I have had my Asus Transformer TF101 Android tablet for a while now and love it. I already used it as a Kindle device or digesting RSS, social media and general Internet content but I recently purchased the keyboard docking unit as well. I originally thought this was an extra I didn't need but if you consider getting a Transformer (the newer Prime is now out) then maybe stretch to it. It's a lot cheaper in a bundle!!!
The Transformer is already a smart tablet but with the dock you get yourself a very handy Netbook as well. Docking the tablet gives you an extra 8-10 hours of battery life (taking you to 16+). It also affords you two USB2 ports and an SD card slot, as well as a touchpad to navigate (handy if you want to stop getting sticky fingers on your screen!). The whole thing clicks together very nicely and feels solid, and open or closed, genuinely looks like a Netbook and feels like one too. Many people have been surprised when I have flipped a switch and walked off with the screen!
The keyboard itself works pretty well although not always perfectly. I have had some odd things happen on occasion but most of my issues have been due to being used to Windows keyboards and the lack of Home, Delete and Page up\down keys on the dock. Basically the more I use it the more comfortable it feels. It sure as hell beats trying to type this post on the on-screen keyboard! The Android Home, Settings and Touchpad\Volume\Wi-FI\Brightness controls are nice additions though my favourite is the screen shot button for sure!
The other addition to my Transformer has been it's recent update from Honeycomb to Ice Cream Sandwich which went through smoothly. ICS seems to have sped things up a little although I am also suffering from the reported hanging and shutdown issues. These haven't been so bad though as they occur when 'waking up' the device as opposed to when actively using it.
All in all the device is terrific and if you don't fancy an iPad or think you need a more traditional device (software available for Android is another discussion) then consider these things in your options.
The Transformer is already a smart tablet but with the dock you get yourself a very handy Netbook as well. Docking the tablet gives you an extra 8-10 hours of battery life (taking you to 16+). It also affords you two USB2 ports and an SD card slot, as well as a touchpad to navigate (handy if you want to stop getting sticky fingers on your screen!). The whole thing clicks together very nicely and feels solid, and open or closed, genuinely looks like a Netbook and feels like one too. Many people have been surprised when I have flipped a switch and walked off with the screen!
The keyboard itself works pretty well although not always perfectly. I have had some odd things happen on occasion but most of my issues have been due to being used to Windows keyboards and the lack of Home, Delete and Page up\down keys on the dock. Basically the more I use it the more comfortable it feels. It sure as hell beats trying to type this post on the on-screen keyboard! The Android Home, Settings and Touchpad\Volume\Wi-FI\Brightness controls are nice additions though my favourite is the screen shot button for sure!
The other addition to my Transformer has been it's recent update from Honeycomb to Ice Cream Sandwich which went through smoothly. ICS seems to have sped things up a little although I am also suffering from the reported hanging and shutdown issues. These haven't been so bad though as they occur when 'waking up' the device as opposed to when actively using it.
All in all the device is terrific and if you don't fancy an iPad or think you need a more traditional device (software available for Android is another discussion) then consider these things in your options.
Also this device (with keyboard) is still cheaper than a iPad.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you really want to geek out you can install Linux on it (ubuntu has apparently been used).
True though I haven't tried running anything other than Android myself. I'll be interested to see whether more devices do this type of thing running Windows 8. I like having two devices in one and, as you say, cheaper than an iPad. Just need Android market to continue to catch up......
ReplyDelete