Asus Transformer vs Asus Transformer Prime help!

[Sniper1087]

Well Im sort of trying to make a decision here and need help, I am thinking of getting the Asus Transformer and not buy the prime, I mainly plan to use it from browsing and video playback, sometimes gaming but mostly video and browsing, I would like to know which tablet is best suited for me, how the performance differs with quad-core and dual-core, and of course the transformer 16gb is 349 at the moment, compared to 499 of the prime, any help would be appreciated

 

[ramurphyjr]

The original Transformer will do you just fine. After the ICS update, I think we will all be happier, too!

 

[whitenack]

The original TF is currently $299 at BB. You have to look under a special model number..-X1 instead of -A1.

With that said, I went with the Prime. I wanted to get something with a longer lifespan (tech-wise).

 

[Sniper1087]

The original TF is currently $299 at BB. You have to look under a special model number..-X1 instead of -A1.

With that said, I went with the Prime. I wanted to get something with a longer lifespan (tech-wise).

thanks I saw it yet not delivery and only pickup at stores, nice pricing, but managed to get the 32GB for 423 with shipping overnight

 

[zedorda]

The Prime might not be an option for abit longer if this is true.

ASUS Transformer Prime Delayed Until Next Year Because Of WiFi Issues?

 

[whitenack]

The Prime might not be an option for abit longer if this is true.

ASUS Transformer Prime Delayed Until Next Year Because Of WiFi Issues?

Hmm, I won't start crying in my beer until I hear it from Asus or BB.

 

[CHIP72]

The original TF is currently $299 at BB. You have to look under a special model number..-X1 instead of -A1.

With that said, I went with the Prime. I wanted to get something with a longer lifespan (tech-wise).

This is just my opinion, but the key in extending the life span on any ASUS Transformer tablets (original, Prime, or future version) will be getting Windows 8 OS on the tablet.

 

[zedorda]

This is just my opinion, but the key in extending the life span on any ASUS Transformer tablets (original, Prime, or future version) will be getting Windows 8 OS on the tablet.

That is some of the funnest s**t I have ever heard. Windows extending the life of a device wow u must not of used windows much. Windows XP was proof positive that Microsoft sabotages their own OS after they release a newer version. I will give it to you that windows may open up a different software type to a tablet but the device will suffer as soon as there release a newer OS from MS for your device that you will have to buy.

Android will never cost more that $0.

 

[CHIP72]

That is some of the funnest s**t I have ever heard. Windows extending the life of a device wow u must not of used windows much. Windows XP was proof positive that Microsoft sabotages their own OS after they release a newer version. I will give it to you that windows may open up a different software type to a tablet but the device will suffer as soon as there release a newer OS from MS for your device that you will have to buy.

Android will never cost more that $0.

1) Why aren't most high-end Android tablets selling well? Because they lack features that distinguish them against the iPad and function primarily as fun, niche devices, which makes the $500 price point unattractive to many people.

2) Why are the ASUS Transformer tablets (original and Prime) in fairly high demand? Because they have a distinguishing feature, the integrated but detachable keyboard, which greatly broadens its functionality and makes it much easier to do content creation on a tablet, while still having a "fun" device.

3) When is content creation important? When one needs to do work, like creating documents, spreadsheets or the like.

4) What is the dominant software package for doing work-related activities? Microsoft Office.

5) What is the operating system most people use when using Microsoft Office products? Windows OS.

6) What will be the Windows OS that will (or at least try to) be optimized for a touch-screen interface but still allow access to Microsoft Office products? Windows 8.

 

[zedorda]

1) Why aren't most high-end Android tablets selling well? Because they lack features that distinguish them against the iPad and function primarily as fun, niche devices, which makes the $500 price point unattractive to many people.

2) Why are the ASUS Transformer tablets (original and Prime) in fairly high demand? Because they have a distinguishing feature, the integrated but detachable keyboard, which greatly broadens its functionality and makes it much easier to do content creation on a tablet, while still having a "fun" device.

3) When is content creation important? When one needs to do work, like creating documents, spreadsheets or the like.

4) What is the dominant software package for doing work-related activities? Microsoft Office.

5) What is the operating system most people use when using Microsoft Office products? Windows OS.

6) What will be the Windows OS that will (or at least try to) be optimized for a touch-screen interface but still allow access to Microsoft Office products? Windows 8.

Nice list but how about one to addresses "extending the life span" and not about general use which i admitted alrdy saying "I will give it to you that windows may open up a different software type to a tablet".

Unless you originally only meant extending the functionality with Windows 8 and not the life span I can agree. Sadly I think you missed the announcement that Tablets will have Windows 8 Metro which will not run MS office and most other "FULL VERSION" productivity software from MS.

 

[CHIP72]

Nice list but how about one to addresses "extending the life span" and not about general use which i admitted alrdy saying "I will give it to you that windows may open up a different software type to a tablet".

Unless you originally only meant extending the functionality with Windows 8 and not the life span I can agree. Sadly I think you missed the announcement that Tablets will have Windows 8 Metro which will not run MS office and most other "FULL VERSION" productivity software from MS.

I think name recognition with Microsoft will play a role in building Windows 8 tablet popularity, if Microsoft Office-like software is included on those tablets in such a way that the general user doesn't notice much difference. That's the big key for Microsoft.

I do agree that higher specs on a device do expand the life span, but as we've seen with Android smartphones, something that is high-end, state-of-the-art when it is released can become a much less attractive, low to mid-level device in 12 months on Android. The life span of mobile devices depends on operating system updates, and even if there are updates, most devices up to this point have been outdated and function in a much less than ideal manner in 2 years.

I didn't address the Windows XP point above, but I'll note that I had a lower end spec (eMachines) desktop computer for 6+ years, from September 2004 to December 2010, that had XP on it and didn't become outdated because of the operating system. I replaced it a year ago because of the lack of RAM. I suspect my current Windows 7 desktop and laptop (the latter of which I bought a month ago) will both be fine for at least 3 more years and probably a little longer in the case of the desktop. By contrast, with my Droid 2 the device has had an increasing amount of lag after only a year of use and the "upgrade" from Froyo 2.2.1 to Gingerbread 2.3.3 left something to be desired IMO. I'll need (and want) to upgrade from the Droid 2 to something else at the end of my contract.

 

[zedorda]

Ok I can't argue with someone that thinks newer software some how makes old hardware function better. I have 2 servers that are over 20 years old still running the linux based OSs that they were built with making me money each month like clockwork. There isn't one single OS from MS released this decade that would run them at all.

Software MAKES hardware outdated not the other way around. Windows doesn't support old hardware plain and simply because we are in a profit based system.

All Linux based software is legendary for old hardware support. (Maybe because it is not a profit based OS?)

Just because a device can be loaded with a newer Android OS doesn't mean it is an "upgrade" meant to run it or that it will run it well. It only means there was enough end-user demand for it.

 

[jokout1]

the original question will be more of a "how long do you want to wait" thing now that the Prime has been delayed indefinately!
Wifi signal problems may set it back for some time now depending on what needs to be done!

 

[whitenack]

the original question will be more of a "how long do you want to wait" thing now that the Prime has been delayed indefinately!
Wifi signal problems may set it back for some time now depending on what needs to be done!

Asus says there will be no delay.

ASUS puts delay rumor to rest, confirms Transformer Prime is on schedule - SlashGear

 

[jokout1]

great news if true! Just have to wait and see
cheers

 

[CHIP72]

Ok I can't argue with someone that thinks newer software some how makes old hardware function better.

Software MAKES hardware outdated not the other way around. Windows doesn't support old hardware plain and simply because we are in a profit based system.

Okay, so having hardware that runs mediocre and can't handle software updates very well a year after the hardware is released isn't a problem for most people? I understand that software can eventually make hardware obsolete (or force the need for new hardware, i.e. video game consoles); that's why most people buy new computers after a few years. The issue is having a device - or more specifically a smartphone - that is under contract for 2 years, runs fair to poor for the latter half of that period, and is not upgradable except if a new device is purchased at full price. When people buy PCs, even low-end PCs, I'd bet they expect that PC to be able to meet their needs and operate reasonably well for 3-5 years. The length of time the PC performs reasonably well stretches out the time of the investment, providing more bang for the buck. With smartphones, or more specifically Android smartphones however, the device's performance falls to the fair to poor range fairly quickly, within the 2 year contract period. The bang for the buck isn't nearly as good. THAT'S the issue.

Android OS may be free, but it sure is clunky IMO. I guess that's the trade-off.