ASUS Eee Pad Transformer coming Tuesday 4/26

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For those who made the order with Frys on the release date... I just got my shipping notice. w00t!
 
I am inclined to stay away from Samsung. I bought a Samsung Captivate right after they came out. Instead of supporting their product with updates, they came out with 2 new phones that were an improvement. Took them 6 extra months to deliver the update they promised at launch.
 
Seems like Asus has half the world waiting for them to step up production rate. And at the same time, another price reduction I can report. Looks like they feel they're going to sell a lot of those things... I'd rather pay 20 bucks more if they were actually available...
 
Being a college student, I don't know what I'll use this tablet for since I already have a nice Asus laptop, but I am so tempted to pick one up!

Hopefully I'll be able to order one before the fall semester starts. =P
 
Are there any case or stands for the transformer? I can't find a good one for the Acer.

Also, I think both of these devices are too heavy.
 
In stock at Walmart 16gb right now.

Only case available for the Transformer is the sleeve by Asus and the reviews for it suck. I'm waiting for something better and will get a decent sleeve for a 10inch netbook for now until something better is offered. I haven't seen anything for the Acer but haven't looked since I didn't care for that one anyway.
 
for those of you waiting, like i am, be patient. this just gives them time to push another software update by the time we get our device.... hopefully haha

edit: flash 10.3 update
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/flash-player-10-3-hits-android-with-optimizations-bug-fixes-apl/

does this fix the youtube fullscreen issue?

Nope, no change for me. BUT, i was reading the release notes and it was saying for hardware acceleration you need Android 3.1, so hopefully when the transformer gets it things will be better.
 
5/12 9:09PM - Newegg has 32gb models available for 499!

I'd order from there myself, but they have a NO REFUND policy, only replacement. Personally I'm disappointed in Newegg, which used to have premiere customer service, to making tablets replacement only!
 
5/12 9:09PM - Newegg has 32gb models available for 499!

I'd order from there myself, but they have a NO REFUND policy, only replacement. Personally I'm disappointed in Newegg, which used to have premiere customer service, to making tablets replacement only!

its not only tablets. I stick to amazon now
 
Every place that I've seen sell most tablets don't allow you to return them to them and only to the manufacturer which I'm not crazy about. Kind of wish I had waited to get mine from bestbuy and debated returning it unopened and doing just that =/
 
Every place that I've seen sell most tablets don't allow you to return them to them and only to the manufacturer which I'm not crazy about. Kind of wish I had waited to get mine from bestbuy and debated returning it unopened and doing just that =/

Fry's :p
 
Must be nice to have one close by and with no local stock I'm taking a chance, hopefully I get lucky with a good unit and we both like it.

Since Amazon (I'm Prime) doesn't seem to be selling TF101's directly, only through jacked up resellers, I went with JR Music and Computer World instead. They have a pretty long standing reputation I've heard, and have B&M stores in...New York I think. They seem to allow full on refunds without restocking fees, which is becoming really rare these days, sadly.

I wish more businesses would know that customers are more likely to shop if they can return the item and for every return, the customer will probably buy between 5 and 10 items they keep! This is one reason that service-focused department stores like Nordstrom are still thriving even with their higher prices (and quality!) while less sophisticated establishments flounder, even if they can sell similar goods.

I'd love to see a "boutique, premium" electronics and computing store selling high end goods for reasonable prices (ie. equal to the most reputable of online resellers + 10% or so. Many people would pay a little higher base price if they didn't need to pay shipping..emphasis on "a little"). A veritable Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom for [H]ard gear! Sadly, it seems Fry's is the closest to something like this and I've never actually seen one in person. Instead we have big box blowhards, castrated Radio Shack, and the everpresent evil empire of Wal-Mart, which may as well be hawking "Sorny, Panaphonics, and Magnetbox" brands of Simpson's fame.
 
Fuuuu--!! I am typing this on an Eee Pad!! Screen is f'ing amazing and this thing is snappy as hell. Too sad it ain't mine :-( Sitting here with some girl in the train, she got it from her boyfriend in Asia somewhere. Just begged her to let me play with it :mad: Wi-Fi tether ftw btw \o/

Gawd only a few more minutes lol
 
Fuuuu--!! I am typing this on an Eee Pad!! Screen is f'ing amazing and this thing is snappy as hell. Too sad it ain't mine :-( Sitting here with some girl in the train, she got it from her boyfriend in Asia somewhere. Just begged her to let me play with it :mad: Wi-Fi tether ftw btw \o/

Gawd only a few more minutes lol

get her phone#
 
Fuuuu--!! I am typing this on an Eee Pad!! Screen is f'ing amazing and this thing is snappy as hell. Too sad it ain't mine :-( Sitting here with some girl in the train, she got it from her boyfriend in Asia somewhere. Just begged her to let me play with it :mad: Wi-Fi tether ftw btw \o/

Gawd only a few more minutes lol

LOL, smooth...

P.S. The thing is indeed awesome. I am really enjoying mine :D!
 
So what exactly are you guys doing with these devices beyond the usual suspects like web browsing and media playback? Any one try note taking yet?
 
So what exactly are you guys doing with these devices beyond the usual suspects like web browsing and media playback? Any one try note taking yet?

trying evernote, just not really using it for more than email and spot web browsing, lol....
 
Mine showed up. The default language is set to some Asian character set (can't tell if Japanese or Chinese) , I think. Anyone know how to set the language?

(got it, just did a factory reset)
 
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Got in on the stock at Tiger Direct today. Can't wait to get mine on Monday.

Now just waiting on the keyboard dock...

Edit/update: Got a dock too from Walmart! Caught them just now while they were in stock for 5 minutes.
 
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Just FYI 32GB available at Tigerdirect as I type this ...16gb was in my car as well as the 32 and I debated one or the other for about 30secs ...decided 16gb and by the time I hit place my order it was gone. Went back and was able to get the 32gb.

I've seen the Acer in person and played with it and it's not bad but it's sitting next to the xoom in my store and honestly I'd rather have the xoom but that's just me. Sucks I had to pay tax from TD but at least I'm getting one.


Good luck all

Serious question: is there a reason to pay $100 more for the 32GB version when you can pick up a 16 or 32GB microSD card for much cheaper?
 
Serious question: is there a reason to pay $100 more for the 32GB version when you can pick up a 16 or 32GB microSD card for much cheaper?

The reason is with the 32GB version you can still buy a 16GB or 32GB and then end up with more storage, that's about it. Is it worth the extra $100 for the 32GB over the 16GB model? I say no, but then again I'd be using the device with more streaming capability than directly requiring onboard storage, and in such a situation, that's what the microSD cards are for. ;)
 
Serious question: is there a reason to pay $100 more for the 32GB version when you can pick up a 16 or 32GB microSD card for much cheaper?

We'll I actually just wanted the 16gb and had it in my cart at TD on Wed but it sold before I could finalize my purchase. I don't leave my CC info in anyone's data base so I have to manually enter it in each time. The 32gb was in stock as well so I added it, debated it for about 30secs or so and said screw it and got it.

I've got mine charging now and it says to charge it for 8hours + before first use to maximize battery life. Is there a way to tell when it's fully charged if you haven't set it up yet other than just taking it off charge when I get up? Also does it charge if you have it off as there's no light signaling that it's charging?

Can't wait to play with mine, but I tend to follow instructions on battery charging as I've had some devices not do so well as a result. Have a laptop battery now that won't hold a charge b/c my significant other didn't charge it properly before using it and it's 2008/2009 laptop. FIgured memory wouldn't be an issue with the battery but apparently it is. :(
 
Just wondering what screen protector any of you are using or have found for the transformer. Zagg doesn't have one listed yet and I saw one on Amazon by "Skinomi" but only 2 reviews and I've never heard of them. Guess I may just wait till Zagg gets one out since I know those are of quality. If anyone knows a decent alternative point me in the direction.

Hopefully more accessories start popping up in the next 3-5weeks for the transformer that are worth the asking price.
 
Just wondering what screen protector any of you are using or have found for the transformer. Zagg doesn't have one listed yet and I saw one on Amazon by "Skinomi" but only 2 reviews and I've never heard of them. Guess I may just wait till Zagg gets one out since I know those are of quality. If anyone knows a decent alternative point me in the direction.

Hopefully more accessories start popping up in the next 3-5weeks for the transformer that are worth the asking price.

Was looking for a screen protector too...

I've got this case/sleeve on the way:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T5YKZI

Was the nicest looking one available imo, albeit a bit hipster-ish. Now just waiting for a real protector stand to be released.
 
Yeah I saw some of those and figured any Netbook case would work for one for the time being, so I may look into a decent one of those until something nice comes along for it officially. The Asus sleeve is rated horribly and looks like junk for $40-50.
 
WTF? There's already a new version out?

TF101-A1


TF101-B1

Also, what's up with the ridiculous markups by these resellers?! Some are going almost twice the MSRP.


EDIT
A = 16GB
B = 32GB
 
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Query that just came to me... Does android (2.3, 3.0, 3.1?) permit installation of program files to removable media? Some of these devices in the past have always segregated installables to the local disk, only allowing media and whatnot to reside on MicroSD etc.. If this is the case again, then it would be a reason to buy the 32gb SSD variant, so that you have twice the space for say....3D games and whatnot? In addition, I wonder how the speed of the 16/32gb SDDs differ if at all, and how they would compare to a Class 6 or Class 10 MicroSDHC card? If I had seamless ability to install and have programs write to the removable storage, I would consider just getting the 16gb, but if it would be incredibly slow or simply not permitted by the OS, the 32 is the way to go.
 
Query that just came to me... Does android (2.3, 3.0, 3.1?) permit installation of program files to removable media? Some of these devices in the past have always segregated installables to the local disk, only allowing media and whatnot to reside on MicroSD etc.. If this is the case again, then it would be a reason to buy the 32gb SSD variant, so that you have twice the space for say....3D games and whatnot? In addition, I wonder how the speed of the 16/32gb SDDs differ if at all, and how they would compare to a Class 6 or Class 10 MicroSDHC card? If I had seamless ability to install and have programs write to the removable storage, I would consider just getting the 16gb, but if it would be incredibly slow or simply not permitted by the OS, the 32 is the way to go.

I hope the answer is yes, but so far I cannot find how to do this. I thought it would work similarly to how it works on my Droid Incredible, but so far no joy. Right now, I have 64 GB of storage on my Acer A500, but can't find a way to store anything on the cards other than doing it before inserting the card. That limits their use to movie and music. Of course, I'm not sure that's such a bad thing as I don't see filling up 16 GB of storage with just apps (well, Navigon does have about 2 GB of maps that I would much rather store on an microSD than on internal storage).

I would think SDD would be way faster than both class 6 and 10 microSD cards.
 
Apps have a feature since 2.1 [or 2.1, I forget] called "Move to SD". it will move the install from the internal memory to the sd card. Haven't tried it yet on my TF though, it is a bit different because the file system reads the internal memory as "sdcard" directory, and the micro SD you insert as "removable". Pretty sure it can be done though.
 
Apps have a feature since 2.1 [or 2.1, I forget] called "Move to SD". it will move the install from the internal memory to the sd card. Haven't tried it yet on my TF though, it is a bit different because the file system reads the internal memory as "sdcard" directory, and the micro SD you insert as "removable". Pretty sure it can be done though.

I'm not so sure it can be done. I think HC 3.0.1 is beta.
 
Do videos play well on this Tegra system [speaking general rather than how they are encoded]? I have video encoded for my iPad 2. When I copy those videos over to storage my Android tablet, they play, but are very choppy [fast action scene suffer more]. The same videos -- streamed over WIFI to my iPad -- play perfectly.
 
I think A2SD is something that makes sense only for devices with small internal memory. If you get 16/32 GB anyway, why implement it? Most official implementations we've seen since the release of FroYo sucked anyway and occasionally even lost data if you used them seriously.

Besides that, it isn't the apps that take up so much of your space (try to download 500 MB of pure apps... Yeah, you'll have to download a whole lot of crap to get it done), but their content. And the content itself can be stored on external media. There are games out there in the market with 700+ MB of content, for old phones with 100 MB of internal storage.
 
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