Speaking seriously, what makes the Transformer better?

[Primetimeplaya]

Right now I own the Acer a500. I have yet to actually get my hands on a Transformer but am wondering at this point why it is thought to be better than the A500.

The a500 has Dolby speakers, a higher mp front camera, ddr3 memory instead of ddr2, and it has more ports right on the tablet.

I know the Transformer has an ips display but that is about all I can think of in it's tablet form. The additional keyboard just makes it into a netbook.

I would really appreciate some rational responses since I'm a Reward Zone Silver member and am still within my 45 day return window and the Transformer can be ordered again.

Thanks

 

[jon_stewart]

In my opinion, it's like shoes. Those that fit me beautifully, aren't necessarily going to fit you at all.

So, Dolby Speakers - On stereo this make no practical difference (I have a 7.1 THX system if I want good sound).

Higher Res camera - Doesn't necessarily mean it's any better. (Anyway, they're all equally bad compared to my 39Mpixel digital back, or even the dSLR.)

DDR memory rating - I personally wouldn't get hung up on how fast the memory is, unless I had definitive information on the rest of the elements involved in the data flow is equally fast. (ie my Mac Pro is faster than lots of other computers with the same speed processor since on the Mac Pro the data can be shifted around real quick)

More ports on the tablet - running the battery down faster! I guess you have to have those ports on the tablet since you don't have a keyboard dock!

'The additional keyboard just turns it into a netbook' Bingo! it can ALSO be a netbook, with all the ports, extra battery etc, but you don't have to have it as a netbook.

I wasn't going to buy a tablet - they can't do anything I can't already do better on something else I already have... but then Asus brings out the Transformer ...Grrr!

Anyway, that's my considered reasons both for buying one, and also response to what you posted. Please don't take offence at anything if it seems out of place. It's not meant to be. Enjoy whichever you finally choose.
J

 

[sonofdroid]

I wouldn't choose either of them. Why? They're cheaply made. The ips display on the TF shows the worst light bleed then any other display I know. And the acer is just plain Kmart. That's just my opinion. As you can see I don't filter myself.

 

[Suntan]

There's nothing wrong with the Acer. If I didn't value the keyboard of the TF I likely would have gotten it instead.

The onboard, full size usb port would be nice to have and the screen on it looks good, with almost no inversion noticed, compared to other TFT based tablets on the market.

If I did have the Acer, I think one of these would be great for quick swapping...

Verbatim 16GB Store 'n' Stay USB Drive 97464 B&H Photo Video

-Suntan

 

[Visual360]

In my opinion, it's like shoes. Those that fit me beautifully, aren't necessarily going to fit you at all.

So, Dolby Speakers - On stereo this make no practical difference (I have a 7.1 THX system if I want good sound).

Higher Res camera - Doesn't necessarily mean it's any better. (Anyway, they're all equally bad compared to my 39Mpixel digital back, or even the dSLR.)

DDR memory rating - I personally wouldn't get hung up on how fast the memory is, unless I had definitive information on the rest of the elements involved in the data flow is equally fast. (ie my Mac Pro is faster than lots of other computers with the same speed processor since on the Mac Pro the data can be shifted around real quick)

More ports on the tablet - running the battery down faster! I guess you have to have those ports on the tablet since you don't have a keyboard dock!

'The additional keyboard just turns it into a netbook' Bingo! it can ALSO be a netbook, with all the ports, extra battery etc, but you don't have to have it as a netbook.

I wasn't going to buy a tablet - they can't do anything I can't already do better on something else I already have... but then Asus brings out the Transformer ...Grrr!

Anyway, that's my considered reasons both for buying one, and also response to what you posted. Please don't take offence at anything if it seems out of place. It's not meant to be. Enjoy whichever you finally choose.
J

+1

I share the feeling with these.

Plus I personally think the screen should be the priority when it comes to tablet, so the IPS screen on the TF is a must for me. I really like the design of the Acer though, in fact I was going to get if the TF wasn't available but lucky enough I found one.

The TF just have too many extras for the price to pass up. I also totally disagree about the built quality. Its totally well made, looks elegant and classy.

 

[rruready]

Edit...double post

 

[rruready]

In my opinion, it's like shoes. Those that fit me beautifully, aren't necessarily going to fit you at all.

So, Dolby Speakers - On stereo this make no practical difference (I have a 7.1 THX system if I want good sound).

Higher Res camera - Doesn't necessarily mean it's any better. (Anyway, they're all equally bad compared to my 39Mpixel digital back, or even the dSLR.)

DDR memory rating - I personally wouldn't get hung up on how fast the memory is, unless I had definitive information on the rest of the elements involved in the data flow is equally fast. (ie my Mac Pro is faster than lots of other computers with the same speed processor since on the Mac Pro the data can be shifted around real quick)

More ports on the tablet - running the battery down faster! I guess you have to have those ports on the tablet since you don't have a keyboard dock!

'The additional keyboard just turns it into a netbook' Bingo! it can ALSO be a netbook, with all the ports, extra battery etc, but you don't have to have it as a netbook.

I wasn't going to buy a tablet - they can't do anything I can't already do better on something else I already have... but then Asus brings out the Transformer ...Grrr!

Anyway, that's my considered reasons both for buying one, and also response to what you posted. Please don't take offence at anything if it seems out of place. It's not meant to be. Enjoy whichever you finally choose.
J

+1 to this...well said. I have to say, if I was choosing between better sound on a tablet, or a better screen, I would choose the better screen. I too have surround sound, but I also have an led tv so let's face it, I'm not buying this to get a theater-like experience. As for the bleeding screens, that is only a percentage of them (see the forum, there is a dedicated thread for that issue).

Personally, I didn't see much of a reason to buy a tablet either, until I realized that with the TF, I am getting a netbook as well (which I would use for composing emails and typing on forums . The tablet function of the TF would just be a bonus for light browsing around the house and mobile entertainment (plane/car rides during travel).

As for the idea that one feels cheaper than the other, that is a matter of opinion. Look at the iphone for instance (hardware and os). Some people feel they are classy phones, and others feel like it is fit for a child with the simplistic user interface. Not only that, but I certainly consider the weight of a device that I may be holding for hours at a time, so "plasticy" is not always a bad thing. I'm not trying to impress anyone with this, I'm buying for the functionality.

OP, the fact of the matter is this: Everyone will prioritize the features of a device differently, which is why there are choices in the market. It sounds like you have your reasons and they seem well thought out from your perspective. I have seen many on this forum, and others, that choose the Acer hands down so you are not the only one . If you are happy with the Acer, I would not stress over what COULD BE with the TF. After all, think about how mad you would be if you trade up for the TF and your initial feelings in the matter were only confirmed. That would suck lol. Hope this helps with your decision....though I believe the decision has already been made .

 

[sfletcher]

I've owned both...

Right now I own the Acer a500. I have yet to actually get my hands on a Transformer but am wondering at this point why it is thought to be better than the A500.

The a500 has Dolby speakers, a higher mp front camera, ddr3 memory instead of ddr2, and it has more ports right on the tablet.

I know the Transformer has an ips display but that is about all I can think of in it's tablet form. The additional keyboard just makes it into a netbook.

I would really appreciate some rational responses since I'm a Reward Zone Silver member and am still within my 45 day return window and the Transformer can be ordered again.

Thanks

I owned both tablets at the same time and had a difficult time deciding which one to keep. I decided on Transformer but it was close. The A500 had a little squeaky noise from the plastic right beside the camera and honestly that,the $50 price difference and the A500 waking itself up all night decided it for me.

I compared speeds side by side with the same apps installed and I don't believe the Acer actually has DDR3 memory. The startup times were always identical for the many apps I tested nothing seemed faster except for the launcher.

From a Transfomer user, here are the pro's I saw in the A500 over the ASUS:
USB on tablet
Much better built in sound - and louder
Very nice aluminum back
Launcher was quicker and smoother
Nice included extra apps
Better camera and a flash

However, side by side and in hand the transformer has a noticably better display, mine has no creaks or rattles and the plastic body is easier to grip. It also had exchange support in the email which I needed (A500 I believe has this after update)
The recent firmware update and docking station just put this tablet in a different league. My only remaining complaint is the launcher still scrolls roughly. I have since installed ADW EX and it scrolls and looks fantastic.

My opinion is that you can't go wrong with either tablet. I know that I would have been happy with either one as long as Acer comes out with a fix for the "waking up" all night issue.

 

[wynand32]

To my mind, it's very simple: if you never need to create content on your tablet (i.e., you never need to write anything more than quick emails, tweets, etc.), then you'd focus exclusively on the characteristics of the tablet itself and make your decision. I'd still pick the Transformer myself, because the better screen trumps more expandability (I don't care, because I have the dock, which has the best expandability of all) and better sound (I rarely use the tablet without headphones).

However, if you do ever need to create content, e.g., you need to occasionally or often write longer-form pieces, then the Transformer with the keyboard dock wins hands down. It can be used in more positions and situations and for more things than a tablet by itself or a tablet + Bluetooth keyboard.

 

[Primetimeplaya]

Thanks for the responses.

As someone mentioned, If I returned my A500 and got the Transformer and didn't like it, that would be very bad. I kinda wanted to be able to see one in person before doing anything at all but there aren't any retailers who actually have them on hand. I would have thought that the second wave of Transformers which apparently just hit would have some sent to regular retail stores.

 

[Joe the Insider]

I personally think the Xoom is better than both, the reason it isn't more popular is, because of the price. If the Xoom was $499 i bet people would jump for it more.

 

[ragebunny]

Apple iPad 2, Asus Transformer Comparison Battle Video ? Phone Reviews

Check out the video view on this site, they compare it to the ipad2 but they also compare it with the xoom.

This is what made me go for the transformer.

Let us know what you think.

 

[Visual360]

I personally think the Xoom is better than both, the reason it isn't more popular is, because of the price. If the Xoom was $499 i bet people would jump for it more.

I disagree. With the price of the three tablet selling at the price, I would still pick the Xoom last. The screen is the worst of the three. While the thin bezel of the Xoom looks great on paper, terible for holding the tablet in real world. Also some features are still not available on the xoom, when it's available on the two out of the box.

 

[nvelez]

I like how the video says that the Xoom and Transformer are like the movie Twins.
They both share DNA but the Xoom is Devito while the Transformer is Schwarzenegger.

From what I've heard the Transformer and Iconia are a toss up but both are head and shoulders above the Xoom.

 

[gmen78]

I just returned my acer and ordered the TF...I was underwhelmed with the acer screen and supposedly it is better than the xooms. I also hated my acer waking itself up all night even though there is a fix coming. My a500 would also creek when held . Felt a little heavy for my taste. No gorilla glass. I did like the USB connection.
One thing I do like on my iPad is the option to go full screen on videos from a browser where my acer only did like a half screen render, dunno if it's honeycomb or just acer software.

 

[jon_stewart]

I personally think the Xoom is better than both, the reason it isn't more popular is, because of the price. If the Xoom was $499 i bet people would jump for it more.

Problem with the screen on the Xoom is that it's very poor compared with the ips display on the TF (and yes, I've used both); If Motorola sorted that out, It'd be a more level playing field.

$499 is ONE reason people are buying the TF, but if you think it's a major reason, then you'd be in denial that Motorola and Samsung missed a major opportunity to innovate, instead of just copying Apple in their hardware design.

As I posted elsewhere, I also think that Motorola and Samsung should be lambasted for attempting to do pricing reminiscent of Apple (and worse). If they had chosen a better pricepoint, and brought out the WiFi version first, they would have had a massively better uptake, irrespective of the variety of priorities potential users have for these devices.
J

.. In other words I agree with Visual360 on this. (Should really read all posts first!)

 

[silvra7]

I've got the TF on order, hoping it comes this week. I have used a Xoom and an iPad 2. I'd have to say that the IPS screen side by side makes all the difference between the devices. You see that over and over and over in the forums. I have to disagree with the above in that I don't think Motorola followed Apple in anything but the pricing. The xoom has the build quality and the connectivity that was lacking in the iPad. If anyone should be lambasted it's Samsung and I think Apple is right to sue them for copying HARDWARE design. The fact that the Samsung tab doesn't even have a microSD slot coupled with the proprietary access for data/power/video out and the slim form factor is exactly what Apple did. I'm hoping I like the TF, it has the screen and price the Xoom should have had and it retains the connectivity. Coupled with the possibility of the innovative dock, I hope they get their supply issues sorted out and take off in sales.

 

[mknollman123]

@ anyone who has held both -

There is supposedly a HUGE weight difference here with the Iconia weighing more than 1.5 times what the transformer does - is this as perceivable as I imagine it would be?

I will be jumping in the next week if I can find one in stock and am leaning toward the transformer, but I am reading like crazy trying to be sure. Have held the Iconia and play with it some at the store and it feels like a brick - HEAVY - but I love the card reader and USB combo

TBH, if the galaxy tabs coming out had micro-sd then there would be no question in my mind, but with that lacking I am leaning toward the transformer

 

[jon_stewart]

@ anyone who has held both -

There is supposedly a HUGE weight difference here with the Iconia weighing more than 1.5 times what the transformer does - is this as perceivable as I imagine it would be?

Immediately noticeable, as both were side by side in the showroom. The TF weight made me think I could use it like my Kindle for e-reading, where I wouldn't have wanted to try with the Iconia, a nice tablet in other respects.
J

 

[upperking#AC]

The acer along with the ddr3 has a newer and faster cpu...

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