Best Buy Local In-store / online ordering post 12/14 - Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

I'm starting to see that the possibility to in-store purchase this product or arrange a pre-order for future shipment is becoming a lost cause.
For me I had to wait until I 3 weeks for the arrival of my new debit card from a bank I set up on Black Friday to come before I could do any pre-ordering for the Transformer Prime, a tablet I laid my eyes on shortly after experiencing a blackeye on Friday getting burned by Best Buy when they're ****ty Telecheck service declined my personal check for the Door Buster $249 Eee Pad Transformer and $200 SHARP 1080p HDTV. By the time I received my new a debit card I noticed that Best Buy had taken away the pre-order option off BestBuy.com and replaced it with a 'Coming Soon' picture and there was news pouring from the country up north of supply shortage due to faulty units.
I still thought my luck would turn and that I still might be able to get one from the nearby store on the Prime's launch date but the tech gossip news of recall and defects seem to only got worsen as the official US retailer launch date of the prime approached yet the folks at the local Best Buy retailer were still confident when I called-in, they say that they were still getting their shipment by midnight of 12/19. Yet when the 19th came and passed their story changed to unsure, uncertainty, some stating that Asus was pulling recalling their shipment orders.
Today I decided to pop-in instead of calling (which they rarely answer) the Best Buy in my area, I decided to go in and speak with someone directly which is here at the Best Buy in Greenwood, IN.
When asked about the availability of the Prime and it's accessories the retail clerk to my disbelief, pretty much used the same system I've been using all this time: BestBuy.com as I heard him mumble the "coming soon" message.
I asked if they had received any shipment of the Prime since it's release, he said they haven't.
Now that's pretty sad. I already know none of the Gamestop's in my area don't have it either, it was this past weekend I asked a Gamestop clerk about the Transformer Prime and he gave me a blank stare and said "What is that?"
At this point I'm thinking of crossing off Best Buy as my retailer for the Prime and will have to start looking else where, but hey maybe someone else here had better luck with in-store purchase from Best Buy for the Prime. Please share your experience.

Related

Prime Canadian Pre order thread

Fellow Canadians!
Other than best buy, futureshop and Staples, are there any other pre order sites?
I have a champagne transformer pre ordered from staples, as they were the only local retailer that had that color code for pre-order, however I noticed that they have pulled that sku from their website entirely. Not sure what that means but when I called Staples to find out they said that it was a possibility that only a certain number of that color code were available.
I did ask about estimated shipping and the rep had told me it is still slated of the week of Dec 12. So hopefully everything goes through without a hitch.
Has anyone else had this issue at all?
The only two other two places I know you can preorder is ncix.com and memoryexpress.com. Both of those places have the champagne version as well which is why I ordered mine from memory express.
I am just hoping mine gets in before the 21st because I ordered mine in calgary and won't be flying there until the 21st (figured I would save some taxes and not ruin my finals studying with a new toy!).
My last email from Best Buy Canada said the release date was Dec 5, but other than that, no word. I wonder if we are really getting it early here in Canada vs. the US.
Is it just me or are there NO 64gb pre-orders anywhere in Canada? Best Buy, Future Shop, Staples, ect. No one has a 64gb up for pre-order! I'd rather pick it up than get it shipped, btw.
SwissyChief said:
Is it just me or are there NO 64gb pre-orders anywhere in Canada? Best Buy, Future Shop, Staples, ect. No one has a 64gb up for pre-order! I'd rather pick it up than get it shipped, btw.
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Memory express and NCIX have 64gig versions. Although the fact those other big guys don't have it doesn't leave me with confidence that those two will actually be getting them at the same time as the 32gig versions. I am even a bit scared my champagne unit will be late as well since its just those 2 that have it.
Memory Express had 64GB TFs available for preorder in both grey and gold, last time I checked.
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Would have like to have ordered from Futureshop but they don't deliver in Quebec because of language laws so I ordered from NCIX. I ordered the original TF from them and got it the second week it came out. Another bonus is I only pay GST and shipping is fairly reasonable. I also ordered from Amazon.ca but I have a feeling I wont get it this month. I'll be canceling the other order once the first one comes in.
Sorry if this is already known but I just got a call from MemoryExpress in Edmonton, AB to change my pre-order because they claim to have received an e-mail from ASUS Canada stating that the only model available in Canada will be the 32GB Amethyst Gray. I asked for confirmation that that would mean NO 64GB and NO gold colour whatsoever and the sales associate said that is what the e-mail said. I asked about any release date info and they said the tablet would arrive in "the next couple weeks" but the dock would be "3-4 weeks away." Take that with a grain of salt though as I don't believe the release date info came directly from ASUS.
RezaREX said:
Sorry if this is already known but I just got a call from MemoryExpress in Edmonton, AB to change my pre-order because they claim to have received an e-mail from ASUS Canada stating that the only model available in Canada will be the 32GB Amethyst Gray. I asked for confirmation that that would mean NO 64GB and NO gold colour whatsoever and the sales associate said that is what the e-mail said. I asked about any release date info and they said the tablet would arrive in "the next couple weeks" but the dock would be "3-4 weeks away." Take that with a grain of salt though as I don't believe the release date info came directly from ASUS.
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dang. I emailed them to ask about it and they emailed back saying they have some info and if I could call them which I figure is bad news. I had an order for champagne gold and mentioned in this thread how I was worried it wouldn't be coming. I gave them my number so we will see if they call me and what they say.
I just pre ordered mine from Amazon.ca says Dec 16th
Well memory express called and said that the only unit they will be getting in is the 32gig grey and the dock. Said that asus said they guess that the champagne gold version will be released sometime in February. Pretty disappointed as I was really starting to like the look of the gold! Ah well as long as they actually get them in around christmas!
Appreciated that they took the time to call me about the order though, the guy at memory express was nice and explained how pissed they were at asus.
I just did NCIX in Vancouver.. no date.. but better then Amazon.ca dating it AFTER jan 31st...
BestBuy Canada Release Date
BB Canada is showing my pre-order with a December 22nd release date.
Asus 10.1" 32GB Eee Pad Transformer Prime Tablet With Wi-Fi
Item Status: Pre-Order
Release Date: 12/22/2011
In the GTA here... Online shows bestbuy, staples and even futureshop not having any stock!
First off I really would have liked to buy it in store instead of online. Do you think there is a chance that any store would have this available before Xmas (in store that is)?
"So what you want me do 'bout that?"
Yeah mine is all over the place too:
Shipment 1
Scheduled forGround Delivery
Estimated Arrival: 11/26-12/09/2011
Asus 10.1" 32GB Eee Pad Transformer Prime Tablet With Wi-Fi
Item Status: Pre-Order
Release Date: 12/22/2011
Weird.. who knows.. I lost my amazon order so I just would like to get one. haha
Anyone know when it will be available in stores?
December or January stick with thos months and you will be fine
No 64GB... This just sucks. No wonder Best Buy wasn't getting back to me on when they'd be getting that model. REALLY disappointed.
My future shop order has changed from release date on the 5th of December to the 22nd of December today. Was anyone else able to choose any other shipping method other than regular old ground? doesn't look too promising to get it before christmas.

With 12/19 being the Official US retailer launch of the Prime

Is anybody here doing the in-store purchase over pre-order?
I checked the retailers in my area and they said they should be receiving the Transformer Primes by Monday night.
Oh I can't wait, I got enough to get the tablet and the dock keyboard.
Hmm, in which area and which retail store? Best Buy perhaps? I missed out on pre-order from other stores after Amazon cancelled mine from their backorder. This feels like one crazy scavenger hunt for Asus Transformer Prime... =/
I missed out on the pre-order as well so I'm gonna be trying to get one in store. I think my best bet is with best buy or gamestop. Except for every time I go into either store I get a new story of when they will have them... real PITA but I'm crossing my fingers for Monday or Tuesday!
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Took a trip to my local Best Buy. They aren't expecting shipment to store til next year. Manager of the store didn't even know when they will receive it next year. This is turning out to be one crazy scavenger hunt & can't figure out which source or person to believe. This has to be one of the worst launch for a gadget...
I actually called a local bestbuy yesterday to ask about the release, and they had no record of the Amethyst 32gb SKU in their system. I'll call again today and ask a bit more generally.
Now that my pre-order from BestBuy is on 'back order' I'm sure I'll be checking if any local stores have it in stock this week.
However, I am guessing this thing is going to be hard to find for quite some time.

I pre ordered my prime two Weeks ago and today best buy canceled

Got email today from best buy, today I was supposed to pick up my prime from the store, asking if I want a refund or wait to see if another prime is coming out. They apologized for the inconvenience. Getting this news coupled with some websites posting about prime being discontinued on other threads, i'm not sure what to think is going on.
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I think some retailers are abandoning the Prime for the amount of returns and don't want to deal with it so far Asus has been on the board here saying the Prime as of now will not be discontinued.
They are not being discontinued, and they aren't being pulled OFF shelves, and they haven't even gone ON shelves yet and retailers are running out of stock.
Did they say why your order was Canceled???? If it was because they oversold then it's probably good just reorder. I would call back and talk to a supervisor - the Primes can be ordered, and guess just have to get to the right person at the right time.
I can't imagine retailers abandoning a product that is selling so fast they can't keep them in stock.. If you do a little research, and this forum is pretty much the only place anyone is complaining.

Where to buy Asus Transformer Prime Keyboard

i'm hoping someone around the area might be able to point me to the right direction. live in vancouver canada, and heading down to bellvue washington next weekend. im hoping to get a ASUS Eeepad Transformer Prime TF201 Keyboard Champagne color.
any suggestion where i can start looking that i may have better luck of finding one?
Thanks
I had my Prime and the keyboard ordered from Amazon on the same order. I finally got tired of waiting so long and deleted the keyboard from my order yesterday. Today they're showing a HUMONGOUS improvement on my shipping estimate for the Prime, but now I've nowhere to get a dock!
Lol, I think I'll be happy at least getting my Prime in, but now that I deleted the dock I don't see it anywhere. I'm in the US, if that matters. Have all retailers just completely dropped the product-line?
I was able to buy my TFP from officedepot.com a week ago, and it came in 3 days. I ordered my dock from bestbuy.com, had them ship to store this week, and I got it in 3 days.... I don't see why its been so hard for others to get them... Im in the US, Northern California to be exact.
Check frys.com , I think they have one in bellingham, not sure though...
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Best Buy currently has them.
http://www.nowinstock.net/computers/tablets/asus/accessories/
Thanks! I'll wait until the tablet actually gets here (curse Amazon) and then order the same day. Hopefully they'll still have them >.> Frys it is.
Guess the major online retailers just jumped ship then? Consider BB brick&mortar and we've none nearby.
I ordered a keyboard dock the day after Christmas for Amazon and it still says ships between 1st and 15th of February. It's funny how Best Buy keeps getting them in but Amazon is so slow. They must have sold a ton of pre-orders. I'd switch to someplace else but I paid for most of it with Amazon Gift Cards from Christmas.

Best Buy keeps saying the prime is discontinued.

First of all, let me just say that I have a prime with a working gps (accuracy down to 5 feet) and I absolutely love my prime. The only way I'm going to replace my prime is if I can get my hands on the infinity.
I just called 4 different best buys to ask if they have a prime. I've been looking for one as a gift for someone. All 4 told me the prime is discontinued. And to prove that this is not just another rumor thread, here are the individual best buys I called.
350 W Army Trail Rd
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Phone: 630-582-1070
GEO: 41.937950, -88.110245
1561 S Randall Rd
Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: 847-458-5768
GEO: 42.156265, -88.333092
1830 Towne Centre Drive
North Aurora, IL 60542
Phone: 630-906-5889
GEO: 41.79631, -88.36679
1876 S Randall Rd
Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-845-1986
GEO: 41.867233, -88.342552
Asus has to stop selling their Prime if they want to sell their Infinity at all, unless they expect to sell their Infinity 32GB at lesat $650. That's without the keyboard. So you are talking about $750 for a tablet. I never thought I would ever see prices on a tablet in my life go towards this much but that's the only way Asus could sell both of them together. They can't lower the price on the Prime because of course they already have the 300 in there. Just another company releasing too many products on top of one another without making one perfect. Too bad. The potential "was" there.
I was in a best buy last weekend that had the 201 and 300 both on display. They were even on an end cap prominently displayed with signs and everything. Also had a demo guy walking around with a 201 showing it to people.
Amazon has them and the dock is $108.
I got a refund for my prime purchased on Feb. 3rd and had no problem finding a prime at Best Buy. I did a search this morning on their website, found 2 stores in Austin that said in stock, went in an hour ago and walked out with a new gray tone prime. On Friday I did a search and none of the stores had them in stock. They must have gotten a shipment in this week. Sales guy said they sold one yesterday also.
I will say sales rep was pushing the t300 hard. Mainly for the cost of it. Get the keyboard dock with it and it would have been $50 more than the prime. It really is a good deal but I'm hoping the C4 I got will perform better than the C1 with wifi/bt. I also already have a case I like for the prime and the gps dongle. I didn't know if they would be compatible and have 30days to test out this model for issues.
You can try calling the stores here in Austin and see if they will ship you one from their location.
Its pretty cool that Best Buy is now in charge of ASUS manufacturing. Especially democratic of them to let the idiots who can't tell me the difference between DSLR and point and shoot cameras decide what the consumer wants.
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Second that...
Ready2Mosh said:
Amazon has them and the dock is $108.
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Best buy is the worst place to buy one anyway (and worst place to buy most anything else too).
Even if you need it right away, Amazon is a better place to buy. With my Amazon Prime membership I could get two day shipping for free and overnight for just $4.00 more. When I got mine a couple of weeks ago now, the device itself was $25 less than retail/best buy and as mentioned the keyboard/dock was $108 rather than retail. Then throw in no sales tax.
Even without the prime membership you could probably get two day shipping and still pay much less than best buy.
If its isn't discontinued, it is going to quietly disappear soon, especially with the Infinity being around the corner.
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OP / GoodIntentions
I know the feeling you have. I live in IL as well, the bestbuys around me plus the ones in other towns I go through for my work all say "the prime is discontinued".
Which seems to be a regional thing cause I've heard of them being sold in other states, but it seems IL just wants to sell the TF300 - no offense to it but I dont see why they released it, it's less powerful. But then again thats a different kettle of fish.
I hope you find one for sale. If you cant I would recommend amazon, thats where I got mine at - I'm very happy with it! Got it with the dock as well, and again no problems with it!
So what? The TF201 is discontinued. Its not like product support will end. The Transformer TF101 will be supported for awhile and the TF201 even longer.
I love my Prime and it works great. The Infinity replaces it.
If only there was a way to get the $105 dock to Australia, can't seem to find any docks around here.
Do we REALLY need another one of these threads?
Bestbuy reps usually have no idea wtf is going on.
Know that saying only a fool takes a fool's advice? well....
Also, what company do you know of that has ever announced its discontinued a product line? Ever?
We already know the prime had limited availability pretty much worldwide. Far too much demand, not enough supply. IF you hit a store when they got a shipment you were golden, if you were too late you had to wait around for another shipment.
My local BB and FS stopped stocking the prime, they are selling it as a web only. They can order it to the store if you ask a rep that knows how, otherwise they try to sell you something else saying its "just as good".
You could have done a quick search and gotten the answer to this:
"discontinued" on best buy's system isnt asus discontinuing the prime. its a code that comes up when the SKU is searched. It just means best buy is no longer ordering that particular thing for restock. it has nothing to do with asus manufacturing.
the reason, im just is that logically the prime has no place in the asus ecosystem anymore. peole that want a midrange tablet can get the 300, people that want the upscale can get the 700 for $500, the same price as a prime. theres no upshot for them to continue ordering old models that serve no purpose.
fwiw HMV in the UK has Primes in the stores again.
pileot said:
Bestbuy reps usually have no idea wtf is going on.
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Heh...the guy at the local Best Buy said the TF201 was discontinued because of the legal issues surrounding the Transformer Prime name lol
AdyCarter said:
fwiw HMV in the UK has Primes in the stores again.
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In the US they are still readily available from Amazon.com....but the price has gone up about $60. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago for $475 with free prime shipping. The same thing today is $534. I have to wonder if the supply is drying up?
At the same time their pricing on used ones has dropped from $415to $360..
Anyway it seems to me that the only way they could keep selling the prime would be to drop its price to no more than $400 - but then they would have to drop the TF300 down to about $300. So you would end up with a three device lineup at $300, $400, and $500 (TF300, TF201, TF700). Wonder how much they have to get for them to actually make money? Seems like they would come out ahead by just discontinuing the prime and leaving the 300 priced as it is.
Still - I think I got mine at a good time
ratman6161 said:
In the US they are still readily available from Amazon.com....but the price has gone up about $60. I bought mine a couple of weeks ago for $475 with free prime shipping. The same thing today is $534. I have to wonder if the supply is drying up?
At the same time their pricing on used ones has dropped from $415to $360..
Anyway it seems to me that the only way they could keep selling the prime would be to drop its price to no more than $400 - but then they would have to drop the TF300 down to about $300. So you would end up with a three device lineup at $300, $400, and $500 (TF300, TF201, TF700). Wonder how much they have to get for them to actually make money? Seems like they would come out ahead by just discontinuing the prime and leaving the 300 priced as it is.
Still - I think I got mine at a good time
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It went up because Amazon is out of stock on that particular model, so it lists a market reseller whom is trying to make a little more.
Note that Amazon has the champagne model listed today at 479 and free shipping. Must have dug a few up.
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goodintentions said:
I just called 4 different best buys to ask if they have a prime. I've been looking for one as a gift for someone. All 4 told me the prime is discontinued.
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These stores could simply mean that their specific Bestbuy stores are no longer carrying the Prime. Or it could mean that Bestbuy in general is no longer going to carry the Prime.
This could be because they are preparing for the Infinity to reach stores in the next month or so and don't want to buy inventory of a tablet very similar to the Infinity and which is due for a price drop. Or it could be because they already offer the TP300 and are getting the Infinity and see no need to offer 3 very similar tablets rather than stocking products from other vendors.
In any case, Asus has said that they are still manufacturing the Prime and new stock keeps showing up at Amazon and other retailers. Given that Asus manufactures the Prime I would trust Asus to know more about the manufacturing lifespan of their product over any retailer.
With Asus and the TF700 don't count your chickens before they hatch! With Asus's track record the TF700 may fall into their normal black hole of device release delays! Or even worse than that is that they will release 100 the first week, 200 the second week, etc... and then rave about how they can't keep them on the shelves!
My local BB still had 3 in stock and a few keyboards too.

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