iPad or Asus Transformer?

[mattraehl]

I think most people talking about multi-tasking are not using the term in the traditional sense as it pertains to an OS. iOS is a multitasking OS.

What they are talking about is wanting a windows-based GUI on their iPad. I don't think this will ever happen, and I don't think most people want this (including myself), but I've been wrong before.

 

[JAT]

I think most people talking about multi-tasking are not using the term in the traditional sense as it pertains to an OS. iOS is a multitasking OS.

What they are talking about is wanting a windows-based GUI on their iPad. I don't think this will ever happen, and I don't think most people want this (including myself), but I've been wrong before.

Yes. Most of the posts discussing Android multitasking in this thread have been talking about human multitasking, not device multitasking. These can be related, but they are not the same thing.

 

[AppleDApp]

I was at Staples yesterday and tried out every tablet available. here is what I thought of the transformer. (mind you before holding it I thought it was the best tablet)

The Transformer is heavy.
It uses mostly a landscape orientation. The portrait orientation didn't feel natural
the case feels somewhat cheap like some lower end laptops.

The transformer is the best android tablet I've used but the iPad is far ahead of the tablet game.

 

[vrDrew]

I think most people talking about multi-tasking are not using the term in the traditional sense as it pertains to an OS. iOS is a multitasking OS..

+

I'll second that. "Multitasking" is probably one of the most misunderstood, and misused, words in pretty much every tech discussion forum. Its probably beyond the scope of this thread, but its probably worth a more complete discussion of exactly how multitasking evolved, how its implementation varies across different platforms, and (IMHO) most importantly what this means to the typical user.

 

[Aegelward]

I have to say, i'm torn between them.

the iPad offers a greater application library, and high build quality.

But the Transformer offers a certain... unique benefits, the keyboard dock is an elegant solution that no accessory for the iPad has really matched. The versatility of having the choice of using it like a netbook or tablet is great in theory.

But the quality of the apps is questionable, and as far as i know, android lacks any truly great productivity suites to backup the keyboard.

 

[Man9z0r]

I actually have both of these devices and still can't decide which one I like more. They both really have their own benefits.

iPad 2:
It has Apps. I mean being that iOS has been around a lot longer they have had time to get far ahead. So if Apps are your thing and you don't want to find work arounds or be adventurous then iPad of course is the way to go. The iPad also looks very sleek and stylish. I mean Apple sure does know how to make a quality looking product.

Asus Transformer:
Customization everywhere! I love being able to see most of the stuff I want to know right away right on my front screen. I am able to see my calendar, Twitter, Facebook, Google + posts, and many other widgets. The widgets really make Android fun and useful. Instead of always having to open an app you can just see so much from your different screen. You also get some free services like Google Music and Amazon Music that are amazing. What really bums me out though is that still to this day I don't have access to Netflix. This really bugs me because I feel like Google should be on a company like Netflix's back to get it working on all their devices. I understand not having all the apps iOS has but the big ones should be there. It is a big deterrent when normal everyday apps are not on it.

What I normally see is people who just want a device that works they get an iPad. If they are adventurous and are in it for the long haul they get Android. Or maybe they are just trying to rebel from all the fanboys haha

This has been a tough decision for me so I have just been keeping both!

 

[Mac.World]

I actually have both of these devices and still can't decide which one I like more. They both really have their own benefits.

iPad 2:
It has Apps. I mean being that iOS has been around a lot longer they have had time to get far ahead. So if Apps are your thing and you don't want to find work arounds or be adventurous then iPad of course is the way to go. The iPad also looks very sleek and stylish. I mean Apple sure does know how to make a quality looking product.

Asus Transformer:
Customization everywhere! I love being able to see most of the stuff I want to know right away right on my front screen. I am able to see my calendar, Twitter, Facebook, Google + posts, and many other widgets. The widgets really make Android fun and useful. Instead of always having to open an app you can just see so much from your different screen. You also get some free services like Google Music and Amazon Music that are amazing. What really bums me out though is that still to this day I don't have access to Netflix. This really bugs me because I feel like Google should be on a company like Netflix's back to get it working on all their devices. I understand not having all the apps iOS has but the big ones should be there. It is a big deterrent when normal everyday apps are not on it.

What I normally see is people who just want a device that works they get an iPad. If they are adventurous and are in it for the long haul they get Android. Or maybe they are just trying to rebel from all the fanboys haha

This has been a tough decision for me so I have just been keeping both!

Decided to play with all the Android and HP tablets yesterdsy and have to say I was most impressed with the Transformer out of the lot. Still wouldn't put it above my jailbroken iPad 2, but if I were to buy a non-iPad (at this point in time) it would be the Transformer.

 

[AppleDApp]

Decided to play with all the Android and HP tablets yesterdsy and have to say I was most impressed with the Transformer out of the lot. Still wouldn't put it above my jailbroken iPad 2, but if I were to buy a non-iPad (at this point in time) it would be the Transformer.

I did the same and I have to agree with Mac World.

 

[silverblack]

Decided to play with all the Android and HP tablets yesterdsy and have to say I was most impressed with the Transformer out of the lot. Still wouldn't put it above my jailbroken iPad 2, but if I were to buy a non-iPad (at this point in time) it would be the Transformer.

Exactly. The transformer is the second best next the the iPad. Buy only if you have iPad already, or a reason that the iPad doesn't fulfill: flash, SD or USB drive, longer battery life, wide screen, cheaper price.

 

[Mac.World]

Exactly. The transformer is the second best next the the iPad. Buy only if you have iPad already, or a reason that the iPad doesn't fulfill: flash, SD or USB drive, longer battery life, wide screen, cheaper price.

I don't really count the longer battery life as a plus for the Transformer, because it requires the dock which turns it into a laptop and if that is what you are after, I wouldn't recommend a tablet.

The flash issue is dying off and will soon be a non factor. What impressed me the most about the Transformer I played with was it's smoothness in transitions, springboard and multitasking icon scrolling on the left of the screen. Def a second place tablet next to the iPad.

 

[silverblack]

I don't really count the longer battery life as a plus for the Transformer, because it requires the dock which turns it into a laptop and if that is what you are after, I wouldn't recommend a tablet.

The flash issue is dying off and will soon be a non factor. What impressed me the most about the Transformer I played with was it's smoothness in transitions, springboard and multitasking icon scrolling on the left of the screen. Def a second place tablet next to the iPad.

Well, I guess that's why you did not buy a transformer. Many bought the transformer because of the keyboard dock. After all it is called the transformer because of the dock. As for flash, it may be dying, it's not dead yet today. I don't know about you, but for me, I bought the transformer for my needs today, not tomorrow.

 

[AppleDApp]

here's what I like about the iPad. As much it's used in landscape mode it can also be used in portrait mode just as well. Other tablets seem to showcase themselves in a landscape orientation. Sure it's great for movies and games, but I prefer reading in portrait mode. I know all tablets can be used whichever way (for the most part) but the iPad's design really make it orientation neutral.

 

[shingi70]

So no one likes the Samsung galaxy tab 10.1. Im thinking of getting an Ipad and its been between these two so far.

 

[4DThinker]

So no one likes the Samsung galaxy tab 10.1. Im thinking of getting an Ipad and its been between these two so far.

I've got the Tab 10.1, as well as the Transformer. The Tab is the closest thing to an iPad for weight and thickness as you'll find. They've updated it with their TouchWiz UI now. Still it doesn't offer any advantage over the iPad accept Flash. No USB or MicroSD ports. Has its own proprietary dock connector, and requires that same accessories that sell for exactly the same as they do for the ipad. It has printing capability, but only to Samsung wifi printers. My HTV Evo 3D prints to several brands of printers. Samsung seems to be copying every feature and every flaw of iOS on the iPad2. At best a hair better in specs, but not enough to be accused of trying to win on specs alone. If you can get $100 off the price of this particular tablet then it is a great tablet. If you are going to spend iPad Money, then you might as well get an iPad over the Tab.

 

[kalex]

U mean the rainforest? what is this ecosystem u speak of?

 

[err404]

iPad 2:
It has Apps. I mean being that iOS has been around a lot longer they have had time to get far ahead...

I have never understood this argument. When iOS launched, there was no App Store or developer SDK. The iOS App Store launched with the iPhone 3G. This is only 3 months before the Android Market Place was launched with the G1.
The beta for the Android SDK was available to developers before the beta iOS SDK.

It's not really true that the ability for developers create apps had a significant lead. Rather, Apple was able to leverage a large existing install base of upgradable devices to attract early developers.
Apple didn't beat Google to market with the tools. They just provided a better incentive to use them.

 

[silverblack]

Thank you. I was wondering about getting the GT 10.1, for its better looking chasis design than the transformer. But you have just given many reasons to pass the GT and keep my Transformer.

I've got the Tab 10.1, as well as the Transformer. The Tab is the closest thing to an iPad for weight and thickness as you'll find. They've updated it with their TouchWiz UI now. Still it doesn't offer any advantage over the iPad accept Flash. No USB or MicroSD ports. Has its own proprietary dock connector, and requires that same accessories that sell for exactly the same as they do for the ipad. It has printing capability, but only to Samsung wifi printers. My HTV Evo 3D prints to several brands of printers. Samsung seems to be copying every feature and every flaw of iOS on the iPad2. At best a hair better in specs, but not enough to be accused of trying to win on specs alone. If you can get $100 off the price of this particular tablet then it is a great tablet. If you are going to spend iPad Money, then you might as well get an iPad over the Tab.

 

[asdfx3]

here's what I like about the iPad. As much it's used in landscape mode it can also be used in portrait mode just as well. Other tablets seem to showcase themselves in a landscape orientation. Sure it's great for movies and games, but I prefer reading in portrait mode. I know all tablets can be used whichever way (for the most part) but the iPad's design really make it orientation neutral.

This is a good point, portrait mode with a 10" 16:9 is a pretty ridiculous experience IMO.

 

[4DThinker]

Portrait mode on any of my 10.1" tablets is perfect for page views of email, the web, PDFs, etc. Landscape mode of the 4:3 iPad is ridiculous for movies or any other 16:9 video content. (IMO).

 

[kevinof]

Why? What's ridiculous about it? I use my tablet (transformer) in portrait mode a lot and its great for long lists (like emails) where you need to scan down the list quickly. Nothing ridiculous about that.

This is a good point, portrait mode with a 10" 16:9 is a pretty ridiculous experience IMO.

 

[Winni]

OK so I was considering getting an iPad wifi when I realized only the more expensive 3g version only has GPS! seems like a killer for me. considering I can get a 10.1" Asus transformer, same ips screen, with honeycomb that has GPS, better cameras, flash and expandable memory card slot for $100 less! someone please give me a reason to consider the iPad!

I won't. I think that the Asus Transformer is the more attractive and more versatile device. The fact that I can turn this machine into an Android notebook with 16 hours of battery life by simply plugging it into its mobile keyboard dock is killer argument enough for me. Why? Because somebody obviously thought that people actually might want to use their mobile gadget for WRITING and REAL work and not just for toying around with it.

Sure, the iPad still has more native software available for it. But since Android already has a 48% and growing market share, this is only a temporary advantage. And Android already has the few apps that I need on a mobile gadget like that, so for me it's not even an argument. Your personal mileage will vary, of course.

But even though iOS currently might have more software running on it, it's also a CLOSED and RESTRICTED platform. For me, this is the ultimate killer argument AGAINST iOS and FOR Android. I don't want a nanny software platform that limits my possibilities, I want an OS that does NOT get in my way and Android gives me all the options that I want.

All those arguments are probably null and void for you, so go ahead and buy the iPad instead while I wait a bit longer for the rumored Amazon tablet to arrive. Maybe they're all just iPad rip-offs, but who cares? They are already cheaper than the iPad, have more powerful hardware, an operating system that is indefinitely more open than iOS and there is strong competition between the vendors that ensures the long term evolution of the platform.

You know, for example, I can plug-in ANY keyboard to the USB-port of an Acer Iconia and type away. I can plug-in a USB stick or SD card and copy ANY file OFF the tablet to the inserted memory card/stick. Try these simple things with an iPad. I rest my case.

 

[asdfx3]

Why? What's ridiculous about it? I use my tablet (transformer) in portrait mode a lot and its great for long lists (like emails) where you need to scan down the list quickly. Nothing ridiculous about that.

I find it very awkward. Too long and too narrow, like big LCD brochure.
Different strokes for different folks I guess.

It is nice to have to have a video actually fill the whole screen though.

 

[Dorkington]

I actually have both of these devices and still can't decide which one I like more. They both really have their own benefits.

iPad 2:
It has Apps. I mean being that iOS has been around a lot longer they have had time to get far ahead. So if Apps are your thing and you don't want to find work arounds or be adventurous then iPad of course is the way to go. The iPad also looks very sleek and stylish. I mean Apple sure does know how to make a quality looking product.

Asus Transformer:
Customization everywhere! I love being able to see most of the stuff I want to know right away right on my front screen. I am able to see my calendar, Twitter, Facebook, Google + posts, and many other widgets. The widgets really make Android fun and useful. Instead of always having to open an app you can just see so much from your different screen. You also get some free services like Google Music and Amazon Music that are amazing. What really bums me out though is that still to this day I don't have access to Netflix. This really bugs me because I feel like Google should be on a company like Netflix's back to get it working on all their devices. I understand not having all the apps iOS has but the big ones should be there. It is a big deterrent when normal everyday apps are not on it.

What I normally see is people who just want a device that works they get an iPad. If they are adventurous and are in it for the long haul they get Android. Or maybe they are just trying to rebel from all the fanboys haha

This has been a tough decision for me so I have just been keeping both!

I have an original iPad and a TF, and I feel the same way.

 

[AppleDApp]

I won't. I think that the Asus Transformer is the more attractive and more versatile device. The fact that I can turn this machine into an Android notebook with 16 hours of battery life by simply plugging it into its mobile keyboard dock is killer argument enough for me. Why? Because somebody obviously thought that people actually might want to use their mobile gadget for WRITING and REAL work and not just for toying around with it.

Sure, the iPad still has more native software available for it. But since Android already has a 48% and growing market share, this is only a temporary advantage. And Android already has the few apps that I need on a mobile gadget like that, so for me it's not even an argument. Your personal mileage will vary, of course.

But even though iOS currently might have more software running on it, it's also a CLOSED and RESTRICTED platform. For me, this is the ultimate killer argument AGAINST iOS and FOR Android. I don't want a nanny software platform that limits my possibilities, I want an OS that does NOT get in my way and Android gives me all the options that I want.

All those arguments are probably null and void for you, so go ahead and buy the iPad instead while I wait a bit longer for the rumored Amazon tablet to arrive. Maybe they're all just iPad rip-offs, but who cares? They are already cheaper than the iPad, have more powerful hardware, an operating system that is indefinitely more open than iOS and there is strong competition between the vendors that ensures the long term evolution of the platform.

You know, for example, I can plug-in ANY keyboard to the USB-port of an Acer Iconia and type away. I can plug-in a USB stick or SD card and copy ANY file OFF the tablet to the inserted memory card/stick. Try these simple things with an iPad. I rest my case.

I have to agree with your argument about the lack of expansion ports on the iPad and to some degree I agree that Apple is keeping the App Store closed but in doing so Apple has had tremendous doing so.

The android market is open which is good in the sense of the possibilities of apps you can install but it is also open to viruses and it is somewhat fragmented. The keyboard dock is a great idea but does android have any worthy productivity apps?

 

[silverblack]

This is a good point, portrait mode with a 10" 16:9 is a pretty ridiculous experience IMO.

Nothing ridiculous about it. You may prefer the 4:3 (or whatever ratio it is) of the iPad, but it doesn't mean the wide screen is ridiculous.

I don't know about you, but I use my tablets (iPad or Tf) in the landscape mode 90+% of the time. That does not count the time when I am watching videos or movies.