Asus Eee Pad Transformer (16GB, Wi-Fi)

Pros: + Build quality of the tablet is awesome
+ Screen is superb!
+ Interface/Touch is very responsive
+ Speakers/Sound
+ Best android browser

Cons: - At the time of this writing, there are only two accessories on the market
- If you're given the case and hold it with the Asus logo right side up and open it, your tablet is upside down

Summary: I've used the Transformer for nearly 4 weeks - vastly better than the Xoom (had both Wifi and 3G versions for over 2 months, before sending both back for returns when the Transformer arrived). It is head and shoulders better than my ipad, for multitude of reasons, although the main reason is open vs closed (read inexpensive vs expensive).

That said, there are a few issues. Camera is so-so, but still better than the ipad. Supposedly worse than the Xoom's camera, but I really didn't notice the difference as I barely use cameras on either tablet - and wouldn't miss it at all if there weren't a camera - I suspect 99% of people feel the same way and don't know why anyone includes a camera - most cameras on phones are much better (and more convenient form factor). Sound is weak but passable although the speakers are front mounted vs the Xoom's rear mounted speakers. It is "stereo", so still better than mono speaker on the ipad. On my recent flight to Kauai, slipped on my ear buds and the 6 hr flight zipped by while watching my favorite vids and reading my books - didn't have to connect to the keyboard dock for extra battery life. Image was superb, although only certain video formats work properly (avi works best imo).

Form factor is nice - slighter wider than the Xoom and a touch lighter, but "feels" much lighter as the weight is spread over larger area. Also chamfered corners help, although I'd prefer completely rounded corners for extended holding. Wider bezel gives place for thumbs to rest, compared to the Xoom which has narrow bezel and thumbs have little place to rest and occasionally touching the screen (not good in games or in busy websites with lots of links that can be accidentally activated, etc). Back is quality textured plastic with a tasteful sparkle finish and feels solid - only the most anal would have an issue - most laptops are plastic. Give me lighter and "plastic" vs "strong" and heavy any day.

Screen is top notch. Bright, vibrant and good color saturation (noticeably better than the Xoom) - similar to the ipad, but with better 16:10 format screen which is better for video (and web browsing - I like wider rather than cramped). Portrait is good for book reader and long documents. I use the Kindle app all the time, although Asus includes a decent book reader app.

The included software package is good - Polaris Office is a nice word processor and PDF reader - can view and edit MS files and PDF documents. "My Cloud" syncs with your desktop and allows remote access. Doesn't work perfectly with my 64bit Win 7 machine, but I've only used it once anyway. OEM Music player is nice, although could use an equalizer built in (but can get the free Equalizer app that integrates and works just fine).

Critics pan Honeycomb tablets because still only a limited number of apps optimized for Honeycomb (vs thousands for the ipad), but more come every day. Personally, I have every app I'll ever need already - give me good media apps, good document programs, a few games and some nice widgets and I'm plenty happy. When I had my ipad, I could care less about 99.9% of the apps anyway - how many dozens of weather apps do you really need? How many silly games? The argument is a complete red herring to get attention away from the real problem with the ipad - the closed software and closed device (no SD cards, USB or HDMI ports)

I also have the keyboard dock - got it mainly for the USB ports - a bit small for my large hands (I find many full size keyboards small). But the added battery is very nice, plus allows additional storage via full size SD card (in addition to mini SD card on the tablet itself). I thought it would dramatically speed my typing, but some of the aftermarket split screen keyboard apps (Thumb Keyboard by Beansoft is excellent) really speed typing on the virtual screen. But keyboard is surprisingly good. Nice chiclet style keys with good feel and lots of useful shortcut keys, plus touchpad.

I also find that there are significantly fewer FC's (force closes for you non-techies) on the Transformer than what I experienced on the Xoom - don't know why, as the processor and Android software are supposedly identical. I still average one FC or so a day, with heavy usage (I use it 12 hrs a day or more - from the time I wake up to go back to sleep). Nevertheless, the Transformer has completely relegated my newer laptop to a dusty shelf - literally have not turned it on since I bought my first Android tablet (Xoom) at the end of February. I can't imagine ever needing/wanting to use a laptop again - the sheer ease of "instant on" technology on an "open" Android device is fantastic. No more interminable MS "updates" for balky/insecure software. No more "closed" Apple nonsense that is only closed to force you to use iTune$.

That said, Android isn't fully realized and is still being fleshed out. Version 3.1 is due for release on the Transformer in June, so it's clear Google is still tweaking Honeycomb. But the updates are painless - the tablet automatically notifies you and you choose when you want to update.

Overall, the Transformer is an excellent device, especially considering the price. It is "the" best tablet available, bar none. And when you consider it is also the cheapest, it simply cannot be beat, particularly if you grab the dock and get the added utility of keyboard, additional battery, full size ports and additional storage (things you can't get on the Apple at any price - and never will - because they force you to use the Apple App Store/iTunes and pay thru the nose to add content).

*** P.S. If you will buy this Tablet I suggest you have compare price before you decide at: www.amazon.com/gp/*************?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%****%2Foffer-listing%2FB004U78J1G%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ref_%3Ddp_olp_new%26condition%3Dnew%23&tag=***************&********=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

Updated on Sep 27, 2011

Edit Link:

If you will buy this Tablet I suggest at: www.ama zon.com/exec/******/****/B004U78J1G/cnet-offer-20

Updated on Nov 19, 2011

Suggest at: www.amazon .com/dp/B004U78J1G/?tag=***************