Transformer hype

[mrboss23]

Exactly. The features and benifits the Sus is bringing at a 30%+ discount to the Xoom is almost unbelievable, but if they deliver a quality built device at the $399 price no reason to keep my Xoom. Better hardware, cheaper price, same OS. Sounds like Asus figured out how to be competative in the tablet market. Moto should take notes.

Asus didn't figure it out and won't because they will lose a tremendous amount of money if they do. Leaking a price that low is just a marketing strategy to get people to want the product and talk about it just like they did with the xoom.

 

[Bossxii]

Asus didn't figure it out and won't because they will lose a tremendous amount of money if they do. Leaking a price that low is just a marketing strategy to get people to want the product and talk about it just like they did with the xoom.

We will know very soon.

 

[original00]

I guess we know now!! I don't see many people picking up a Xoom at this point. They either drop a 16gb version at 499 or drop the 32gb version to $499.

 

[anon(259366)]

Realistically, the IPS screen is the largest advantage that the transformer has. However, one thing that is concerning, is the weight. The Asus tab is .2 pounds lighter, but is also taller and wider than the Xoom. That can only point to two things, smaller battery, and/or cheaper build materials. Also, that bezel around the screen is unsightly. At the price point it's at, this won't be a deal breaker for most people, just tossing it out there.

 

[zach_alt]

With the dock, the 16gb is cheaper than the Xoom. Watch how fast this sells and how dumb Moto ends up looking.

 

[Suntan]

Realistically, the IPS screen is the largest advantage that the transformer has. However, one thing that is concerning, is the weight. The Asus tab is .2 pounds lighter, but is also taller and wider than the Xoom. That can only point to two things, smaller battery, and/or cheaper build materials. Also, that bezel around the screen is unsightly. At the price point it's at, this won't be a deal breaker for most people, just tossing it out there.

I wouldn't argue that the Asus is built "cheaper" than the Xoom. But I think it is safe to say that the Moto is going to end up looking "overbuilt" once these other honeycomb tablets come out.

The reality is that most (non-apple) people don't value the stamped metal backing that is on the Xoom. A plastic back, that is significantly lighter while being a little less stiff, is ok.

If you want the stiffest, most solid feeling honeycomb tablet, the Xoom is it. In addition, if you want the one with the smallest bezel, the Xoom will likely be it. If those things don't matter as much, the Transformer, and other tablets, look to be a great value.

-Suntan

 

[Deleted member 5726]

I love seeing these people write "look how dumb Motorola will look" etc... that's just stupid to write here. The bottom line is these tablets are no different than our phones. I'll always pay more for something I want sooner, looks better, feels better, works better, and is unlocked for rooting. I don't understand the ignorance of this thread. If someone wants the Asus tablet or the LG one, or god forbid the Toshiba one - then they should get it. Can we keep these forums to helping and educating and stop wasting space on the Thread list with this junk?

^Any mods reading? How is this thread in line with the new forum rules? Can we close it already?

 

[jnewell]

I would think it's highlyl likely that physical and maybe electronic build quality of the Asus will not equal the Moto. Take a look at the teardown pics at iFixit. The Xoom would probably literally stop a low-velocity handgun bullet with its huge magnesium chassis. However, that kind of build quality doesn't necessarily translate into better radio or software performance...though it may help physical durability...I saw one dropped from three feet onto the floor with literally no damage of any kind at all...but unfortunately having a tablet with physical build quality in the "eternal" category doesn't do a lot of good if the electronics inside become obsolete...

Realistically, the IPS screen is the largest advantage that the transformer has. However, one thing that is concerning, is the weight. The Asus tab is .2 pounds lighter, but is also taller and wider than the Xoom. That can only point to two things, smaller battery, and/or cheaper build materials. Also, that bezel around the screen is unsightly. At the price point it's at, this won't be a deal breaker for most people, just tossing it out there.

I am not sure how Motorola is treating the Xoom as a failure. Just because it hasn't flown off of the shelves doesn't mean it is a failure. IIRC Sprint is releasing a WiMax Xoom shortly. It is possible that Motorola is working on that and will offer 4G upgrades about the time of the release.

In addition, the only place where the transformer is superior to the Xoom is the fact that it can record in 1080p which in my mind is pretty worthless. I don't see many people using their tablets as video recorders. However, the transformer is larger and heavier and does not have a 3G/4G option. The only selling point of the transformer is the awesome keyboard dock and the potential $400 price tag for 16gb of storage. The question is, if a $400 16gb Xoom comes out which would you buy?

Note: I do realize the Transformer has an IPS screen, but screens are hard to measure objectively, so in left that out.

 

[ravizzle]

Is sams club or best buy gonna carry the transformer?

 

[zach_alt]

Best buy will.

 

[ravizzle]

Oops I meant sams or costco. I need the 90 day return policy. I would hate to return my xoom and get a transformer and the samsung turns out be better

 

[radsaq]

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer (UK edition) review -- Engadget

That review makes it seem like the better specs (on paper) of the Transformer don't necessarily translate into a better product.

 

[milominderbinde]

Exactly. The features and benifits the Sus is bringing at a 30%+ discount to the Xoom is almost unbelievable, but if they deliver a quality built device at the $399 price no reason to keep my Xoom. Better hardware, cheaper price, same OS. Sounds like Asus figured out how to be competative in the tablet market. Moto should take notes.

Asus has been making our phones and computers for a long time under a number of brand names including Palm Treo, etc. Their quality is good. The 30% savings is from cutting out the middle man.

$600 Xoom tablet
1. Manufacturer: Foxconn gross markup ~22% ($75) with a parts cost of ~$270.
2. Distributor: Motorola gross markup ~30% ($147), pays ~$345.
3. Retailer: Best Buy or whoever gross margin ~18% ($108), pays ~$492.

Coincidentally, the Wall Street Journal estimated the Xoom cost per unit at $278 so these estimates are in the right ballpark.

And therein lies Motorola's problem. Motorola doesn't have any factories.

LG, Samsung, HTC, and Asustech actually make and now distribute their own products. Android is a dream product for them because they do not have to develop the OS. The equation changes dramatically when the middle man is removed.

$400 Transformer tablet
1. Manufacturer: Asus gross markup at ~20% ($65) with a parts cost of ~$262.
2. Distributor: Motorola gross markup ~30%.
3. Retailer: Best Buy, Wal-Mart, or Target gross margin ~18% ($72), pays ~$327.

The manufacturer and retailer margins are still good and sales explode. The 30% discount was from cutting out the middle man.

Foxconn and Asus both make good products. Pick whatever one is best for you.

Links:
• Android Central: ASUS EeePad Transformer review.
• Android Central:ASUS EeePad Transformer pricing and availability (April 26, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target, Fry's, Sears, etc.)

 

[terrain]

Three g is going to be a bit slow on the assusses. I also don't like the ipad form factor...review says they are similar. That was the first thing that I loved about the xoom

 

[zach_alt]

There is nothing similar about the iPads form factor and the transformers....

 

[milominderbinde]

There is nothing similar about the iPads form factor and the transformers....

Maybe I am missing something but aren't they all about:
? 10" screen size
? 7" tall
? 10" wide
? 1/2 inch thick
? 1 1/2 pounds

 

[zach_alt]

Three g is going to be a bit slow on the assusses. I also don't like the ipad form factor...review says they are similar. That was the first thing that I loved about the xoom

Maybe I am missing something but aren't they all about:
? 10" screen size
? 7" tall
? 10" wide
? 1/2 inch thick
? 1 1/2 pounds

I suppose I misspoke/typed. The Xoom and the Transformer are so damn close to each other, to say he loves the xooms form factor, but thinks the asus is too much like the ipad...?


screams troll to me

 

[milominderbinde]

I suppose I misspoke/typed. The Xoom and the Transformer are so damn close to each other, to say he loves the xooms form factor, but thinks the asus is too much like the ipad...?


screams troll to me

Thanks! Now I get it.

 

[jimswood4]

a xoom keyboard that makes it like the transformer would be cool.

 

[Beamer Smith]

OK.. I have a Transformer, no 3G or 4G fine
No instuction book = bad
no way to (easily) turn off apps = bad
Battery life (winth keyboard) = 2-3 hours = not great (with no apps running except the ones that run "naturally" like email and wifi)
No help file = bad
and almost all android websites are related to phones and not tablets... <sigh>
I think I made a mistake buying my Transformer... but no way to return now (4 mo later) No where to get said help except here and then you need to "speak android' to lok for stuff.