Nexus 7 > Asus Transformer Prime or vice versa?

[slosh74]

Hey all, I'm considering getting a android tablet soon I am stuck between the transformer prime and the nexus 7. What I would like to know from experienced owners or anybody in general, is which of the two devices mentioned is better and what makes one greater than the other.
Thanks in advace.

Rolio

 

[ravenas]

Caveat: I owned the original Transformer (TF101) and currently own the Transformer Pad (TF301), not the Prime unit or Infinity. Difference between the units is mostly unit build elements and some speed. I also own a Nexus 7.

That said, I am able to compare the 7 inch Nexus 7 and Transformer tablets for you.

OS: Nexus 7 is running Jellybean now. Transformer will get it (Asus is very good about updating their hardware), but for now you get Ice Cream Sandwich. In future, the Nexus tablets will ALWAYS get the latest iteration of Android first. So if you are the type of user who has to play with Google's new toys now, you'll be happier with a Nexus.

Storage: The Transformer comes with more memory out of the gate (16GB or 32GB with microSD card slots. Nexus 7 gives you a choice of 8GB or 16GB and that's it. So if you are a digital hoarder (i.e. someone who needs to store video when away from an internet connection), you'll be happier with the Transformer.

Portability: The Nexus 7 is roughly the size of a paperback book. It fits inside a jacket pocket, purse or jeans back pocket. It's extremely light and easy to hold in one hand. The Transformer is a 10" screen that must be held with two hands and carried like a netbook. The Prime is also made of metal and glass (the TF301 has a plastic backing) which makes it heavier, as in iPad heavy.

Usability: The Nexus 7 is primarily meant to be a media consumption device. Watching video, playing music, reading books or web pages, playing a few games, these are all perfect on the 7 inch size tablet. You can write via a pop up keyboard, but it is very tiny and can easily cause hand cramp. The Transformer not only has a bigger netbook-sized screen, but can add a chicklet keyboard dock to make typing as fluid as a netbook. (The dock also gives you an SD card slot and USB port for mouse or USB HDD.)

Bottomline: If you want a tablet mostly to consume media, get the Nexus 7. If you expect to be doing more writing or content creation, get the Transformer.

Usually I take my Nexus 7 into the bathroom, or lying in bed, or in my purse for day trips. If I expect to do some writing and have access to a table/desk, I'll take out my Transformer. My Nexus 7 is my ebook reader while my Transformer is my Android netbook.

 

[dharr18]

This is a question you have to ask yourself. What am I looking to do with the tablet?

If you are looking for something a little more portable, say something to put in your pocket and take with you. Nexus 7.

If you are looking for something that allows you to replace some laptop functions. Transformer.

Something to read while lying in bed. I say N7. (It is more like holding a paperback)

If you are looking for something to attach to the TV for gaming or watching movies. Transformer, N7 can not do mhl video output.

Don't rely on the keyboard attachment as a deciding factor, I have a usb otg cable that allows me to use a usb hub with keyboard and mouse or a unifying receive with a mouse and keyboard solution on the nexus 7.

There are other things to consider. look at the sizes and determine which best suits the needs you are trying to fill. look at the connections and see what ones you are most likely going to use.

Both are powerful devices, but you have to decide what you will use it for. if you go with the nexus, I would recommend the 16 gb version.

BTW. I have a couple other devices that I purchased a micro usb to HDMI cable for. I only used the cable once in the year I have had the cable. that is just personal experience. Ymmv.

 

[MikeLip]

Glad you asked I have the 7, the Asus TF201 Transformer and TF700 Transformer. Of the three, I use the 7 at least 80% of the time. I thought I'd use the TFs a lot more - especially the 700 with the beautiful hi-def display. It does have much better sound than the 7, but the 7 is just so handy. It's a great bookreader, web is awesome, and even movies are good on it except for the sound thing. Plus it's small enough to go anywhere. So it's my primary gadget. The 700 is good for using around the house, but I don't carry it anymore. So for me it seems 7" is exactly right, and the 7 with the Google rubber cover on it is the best 7" tab out there.