Asus gets cocky. (EEE Transformer)

Not sure if this fits here since it's a tablet/netbook but I was watching some videos on YouTube about the EEE Transformer and it looks like it could be a hit!

If it's reasonably priced, I think I'm going to get one. I mean, Honeycomb, IPS, memory card slot, mini HDMI, keyboard dock with extended battery and USB....

Here's Asus being a little confident :

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-Promotions/Asus+Eee+Pad+Transformer+Tablet/pcmcat238200050008.c?id=pcmcat238200050008

 

The link posted above is broken

 

Aw, man, they took it down! It was an Asus spec thing for the EEE Transformer.

At the top it had a picture of an iPad duct taped to a keyboard next to the EEE. It said something like, "Like that. Only better."

Can't find a cache of it, but here's another one in Google cache:

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:q3xtDMkam-0J:www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-Promotions/Asus%2BEee%2BPad%2BTransformer%2BTablet/pcmcat238200050008.c%3Fid%3Dpcmcat238200050008+http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-Promotions/Asus%2BEee%2BPad%2BTransformer%2BTablet/pcmcat238200050008.c%3Fid%3Dpcmcat238200050008&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=www.google.com

Here's the Asus commercial for it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5xW3NhdjqI

Looks pretty dang cool!

 

I'm not so sure if this is going to be hit. Asus has made lots of unconventional products in the past which never really caught on with the market. For example, the Eee Keyboard, Eee Stick, and the Eee Videophone.

 

Engadget got a copy of the ad!

ASUS claims Transformer is better than a generic tablet, is probably right -- Engadget

 

Is a honeycomb tablet really similar to those?

It seems awfully mainstream compared to those.

 

RIP to laptops in 5 years anyone? Imagine AMD Llano APU + EEE Transform. That would be some amazing portable power.

 

You could be right, but I'm still holding my breath on this one. The way I see it is that Asus is simply jumping on the iPad band wagon. Unlike the Asus EeePCs, Asus isn't making anything revolutionary nor are they creating a new market segment. Given that the second gen iPads are already out, Apple has already captured the majority of people that wants/wanted a tablet less the anti-Apple individuals whom always seem to fall on the point that the hardware is not worth the cost. Given that mentality, I don't see much of a market for those avid PC users where a laptop or even netbook can already do everything a tablet can do and more. Ergo, despite having the newest Android OS, sales for the Eee Transformer will be minimal.

All is speculation of course, but I'm still highly doubting that the Eee Transformer will be as mainstream as the Asus netbooks.

 

If only they could make it so people could write on it. I could see EVERY student at college with one, it would be too perfect.

 

As long as Xoom and the Galaxy Tab have buyers, I think this device has a chance. Will it do iPad numbers? No, but as long as the entry point is $400 as rumored it could definitely cannibalize some sales.

Now if the IPS screen turns out to be very good/excellent, then I think it's a contender. The Xoom and Galaxy Tab have received many complaints about the screen quality. I used a Tab and while I didn't think the screen was horrible, the iPad kills it in that aspect. (IMO)

Also, the ability to use it as a tablet and a netbook (seemingly gracefully) makes it stand out. In addition, Asus is loading on some interesting software that allows for music streaming and remote control of computers, and an Office package that allows reviewing and editing. (We'll see how compatibility is.)

Of course all of this is conjecture since I haven't held one. A lot of this also hinges on Google and their handling of Honeycomb. I've read it definitely needs some polishing.

Either way, I'm no fanboy and while I love my iPad 2 I think I'll give this device a shot unless I read some really horrible reviews. Anybody see where it can be preordered yet? The rumored release was supposed to be less than two weeks from now...

(P.S. Asus... Um, why does it have to be brown? Reminds me of the brown Zune. )

 

At least 3 tablets support writing with stylus/pens
> tho if you've been to a college recently (I'm doing my graduate studies -- you'll know most of the younger ones are all typing away with a keyboard anyways)

The Asus MEMO (Android Tablet)

And EEENote
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Eee - ASUS Eee Note EA800

EP121
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Eee - ASUS Eee Slate EP121

 

$400 = tablet/android/2-USB2.0/opt.keyboard = When is it due to be released???

EDIT: Wrong info on USB

 

Rumor was middle of this month, but since reseller pages were pulled down there might be a delay.

Where did you read USB 3? I'm pretty sure it has USB 2.0.

 

Fixed. My mistake, sorry. I saw something somewhere and now I can't find it. I am posting link to official specs.

Official specs

Still this for the money is going to be a buy for sure.

 

Yeah, this thing looks great... I'm just waiting to find out the dang release date and where I can buy it!

 

i do not think you will see an end to laptops in the near future. this is what people said about laptops when the eeepc came out. Ultimately the eeepc is dead and replaced by the tablet (something asus fiddled with 4 years ago and failed miserably with the r1h and r2h). i am not a fan of their asus pad. saw it at ecs 2011 and i just have to say it is a far cry from the ipad, too big too bulky and basically a notebook without a keyboard.

 

Here's a not too enthusiastic review...

First impressions of the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

 

My opinion: that guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

Anyway that's more of an Android honeycomb hands-on than an ASUS Transformer review.

 

Yeah, the writing was so-so. The new Acer Iconia A500 looks interesting (as does the Acer W500 Windows tablet) but I'm still thinking I'll pick up the Transformer...

Biggest selling points for me are the IPS screen in the Asus and the way they added a battery in the keyboard/dock.

 

It's so dumb to say that there will be an end to laptops or desktops anytime soon. They serve different purpouses than tablets, and only they have the power and convenience to do real work (or real gaming ).

 

In my opinion, this is by far the most exciting Android tablet. I can't wait to play around with one. Shame about that comically large bezel area though - this isn't a WebOS device, ASUS; no gesture area is needed

 

EDIT: I was thinking about the wrong ASUS tab.

 

AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! I wants it now!!(pounding fists on table)

Its been delayed- see link.

Delayed

 

That's typical Asus

 

Now being advertized for $830 w/o keyboard, $920 with.
NO! NO! NO! NO! NOOOOOOoooo!

LINK
EDIT: 4-21-11- price on this link seems to be falling every day. I don't think I would ever buy anything from these guys.

This one says $399
Conflicting price

Whats it going to be??????????????

 

Hmmm. UK review here.

Uk Review

 

This just reported:

April 26

Another Review:
Review

I am thinking of getting the 16gb since it has MicroSD slot and since its only Wi fi at this point can anyone tell me if there is an aircard(USB connect card) available that works with android so I could make use of the USB port if needed?
Hmm...maybe buying mobile hotspot and using current sim card would probably be better choice here with android systems.

 

What about a pre order? Can this be done??

 

This tablet looks solid

 

Haven't seen any pre order options except for the "Link" in my previous post up there ^. Beware of the mega markup.

I plan on just walking into Best Buy on the 26th and buying one.

 

That sounds like a plan! But I will be buying from newegg to save on tax!!

 

There is no sign of it being sold at best buy, infact no one at 3 bestbuys knew about it....

 

It'll be sold at Best Buy...

Link

 

Okay, starting to wonder now. Every picture I have seen of this tablet in the keyboard dock has it open 90° but no further. I have yet to see one where the screen is laid back a little. If this is as far as it opens this may be a deal killer for me as that ergonomic idea isn't going to work for me.

 

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Review - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Bottom of page.

I'll be picking one of these up over the Summer, that's for sure. This is what I've been saying tablets/netbooks should be since they first emerged.

 

Looks like it's coming in stock in some places in the US... see the links:
ASUS E ee Pad Transformer goes on sale in US, immediately sells out at Amazon -- Engadget

 

Ahh...Thanks.

Yeah, they must have had like 10 units. I don't see them anywhere else, although they are supposed be everywhere, like Target, Best Buy, etc..

 

NOPE! sold out!! and no one at Best buy knows anything about it!

you know, I think I'll just go with the acer, at least they can launch a good product, and for $50 more I get the USB port, and not have to worry about the dock... although I worry about the screen, I was looking forward to the IPS screen... I can always take it back I guess. lol

to bad, I really wanted that transformer....

 

Just got back from Best Buy and they don't know anything about it, although they show up on their website. How ridiculous it is to tell everyone on the planet its coming out April 26th at all these places and no one has it. There is no way to check if the online stores even had any to begin with so you can't check validity there.
It seems like someone is purposely driving the hype that its "sold out in US" and thus would create the need for one by someone who didn't want one before but now must have one, thus creating a demand in supply that wasn't there this morning. At least that's my theory, although it could have been the quake/tsunami thing but they made the debut announcement weeks after that.

How stupid to have the debut date and nothing to sell.

 

I bought the Acer so they need to send a thank you to Asus for pshing me in to acres arms... I must say I really really like it, much better than the xoom. And I love how it already has the USB port on board. Was watching avatar from my 500gb are drive and it worked great! I think I'm gonna keep itm I'm falling in love with it, and for 50 more buvks Asus can take their stupid lack luster launch and stick it you know where!



I'm on the iconia now... love it...

 

Asus was focusing on a UK launch, so US got the shaft this time.

 

Looks good.

 

Best Buy did have the Eee Transformer, but not in all Best Buy stores and in limited quantities. Naturally, they were all sold out due to high demand. Likewise, UK's inventories have been depleted pretty quickly. The second batch shipments is rumored to be on it's way now so keep an eye out for the next coming days/weeks.

Correction: Best Buy never had them in their brick and mortar stores. It was only available on the BB website.

 

I am a security guard and on them long dam drives to get to your site this would suit me perfect in my car just pop it on dash for directions sweet .

Love this thing i will buy this over that stupid ipad.

 

Supply chain issues limit ASUS' Eee Pad Transformer production to 10,000 a month?

LINK

Figures.

 

Okay, here is contradictory story:
LINK

Just get us the damn tablet already!!!

 

LOL

They're impossible to get here as well. Not quite as bad as you guys, but in a city of over one million (which is big for Ireland), we're only getting about fifty tablets a week in total (very rough), and that's only the 16GB model, and only the tablet.

 

Really considering getting one of these. Not sure if I should wait a while for them to iron out some bugs or even wait until fall for possibly a new revision with the nVidia Kal-El/Tegra 3. I hate waiting!!

Apparently 5 times faster than Tegra 2

 

I picked up the 32GB version in Taipei and have been carrying it around since. I'm fairly happy with the tablet as a netbook replacement, but without the keyboard, it will not be able to replace my notebook for day to day use. Resellers in Taipei are saying there is a worldwide shortage of the keyboard.

Compared to an Ipad2, it actually feels lighter, even though the EEE Pad is thicker and slightly heavier. The bundled remote control app is Splashtop Remote and it works well when the tablet and computer are on the same network. I've been able to stream movies from my notebook/desktop to the tablet w/o any problems.

Happy to answer any additional questions or provide photos.


Cheers,

-Eugene

 

Have you tried Splashtop over the internet? (does that even work?)

How much space have you got left on the thing? I'm curious how much the sytem itself takes up.