So, recently I've seen a lot more threads comparing the Eee Transformer to the A500. Before I bought either of these tablets I did a ton of product comparison in store with various display models, at least 3 A500's and 3 Transformers.
Note: for full disclosure the Eee Pad what I thought I wanted when I first started looking at tabs.
I am writing this review as I believe all of these comparisons to date have been based on box stats and not real world trials. Below I will layout the features that really matter (e.g. I'm not going to review bluetooth, let's make some assumptions here) and how they stack up in a direct comparison.
Weight / Build Quality
Held each tab, A500 in my left, Transformer in my right, you CAN notice the difference, is it significant? Strangely when holding one tab the Transformer feels way lighter, however, when you pick the Acer up again, it feels almost the same. It's hard to explain, go try it yourself.
When holding the Asus you immediately realize the reason for the Acer's extra weight is better build quality. You can literally FEEL the build quality difference. I pushed on the screen of the Asus around the power button and it receeded about 1/8th of an inch! The Acer's screen also flexes, but not nearly as much. Asus build quality is terrible, I would gladly pay the extra weight penalty for the stronger build of the Acer.
If you are a thumb typer, and if you find wide bezels to be an issue, you will notice that the Acer actually has a narrower bezel than the Asus, I couldn't believe the Asus' bezel was wider, but it is!
Battery Life
Looking at the tech. specs each of these tablets should have pretty much the same battery life. The battery capacity of the Asus is 6600 mAH and the Acer is about 80 mAH less, a negligible difference. They run similar processors, however, some have said the IPS panel of the Transformer equates to better battery life. Something however is amiss in the numbers department though... Asus has said 9.5 hours of battery life, however, every review online (and I looked at 6) pegged the Asus' battery life at ~7.5 hours and the Acer's battery life at ~7.5 hours, there is no real world difference here.
Considering the Acer has low power DDR2 RAM while the Asus does not, this may also explain some of the balance as IPS panels have been shown to run less power.
Camera Quality (back camera, who cares about front anyway)
With the update to 3.2 and 1080P recording, the Acer has an AWESOME video camera now which takes great stills too, I was blown away (have you tried it yet? If not, try it now!). This paragraph will be short and sweet, the Asus' camera blows. It takes crappy video, it looks way less clear and crisp and the same is true for stills. Not even in the same league as the Acer's camera now and there is no flash, the Acer dominates in cameras bigtime!
Connectivity
The Asus tries hard, however, it just can't match the Acer. The USB port of the Acer will come in handy at least once in its lifetime, not to mention the ease of adding a keyboard, game controller, etc. Moreover, the HDMI connection on the Acer is micro, while the HDMI on the Asus is mini. Mini HDMI is much harder to find than micro, I had no problem finding a micro HDMI cable, however, mini HDMI cables had to be ordered off the web.
Price
$399 for 16GB, both models, no difference anymore!
UI Performance
The Acer I ran tested on the floor of course utilized Honeycomb 3.1 while the Asus was running Honeycomb 3.2. Even though the Asus has the latest version of Honeycomb, the Acer performs much smoother while scrolling the UI and loading applications. The difference was evident, so much so, this was ultimately the deciding factor for me. The Acer appears to dominate here even with the older software and similar hardware. Some have rumored that the speed increase of the Acer is due to its using LPDDR2 RAM when the Asus uses older DDR2 RAM. I can not confirm this, but benchmarks also showed a slight edge to the Acer.
Screen Quality
There has been a lot of discussion of Asus' screen quality vs. Acer's. I went in with the expectation that the Asus would be noticably different (I have perfect eyesight btw). I could not, repeat, could not tell a single damn difference between the two when both on high brightness with XDA Developers loaded in the browser. Perhaps the Asus was slightly "crisper", however, that could be my IPS bias. There is no difference folks, and if you can tell, my hats off to you.
The Acer losses out on glass though. The Asus uses corning name brand Gorilla Glass, while the Acer states it only uses "tempered glass". If you expect to not get a case, or if you are prone to dropping your tablet on its face (most likely you will destroy more than the glass) then you must consider this angle. Gorilla glass is going to help a bit with scratches and perhaps cracks, however, I also noticed it shows more finger prints than the Acer does. *see post #2 apparently the A500 does have gorilla glass!
Screen angles on both are a joke. You can look at the Acer up to 160 degrees, why would you want to? You can look at the Asus up to 179 degrees, but why would you want to? Screen angles are pretty much identical, both are very viewable from the side.
Accessories
Acer has basic cases and other crap, the Asus of course has the whole battery extending USB-porting keyboard dock. Obviously, Asus destroys Acer here. If you don't already own a laptop or netbook, this may matter to you. However, remember that most of your productivity applications are probably not in Android and if you want to be productive, a tablet no matter what dock it has is not nearly as effective as a laptop.
Sound Quality
Another landslide for the Acer, the Dolby sound is the best sound I've ever heard on a mobile device, no joke. I had heads snapping in my living room trying to figure out how such big clear sound was coming out of a tiny little tablet. People will notice. The Asus? Sounds exactly like you'd expect a tablet to sound, like a tin can.
Conclusion
In summary, I ended up buying the Acer A500. With the Asus I could get a bit lighter weight and a keyboard dock that's totally awesome. These were the main benefits the Asus offers over the Acer. As I discovered the lower weight was due to poor construction and materials, the slighter weight of the Asus was no longer a factor. As I didn't need a keyboard, the obvious choice became the Acer due to its superior usability overall.
I hope this helps prospective buyers!
Very nice review! Makes me glad I chose the Acer over the Asus too, although my main reason was that the Acer was available locally with no wait.
Just a quick correction though, even though Acer doesn't say so, according to www.corningorillaglass.com the A500 does sport the Gorilla Glass. I'm not sure why Acer wouldn't mention it, since it is a decent buying point, but there you go.
funny but i bought because of 100 dollar staple coupon.
and then keep reading reviews on amazon...this is best review i ever read.
ipad iconia and zt-180 v2 all over sofa and bed...
Very thourough review. I have been enjoying my A500 for a couple weeks now. Got a good deal on Amazon. I am new to Android devices, so I have spent a lot of time on xda forums learning how to root and flash new ROM on my device.
Would have been interested to hear how the mics compared for video calling etc.
pankaj2000 said:
funny but i bought because of 100 dollar staple coupon.
and then keep reading reviews on amazon...this is best review i ever read.
ipad iconia and zt-180 v2 all over sofa and bed...
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Exactly my reasoning as well! I was thinking that I may look at tablets around Christmas, since I am sure there will be some crazy deals, but I happened to see the $100 Staples coupon and decided to jump on it. It was originally intended for the kids but they have a hard time pulling it away from me.
Is it just my unit, or have others noticed a MAJOR difference in recorded video quality when running a custom 3.2 ROM as opposed to 3.1? I recorded some video in the kitchen of my house, played it back, and it looked extremely realistic. My wife who doesn't even like tech. was pretty happy about it, that's saying something. It was super crisp and clear, definitely the best video device I have now! But I also don't have any dedicated video camera...
goofytim said:
Exactly my reasoning as well! I was thinking that I may look at tablets around Christmas, since I am sure there will be some crazy deals, but I happened to $300 see the $100 Staples coupon and decided to jump on it. It was originally intended for the kids but they have a hard time pulling it away from me.
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got ipad for me on my birthday $400 and wife took it..$100 off staples coupon got me iconia
$300 and kids took it..now i m stuck with zt-180v2....but iconia is the best...
I liked the more solid feel, and the full size USB port on the tab itself. I couldn't tell much difference between the screens either.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
As a transformer owner I can vouch on three things:
1. IMO the screen quality is miles ahead of the A500;
2. The weight difference is neglible but the A500 feels bulkier and slightly more awkward to hold;
3. The A500's sound quality is killer. The TF101's speakers make a train station passenger information system sound like a bose home theatre.. Yes, it's ****e !!!
Don't berate me, these are just my opinions...
The two are so close. The TF is noticeably lighter. Screen is a bit better on the TF. The keyboard dock is rad, but kind of pricey. Not a bad decision either way. It was a REALLY tough choice to pick between the two.
Sent from my A100 using XDA Premium App
Yes, it is a VERY difficult choice, for me, I love the sound and cameras and don't mind the weight nor need the keyboard dock. If you think like me, go Acer, if you really need the dock and the weight, perhaps a bit better screen (if you can notice), go the Asus!
I use my A500 mostly in portrait mode since I do a lot of reading so that makes the keyboard useless. The extended battery is a welcome addition but if I need the tablet docked while I'm reading, that seems kinda awkward. Also the color sucks. No offense to Asus owners but seriously the color sucks. The finish on the A500 is really nice and feels sturdy.
Dolby Mobile is awesome
I just felt like chiming in regarding the A500. I think the audio is better than any other tablet. The iPad does not have stereo. Even the TouchPad, with it's "beats" music system does not sound as good as the Dolby Mobile on the A500. Rock on!
I tried video conference the other day, and the audio on my A500 was horrible, can't hear anything. I have the Acer folio on it, so it should not be a problem?
I compared at a Office depot store, the screen seems brighter on the Asus, nicer, I feel. But given the fact that buying the Asus means I'll have to end up with buying a dock for $140 more, just not worth it.
ctiger said:
I tried video conference the other day, and the audio on my A500 was horrible, can't hear anything. I have the Acer folio on it, so it should not be a problem?
I compared at a Office depot store, the screen seems brighter on the Asus, nicer, I feel. But given the fact that buying the Asus means I'll have to end up with buying a dock for $140 more, just not worth it.
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You couldn't hear the audio? Do you know if the other side had their mic's turned up? The audio is very loud on my A500, too loud, I get complaints when I crank it up from the wife..
Has anyone tried the new video recording in 3.2 yet? It's epic on mine! Please, chime in with your experiences..
Nice comparative write up!
While I agree with just about everything you've written, I have to say that the difference in display is very noticeable....as noticeable as viewing an image on the A500 and TV via HDMI out at the same time. Colors are much more vibrant on a Transformer's display, but panel brightness is visually the same in my opinion.
When I was first in the market, I purchased both the Transformer and Iconia A500 to try with in the limitations of the return policy. I basically came to the same conclusion as yourself.
The first Acer I purchased had a questionable build. The upper left corner of the tab would creak under slight pressure. Very annoying, but after researching a bit...some people was stating the same experience and some were not. The Transformer seemed to be more solid in comparison.....well as solid as plastic could be, but at the time, the most important part was that it didn't creak nor had hairline cracks at the seams like the A500 I first tried.
Also the right speaker sounded like it was in a tin can while a pebble rattled around. I opened it up to see if the speaker was torn or what have you, only to discover a set screw was backed out enough to allow the speaker to vibrate against the mounts/casing.
But after going back to the store and checking to see if the display model shared the same annoyance, I realized I had received one that got past quality control. So I'm happy to say the current A500 is solid.
Anyway, in my opinion...if it weren't for the built in USB port, I probably would still be trying to decide between the two.
autom8r said:
Has anyone tried the new video recording in 3.2 yet? It's epic on mine! Please, chime in with your experiences..
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I'm using Taboonay 2.0 and I have to say yes the video recording id epic.
I couldn't find micro HDMI cables in Australia in any shop. Unless you count a micro to full HDMI adapter some idiot store wanted $99 for! I bought a 4m cable from eBay for about $20. Just starting to see cables in stores now, but still very expensive rip-offs.
As for keyboard ports, don't. Need them on the Acer as I use the Acer Bluetooth keyboard. Keyboard connectors are so old tech!
And when I bricked my machine playing with ROMs from in here, Acer was very understandering and fixed my machine for me. So i'll stick to the stock ROM. but I did appreciate acer rescuing my machine.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
Related
I was one of those guys who didn't know what the Asus Transformer was untill two days before the launch. At that point I wanted it, and was planning on getting it and was even awake when Bestbuy still had units, but I was going to wait untill I got to a computer and had more time. Man, was that a mistake !
Anyways i always have dissmissed the Acer A500 as a cheap tablet that has issues, and doesn't feel high quality. But I went into the store and checked it out for a few minutes and liked it. Seemed to feel nice and solid (Maybe a little too solid), and it has a USB port (With the new 3.1 update soon!). My concerns now are with the screen (Quality/Durablility), seems a bit portly (Doesn't look like an iPad ) , and still software issues+GPS. And then I have heard about their costomer support and I worry as I have bad luck with gizmos .
I have looked briefly at the new Galaxy Tab coming out and I like the way it looks, the screen should be of great quality, ect ect. But there is no USB, or any connectivity!
I have TERRIBLE patience (HATE waiting) and I want a Tablet soon, but I don't want to buy and have a bad tablet and regret it. So any thoughts on 1, 2 or all three tablets would be greatly aprieciated.
I'm pleased with mine, but still have a month or so before my return period is up to decide. I'm waiting to see if the next month or so of updates beef up the A500, or take the TF101 to the next level. Whichever one it is, I'll go for that one.
oh dear, not another one of these.
either buy it or don't.
I like it a lot and will stick with it!
I like it a lot and will stick with it!
gidgiddonihah said:
So any thoughts on 1, 2 or all three tablets would be greatly aprieciated.
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You know, there are at least 10 of these questions in both the TF and the A500 thread, you might want to search.
Anyway, my answer is wait. You're going to look for each and every problem you've read about the Acer and Asus, so I'd wait for the Galaxy Tab and start with that. If you don't like it, return it and get either the Asus or Acer. If you don't like any of them, I'm sure someone else will be just around the river bend.
Each tablet has their strength and weakness and at this point it's all about the build quality and the software.
Do you want a keyboard dock + more juice? The Asus is for you.
Do you want a USB Host port or need flash for your camera? Acer's the only one.
Do you want the best guarantee in getting software updates quickly and a super thin+light tablet? Samsung's got your back.
You've read about the issues.
The Asus is plagued with perceived light bleeding (not everyone), will possibly have a creaky backplate (not everyone), has no flash and has no usb host. Some people report freezing and rebooting, but this is true of Honeycomb period, so this is more than likely beyond the brand. The keyboard dock as of right now is buggy at best and most people report freezing/lockups while using it (known fact) and the battery in it runs all the time whether it's docked or not (known fact) so right now it doesn't live up to it's purpose unless you keep it plugged in.
The Acer's software is unrefined. We've had everything from people reporting they can't use gps without wifi (likely due to faulty hardware, not a general issue), the screen lighting up randomly (doesn't happen to everyone all the time) and the micro sd card isn't accessible from a PC while it's in the unit (known fact). The cell standby process is also running in the wifi only unit, an occurrence not found in the Xoom or TF afaik.
Some people report freezing and rebooting, but this is true of Honeycomb period, so this is more than likely beyond the brand.
The build quality for some, is lacking. 2 people have claimed their camera covers to be lifting, some people claim the side(s) creak and I've even read one person being worried about the charging port loosening up over time.
The Samsung isn't even out officially. You can read as many reviews as you want, you'll never get the dirty details until it hits the GENERAL public. The TF looked so good with it's limited release abroad, but when it came stateside en masse (sort of, anyway), we're reading about all these issues with the unit.
So I'll tell you what I tell anyone who asks. If you can, just WAIT. Obviously you can't wait forever, but wait until you can try what's just around the corner before you prematurely get something your subconscious mind more than likely dislikes anyway.
I was one of the early adopters of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7", which Samsung promptly abandoned after just a couple of months time.
Left a very bad taste in my mouth, if you get my drift. Hopefully I wont be singing the same sad song about the Iconia. Fingers crossed.
I started trying to get my hands on a Transformer but after Asus not being able to bring enough and days of trying to get one i finally gave up on it.
After days on reading and watching videos on the Acer Iconia the more i watched the more i like it and i decided that's what im gonna buy since it offers the most outta the box, I really didnt want the Keyboard dock on the TF so not having USB on the tablet became an issue for me the ips display is nice but its not like the A500 display is bad. at some point i kinda wanted to wait for the Samsung galaxy 10.1 but after seeing the white ones they gave out in Google IO yesterday it finally confirmed Acer A500 is the right tablet for me. i cant imagine not having Micro SD/SD card or a USB it seems Samsung mimics Apple too much that thing looked too much like an ipad 2 no ports only a proprietary port on the bottom.
so im going tomorrow to pick up my Acer ill root it and wait for 3.1
nice quick explanation babyboy. you touched on main points and your simple arguments made complete sense.
I was finally able to order a TF and while I've been waiting, I've been in store playing with the Acer. Most of my observations have been on the surface and I just can't get over the camera location on the Acer.
After seeing the IO Sammy, I had the opposite reaction in terms of aesthetics because I'm one of those that do like the look of Apple products. Functionality-wise though, you hit the nail on the head. SD cards and USB are a must since I'm transitioning from an Ipad.
Few things:
Build: Not sure how the Acer's build is an issue, since it is more solid and not creaky like the Asus (still great device).
Camera: Cameras on tablets do not seem practical to me and invites mobile handling that may result in a dropped device.
Weight: I still find it funny that folks get up tight about the one ounce weight difference between them, but have no issue getting the keyboard, which adds more bulk and one pound more weight than the Acer. How does that make sense to people?
I prefer the build of the Acer and like the USB connectivity on the tablet, so expect it to weigh a little more. The new Toshiba is the same or slightly heavier.
The A500 is a very good tablet and most consumers posting at Best Buy and other places seem to agree.
I caved and got the a500, and am very pleased. Weight is a non-issue for me, it just feels more solid. Quite happy about the USB slot, I read that in 3.1 you will even be able to connect a 360 controller to one of these! Can anyone say N64 emulation
Besides from aesthetics, it's likely the Samsung 10.1s will be identical in specs. I may take this one back, but oh boy, HDMI and USB...big plus for me.
I'll be honest.
I dont own a Acer yet..
but i did own a Asus transformer which i returned.
People were telling me to keep it., but Asus has dropped the ball a bit on quality isssues.
Around the screen there is a black adhesive that holds it close to the bezel, and let me tell you
Someone drunk probably but the adhesive in place, it wasn't even straight, and made it looks out of place.
and not only that, around the adhesive there is a gab between the LCD and the adhesive and dust and crap was getting in there... others have reported the same issues.
I like the ICONIA that i saw at bestbuy because the screen was flush across the unit .. thumbs up!
edgie168 said:
oh dear, not another one of these.
either buy it or don't.
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Yea, I saw, exept everyone I looked at had like two posts... But maybe I didn't see them. Sorry 'bout that!
I went back to play around with the Iconia some more and I love it. It just seems like the screen has nothing on the iPad/Asus (IPS) but I never got to really test the screen with a movie and it seems a bit heavier. I LOVE the USB port, and with 3.1...
Any word on Acer Support? I really have bad luck with devices and don't want to be stuck without help.
Thanks for all the posts and unless people have horror stories about their support I might order one on Amazon as I don't think they will charge me tax ...
(Edit) They do charge tax... And since the tab doesn't look like a viable option for me, the Iconia looks like the best thing out there that is in a price range I can afford.
I got the Iconia after Asus refused to say anything about the Transformers expected release(Maybe I wasn't trolling their FB page enough?)
I like the camera, unlike some of the others here posted. My cell phone has an awful camera on it, and I generally have my Iconia with me, so it's nice to be able to pull it out and take a good quality snapshot or record a video.
I haven't noticed the issues with the GPS, but I haven't used it more than once, just to play with it.
So far, I've been using the USB port a lot, I got a mini usb keyboard I've been using for dosbox(Wolfenstein 3D!)
I haven't noticed any issues with the build quality; as far as I can tell, I could drop this thing down a flight of stairs and it'd be fine, though I think I'll leave that to someone else to test.
I had an issue with the wifi refusing to join ad-hoc networks(phone tethering), but that was easily fixed by rooting and replacing the problematic files.
My take on the Transformer (from reviews) is that it seems to be a good concept, but a poor implementation of it. It seems to be shoddy construction, like Asus wanted to get their foot in the door and rushed it too much. The software issues on it are driving me away too.
A dock seems rather worthless when you have a USB port, as soon as 3.1 comes out, that is.(USB mouse ftw!)
The galaxy looks blah to me, I don't think I want to have anything to do with it. I wasn't impressed with the older galaxys.
netham45 said:
The galaxy looks blah to me, I don't think I want to have anything to do with it. I wasn't impressed with the older galaxys.
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Just looked at the Tab on cnet.com. They didn't say anything about microSD, and when they did a close up around the device it looks like it comes without. Their model didn't come with the new Samsung icky thing over honeycomb? Without even microSD, the tab is out. It looks really nice, but without any expansion ports or USB, its not for me. And from a few people in here the Asus is looking less and less appealing. Hmmmm...
I'm looking into purchasing one or the other, and am stuck in between, can anyone please shed some light onto this?
I like the galaxy tab for a few reasons, one its samsung and i tend to trust their build quality over asus, two its super thin and much smaller than the transformer, and three the speakers are better, but the main thing that is killing it for me is the lack of ports, only having a single proprietary port bugs me, and feels like i'm being forced into buying additional things that should have been included in the first place
i like the transformer because of the ports and sd card expansion, and the keyboard with the battery and extra usb/sd ports.
i'm not sure which to choose, please help!
totally your preference. how much are you really going to use your hdmi and sd card? if you use it a lot, then go transformer. if you are going to get a keyboard, they both have sd card slots.
however, if thin tablets are of bigger importance, go samsung.
I think build quality is now same. asus new batches seem to be better than the rushed out ones.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App
Don't know if anyone can really help you decide, because it sounds like you already know the pros and cons of both. But I feel the same way. I really like both tablets, both have some great qualities, but both have some pretty big weaknesses too.
Going to just copy/paste what I just wrote on the Transformer board...
Transformer
+ $100 cheaper
+ micro SD
+ mini HDMI
+ netbook style keydock
Galaxy Tab 10.1
+ lighter and rounded edges (more comfortable)
+ better speakers
+ PLS display
+ LED flash
+ just better looking
Almost afraid to say it, because I detest custom UI, but I almost want to give the Galaxy Tab 10.1 a + for TouchWiz UX. The demo of it actually has some very nice looking features.
Because of the lack of micro SD I almost certainly will need to spend $200 more for a 32GB Galaxy Tab 10.1, versus the 16GB Transformer I'm using now with my 16GB micro SD card. So the price difference is greater (I am sure I need more than 16GB for a tablet).
....I own a Transformer now, it's my second one, and it has a screen defect. So I've run into some build quality issues with the Transformers. But I also have build quality fears for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 too. I've seen a lot of glass separation from the bezel in corners in a lot of video reviews. It looks a bit too common. Almost none of those video reviews call attention to it, but after seeing some complaints about it on this board and a article on Android Community, I've been looking carefully at those corners and now seem to notice it all the time.
Both are great tablets. I going to need to return my Transformer in about 5 days. So I still have a bit more time to mull it over.
+1 to what Ravynmagi said.
I actually returned my Transformer a couple weeks ago. For it's price point, it definitely is awesome, but I just didn't like the fact that I could literally flex and twist it and it would affect the light bleeding. I would rather pay the extra money to have something solid and according to a lot of video reviews, people are saying that even though it's plastic it feels just as solid as the iPad2... and I consider my iPad2 very solid.
I returned my TF today. Terrible screen separation under the bezel. A lot of FCs. Considerably heavier than the Tab. The extra 100 that i spent thus far seems well worth it.
The tab it's a better pure tablet. The transformer doesn't need a adapter for hdmi out.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Ok I know I’m biased but it's lighter, sleeker, thinner, PLS screen and great build quality. In fact it's the Rolls-Royce of Honeycomb tablets. Ah yes and I can hold it in one hand.
FTFY
cosimoss said:
In fact it's the Rolls-Royce of Honeycomb tablets.
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10 chars
I think this is video is quite good but its based on the Google I/O version of the 10.1. But at least we get to see the screens compared.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2F9yxpQZ40&feature=share
Darkgage said:
I think this is video is quite good but its based on the Google I/O version of the 10.1. But at least we get to see the screens compared.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2F9yxpQZ40&feature=share
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very good video
Thanks for the video. I am not liking the over saturated screen of the 10.1 over the TF. Its like the 10.1 is in vivid mode which I hate on all display. I guess I have to see it in person. Its hard to compare the two when the TF is in 3.1 and Samsung is still running 3.0.
dazz87 said:
Thanks for the video. I am not liking the over saturated screen of the 10.1 over the TF. Its like the 10.1 is in vivid mode which I hate on all display. I guess I have to see it in person. Its hard to compare the two when the TF is in 3.1 and Samsung is still running 3.0.
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supercurio seems to be enjoying the PLS screen on galaxy tab 10.1
I'm also intrigued by #GalaxyTab101 PLS screen (Samsung improved IPS). This thing could be or become pro photographer's dream calibrated.
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Samsung is in 3.1 now for both IO and Retail version, except 10.1v.
dazz87 said:
Thanks for the video. I am not liking the over saturated screen of the 10.1 over the TF. Its like the 10.1 is in vivid mode which I hate on all display. I guess I have to see it in person. Its hard to compare the two when the TF is in 3.1 and Samsung is still running 3.0.
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i think he means all the videos and comparisons done online are of the 3.0.1 I/O version vs the 3.1 transformer
Ah ok ... Apologize to the poster
Mr.Duck said:
i think he means all the videos and comparisons done online are of the 3.0.1 I/O version vs the 3.1 transformer
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I think I'm ready to now forgive the lack of micro SD and switch to a Galaxy Tab 10.1. Appears the PLS display turned out better than I thought it would. I was expecting a barely noticeable marginal difference with viewing angles and brightness, but apparently the colors on this look really great from reports.
The other big thing though is the speakers. Transformer has really weak flat sounding speakers and the balance is way off, the left side is barely hearable on my last two Transformers and seems like a very common occurance.
I'm disappointed by no micro SD. But the better PLS display and better audio quality, along with the lighter more comfortable feel, has me thinking it's probably worth the extra $200 ($400 16GB TF + 16GB micro SD I already own vs $600 32GB GT10.1) for me.
Ravynmagi said:
I think I'm ready to now forgive the lack of micro SD and switch to a Galaxy Tab 10.1. Appears the PLS display turned out better than I thought it would. I was expecting a barely noticeable marginal difference with viewing angles and brightness, but apparently the colors on this look really great from reports.
The other big thing though is the speakers. Transformer has really weak flat sounding speakers and the balance is way off, the left side is barely hearable on my last two Transformers and seems like a very common occurance.
I'm disappointed by no micro SD. But the better PLS display and better audio quality, along with the lighter more comfortable feel, has me thinking it's probably worth the extra $200 ($400 16GB TF + 16GB micro SD I already own vs $600 32GB GT10.1) for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damnit man.. now I'm going to return my TF too. I three defects and three annoyances.
- Hair under the screen.. looks like an eye lash
- Moderate light bleed.. increases when I hold it due to flex
- Bezel began creaking and moving
- The corners are uncomfortable
- It is fatiguing to hold it with one hand
- Lack of accessories (Yes I know this seems odd) but really there isn't much besides a few cases and the dock
- Speakers are definitely too quiet
I will go with the 16GB version as I have never really found myself needing anything more than that. I always say I'm going to watch movies on my mobile devices, but never get around to doing it. Also, I own a solid remote desktop that works well with the TF, so it should work with the 10.1.
I'll tell you what though, I always seem to do this lol. I love the TF, but damn that 10.1 looks too nice.
Is the back metal or plastic?
EDIT: damn, this is going to end up costing me a lot of extra money.
ericc191 said:
- The corners are uncomfortable
- It is fatiguing to hold it with one hand
- Lack of accessories (Yes I know this seems odd) but really there isn't much besides a few cases and the dock
- Speakers are definitely too quiet
I will go with the 16GB version as I have never really found myself needing anything more than that. I always say I'm going to watch movies on my mobile devices, but never get around to doing it. Also, I own a solid remote desktop that works well with the TF, so it should work with the 10.1.
I'll tell you what though, I always seem to do this lol. I love the TF, but damn that 10.1 looks too nice.
Is the back metal or plastic?
EDIT: damn, this is going to end up costing me a lot of extra money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I don't like holding the Transformer in portrait. The 90 degree corners aren't comfortable. I think tablet comfort was sacrificed to make it look cooler as a netbook with it's keyboard.
And I've been noticing the lack of accessories too. Really almost nothing from third parties. I suspect Samsung will probably have a lot more third party accessories coming.
I was really hoping someone would make a gel skin case for the Transformer so it would be more comfortable to hold. But I keep looking and looking and see nothing.
The back is a very glossy plastic on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Some have called it slippery. This worries me a tiny bit. Samsung advertised an Easy Grip material on the back. I think it looks a lot better than the Transformer, but worried it might slip when palming it with one hand.
Ravynmagi said:
Yeah, I don't like holding the Transformer in portrait. The 90 degree corners aren't comfortable. I think tablet comfort was sacrificed to make it look cooler as a netbook with it's keyboard.
And I've been noticing the lack of accessories too. Really almost nothing from third parties. I suspect Samsung will probably have a lot more third party accessories coming.
I was really hoping someone would make a gel skin case for the Transformer so it would be more comfortable to hold. But I keep looking and looking and see nothing.
The back is a very glossy plastic on the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Some have called it slippery. This worries me a tiny bit. Samsung advertised an Easy Grip material on the back. I think it looks a lot better than the Transformer, but worried it might slip when palming it with one hand.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, my girlfriend is upset that I'm going to exchange. She says the back of the TF is perfect for grip.
Also, for people who purchased on Amazon, make sure you choose defective when returning. This shouldn't be an issue as nearly all TFs have light bleed.
I chose to put that I no longer wanted it, and they tried to add a 20% restocking fee. I called up and got that removed by telling them I hit the wrong button.
The Transformer & Iconia were somewhat similar. I like the many ports on the Acer, but it was rather heavy for one handed use. Trying to type in portrait was a pain because of the device weight. If the Galaxy had those ports, then it would not be as thin, & would weigh more. I returned the Acer & pre-ordered the Galaxy. I plan on getting the USB adapter and using it when needed, which will be every once in a while.
So bought a Transformer then switched it out for an Iconia which I promptly returned and picked up my TF. I had thought that the Iconia with its USB port would be a better unit, bu the screen just doesn't compare to the TF. Add in the better battery life on the TF, the 3.1 upgrade, etc etc and well it was a tough weekend using the Acer. Now we hear that the Toshiba is about to arrive in the US and soon after here in Canada. Now on paper this unit seems to have it all, and by all I mean FINALLY a 'User Replaceable' battery. Add in SDXC support on the device, a Full size USB port, HDMI, a screen lock switch etc etc and frankly I'm about to abandon the TF once again.
I've not been able to find if indeed the Thrive is an IPS screen, and I guess it's unlikely to see much in the way of reviews until these units finally hit the market.
Still, I'd very much appreciate any comments from other TF users. As it stands I have until June 27th to return the TF for a full refund. Grr I wish the Thrive was out now.
Uhhh, what? You want opinions on a different tablet from transformer owners? And one on a tablet that isn't on the market?
The Thrive will not sport an IPS screen.
It's also thicker, if that matters to you. Quite a bit thicker.
Anyway, the TF with the dock is still my favorite tablet. The Thrive's lacking screen and substantial thickness are the main downsides.
The way i see it any tablet is not good enough for you.If you get the Toshiba, 1-2 months from now there will be another one with better specs and you will want to change again.
And there is nothing bad about it, if you have enough money.
berbecverde said:
The way i see it any tablet is not good enough for you.If you get the Toshiba, 1-2 months from now there will be another one with better specs and you will want to change again.
And there is nothing bad about it, if you have enough money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, buying a new Tegra 2 tablet now seems a bit harsh. They'll be obsolete soon enough, after all.
dorino1 said:
The Thrive will not sport an IPS screen.
It's also thicker, if that matters to you. Quite a bit thicker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's .1" thicker (the TF tapers at the edges creating an illusion of thinness). I don't think it's "quite a bit thicker." For some reason the photos of it make it look chunkier than the dimensions would have you believe.
And I don't think anyone knows what sort of screen technology it will have -- if you Google it, you'll find some say IPS, some say it doesn't.
Thrive does come with full usb/hdmi ports..but it's also a lot thicker and probably heavier...
For comparison:
Transformer: .5" thick, 1.49 pounds
Thrive: .6" thick, 1.6 pounds
As the post above mentions, for that extra .1" and .1 pounds, you get a full-sized USB, full-sized HDMI, and full-sized SD slot. All the full-sizin' without adding much thickness or weight is pretty impressive.
Also has status/notification lights, removable battery, charging dock, and a hardware orientation-lock. If this thing does come with an IPS screen, then ... wow.
if TF101 was .5" All Around then no way in Hell Would I Have bought it. Because its so thin at the edges and only .5" in the center back then It makes is seem very thin still, which looks good. Thrive is Alot thicker all around the unit. It looks way too big. If it was Thin on edges and thick in center like TF then maybe it would have been an option.
Then again it Needs Thickness for all those ports soo hmm...Cant be too thin if you want to add those.
Whipping my TF out of the case and eyeballing it, it looks like it begins tapering only about 1.5" from the edges all around. I dunno, I'll have to handle a Thrive myself to see if all the additional features are worth the slightly added bulk and weight.
Its the replaceable battery that is big IMO...I wonder about the fixed batteries 2 yrs down the road and if it will make any sense to send them in for a retrofit and if not they just become garbage. Personally i think our Gov should legislate that batteries can be replaced by the user otherwise add in an additional tax on the product
I don't have issues with my TF's battery life, but I can definitely see where that's a plus for some. The things about it that intrigue me the most are the status lights (I like knowing I have a notification waiting), the rubberized back (I find the TF kind of slippery), and the inclusion of a charging dock. The full-sized ports are things I may not use, but it'd be nice to have them just in case. The 8GB of internal memory is annoying but not dealbreaker. A crappy screen would be, though.
Toshiba has said, officially, that it is not an IPS display. It's an "IPS like" display, which is what Acer said about the Iconia... And Motorola about the Xoom... And Samsung about the GT10.1. It's still up in the air whether it's a good display or not, but it is not an IPS. That's for sure!
It is 0.11 inches thicker. Over 20% thicker than the Transformer. It is a small difference, but it's noticable!
Anyway, since I use the dock, having the ports built in don't really matter to me. I've already got them.
I bought the toshiba thrive, the 1hr fast charge did it for me.... I tell you this right now.. if I get it in hand, and the screen is not up to par, I will send it back that day with out even trying out the rest of it!
a tablet is 90% screen, so you better put a freaking GREAT screen! lol
the only thing I dont like about my transformer is the creeking on the left hand side, if it didnt have this problem, then I would be A OK!
toshiba looks like it will be a quality tablet, I love how it's put together, looks tough!
I dont know why "thin" is a good thing, I simply dont get it..
Thremix said:
I bought the toshiba thrive, the 1hr fast charge did it for me.... I tell you this right now.. if I get it in hand, and the screen is not up to par, I will send it back that day with out even trying out the rest of it!
a tablet is 90% screen, so you better put a freaking GREAT screen! lol
the only thing I dont like about my transformer is the creeking on the left hand side, if it didnt have this problem, then I would be A OK!
toshiba looks like it will be a quality tablet, I love how it's put together, looks tough!
I dont know why "thin" is a good thing, I simply dont get it..
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Click to collapse
I like thin devices. I don't necessarily care for ultra-light devices, though. To each their own.
I literally just put my order in about 3 days ago and will see my TF on Thursday, but I'm having second thoughts. A friend of mine just got his TF in today, and - well I dunno, I'm not all that impressed.
Out of the box came with the speaker issue (one side is louder than the other). The sound wasn't all that loud
Screen brightness was kind of low
The sharp edges were cutting my fingers
So I started to have a read about the differences between the Transformer & the Galaxy tab in the Galaxy Tab section. However, I think everyone posting there is biased toward the tab because they are now tab fanboys posting in their forum.
A few things I do like about the TF. Price of $399 (unbeatable) Expandable ports, dock option, memory slot, hdmi out, 5mpx camera. Do I think I'll use all of that (except price)? Probably not.
A few things I like about the Tab. Same size screen with less bulk, thinner, lighter, rounded edges, very solid build quality. Do I think its worth an extra $100 for these items? I think so. Plus I know the resale value will definitely be there because its a well known brand.
I haven't made up my mind completely on this but im about 80% of the way there in returning my TF and going with the Tab.
Thoughts, comments?
Nobody can decide for you. Do whatever you are happiest with.
Having used a hybrid tablet/netbook like the Transformer, I would never buy a tablet-only device.
^x2
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk
It's more than $100 (or here in germany 100€). You don't have a MicroSD Slot and HDMI-out. Do you need both options you must pay way more. And for the same price you can get a Transformer+Dock.
I don't see, why anybody would pay more for less...
Hi mate,
I have had the TF since release day and to be honest I'm very happy with it. It does what I need it to do very well: reading books, browse internet, playing games, plays movies (although there are some issues).
On the other hand I don't need and I will never get the dock, simply because if I wanted a netbook there are much better options on the market. And I have one of them as well.
Because of that I'm waiting to see the Galaxy Tab in real life, hold it in my hands. And if that offers everything that I need and is better than the TF I might go for it.
So good luck choosing! Let us know what you go for.
rio
PS: Actually what I'm considering at the moment is the small Galaxy tab 8.9 (I think). That one was on the Samsung website for a while, but I'm not sure what is the current status
rio911 said:
PS: Actually what I'm considering at the moment is the small Galaxy tab 8.9 (I think). That one was on the Samsung website for a while, but I'm not sure what is the current status
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually that is the "MEDIUM" Galaxy Tab. THe "small" one is the 7 inch versions and there are two of them. The powerful 3G/Wifi one and the neutered and less power Wifi only version.
The MAJOR downside to any Galaxy Tabs are :
1.) Updates are so slow....MONTHS behind the others.
2.) 10 inchers have no expansion slots.....and the 8.9 as well I think.
Get whatever YOU decide to be happy with. Others cannot make that choice for you. Only YOU can.
Some people like smaller I would not be able to stand a 7" tablet or laptop without optical media. My motto has always been its the size/shape that makes it portable it doesn't matter if its 20lbs its still light and easy to move around. But then again I compare it with moving around 300-400lbs.
Digiguest said:
Actually that is the "MEDIUM" Galaxy Tab. THe "small" one is the 7 inch versions and there are two of them. The powerful 3G/Wifi one and the neutered and less power Wifi only version.
The MAJOR downside to any Galaxy Tabs are :
1.) Updates are so slow....MONTHS behind the others.
2.) 10 inchers have no expansion slots.....and the 8.9 as well I think.
Get whatever YOU decide to be happy with. Others cannot make that choice for you. Only YOU can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gtab. 10.1 also with build issues. Many are suffering from Newton rings. Dust under screen. Colors are way oversaturated.....
If u want android in an ipad like body then go Samsung. If Samsung would have made the device 1 or 2 mm thicker and put in micro SD and HDMI they also would have been able to prevent the Newton ring issue and have the one killer tablet.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Digiguest said:
1.) Updates are so slow....MONTHS behind the others.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how you can say that really.... there hasn't been any major updates for Samsung to pass onto the Tablets. The only time when you'll be able to use that point is when Ice Cream Sandwich comes out. I'd say that 1/2 months is a good enough turn around for manufacturers to update their devices a major version.
I'd also like to note that I have a Galaxy S. While Americans are still using Eclair because of their crappy carriers wanting to hack the firmware to bits, us using unbranded european devices got Gingerbread before any other device (bar the Nexus devices). Samsung know what they are doing.
The way I see it, from my experience with the TF is this:
16GB is not enough. My music alone is near this and more. Since there is no additional storage options on the GT, you are going to have to opt for a 32GB or more which equals greater $$$ to spend. But sacrifices could be made...
So, I would say the dock is the real reason to get this thing. If you are not too excited about the dock, I wouldn't bother. The GT excels in design, but the TF excels in utility and value.
If the "sharp edges" of the Transformer are really "cutting [your] fingers," that's a physical problem with the device (or your fingers, I guess!).
Buy sleeve m8,than will be perfect
Your not the first to have these concerns. I bought the tf and was considering selling it for a tab. But what you've stated (price, microsd, HDMI out, and KB option) kept me from doing so.
I played with the tab for an hour or so and still prefer my tf. I didn't like the button placement on the tab, (they're in a more natural placement on the tf.
I did have the speaker issue on my tf but it was an easy fix. Just root it (there's a very well written guide by yours truly ;-)) and read up on the thread in the development section and it's as easy as editing a txt file.
If the edges bother you, grab a case, I'm currently using the roocase multi-angle which I got from amazon for under $30.
Other than that the only downside of the tf I see is the charger. Proprietary connection, short cable and sometimes the adapter doesn't want to work.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
I was in the same boat. I traded my iPad2 for an Android tablet and had lots of offers. I was looking at the Galaxy Tab and thought it was for me until I found that it didn't have any expansion ports like the iPad2. It is one of the reasons why I HATED the iPad2 because you had to carry around the special USB cable to sync it... then you needed special software for it to work...
Screw all that. I need to be able to quickly get files on and off the my tablet. I don't want to have to rely on another computer or a computer with special software to read my stuff.
90% of the time you'll have access to a Home or Work PC which you will probably have setup properly... but trust me... you WILL find yourself somewhere needing to pull a picture off or text or an attachment or something and you'll be stuck. It will happen more often the more you use it.
Plus the price point. I was trading my iPad2 for whichever I wanted. Did I need the keyboard dock? No. Will I use the keyboard dock often? No. Is it badass? Yes.
The keyboard dock has an additional battery that will charge the tablet battery when docked. It also increases the functionality of the tab.
Both tablets are identical in hardware except the Transformer has lots of additional ports. microSD is a must and HDMI out is actually very handy for throwing pictures, movies, games, etc on a larger screen.
I just can't see buying the Galaxy Tab 10.1 for the same price as you could buy the Transformer + Dock.
sontin said:
It's more than $100 (or here in germany 100€). You don't have a MicroSD Slot and HDMI-out. Do you need both options you must pay way more. And for the same price you can get a Transformer+Dock.
I don't see, why anybody would pay more for less...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't exactly call the Samsung as "less" than the Transformer. I think they're different enough that it's gonna come down to how you personally use it.
One thing I'd like to point out - the Gtab is much easier to hold in your hand than the Transformer. Corners aren't as sharp, it's lighter, and seems better balanced. The texture on the back of the Gtab is easier to grab, though this could be solved with a sleeve on the Transformer.
Another point is screen reflection. The Transformer's glass is much farther away from the LCD than the glass on the Samsung. IPS screens are nice, but unless you're always going to be in a optimally lit room, you'll see a lot more reflections with the Transformer than with the Samsung Tab. Some Samsung Tab's have issues with the screen actually touching the LCD and making oil marks, but most don't.
So - the differences are definitely there. I don't you can write off the Gtab's advantages. The reflection and ergonomics itself might be worth $100.
My experience is that I just bought the Galaxy Tab 10.1 16GB about 5 days ago. I played with it over night and returned it the next day.
The following day, I purchased the Transformer 16GB and a dock for $50.00 more.
Now that I've owned the TF for 3-4 days, I'm very satisfied with it for many reasons:
- Multiple media input/out options: mini HDMI out, x2 USB ports, and SD/MMC card reader. - Will work perfectly with my Nikon P100's SD card and I can use a external HDD and plug it right into the USB port if I want to watch my movies.
- Dock acts as extended battery: I also tether my HTC Thunderbolt and plug it into the dock to keep a charge on my Thunderbolt while tethering my 4G to the Transformer.(SO MUCH WIN!!!)
- Having a keyboard when I want to compose an email is x100 better than thumbing my words through the tab. - I still use the touchscreen kb for somethings.
- Dock/keyboard has shortcut buttons which I take advantage of all the time.
- Textured casing makes handling the tablet/net book very secure and eliminates any smudges.
*I do not see where in the world you could cut your hand/finger on the tablet or the docking station. - You should tell your friend to get an RMA because there's something wrong with the one he has. Either that or he may need to see a dermatologist about amyloidosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Re: Samsung Galaxy 10.1
I chose that tablet first because of the sleek design. I was extremely impressed with the way that Samsung engineered the design.
HOWEVER, no more than 1-2 hours after playing with it, I came back to my senses and see how limited I was with any options. Not only does it look like an iPad but it also has all the shortcomings in hardware that the iPad does.
I have had a few Android devices and so it's practically a religion to have a microSD card for my stuff. Samsung decided to cut back on adding any option to extend storage and that was a the biggest decider for me. - All the selling points that a Android tablet has in terms of hardware-media expansion was nerfed on latest Galaxy Tab. Did Samsung want to imitate Apple so much that they even decided to try and sell a tab that requires additional parts to make it comparable to all other tablets?
In the end, this is only my real life opinion having owned both devices and what I still have now is the Asus Transformer.
Once I used the keyboard/dock with my tablet, I can not imagine another tablet without this option. Asus did a decent job in engineering the look/feel of the tab with the dock/keyboard.
*I did have to return both tab and dock/keyboard to Best Buy until I found the right Best Buy which had B60 as my previous ones were B50.
Good lucking in making your decision. If you buy it at Best Buy, you can at least return it in 14 days without restocking fee and get the other one. If you felt that first one was better than you can simply return it again and go back to the other model. I am in NO WAY suggesting to abuse a return policy but it's there and it works as mentioned.
coachclass said:
I wouldn't exactly call the Samsung as "less" than the Transformer. I think they're different enough that it's gonna come down to how you personally use it.
One thing I'd like to point out - the Gtab is much easier to hold in your hand than the Transformer. Corners aren't as sharp, it's lighter, and seems better balanced. The texture on the back of the Gtab is easier to grab, though this could be solved with a sleeve on the Transformer.
Another point is screen reflection. The Transformer's glass is much farther away from the LCD than the glass on the Samsung. IPS screens are nice, but unless you're always going to be in a optimally lit room, you'll see a lot more reflections with the Transformer than with the Samsung Tab. Some Samsung Tab's have issues with the screen actually touching the LCD and making oil marks, but most don't.
So - the differences are definitely there. I don't you can write off the Gtab's advantages. The reflection and ergonomics itself might be worth $100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course the closer together glass in the gtab has led to the oil blob effect for Many
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
I've had my TF since right after it launched in the US and I do love it. With that being said, I do plan on picking up a galaxy tab tomorrow, the last day that you can use the $50 off coupon for any tablet at staples.
The TF definately has the advantage when it comes to storage, because of the SD card and dock if you want to buy it, which I have no interest in. The galaxy tab however has a great form factor and from my limited use with one seems to have snappier performance than my TF, even though they have almost idendical specs, and my TF is overclocked. I also prefer the screen on the tab compared to the TF.
Honestly I think that the OP will be happy with either one. My only real gripe against the TF is that the majority of them seem to suufer from light bleed or some manufacturing defect, thankfully I only have minimal bleed, and that Asus has been slow with delivering on most of the official accessories that they promised months ago. I really want the desktop dock, which is readily available for the GT at a reasonable price.
I will say that if the galaxy tab disappoints me in any way during my return window, I will gladly buy a second TF after returning it.
I own the TF since late May...only problem I have with it is that the right speaker is louder than the left.
This past Sunday I bought the Galaxy Tab for someone and yeah it looks very nice it's thinner and lighter, but it seemed to have less options than the TF (specially within the browser settings.) The browser actually froze up on me and didn't want to display any pages. Didn't like that fact that it doesn't have an external microSD slot! I ended up returning it 2 hours later because the person preferred a laptop! My short experience with it wasn't good
This is my 5th Android tablet. The first Transformer had gone directly back to Best Buy due to terrible light bleed. Transformer Prime sold in a month. It had its obvious problems plus a screen problem: when you press a little harder on the right side of the screen it would flicker into white. Probably a faulty one. This is my 3d transformer and it is not that impressive. Surprisingly there is no light bleed at all, but the Prime was much better in every way. I sense and hear a squeaky sound when I press the right side of the back camera just under the power button as though it was not fitted well. I pressed all the sides and corners of the tablet, only this spot gives that sound. There is an emptiness there. It really is annoying. I still think I will keep it but wait for the new Samsung. MY GTAB 7 and 10.1 were also made with plastic but they were sturdier and far better in build quality. Asus keeps disappointing me.
Cool story bro.
Perhaps your expectations doesn't match the design specs and price tag of this machine? To me it seems they opted for better guts then exterior and screen.
Thats very true. ASUS wanted to give a nice device to those who couldn't meet the price tag. Everything comes at a cost, this tablet is plastic :T
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using Tapatalk 2
Firstly, I am not quite sure why anyone would want to press the back right side of the tablet next to the back camera? If it squeaks, don't press it, no function on this tablet requires that part pressed, nor is it near anywhere near where one would hold it.
This is my 3rd tablet as well.
First, I had a Prime. I disagree the Prime was better in every way. No GPS, poor wifi signal, micro sd card slot poorly placed so the card kept popping out, micro hdmi port was loose - cable kept coming unplugged. Is the prime sexier, sure, but the aforementioned problems made it quite non-functional.
Second I had an Acer A510. Great tablet, just a bit bulky and had a terrible heat problem where the back of the tablet would reach over 100 degrees when 3D gaming...could not hold it anymore it was so hot. Also, due to low sales volumes, the tablet does not have much developer support, still don't have their own forum with similar launch date to this tablet.
I have had none of these problems on my TF300, it works amazingly well. I actually don't mind the plastic, it is comfortable to hold, and looks much better than I thought it would. The sound is great for a tablet, I had the a510 and believe this is comparable, even without the speaker separation. Is this tablet perfect, no: Battery life could be better and they could have used Gorilla glass, but those are minor nuisances compared to what I have dealt with on my other 2 two tablets and I don't think any tablet is perfect. I am not a budget buyer and purchased this tablet originally to check it out, but it is so good compared to anything else I have used, I plan to keep it and enjoy it.
I did press to get it out from its keyboard dock. Thats how I realized it was not fitted well. Do we really have to accept something with its flaws because it is cheaper? ASUS is a brand name I respect. I had more than 6 laptops, netbooks and now an ultrabook which I LOVE!!!! But we have to accept that Asus is less attentive when it comes to Android. We will see how they will try hard this fall or next year with their Windows 8 tablets and stuff.
I honestly think the build quality is great with the 399 price tag. I have no issues with light bleeding, creaking or loose parts. So far my experience is great and have no complaints.
Love my tab after unlocking and installing cm9. How much more could you ask for with a guad core processor and 399.99 price tag for a 32 gb! all the tablets I see are dual core for 399.99 for 16gb.
Asus, in my opinion gave us a budget tablet and then some. The realm of this tablet was to cut cost so everyone could afford Tegra 3 without buying a 700$ unit. I love my tablet
Sent from my VS910 4G using xda premium
Great, cheap, tablet.
Always fun to see how people can differ.
Some like the building quality and others think everything is cr*p. I think this is purely what you expect of it and what you want to spend. If you buy an IPad it is not comparable to a Asus because as the manufacturer is different the buildingprocess is different.
I think you (the topicstarter) just want to get a almost undestructible tablet. But tablets are just fragile and if you have a technical problem with one you just bring it back to the shop because you have warrenty.
At this point in time there is no better tablet to buy, yes i had the cash to get a prime, but i need good wifi coverage, which the prime has not, so i bought this one. I don't want older technology , and surely not at the same price (all other tabs are dual core at maximum)
I just didnt feel the thrill I felt when I held my Samsung 10.1 for the first time or even the TR Prime. TR Prime just for a couple of days.... But I agree with most views here. It is a very good tablet for its price. I like the battery usage. I havent charged it for more than 2 days now. Unnoticeable light bleed, etc... Just that squeaky sound
BTW. No Riptide onboard was a bum!
I think mine is fine, besides some uncomfortable cracking I tend to hear with the keyboard dock. Then again, I was not very impressed by my Asus laptop in terms of build quality either. I feel weird buying another Asus product after that laptop but there is nothing else that compares as far as I am concerned when it comes to tablets. I deal with it.
Well I was greeted with a busted pixel upon opening package still gave a try then started to have small bleed then by third week serious bleed, then when I hold on certain spots in landscape and portrait at different angles I get this blur like bleed as if im pressing to hard felt like if I held any looser I would drop it, also can barely see in the sun light other than that it works like heaven which really bugs me because I want it but dont believe it will last so im sending back and waiting for the reviews for the 700 when it releases after atleast a month has passed till then I will be pad less...........
bigwalt12 said:
Well I was greeted with a busted pixel upon opening package still gave a try then started to have small bleed then by third week serious bleed, then when I hold on certain spots in landscape and portrait at different angles I get this blur like bleed as if im pressing to hard felt like if I held any looser I would drop it, also can barely see in the sun light other than that it works like heaven which really bugs me because I want it but dont believe it will last so im sending back and waiting for the reviews for the 700 when it releases after atleast a month has passed till then I will be pad less...........
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I have none of those problems. You must have a defective unit, try exchanging for another one before final judgment.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA
I honestly love this pad but I see im not the only one experiencing this only bought this because the wifi issue with prime if the 700 solves this without a dongle with a better and brighter screen then I will get that one instead. I have a good relationship with amazon hate returning things multiple times I dont want to take another risk but you guys got a great pad for the price that is if you got a good one. Im gonna miss this pad but im hoping the 700 is worth the wait?????
Psyloid said:
At this point in time there is no better tablet to buy, yes i had the cash to get a prime, but i need good wifi coverage, which the prime has not, so i bought this one. I don't want older technology , and surely not at the same price (all other tabs are dual core at maximum)
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You nailed it! The only other tablets to compare to this one is the prime (poor GPS and wifi at $500) and the Acer a510 (no keyboard dock, overheat issues stalled sales at $450) and the Toshiba excite( screen issues, OS issues for I think $500- $550).
NO BRAINER to me.
Even if I dont thing 400 is cheap, it is a very good Pad. I dont have any dead pixels and not one other Problem. Wifi is is even better than my last tablet (Hannspad ). Would recommend it at any time.
The 300 is pretty much built the same way as the 101 plastic back..