about 3 days from BB, and my TF came in a few days ago - world's difference between the IPS and non-IPS screens.
I love the Transformer and would heavily recommend against Acer. In addition to the screen - it's too bulky (yes I know on paper it's 50g but I could really feel it), not a fan of the aluminium back, hardware buttons are hard to get to (the rotation lock button was impossible to operate on 1st try). The pluses are USB host and rear camera flash but I was ok giving those up simply for the screen.
(My 2 cents...)
I'm waiting for my B&H order to come in after May 31st. If Samsung announces that their 10.1 has something other than Tegra2 and that out of the box their Exynos or Orion SoC can play 720p high profile than I'll cancel my order and wait til June 8.
Let me help you out a little:
http://www.nowinstock.net/computers/tablets/asus/
touch screen grid
From what I've heard and pictures i've seen, the touch screen grid is VERY visible on the acer. This would drive me crazy.
Yes, the touch screen grid is visible but you really have to look for it.
Just enjoy the money spent and stop looking for something bad.
I can also agree with the other poster about the Ipad and Acer side by side. Of course you'll see a difference. Ex) G-tablet, very bad screen on its own, but side-by-side to anything else, of course it looks alot worse.
Me perosonally, I wanted it to be slightly thinner as far as holding it in portrait mode. I don't like the wider bezel transformer was taking up. Im using some version of a thumb keyboard that seems to work ok for me.
I haven't tested all the bells and whistles yet. I have downloaded a few apps and suprisingly, no force closes yet.
Now to the dock. Thats up to another 150, so you actually paying 550 transformer with dock before tax. From what i understand, my usb kb and mouse should work, free of charge. Or up to 50 something.
Extra battery life....ok. I can see if you travel alot, its understandable.
But I work 12 hours a day, work with kid's homework and make time for them, so I don't plan on using it hard like others.
Thats just how I see things, it works for me now, but if I do get a chance to play with a Transformer before my 14 days are up, I may switch. Who knows. But im not gonna hold my breath.
And sorry for not knowing how to use quotes...
I had the acer for a while, and yes it was nice. A little bulky (not sure the transformer is any different, I haven't received mine yet), the grid drove me nuts (I hardly ever saw it, but when I did it was really annoying and grabbed my attention).
The screen looked nice, but nothing like the ipad2 screen I saw. I'd still say it's worth the money if you don't care about the keyboard dock or if you need usb right on the tablet. My fiancee played with the acer while I had it, and now she bugs me every day about getting another one.
chay03 said:
Yes, the touch screen grid is visible but you really have to look for it.
Just enjoy the money spent and stop looking for something bad.
I can also agree with the other poster about the Ipad and Acer side by side. Of course you'll see a difference. Ex) G-tablet, very bad screen on its own, but side-by-side to anything else, of course it looks alot worse.
Me perosonally, I wanted it to be slightly thinner as far as holding it in portrait mode. I don't like the wider bezel transformer was taking up. Im using some version of a thumb keyboard that seems to work ok for me.
I haven't tested all the bells and whistles yet. I have downloaded a few apps and suprisingly, no force closes yet.
Now to the dock. Thats up to another 150, so you actually paying 550 transformer with dock before tax. From what i understand, my usb kb and mouse should work, free of charge. Or up to 50 something.
Extra battery life....ok. I can see if you travel alot, its understandable.
But I work 12 hours a day, work with kid's homework and make time for them, so I don't plan on using it hard like others.
Thats just how I see things, it works for me now, but if I do get a chance to play with a Transformer before my 14 days are up, I may switch. Who knows. But im not gonna hold my breath.
And sorry for not knowing how to use quotes...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't enjoy spending more money on a lesser product, it's why I generally don't buy apple
seshmaru said:
I can't enjoy spending more money on a lesser product, it's why I generally don't buy apple
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my thoughts exactly.
toddmp said:
my thoughts exactly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
seshmaru said:
I can't enjoy spending more money on a lesser product, it's why I generally don't buy apple
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously?
Because while I am loving Honeycomb, my iPad 2 is killing my Transformer in speed, available apps, stability, interface consistency, size, build quality, speaker quality, battery life, media player quality....
Of course, there is a reason I am trying out Honeycomb... I like new technology!
(And I'd really like a microsd slot, but Steve says no! )
bleclair said:
Seriously?
Because while I am loving Honeycomb, my iPad 2 is killing my Transformer in speed, available apps, stability, interface consistency, size, build quality, speaker quality, battery life, media player quality....
Of course, there is a reason I am trying out Honeycomb... I'd really like a microsd slot, but Steve says no!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had an iPad I now gave to the misses, and it just felt like my 3GS on a bigger screen. Honeycomb feels like an actual tablet OS, even if it has it's flaws. Also the transformers sound is better, no use arguing with that since iPad only does mono sound. App availability is also not completely true, since I can't use iPhone apps properly on my iPad since it just blows em up making them generally look really bad or keeps em in a small box making them not attractive either. However Android apps generally scale to the tablet format well.
Speed can't really tell the difference, I have a custom ROM which might make a difference though. All other points are true though. But you don't buy a transformer at this point to get a finished product, you buy it on potential due to honeycomb needing to mature.
seshmaru said:
Honeycomb feels like an actual tablet OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with that one! Being able to connect a hard drive, keyboard, usb stick, etc. That's awesome!
As for app availability I'm finding the actual Honeycomb/tablet apps in short supply while there are many, many tablet specific apps on the Apple App Store.
The speakers on the iPad maybe be mono, but it sounds better to me.
Anyway, don't get me wrong, I love both (well, I will love my Transformer again after a firmware update) but I just thought Apple didn't deserve such a hard knock.
You can hate their computers (I mean because of the price, locked in aspect and some people's dislike of OSX) but their tablets and phones are pretty nice.
bleclair said:
Totally agree with that one! Being able to connect a hard drive, keyboard, usb stick, etc. That's awesome!
As for app availability I'm finding the actual Honeycomb/tablet apps in short supply while there are many, many tablet specific apps on the Apple App Store.
The speakers on the iPad maybe be mono, but it sounds better to me.
Anyway, don't get me wrong, I love both (well, I will love my Transformer again after a firmware update) but I just thought Apple didn't deserve such a hard knock.
You can hate their computers (I mean because of the price, locked in aspect and some people's dislike of OSX) but their tablets and phones are pretty nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said apple in general, as I stated I owned an iPad and an iPhone 3GS, not everything they make is horribly overpriced, but in general they are.
and my point is that there are a ton of regular android apps that work really well on honeycomb, even though they don't get counted as "tablet apps".
I wasn't specifically knocking the iPad, just apple in general.
kudosmog said:
I had the acer for a while, and yes it was nice. A little bulky (not sure the transformer is any different, I haven't received mine yet), the grid drove me nuts (I hardly ever saw it, but when I did it was really annoying and grabbed my attention).
The screen looked nice, but nothing like the ipad2 screen I saw. I'd still say it's worth the money if you don't care about the keyboard dock or if you need usb right on the tablet. My fiancee played with the acer while I had it, and now she bugs me every day about getting another one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I compared them side by side, weight was one of the major issue for me but that probably just me.
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
Odd title eh'?
So here is the boat I am swimming in. I jumped on the Xoom bandwagon when it was released. I immediately was fascinated with the tablet experience and enjoyed it. The Xoom certainly had its issues but was a very neat device. When I got word that the TF was coming out I jumped ship and bought a TF. Used it for a week and also liked it for the most part. However I was finding that productivity really lacked on all tablets on screen keyboard. Then I got my hands on a dock and the experience changed. Using the keyboard was infinately more productive and I found that from the day I first docked it I have yet to undock it (around a couple months now).
My problem is I basically just spent a ton of money on a netbook that isnt exactly a speed demon. Web browsing is often slow, updates have caused many issues, etc etc... The device still works but it feels like im playing with a toy instead of actually using the device as a tool. I enjoy Android but think it is very early in the game and it leaves allot to be desired. As I said at first i loved both devices but once the newness wears off you basically have a dumbed down netbook (in my opinion of course).
So now Im thinking about selling the TF as well and picking up one of the new Sandy Bridge Alienware M11x's. To be able to have an i7 processor, damn good video card, and best of all use all my programs in windows sounds like a breath of fresh air at this point.
I know tablets are meant to be stand alone but I never found a use for it for work purposes and the few times I did it was quite the let down. Again, dont read my words wrong. I like the device I just dont think it is good at being anything much more then a toy at this point.
After more thought the only real downside I see in switching is losing the touch screen. It is super nice to be able to just tap where you want to go but often on smaller links it would just pick the wrong one anyways.
So here I sit trying to figure if I should make the switch or not. I know im not comparing apples to apples hardware wise, but I am comparing portable device usefulness. Just curious if anyone has the same feelings or any further input before I make my decision.
Godspeed...
03stage2 said:
Odd title eh'?
So here is the boat I am swimming in. I jumped on the Xoom bandwagon when it was released. I immediately was fascinated with the tablet experience and enjoyed it. The Xoom certainly had its issues but was a very neat device. When I got word that the TF was coming out I jumped ship and bought a TF. Used it for a week and also liked it for the most part. However I was finding that productivity really lacked on all tablets on screen keyboard. Then I got my hands on a dock and the experience changed. Using the keyboard was infinately more productive and I found that from the day I first docked it I have yet to undock it (around a couple months now).
My problem is I basically just spent a ton of money on a netbook that isnt exactly a speed demon. Web browsing is often slow, updates have caused many issues, etc etc... The device still works but it feels like im playing with a toy instead of actually using the device as a tool. I enjoy Android but think it is very early in the game and it leaves allot to be desired. As I said at first i loved both devices but once the newness wears off you basically have a dumbed down netbook (in my opinion of course).
So now Im thinking about selling the TF as well and picking up one of the new Sandy Bridge Alienware M11x's. To be able to have an i7 processor, damn good video card, and best of all use all my programs in windows sounds like a breath of fresh air at this point.
I know tablets are meant to be stand alone but I never found a use for it for work purposes and the few times I did it was quite the let down. Again, dont read my words wrong. I like the device I just dont think it is good at being anything much more then a toy at this point.
After more thought the only real downside I see in switching is losing the touch screen. It is super nice to be able to just tap where you want to go but often on smaller links it would just pick the wrong one anyways.
So here I sit trying to figure if I should make the switch or not. I know im not comparing apples to apples hardware wise, but I am comparing portable device usefulness. Just curious if anyone has the same feelings or any further input before I make my decision.
Godspeed...
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Yep. I think people will be switching, and you should too.
The dock is addictive for productivity. Unless I tried it I would have not realized how much better is the experience. Yet, when reading a book I prefer only the tablet. This combination is awesome on the Transformer.
Bob Smith42 said:
Yep. I think people will be switching, and you should too.
The dock is addictive for productivity. Unless I tried it I would have not realized how much better is the experience. Yet, when reading a book I prefer only the tablet. This combination is awesome on the Transformer.
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+1, and if anyone is that worried about selecting the wrong link by accident they can always use the mouse pointer via the trackpad. I've had no problem doing it this way and it's a big plus for the TF.
Sounds to me like you have no business owning a tablet and windows fits your needs. I'm glad you got that figured out.
GeLopez said:
Sounds to me like you have no business owning a tablet and windows fits your needs. I'm glad you got that figured out.
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I think the TF is perfect for his needs. The problem is, that this tablet HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS. This tablet is much slower than any tegra 2 tablet as there is no hardware acceleration! And the fact that there is light bleed, dock issues, battery issues, charging issues, sound issues, etc. Asus really screwed up..
Lets put things into perspective here...
The tablet is not a laptop, it can perform many functions of a laptop, but it is truly not one.
It does have a place in the field. I have found that for business, being able to show information instantly to partners without having to 'boot up' or 'plug in' is essential when I want to get a point across.
It is great for email, messaging, movies, light surfing, reading, and even playing some good casual games on.
The dock makes it appear to be more like a laptop, but again.. go back to my 2nd sentence, and do not put it in a category it does not belong in.
If I need to develop, I use my Alienware mx17-r2, if I need to demo products I have my Inspiron. If I need to take notes, read a quick email, show a slide deck / video, or just look something up real quick, I have my TF101.
So this is more about how you set your expectations above what a product is intended to do, and now have buyer's remorse because of it.
Sounds like you put expectations on the device geared towards what it is not. Go get a netbook or start hackin up the ROM and tailor it to your needs.
Instant On
16 hours of battery life.
Love it.
True though...I barely ever undock it now ahahahah...so we've kind of went full circle...
It's nice to know that I can undock it though.
Even as a netbook it is sleek...IPS screen...touchscreen. The interface is just nice for what it's meant to be...a light portable machine.
I can listen to music/pandora...type up some docs...play some games...browse some web...watch some movies....read some magazines...
Edit: oh yeah...I can mount it in my car and use it as a GPS....use yelp to find nearby food places then map a route to it...(yes this can be done on phone too)...but it's kind of cool.
It's kind of nice.
xTRICKYxx said:
I think the TF is perfect for his needs. The problem is, that this tablet HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS. This tablet is much slower than any tegra 2 tablet as there is no hardware acceleration! And the fact that there is light bleed, dock issues, battery issues, charging issues, sound issues, etc. Asus really screwed up..
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I dont know of any problems you speak of ,mine is perfect
GeLopez said:
I dont know of any problems you speak of ,mine is perfect
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I don't have those problems either, but thousands do.
xTRICKYxx said:
I don't have those problems either, but thousands do.
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my issues havent been hardwre related, just update related. That being said I dont blame Asus for my particular concerns. Im still a TF fan but just think to achieve a broader gambut of ability at the same basic price point is the wise move. Obviously this is mainly due to me personally always using the dock.
Ironically on a side note I bought one of the first asus netbooks years ago and hated it after a month. Now Im finding myself wanting to use the TF daily, go figure....
And lastly I dont think I would have even looked at m11x if the performance on this thing was simply up to par...
xTRICKYxx said:
This tablet is much slower than any tegra 2 tablet as there is no hardware acceleration!
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Actually, the TF benchmarks very competitively against other Tegra 2 tablets. The only area where it's not (allegedly) hardware accelerated is in playing Flash videos in the browser.
xTRICKYxx said:
I don't have those problems either, but thousands do.
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Where do you get the idea that it is "thousands"?
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
Where do you get the idea that it is "thousands"?
Regards,
Dave
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That wouldn't be surprising. Even 5k would be less than 1% out there by now. I mean heck, last month alone they shipped out 400k didn't they?
I'm really debating on getting the dock for my Transformer and and wanted some input.
So we'll do this is the form of a poll, but feel free to leave you feedback.
I like it, and I use it, but I find that I don't use it as much as I expected I would because I like poking the screen more .
Media dock
Personally I would love some kind of media dock with charge ability. I couldnt justify spending the extra on the keyboard.
Just purchased mine yesterday from Amazon. Should be here tomorrow with one day shipping. I'll edit this and let you know my first impressions after it arrives.
Edit: So after a few days of using my new dock, I love it!! I can't believe I waited this long to get one. It doubles as a stand, screen protector when docked and closed, extra storage space from the SDcard slot, and of course an awesome keyboard. All of the shortcuts above the number keys and the two usb ports are great too. If you are even sligtly considering getting one, I'd suggest to do it. It's a completely new experience and well worth the cash imo.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
asdfuogh said:
I like it, and I use it, but I find that I don't use it as much as I expected I would because I like poking the screen more .
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Same. I have the dock installed and I use the touchscreen anyways. It's just nice for the extended battery life but the tablet itself already has a good enough battery.
Also doesn't help there are a lot of input lag in certain areas.
I don't use it much for typing, as I still prefer using the screen, but I like the charging capability (don't like leaving the tablet plugged into the wall for long periods) and the additional ports are awesome when I'm away from home (have a 32gb SD card and 500 GB external). I may not use it often, but it was a bday gift, so.
i brought mines to use has a carpc tablet.. no dock needed..lately i've been using a lot of voice programs so i can talk to my tablet.. all my friends love the idea and wants something similar in their cars.
It's pretty useful. The extra battery, USB ports and sdcard slot are awesome. They keyboard is useful when you want to type up anything longer than a sentence or simply when you don't feel like holding the tablet! The trackpad isn't nearly as useful as I thought it would be though, it's essentially useless for scrolling through webpages since there isn't a scrollbar to click, it's not really useful to navigate on the homescreen, and the biggest downfall is that you can't use it in games (along with arrow keys)! Kinda makes me wish I had gotten the Slider instead exept that it doesn't have the extra battery, which IMO is the best feature of the dock.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Ditto--I basically use it primarily as a super-battery, espacially watching movies on flights (it's also a stand!)
Keyboard is handy only for occasional extended input--my tab doubles as a 3LB netbook.
i use it when browsing forums, like right now. it's a nice addition, i disabled the touchpad as it gets in the way of when i type.
i like the addition in battery like as well .
Everything about it is awesome, I don't see the lag everyone talks about, just finished up writing about 30 pages worth of notes in the last week without a hiccup... Used polaris office mainly, revolver ROM with prime oc kernel.
The extended battery is awesome, plus the extra inputs. I don't really use the mouse to much, only while taking notes, the only gripe I have is the touch to click is really sensitive.
The dock really takes the tab to a whole new level in my opinion and I would recommend it to most anyone... Especially since the price has gone down a bit.
I can't see the poll, but count me as one in favor of the dock.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA App
I use it each time I leave home for several reasons :
Gets the screen protected while carrying it
Doubles the use time (around a week with my use model)
Like typing on the keyboard when taking notes
The Transformer is excellent without the keyboard dock but its STUNNING with it.
there's more reasons to get it than to not. I absolutely recommend.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
I have one on the way... will post reflections when it comes in... !
brando56894 said:
It's pretty useful. The extra battery, USB ports and sdcard slot are awesome. They keyboard is useful when you want to type up anything longer than a sentence or simply when you don't feel like holding the tablet! The trackpad isn't nearly as useful as I thought it would be though, it's essentially useless for scrolling through webpages since there isn't a scrollbar to click, it's not really useful to navigate on the homescreen, and the biggest downfall is that you can't use it in games (along with arrow keys)! Kinda makes me wish I had gotten the Slider instead exept that it doesn't have the extra battery, which IMO is the best feature of the dock.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To scroll with the trackpad, use a two finger scrolling gesture. You can also pinch zoom with it. You need to be in "finger pointer" instead of arrow pointer mode in settings, though (if you see a standard black/blue mouse arrow pointer, this won't work, gotta switch to the finger mode).
The dock is a must have. It makes typing so much nicer. It's replaced my notebook and is great to take the tablet off for reading news/books/papers, etc.
Sent from my Transformer TF101
I voted yes, but the money was wasted, since Asus abandoned support for the dock with the Prime, when they'd previously promised that the investment in the dock would be worthwhile since it would also work with future Transformer-series models.
Now that I know it is essentially a throwaway device that won't outlast the tablet itself, it is no longer worth the $150 to me. $70-80, sure. $150, no. (And I've bought three of them, with three tablets, for myself and family.)
knoxploration said:
I voted yes, but the money was wasted, since Asus abandoned support for the dock with the Prime, when they'd previously promised that the investment in the dock would be worthwhile since it would also work with future Transformer-series models.
Now that I know it is essentially a throwaway device that won't outlast the tablet itself, it is no longer worth the $150 to me. $70-80, sure. $150, no. (And I've bought three of them, with three tablets, for myself and family.)
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Click to collapse
Think of it the other way. If Asus would have reused this dock, you'd be *****ing how thick and heavy the prime would be. People like you always find something to ***** about.
I bought my TF101 from Amazon. They shipped it to Australia, perfectly fine, no issues whatsoever.
...they won't ship the Dock down under though. 'tards.
yes! I like it, its handy when the battery runs low as that. charger cable isso short. nice to use at home .
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
there was so much hype about the keyboard when it came out and i had a thread in august or july about how it is totally overpriced at $150 and i thought $108-115 was a reasonable MSRP.
now that im typing on it, it really isnt that great. the keys are pretty cramped and i'm used to my mechanical keyboard so i keep missing keystrokes, thinking the keys will activate halfway down the stroke. instead of having to bottom them out. if the chicklet keys were more crisp it would be more tolerable but they are squishy and there is no definitive bottom out lol
cringing while i type this, anyone want to buy it?
and the reason im making this thread is because people ridiculed me for like 6 pages about how it's the best thing ever and they would pay 200 for it LOL
I could steal it....
Just messing, it is just like any new keyboard takes a bit of getting used to.
Saying that with it sat on the sofa as I type adding to the bounce probably pressed delete 10 times typing this out after making mistakes.
Honestly though you do get used to it and I use it all the time typing long emails or even creating quotes at work etc.
How long you had it ?
How much you willing to sell it for?
For typing long e-mails, this keyboard is much better than using the soft keyboard. It's definitely not perfect and if it were just a keyboard, I'm not sure I would have bought it but it also has a nice high capacity battery and that makes it better than any other keyboard on the market for tablets.
However it has 2 big issues for me:
1) Touchpad is way too sensitive forcing me to turn is off while I type.
2) Keys must be slammed on to complete a keystroke. Literally I feel like I'm driving down on each stroke which makes typing slower and more cumbersome.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Yep, definitely, the only downside to this keyboard is the touchpad. It's good that it's a tablet though because I always turn it off..
the battery is excellent i'll give it that
At the beginning I was like you, but 3 months later (or something like that), it's over. You just need to use it often, and it'll be better.
If you read the reviews at all, that have been out for a year now, you would know that the keyboard is crap. But it's a netbook keyboard and it's a one of a kind item. Yes, I would pay $200 for the keyboard because without the keyboard this tablet is worthless. Both in the aspect of the GTab 10.1 being superior tablet, and that I wouldn't want a tablet that I couldn't use as a netbook.
Do you people really just go out and buy things without doing any research/reading any reviews? Shame...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
i bought it so i could put windows xp on it but there was no cd rom bay
chatch15117 said:
i bought it so i could put windows xp on it but there was no cd rom bay
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Click to collapse
Lol, try Splashtop and make an RDP connection to your pc. Windows 7 on your tablet! Even better, use a good wireless keyboard connected to your pc to be able to sit in front of the tablet and use good old Office in stead of the crappy Office wannabee software such as Polaris. Saved me from buying an totally overpriced and dodgy Asus keyboard.
Martijn1971 said:
Lol, try Splashtop and make an RDP connection to your pc. Windows 7 on your tablet! Even better, use a good wireless keyboard connected to your pc to be able to sit in front of the tablet and use good old Office in stead of the crappy Office wannabee software such as Polaris. Saved me from buying an totally overpriced and dodgy Asus keyboard.
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1373965
It isn't a full size keyboard. That should have been obvious before buying it. It isn't meant to replace a computer. Don't like it, return it or sell it. No reason for the thread. Personal preference is just that.
Gary13579 said:
If you read the reviews at all, that have been out for a year now, you would know that the keyboard is crap. But it's a netbook keyboard and it's a one of a kind item. Yes, I would pay $200 for the keyboard because without the keyboard this tablet is worthless. Both in the aspect of the GTab 10.1 being superior tablet, and that I wouldn't want a tablet that I couldn't use as a netbook.
Do you people really just go out and buy things without doing any research/reading any reviews? Shame...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Keyboard is crap? I've owned the keyboard dock since day one and I find it indispensable. In fact, the transformer is just another ordinary tablet without it.
Then again, I need my device for business use. Perhaps those who don't like it, simply don't have a need for it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
i like the idea of the keyboard but these scissor switches are terrible
does anyone here actually have a mechanical keyboard?
I have used my keyboard for my last year of school and I would say that 75% of my use is with the keyboard on mine.. I agree that the keyboard is what makes the tablet.. Yes it is different then a regular keyboard.. its the same size as most netbook keyboards.. 92% of full size right?
I didnt like it at first either, but after a month on it, I can type just as fast on my transformers keyboard as I can on any of my other keyboards.. just have to give it some time.
chatch15117 said:
i like the idea of the keyboard but these scissor switches are terrible
does anyone here actually have a mechanical keyboard?
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Click to collapse
I do, a Siig keyboard with Cherry Mx Blues (wanted to get a Das but I didn't have the cash for it).
I mean honestly, I've been typing on keyboards since I was a toddler (used to play with my mom's old portable IBM computer back when she was a consultant manager). Some keyboards are much more comfortable to type on than others depending on layouts and the technology under the hood so to speak, but with a little time you tend to get used to whatever you're stuck on (unless the keyboard in question is inherently broken, your hands are way too big, etc.)
For quick notes in class, my transformer is now simply awesome. Before I got my dock, it was a Netflix bed machine and not much else. After grabbing my dock from CL for $60, I actually have a handly little netbook/tablet now.
If you don't like it, that doesn't affect how much enjoyment I'll be getting out of mine. I hope you do come to enjoy the newfound utility of your Transformer though.
USB ports. That is all.
EP2008 said:
Keyboard is crap? I've owned the keyboard dock since day one and I find it indispensable. In fact, the transformer is just another ordinary tablet without it.
Then again, I need my device for business use. Perhaps those who don't like it, simply don't have a need for it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Did you read my post? I said that it was absolutely necessary, as the device p much sucks without it. That doesn't stop the keyboard from being total ****. It's very difficult to type on, even compared to normal notebook keyboards.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
I use my keyboard daily! I blog a bit, do lots of business emails on it (much better than typing on an iPhone all day).
I always end up turning off the touchpad to type.
I would not buy a tablet without a real keyboard after having one.
BUT - That is my preference. Not everyone feels the same way about the keyboard.
And one great side effect is when someone asks you about your "laptop" or "netbook" and you tell them it is not either, but it is a tablet. Then you get to watch them have a nerdgasm when you undock it and keep using it.