That is the question. How many of you are just purchasing the tablet and why?
The added benefits of the dock are self explanatory but are they worth the additional 150 dollars to you?
I wonder if working professionals would find the dock as more of a necessity? I may eventually purchase the dock due to the fact that it would work very well in my current job functions.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I'm a student and the dock and tablet combo is a must-have for me. had the xoom, but taking lecture notes on a touchscreen is too difficult. Used the og transformer w/dock all last year, and it was awesome combo. used as just a tab when couch surfing, and used as netbook when at school.
The tablet + dock combo works way better than a laptop for me for a couple reasons, my laptop is heavier, and battery life sucks, so i constantly have to find an outlet at the library which are always taken up.
PS: In the future please put any questions in the Q + A thread. i noticed u used the xda app, and like me when in favs u never noticed the QA section was made. U have to log in/out and redo the favs to get it to show.
I've pretty much decided that if it weren't for the dock, I'd probably get an ultrabook and a Kindle Fire. The things I'm using a tablet for would be well enough served by a smaller/cheaper tablet, while I need something light with good battery life and physical keyboard for writing. The Prime+dock works well for that, but an ultrabook would work well enough (albeit so for for about $1100).
Note that the writing I'm talking about is draft copy, so I tend to just put words into Evernote and then copy/paste to Word on the desktop for formatting/finishing work. If I needed something to produce finished work with, the Prime+dock wouldn't work.
Actually, The price is just perfect...
think of it this way:
1- If you wanna buy an external battery pack it will cost you around 40-50 $
2- Bluetooth keyboard 30-50 $ minimum
3-USB dongle for USB host 15$ (still not available btw)
4- a stand for the tablet 5-10$
5-adding to that the SD Card slot
All in all you will end up paying around 120$ for much worse quality & convenience for the same functionality. It just makes the prime so much better.
I just want the tab, already have a laptop complete with keyboard. A thought comes to mind, why not a sliding kb like the phones which can be slipped on/off, less footprint. If some smart hacker can figure out how to exploit the theremin effect, a touchless keyboard with aural feedback come become reality. We need new technologies and innovation folks, push the envelope!
ravizzle said:
I'm a student and the dock and tablet combo is a must-have for me. had the xoom, but taking lecture notes on a touchscreen is too difficult. Used the og transformer w/dock all last year, and it was awesome combo. used as just a tab when couch surfing, and used as netbook when at school.
The tablet + dock combo works way better than a laptop for me for a couple reasons, my laptop is heavier, and battery life sucks, so i constantly have to find an outlet at the library which are always taken up.
PS: In the future please put any questions in the Q + A thread. i noticed u used the xda app, and like me when in favs u never noticed the QA section was made. U have to log in/out and redo the favs to get it to show.
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Click to collapse
Ohh yeah, thanks! I didn't see that forum. Just re added to faves and im good to go!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Dr.Mcq said:
Actually, The price is just perfect...
think of it this way:
1- If you wanna buy an external battery pack it will cost you around 40-50 $
2- Bluetooth keyboard 30-50 $ minimum
3-USB dongle for USB host 15$ (still not available btw)
4- a stand for the tablet 5-10$
5-adding to that the SD Card slot
All in all you will end up paying around 120$ for much worse quality & convenience for the same functionality. It just makes the prime so much better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great points!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
tedr44 said:
I just want the tab, already have a laptop complete with keyboard. A thought comes to mind, why not a sliding kb like the phones which can be slipped on/off, less footprint. If some smart hacker can figure out how to exploit the theremin effect, a touchless keyboard with aural feedback come become reality. We need new technologies and innovation folks, push the envelope!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
asus makes a sliding keyboard version of the OG transformer, i'd guess it's only a matter of time so long as that model did well in sales.
personally i found it to be kind of awkward when i played with it at the store, the dock at this size makes more sense to me and has the added functionality of ports and battery.
The only reason I'm getting a Prime is damage to my TF101.
The only reason I got the TF101 was the dock.
I use it like a netbook was originally intended to be (and like modern tablets excell at), not like a laptop or desktop.
I like the battery gain.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
For me, it was the only reason I bought the prime.
Keyboard+Battery+USB+Full size SD, Worth the $150 for me.
achuong08 said:
For me, it was the only reason I bought the prime.
Keyboard+Battery+USB+Full size SD, Worth the $150 for me.
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Click to collapse
Same here. I wouldn't buy a tablet that didn't have this functionality
I cant justify the cost of the dock. I got the tp mostly as a textbook reader and something to carry around the hospital where i work. Screen quality + thinness + good battery was most important for me.
Ironically I purchased a tablet so that I get less distracted and limit my typing speed so that I am forced to read. I have a 3.2lb ultraportable full voltage i5 Toshiba R835 laptop already with 8 hour battery, but I get too distracted because its just so fast and easy to use. I browse around aimlessly, so i have been using tablets to take away the bad habit. I cant switch between pdf book to webbrowser with 5+ tabs as easily and I cant chat too quickly so in the end I get smarter from these limitations.
I originally bought the TFP because of the dock to ween myself off of laptops.Ive had it almost three weeks now and am still trying to get hold of a KB...Guess what??..not sure I want one now..I love my Prime and have been very comfortable bed/couch/patio surfing etc..I am interested in gaming with a controller but not sure if thats worth the $150 now..
Dock is the only reason I'm buying Prime. I would not buy a tablet with weak WiFi, non-existent GPS and just 1GB RAM otherwise. I'm using it to replace my netbook that I mainly use for movies, internet browsing and casual note-taking. Battery life is also a huge factor to me in comparison to my current netbook.
I picked up the Prime mainly due to battery and dock. I needed something cover conventions such as E3 and CES without having to worry about plugging it in halfway through they day.. It's the reason I had the original one as well.
I"m debating on ordering one now too. But I mostly surf and game but it would be nice to be able to type faster with a dock when I'm on the forums. What I'm wondering if once docked will I be able to play games just as well or would it just get in the way?
I got the Prime because I could get a Dock for it. I like the Extra Battery and the USB port that the Dock offers
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Pulled the trigger then cancelled. Is it true that's it'll be too top heavy with the tablet docked? I usually use the tab on my lap or sitting on my abdominal area when laying down. There are times its on my bed when I'm sitting up so for the most part the screen will be tilted back a little. I think the dock will end up just getting in the way or annoying me since the entire thing will fall on its back a lot.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
110% worth it!!!
Sent from my transformer prime which is currently transformed into a small bowl of petunias
aznmode said:
Is it true that's it'll be too top heavy with the tablet docked?
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Click to collapse
It' really isn't top-heavy to the point where it's impractical or falling over all the time. I spend a majority of my work day with it on my desk opened up in laptop form and the screen tilted back. There's enough weight in the dock to hold it down, and it still takes quite a bit of force to push it to make it fall over.
Related
why in the world did you buy a tablet to begin with? im sure most xda members have at least 2 computers in the home.
these tablets are kinda a useless toy more than anything LOL.
personally i have 1 main laptop, 2 extra laptops (one running linux that i have no clue about and another with no power cord and no idea if it even works (got them for free from an abandonded house) and 2 desktops and one of them is in the garage thats used mostly for resarch on vehicle repairs...this tablet is kinda just a extra toy but since these hp touchpads were 100 bucks on black friday locally i snagged 2 of them (one as a gift for the 12 year old) and one for me as it may be easier to use when working on my car instead of using a laptop which is bigger....which was really the only reason why i think i would use it...pictures and wiring diagrams and web searches related to it and at a 100 bucks for a good powerful unit it makes sense if it gets a little greasy or dirty lol.
what was your reason for getting a tablet? just another geek toy or for a real purpose. for my wife these tablets are almost useless in terms of productivity as these programs are for entertainment and games more than business at least for real estate anyways.
im just curious what the hype is over these things
Because laptops suck for mobile computing, they take forever to startup and the battery is something you always have to be conscious of. With a tablet I can have access to my calendar, the web, games, music, video, maps and pictures wherever I go.
My phone is too under powered and screen to too small for it to be much of use other than taking and placing calls.
My tablet is much more than a toy, I use it to configure routers and lookup solutions to computing issues, I have remote surveillance camera apps, remote desktop apps, FTP, email, etc...
The Touchpad is turning out to be one of the best and most practical purchases I've ever made.
joenathane said:
I have remote surveillance camera apps, remote desktop apps
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got my attention on those! care to share details what you have?
I got a touchpad to replace my aging netbook. Its for use in bed while watching TV. I have a few computers too, but most of the time all I want is web browsing.
We constantly use that netbook and the battery has broken twice now, this time out of warranty. So all we want is a compact long lasting web browsing experience. I want something bigger than my phone. Enter the tablet.
Heres the long story: I had actually forgotten the Touchpad and didn't know the full specs. On Thanksgiving day I had a kindle Fire in my Amazon cart, waiting to see if by some miracle on black Friday they would discount the new device. I mentioned this to a friend, and he suggested the Touchpad. After some research I knew that's what I really wanted. I liked webOS, but not a pre, I wanted 10" screen, but not for $500, I wanted quality product, not the crap you see all over for $100. Again I was ready to pull the trigger on a touchpad at $229 on eBay. The same friend told me about a black Friday ad for a furniture store not known for electronics, touchpad for $99. So I stood in the freezing cold for hours, just to be one of the first to not get one. I managed to get one on the way home for $195. I happily paid that price. Its still cheaper than a new netbook. (I know a battery is cheaper, but I don't want to keep getting batteries)
Now its on my shelf waiting for Christmas, taunting me each day. I am thoroughly excited to give webOS another try. And the icing on the cake is CM7 or ICS or Windows 8.
Just like people use computers for different things, myself I would not bring a computer or tablet into the garage for car repairs, I can't afford to risk breaking something that costs $200. For that I have a $10 haynes manual. With my phone I could easily give up one big feature: the ability to make phone calls. I use <100 minutes a month, but I use 700+ texts, and 7GB of data. Everyone has their own usage habits. For me the touchpad looks perfect.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
tackleberry said:
got my attention on those! care to share details what you have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remote desktop:
2x Client
androidVNC
Splashtop
Remote camera viewing:
IP Cam viewer lite
SuperCam_Pro
tinyCam Monitor
Also I use Google Voice, so I can review my voice mails and text from my tablet.
I have an iPhone 4S, HP TouchPad, Alienware M15x laptop and a custom made desktop with watercooling and I asked myself this very same question. Then I realized that I have one for reading books and browsing the internet easily without having to really worry about battery power. My laptop is a big and bulky gaming laptop and it's just not the right thing to take everywhere I go. It has it's place but for somewhere I just want to read a book or do some light browsing/Facebook/Twitter, my tablet almost always gets priority. This might change a little when I buy a Macbook Air next year (since it's small, thin and very light) but probably not too much unless I want to do something like play an online game or do some programming.
It's kinda wierd when you say that getting 1 tablet is a useless toy when you have 3 laptops (1 main, 1 linux [that you don't know how to use], and 1 dead/powercord-less) and 2 desktops.
The one tablet will replace your 2 extra laptop + one of your other desktops (if you feel the need to have 1 dedicated laptop and desktop.
But in essence, it's simply because startup time is instantaneous. It does all the basic functions that you would do when you are outside. It lasts longer (my laptop lasts 2-4 hours depending on how much i screw with it.) and ofcourse, it's much much much smaller therefore more portable and less to set up.
I personally thought I had no use for a tablet as well, but when I finally got one, it actually allowed me to go in and out of places faster and without hassle as compared to opening up my laptop, waiting for it to start up, and after i'm done using, wait for it to shut down.
tackleberry said:
why in the world did you buy a tablet to begin with?
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Click to collapse
Bought it to play with, now that I have it my 17" laptop and my 12" netbook are hardly ever switched on. It's not something you can really understand until you try it for yourself.
L33t Masta said:
I have an iPhone 4S, HP TouchPad, Alienware M15x laptop and a custom made desktop with watercooling and I asked myself this very same question. Then I realized that I have one for reading books and browsing the internet easily without having to really worry about battery power. My laptop is a big and bulky gaming laptop and it's just not the right thing to take everywhere I go. It has it's place but for somewhere I just want to read a book or do some light browsing/Facebook/Twitter, my tablet almost always gets priority. This might change a little when I buy a Macbook Air next year (since it's small, thin and very light) but probably not too much unless I want to do something like play an online game or do some programming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat with the behemoth gaming laptop (asus g73)....it's powerful for running games and my engineering programmes but not as portable and quick to access as a tablet, especially when with the HP touchpad i can remote access the laptop ...for £115 i won't argue on it's merits
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk
Like others, I bought mine to (somewhat) replace my laptop. Its far ligher, smaller, gets slightly better battery life in Android and far better battery life in webOS. Its great for web surfing and email. I'm really hoping a decent office suite shows up soon, but for now Quickoffice is ok. Remote desktop sounds like it would be great but I can never get them configured right so they've always been unusable sluggish for me.
Paired with a bluetooth keyboard and the right software, a tablet can be an amazing productivity device.
I also got the Touchpad to replace my laptop for books and internet. My experience is like others, the battery life and small size (relatively) are what got me. It also works well for the kids when we go on trips. It is much easier to get out the TP than the laptop in the car. I am completely satisfied with my purchases.
On top of just liking tablets, I keep vpn and RDP clients on it so I always have access to my servers at work, as well as the security cameras there.
Also, it's funny you say all tabs are useless, and then name all these useless PC's around your house, lol.
Sent from my Touchpad using Tapatalk
I got my tab to replace my dying laptop, temporarily. I picked up a TouchPad partly because of price, and partly to try webOS. My plan was, and still is, to get an ultrabook next year and the TP is doing a great job bridging the gap I needed.
Depending on how well linux will run natively on one, I may not need to get a laptop at all.
Sent from my very "non-stock" TP.
Media, annoying bringing my laptop to work sometimes.
Sent from my HP Touchpad using xda premium
I just wanted to be cool
Seriously though, I always wanted a more portable laptop (ie. a touchscreen tablet). It's just very intuitive. Yes, it's kind of redundant if you have both a laptop and a smartphone already, but even a few inches of screen real estate can make a big difference. The TP or any tablet is great as an e-reader and general purpose web browser or media viewer. You can also do light gaming too. They work well to read or surf the internet laying in bed or while sitting on the couch. Basically, to me they kind of replace netbooks. I couldn't see using one as your only computer, but as a 2nd or 3rd machine, they're convenient.
ponyboy82 said:
I just wanted to be cool
Seriously though, I always wanted a more portable laptop (ie. a touchscreen tablet). It's just very intuitive. Yes, it's kind of redundant if you have both a laptop and a smartphone already, but even a few inches of screen real estate can make a big difference. The TP or any tablet is great as an e-reader and general purpose web browser or media viewer. You can also do light gaming too. They work well to read or surf the internet laying in bed or while sitting on the couch. Basically, to me they kind of replace netbooks. I couldn't see using one as your only computer, but as a 2nd or 3rd machine, they're convenient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly how I feel. The tablet to me fills that hole between computer and phone. I have a 4.3" phone, plenty big, but the 10" seems perfect for lap use. I don't need USB ports for peripherals, for that I have my laptop (that I use a desktop).
The touchstone dock is very tempting for me. To be able to just set it down when done, and not fumble for cords seems like the perfect use case.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
I found that I was using my laptop, which at the time was my only computer, pretty much only for e-mail and web browsing and thought that a tablet would be useful, but paying $600 for a Xoom (which I really wanted) wasn't very appealing. So when I found out about the firesale on day 1 I went to Wal-mart (no luck) and then my local Staples (32GB score!). I used it for about two weeks and found I never used my laptop in that time period. So I sold my laptop for $750.
In that same time period I bought a new Alienware Aurora R3 desktop which fulfills my "real computer" needs, which other than gaming are few and far between since I can't take my work home and I'm done with school permanently (MS is enough for me).
phobos512 said:
I found that I was using my laptop, which at the time was my only computer, pretty much only for e-mail and web browsing and thought that a tablet would be useful, but paying $600 for a Xoom (which I really wanted) wasn't very appealing. So when I found out about the firesale on day 1 I went to Wal-mart (no luck) and then my local Staples (32GB score!). I used it for about two weeks and found I never used my laptop in that time period. So I sold my laptop for $750.
In that same time period I bought a new Alienware Aurora R3 desktop which fulfills my "real computer" needs, which other than gaming are few and far between since I can't take my work home and I'm done with school permanently (MS is enough for me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda the same story here.... within a few months I went from a 12" iBook and dumphone, to a big smartphone, tablet and 17" gaming laptop
---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------
quarlow said:
This is exactly how I feel. The tablet to me fills that hole between computer and phone. I have a 4.3" phone, plenty big, but the 10" seems perfect for lap use. I don't need USB ports for peripherals, for that I have my laptop (that I use a desktop).
The touchstone dock is very tempting for me. To be able to just set it down when done, and not fumble for cords seems like the perfect use case.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The touchstone is pretty cool. It's nice to not have to futz with a power cord, and at least on my TP, the microUSB port is a little finicky so I have to angle cords to get them in. That said, the 3.0.4 update changed something with the Touchstone sensitivity, so I can no longer charge with the HP case on it and the flap folded back, like I used to. Otherwise it seems ok. At this point I could definitely live without the TS, but it is nice for grab'n'go usage.
First off, we can all agree that laptops are too clunky and short batter life for what 90% of us all do: e-mail, web browse (facebook, google+, ebay, etc) , watch videos, watch netflix, light gaming (some with Flash). I used to use my HTC EVO 4G to do all that stuff, but with such small screen it wasn't the best. If I were stuck on an Island, I wouldn't hesitate to bring my phone as my primary device. But, the future happened and now we have tablets. They don't do what laptops/netbooks do, but they do what 90% of us do with much longer batter life and being less clunky. I wouldn't have thought about it, but I use my tablet about 80-90% of the time while I'm at home. I just turn my laptop on to do programming or major gaming. Otherwise, there would be no easier way to re-watch all of DS9 on Netflix if it were not for my tablet. It is very easy to read while on the couch, laying outside in the yard, before going to bed, right after waking up in the morning, or in the restroom.
I got my HP TouchPad for $99, and even though the Asus Tranformer Prime is around the corner and I want it, I can't justify spending a couple of hundred of dollars for what I already have.
Summary: Get a tablet, you won't regret it.
I tried to figure out what the big deal is myself....then I got one.
For 99, I think I have the best of everything for the price.
Sure this device could have expansion slots, Back Facing camera, etc.
But I don't go plunk down Chevy money and expect a Cadillac...
A lot of us use Email, browse the web and look at forums, Facebook, pictures.
This device does this perfectly...
Battery lasts forever compared to most laptops, and about 1/4 the weight/thickness on average.
WebOS' built in VPN client actually works out of the box connecting to work with my older Cisco VPN hardware (Concentrator...not ASA series)
Now that WebOS has a good Remote Desktop Client (I use Splashtop, but I'm not putting the streamer on my servers, etc.) it is very useful for work.
As long as I have a WiFi connection (which...I have a T-bolt...tethering) it is a great resource for work.
Would I type out a novel on it? No....a LONG drawn out email? no...
If you got a TP at or near firesale prices, IMO...you got the holy grail of 2011 in geekdom.
This is merely a curiosity thread. I have pretty much no interest in the dock aside from the extra battery life. I figure if I need a keyboard I could use a BT one or just use my laptop etc. Is it really a draw for people looking to replace a netbook with a tablet?
I feel the same way like u about the dock....don't need it...
No interest in the dock from me.
I like the form factor, weight, build quality, performance, connectivity, and asus updates.
May want a dock later, but has no influence in my desire to own the prime right now.
If I'm going to sit down to do a bunch of e-mails or work on a document of some sort, the dock is going to come in very handy.
I had the dock for the original transformer. The typing was so laggy that it wasn't worth it.
If you need to type, use a laptop/pc. Plus, it didn't have spell or grammar check. (polaris office)
I think the docking experience is overrated and over-hyped. The dock was also a bit bulky so there was no sense in carrying it around. All it did was collect dust.
Tablet was great though.
I use my Transformer for quite a few things, and one of them is taking notes during meetings and for writing rough drafts. I often do the latter late at night and in bed, and so the ability to pop the tablet on the dock and use the combo without worrying about grabbing a laptop tray of some kind is nice. An important aspect of the TF+dock is that it generates no heat, so no worry about covering vents or burning a hole in one's nether regions. I also know of no Bluetooth keyboards or "docks" that can be propped on a lap and be sturdy enough to comfortably type on.
It's also faster for my ad hoc ramblings--no need to grab the notebook, grab a tray, arrange them on my lap, wait for the notebook to boot up, open the right app, etc. Just grab the dock, pop my tablet in it, hit the new note button on the Evernote widget, and start typing. It's faster and much more convenient.
Also, for taking notes in all-day meetings, nothing beats the combo. I've often been at seminars and meetings where folks were fighting for available power sources. Not me--my TF+dock easily lasts an entire day, with an evening to spare. The Prime+dock will only be better.
Nope, for me, the dock is the saving grace. I'd be less likely to buy a tablet without it, or rather I'd save some cash and get a Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet. The only other uses that don't involve heavier writing is ebook reading, and either of those would be fine for the purpose.
It's the sole reason for me focusing on a Transformer. The reason I want the Prime instead of the original is simply better specs. If someone other than Asus made one with a similar keyboard dock, I'd probably dump waiting on the Prime.
my reason is the typing, but never had the first transformer. and the usb port is a big reason for me
the dock came in quite handy for my on my tf101, so i'm 100% going to get the dock for the prime, but i'm going to wait until i get a deal on it, as it's not crucial, but just handy and useful to have.
plus, the wow factor when you break your netbook in half and use the screen around people is too good to pass up
Well since I'm a student it can be pretty useful at school, however the problem in Holland and Europa I suppose is that we get 2 versions: 32GB with dock (€599) and the 64GB without dock (€599). Since I don't need the extra 32GB (64GB) I will buy the 32GB with dock, and hope I get used to it..
If I can use a gamepad via Bluetooth, I'll have no reason to get the dock.
I have the transformer and the dock and for me it's a pretty big deal.
For me it's not just a keyboard and a battery. It s the ultimate accessory. Look at how many different accessories there is for the other tablets. Screen protector, bt keyboard, extra battery, extra port converters, docking station, cover, protection case, sd reader... You can't have all those with you all the time.
But the keyboard dock is everything in one sleek package you can carry out with your transformer. And that the beauty of it
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda premium
I bought it with my pre-ordered Prime. It's always nice to have more inputs than just touch. Also, if nothing else, it's the best possible tablet stand you can have, not to mention it prolongs the battery life/charges the tablet.
I plan on using this a ton when I am working out, putting it right in front of my treadmill (have a stand that is perfect height) so being able to dock it in and not having to prop it up is key for me.
I'm not interested in the dock either but I will buy one if not in the next like 6 months definitely at blackfriday if they have a sale
For me it is very important. I am using this as a laptop replacement. The few times I have to do work out of the office it is some light word, excel, or email stuff. the keyboard is going to come in really handy.
I got my Prime yesterday and there are no docks available and it's driving me crazy. It is the only reason i didn't go with another brand tablet. I want it to act as a stand on my lap, as a screen cover while in my bag and an extra battery when i'm out and about. Without the dock i don't want the tablet. I hope I can find one soon....
In my country atm you can only get either the 32gb + dock or 64gb version. The 32gb is not sold separately. So i'm getting the dock anyway and i have to say its the reason i'm getting this Tablet. It just adds so much to the Tablet. Full USB port, SDcard, BatteryLife. These are all great things. And those are just the bonus. Writing stuff is something i do all the time when using computers. URLs, comments, emails, notes and other text etcetc. So it improves one of the major activities for which i use a device like that. I think its a no-brainer.
Its about the same thing with gaming on touch screen devices for me. It works with touch screen most of the time and some games are awesome with touch. But lets be honest many games just totally suck. So its just great to have the ability to plug in a Gamepad and have real gaming controls (especially emulators). Another plus for the dock and its usb port...
clouds5 said:
In my country atm you can only get either the 32gb + dock or 64gb version. The 32gb is not sold separately. So i'm getting the dock anyway and i have to say its the reason i'm getting this Tablet. It just adds so much to the Tablet. Full USB port, SDcard, BatteryLife. These are all great things. And those are just the bonus. Writing stuff is something i do all the time when using computers. URLs, comments, emails, notes and other text etcetc. So it improves one of the major activities for which i use a device like that. I think its a no-brainer.
Its about the same thing with gaming on touch screen devices for me. It works with touch screen most of the time and some games are awesome with touch. But lets be honest many games just totally suck. So its just great to have the ability to plug in a Gamepad and have real gaming controls. Another plus for the dock and its usb port...
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Click to collapse
Agree with this, same in Holland with the 32GB + dock or 64GB without dock.
One of the primary selling points for the Prime was the dock so I'd say it's very important thus a must buy for me. BUT since I just picked one up and no dock was available at Gamestop, I can deal with waiting for the dock. Just hoping that it's not too long a wait.
It's really the main reason I'm getting it. It adds a ton of functionality for me and I doubt I would buy a tablet at all if it wasn't for it.
OK... i know here are already like 3 threads on why or why not to get a dock... but i dont think there is one witht he kind of perspective I can provide... since I did not want to get a dock in the first place... and I am even considering returning my prime cause some of the defects. Anyways, for starters... who is this writer (The Perspective)
I own a prime, with slight light bleed... I believe the wifi is kind of weak, I am concerned of the possible BT wifi dropout (yet have not tested), and am bummed that a possibly better transformer has already been announced.
I work on The IT field, use a very heavy laptop (alienware m17x) cause i am a gamer. I have had to work while on the road, a cruise ship, even at disneyworld (dont ask). I have had to sue my cellphone to do work as well. In fact, part of the android tablet allure is to help with work while on the road... yet again, i already got gadgets to help with that.
So why a transformer prime? Pure and simple.. processing power and games... end of story.
Anyways, i though the concept of the keyboard was dumb. Heck the Android onscreen keyboard is good enough. Why go get one?
Well, my first temptation was during a wordcamp meeting (is a web designer thing), where I saw a guy taking notes in a macbook air, and i tried to do the same on my tablet... and it was impractical. In fact, after 30 minuted f trying to take notes on a lecture, I gave up... i just could not keep up... and nope, even with swipe it sucked.
Then I though, damn, i bet the keyboard makes the tablet alsmost like a mac air... but for 150 bucks..damn!!!! But then came second temptation (the USB adapter for the prime is like 50 bucks, a good bt keyboard at least 35 bucks, a protective case is 35 and one of those charge it on the go enlarged batteries like 40 buck), so it was not such a bad deal.... besides i had something I had ore credit, so I only needed to shell out 40 buck... so I bit the bullet.And this is what I have learned.
Having the keyboard makes it really easy to do work with the prime. in fact typing this is ALOT easier. Having arrow keys too edit what I misspell is golden... just arrow back and edit. I bet with splashtop it will be awesome as well. And by the way, whne you blug a mouse on the USB port, web surfing is incredible... its really good to be finally be able to hover over a pop up menu and see the options!!!! and to just roll the mouse wheel to scroll down a page. And since the dock and tablet combo is so slim, i can see it coming with me on my next vacation.
NOW, dont take me wrong. I know that everything I have mentioned are exactly the reasons why you get a laptop... not a tablet! But lets be honest. I use my tablet while siting on the couch in the living room, or next to my bed, or to play games.... but if I ever decided to do real work with the tablet (trust me, my heavy laptop is not practical all the time or that, plus powering up, etc... takes forever)... the normal tablet form factor is lacking and that is the truth.
So I can see why I would in the end get a dock. In fact, I got one thinking that if i dont ike it,ill return it with my prime... and perhaps later the the t700 or else an ipad 3. But now, after the dock experience, I can say I dont think I would be happy with an ipad 3 if it had no dock. And in fact, now i am even struggling with the fact of returning my partially defective prime (light bleed, weak wifi, and useless gps). I know I only paid 40 bucks in the end (yet I could have spent the credit on something else). But if the dock is strong enough to make me EVEN consider not returning the prime...then there is something to be said about it.
I still do not know what I am going to do. All I know, that from a person who at first thought the DOCK was Junk, Now I think differently, and truly understand what the transformer was meant for... not to be just a good tablet, but something more.
Let the trolls roll in
ricard2798 said:
Having the keyboard makes it really easy to do work with the prime. in fact typing this is ALOT easier. Having arrow keys too edit what I misspell is golden... just arrow back and edit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's this part working out for you?
j/k
A keyboard to go with your screen really is incredibly useful which is why there are so many 3rd party keyboard options for the iPad.
The fact that Asus makes one that nearly doubles battery life, adds a USB port & SD Card slot, protects the tablet screen when closed and acts like a stand when watching a movie is just incredible. I don't understand all the keyboard hate related to this device, if you don't want a keyboard don't buy one.
ricard2798 said:
OK... i know here are already like 3 threads on why or why not to get a dock... but i dont think there is one witht he kind of perspective I can provide... since I did not want to get a dock in the first place... and I am even considering returning my prime cause some of the defects. Anyways, for starters... who is this writer (The Perspective)
I own a prime, with slight light bleed... I believe the wifi is kind of weak, I am concerned of the possible BT wifi dropout (yet have not tested), and am bummed that a possibly better transformer has already been announced.
I work on The IT field, use a very heavy laptop (alienware m17x) cause i am a gamer. I have had to work while on the road, a cruise ship, even at disneyworld (dont ask). I have had to sue my cellphone to do work as well. In fact, part of the android tablet allure is to help with work while on the road... yet again, i already got gadgets to help with that.
So why a transformer prime? Pure and simple.. processing power and games... end of story.
Anyways, i though the concept of the keyboard was dumb. Heck the Android onscreen keyboard is good enough. Why go get one?
Well, my first temptation was during a wordcamp meeting (is a web designer thing), where I saw a guy taking notes in a macbook air, and i tried to do the same on my tablet... and it was impractical. In fact, after 30 minuted f trying to take notes on a lecture, I gave up... i just could not keep up... and nope, even with swipe it sucked.
Then I though, damn, i bet the keyboard makes the tablet alsmost like a mac air... but for 150 bucks..damn!!!! But then came second temptation (the USB adapter for the prime is like 50 bucks, a good bt keyboard at least 35 bucks, a protective case is 35 and one of those charge it on the go enlarged batteries like 40 buck), so it was not such a bad deal.... besides i had something I had ore credit, so I only needed to shell out 40 buck... so I bit the bullet.And this is what I have learned.
Having the keyboard makes it really easy to do work with the prime. in fact typing this is ALOT easier. Having arrow keys too edit what I misspell is golden... just arrow back and edit. I bet with splashtop it will be awesome as well. And by the way, whne you blug a mouse on the USB port, web surfing is incredible... its really good to be finally be able to hover over a pop up menu and see the options!!!! and to just roll the mouse wheel to scroll down a page. And since the dock and tablet combo is so slim, i can see it coming with me on my next vacation.
NOW, dont take me wrong. I know that everything I have mentioned are exactly the reasons why you get a laptop... not a tablet! But lets be honest. I use my tablet while siting on the couch in the living room, or next to my bed, or to play games.... but if I ever decided to do real work with the tablet (trust me, my heavy laptop is not practical all the time or that, plus powering up, etc... takes forever)... the normal tablet form factor is lacking and that is the truth.
So I can see why I would in the end get a dock. In fact, I got one thinking that if i dont ike it,ill return it with my prime... and perhaps later the the t700 or else an ipad 3. But now, after the dock experience, I can say I dont think I would be happy with an ipad 3 if it had no dock. And in fact, now i am even struggling with the fact of returning my partially defective prime (light bleed, weak wifi, and useless gps). I know I only paid 40 bucks in the end (yet I could have spent the credit on something else). But if the dock is strong enough to make me EVEN consider not returning the prime...then there is something to be said about it.
I still do not know what I am going to do. All I know, that from a person who at first thought the DOCK was Junk, Now I think differently, and truly understand what the transformer was meant for... not to be just a good tablet, but something more.
Let the trolls roll in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly I own a powerful gaming desktop and a really old heavy 17inch hp laptop which I would never bring to school ever.. I have wake on lan setup on my desktop and splashtop works wonderful (it will be better when splashtop thd is released) so I can access my desktop anywhere anytime and if I do not have Wifi I can tether with my HTC evo 4g (soon to be galaxy nexus)
These 3 devices will satisfy every need of mine
Desktop for gaming ect.
Prime for web browsing and more gaming /notes in school
Phone for tethering being lazy and texting!
3 devices work for me I was in the same boat I did not want the dock I originally bought it only to sell it on ebay for a profit but I was tempted and had to open it
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
beerman99 said:
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Id revise this to Don't get it if its your ONLY case. I actualy like using mine with Evernote for coursework. When I dont need the keyboad, I use another case.
beerman99 said:
it makes the tablet 3" thick!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM sent.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using xda premium
The keyboard case is about the only way I carry mine. I have a nice laptop that sees almost no use now. Great keyboard btw.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Thoughts on Keyboard Folio
The main problem for Android for me has been typing. I've spent hours getting used to swipe technology because I hate softkey keyboards, then came along this little keyboard folio.
At first I regretted buying it. I spent $90+ to get it, and as soon as it showed up I was unhappy. But then I started using it. The way that the tablet itself is not connected to the keyboard is a little bit awkward. You only can place the tablet at 3 viewing angles which vary by only a few degrees, rendering them almost useless. The folio case also takes up the full size USB slot, which was one of the best features of it imo. Also, the way it slides in and out of the slot does not seem like it would stand up against a lot of use.
That being said, getting this case literally redefined how I use my device. UX is now no longer a problem at all. The keys are individual, and spaced at a perfect distance so typing on it comes very naturally. Instead of a tablet, it seems like I have an android netbook now. I am a web designer/developer by trade. Using the tablet by itself is perfect for designing, the adobe touch apps are great, however I was never able to code due to the lack of a keyboard. This folio has changed that.
I recognize that half of my excitement over the folio is just the fact that I am using a keyboard with an android device, and that can be achieved simply by plugging in a regular USB keyboard into it, however after a little use, I rarely take the tablet out of the folio unless I am designing.
I like the keyboard. But I have in my bag and use it when I need heavy typing. Very impressed with the quality of it, there is some issues however, if you don't use the native english version. Then you'r at times stuck, with ENG layout, which can be rather annoying.
I find mine indespensible. If I'm not mistaken, it's the fastest for coding in Android from powerup to first keystroke, even on pokey stock ROM. The speed of getting hooked up with BT isn't something I like. The battery drain is a hassle for me, too. Granted, I use it mostly for typing rather useless stuff like this, but I really like it. It's a one-of-a-kind at the moment.
Yes, it's about 1.25 inches (33mm) thick, not counting the magnetic flap closure. The TPT in my Sikai case is 15/16 of an inch (23mm), but it doesn't seem like it thanks to its design. They could have worked a little harder on either the aesthetic or the actual depth. It's definitely not slick looking, but its a great workhorse. For criminy, it's Lenovo. What do you expect?
I think it's a transitional gadget, perhaps ahead of its time. They will get thinner. We will be jealous. We'll get the fourth gen and be smug for a month or two. But for now, we have the only one.
I just got my tablet yesterday, but so far I really like the keyboard folio. I do a lot of posting on various forums as well as document editing for clients. My only complaint with the folio is with the trackpoint. I was hoping it would be a traditional trackpoint. I find myself having to get used to rubbing my finger over the trackpoint instead of just pushing it in the direction I want the mouse to go. However as I use it more and more, I will get used to it.
In the realm of what I really want is a backlit keyboard. I would prefer if it was kind of like the Asus keyboard dock in that it offered additional battery life when in use. That beings said this is a rev 1 product and I am sure in the future things will improve. As it stands now I am about 90% satisfied with it the way it is.
Regarding the tablet in general I wasn't too sure about moving to a 10' device over my Nook tablet, but last night I read a book on it just fine when it was out of the folio, and difference in weight didn't bother me one bit. I love this thing.
Sent from my ThinkPad Tablet using xda premium
I also bought the keyboard folio and it makes the TPT heavier and thicker. It would only fit(snug) on my 11 inch sleeve case.
I like to use the keyboard folio when I am replying to emails, but it drains the TPT battery faster so I always have it plugged in to a power source.
And the magnets are very strong (compass apks will be useless)
Function keys
Has anyone found a solution to using the Fx keys? (F1-F12) I need them to use some work apps in Citrix. Besides that this keyboard is awesome.
Great for travel
I use mine quite a bit for travel when I don't want to bring a laptop and a tablet. This gives me just enough laptop functionality on the go and tablet when I need it.
Bummer, I wish I'd seen this thread before I ordered my keyboard today. It was on sale on the Australian Lenovo site for AUD$60, reduced from $90 and freight was free. I have a 10" netbook which I have just upgraded with a Vertex SSD but I prefer not to cart it about everywhere with me as it needs to go in my motorcycle backpack. It seems like they will be about the same size in the end. Sigh..
I can't really complain though, I picked up the 16Gb ThinkPad on a 1 hour sale for AUD$249 so in the end it's a pretty cheap solution for an iPad killing android tab, especially now I've upgraded it to ICS which I much prefer over Honeycomb.
All I'm waiting now is for a rooting solution for ICS on this pad, that will be brilliant.
If anyone has one of these they want to sell, i'll take it for a good price.
Better than it just lying around ya?
I received mine. It's not too bad and protects my tab in my backpack.
I don't use it at home unless I am using a citrix client in a window where I am unable to use the native ICS keyboard.
ghirsh said:
I use mine quite a bit for travel when I don't want to bring a laptop and a tablet. This gives me just enough laptop functionality on the go and tablet when I need it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great when you want to leave the laptop at home.
Well guys I just joined the club!! =)
Just convinced my wife to let me use the credit card rewards to buy one on amazon! (Ill get yelled at later, it wasn't a real yes but yes enough for me! Married men will understand lmfao!)
Either way, time to get positive about the prime!
What do you like best about your dock? What don't you like?
Is the extra battery awesome? Does it add a lot of weight? What reasons did you buy it for? What reasons do you love it now that you have it?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
I like it, I plan on using it for school productivity. Notes and also splashtop my PC and do powerpoints etc.
Congrats and I know how it is getting permission from the wife to get new toys.
I love the extra battery life. And when I go to cafes I can set it on the table and type rather than hold it or set the tablet on its back. Love the looks from people too when I undock it.
Don't know how I lived without it.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
The only thing I've done is disable the touchpad on the dock since I kept hitting it in error.
---------- Post added at 09:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:23 PM ----------
comosc said:
And when I go to cafes I can set it on the table and type rather than hold it or set the tablet on its back. Love the looks from people too when I undock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh heh I've pulled that trick. Then I hold up both pieces and say oh no oh what have I done!!!
I never thought I'd use the dock but decided to give it a try and i turns out i love it. There are a few apps I use that only can be used in portrait mode and the dock makes those a little cumbersome to use but otherwise it's great. Extra battery life along with the SD card slot and usb is frosting on the cake, Beat that iPad. I;ve never looked back at dumping my iPad. Hate iOS love Android. Get the dock you'll not be sorry.
Proud Owner of a Transformer Prime on Tapatalk
Great addition that compliments the Prime in all ways
First of all I think it's safe to say that the dock completely surpassed my expectations.
Build quality is top notch and has he exact same finish as the tablet itself.
The hinge is super high quality. Really gives you confidence when docking the tablet, it also makes a very obvious click sound when docking.
The extra battery life is a great feature.
SD card and usb slot very useful.
Typing is very comfortable, a lot more comfy than I thought it would be.
When docked and closed the Primes screen is kept safe (big plus).
It also is useful for keeping the prime at very comfy using angles, even if you don't actually need to use the keyboard.
I find myself using the dock a lot more than I thought I would.
The only thing I don't like is that the key mapping works best
on the built in Asus keyboard.
When you use any other keyboard the key mapping isn't great.
So I find myself having to switch to the Asus keyboard every time I dock the Prime, which is kind of annoying.
All in all the dock is one of the Prime's best features. Really love it. Gives you a great and somewhat unexpected (for the good) experience.
I love it, it's faster to type, the battery never ends and certainly looks much better!
Awesome! These are the responses I was hoping for! I'm super excited to get mine! I'm really excited for pretty much all the features. Can't wait to set my emulators back up now that I can have it at a nice angle without holding it. I need to start looking into some high density SD cards too. This 32gb micro is nice but now I can get full size.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
elcom said:
The only thing I don't like is that the key mapping works best
on the built in Asus keyboard.
When you use any other keyboard the key mapping isn't great.
So I find myself having to switch to the Asus keyboard every time I dock the Prime, which is kind of annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted, try Keyboard Manager from the market. Allows you to choose what keyboard you want to use in Portrait, Landscape, and Docked. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ne0fhykLabs.android.utility.kmLauncher
Hope this helps.
I love mine & typing is a breeze on it.It actually has changed my view of tablets now.As I will only buy a tablet that docks with a keyboard from now on.Coming from a Motorola XOOM this baby is badass.People freak out when I show it to them then detach the tablet from the dock lol.
I love my dock. Completely awesome. USB port, battery, holding the Prime together.. Just be careful about stressing your Prime when opening / closing. I have the start of a crack on it, otherwise fully fonctional Prime, and I beleive it might be related to the opening and closing stress on the glass. See other thread, " I cracked my Prime " or something. There is a bunch of us usimg the dock that got that problem, while being as gentle with our Primes as with newborn kittens. Otherwise, it beat any currently available combination of bluetooth keyboard + tablet. It fully replace my laptop.
Sent from my Transformer Prime using my dog.
Mangala_Dharma said:
I love my dock. Completely awesome. USB port, battery, holding the Prime together.. Just be careful about stressing your Prime when opening / closing. I have the start of a crack on it, otherwise fully fonctional Prime, and I beleive it might be related to the opening and closing stress on the glass. See other thread, " I cracked my Prime " or something. There is a bunch of us usimg the dock that got that problem, while being as gentle with our Primes as with newborn kittens. Otherwise, it beat any currently available combination of bluetooth keyboard + tablet. It fully replace my laptop.
Sent from my Transformer Prime using my dog.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any picture of where the crack is starting to appear??
When I present it to friends in the docked form... they like it, but not really excited. In the moment I undock it they freak out. Lots of working collegues and friends travel alot and are it freaks... the idea of a tablet AND an ultrabook in one freaks them out. One guy ordered it just after it. No negative feedback till now, all find it an amazing idea.
Yeah I was hesitant at first, but I came around. I'm getting very excited for it. If I can figure out how to cool my tegra 3 properly the extra battery life will be great when I get to 2ghz lol.
Edit: anyone have a list of do's and dont's for the dock? Like certain ways to open or close. Also at night should I plug in the dock and put the tablet in to charge?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
barryflanagan said:
If you are rooted, try Keyboard Manager from the market. Allows you to choose what keyboard you want to use in Portrait, Landscape, and Docked. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ne0fhykLabs.android.utility.kmLauncher
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally I have a reason to root.
It's kinda weird, every android phone I have owned has been rooted within days of purchase.
With the TFP I just didn't find a reason or feel the need to root. Everything just worked perfectly out of the box.
First reason to root.
Thanks for that.
elcom said:
Finally I have a reason to root.
It's kinda weird, every android phone I have owned has been rooted within days of purchase.
With the TFP I just didn't find a reason or feel the need to root. Everything just worked perfectly out of the box.
First reason to root.
Thanks for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha, I was going to say in my original reply that if you haven't rooted already this alone was probably good enough reason to do so
-Barry
barryflanagan said:
If you are rooted, try Keyboard Manager from the market. Allows you to choose what keyboard you want to use in Portrait, Landscape, and Docked. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ne0fhykLabs.android.utility.kmLauncher
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks gonna try this out.
EDIT: works good. But with thumb keyboard as my default it looks like a I didnt need to change back to android keyboard since layout didnt change. I was hoping the backspace key would finally act as back button like it does on a PC.
I love it. The extra battery life is always welcomed. Typing on a normal keyboard is easier and faster for me. Plus the USB port comes in handy for transfering files on a USB drive or plugging in a USB gamepad for a game
havent taken it out of the dock in 2 weeks now. i love it
Sold out on amazon again! Now resellers want 200 for it lol. Glad I snagged one when I did!
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk