Anyone have an experience with the Asus Eee Pad Transforer?

[luciusad2004]

I was thinking about picking up a tablet to replace my laptop and was looking at the Transformer or Transformer Prime.

Anyone have any experience with these (or any android tablets for that matter).
I either want one of the top tier android tablets or an iPad but the problem with iPad is that I run Linux at the moment and it would likely be a battle getting everything synced and backed up properly were as with an android device it's likely to just be drag and drop.

Was just wondering if anyone can comment on the Quality in terms of hardware build and software.

[TLHarrell]

A pad is not really a replacement for a laptop. They're nice, but slightly limited in their capabilities. Make sure you're not losing anything you're going to need by making the switch.

[AmEv]

Just remember a couple things:

Android is essentially a custom Java layer on top of the Linux kernel. It isn't true Linux in the usual sense.


There's a difference between a tablet and a tablet PC.


All android tablets run on the ARM architecture, not x86.

[luciusad2004]

Oh no doubt. I suppose "replace" was a poor choice of wording. I find that 99% of my usage is comprised of messing around on the internet. I also find that I like the experience offered by dedicated apps for things like Facebook and email. I feel like I would enjoy using a tablet for all these menial tasks.

[blaze15301]

i do believe by Christmas there will be a official Ubuntu tablet.

[AmEv]

Honestly, I'm looking for a way to dual-boot Android and Ubuntu on my Thrive.

[TLHarrell]

If you have a HTPC, you can use the pad as a remote. Fun stuff there. Do take your time looking up solid reviews. There are several of the more expensive pads which don't live up, and several of the cheaper ones which are excellent value. Do keep an eye out for vendors (like Verizon) who lock down the OS, and are notorious for crapware lock in. Stay away from any oddball proprietary connectors, interfaces or chargers. Speed for what you want to do with it is not all that important. Battery life and screen quality are. Don't just jump for a newer shiny thing, and don't pay any attention to advertising. Do your research and you will end up much happier.

[luciusad2004]

Thanks for the input guys.
I do want to make sure whatever i get is going to be able to handle ice cream sandwich (assuming i do end up going with android). I'm also not looking to get a data plan so I probably wont be getting anything directly from any given carrier. I would like to find something with ample ports on the side but they don't seem to be common.

I've got plenty of time to research. Have a few car repairs i need to make first but would be looking in to a tablet after that.

[AmEv]

Yes, there is "rooting" the device, which, in theory, voids the warranty. There are claims, though, that un-rooting it reinstates the warranty.

[Stonerboy779]

I just played with one when I was out shopping just before and I will admit I am fairly impressed with its feel. It was more responsive than I would have given it credit for initially the screen was a nice quality and the touch capabilities where fairly accurate and fast to respond. The keyboard dock was comfortable to use and the touchpad also responded well.

All in all it is quite the good package for those that want a tablet but do not wish to entirely give up the capabilities of a laptop/notebook.

[xr4man]

i did a bunch of research before buying a tablet and what i came up with is that the nook color is the best bang for the buck. even though it is marketed as an e-reader rather than a tablet, you can load up a full android rom on the sd card and boot off that. they are only $160 new now.

but as far as the rest go, what i found was that over all samsung made what sounded like the best quality. toshiba made the tablets with the most hardware features and extra ports, after that it seems that motorola and then htc have the next best quality and lg after that. from there you start getting into the low end stuff. well, for "tablets" that is. but the "e-readers" (nook and kindle fire) are both quite high quality too.

the last thing is that since i got my new phone, i find that i barely touch the nook anymore.

[PowerChucker]

My Manager has one, he swears by it, my deptartment here at work (IT) we have tested many tablets out for our company, ipad, transformer, galaxy tab 10.1, playbook, hp tab..
in my opinion, other than the ipad, i would choose the transformer, very high quality, and for an android tab, Asus seems to have gotten most everything right..

[AmEv]

I have just gotten the 10.1" Thrive. It has the dock port, USB, HDMI, feels beefy, Tegra 2, (possibly) Gorilla Glass, very responsive touch screen, physical rotation lock switch, interchangeable backs. If you can get one for less than $275, you're going to get a good deal on a tblet.

My 2¢.

[crenn]

I own a Asus Transformer, and it's good to browse, watch a youtube video, go on IRC and remotely connect to my desktop, but now much ease. ICS is currently got issues, but it does work.