Related
Transformer Prime Champagne Gold impressions
Well, as karma has it, I was able to get a 32GB Champagne Gold Transformer Prime, with the dock, last Friday and played with it over the weekend.
I was worried about many of the problems people were reporting and I was slightly afraid when starting up the device, I did not want to see bad light bleeds or dead pixels and so on. While the tablet itself ended up being perfect, I was still hit with a crippling bug of the keyboard dock not being able to be used for typing at all.
I found it almost ironic that I ended up with a serious flaw like that. I really thought that forums give a wrong impression about ASUS quality control, but reality is that it really is very, very bad. It is almost like gambling, chance that you'll get a functioning device without flaws that will annoy you from the very beginning, are very low.
I'll get the device replaced and essentially add to the pile of devices that are being returned to ASUS. But that aside, here are my impressions about the tablet, since I did use the tablet without the keyboard quite a bit.
Champagne Gold is absolutely beautiful in real life. It is a really attractive looking device, it's not as 'white' as Apple's aluminum devices are and is so much better for it with the slight golden gue making it look less clinical. Pictures don't do it justice, Champagne Gold Transformer Prime is the best looking tablet I've held in my hands.
The build is also very sturdy. I am glad I did not go for one of the plastic built tablets of yesteryear as I really love the feel of the tablet when I hold it. It is slightly heavier than I expected but only because I've never used tablets this extensively before.
Of course this design has its drawbacks, such as very weak GPS, but I tend to use my phone for GPS due to assisted GPS from cell towers, which is just much quicker. As for WiFi issues, I did not notice any, but I also did not run any speed tests. I mostly make the tablet use my phone as source of internet and it didn't have any problems doing so.
The first bootup ran Honeycomb and I immediately noticed that it simply did not run smoothly despite quad-core processing power driving it. But I liked the screen and after wiping the screen properly, touch responsiveness was good.
A mere 15 minutes later the device had updated itself to Android 4.0 and I had no stutter or lag issues anymore when moving around the menus or using the browser.
The screen is really beautiful and bright with good contrast. And the external sound is better than I expected. I watched the new 30 Rock episode with girlfriend on a couch and it was a nice experience, much better than trying to hold a laptop comfortably while watching a show. MX video player works very well on Prime, I watched Boardwalk Empire on my way back home on a train and it is a great device for extended viewing. It is amazing how much more natural it feels to watch series or movies on a tablet device like this as opposed to laptop.
Most apps seem to run quite well on Prime. But Android has its drawbacks on tablets, a lot of really great looking games do not have HD versions, making them look less attractive on the screen. Some of my favorites such as truly amazing World of Goo and Cut the Rope worked well on Prime, but their beautiful art was stretched to full screen, making the games look less magical than they felt when I was playing them on my Galaxy Nexus phone (which has a similar resolution to Prime, but far smaller screen).
I tried to use my tablet as a netbook, but without working keyboard I coould not really give it as much of a go as I hoped. But browsing around in the internet was fast and smooth and I really like Android for a tablet OS.
Battery lasted less than I hoped, but I cannot say it was bad since I did not charge it enough times for it to live up to its full potential. But I did not have to charge it while I was using, so it did not cause any battery stress.
I also liked that ASUS does not enforce its things on the user. Majority of pre-installed apps can be disabled and ASUS own enhancements are good for the device. They did not add anything that felt like bloatware.
As for the screen, yes it is certainly a fingerprint magnet. It does not bother me until I start watching a movie or whatnot. Makes me feel like I should clean it up because it simply is dirty (even when hands are less oily and have recently been washed).
Is this the best tablet I have ever used? Not really, iPad 2 is still a better media and content consumption device and I find Prime a much less comfortable to use when held in portrait mode as opposed to iPad 2 (but of course widescreen videos are much better on Prime as a result). But I can really see how the keyboard dock can enhance the Prime experience enough for me to never consider iPad 3, even if it comes out with HD screen and even better battery life.
I should also make additional note about the keyboard dock. I don't find the build of the keyboard dock to be as good as I hoped, it angles up really awkwardly on the Prime when screen is lifted, the back hinge is basically the thing it starts 'resting' on and differently from the rubber it rests on in front of the dock, the back rests on plastic knob-thingies, which have less grip. So on a less sturdy surface or when typing, the device is prone to move a lot more than you'd expect.
To sum things up, ASUS did a good job at everything except quality control and body design for GPS. If it had 3G, better WiFi and functioning GPS I would easily grade it the best tablet ever, but right now I don't see iPad 2 being actually dethroned before the end of this year where Google's rumoured tablet and possibly another Transformer can really kick things up a notch.
2012 is the year of 4G and HD screens on tablets, but I must say I did not really think Prime needs a HD screen. It is not because it would not look more beautiful - it would and I can easily see pixels when reading the web on Prime - but I just think that Android market won't catch up to HD apps before 2013. Today most apps look stretched and the apps that don't, do not seem to need HD anyway.
But yes, a wonderful device, just make sure to not throw away the box and other items so you can quickly refund, since chance has it that it might come with a hardware flaw or two.
Nice well written review.
Got it exchanged and keyboard works now! By the way, those wishing to buy it in Estonia, it seems to be sold downtown in both Euronics and Klick stores. Can't be bought online yet and seems to be only the champagne gold 32gb model.
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
I'm with you with the Champagne Gold color.
The photos online do not give justice to the Champagne Gold color as it is absolutely beautiful in real life.
The Gold hue does not overpower the Aluminum Color and has a rather subtle hint to it.
Excellent review. A good model for all to follow!
My "purplish" grey one is to arrive tomorrow....wish I could have ordered the champagne colour. I'll probably end up putting a skinomi skin on the back as I'm not really into the purple tones...plus, I heard the aluminum scratches easily.
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
wynand32 said:
I'm using a Champagne Prime mated with a Gray dock. I actually like the look better than a matched set. Something to think about if you can't find a Champagne dock...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you post some pics?
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
oasis9389 said:
i haven't read the full review... but you found a gold dock in stores? or online? where? i didn't even think it existed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ASUS is selling 32GB Champagne Gold TF201's in Estonia, it's the EU version (tablet and dock in one). And it is also localized, with local adapter and US keyboard that has russian letters in the corner (we also have a large number of russians living here).
irishtexmex said:
+1. Where is this mythical gold dock? Surely not the one I've had on BB preorder since late November? lol <bangs head into wall>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems that ASUS did not just do a UK launch, it was an EU launch and a lot of tablets are being sold in various countries, often without advertisements. Here we have Champagne Gold one, sold 2-in-1, dock and tablet. I haven't seen Amethyst Grey being sold anywhere here (and we seem to have two chains selling TF201's without ads at the moment).
It just shows how little this tablet is really known outside these forums and tech world. People don't know about it. Stores don't even know that they have the hottest Android tablet on their shelves.
clouds5 said:
Thx for the review man
On thing i want to add though: You have to compare the transformer prime to the ipad2 wifi only. If you want to compare it at all. And that device has no gps module at all, so a more or less working gps is still better than none at all.
But those comparisons are fundamentally flawed imho. I buy a device because of its features. iPad and TP offer very different things which results in the situation that there are fans of one device (because it has everything they wish for) and fans of the other one debating which one is better...
In the end there is only "whats better for you" and never "whats better for everyone". For me its clearly the Prime.
Dude i get carried away again. My Prime shall arrive! NOW!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, true, but it is worth a comparison simply because you would not own a Prime and an iPad 2 together, they overlap in functionality. I will still recommend iPad 2 to anyone who is not a tech person as I believe that today it is a better device for content consumption and don't believe Android will catch up in app-market with HD apps and experience at least until 2013.
I am really neutral in that opinion here, I own an Android 4.0 phone and tablet now, I love Android. But today iPad 2 is a better tablet for an average person even if you don't consider GPS, WiFi quality or 3G existence important.
I would not buy Android for my grandparents, if I had to choose I would buy them iPad 2.
But anyways, I love it. Those of us who know tech and prefer Android, this is a brilliant device if your device does not have issues resulted from bad quality control.
Conduitz said:
Just as an FYI, your prime screen is capable of 720p hd video playback, just not 1080p. still HD, just not the best HD. Great review though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the correction.
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Think you might struggle to use this as a laptop replacement - depending on what you use your laptop for.
Yes, it's called tethering - setting your phone up as a wifi hotspot then connecting your tablet to it. No bluetooth needed. However, some Prime users report issues with this since the ICS update.
And more opinions!
I've had the chance to use the keyboard dock for a while, as well as test out a variety of apps. Some apps are much better in HD on a tablet, this surprised me quite a bit. For example IMDB app is really good on tablet and gMail (and really, all Google apps) is very high quality.
Apps run quickly and without problems. I also haven't noticed any problems with the tablet I got for exchange, no dead pixels. There's faint backlight bleed near one corner but I can not notice it while using a tablet unless brightness setting is too high and screen itself full of black colors.
As for the keyboard. I really love that it is Android focused keyboard. The keys make sense and are intuitive. It really is the first time I've felt comfortable with a keyboard that is similar to old school Windows keyboards, while never making me feel like it is one of those 'modified' PC keyboards. The top row buttons are all very useful, there are no bloated keys.
At first I wished there was 'recent apps' key, but there isn't. Alt+Tab does exist, but since there is no Alt key on the left hand side of the keyboard, you have to use two hands for it (I always Alt+Tab with left hand on my PC). So that's a bit annoying.
Keyboard itself is comfortable to write on if you've used smaller netbooks before. It takes a short time getting used to since at first you expect keys to be further apart, but adjustment does not take long. Feel of the keys is really good and they are well built, I like that spacebar, while long, goes down on both sides if you only press on one side. While it seems simple and does not look as expensive as Macbook Air keyboard, it feels really well built.
The dock also protects the tablet really well. The keys are not elevated on the dock, so they don't touch or get close to tablet screen and leave marks of any kind on the screen in the long run (this happened with my nice Compaq netbook 311C that had a beautiful LED screen that just looked worn thanks to keyboard after a while). Dock is also separated from the tablet with little rubber knobs
The touchpad is basically pointless, I am not sure why it is even needed, but I like that it is there in case I ever would need it. Using screen touch is simply faster, since apps are usually built keeping that in mind. Touchpad is just slower in comparison. I did however find it helpful when writing a lot of text and needing to correct something. It is also great that you can turn the touchpad off so it doesn't activate by accident while you are typing.
Certain apps are also less-keyboard friendly. While typing is supported all around, certain apps are less friendly when it comes to common usability features such as tab key changing selected input field (like going from username to password). You cannot really use the tablet without resorting to touching the screen every now and then, but I must admit that it is better than I originally expected. I actually like having the keyboard on, since on-screen keyboard is really something I don't like to resort to.
I did notice that capacitive pens are not very good on Transformer Prime screen. I have cleaned the screen very well, but capacitive pens are not sensed unless brushing them more noticably against the screen. The pen is a high quality one originally built for iPad 2 by Bamboo, worlds leading company when it comes to graphic tablets. I guess the non-air-pad type capacitive pens would work better though.
For some other things that are not as perfect as they could be, there is a very tiny amount of lag in the system at times when using the keyboard. It is certainly not as responsive as a keyboard should be if you, say, played competitive first person shooter games. But it doesn't really annoy and some apps are better than others at it. This will possibly improve even further with newer Android or firmware updates since it is not a hardware issue at all.
One thing I can tell you though is that TF201 makes quite an impression. I've shown it to two friends and the dock really makes the tablet. It takes away one of the most uncomfortable things about tablets - typing on that awkward screen - as well as offers natural protection without needing a case to protect the screen. Two of my friends who played with it were very impressed. If there's an Android device to wow people who only really know about iPad, it is not good to show the tablet without the dock - since it is just too similar - but the dock helps it really set it apart.
vitalero said:
I am about to order one, so how is it compared to a laptop? i wanna sell my laptop and use Prime all the time insted, btw how did you use you phones internet? thats called tethering? or some bluetooth function ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When using it as a replacement for a netbook, the device works really well. But one has to keep in mind that it is a content-consumption device. You can draw sketches here or write essays, but it is really something that you should consider as a replacement for netbook if you mostly watch movies or surf the internet on your netbook. You are still faster with a netbook if you need to do more intensive work.
But pay attention that I said 'netbook', not laptop. Laptop is still a better device, if you don't have a desktop PC, then I suggest keeping laptop around, since at times it is simply needed to 'create' more than consume. You cannot develop on Android, really edit videos or photoshop pictures or do extensive office work.
When it comes to sharing the internet then yes, I have an unlimited data plan on my phone so I can easily tether my 3G connection. It is not as fast as tablet itself having a 3G, but it is still quite good. I don't stream videos on my tablet usually or if I do, I have a better WiFi connection somewhere. For on-the-go use, it works really well.
-
Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
Why was this thread moved to 'accessories'?
kristovaher said:
Some people also requested I post a picture of the dock that has Russian letters. It is a US dock, but if you select Russian as Android language, you can easily use the dock as well, since it shows where the letters are located. For Estonians (if any of you are out there), there is no Estonian layout supported sadly and from what I was told, there won't be one. Contents of the TF201 box however are Estonian, it has Estonian manual and everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
EugeneR said:
Thanks for this info. But I have a question, sorry my stupidity. What does "it shows where the letters are located" mean? There is no secondary letter set on a US keyboard dock (you said it is a US dock). And the only way in my opinion is - to have a Russian phonetic layout added to ASUS keyboard, so it will be possible to use US dock and type in Russian for those do not remember by heart location of Russian "QWERTY" layout ("ЙЦУКЕН"). I am looking desperately for this possibility - with Russian phonetic layout for ASUS keyboard life will be perfect . I can type Russian using on-screen keyboard but this is not nice when using dock. If you have any info about this - it will be very helpful.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the keyboard dock picture he attached you can see the actual Russian phonetic layout on the buttons, so it's not exactly the US dock, but like a US dock with Russian phonetic layout added to the buttons.
Someone is offering me $450 for my Transformer Prime with the Keyboard dock. I am tempted to accept it, and wait for the prime or another tablet.
My problem with my tablet are the very weak wifi connection (for example, I cannot play HD videos on my TP whereas my EVO 4G plays the same videos with no problem at all, 3mb download while my computer gets 12mb), the lack of GPS connectivity (I have never been able to view a single satellite using GPS test), and I hate that ASUS chose to put only one speaker, which makes listening not really pleasant.
Do you think I should accept it or should I hope that ASUS will find a way to amke things better on the TP?
I don't know what kind of issues you have had, but I guess the question is do they make the tablet unusable for you, or do they just irritate you because you paid a premium for a high end tablet and (quite rightfully) expect it to work as advertised ? I ordered my Prime back in December, Amazon was out of stock and I had to wait, during the wait I read up on all the issues and seriously considered cancelling my order, but decided to give it a chance, Amazon's no hassle return policy helped a lot in this regard. I'm glad I decided to give it a whirl because the Prime meets my needs and is going to allow me to lighten up the gadget load while travelling, by replacing one of my laptops, my Kindle and potentially my iPod.
I have had my Prime for all of 8 days and so far I am pleased. The thing OTA'd itself to Sammich and presumably applied the wi-fi and GPS patches at that time. From what I have seen the wi-fi range isn't stunning, but it's more than adequate. The Wi-Fi King at my house is my little Toshiba NB201, it out ranges every other device we have in the place and it typically runs 3-8 db stronger than the Prime. But the Prime is right there with my iPod Touch, and seems a bit stronger than my wife's Toshiba laptop. GPS is so so, and that's not a real issue for me, but it'll lock up pretty quickly outside, and within 30 seconds in the house. I can't complain much about that. I have seen some of the other issues that people complain about, the browser was pretty dodgy for a couple of days after the Sammich update, I also noticed screen flicker after playing Spirit off the Market, but both those issues appear to have either fixed themselves, or the Prime pulled a fast one and updated without telling me. Either way they are fixed. I'd be hard pressed to take a $250-$350 hit unless the tablet was just unusable for my intended purpose. I hope this helps and good luck with your Prime, if you keep it make sure you hold Asus feet to the fire to get it fixed.
tablet and keyboard for $450 and you still thinking about it. Even if you don't want to keep it you can make profit out of it
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Yep, I'd buy it off of you for that too. Why don't you throw in a SquareTrade warranty in and make this a perfect deal?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
I was considering accepting because I am right now disappointed by the fact that I cannot watch HD videos on the net and, frankly, if a device is wifi only, the wifi connection should not suffer any weakness, and in my case, it makes me feel I have a useless device if I cannot do my favorite things on it. Also the fact that ASUS is releasing a new version of the transformer with a different back plate makes me think they now there is a problem with the current device and they are not able to fix it. But on second thought, I will keep it and hope ASUS does something to improve my experience.
Wendemixda said:
I was considering accepting because I am right now disappointed by the fact that I cannot watch HD videos on the net and, frankly, if a device is wifi only, the wifi connection should not suffer any weakness, and in my case, it makes me feel I have a useless device if I cannot do my favorite things on it. Also the fact that ASUS is releasing a new version of the transformer with a different back plate makes me think they now there is a problem with the current device and they are not able to fix it. But on second thought, I will keep it and hope ASUS does something to improve my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol the TF700 is just hteir "next" product that won't be out until the summer. People have also proved that hte case isn't what caused the issue. It's a bad connection to the antennas.
That said, the tablet plus dock cost $650. Are you saying you'd accept $200 less than what it costs???
nhshah7 said:
Lol the TF700 is just hteir "next" product that won't be out until the summer. People have also proved that hte case isn't what caused the issue. It's a bad connection to the antennas.
That said, the tablet plus dock cost $650. Are you saying you'd accept $200 less than what it costs???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone would have to be a fool to accept that kind of loss....lmfao device still brand new...
Hello everyones!
please help me to find my tablet to buy!!
I'm very very interested with Asus Transformer Prime , but there is some really question about this tablet that really scary!!!
1. how is asus support?? you know , for example samsung is one the best manufacture in the world but it really don't care enough about its costumers, especially in electronics , on the other hand , Apple have very very good support (you can receive update for 3GS even!!!) and its Ipad.
I don't want to buy something that its age over after 6 month!!!
And I don't agree with apple policy on so many things!!!!!
so I want go for asus , but please help me without any preconception!
do you think asus will support its tablet??
2. how is the quality and quantity of programs and games of android for tablets??
it is really important for me!
and i mean now , not 1 year or 6 month latter!!!!
so please help me!
I want Tablet especially for reading and surfing on Internet , so are you recommend This tablet?
especially for reading!
is it support every common formats??
how is reading on that??
thank you so much!
Id highly recommend getting this tablet, i got mine a few weeks ago and i love it. if you do get it, get it with the dock. battery life is amazing on it. i was playing with the tablet non stop for 2 hours last night and it went down to 86% and some of that was gaming.
Android has so so so many apps, seriously there is more than 1 app for everything, you wont be disappointed. i was slightly unsure about making the move to android once and im so glad i did, its a fantastic experience!
Asus support i think is fine, there have been issues with the tablet which they openly admit and seem to be working to fix. ive personally not had any issues with my tablet. Only thing if you start messing with the software they will cancel the warranty..
its great for surfing the web, i tend to use it in portrait mode, the tablet is nice and light to hold, doesnt get hot, screen is fantastic to read.
there is a new transformer coming out towards the end of this year TF700 basically the same as this one, some fixes for wifi by using a plastic strip (i think looks horrible) and a HD screen. The res of this screen is fine for me, higher res screen = worse battery life.
Ive just started getting into reading ebooks on it and its find for that, even sitting in direct sunlight, in outdoor mode you can read no problem.
I did have a couple of issues LCD mura (bright spot on the screen) on 2 tablets, on my 3rd and its fine. so if you get one first thing inspect the screen fully. Amazon were fantastic at taking back the others..
so to sum up, im so glad i got the tablet.
hope this helps!
Just today a blurb on engadget really hit home with me, he describes the prime experience perfectly.... amazing device but just don't trust it:
The ASUS Transformer Prime is one of those "time machine" devices. You know, the kinds of gadgets you'd love to travel with into the past simply to blow people's primitive minds. I think about that every time a new generation of video game consoles debuts and I'm sure millions would love to take an iPhone back 20 years. With the Prime, I remember being amazed way back in 2011 that such processing power could be shoehorned into a thin, metal tablet. The combination of an optional keyboard, super-bright screen and NVIDIA-powered gaming was simply too much for me to pass up.
It's been seven months, and much of that initial amazement still remains. After playing games like Grand Theft Auto III and the Tegra 3-enhanced Shadowgun, I'm convinced we tech enthusiasts live in an exciting time. Yet for all its technical prowess and flexibility, something's always nagged me about the TF Prime. I just don't trust it. Apps can randomly crash and the OS doesn't always respond to my inputs with the speed I'd expect of a quad-core device. Some apps also don't respond well if I attach the keyboard dock during use (e.g., mistaking a space bar press and an Enter key command). In those cases, I have to close down the app, attached the dock and then restart whatever program I was using. I generally avoid doing anything hugely important or time-sensitive on my Prime for fear that something will crash at the worst possible moment.
That lack of trust significantly diminishes its usefulness as a work companion, but I have few complaints about the Prime as a purely recreational device. Movies look great, the screen remains usable outdoors (in Super IPS+ mode) and the fact that I can plug in a wired Xbox controller to the keyboard dock is icing on the cake. So, no, it's not the perfect, all-in-one device I was hoping for, but the Transformer Prime remains hugely impressive. I'd still take it back in time with me and amaze our ancestor with my quirky, but fun, transforming buddy.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/24/...atim-dual-usb-power-pack-v-moda-crossfade-LP/
Again, this is not to insight another prime bashing session, this tells you why the device is so awesome-- but also relates some of the shortcomings that it has. I always intended to use the prime for companies as a replacement for a thin client-- and alternative to an ipad for those many users that want a tablet with some utility but the prime never lived up to that... trying to see what I can do with the infinity now...
jordanmw said:
Just today a blurb on engadget really hit home with me, he describes the prime experience perfectly.... amazing device but just don't trust it:
The ASUS Transformer Prime is one of those "time machine" devices. You know, the kinds of gadgets you'd love to travel with into the past simply to blow people's primitive minds. I think about that every time a new generation of video game consoles debuts and I'm sure millions would love to take an iPhone back 20 years. With the Prime, I remember being amazed way back in 2011 that such processing power could be shoehorned into a thin, metal tablet. The combination of an optional keyboard, super-bright screen and NVIDIA-powered gaming was simply too much for me to pass up.
It's been seven months, and much of that initial amazement still remains. After playing games like Grand Theft Auto III and the Tegra 3-enhanced Shadowgun, I'm convinced we tech enthusiasts live in an exciting time. Yet for all its technical prowess and flexibility, something's always nagged me about the TF Prime. I just don't trust it. Apps can randomly crash and the OS doesn't always respond to my inputs with the speed I'd expect of a quad-core device. Some apps also don't respond well if I attach the keyboard dock during use (e.g., mistaking a space bar press and an Enter key command). In those cases, I have to close down the app, attached the dock and then restart whatever program I was using. I generally avoid doing anything hugely important or time-sensitive on my Prime for fear that something will crash at the worst possible moment.
That lack of trust significantly diminishes its usefulness as a work companion, but I have few complaints about the Prime as a purely recreational device. Movies look great, the screen remains usable outdoors (in Super IPS+ mode) and the fact that I can plug in a wired Xbox controller to the keyboard dock is icing on the cake. So, no, it's not the perfect, all-in-one device I was hoping for, but the Transformer Prime remains hugely impressive. I'd still take it back in time with me and amaze our ancestor with my quirky, but fun, transforming buddy.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/24/...atim-dual-usb-power-pack-v-moda-crossfade-LP/
Again, this is not to insight another prime bashing session, this tells you why the device is so awesome-- but also relates some of the shortcomings that it has. I always intended to use the prime for companies as a replacement for a thin client-- and alternative to an ipad for those many users that want a tablet with some utility but the prime never lived up to that... trying to see what I can do with the infinity now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And i thought it was only me that thought about "Time Machine" devices !!!
superb take on a prime i agree, but i still feel we have more to come from it. I still havnt unlocked mine yet ... and i have been sooooooooo close a number of times. I dont think its the prime per say, but rather android though ... its just not as advanced as it should be... that can be said for the apps available too though, nothing is properly geared for a tablet yet, its come on leaps in the past few years but still not where it should be.
Personally i really hope JB fixes a few of the issues with speed etc... but as soon as lilstevies Ubuntu is released, i'll be on it ASAP!
Sums up the prime perfectly! Cheers for posting this. Hope you're prepared for the tfp hate flames that should start arriving soon...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
i know what you mean..
i love my prime , playing with it, tweaking etc.
but its just not stable enough for serious stuff. i remember some months ago , i went to TechED and needed a device to make notes and stuff... decided to leave the prime at home and used my sgs3 instead... cant have a crashing device screwing up my unsaved work!
However , since im running Jellybean this is a complete different story! ran cm10 unofficial and atm. baked blackbean. WOW! finally i am completely happy with this thing. havent seen a single reboot/crash ever since! and stuff will be even better when asus releases their new kernel sources.
there are still small lockups every now and then on I/O operations but they dont bother me anymore.
conclusion: asus completely failed on ICS builds. from tf101 up till tf700: unstable, slow and buggy!
even on aosp roms it was not stable... kernel issus or something?
but i dont care anymore. tomorrow im going for a holiday and will take my shiny buddy with me. trusting that it wont fail on me . playing games in the sun with a large coctail at my side :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Got the infinity, I admit android needs some polish but it can be viable, just needs some tweaking... helps to start with a better device with less issues. I know the infinity has some issues also but nothing like the prime and now I am on a device that asus has not abandon.... yet
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda premium
A great take on the prime! With some tweaking the prime can be perfect - apart from wifi/gps I guess.
Yet another post to thank OP.... perfect description of prime
I also bought it for on the road use with the keyboard, spending countless hours away from office in nearby European countries, running company and coordinating my guys (in real time)... had original transformer 101 with keyboard before and was sold on the system and practical use, but the TF101 was soooooo slow it was like waiting for paint to dry, but at least when the paint was dry it didn't flake off or discolour.... the prime dries the paint a lot quicker but yep, we all know, you just don't know what is gonna happen during the dying/ curing process or shortly thereafter...
I sold my TF101 to a rival/colleague who was an android newbie and he is now continually thanking me and telling me how wonderful it all is.... I, in the meantime, have forsaken the prime and had to go back to my Google I/O Samsung without keyboard to be sure that nothing gets fcuked up or lost whilst working all the time on the road
Windows 8 tab with keyboard, outlook etc just seems more and more like the work solution I need when it arrives and the sexy gorgeous transformer prime will be relegated to gaming personal use and wow factor for its looks.... such a shame!!
Would love to time machine one back to start of 20th century along with one of those digital watch thingies that along with time shows ambient temperature, pulse rate, altitude, barometric pressure and the rest, "invent" the tech to fabricate the chips etc then retire as world's richest man and use my wealth to search out Steve Job's ancestors to ensure that he never happened and protect the world from the rise of the fruit company and its lawsuits
I'm off to stare through the "rectangular glass panel" whilst crunching through a "green/red fruit that is plucked from trees in orchards " and stare at the mountains.... sorry can't use the shorter words as some people have apparently exclusive rights to them
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
I'm thinking about getting a tablet for about 300 bucks, I dont want to really spend much more than that. Do you guys suggest the Prime or the TF300? Is there any other I should look at for this price range that have a quad core w/ microsd and hdmi? I was looking at maybe the refurbs on newegg, does anyone have experience with their refurbs? Thanks for any suggestions.
Don't buy another Asus
Sent from my ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
I honestly wouldn't recommend it, I'd say the least to go for a Nexus 7. This thread doesn't necessarily need to be a other long winded rant about the dreadful i/o speeds that creates lag coupled with the horrible wifi problems that come along with the aluminium back cover which can be solved using a stretch of aluminium foil pasted on your prime. Buttttttt! If typing is your kind of thing the Transformer series as a whole does seem to be the best package although there are other alternatives like a N7 or your phone coupled with a blue tooth keyboard
Honestly the Transformer Prime is a damn good tablet....if you get one of the later versions where Asus 'fixed' a few things. My WiFi isn't terrible. I can get nearly full bars all around my house which is decently sized with an excessive amount of walls. I even get service through the wet-wall (the one with all the pipes for the toilets and such) and 2 other normal walls. I/O isn't truly terrible if you don't use stock kernels. Asus fudged an amazingly powerful tablet. People that use my Prime always say "I can see why you paid $500 for that thing. It's AWESOME!". But it's up to you man. The N7 is great but has it's issues too (maybe Asus fudged another tab? who knows).
Well.. Not to say that everyone is having a bad experience with the Prime but if you're going to make a purchase, no one can say for sure what you're in stall for
McJesus15 said:
Honestly the Transformer Prime is a damn good tablet....if you get one of the later versions where Asus 'fixed' a few things. My WiFi isn't terrible. I can get nearly full bars all around my house which is decently sized with an excessive amount of walls. I even get service through the wet-wall (the one with all the pipes for the toilets and such) and 2 other normal walls. I/O isn't truly terrible if you don't use stock kernels. Asus fudged an amazingly powerful tablet. People that use my Prime always say "I can see why you paid $500 for that thing. It's AWESOME!". But it's up to you man. The N7 is great but has it's issues too (maybe Asus fudged another tab? who knows).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good assessment. I have an early S/N Prime (STOCK - NOT ROOTED or UNLOCKED) and it still WOW's people who play with it. Mine has decent WiFi, I can stream music from my house to my detached garage (about 40 feet from the house) with no problems. Every device will have problems; it's just the nature of the technology right now. My wife's iPad has had some issues connecting and staying connected to our network at home (old Linksys router) so maybe a lot of WiFi problems people reported right after the Primes launch was due to older wireless routers being used. Is the Prime perfect? No but it is still one of the fastest tablets so far. I received the dock this Christmas and it truly "TRANSFORMS" the whole user experience. I'm not a big fan of touchscreen keyboards so the dock was a must when I was considering a device like this. Plus the extra battery, full size USB port and full size SD card port on the keyboard set the Asus Transformer line apart from the competition IMHO. I recommend the Prime all the time.
I have to ask, aren't the nexus 7s made by Asus? I don't quite understand why you'd tell someone not to buy a prime because Asus sucks and then suggest to buy a nexus 7 if they are both manufactured by Asus.
I have had my prime since Christmas. I bought it used on swappa and at first was not impressed as it came with CM10 and on ics firmware. I did the nvflash and updated it to jellybean and loaded hairybean. I absolutely love this thing. It's fast, responsive, and all around not what people complain about on here. Did I just get a good one? Am I not as picky as other people? I don't understand what the problem is. I guess it could be worse, you could have bought a Samsung galaxy tab and not had a sd slot or jellybean. The prime blows it out of the water. I have also done side by side with ipad2 and the prime out performs it as well.
End rant. Just my 2 cents.