Just got a new Asus Transformer Tablet...

[Anomaly1964]

TOTALLY new to tablets, if anyone has any helpful suggestions I would Appreciate it a lot!

Thanks!

 

[Binky]

Get the new Android on it ASAP (Ice Cream Sandwich), if its not there already. It improves smoothness a lot. I use this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1518768

Chrome browser is pretty good. Try it. You have to install it from the market.

 

[you2]

Suggestion of what nature? What would you like to do with it that you cannot ?

Also which model - the transformer or transformer prime ?

 

[Mopetar]

The keyboard dock is nice for a lot of things, so I'd honestly consider picking one up. If you need to do a lot of typing, or could use some extra battery life it's a good addition.

 

[sgrinavi]

I have the keyboard dock and really don't use it as much as I thought I would - sorta takes away from the convenience. I suppose if I had one with 3g I would take it on the go and use the keyboard more.

Be careful if you update via the manufacturer push - it put mine in a boot loop that was a PITA to straighten out. I'm sure it will be fine if your system is stock.

 

[pcslookout]

I should of waited for the better Asus tablet that is coming out. Not in years but a few months.

 

[MaxFusion16]

my suggestion?

go return it.

 

[Anomaly1964]

Suggestion of what nature? What would you like to do with it that you cannot ?

Also which model - the transformer or transformer prime ?

It's the 16GB Transformer - SN C10xxxxxxxxxxxx

Everyone says I need to "root" it...

I'm reading up on it...

 

[mavere]

You're quite welcome to tell the naysayers to STFU and leave, but until then, I'm going to have to join them and say that unless you got an especially amazing deal, you should return it.

Not only is the Transformer Prime the current preferred Android tablet and the Infinity the upcoming new thing, Amazon lists the original Transformer at $390 which compares very poorly to a $350 refurbished iPad 2 or even a new $400 iPad 2.

You're already buying a luxury item. No point in pinching pennies or settling for inferior versions.

 

[wirednuts]

compares "very poorly" to ipad2? i dont see how you can say that... some reviews say the asus is the better pick overall

i just got a 1st gen transformer myself, i LOVE it!

i too wanted the keyboard dock, but i saved the money and im glad i did. i would only want it if i could replace my laptop, but this pad just wont cut it for that. it actually does everything just about as fast as my n270 netbook (my laptop!) but then it starts to dog bad when you multitask (or have a lot of internet tabs open)

so this transformer for me is an htpc remote, a quick internet browser for looking up simple stuff (and shopping!), and a GREAT music player. i dont think ill ever get rid of this tablet, it has too many convenient uses. its been a great companion to my netbook.

definitely excited about the new tablets though. hopefully they are fast enough to use every day for multitasking like i do on my netbook.

still cant get rid of windows though. you will notice that even if theres 'an app for that' on your tablet, its not going to do everything the windows version will. you cant create new entries in keepass, you cant save dropbox files locally, and no trucrypt even. also, downloading torrents is too basic, and no seamless integration with windows network shares yet either.

but its all still maturing. tablets will be the new laptops. i would have to imagine we see windows 8 tablets too next year... those should be killer! and asus has the keyboard dock thing right, i hope they keep it. like i said, i would want one but i know i wont use it all the time (not on this basic transformer) so the $120 cost isnt justified.

my transformer just stays on the coffee table. its a guest smash hit. everyone immediately goes to facebook and are blown away how nice it is to use. and whats cool is its the same freakin thing as their phones, just bigger, so they know exactly how to use it without learning.

btw, BUY THIS SCREEN PROTECTOR! its a must! and its the highest quality protector i have ever used, its absolutely smokin hot for what you pay- http://www.amazon.com/Skinomi-TechSk...2718392&sr=8-5

 

[you2]

With regards to returning; I think it depends on the price paid. If 250 or 300; perhaps not; if 400 definitely. The prime has a nicer screen the new tablets comming in late Q2 will be better (the asus version of 'retina' display) as well as quad core; of course like the ipad 3; it will run a bit hotter
-
Anyways at this stage of the game I would not root. Maybe after you run into issues that require root. I've had mine for a year and while I've done system programming on unix/linux for years; I've not had need for root on the tablet. I suppose if i were to start developing software or wanted to tinker with the hardware root would be useful.

If you check amazon daily; they offer one free ap a day; most of them are garbage but occasionally something useful or fun is offered. For games angry birds are not a bad starting point; I personally use mine for web browsing/email and movies when I travel (when not travelling it sits in a drawer ). For those function it does a fine job (though I kind of wish the screen was a tad higher quality.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

You're quite welcome to tell the naysayers to STFU and leave, but until then, I'm going to have to join them and say that unless you got an especially amazing deal, you should return it.

Not only is the Transformer Prime the current preferred Android tablet and the Infinity the upcoming new thing, Amazon lists the original Transformer at $390 which compares very poorly to a $350 refurbished iPad 2 or even a new $400 iPad 2.

You're already buying a luxury item. No point in pinching pennies or settling for inferior versions.

Maybe we hate apple.

i hate apple

can you overclock an ipad? i didnt think so

 

[MaxFusion16]

Maybe we hate apple.

i hate apple

can you overclock an ipad? i didnt think so

no need to overclock when it's fast enough

 

[wirednuts]

Fyi, I didn't root my tf101 and don't have a reason too. Overclocking would be the only reason, but its not like it will help that much

 

[sgrinavi]

It's the 16GB Transformer - SN C10xxxxxxxxxxxx

Everyone says I need to "root" it...

I'm reading up on it...

You'll know when need to root it, just install ICS, chrome and Nova launcher for now.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

[Anomaly1964]

You'll know when need to root it, just install ICS, chrome and Nova launcher for now.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Are those free aps?

 

[Bateluer]

Are those free aps?

Yes, Chrome and Nova Launcher are free, but they do require ICS. TF101 has an official ICS build available though, so you don't need to root for them.

 

[Ravynmagi]

Considering this is the guy's first tablet. I'm thinking the talk of rooting and loading custom ROMs might not be the best suggestion just yet.

Might just want to keep it stock. Enjoy it, try not to break it. It can still do quite a lot anyway.

Check for updates. I believe the Android 4.0 update has been released. If so, then I really see no reason to load a custom ROM on it anyway (unless you really want to be hardcore).

 

[Binky]

Rooting isn't entirely necessary. It gives you the ability to back up apps and data, overclock the CPU, and install custom ROMs. Rooting also usually gives you the ability to upgrade to the latest and greatest android before the official release. Whether this is important is up to you.

The new android ("ICS") is much improved. I'd suggest doing the ICS update first. Some have experienced issues with the upgrade without doing a full factory reset, so you might want to do the update then do a factory reset...before you go nuts installing apps. I'm not suggesting a reset if you have no problems, but if you have very little installed already, it might be good insurance.

You can find everything you ever wanted to know about the transformer here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1104

 

[you2]

If you do an update; you will get ICS. Chrome is a browser you can download from the market.
-
To upgrade into settings; the last option is "about tablet" or something like that; on that screen there is an option to check for firmware update (though to be honest; on my tablet I normally get the notifcation without actually checking for an upgrade).
-
My tablet is around a year+ old; and I had no issue upgrading without a factory reset but as I noted above I'm not using root or mucking with the installed filesystem.

 

[Bateluer]

-
My tablet is around a year+ old; and I had no issue upgrading without a factory reset but as I noted above I'm not using root or mucking with the installed filesystem.

This, seems like a lot of the issues some people were having was because they'd rooted and installed CWR. Don't think Asus is responsible for a brick or issues if you've rooted.

 

[Anomaly1964]

I just got the new 16gb Transformer at BestBuy for $364. I got a 16GB SD card and they sell the docking station for $150. That total and tax would come to $560...

I can get a 32GB Transformer and Docking station refurbed from NewEgg with an additional 1 year warranty for $490 out the door (the only thing is that it is non returnable)...

Would you guys stick with new or go refurb?

Thanks!

 

[dguy6789]

no need to overclock when it's fast enough

I love this way of thinking. At one point in time a 233Mhz Pentium 2 was fast enough...

 

[Anomaly1964]

I love this way of thinking. At one point in time a 233Mhz Pentium 2 was fast enough...

OFF TOPIC...

But interesting how your signature quote is from a man who had a great deal of faith...

...yet it also includes "faith = nonthinking."

 

[dguy6789]

I get that from time to time. One does not have to be religious or support religion in any way to acknowledge that a religious man had a great idea.