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As a future buyer I would like to know why you all are favoring the Transformer over the Acer Iconia tablet? (other than the $50 price diff.) when the Acer is widely available?
They both run the same software, and you could plug the Acer into a cheap USB keyboard if that what you want. It has a Full size USB port.
Not hassling you, trying to decide myself.
Thanks
Secular
Well, it's actually much larger than a $50 price difference. The A500 is only being sold by Best Buy and you will always get charged tax. Price for an A500 for me is around $500 when I can buy a Transformer from Newegg or Amazon and get it for $399.99 no tax. Also the IPS display is nice.
The only real advantage the Iconia has is the USB port. Well that and you can walk into Best Buy and grab one. Not sure if the aluminum enclosure is an advantage or just a preference -- makes the A500 feel a little more classy, but doesn't really add much to the equation.
If you have to have it now, get the Acer. If you can wait a while, you'll save some money and have a tablet that's just a good, but with a better screen. If I hadn't gotten a Transformer this week, I probably would've just gone with the A500.
The plastic enclosure on the Asus is surprisingly good feel in hand. There is a thread discussing this already.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
They are both nice. I was lucky to get the Transformer on launch day so I have it. But I also played with Acer at BB few times and compared it to Xoom. I liked Acer and it has a few pros comparing to Transformer - such as LED flash on the back, USB ports, and hardware screen lock switch that I like. I am also pretty sure that they will make some kind of a dock for it at some point since they have one for windows tablet they made. The screen on Transformer is suppose to be better because it is IPS but honestly I thought Acer's creen was great, definitely better then Xoom that was next to it; at least to my eyes. The build quality was pretty solid with no creaking or misalligned edges. Screen rotated much faster then Xoom as well, just like Asus. If I would have to wait for another month or two for Asus I would definitely go for Acer instead.
The differences that I can notice are (in favor to Transformer):
1. $50 difference
2. IPS Display
3. Better battery duration (without dock) between 9-10 hours (non-stop WiFi + Browsing) similar to iPad 2, the Iconia A500 have like 7 hours while doing the same, more info HERE
4. Lighter than Iconia A500, comparable to iPad 1, a little heavier than iPad 2.
5. Docking capability with double battery life, USBs and more flash cards.
Differences in favor to Iconia A500:
1. The back camera has LED flash
2. While both have great built quality, some owners reports that Iconia appear to be a little better here.
3. Built-in full USB port.
4. Thinner bezel (maybe it's not that important?)
yes it's true you can hook up the Acer to a USB keyboard,
but the transformer can turn into an actual laptop which is why i wanted it, to replace my windows laptop and it's incredibly bad 3 hour max wifi battery life.
but netbooks are laggy useless pieces of crap. So with the transformer i can get the form of a netbook with amazing performance and i can quickly turn it into a tablet as well.
* IPS display
* lighter weight
* keyboard dock
No offense, but I really have a hard time believing that a weight difference that is under 1 lb really makes that much of a difference.
I actually want to feel my device, not forget it's there.
From the reviews I read, I expected the Transformer to feel like a gold brick in my hand But it's lighter and thinner than people made it out to be, but still feels substantial.
My reason:
Asus got my full support when two devs from Asus tried helping people who got botched updates on their transformers, that impresses me, it shows that they do pay attention the the community
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13309702&postcount=186
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=13289010&postcount=89
EtherBoo said:
No offense, but I really have a hard time believing that a weight difference that is under 1 lb really makes that much of a difference.
I actually want to feel my device, not forget it's there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally understand why you would think that. Sounds like such a small weight difference.
But I've spent time with a Xoom (slightly lighter than the A500) and a Transformer and I can tell you it's a very noticeable difference.
And believe me, you don't really want to feel it that much.
I think the Transformer is little longer than the Xoom, so that weight is spread out a little more and the difference is probably noticeable, but also probably not drastic.
Either device will make folks happy.
Both have great displays.
If you want USB host on the tablet and do not want a keyboard attachment, plus save $100 net- get the A500.
If you could care less about USB host or a keyboard, save $50 and get the Asus.
If you want the keyboard and would like a netbook-like device without Windows- get the Asus.
I have the Acer, but can see why others would want the Asus. Still, people concerned about a one ounce difference (especially since the Acer has USB host and micro usb built-in) must lead very sheltered lives
added:
In regards to the weight and joking aside, to get the same host function on the Asus adds a pound and more size compared to the Acer, so seems the one ounce is not so bad.
Main difference to me above all the aforementioned ones in this thread is:
Asus = Reputable, reliable, beautiful devices.
Acer = I'm surprised they're not bankrupt already. They produce utter crap!
Done!
rushless said:
In regards to the weight and joking aside, to get the same host function on the Asus adds a pound and more size compared to the Acer, so seems the one ounce is not so bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13324783#post13324783
Ravynmagi said:
I totally understand why you would think that. Sounds like such a small weight difference.
But I've spent time with a Xoom (slightly lighter than the A500) and a Transformer and I can tell you it's a very noticeable difference.
And believe me, you don't really want to feel it that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I am certain that the weight difference between the Xoom and the Transformer is enough to be noticeable, especially holding the device single-handed for longer periods of time. It is definitely nicer having a lighter tablet. (Transformer)
seshmaru said:
Not quite
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=13324783#post13324783
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair way to word it since the Asus appears to have the same voltage "issue" as the Xoom (makes sense, since no host port- why would it have the needed power?). You need the keyboard to get the needed power to sustain most keyboards and especially drives (since the host is on the keyboard). No way a hard drive will work and will be hit & miss for thumbdrives (maybe 8g and some 16gb might work). Same situation as the Zoom since the needed bridge circuit for the port is not there (a proprietary through-port is there).
added:
BTW, be careful, since you can actually cause problems if the needed power is not there to support it.
Ravynmagi said:
And believe me, you don't really want to feel it that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I told my urologist!
But seriously, I have pretty big hands and fingers (size 13 ring), so I rarely have an issue with things that are slightly heavier.
rushless said:
BTW, be careful, since you can actually cause problems if the needed power is not there to support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lack of power has very little chance of messing anything up, even harddrives.
hi all,
im after some of your advice as to the best tablet, im going to ask in the xoom and galaxy forums as well, but id like your opinions on what is the best tablet to buy, obviously you guys are using the transformer already, and are happily modding the hell out of them, so you may have experience with the others as well.
i am trying to find somewhere which has all 3 which i can look at side by side, but in the UK im pretty much left with Pc world/Currys.. so i thought id do the next best thing and talk to people who have/use them.
i have narrowed my choices to;
Motorola Xoom,
Asus Transformer
Samsung Galaxy 10.1
if possible can you let me know what your experiences are like with any of them.
Thanks All.
Side by side you will probably like the Galaxy Tab which is much cleaner looking, a little higher quality, and has a nicer screen. However, the Transformer doesn't cost as much.
For me at least, the cost of the Galaxy Tab is unreasonable and the difference does not justify an extra $100 (or $200 as was my case).
If money was no object, I would probably go with the Tab, but since money is an object I went with the Transformer.
I've only had my TF for a couple days, but already I am very happy with my purchase. I feel at the $399 price point it was the best value for what I would be able to get out of it compared to the Tab. The Tab has a lot to offer but for what I was looking to get out of my tablet I don't think you could beat the value of the TF. Good luck in making your decison.
I think within a month there will be news of:
Transformer with Tegra 3
Apple iPad 3
Microsoft WIndows 8 tablet
And, many more Android tablets getting ready for holiday season.
Why would you buy now (next few weeks)?
Bob Smith42 said:
I think within a month there will be news of:
Transformer with Tegra 3
Apple iPad 3
Microsoft WIndows 8 tablet
And, many more Android tablets getting ready for holiday season.
Why would you buy now (next few weeks)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the reason why I waited till I could get the TF for 255 new instead of the usual 399.
That said, anything other than the TF you will lose productivity due to lack of keyboard dock.
If you don't need the keyboard, the Samsung is hard to beat. (Unless you are Apple and choose to compete in the courts instead of the marketplace.)
I didn't think much of the Zoom when I tested one but it was the original HC 3.0. That said it was more expensive than the TF as well even including the dock. Samsung looses for me because it doesn't have SD card expansion built in which I think was a poor choice to make. It is a nice tab though, no argument there. TF has it all and as a bonus is almost pure HC, no TouchWiz or anything like that bolted into it. Its not perfect but especially with the last couple of updates its a very good piece of kit.
xoom is already too bulky, too old, too expensive
I sold my TF after one month - ipad is still way ahead of all tablets - but I think it doesnt really matter if you choose Tab or TF - they work pretty much the same - just go to store, feel them and take the one you like more - or TF if you type a lot - the dock is quite good
hmm thanks for the info guys,
im debating waiting another month or so and see what comes out of the next batch of tablets, though im unsure that it will make much difference,
goodintentions said:
This is the reason why I waited till I could get the TF for 255 new instead of the usual 399.
That said, anything other than the TF you will lose productivity due to lack of keyboard dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you find the TF for $255?
I cant comment on the other 2 but im well impressed with my TF, i cant fault the build quality and the IPS screen is awesome. I didnt think i wanted the keyboard dock but glad i did and it really transforms the TF. Ive only had mine a week and was gonna hold off but theres nothing written in stone when the newer tabs are comming esp in the uk apart from sonys new offering which is due 18th sept. Im a real sony fanboy and was gonna pre-order the S1 but reading reviews of the how easily the screen and casing marked i settled for the Gorilla glassed, matt finished TF and am glad i did, it really is a nice bit of tech
AFAIK, the IPS Display on the Transformer is unbeatable by any other Android tablet. I'm not sure if the Galaxy Tab has an IPS Panel, but I know the Xoom does not.
javroch said:
AFAIK, the IPS Display on the Transformer is unbeatable by any other Android tablet. I'm not sure if the Galaxy Tab has an IPS Panel, but I know the Xoom does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsumg Galaxy Tab 10.1 does not have a IPS display it has a PLS display (Samsung's equivalent to the IPS). Most consider the Samsung display a but better (better color reproduction) and the viewing angles are just as good. They are very close but the Samsung has an edge.
The only thing that kept me from the 10.1 is the lack of MicroSD slot and the extra $100 (not to mention the TF has Micro HDMI out and an excellent docking solution).
Either one will be a good choice. Just depends it the expandable memory and video out matter to you as well as saving $100 or if you rather have thinner, lighter (and stylish) tab for a $100 premium. It's up to you!
I've heard that the Galaxy Tab uses IPS (or as you say Samsung calls it, PLS), but I haven't heard anything about it being any better than normal IPS. Either way, I imagine it can't be much of a significant improvement, if at all, since it's essentially the same technology.
On another note, though not everybody will agree, I can't think of any reason to purchase the Galaxy Tab or XOOM over the TF. I feel like there are numerous reasons why I'd prefer the TF though, especially over the XOOM, including: the display, the price, the build quality, expandability (extra SD slot, USB slots, keyboard + extra battery, etc).. I could keep going. I suppose the XOOM and Galaxy Tab offer 3G/4G connectivity, but personally I never understood why anybody would want to pay for that. I don't think I'd ever buy anything but a Wi-Fi tablet, so that aspect doesn't affect me. Again, obviously not everybody will agree with me on that though. Aside from these things, I feel like the three tablets are very similar. They all have similar processors, memory, hard drive space, version of Android, etc.
Considering the Tab and the Transformer are the same price, but the Transformer is higher spec and comes with a proper keyboard, it's a nobrainer....
The only spanner in the works, is that the Xoom is currently heavilly discounted in the UK.
Personally, I would still avoid the xoom, the European support sucks (slow updates), and I could never spend even that money on a tablet-only device after using a proper one with a dock.
Transformer is the best one
The xoom has a better build quality imo.. Its aluminum unibody is better than my transformers plastic casing-.-
Still for the price, Transformer all the way. If you can afford it, the Tab 10.1.
Or wait for the Quad core tablets coming this year.
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA Premium App
Account removal
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Im selling my iPad 2 and I ordered a TF . I found the iPad just too boring .
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
It would really depend on how are you planning to use it
TF -
Pros:
- Best Keyboard Dock
- low Price
- has the best software support
- huge hardware modding possibilities (500Gb HDD on the keyboard dock, extra battery)
- microsd slot
- hdmi port on the tablet
- LCD screen has a "true color" approach, recommended for video/photo editing
Cons:
- build quality is average (light bleed, creaking noises when u push the back)
- even thou it has SRS speakers, sound is still a little faint
- bezel easily scratches
- battery life is a bit average
haha i already got really small scratches on the microSD slot (from inserting/removing) after 2 months of usage.
Xoom -
Pros:
- best build quality
- soft touch back
- better range/availability of accessories (case, screen protectors, etc.)
- microsd slot
Cons:
- a bit old
- expensive
- average screen panel
- heavy
Galaxy Tab 10.1 -
Pros:
- has the best range/availability of accessories (case, screen protectors, etc.)
- sleek design
- lighter
- has one of the loudest speakers
- longer battery life (as a tablet)
- screen has a nice color saturation (good for viewing movies)
- more of a browser/media player on the go
Cons:
- plastic backside
- no microsd slot
- no microUSB
- accessories needed for using USB/HDMI
Just a quick overview: I was in Best Buy the other night, and fortunately, they had all 3 machines not only powered on, but also on WiFi. I couldn't resist this, since I'm beginning to seriously look at a 10" tab to replace my oft maligned (And rightly so) Gentough78. (Yeah, yeah.. I know) Anyway, having all 3 side by side was nice. Here's my thoughts:
Screen: The winner was the Thrive. It had very good contrast. The other 2 were completely acceptable though.
Case: I like the rubberized backing of the Thrive a LOT. That being said, it was a close 2nd place to the Xformer (Heretofore called the XF). Didn't care for the clunkiness of the Iconia.
WiFi performance: The Iconia stuttered a lot on the youtube video I was playing. The other 2 seemed to handle this just fine.
WiFi Tethering: The XF was the only one of the 3 that saw my hotspot on my Epic. This is a pretty big deal.
Snappiness: Hard to tell the diff between the 3, honestly. They were all nice.
Dock: Obviously this is an awesome on the XF
So... overall, as it stands, I'm seriously looking at the XF as my tab of choice. Just thought I'd share my thoughts here. How's the tun.ko working out on IPSEC VPN???
Fellow epic user! I was faced with the same decision and got the TF because of the hotspot issue. I have no regrets and i dont even have the dock. I use my stylus for most everything. I also like how the OS has no annoying UI over top.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
i currently have both the thrive and transformer and i have to say you are wrong, the IPS display on the transformer is noticeably better. It's richer in color and has better viewing angles. I am returning the thrive because its just too fat!
Either way, they are good choices. I really don't need the ports on the Thrive, and I really like the TF's weight and thinness compared to the Thrive since I usually throw it in my bag, or walk around carrying it in my hand when I'm using it as a Mp3 player (which is all the time). Since the Thrive has a LED screen, blacks are probably darker than on the TF but I haven't tested.
shubonker said:
i currently have both the thrive and transformer and i have to say you are wrong, the IPS display on the transformer is noticeably better. It's richer in color and has better viewing angles. I am returning the thrive because its just too fat!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, I found the TF screen to be superior. The only other andriod tablet I thought had a display that could compete with the TF was the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Did you check to see if the brightness setting where set to the same approximate
brightness.
You can't test anything in 20 minutes at best buy. They all are a tie because ech line has a feature specific to its self. I think it comes down to personal preference and how will it be used. I chose the Asus because of the free software Splashtop and Polaris, but do wn a Acer too. The Acer states hooked up to my TV with wireless keyboard and mouse to stream movies or surf the web.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
I made this thread to help kinda sort what each tablet has (most of them out there), might help you pinpoint.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AnAJoa0-ynONdE1TT1RSdTcxbmRFeE5mdl9jdzZDb3c&output=html
RojasTKD said:
Did you check to see if the brightness setting where set to the same approximate
brightness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope... should have. In all fairness, the screens were in pretty mucky shape too. They all had streaks and smudges from all of the dirty fingers of the crumb crunchers who had played with them. The 2 Xooms wouldn't even come on, so I didn't check them out (Although in all fairness, the $100 extra kind of excluded them anyway)
When I get a little closer to being actually able to afford one (I'm just over 1/2 way there now), I'll go give them a lot closer look, and I'll probably bring a microfibre cloth. I'd never let any of my screens get that nasty.
And I'll pay extra close attention to the viewing angles. That's something I hadn't thought of.
Robbzilla said:
Nope... should have. In all fairness, the screens were in pretty mucky shape too. They all had streaks and smudges from all of the dirty fingers of the crumb crunchers who had played with them. The 2 Xooms wouldn't even come on, so I didn't check them out (Although in all fairness, the $100 extra kind of excluded them anyway)
When I get a little closer to being actually able to afford one (I'm just over 1/2 way there now), I'll go give them a lot closer look, and I'll probably bring a microfibre cloth. I'd never let any of my screens get that nasty.
And I'll pay extra close attention to the viewing angles. That's something I hadn't thought of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Xoom, the screen isn't as good as the others. The color temp and viewing angle are inferior.
http://dustinwilkins.com/2011/05/03/it-is-all-about-the-screen-transformer-vs-xoom/
http://androidforums.com/asus-eee-pad-transformer/327231-transformer-vs-xoom-screen.html
http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/17404-screen-comparison-versus-a-xoom-with-pics/
I bought the Iconia and returned it. I just thought the plastic port area on the sites ruined the high-end feel of the brushed metal. And it was too heavy to comfortably hold while reading. I love the ports though. The Toshiba tablet was just too huge. My TF is great. But build quality is so-so; I got a squeeky area around the power button. No big deal though.
Asus TF has the best screen and the value-for-money dock
Iconia has the full size usb port
Thrive has the full size usb port and hdmi port but loses out on weight and bulkiness.
and all three devices uses the same SoC, the Tegra2 so i wouldn't compare performance.
and there are other scientific ways to test the WiFi performance than testing with a youtube video
jananan said:
Asus TF has the best screen and the value-for-money dock
Iconia has the full size usb port
Thrive has the full size usb port and hdmi port but loses out on weight and bulkiness.
and all three devices uses the same SoC, the Tegra2 so i wouldn't compare performance.
and there are other scientific ways to test the WiFi performance than testing with a youtube video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, but with a locked down market and running fast through the testing since other people were looking, it was the 1st thing that came to mind. I'm not a professional reviewer, I just play one on TV...
dude2k5 said:
I made this thread to help kinda sort what each tablet has (most of them out there), might help you pinpoint.
(Google Docs link in original post)
Hey Dude; terrific work.
Saved me the hassle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd get the transformer. If you're referencing the BF deal then the Asus has 16gb for $250 while the Thrive is 8gb for $275. To me, that's no contest.
Hey all i am going to purchase a tablet tommorow and just wondering now which one of the tablets are more superior then the other
Motorola xoom 32GB - $400
Asus Transformer 16GB (no keyboard) - $400
Acer Iconia 16gb - $440
i was leaning towards the asus but now i am seriously considering the xoom. i dont need the keyboard dock for the asus i just want a tablet that will Keep updating and a decent performance and screen
Thanks help will be appreciated
Asus with a keyboard is really cool
Get the Motorola Xoom. It is an awesome, compact device, it is a tad heavy (judging by your other two options I don't feel this an issue for you), but I do like the heft. It has a solid build quality, and I think it is the cheapest out of the bunch. If you live in the U.S., Best Buy has a family version that is less than $400.00, it has 16GB of in built storage and is the Wi-Fi only version. I've seen 32GB Wi-Fi go for $400.00-$450.00, this is the version I have, my friend sold it to me for $300.00, so I lucked out there. Not sure of the other two, but the Xoom can be rooted and there are sizable amount of custom roms available (though I haven't felt the need to root it yet), Xoom also has a mini-hdmi out port. Front and back cameras are okay though the dual led flash on the back camera is nice to have. The tablet is speedy, the touchsreen is bright (1280 × 800) and responsive, color saturation is good though not as vibrant when compared with my smartphone's qHD display, but that is a bit unfair, the Xoom's screen can holds it own very well and I have no major complaints at all. The battery life on this thing is incredible. I bought it from friend at around 3PM and he forgot the charger, it was at 62% battery life, through using the device and using the Wi-Fi to download and install my apps/Widgets, it lasted me into the early morning hours the next day. Of course heavy media playback will reduce the battery life, but still out of all the mobile devices I have owned, I was very impressed with battery life. In the end I feel the Xoom is an all around great tablet especially for the when you factor in the features and cost, you certainly won't regret purchasing it, after owning one I can now understand why the Xoom was one of Cnet.com's Best of CES 2011 Winner.
Hope this helps
-
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Xoom was one of Cnet.com's Best of CES 2011 Winner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xoom was the winner of CES, but will it be the winner in the end of 2011?
That's the place of the Transformer.
I can be 100% sure that before the Prime showed up, the first Transformer was the best Android tablet. So don't be hesitate
I was just about to ask the same question as the original poster. The only difference being, the acer iconia a500 being cheaper (16gb version, 32gb version costs the same as xoom and transformer). If there was a big price difference the choise would be much easier, but now I do not know what to do. I was leaning towards xoom, because it's the smallest of the bunch, has 32gb and is considered well built. Iconia is the cheapest and would make the most rational buy (plus the standard USB is a big plus) but does not look as good as the other two. And transformer - the biggest advantage is the dock for those who want it and I don't. What else is going for it, except the screen (is it really so much better comparing to let's say xoom)?
What do you think of iconia - built and functionality wise when comparing to the other two? Would you rather go for xoom or transformer when the price is identical (transformer is 16gb without the dock and xoom is 32gb)?
thx guys i ended up choosing the asus just for the screen and i have no doubbt i made the right choice the asus is well supported and there a few roms for it so yeah couldnt be more thrilled
Just as a sidenote, and I have no idea whether you even considered this one or not, but the Viewsonic GTab is the same basic hardware as the Xoom save for the fact it has but 512mb RAM. Mine is fast, smooth, EASY to root and has several stable ROM's along with the fact that a person almost has to TRY to brick the danged thing. At about $250 it is, IMHO, an underrated STEAL.
TL;DR: What's a good <10.1" tablet choice for $400 or less?
Hi all,
My girlfriend is looking at getting a tablet that she can take to work everyday and use for occasional YouTubing and note taking (and a great organizer).
She's got pretty small hands, so I'm assuming the 10.1" screen size is a little out of the question. An 8.9" or 7.x" sounds more reasonable.
It's gotta either have a good keyboard (Bluetooth) or a good dock, great battery life, and be $400 or less (just the tablet).
What would be best for her to get?
She isn't particular to an OS but isn't tech-savvy (she still users a feature phone, the LG Rumor 2), so something simple would be great. I can root/jailbreak it for her, whichever device you all suggest.
TIA!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I believe there are tablets available in India for less than $50
well...
There arent a lot of 7.x" tablets...
Even if there were some the Android tablet's battery wouldn't last long.
The tablet with a good battery life could be an iPad and that is somekinda too big as in screen size.
A tablet with a DOCK could be an ASUS transformer but it also has a 10.1" screen
so you should either forget the battery life or the screen size.
I'd personally get a 10.1" tablet since they are newer, faster, and newer OS(Android)
Oh, I just remembered the ASUS Transformer has an external battery on its dock so you use it with the dock it like a netbook. Longer lasting battery
A little click to the 'Thanks!' button if I helped you
Cheryl Jones said:
I believe there are tablets available in India for less than $50
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes but it will cost nearly $100 for a one with bluetooth and otherthings
She need it right now? If not, she can wait for the Transformer Prime (I'm not sure about it's name, actually) with 7'