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This is merely a curiosity thread. I have pretty much no interest in the dock aside from the extra battery life. I figure if I need a keyboard I could use a BT one or just use my laptop etc. Is it really a draw for people looking to replace a netbook with a tablet?
I feel the same way like u about the dock....don't need it...
No interest in the dock from me.
I like the form factor, weight, build quality, performance, connectivity, and asus updates.
May want a dock later, but has no influence in my desire to own the prime right now.
If I'm going to sit down to do a bunch of e-mails or work on a document of some sort, the dock is going to come in very handy.
I had the dock for the original transformer. The typing was so laggy that it wasn't worth it.
If you need to type, use a laptop/pc. Plus, it didn't have spell or grammar check. (polaris office)
I think the docking experience is overrated and over-hyped. The dock was also a bit bulky so there was no sense in carrying it around. All it did was collect dust.
Tablet was great though.
I use my Transformer for quite a few things, and one of them is taking notes during meetings and for writing rough drafts. I often do the latter late at night and in bed, and so the ability to pop the tablet on the dock and use the combo without worrying about grabbing a laptop tray of some kind is nice. An important aspect of the TF+dock is that it generates no heat, so no worry about covering vents or burning a hole in one's nether regions. I also know of no Bluetooth keyboards or "docks" that can be propped on a lap and be sturdy enough to comfortably type on.
It's also faster for my ad hoc ramblings--no need to grab the notebook, grab a tray, arrange them on my lap, wait for the notebook to boot up, open the right app, etc. Just grab the dock, pop my tablet in it, hit the new note button on the Evernote widget, and start typing. It's faster and much more convenient.
Also, for taking notes in all-day meetings, nothing beats the combo. I've often been at seminars and meetings where folks were fighting for available power sources. Not me--my TF+dock easily lasts an entire day, with an evening to spare. The Prime+dock will only be better.
Nope, for me, the dock is the saving grace. I'd be less likely to buy a tablet without it, or rather I'd save some cash and get a Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet. The only other uses that don't involve heavier writing is ebook reading, and either of those would be fine for the purpose.
It's the sole reason for me focusing on a Transformer. The reason I want the Prime instead of the original is simply better specs. If someone other than Asus made one with a similar keyboard dock, I'd probably dump waiting on the Prime.
my reason is the typing, but never had the first transformer. and the usb port is a big reason for me
the dock came in quite handy for my on my tf101, so i'm 100% going to get the dock for the prime, but i'm going to wait until i get a deal on it, as it's not crucial, but just handy and useful to have.
plus, the wow factor when you break your netbook in half and use the screen around people is too good to pass up
Well since I'm a student it can be pretty useful at school, however the problem in Holland and Europa I suppose is that we get 2 versions: 32GB with dock (€599) and the 64GB without dock (€599). Since I don't need the extra 32GB (64GB) I will buy the 32GB with dock, and hope I get used to it..
If I can use a gamepad via Bluetooth, I'll have no reason to get the dock.
I have the transformer and the dock and for me it's a pretty big deal.
For me it's not just a keyboard and a battery. It s the ultimate accessory. Look at how many different accessories there is for the other tablets. Screen protector, bt keyboard, extra battery, extra port converters, docking station, cover, protection case, sd reader... You can't have all those with you all the time.
But the keyboard dock is everything in one sleek package you can carry out with your transformer. And that the beauty of it
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda premium
I bought it with my pre-ordered Prime. It's always nice to have more inputs than just touch. Also, if nothing else, it's the best possible tablet stand you can have, not to mention it prolongs the battery life/charges the tablet.
I plan on using this a ton when I am working out, putting it right in front of my treadmill (have a stand that is perfect height) so being able to dock it in and not having to prop it up is key for me.
I'm not interested in the dock either but I will buy one if not in the next like 6 months definitely at blackfriday if they have a sale
For me it is very important. I am using this as a laptop replacement. The few times I have to do work out of the office it is some light word, excel, or email stuff. the keyboard is going to come in really handy.
I got my Prime yesterday and there are no docks available and it's driving me crazy. It is the only reason i didn't go with another brand tablet. I want it to act as a stand on my lap, as a screen cover while in my bag and an extra battery when i'm out and about. Without the dock i don't want the tablet. I hope I can find one soon....
In my country atm you can only get either the 32gb + dock or 64gb version. The 32gb is not sold separately. So i'm getting the dock anyway and i have to say its the reason i'm getting this Tablet. It just adds so much to the Tablet. Full USB port, SDcard, BatteryLife. These are all great things. And those are just the bonus. Writing stuff is something i do all the time when using computers. URLs, comments, emails, notes and other text etcetc. So it improves one of the major activities for which i use a device like that. I think its a no-brainer.
Its about the same thing with gaming on touch screen devices for me. It works with touch screen most of the time and some games are awesome with touch. But lets be honest many games just totally suck. So its just great to have the ability to plug in a Gamepad and have real gaming controls (especially emulators). Another plus for the dock and its usb port...
clouds5 said:
In my country atm you can only get either the 32gb + dock or 64gb version. The 32gb is not sold separately. So i'm getting the dock anyway and i have to say its the reason i'm getting this Tablet. It just adds so much to the Tablet. Full USB port, SDcard, BatteryLife. These are all great things. And those are just the bonus. Writing stuff is something i do all the time when using computers. URLs, comments, emails, notes and other text etcetc. So it improves one of the major activities for which i use a device like that. I think its a no-brainer.
Its about the same thing with gaming on touch screen devices for me. It works with touch screen most of the time and some games are awesome with touch. But lets be honest many games just totally suck. So its just great to have the ability to plug in a Gamepad and have real gaming controls. Another plus for the dock and its usb port...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with this, same in Holland with the 32GB + dock or 64GB without dock.
One of the primary selling points for the Prime was the dock so I'd say it's very important thus a must buy for me. BUT since I just picked one up and no dock was available at Gamestop, I can deal with waiting for the dock. Just hoping that it's not too long a wait.
It's really the main reason I'm getting it. It adds a ton of functionality for me and I doubt I would buy a tablet at all if it wasn't for it.
Coming from a TF101 OG Transformer, I was concerned that the dock would be perhaps not up to my expectations, considering the thinner design. For starters, it was only offering a single USB port, to the two on the OG Transformer, and while the first version was reasonable to type on (and hugely better than ANY soft keyboard) the new one was described as having less key travel, and and while no reviewer seemed to have major issues, and I wasn't seeing glowing reports either.
I just got my dock, less than 10 minutes ago, I and I am typing this on it right now, and and for me, and if not for everyone, it BLOWS AWAY the OG Dock. First and foremost is how it is to type on. It issignificantly better for me, and the two fingers tango I do. I am not a touch typist, in spite of 20 + yeaars in IT and support. I have to look at the keyboard, but let me just say the they keys and the travel? They could have been designed by a German engineering firm, for a BMW or Mercedes. They feel awesome! Even with the lag we see on web applications (same as OG, though FW revisons almost completely eliminted it, I suspect ICS will squash any remaining lag, coupled with the right build from ASUS.
Apart from typing, the design? I am glad it doesn't have to do any wireless, cause its aluminum back and front LOL, and looks like a billion bucks. Closed, the TP feels like a solid chunk of aluminum, and I mean SOLID. The touch pad is terrific, I LOVE the way they eliminated the "buttons" in favor of a dividing line, and in spite of it's obvious relationship to the OG, this is better in every way. I was a bit worried, but not anymore. I give this thing a 9.5 score out of ten.
For peope on the fence about getting the dock, run, don't walk to the thread that explains how to get these in a few days from Best Buy, using OMS. The DOCK ROCKS!!!
Curious to see how folks coming to the Prime as first Tablet, or replacing something other than the OG Transformer feel about the dock. What does everyone else think?
NOTE: For those that missed it, don't forget to take out the plastic tabs at the base of the tablet screen, they MUST be removed before placing it in the dock. Also, if you are feeling a slight current "buzz" when touching the metal lightly, unplucg the power supply from the wall, and turn it upside down (so the word "Asus" is upside down. This is the only workaround I m aware of for the issue.
Lastly, can asus get rid of the goofy notification that says
"Docking connected. Use Keyboard to type words"
I know what they are trying to say, I.E. Don't use the soft keyboard (duh) what do they think we would use the KB for than to type words? As a $150 back scratcher? Really unnecessary notification.
I actually received my dock a week before my tablet. Both were ordered from BB back a couple days after the first pre-orders showed up on their site. (You had to go hunting to find the dock, but it was there.)
I've got zero problems with the dock or the tablet in daily use. I would agree that the notification should either be eliminated or at least be allowed to be closed. The extra battery life it provides the tablet is fantastic. The key travel isn't that bad; I expected worse.
My only peeve is I wish the right shift was wide like the left. I find myself hitting the damn up arrow every once in awhile by accident.
Love it
The battery life when coupled with the dock is practically an eternity.
I also really like the Android specific hot-keys. ASUS did a great job picking the common actions and making them into a hot-key. I can tap a button to instantly get into "settings" as one example. It's just amazing.
With the introduction of the following three features this really becomes an enterprise class solution for mobile computing:
1) ICS support of VPN IPSec Groups
2) Ability to encrypt hard drive contents. (no not bootloader, user data)
3) Fully functional Keyboard
Who needs to carry a bulky laptop at that point. I could do almost all of my business travel with this thing and then ditch the keyboard when I get home.
don't have mine yet. how is it for those of us who ARE touch typists?
(I see my dad going at it with 2 fingers, but he grew up before PCs. I don't get how anyone under 40 isn't a touch typist these days!)
theoilman said:
don't have mine yet. how is it for those of us who ARE touch typists?
(I see my dad going at it with 2 fingers, but he grew up before PCs. I don't get how anyone under 40 isn't a touch typist these days!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean, but I'm under 40 and can touch type over 60 wpm in the best conditions.
I have rather large hands for a keyboard that small and as I mentioned, the only key that bugs is the right shift. Everything else is pretty good.
I want to know what happened to the low range speaker they said was going to be in the dock...
I was kind of looking forward to it.
soulctcher said:
I know what you mean, but I'm under 40 and can touch type over 60 wpm in the best conditions.
I have rather large hands for a keyboard that small and as I mentioned, the only key that bugs is the right shift. Everything else is pretty good.
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Click to collapse
ok good to hear. I almost always use the left shift anyway.
It was only a rumor. And such solution would probably be hard to create because you shouldn't connect audio equipement "live" - you would have to turn off the audio amplifier in the tablet before connecting / disconnecting the dock to avoid surge (is it a good word? dictionary was not helpful...). Unless the speaker had it's own amplifier, hm...
Got my dock a few days ago and I love it. The keyboard is a little cramped but after 5 to 10 minutes of use you'll be adjusted to it and typing as though it is a regular sized keyboard. Also I discovered that ctrl + V actually pastes! I haven't found any other common shortcuts like that, if anyone knows any please post them. ctrl + f unfortunately doesn't start a browser word find but you can just hit the option list and start one up pretty easily.
The battery life is amazing. I spent about 6 non stop hours yesterday listening to pandora with a bluetooth headset while constantly browsing reddit and chatting on windows live messenger through the beejive app. At the end of the 6 hours my tablet still had 75% battery left but the dock was completely used up.
This is how the dock battery works... when your tablet reaches 70% charge the dock will begin relaying power to the tablet and recharge it up to 98% or so. Once there the dock will stop relaying power and wait until the tablet falls to 70% and repeat the process until the dock is dead.
Magnesus said:
It was only a rumor. And such solution would probably be hard to create because you shouldn't connect audio equipement "live" - you would have to turn off the audio amplifier in the tablet before connecting / disconnecting the dock to avoid surge (is it a good word? dictionary was not helpful...). Unless the speaker had it's own amplifier, hm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, the subwoofer wasn't just a rumor. I have it on good authority (very good, in fact) that there was going to be a subwoofer in the dock but that it was dropped prior to release. No reason why, but maybe this surge issue (or something else, of course) was the reason.
It was listed on some marketing materials at launch, and then dropped pretty quickly. Many sites still listed the incorrect specs, however, and so the idea lived on for awhile.
---------- Post added at 02:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 PM ----------
monkeydog said:
This is how the dock battery works... when your tablet reaches 70% charge the dock will begin relaying power to the tablet and recharge it up to 98% or so. Once there the dock will stop relaying power and wait until the tablet falls to 70% and repeat the process until the dock is dead.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for that clarification, I was wondering. I kind of like how the TF101 dock works, by keeping the tablet topped off at 100% until it runs out. I wonder what their reasoning is...
I'm pretty happy with the dock. Certainly much thinner and lighter than the TF101. The only thing I wish they would have kept from the original was the covers for the USB port. Instead of the nifty little cover that snaps back in place there is a rubber stopper. It's petty to be sure, but I have a touch of OCD.
have any of you tested out the USB host capabilities yet? what are things you hooked up and found to work instantLy? has anyone hooked up a wireless controller by putting receiving piece in USB port? I just want to know what kinds of things are possible with dock USB host capabilities. like what's the most device you hooked up to USB hub connected to prime dock and still worked without external power source needed.
theoilman said:
don't have mine yet. how is it for those of us who ARE touch typists?
(I see my dad going at it with 2 fingers, but he grew up before PCs. I don't get how anyone under 40 isn't a touch typist these days!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and how!
I learned to touch type to argue on irc when I was in high school like, uh, 16 years ago. I can't imagine an IT pro not touch typing. It makes you look dumb in the same way as when you meet a scientist who sounds like a hillbilly.
---------- Post added at 06:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:04 PM ----------
demandarin said:
have any of you tested out the USB host capabilities yet? what are things you hooked up and found to work instantLy? has anyone hooked up a wireless controller by putting receiving piece in USB port? I just want to know what kinds of things are possible with dock USB host capabilities. like what's the most device you hooked up to USB hub connected to prime dock and still worked without external power source needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when I get mine, I'm gonna test my DWA-130 usb N adapter.
also gonna test my logitech unifying adapter and my g330 usb headset.
Got mine today, ordered from NewEgg on 1/3. Only played with it for a few minutes, but first thing I noticed is, the build quality of the trackpad is a little shoddy. It doesn't feel real solid in there, when I do a single tap in the main area it makes a little creak sound and pushes in a tiny bit. Also the paint around the edges of the trackpad looked a little scuffed in some spots - not a big deal, but kinda lame. Otherwise the dock is fine.
Anyone else have a slight creak when tapping in the main area or is it just mine? Maybe I'm just spoiled by Apple's trackpads, lol
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
The damn thing is beautiful, beyond what I expected, far easier and more "natural" to use than I thought it would be, a match made in heaven for the tablet, when closed makes me feel like my tablet is safer and more secure, and doesn't seem like I've added any weight or thickness at all to what I already had.
me likes
I've been a little obsessed with keeping the Prime safe from scratches and now it seems like I have one big scratch magnet, so they are currently bundled together and wrapped in a very soft micro-fleece towel. I was using a sleeve from the OG for the tablet and that worked just fine but doesn't accommodate the addition of the dock at all. I'll be much much happier when I can find the perfect case/sleeve for them both to live in.
OK, played with it for about an hour now...
Overall I like it, but the trackpad is kind of junky, think netbook quality, feels cheap. It doesn't always register the two-finger scrolls, maybe partly because your fingers have to be about 1 inch apart. I remember the OG tf101 trackpad is the same way, it's too bad Asus didn't really improve on it.
Then again, I'm a Mac user, Apple's track pads are the best out there, so maybe it's not fair to compare, lol.
The keyboard itself does feel nice though, keys have plenty of travel to them. Found a few weird quirks though, using the YouTube app, the search field doesn't seem to recognize the space bar, so I couldn't enter spaces into my search queries. It works in the browser fine though. Also 2-finger scrolling doesn't seem to work in Opera browser, all it does is zoom in on the page. Works fine in Dolphin HD though.
Really looking forward to the ICS update next week, will be interesting to see if Asus also releases a dock firmware update as well.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Keyboard dock is great, except for three minor issues for me:
- the right shift key is my default shift, for the way that I type. It's not in the usual position and it is tiny. So, I constantly hit the page up button by mistake when intending to make a cap letter. Biggest issue for me.
- you have to remember to disable the touchpad when typing most things. My thumb dangling over the spacebar would inadvertantly hit the pad, and change my cursor position while typing.
- there's not easy way to open the closed/docked TFP. The front seam is tightly closed. I'm sure I will get used to opening from the side though.
Other than that, I've gotten use to the slightly smaller key layout already, and I have decent sized hands.
Build quality is great, not scuff, as others mentioned had mentioned they had. The front by the trackpad is so thin, it's almost sharp though. I've also not had issues with reboots when docking/undocking, as another person mentioned. I did get a firmware update for the dock though.. dunno is that made a difference.
Highly recommended though. Very nice piece of kit.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
tdp252 said:
The battery life when coupled with the dock is practically an eternity.
I also really like the Android specific hot-keys. ASUS did a great job picking the common actions and making them into a hot-key. I can tap a button to instantly get into "settings" as one example. It's just amazing.
With the introduction of the following three features this really becomes an enterprise class solution for mobile computing:
1) ICS support of VPN IPSec Groups
2) Ability to encrypt hard drive contents. (no not bootloader, user data)
3) Fully functional Keyboard
Who needs to carry a bulky laptop at that point. I could do almost all of my business travel with this thing and then ditch the keyboard when I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VPN IPSec Groups tops my list. Just baffles me that this is even an issue. You would think it would be in both Google and Cisco's best interests.
Is the encryption located under Location and Security in settings different than what your after?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Bimboy said:
Keyboard dock is great, except for three minor issues for me:
- the right shift key is my default shift, for the way that I type. It's not in the usual position and it is tiny. So, I constantly hit the page up button by mistake when intending to make a cap letter. Biggest issue for me.
- you have to remember to disable the touchpad when typing most things. My thumb dangling over the spacebar would inadvertantly hit the pad, and change my cursor position while typing.
- there's not easy way to open the closed/docked TFP. The front seam is tightly closed. I'm sure I will get used to opening from the side though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully the left shift is decent. I only use the left!
I wonder if it's possible for them to implement an auto disable of the trackpad when typing? That would definitely be nice as opposed to having to do it manually all the time.
I got the dock on order from bestbuy (never knew about getting them to do "OMS orders"), I'll have mine in a week. Time to get my little dvorak stickers, I personally HATE typing on the touchscreen, even on the phone I don't like it that much (ICS voice typing saved my life in that case). Anyway, type slowly and lose a lot of screen real estate or type over 100 wpm and have better battery life and a full size usb seems like a no brainer to me.
Also, for people who are not touch typists, using a software keyboard isn't going to help you get past that much. Just don't look at the keyboard when you are typing and before long you will be able to type with your eyes closed and still even detect the mistakes you might make
That is the question. How many of you are just purchasing the tablet and why?
The added benefits of the dock are self explanatory but are they worth the additional 150 dollars to you?
I wonder if working professionals would find the dock as more of a necessity? I may eventually purchase the dock due to the fact that it would work very well in my current job functions.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I'm a student and the dock and tablet combo is a must-have for me. had the xoom, but taking lecture notes on a touchscreen is too difficult. Used the og transformer w/dock all last year, and it was awesome combo. used as just a tab when couch surfing, and used as netbook when at school.
The tablet + dock combo works way better than a laptop for me for a couple reasons, my laptop is heavier, and battery life sucks, so i constantly have to find an outlet at the library which are always taken up.
PS: In the future please put any questions in the Q + A thread. i noticed u used the xda app, and like me when in favs u never noticed the QA section was made. U have to log in/out and redo the favs to get it to show.
I've pretty much decided that if it weren't for the dock, I'd probably get an ultrabook and a Kindle Fire. The things I'm using a tablet for would be well enough served by a smaller/cheaper tablet, while I need something light with good battery life and physical keyboard for writing. The Prime+dock works well for that, but an ultrabook would work well enough (albeit so for for about $1100).
Note that the writing I'm talking about is draft copy, so I tend to just put words into Evernote and then copy/paste to Word on the desktop for formatting/finishing work. If I needed something to produce finished work with, the Prime+dock wouldn't work.
Actually, The price is just perfect...
think of it this way:
1- If you wanna buy an external battery pack it will cost you around 40-50 $
2- Bluetooth keyboard 30-50 $ minimum
3-USB dongle for USB host 15$ (still not available btw)
4- a stand for the tablet 5-10$
5-adding to that the SD Card slot
All in all you will end up paying around 120$ for much worse quality & convenience for the same functionality. It just makes the prime so much better.
I just want the tab, already have a laptop complete with keyboard. A thought comes to mind, why not a sliding kb like the phones which can be slipped on/off, less footprint. If some smart hacker can figure out how to exploit the theremin effect, a touchless keyboard with aural feedback come become reality. We need new technologies and innovation folks, push the envelope!
ravizzle said:
I'm a student and the dock and tablet combo is a must-have for me. had the xoom, but taking lecture notes on a touchscreen is too difficult. Used the og transformer w/dock all last year, and it was awesome combo. used as just a tab when couch surfing, and used as netbook when at school.
The tablet + dock combo works way better than a laptop for me for a couple reasons, my laptop is heavier, and battery life sucks, so i constantly have to find an outlet at the library which are always taken up.
PS: In the future please put any questions in the Q + A thread. i noticed u used the xda app, and like me when in favs u never noticed the QA section was made. U have to log in/out and redo the favs to get it to show.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohh yeah, thanks! I didn't see that forum. Just re added to faves and im good to go!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Dr.Mcq said:
Actually, The price is just perfect...
think of it this way:
1- If you wanna buy an external battery pack it will cost you around 40-50 $
2- Bluetooth keyboard 30-50 $ minimum
3-USB dongle for USB host 15$ (still not available btw)
4- a stand for the tablet 5-10$
5-adding to that the SD Card slot
All in all you will end up paying around 120$ for much worse quality & convenience for the same functionality. It just makes the prime so much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great points!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
tedr44 said:
I just want the tab, already have a laptop complete with keyboard. A thought comes to mind, why not a sliding kb like the phones which can be slipped on/off, less footprint. If some smart hacker can figure out how to exploit the theremin effect, a touchless keyboard with aural feedback come become reality. We need new technologies and innovation folks, push the envelope!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
asus makes a sliding keyboard version of the OG transformer, i'd guess it's only a matter of time so long as that model did well in sales.
personally i found it to be kind of awkward when i played with it at the store, the dock at this size makes more sense to me and has the added functionality of ports and battery.
The only reason I'm getting a Prime is damage to my TF101.
The only reason I got the TF101 was the dock.
I use it like a netbook was originally intended to be (and like modern tablets excell at), not like a laptop or desktop.
I like the battery gain.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
For me, it was the only reason I bought the prime.
Keyboard+Battery+USB+Full size SD, Worth the $150 for me.
achuong08 said:
For me, it was the only reason I bought the prime.
Keyboard+Battery+USB+Full size SD, Worth the $150 for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I wouldn't buy a tablet that didn't have this functionality
I cant justify the cost of the dock. I got the tp mostly as a textbook reader and something to carry around the hospital where i work. Screen quality + thinness + good battery was most important for me.
Ironically I purchased a tablet so that I get less distracted and limit my typing speed so that I am forced to read. I have a 3.2lb ultraportable full voltage i5 Toshiba R835 laptop already with 8 hour battery, but I get too distracted because its just so fast and easy to use. I browse around aimlessly, so i have been using tablets to take away the bad habit. I cant switch between pdf book to webbrowser with 5+ tabs as easily and I cant chat too quickly so in the end I get smarter from these limitations.
I originally bought the TFP because of the dock to ween myself off of laptops.Ive had it almost three weeks now and am still trying to get hold of a KB...Guess what??..not sure I want one now..I love my Prime and have been very comfortable bed/couch/patio surfing etc..I am interested in gaming with a controller but not sure if thats worth the $150 now..
Dock is the only reason I'm buying Prime. I would not buy a tablet with weak WiFi, non-existent GPS and just 1GB RAM otherwise. I'm using it to replace my netbook that I mainly use for movies, internet browsing and casual note-taking. Battery life is also a huge factor to me in comparison to my current netbook.
I picked up the Prime mainly due to battery and dock. I needed something cover conventions such as E3 and CES without having to worry about plugging it in halfway through they day.. It's the reason I had the original one as well.
I"m debating on ordering one now too. But I mostly surf and game but it would be nice to be able to type faster with a dock when I'm on the forums. What I'm wondering if once docked will I be able to play games just as well or would it just get in the way?
I got the Prime because I could get a Dock for it. I like the Extra Battery and the USB port that the Dock offers
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Pulled the trigger then cancelled. Is it true that's it'll be too top heavy with the tablet docked? I usually use the tab on my lap or sitting on my abdominal area when laying down. There are times its on my bed when I'm sitting up so for the most part the screen will be tilted back a little. I think the dock will end up just getting in the way or annoying me since the entire thing will fall on its back a lot.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
110% worth it!!!
Sent from my transformer prime which is currently transformed into a small bowl of petunias
aznmode said:
Is it true that's it'll be too top heavy with the tablet docked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It' really isn't top-heavy to the point where it's impractical or falling over all the time. I spend a majority of my work day with it on my desk opened up in laptop form and the screen tilted back. There's enough weight in the dock to hold it down, and it still takes quite a bit of force to push it to make it fall over.
Transformer Prime Champagne Gold impressions
Well, as karma has it, I was able to get a 32GB Champagne Gold Transformer Prime, with the dock, last Friday and played with it over the weekend.
I was worried about many of the problems people were reporting and I was slightly afraid when starting up the device, I did not want to see bad light bleeds or dead pixels and so on. While the tablet itself ended up being perfect, I was still hit with a crippling bug of the keyboard dock not being able to be used for typing at all.
I found it almost ironic that I ended up with a serious flaw like that. I really thought that forums give a wrong impression about ASUS quality control, but reality is that it really is very, very bad. It is almost like gambling, chance that you'll get a functioning device without flaws that will annoy you from the very beginning, are very low.
I'll get the device replaced and essentially add to the pile of devices that are being returned to ASUS. But that aside, here are my impressions about the tablet, since I did use the tablet without the keyboard quite a bit.
Champagne Gold is absolutely beautiful in real life. It is a really attractive looking device, it's not as 'white' as Apple's aluminum devices are and is so much better for it with the slight golden gue making it look less clinical. Pictures don't do it justice, Champagne Gold Transformer Prime is the best looking tablet I've held in my hands.
The build is also very sturdy. I am glad I did not go for one of the plastic built tablets of yesteryear as I really love the feel of the tablet when I hold it. It is slightly heavier than I expected but only because I've never used tablets this extensively before.
Of course this design has its drawbacks, such as very weak GPS, but I tend to use my phone for GPS due to assisted GPS from cell towers, which is just much quicker. As for WiFi issues, I did not notice any, but I also did not run any speed tests. I mostly make the tablet use my phone as source of internet and it didn't have any problems doing so.
The first bootup ran Honeycomb and I immediately noticed that it simply did not run smoothly despite quad-core processing power driving it. But I liked the screen and after wiping the screen properly, touch responsiveness was good.
A mere 15 minutes later the device had updated itself to Android 4.0 and I had no stutter or lag issues anymore when moving around the menus or using the browser.
The screen is really beautiful and bright with good contrast. And the external sound is better than I expected. I watched the new 30 Rock episode with girlfriend on a couch and it was a nice experience, much better than trying to hold a laptop comfortably while watching a show. MX video player works very well on Prime, I watched Boardwalk Empire on my way back home on a train and it is a great device for extended viewing. It is amazing how much more natural it feels to watch series or movies on a tablet device like this as opposed to laptop.
Most apps seem to run quite well on Prime. But Android has its drawbacks on tablets, a lot of really great looking games do not have HD versions, making them look less attractive on the screen. Some of my favorites such as truly amazing World of Goo and Cut the Rope worked well on Prime, but their beautiful art was stretched to full screen, making the games look less magical than they felt when I was playing them on my Galaxy Nexus phone (which has a similar resolution to Prime, but far smaller screen).
I tried to use my tablet as a netbook, but without working keyboard I coould not really give it as much of a go as I hoped. But browsing around in the internet was fast and smooth and I really like Android for a tablet OS.
Battery lasted less than I hoped, but I cannot say it was bad since I did not charge it enough times for it to live up to its full potential. But I did not have to charge it while I was using, so it did not cause any battery stress.
I also liked that ASUS does not enforce its things on the user. Majority of pre-installed apps can be disabled and ASUS own enhancements are good for the device. They did not add anything that felt like bloatware.
As for the screen, yes it is certainly a fingerprint magnet. It does not bother me until I start watching a movie or whatnot. Makes me feel like I should clean it up because it simply is dirty (even when hands are less oily and have recently been washed).
Is this the best tablet I have ever used? Not really, iPad 2 is still a better media and content consumption device and I find Prime a much less comfortable to use when held in portrait mode as opposed to iPad 2 (but of course widescreen videos are much better on Prime as a result). But I can really see how the keyboard dock can enhance the Prime experience enough for me to never consider iPad 3, even if it comes out with HD screen and even better battery life.
I should also make additional note about the keyboard dock. I don't find the build of the keyboard dock to be as good as I hoped, it angles up really awkwardly on the Prime when screen is lifted, the back hinge is basically the thing it starts 'resting' on and differently from the rubber it rests on in front of the dock, the back rests on plastic knob-thingies, which have less grip. So on a less sturdy surface or when typing, the device is prone to move a lot more than you'd expect.
To sum things up, ASUS did a good job at everything except quality control and body design for GPS. If it had 3G, better WiFi and functioning GPS I would easily grade it the best tablet ever, but right now I don't see iPad 2 being actually dethroned before the end of this year where Google's rumoured tablet and possibly another Transformer can really kick things up a notch.
2012 is the year of 4G and HD screens on tablets, but I must say I did not really think Prime needs a HD screen. It is not because it would not look more beautiful - it would and I can easily see pixels when reading the web on Prime - but I just think that Android market won't catch up to HD apps before 2013. Today most apps look stretched and the apps that don't, do not seem to need HD anyway.
But yes, a wonderful device, just make sure to not throw away the box and other items so you can quickly refund, since chance has it that it might come with a hardware flaw or two.
Nice well written review.
Got it exchanged and keyboard works now! By the way, those wishing to buy it in Estonia, it seems to be sold downtown in both Euronics and Klick stores. Can't be bought online yet and seems to be only the champagne gold 32gb model.
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
I'm with you with the Champagne Gold color.
The photos online do not give justice to the Champagne Gold color as it is absolutely beautiful in real life.
The Gold hue does not overpower the Aluminum Color and has a rather subtle hint to it.
Excellent review. A good model for all to follow!
My "purplish" grey one is to arrive tomorrow....wish I could have ordered the champagne colour. I'll probably end up putting a skinomi skin on the back as I'm not really into the purple tones...plus, I heard the aluminum scratches easily.
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
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+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
wynand32 said:
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
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can you post some pics?
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
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ASUS is selling 32GB Champagne Gold TF201's in Estonia, it's the EU version (tablet and dock in one). And it is also localized, with local adapter and US keyboard that has russian letters in the corner (we also have a large number of russians living here).
irishtexmex said:
+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
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It seems that ASUS did not just do a UK launch, it was an EU launch and a lot of tablets are being sold in various countries, often without advertisements. Here we have Champagne Gold one, sold 2-in-1, dock and tablet. I haven't seen Amethyst Grey being sold anywhere here (and we seem to have two chains selling TF201's without ads at the moment).
It just shows how little this tablet is really known outside these forums and tech world. People don't know about it. Stores don't even know that they have the hottest Android tablet on their shelves.
clouds5 said:
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
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Click to collapse
Well, true, but it is worth a comparison simply because you would not own a Prime and an iPad 2 together, they overlap in functionality. I will still recommend iPad 2 to anyone who is not a tech person as I believe that today it is a better device for content consumption and don't believe Android will catch up in app-market with HD apps and experience at least until 2013.
I am really neutral in that opinion here, I own an Android 4.0 phone and tablet now, I love Android. But today iPad 2 is a better tablet for an average person even if you don't consider GPS, WiFi quality or 3G existence important.
I would not buy Android for my grandparents, if I had to choose I would buy them iPad 2.
But anyways, I love it. Those of us who know tech and prefer Android, this is a brilliant device if your device does not have issues resulted from bad quality control.
Conduitz said:
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
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Thank you for the correction.
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
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Think you might struggle to use this as a laptop replacement - depending on what you use your laptop for.
Yes, it's called tethering - setting your phone up as a wifi hotspot then connecting your tablet to it. No bluetooth needed. However, some Prime users report issues with this since the ICS update.
And more opinions!
I've had the chance to use the keyboard dock for a while, as well as test out a variety of apps. Some apps are much better in HD on a tablet, this surprised me quite a bit. For example IMDB app is really good on tablet and gMail (and really, all Google apps) is very high quality.
Apps run quickly and without problems. I also haven't noticed any problems with the tablet I got for exchange, no dead pixels. There's faint backlight bleed near one corner but I can not notice it while using a tablet unless brightness setting is too high and screen itself full of black colors.
As for the keyboard. I really love that it is Android focused keyboard. The keys make sense and are intuitive. It really is the first time I've felt comfortable with a keyboard that is similar to old school Windows keyboards, while never making me feel like it is one of those 'modified' PC keyboards. The top row buttons are all very useful, there are no bloated keys.
At first I wished there was 'recent apps' key, but there isn't. Alt+Tab does exist, but since there is no Alt key on the left hand side of the keyboard, you have to use two hands for it (I always Alt+Tab with left hand on my PC). So that's a bit annoying.
Keyboard itself is comfortable to write on if you've used smaller netbooks before. It takes a short time getting used to since at first you expect keys to be further apart, but adjustment does not take long. Feel of the keys is really good and they are well built, I like that spacebar, while long, goes down on both sides if you only press on one side. While it seems simple and does not look as expensive as Macbook Air keyboard, it feels really well built.
The dock also protects the tablet really well. The keys are not elevated on the dock, so they don't touch or get close to tablet screen and leave marks of any kind on the screen in the long run (this happened with my nice Compaq netbook 311C that had a beautiful LED screen that just looked worn thanks to keyboard after a while). Dock is also separated from the tablet with little rubber knobs
The touchpad is basically pointless, I am not sure why it is even needed, but I like that it is there in case I ever would need it. Using screen touch is simply faster, since apps are usually built keeping that in mind. Touchpad is just slower in comparison. I did however find it helpful when writing a lot of text and needing to correct something. It is also great that you can turn the touchpad off so it doesn't activate by accident while you are typing.
Certain apps are also less-keyboard friendly. While typing is supported all around, certain apps are less friendly when it comes to common usability features such as tab key changing selected input field (like going from username to password). You cannot really use the tablet without resorting to touching the screen every now and then, but I must admit that it is better than I originally expected. I actually like having the keyboard on, since on-screen keyboard is really something I don't like to resort to.
I did notice that capacitive pens are not very good on Transformer Prime screen. I have cleaned the screen very well, but capacitive pens are not sensed unless brushing them more noticably against the screen. The pen is a high quality one originally built for iPad 2 by Bamboo, worlds leading company when it comes to graphic tablets. I guess the non-air-pad type capacitive pens would work better though.
For some other things that are not as perfect as they could be, there is a very tiny amount of lag in the system at times when using the keyboard. It is certainly not as responsive as a keyboard should be if you, say, played competitive first person shooter games. But it doesn't really annoy and some apps are better than others at it. This will possibly improve even further with newer Android or firmware updates since it is not a hardware issue at all.
One thing I can tell you though is that TF201 makes quite an impression. I've shown it to two friends and the dock really makes the tablet. It takes away one of the most uncomfortable things about tablets - typing on that awkward screen - as well as offers natural protection without needing a case to protect the screen. Two of my friends who played with it were very impressed. If there's an Android device to wow people who only really know about iPad, it is not good to show the tablet without the dock - since it is just too similar - but the dock helps it really set it apart.
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
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When using it as a replacement for a netbook, the device works really well. But one has to keep in mind that it is a content-consumption device. You can draw sketches here or write essays, but it is really something that you should consider as a replacement for netbook if you mostly watch movies or surf the internet on your netbook. You are still faster with a netbook if you need to do more intensive work.
But pay attention that I said 'netbook', not laptop. Laptop is still a better device, if you don't have a desktop PC, then I suggest keeping laptop around, since at times it is simply needed to 'create' more than consume. You cannot develop on Android, really edit videos or photoshop pictures or do extensive office work.
When it comes to sharing the internet then yes, I have an unlimited data plan on my phone so I can easily tether my 3G connection. It is not as fast as tablet itself having a 3G, but it is still quite good. I don't stream videos on my tablet usually or if I do, I have a better WiFi connection somewhere. For on-the-go use, it works really well.
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Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
Why was this thread moved to 'accessories'?
kristovaher said:
Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
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Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
EugeneR said:
Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
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In the keyboard dock picture he attached you can see the actual Russian phonetic layout on the buttons, so it's not exactly the US dock, but like a US dock with Russian phonetic layout added to the buttons.
I had a Vipertek--same as the RooCase, Blurex, Poetic slim fit cases--for my old Samsung GT10.1, and I really liked the way I could balance it on one of my thighs.
How well does the laptop combo work when balancing on one thigh? And in your lap?
Extremely well. One of the things I like about it is that it can be used in the lap, in bed, on top of covers, without worrying about heat or blocking air vents.
I do quite a bit of writing on mine this way and it works great. Oh, and I'll add: it's not so much "balancing," as it is "just setting it there." It's not as if I have to consciously manage it as I do my Prime when it's just in its cover.
Battery life with the dock was amazing.
Hate rain on the parade, but overall I did not like the dock in use.
I found the keys small,
and in Canada we are forced to take a unusual bilingual layout
that resulted in a number of typing errors.
My biggest issue was when in use,
the screen/dock connector extends below the bottom of the dock,
putting the weight all in one small area instead of distributing it across the base.
I found it more uncomfortable to use in my lap
than my 14" HP laptop that weights much more.
I decided to stick with the HP laptop for when a KB is needed,
and use the Prime only as tablet.
SonicTab said:
I found it more uncomfortable to use in my lap
than my 14" HP laptop that weights much more.
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Thus demonstrating how such things are HIGHLY subjective. I have an Envy 14, and I have to say, I'd much rather type on the Prime+dock on my lap than the Envy. The notebook gets hotter and despite any weight distribution considerations is just heavier. I also feel like I'm actively managing the HP more than the Prime+dock. The keyboard is smaller, sure, but I adjust pretty quickly.
Not to say it's possible to be "wrong" here, but rather to say perhaps it's not best to ask others for their opinions on this but rather get the dock from somewhere you can return it and give it a try yourself.
wynand32 said:
Extremely well. One of the things I like about it is that it can be used in the lap, in bed, on top of covers, without worrying about heat or blocking air vents.
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This is probably the single biggest bother I have with using my laptop. I can under no circumstances impede air flow, or my laptop goes nuclear. One of the things I love about a tablet.
SonicTab said:
My biggest issue was when in use,
the screen/dock connector extends below the bottom of the dock,
putting the weight all in one small area instead of distributing it across the base.
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Click to collapse
This is what was going through my mind when I asked the question. Thank you for your reply.
I would still like to hear others' opinions as well. Thanks in advance.
I'll add that the Prime+dock hasn't replaced my Envy. I still pull out the damn laptop tray (which I hate) on occasion depending on what kind of work I have to do. But for straight draft writing, especially any impromptu writing, I like being able to slap the Prime on the dock, stick it on my lap, and start writing, without worrying about pulling out the tray, arranging it, sitting in the right position, etc.
And it's the little things that matter sometimes, right?
I love my HP and it's just a AMD A6 as well,
it runs cool and completely silent most of the time,
only down size is the shorter battery life but plugs are near by if needed.
No doubt, the ASUS transformer design of a removable tablet screen is the future for many portable devices.
Forget ultrabooks, Win8 dockable tablets will be the next big thing IMO
Just this early Android iteration with the extending screen base
and smaller keyboard didn't quite fit right here.
The Prime as a tablet is great.