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Transformer Prime alternatives...

M

mike208

Member
I was considering getting the Asus Transformer Prime tablet for Christmas. But now that it has been delayed I am having second thoughts. For starters it may just been more machine then I need. Also my girlfriend really wanted to get it for me for Christmas, and now that its been delayed I have to come up with a new gift idea.

My main use for a tablet will be browsing the web from the comfort of my couch. I am leaning towards Android, I also have an HTC EVO 4G, so I figured the apps would be usable on both for the most part.

I figured since web browsing will be my main use that a tegra 3 quad core processor may be overboard, lol. Not saying I don't still like the prime, cause I do, but I would like to see what comparable alternatives there are. Plus I figure I can save a little on the price by not buying the top of the line, newest thing on the market.

So I know there are like a ton of choices out there. Help me narrow it down. Other possible uses for me is watching videos/movies, and some games, and whatever other general use people use tablets for lol.

A little more info, I had been considering a kindle fire after I heard about it, but then I heard the web browser is very laggy when scrolling, which since web browsing is my main use, I'd like the web browsing experience to be pretty good. Plus I am not a huge fan of how locked down the kindle is. I want to be able to install my android apps on my tablet.

While researching the fire, I came across the new nook tablet, which is comparable to the fire. I haven't heard too many complaints about the web browser, but I haven't heard people rave about it either. It's also locked down, but I know it has a lot of developer support behind it, and I am not afraid of rooting it if that will open it up to be more android tablet and less B&N Tablet. It's also one of the cheaper options at only $250. But is a 7 inch screen enough, thats one of my concerns.

I'm not opposed to an Ipad, but as I said earlier, I lean towards android since I already know how it works and already have a bunch of apps for it. Plus apple is a bit more expensive, and while I can get a 16GB Ipad2 for roughly the cost of the transformer prime, the prime would be a 32GB and have newer hardware. So its an option, but not at the top of my list.

The original Transformer is an option, but its still a pretty penny at clsoe to $400 bucks, for what is basically an outdated model. But it got good reviews for sure.

I don't know as much about the likes of the samsung galaxy, moto xoom, etc. So thats kind of why I am posting, are there other worthy competitors that I need to look into? Cheaper is better, best bang for the buck is good, but I am okay with paying as long as I get what I pay for.

Thanks and happy holidays.

And yes, I know this is a little late, what with Christmas right around the corner. So that kind of limits my options to places like Walmart, Best Buy, Microcenter...
 
I have a Transformer and really like it, but I got mine at $300, so it was easier to justify. At $400, I still think it's a great full-fledged tablet. The screen is very, very good; movies look great on it, both via Netflix and DVD rips. I've never had one complaint when it comes to browsing the web, either through the default browser or Dolphin HD Tab (or whatever it's called exactly). This has basically replaced my laptop, which I primarily used on the couch while watching tv; I wasn't sure it'd ever be able to do that, but it has (I have a desktop as my primary PC).
 
I had a Transformer & liked it but I also had the optional dock, for a pure tablet experience I prefer the Galaxy Tab 10.1, it's really slim & light, the screen is lovely & it's buttery smooth running gingerbread 3.2, it's also supposed to be getting ICS in the next couple of months.
 
Geekbabe said:
I had a Transformer & liked it but I also had the optional dock, for a pure tablet experience I prefer the Galaxy Tab 10.1, it's really slim & light, the screen is lovely & it's buttery smooth running gingerbread 3.2, it's also supposed to be getting ICS in the next couple of months.
Click to expand...

The Tab 10.1 runs 3.1, HoneyComb. Not Gingerbread and not 3.2. 😛 Its a nice tablet, no SD card slot though. Something to keep in mind.
 
Geekbabe said:
I had a Transformer & liked it but I also had the optional dock, for a pure tablet experience I prefer the Galaxy Tab 10.1, it's really slim & light, the screen is lovely & it's buttery smooth running gingerbread 3.2, it's also supposed to be getting ICS in the next couple of months.
Click to expand...

I think that the Transformer Prime is slimmer (and possibly lighter) and it has the best screen of any tablet available right now. Unless you're going to get something less expensive, there's no reason not to get a Transformer Prime, especially if you already prefer Android.
 
Galaxy 10.1 is very nice and a good browser. Like you i have 2 primes on pre order buy
Had to get the 10.1 for my daughter instead.

For myself i am waiting for the prime.
 
Bateluer said:
The Tab 10.1 runs 3.1, HoneyComb. Not Gingerbread and not 3.2. 😛 Its a nice tablet, no SD card slot though. Something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...

Duh I'm brain dead from work! you are correct, the GTab is running Honeycomb & not gingerbread but it is Honeycomb 3.2, I got the update a few weeks ago & it smoothed out a lot of things. transitions are much snappier IMHO.
 
What kind of videos/movies do you watch?

Reason I ask is one of the reasons I want a Prime is because it is the first 10 inch Android tablet with the power to play my pile of HD mkv files. The four cores, better GPU for games, and slimmer design are just icing on that cake for me.

If by watching movies you just mean the Netflix app just go get either the Galaxy Tab or the iPad 2 and enjoy.

If you did want to be able to play your own pile of mkvs either get the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus or just wait for the Prime. Nothing else on the market is suitable (ESPECIALLY nothing that is Tegra 2).
 
poofyhairguy said:
What kind of videos/movies do you watch?

Reason I ask is one of the reasons I want a Prime is because it is the first 10 inch Android tablet with the power to play my pile of HD mkv files. The four cores, better GPU for games, and slimmer design are just icing on that cake for me.

If by watching movies you just mean the Netflix app just go get either the Galaxy Tab or the iPad 2 and enjoy.

If you did want to be able to play your own pile of mkvs either get the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus or just wait for the Prime. Nothing else on the market is suitable (ESPECIALLY nothing that is Tegra 2).
Click to expand...

Well I was talking about netflix when I said watching videos. But more power is nice, lol
 
Honestly I still think the iPad 2 gives the most value in the segment.

It is the only tablet on the market guaranteed to get the next version of its OS, and it can meet most if not all of your needs.

You don't like the fact it has less memory, but the truth is that the iPad 2 still provides a nice hardware value for the money. Its GPU is more powerful than any tablet you can buy (including the Prime), which makes it pretty future-proof. It already has the thin design of the Prime, and it has the best app market.

The Galaxy Tab 10 is a close second, but the Tegra 2 SoC isn't anywhere near what the iPad has. If you read Anandtech's review of the Prime a point is made how the Tegra 3 generation finally had enough power to make Honeycomb feel responsive. I don't know how anyone in good conscience can recommend anything Tegra 2 in the mid-range segment given the Prime outshines those models so much.

Basically anything not an iPad 2 is a dinosaur when the Prime does hit. All other Android tablets (except the Tab 7 Plus I guess) are already obsolete.

They are a good value if you want a $300 tablet, but otherwise....

Now if you are willing to accept anything else is obsolete and you think to yourself "why not just get a $300 cheap Honeycomb Tab today, and then replace it with a $300 Prime equivalent next Christmas" then maybe you are on to something.
 
iPad 2, you won't regret it, a ton apps, a ton of 3rd party accessories, a customer satisifaction rate companies would kill for. Score a refurb from Apples online store, they're perfect, with a full warranty, and you can add Apple Care for a reduced price if you have any large corporation or educational institution.
 
Pliablemoose said:
iPad 2, you won't regret it, a ton apps, a ton of 3rd party accessories, a customer satisifaction rate companies would kill for. Score a refurb from Apples online store, they're perfect, with a full warranty, and you can add Apple Care for a reduced price if you have any large corporation or educational institution.
Click to expand...

But isn't the ipad3 set to launch in February?

And she wants to get it for me for christmas, so I don't think I can order online. I can get a 16GB wifi Ipad2 for 449.00 at microcenter though
 
poofyhairguy said:
What kind of videos/movies do you watch?

Reason I ask is one of the reasons I want a Prime is because it is the first 10 inch Android tablet with the power to play my pile of HD mkv files. The four cores, better GPU for games, and slimmer design are just icing on that cake for me.

If by watching movies you just mean the Netflix app just go get either the Galaxy Tab or the iPad 2 and enjoy.

If you did want to be able to play your own pile of mkvs either get the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus or just wait for the Prime. Nothing else on the market is suitable (ESPECIALLY nothing that is Tegra 2).
Click to expand...


Hmm, I just noticed I can get the samsung galaxy tab 7.0 plus for $299.99 at microcenter. Would you still choose an Ipad over it?
 
Just ordered transformer Prime off best buys website and says it will be at my doorstep on 12/27.. they must have received some shipments 😛
 
How much do you guys think a first Gen Transformer can sell for?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
 
Geekbabe said:
Duh I'm brain dead from work! you are correct, the GTab is running Honeycomb & not gingerbread but it is Honeycomb 3.2, I got the update a few weeks ago & it smoothed out a lot of things. transitions are much snappier IMHO.
Click to expand...

You sure it was a 3.2 update? Their site still lists 3.1 as the most current. When they pushed out the TouchWiz UX skin, they incorporated the improved drives from Nvidia. From the AT article on it.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4664/...ets-improved-gpu-performance-with-touchwiz-ux
 
Do you want 10" or 7" tablet? Only you can make that choice. ipad2 for $450 and gtab plus for $299... great price on both.
 
ponyo said:
Do you want 10" or 7" tablet? Only you can make that choice. ipad2 for $450 and gtab plus for $299... great price on both.
Click to expand...

Well the girlfriend is trying to convince me that the 7" is the bets size as its decent size but also portable. I'm just not sure how much i need the portability as my main use will be couch web browsing. But the samsung is also cheaper then the other 2 options, so it may hit that "bang for the buck" spot.


But I just remembered I have $100 bucks in best buy gift cards. So if they will price match the deal at microcenter, then use my gift cards. I could get a 16GB wifi ipad 2 for $350.00 plus tax
 
Here's a crazy truism, women like 7" tablets because they fit in a purse easily.

I find 7" tablets pretty limited, 1/2 the screen size, and the web is not optimized for a 7" touch screen. Not yet anyway.
 
Lol, you are right. Women love 7 inch tablets.

Last week I had a large graduation party at my place and when I busted out my mom's Fire that I have been working on every chick there fell in love with it.

It is not only the purse thing though. One woman (whose husband has a Xoom) said "finally a tablet I can hold with one hand!" I guess size isn't everything in that segment.

I LOVED my Nook Color for its 7 inch size for months. 7 inches is perfect for sneak in the bed reading. Eventually though I grew tired of its slowness and lack of screen real estate.

The advantage of the GTab Plus is no slowness, so it all comes down to if you personally like the size.
 
The one thing about hte galaxy tab 10.1 is (if i remember correctly) no sd slot. This might not matter for you but i find it useful for movies on my transformer.
 
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