Seems to me the Asus has a few advantages and disadvantages:
Potential disadvantages:
1. Custom UI and apps may mean waiting longer for updates.
2. Uncertainty around unlocking/rooting.
3. Wider and deeper dimensions may mean typing on the tablet itself is less comfortable (e.g., for me, the Xoom is JUST not too wide for comfortable thumb typing in landscape).
4. Asus's lack of Android experience.
5. Lack of a USB port on the tablet itself.
Potential advantages:
1. Nifty keyboard dock with battery means productive form factor and greatly extended battery life.
2. Asus apps and cloud services seem to add some real value.
3. More expansion options via the keyboard dock.
4. Lower price.
5. IPS screen may be brighter with better colors.
I think I'm going to wait to see reviews showing its overall build quality before making my decision. At this point, if the Asus shows up at Costco or Sam's Club, and in particular if it comes in a bundle with the keyboard dock, I might have a hard time at least not giving it a try.