ASUS Build quality issues? - Asus Transformer TF700

I have been on the market for an Android 10 inch tablet for close to a year. I have watching several of the devices that have come on the market there. I like the iPad for some things but I hate the proprietary nature and many other numerous issues to list.
Back to my original question though
I have been following reviews online and this is probably the 3rd or 4th time that I have seen reviews on Amazon.com or other sites that the ASUS TF700 has some "build quality issues" they have pointed out problems with the tablet making a squeaky noise when pressing on the glass in some areas and it appearing that the "glue is coming loose". I wanted to say that if I'm spending $500+ on a device. I want it to work, and work well, and not have to replace it in a year or less.
Another comment I have seen is that its sluggish when doing "heavy multitasking". I plan to do quite a bit of multitasking on it and wondered what other user's experiences are. I have read that ASUS will release the Jelly Bean update to this device and I would expect that this may help with some of that.
One of the reasons that I'm certainly considering going with the ASUS over the other tablets is that I prefer ASUS devices on other platforms. I have an ASUS laptop that originally came with Windows Vista (that tells you how dated it is). It's probably 4-5 years old at this point and it's still working off the original AC adapter, original battery and it still works flawlessly. I have owned several ASUS motherboards that work perfectly and last.
I wanted your opinions, since you guys are the Android tablet guru's and I've read some of the other posts. Even the one about the squeakiness by the speaker. But I' m wondering if this is a common issue or one to be concerned about.
One last thing is that I noticed there is an Atmel stylus that might be compatible with it. Has anyone purchased and used one yet? If so, what do you think about it? I'm seriously considering the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 as well because of this stylus capability and the 2GB of ram in there. Money is not that much of a problem since I will be using gift cards (like up to $700 worth) to buy it.

Yes, Asus definitely has some quality-control issues, but if you do get a "bad" one, you can always just return it for another. Personally, my TF700 is fine - some minor light bleed on the bottom and right sides, but it's only noticeable at full brightness, which I'll never use anyway. I don't have the clicking/squeaking noise either. I truly believe that most of these issues are very minor and most folks wouldn't even notice them if they weren't looking for them.
Don't let this hold you back from an awesome tablet - that's why they make warranties! My original TF101 is still running great (hardware-wise, at least - ICS is another story!) - never had any hardware issues with it and my wife still uses it daily.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

I'm surprised. From what I see here, I think I got one of the nicer tablets. My screen has no obvious light bleeds, no dust trapped under the glass, or scratches. The display is bonded firmly and doesn't squeak. I guess it may be potluck with the build quality, but mine is built well.
Like jtrosky said, if you get a bad one, you can exchange it.

rightonred said:
I'm surprised. From what I see here, I think I got one of the nicer tablets. My screen has no obvious light bleeds, no dust trapped under the glass, or scratches. The display is bonded firmly and doesn't squeak. I guess it may be potluck with the build quality, but mine is built well.
Like jtrosky said, if you get a bad one, you can exchange it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First one had dust under screen.
Second had huge bright white crater-like defect in center of screen. Really bad defect - can't understand how that passed quality control.
Third one is perfect....so far....

Asus should stay with what they do best..build computers. They sucks with pad, problems after problems. The TF700 is not ready for prime time. They did the 201 and still making too many mistake with the 700. I can named many like, USB,SB card, I/O bottle neck, phone jack volume, noise when pressed on glass, not fitting well with dock..and on and on. I would wait for Samsung Note 10.1.

buhohitr said:
Asus should stay with what they do best..build computers. They sucks with pad, problems after problems. The TF700 is not ready for prime time. They did the 201 and still making too many mistake with the 700. I can named many like, USB,SB card, I/O bottle neck, phone jack volume, noise when pressed on glass, not fitting well with dock..and on and on. I would wait for Samsung Note 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But then what would be the alternative: Acer? Apple? Samsung where you're stuck on the same firmware forever?
I think the problem is the separation of design and production these days. These tablets are made by faceless Chinese workers, and then shipped over here. Its not like it used to be where the factory workers and the manufacturer and quality control were all in one place. In fact, do we even know if ASUS ever even sees the tablets after they leave the factory and get shipped to the warehouse?
You should be honored. You're now an ASUS employee - we get to inspect the tablets and return the defective ones - we're quality control technicians!

Digital Man said:
But then what would be the alternative: Acer? Apple? Samsung where you're stuck on the same firmware forever?
I think the problem is the separation of design and production these days. These tablets are made by faceless Chinese workers, and then shipped over here. Its not like it used to be where the factory workers and the manufacturer and quality control were all in one place. In fact, do we even know if ASUS ever even sees the tablets after they leave the factory and get shipped to the warehouse?
You should be honored. You're now an ASUS employee - we get to inspect the tablets and return the defective ones - we're quality control technicians!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asus sold the product, they're 100% responsible for their product, doesn't matter how/where they were made. I payed Asus with my own hard working money and I do have the right to complaint when the product is not working as advertise. I will be glad to contribute my free time to test for them for free if they allowed me to have the product for FREE.

buhohitr said:
Asus sold the product, they're 100% responsible for their product, doesn't matter how/where they were made. I payed Asus with my own hard working money and I do have the right to complaint when the product is not working as advertise. I will be glad to contribute my free time to test for them for free if they allowed me to have the product for FREE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds nice. But you have to vote with your wallet. And the public already has. People want cheap stuff. The Chinese make cheap stuff. So regardless of weather ASUS is responsible or not, if people continue to buy it, why would ASUS have any reason to change? The days of real premium quality merchandise are over.
Every product on the face of the planet is now made in one place. We chose to abandon our factories and manufacturing facilities. So cheap lower quality stuff is now the norm.

buhohitr said:
Asus sold the product, they're 100% responsible for their product, doesn't matter how/where they were made. I payed Asus with my own hard working money and I do have the right to complaint when the product is not working as advertise. I will be glad to contribute my free time to test for them for free if they allowed me to have the product for FREE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that he was just being sarcastic with that last statement!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

I was in the same boat as you, waiting for a 10" tablet that I thought fit my needs and was worth the premium we pay for tablet devices.
I was concerned about quality as well. I kept seeing all kinds of stories on the forums (loose glass, dust, light bleed, etc). I ordered from Amazon knowing that it would be easy to return if there was a problem, but mine is just fine and fortunately has none of the problems that some other people have had.
Re: multitasking - I do a lot of multitasking. I usually have it on "balanced" mode and it's super smooth. It slows down a very little bit when I'm updating 2+ apps simultaneously, and the odd occasion where I'm running multiple CPU-intensive apps, but I just switch to "performance" mode for that short period of time and it's back to being snappy.
If you get a bad one, just return it immediately and get a new one. I'm loving this tablet =)

Thanks, I appreciate your input. I think I may end up going with it. We'll see...The samsung note 10.1 doesn't even disclose how much it will cost yet. I'm worried that even $700 may not be enough. I have heard some rumors of around $750. Plus, I don't know how much I would honestly use the Stylus. It would be a fun toy, but not practical for day to day use for me most likely. I'm so used to using touch interfaces all my other android tablet devices and a prior iPhone now anyway.

Keep in mind as well that it'd usually not the happy people that write or speak out. Its often the dissatisfied. There are plenty of happy and satisfied users out there as well.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Got my T700 a couple weeks ago
I've had enough time to grow accustomed to it and I love it so far. I can see what same are saying about the build quality issues. The glass feels slightly loose in some areas but not so much that it would come apart.

into_311 said:
I've had enough time to grow accustomed to it and I love it so far. I can see what same are saying about the build quality issues. The glass feels slightly loose in some areas but not so much that it would come apart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope it works out for you. I think this is a terrific tablet (and keyboard dock).

Related

[Q] i hate to throw in the towel, but i have to take the transformer back

I really wanted this to be a winner. The light bleed is horrible. I have a big gap on the left of the screen that is now starting to separate. It is starting to creak really bad when I hold it. Its now doing the thing where it won't wake up and I have to hard shut it down (my xoom did this all the time, which was one of the main reasons i returned it.) The dock is nowhere to be found. The lag, especially when typing, is getting old.
I am going to give honeycomb time to mature, and then try another tablet. The samsung looks like a better build quality, so hopefully it will get a more finished version of honeycomb. I think asus could have had a real winner here with the price and the dock, but the build quality is atrocious and honeycomb is just too buggy. I could deal with the honeycomb bugs if the hardware wasn't so junky.
I really love android and my HTC inspire, so it amazes me how buggy this is in comparison.
Good luck everyone.
Sorry it didn't work out for you. I too have the light bleed glitch, it's not major but it's enough to annoy me. I'm going to contact Comet and see if they can exchange the unit.
EvoXOhio said:
I really wanted this to be a winner. The light bleed is horrible. I have a big gap on the left of the screen that is now starting to separate. It is starting to creak really bad when I hold it. Its now doing the thing where it won't wake up and I have to hard shut it down (my xoom did this all the time, which was one of the main reasons i returned it.) The dock is nowhere to be found. The lag, especially when typing, is getting old.
I am going to give honeycomb time to mature, and then try another tablet. The samsung looks like a better build quality, so hopefully it will get a more finished version of honeycomb. I think asus could have had a real winner here with the price and the dock, but the build quality is atrocious and honeycomb is just too buggy. I could deal with the honeycomb bugs if the hardware wasn't so junky.
I really love android and my HTC inspire, so it amazes me how buggy this is in comparison.
Good luck everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went through 4 Transformer's and came to the same conclusion. Going to wait till the tab 10.1 is released and take a look at that as well as re-evaluate the build quality of the transformer and see if there is better qc. I really did like it alot.
Need to sell my dock now :-(
Sent from my CM7 Supersonic
Sorry to the OP for the issues you have had. I got my Transformer on US launch day (returned my Xoom to get the Transformer also), and have not had any light bleed or build quality issues.
Actually I prefer the build to the Xoom especially the textured back. The Xoom's black glossy finish had me going nuts just keeping prints off of it.
I have had minor issues with the Sleep of Death issue but they have been rather negligible. I will be receiving my dock tomorrow so hopefully that will be smooth with the latest US patch I have installed.
Asus had the best overall design with the Transformer in my opinion. The dock is just to good of a concept. I'm willing to hang in with them until they patch these issues away. Build quality issues seems to be another issue and with the difficulty they have had delivering the units to the masses I know an RMA has to be a nightmare right now.
I'll stick with them on the Transformer but if they don't fix this stuff I won't buy another Asus tablet until they show and prove. I've been using and loving their motherboards for years, hope they get the tablet game strong.
The thing is though you give up quite a bit with the Galaxy Tab. I too thought about purchasing one (currently have a G-Tablet) but it uses the same Tegra 2 processor, has no USB port, has no HDMI port, and has no microSD card slot. All in all it just doesn't seem like much of an upgrade. Also Android 3.0 will always be Android 3.0 no matter what hardware is running it. I'm sure updates will further refine the OS but the Galaxy Tab will run Honeycomb no better than the Transformer.
I have an Asus transformer and have only a few small concerns with it. The light bleed is due to the IPS panel I believe, the ipad 2 has the same issue.. I dont even notice it really, The plastic back only flexes if I am squeezing harder than I ought to, and remember that its plastic, if you continually flex the back panel its going to get softer and softer. I haven't had it lock up on me, although a few apps have fc'd on me, but I think its more of a compatibility issue. My camera dust cover has dust under it ironically although it hasnt been noticeable in any pictures and the only reason I took a picture with my tablet is to see if the dust was apparent. Its a little too unwieldy for regular picture taking anyways.
I think its a great piece of equipment and at 100 dollars less than anything else out there I am very pleased with it.
If a product doesn't work for you, absolutely, return it. I don't really get why so many people think it's necessary to go to a forum and post that they're returning something, but to each their own, I suppose. I'm returning my Xoom, but since I got the Transformer and decided to keep it instead, I haven't been back to the Motorola forum since. I certainly won't be going back just for the express purpose of announcing my decision.
I mean, it's not like I'd be saying anything about the Xoom that's not already been said there many times. It would almost seem like I was just complaining for no reason other than to spoil the experience for someone else.
Anyways, yeah, whatever. I do have to say as well that I don't really get this fascination with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. It seems like its only advantage is that it's thinner and lighter. It doesn't appear to have a better screen (maybe not even as good as the TF's), it has fewer expansion options, it has Samsung's software which depending on your perspective can be a positive or a negative, and it costs more. Confusing...
wynand32 said:
If a product doesn't work for you, absolutely, return it. I don't really get why so many people think it's necessary to go to a forum and post that they're returning something, but to each their own, I suppose. I'm returning my Xoom, but since I got the Transformer and decided to keep it instead, I haven't been back to the Motorola forum since. I certainly won't be going back just for the express purpose of announcing my decision.
I mean, it's not like I'd be saying anything about the Xoom that's not already been said there many times. It would almost seem like I was just complaining for no reason other than to spoil the experience for someone else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I posted this, and I suspect why others so it as well, is for perspective buyers who read these forums looking for opinions. If I can help educate someone before buying this then I will.
Anyways, yeah, whatever. I do have to say as well that I don't really get this fascination with the Galaxy Tab 10.1. It seems like its only advantage is that it's thinner and lighter. It doesn't appear to have a better screen (maybe not even as good as the TF's), it has fewer expansion options, it has Samsung's software which depending on your perspective can be a positive or a negative, and it costs more. Confusing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fewer expansion options may be with just the limited edition one they gave out at Google I/O. The ones given out there differ from what was last shown to the public. That being said, I have the original iPad and I have never filled the onboard storage, do I have never had a need for expandable storage or USB ports. So for me, and I suspect a lot of others, it would be a non-issue anyway. Hell I wish I could pay less money for a tablet if I could get the cameras, microSD, and USB ports removed.
Samsung's software is just a bunch of widgets on top of Honeycomb, just like Asus's. It's not a skin like you see on Android phones.
Build quality and weight ARE the big reasons that people such as myself are very interested in the Samsung. i could probably ride out Asus's software issues if I thought the hardware was solid enough to last, but from the unit I got I believe it would be in the trash within a year. Ultimately I am looking for very high build quality with software that is good enough that can/will be upgraded over time.
Reading this place i'm quite happy that i'm made to wait till next month before i can pick TF+scandi dock here.
Hopefully it has gotten better on the hw and soft front. If i'm not pleased there's always Samsung that i can throw money at.
I don't really see blacklight bleeding as a noteworthy subject (Unless of course it's a problem on a bigger scale, which unlike the iPad 2 this doesn't seem to be).
You'll always have devices that slip through QA tests with blacklight bleeding or dead/stuck pixels, the only thing to do is to return it if you get a device like that.
As for the competition, the Xoom is very expensive, and without a dock, the back looks kinda weird honest, where the Asus one look a lot more consist. There's no keyboard-docking at launch, on the upside it does support hacking out of the box.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab I/O-version is gorgeous to say the least, also very hackable, unfortunately that may not be the case for the final version, though i figure it will still be a nice design. Pricing will like the Xoom probably be through the roof, and again, as far as i know, no launch-keyboard docking.
So i'm going for the Transformer, even if i have to send it back because of blacklight bleeding, because i think this is the only tablet sofar that've really made sense from a usability standpoint.
wynand32 said:
If a product doesn't work for you, absolutely, return it. I don't really get why so many people think it's necessary to go to a forum and post that they're returning something,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 ...I'm just tired of reading those posts telling the whole world about returning a whatever it is.... seriously..why even bother....
I'm just happy to say my TF has been working very well... there is lightbleed..but it's negligible in daily use and my IPad 2 is no better than that..and the keyboard docking is the deciding factor here for me..
I totally understand how frustrating it can be when you really want to like a piece of tech but it just doesn't pan out. Asus has a terrific concept on their hands and it seems the execution is a bit off. I have never been impressed with their netbooks and laptops in regards to apparent build quality (key word "apparent" since I have no personal experience with them). I have used and swear by Asus motherboards for over 10 years and keep expecting better hardware builds from them.
Nobody has mentioned it, but I have my eye on the new Toshiba coming out in June. USB ports, HDMI and SD. Looks to be solidly built. I also played with an Acer Iconia yesterday it felt pretty nice but wasn't crazy with the type of plastic they used on the ends. They also don't have a great track record with their h/w.
The tech is still awfully young with no one having any track record except Apple (and you've all heard the issues they have been having). I am impatient about this stuff as you all and being early adopters always comes at a cost. I am forcing myself to wait till I can check out these tablets in person before I plunk down my benjamins. I will check out the Transformer for myself when it finally makes it to the brick and mortars but I am rather skeptical of them. Toshiba seems to fit my wants pretty well. I also like it has a user replaceable battery.
most of these issues seem to be due to production variances since not everyone has the same problem. Which means you can easily find a better by exchanging your device.
EvoXOhio said:
The reason I posted this, and I suspect why others so it as well, is for perspective buyers who read these forums looking for opinions. If I can help educate someone before buying this then I will.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate you taking time to post your reasons for "throwing in the towel". However there is always a problem with these kind of posts. It suffers from "this is my experience, you can expect the same". You may not have meant it, but it can be preceived that way.
My experience has been just the opposite from yours... so who's experience with the TF is indicative of the product? Yours or mine?
I have yet to see any product that is massed produced from paperbooks, electronics, cars, to hamburgers ..... you name it, that doesnt have a few lemons get out there... its the nature of manufacturing. Its unavoidable.
EvoXOhio said:
The fewer expansion options may be with just the limited edition one they gave out at Google I/O. The ones given out there differ from what was last shown to the public. That being said, I have the original iPad and I have never filled the onboard storage, do I have never had a need for expandable storage or USB ports. So for me, and I suspect a lot of others, it would be a non-issue anyway. Hell I wish I could pay less money for a tablet if I could get the cameras, microSD, and USB ports removed.
Samsung's software is just a bunch of widgets on top of Honeycomb, just like Asus's. It's not a skin like you see on Android phones.
Build quality and weight ARE the big reasons that people such as myself are very interested in the Samsung. i could probably ride out Asus's software issues if I thought the hardware was solid enough to last, but from the unit I got I believe it would be in the trash within a year. Ultimately I am looking for very high build quality with software that is good enough that can/will be upgraded over time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one given away at the Google I/O is the same one that will be sold at retail sans the white back. There will be no USB on the device itself but instead there will be an adapter sold that will allow for USB connectivity. There will be no microSD because the microSD card slot will be the same slot that houses the SIM card. There will be microSD support on the wifi/3G model but not on the wifi only model. Seeing as how you've had an iPad and don't care for onboard ports and expandable memory (some of the biggest advantages of owning an Android tablet) then why not just buy an iPad 2? It appears to me that the Samsung tablet offers a gimped Android experience without handing over more money for the additional functionality.
EDIT: Also 32 gigs now days is fairly small when a movie itself takes up over a gig of space and music collections can span hundreds of gigs of space. Take into account memory reserved for the OS and apps and you're looking at only about 29 gigs of usable space on a 32 gig tablet for media.
rockcrawler said:
I went through 4 Transformer's and came to the same conclusion. Going to wait till the tab 10.1 is released and take a look at that as well as re-evaluate the build quality of the transformer and see if there is better qc. I really did like it alot.
Need to sell my dock now :-(
Sent from my CM7 Supersonic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ill buy the dock lol
kilofox said:
I appreciate you taking time to post your reasons for "throwing in the towel". However there is always a problem with these kind of posts. It suffers from "this is my experience, you can expect the same". You may not have meant it, but it can be preceived that way.
My experience has been just the opposite from yours... so who's experience with the TF is indicative of the product? Yours or mine?
I have yet to see any product that is massed produced from paperbooks, electronics, cars, to hamburgers ..... you name it, that doesnt have a few lemons get out there... its the nature of manufacturing. Its unavoidable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But by me not posting this, then potential buyers will not be aware of the potential issues. The problem exists both ways - if only unhappy users post, then everyone reading will think there is a problem. If only happy users post, then everyone reading will think the product is perfect. That's why I have chosen to post MY review of the product. It's up to the satisfied customers to do the same to balance out the equation.
Enectic said:
Seeing as how you've had an iPad and don't care for onboard ports and expandable memory (some of the biggest advantages of owning an Android tablet) then why not just buy an iPad 2? It appears to me that the Samsung tablet offers a gimped Android experience without handing over more money for the additional functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I am not buying an iPad 2 is the same reason I switched to Android after having iPhones for 3+ years - I want to be in control of the device I own. I want to customize it. I do not want the manufacturer deciding if the content is appropriate or not. I do not want my device held hostage by a CEO with an ego the size of the universe. I want to switcher launchers. I want to switch default browsers. I want real background tasks and real multitasking. That's why I have chosen Android. I am so sick my Apple stuff it's ridiculous.
EvoXOhio said:
But by me not posting this, then potential buyers will not be aware of the potential issues. The problem exists both ways - if only unhappy users post, then everyone reading will think there is a problem. If only happy users post, then everyone reading will think the product is perfect. That's why I have chosen to post MY review of the product. It's up to the satisfied customers to do the same to balance out the equation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think there are plenty of posts here that discuss the problems that users encounter and the shortcomings that some users see. You see the same exact posts in every forum for every device so if a user only goes by that he/she will NEVER find a device. There will be just as many people hating and returning the Galaxy Tab 10.1 as there have been returns for the XOOM, the Acer and the Transformer. You made your decision and that's good. I just sold my XOOM, not because I was unhappy with it, but I wanted different features that the TF offers. Maybe I am too realistic to expect the perfect tablet. For me personally the TF has everything I need. Hopefully the 10.1 will be the right tablet for you!
Sent from my TF101
Can some of you post some pictures of your light bleed problems?
I have light bleed but to notice it, you'd have to crank the brightness up to max and be in a dark room. (Not a common situation I find myself in) Even when shutting off the lights, dimming down the brightness helps and the picture is still pretty clear. Also, light bleed is quite common in LCD screens.
I'm just having trouble understanding how light bleed can be so debilitating that some people would actually go through the trouble and exchange their unit multiple times.
I also have the creaky problem when I put moderate pressure on the back of my device but putting on the sleeve helped. (though it is not compatible with the dock)
Finally, I sympathize with your wake problems because my Xoom had this problem as well. I haven't experienced it with my TF but I can see how it can be an annoyance. Most of the other problems you can fix or put a band-aid on; but this one, you really can't. Not sure why we all aren't getting this problem since we are basically running the same software -- perhaps it's a problematic app or maybe an app triggered some sort of internal problem. (that's why I didn't dl the task killer this time)
Anyway, I'd try again but a refund isn't too bad either. We are still at an early stage with tablets so waiting a couple of months (but most likely sometime in 2012) might pay off.

Poor Transformer quality ? Poll

Hi guys
I wanted to touch a - in my opinion - important problem. It is the quality of our Transformers.
I always respected Asus due to their high quality products. Unfortunately my transformer had some problems.
First thing is after 3 days of using it I saw a dust under the screen. How did it end? I had to send it to service center.
The second thing was creaking - it started after 2 months of using. I thought that high end product such as Asus (a respected and experienced company) will be high quality. Well I was so mistaken.
I love Transformer but this was to much for me. So I sold it. I did it because of three reasons. One - TF Prime is coming so it is last chance to sell it with good price. Two - I was mad because of poor quality. Three - I have Ipad2 so I will not be lonely.
So this is my history. The problem is I WANT TF Prime ASAP. But am concerned about its quality. I hope Asus will not let me down... again...
Please vote in my poll and write me your feelings about quality of your Transformers.
PS - I wanted to start this discussion because I have heard few bad opinions about transformers.
Hello, good luck to you whatever you get, after owning a scroll 7inch and a hannspad, i think this is the ultimate tablet, games for it is awesome, fast web browsing, films through web, brilliant batt life, so far my tf has been perfect, and thats even with me being unable to root, just think when it gets routed, it'll be ultimate, last week i was going to a meeting, i put mickey mouse choo choo express on it, my 3 boys satand watched it for 45 mins then me oldest boy played angry birds, it made my wifes job easier lol, its sad that you had a bad experience, but my own experience has been amazing so far.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
the AC adapter is poor quality
Agreed with the loose booty AC adapter.
The black "grommet" between the copper frame and the glass is uneven for me.
munsterrr said:
The black "grommet" between the copper frame and the glass is uneven for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the case for me also, but it doesn't annoy me as much when I first got it. I have it in a folio case and it is unnoticeable.
As much as I like my TF and Dock. The dock had to go back 2 times for repair.
1st was for the hardware update for powersave, the 2nd - they must have hit the charge switch when they had it for serivce the first time.
I bought them both on Sept 24 and have had the dock in my hands for just 4 days.
It is on the way back to me now.
I had similar problems with my first Eeepc.
If I did not want just what the TF and dock were - I would not have sent the dock in the first time - I would have just returned it for money back.
I only reccomend the TF to someone like me, that wants the great pluses of the TF and dock.
If someone asks me about an android tablet and does not want the hastle of maybe returns for repair on a new product - I suggest the Tab or an (ew) iPad - The iPad itself looks and works great but I am not keen on Apple.
I've had my Tf since July and haven't had any major problems with the unit itself (other than minor light bleed and creaky bezel which doesn't bother me) and I just got the dock a few weeks ago and haven't had any problems with it either. I have had the charger die on my twice though since I bought the tablet. IMO the TF Prime will probably be a lot better quality than the TF101 was because it was Asus' first foray into making tablets. Hopefully they have seen the error of their ways and have taken actions to make it better.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
The little creeking doesn't bother me too much. But I had to return my first unit because the volume button broke. The power and volume buttons feel flimsy and I try to use them as little as possible for fear one might break again.
I use audio manager to adjust the volume and plug the charger in in the AM to turn it on. Though the power button is my only option for turning my FT off.
Just wanted to add that I still love my transformer and think it's a great device.
keyboard
Plenty of things are suboptimal about the Transformer but the one that annoys me the most is the keyboard lag.
Maybe it's an inadvertent mission of mine to post in every "My Transformer is CRAP!" thread, but I've been in love with the Asus Transformer from the time I started playing with a Viewsonic gTablet all the way up to the current moment, where I have a rootable B7O-serial TF101-A1 along with the dock.
I even got mine as an open box deal because someone had returned it to newegg (the tablet itself, I got the dock separately from amazon). Even a tablet someone returned was perfect for me. Sorry you're having a bad time of it, but I really think the majority of the TF101s are in great shape. People who have problems are far more vocal than people who have experienced just what they expected from a good product.
There isn't anything notable about getting a well-built item for around $400, but if you spend $400 and you get something that has issues, you have all the reason in the world to be vocal about it. If you count the number of threads complaining about poor quality or serious issues, then compare it to the number of Transformers that have been sold, I'd venture to guess that you would make the determination that it really is a fine product.
psinno said:
Plenty of things are suboptimal about the Transformer but the one that annoys me the most is the keyboard lag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No we just talk about hardware problems not software.
Hardware wise I've had no problems but in checking these forums fairly regularly, I am doubtful about ASUS's quality control for this device. Perhaps because they started to sell like Tablet Hot Cakes? Hehe.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Hmm nearly one third of us have some problems with transformers. I think the overall score is poor.
Orion66 said:
Hmm nearly one third of us have some problems with transformers. I think the overall score is poor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you work out that 1/3 of "us" have had problems?
Is that 1/3 of 10 posts here?
Or 1/3 of at least a million of these out in use at the moment..
I have a feeling your figuring might be a little skewed due to its narrow demographics of using xda as
your platform
Try googling how many have been sold.. Verses how many threads there are of complaints..
Granted there is a few out there but in the 10mins i just spent doing it..
There is no way there is 300,000 people out there with screwed tranny's...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Here's My Two Cents
I love this thing. I have been an avid member here on XDA for several years now, and I never feel the need to chime in my opinion on the quality of the device I bought. This is mainly because I research the hell out of anything expensive I am going to purchase. This was no different. That being said...
I have had my Transformer for only a short while, but this thing has MORE than exceeded my expectations. It is just as light and thin as the ipad, WAY more customizable, and wasn't too expensive for what I actually got.
I have the 32Gb B70 pad, and I run the Revolver Rom on it. I have some of the coolest widgets and apps on this machine too. I kinda wish I could make my pc as much eye candy as my pad. It is fast and extremely responsive, so the hardware must be pretty good based on that alone. Software is only as good as it's hardware capabilities will allow. As far as the buttons, mine are fine, and seem no weaker than the ones on my HTC Evo 4g. I think some people are too hard on mechanical things. Ever been to the gas pump and not get it to register when you press a button? Couldn't you tell that it was mostly because too many people have pressed WAY to hard on the buttons? As far as the charger, I am not a fan of the style they chose, should have just used the micro-usb style since those are easy to get a hold of, and are cheap.
My battery is good, granted only time will tell, but hey batteries die, by the time it becomes a problem, I will probably be ready to upgrade my toy anyway.
I give my Transformer an A+
dgcruzing said:
How do you work out that 1/3 of "us" have had problems?
Is that 1/3 of 10 posts here?
Or 1/3 of at least a million of these out in use at the moment..
I have a feeling your figuring might be a little skewed due to its narrow demographics of using xda as
your platform
Try googling how many have been sold.. Verses how many threads there are of complaints..
Granted there is a few out there but in the 10mins i just spent doing it..
There is no way there is 300,000 people out there with screwed tranny's...
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote "nearly one third of us" I meant people who voted in poll.
Transformer Quality
My son has the transformer and loves it. There have been no issues at all. The biggest downside that i can see is their customer service and the warranty. If for some reason you damage the table yourself, (CID) it voids the entire warranty for future use. In other words if you were to crack your screen and send it back to ASUS for repair, and down the road you have an issue with something else (besides the power cord) you are no longer covered. So beware!!

Potential Buyer

I am about to buy a Transformer Infinity. I know why I WANT to buy it, but I thought I'll Ask some owners for reasons for why I would NOT want to buy it
I am a crazy customizer and a power user always trying to push the limits.
I currently own a Optimus Black, a phone no one (even LG) cares about...
How popular is the TF700? Will I get support? Roms? What about ASUS Custoomer service?
Thx in Advance
Pankaja13 said:
I am about to buy a Transformer Infinity. I know why I WANT to buy it, but I thought I'll Ask some owners for reasons for why I would NOT want to buy it
I am a crazy customizer and a power user always trying to push the limits.
I currently own a Optimus Black, a phone no one (even LG) cares about...
How popular is the TF700? Will I get support? Roms? What about ASUS Custoomer service?
Thx in Advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Infinity is still relatively new, but there is already quite a bit of development going on with it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1665
As far as official support, such as bug fixes or updates, Asus generally seems to be better and at least faster to get updates out than other manufacturers.
Customer support, however, is a different matter. I haven't dealt with Asus support directly, but there are ample reports about it's horrible quality. For example: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1830473&highlight=asus+support
Likewise, Asus' quality control is pretty lax. There are a lot of tablets with issues that never should have passed standard QA checks.
Another related note: they also seem to be selling rebranded TF201 docks as "new" TF700 docks: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1810592&highlight=tf700+dock
All things considered though, I'm happy with the Infinity overall. I will accompany that with the caveat that I am in fact getting a replacement for my Infinity and dock from Amazon due to some dust under my screen in a very annoying location (right in the center) and because some keys on the dock started registering incorrectly.
Its a good tablet, but its not without its flaws. I'd still pick one up, as Asus is very good about software updates and our dev community is starting to ramp up so we'll get our custom roms.
Some issues that people have had:
-Quality control is very hit or miss
-You're going to have light bleed. Most tablets have it light enough that its only noticeable while booting though, once in Android it goes away.
-Internal flash storage is relatively slow, causing some occasional performance hiccups. If the Prime is any indication, custom roms will easily work around the issue.
-Asus's tech support staff are complete crap that'll insist on RMAing your device even for the most trivial issues.
-Some devices wont receive updates or unlock their bootloader, although in most cases both start working after a few weeks.
Just make sure you get one that's physically well built, and you should like it.
Thank you very much
I was also considering the iPad 3 because I'm yet to see an iOS device lag....
but I swore I would NEVER buy apple
What do you thing is a better option?
You have the the Wifi version of the Infinity, right? Is there a big difference in performance?
Thx again
I'd wait a while
My advice...
If possible wait before buying.
Don't jump in like I did.
I did get a later non buggy Infinity that has no build problems.
The performance of the tablet is what I would say is stellar compared to most of the previous incarnations.
Yet there is competition on the horizon that just might blow the Infinity out of the water.
I ran out and bought the Acer A700 because it was the latest thing and ended up severely disappointed.
So then I jumped over to the Infinity and have been pleased.
If you are a true blue power user\tinkerer the Asus may be good, yet you may be much happier with a later model
10 inch tab that ships with android 4.1 jellybean.
I'll bet the hardware in the upcoming tabs will give the 'ole iPad a real run for the finish line.
As far as the this or that choice...to me it boils down to an OS preference.
I wouldn't make sense for anyone on here to recommend apple over droid.
Probably best to not even bring it up...
I have a Asus Prime currently in limbo between Asus and FEDEX for about a month now trying to get it replaced. Long story short. Prime broke (poor quality), sent it to texas service center. 1/2 week later got it back. Service center screwed up the packing, FEDEX destroyed my tablet on delivery. Submitted and claim, 30 days later still waiting. Got tired of waiting, bought the infinity.
Asus seems to have learned their lessons from the Prime, so for me the Infinity works like what I expected the prime to be. Flawless.
If you're into customization and tinkering then this is the tablet for you. The only negative I have to say is Asus as a company they are very schizophrenic. They seem to have good customer support, their response time is good, they are polite and they want to do right by the customer but the end result is unsatisfactory. The Prime should have been recalled, but instead they released band aids to problems that only made things worst. But they tried to do good for the customer. Which is why I ended up buying another Asus product. I just hope I don't come to regret my decision later on.
There's not that many options right now anyways, if you want the most powerful tablet released you either get the ipad 3 or the infinity. My vote is on the infinity, just make sure you get insurance.
Thank you very much for your help guys just a few more things...
I will be using this a lot for school work. Is it sensitive enough for handwriting? Can I use a fine tipped stylus like the HandStylus (http://handstylus.com/) ?
Also is there a considerable drop in Performance in the 3G version compared to the Wifi version?
Thank you very much
Pankaja13 said:
Thank you very much for your help guys just a few more things...
I will be using this a lot for school work. Is it sensitive enough for handwriting? Can I use a fine tipped stylus like the HandStylus (http://handstylus.com/) ?
Also is there a considerable drop in Performance in the 3G version compared to the Wifi version?
Thank you very much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes its very sensitive. The digitizer on the Infinity is really good. Regarding the HandStylus, I don't see why it shouldn't work. It looks like a normal capacitive stylus with just a smaller tip. As far as the 3g version I don't believe its out on the market yet.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Pankaja13 said:
I will be using this a lot for school work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use my Infinity for quite a bit of work. One thing I found is that I use the device docked with the keyboard more than I do as an actual tablet. When sitting at a table or even on the couch I'm able to bang out e-mail, XLS files or word docs with little or no effort. Even when not using the keyboard, just having it there gives a very stable stand to hold the device in a comfortable position. I'm not even considering a sleeve anymore to protect the device, since just folding the keyboard up will protect the screen. Honestly, I didn't think I would use it this way... figured they dock was going to be a novelty accessory. It has truly transformed (pun intended) this thing into something that is really productive. Not sure what kind of school work you will be using your tablet for, but this is something you might want to consider.
I own one and I think it's great.. I honestly can't think of a reason why you shouldn't get it.. In addition, there are plenty of stable OS that you can put on the tablet once you root it; plus, you have more options you can enact on the tablet, which wouldn't be possible on the iPad.
GaryParr said:
I use my Infinity for quite a bit of work. One thing I found is that I use the device docked with the keyboard more than I do as an actual tablet. When sitting at a table or even on the couch I'm able to bang out e-mail, XLS files or word docs with little or no effort. Even when not using the keyboard, just having it there gives a very stable stand to hold the device in a comfortable position. I'm not even considering a sleeve anymore to protect the device, since just folding the keyboard up will protect the screen. Honestly, I didn't think I would use it this way... figured they dock was going to be a novelty accessory. It has truly transformed (pun intended) this thing into something that is really productive. Not sure what kind of school work you will be using your tablet for, but this is something you might want to consider.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second Garys opinion. My transformer has become my sole computing device at home, with my desktop being used as a file storage.
The keyboard dock is essential for school.
FWIW, I finally bought a gray Infinity after being without my OG Transformer since last AUG and tiring of the wait for a champagne unit. (Tried a Prime for about 36 hours -- it was such a POS that I returned it for a refund.) The gray Infinity has been in production long enough to work out assembly issues, if Asus plans to correct them at all.
I bought from Amazon, which has excellent customer service and return policies. I should receive the unit today. If there are build issues, I'll exchange no more than twice (which, not coincidentally, is the limit of Amazon's exchange policy). If I can't find a good unit among three, I'll just return it and wait for the Samsung P10 or a Surface tab.
Heck, if the P10 is as killer as specs suggest, I'll probably eBay the Infinity anyway. But I've done without a tablet for so long -- and the keyboard dock for my Droid Bionic is a poor substitute -- that I gotta try something.
Pankaja13 said:
Thank you very much
I was also considering the iPad 3 because I'm yet to see an iOS device lag....
but I swore I would NEVER buy apple
What do you thing is a better option?
You have the the Wifi version of the Infinity, right? Is there a big difference in performance?
Thx again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to be conformed to a cookie cutter device, and have a dictatorial company tell you what you want, need, and desire
While controlling you with an iron fist, by all means, get iPad 3.
If you are your own unique person who can decide what you want on your own, I strongly suggest a lil green robot.
Pankaja13 said:
Thank you very much
I was also considering the iPad 3 because I'm yet to see an iOS device lag....
but I swore I would NEVER buy apple
What do you thing is a better option?
You have the the Wifi version of the Infinity, right? Is there a big difference in performance?
Thx again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I first tried the tf300 because it has the jb update but went to the infinity for its display. Once it gets jb you won't see lag any longer with it. I also tried the new ipad but returned it quickly, ios just too boring for me.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
redheadplantguy said:
If you want to be conformed to a cookie cutter device, and have a dictatorial company tell you what you want, need, and desire
While controlling you with an iron fist, by all means, get iPad 3.
If you are your own unique person who can decide what you want on your own, I strongly suggest a lil green robot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't have said it better myself :highfive:
donharden2002 said:
I first tried the tf300 because it has the jb update but went to the infinity for its display. Once it gets jb you won't see lag any longer with it. I also tried the new ipad but returned it quickly, ios just too boring for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same. You can change the wallpaper and that's it.
Big thanks to everyone who helped, but you can only press the "Thanks" button once
I've had some trouble trying to find it in South Asia... guess I'll have to wait a bit longer

How many of you agree we should send an email/post on ASUS facebook about the QC?

I bought a TF700 from Amazon.
it had little light bleeding and clicking screen sound on the speaking side
and the metal back cover is kinda weak (When I hold it, I can feel ipad back metal cover is a little bit harder and stiff)
I drop it from 5cm high and the bottom left hit the table
the bottom left (audio jack) just deform a little and the screen pop out.
Also, it is not stable and reboot and freeze. the I/O issue is still not completely fixed.
I returned it and hope they can give me a fine one
I just hope ASUS can improve its production line of TF700 and at least avoid screen loosen problem if they can
I really like TF700 because it is the only high-end Andriod FHD tablet with awesome keyboard dock available on the market
I don't want shamesung plastic low ppi **** or Acer heater tablet.
I don't wanna wait for the Surface Pro to come out
I am a PT student and I need a tablet to read textbook (we use camera to copy the entire textbook so we can read it on tablet and save lots of money)
I would be happy to do some mass quality control email thing. Its just ridiculous how we spend so much and get things we expected, only crap.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Yeah I am quite pissed too. This was actually the first electronic device I have ever had to return. And I have got quite a lot of stuff. First time went for Asus and this happened.
Too bad that the company I bought it had only 7 days return policy. LOL. Now my tablet went to Asus service to other side of the earth. I really wish they give me new one and not try to fix dead pixels, loose glass, light bleeding and all other problems.
Still not so cool owning expensive tablet for 2 weeks and then loose it for service center for minimum 3 weeks. But this not only Asus to blame, also this one shop in Finland just got to my black list.
Thumbs Down on a Dumb idea
mdemons12 said:
I would be happy to do some mass quality control email thing. Its just ridiculous how we spend so much and get things we expected, only crap.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tens of thousands have shipped.
Extremely few quality issues and they appear to be resolved by replacement.
There are always gripers - don't expose your weaknesses with a mass mailing.
U need a cause? It's election year in the US.
Just remember, ASUS is a fairly large corporation. With every email you send, Mr. Shen gets more and more material to laugh at.
waltnich said:
Tens of thousands have shipped.
Extremely few quality issues and they appear to be resolved by replacement.
There are always gripers - don't expose your weaknesses with a mass mailing.
U need a cause? It's election year in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry to disagree but, when you have 3 take let's with that same problem, then the company has a massive problem with quality control
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
If you don't like it, return it. I don't know why you're even bothering emailing a company with your problems. They will just say RMA or hard reset just to delay you from returning it from the store and you can't return it after the return policy is over.
waltnich said:
Tens of thousands have shipped.
Extremely few quality issues and they appear to be resolved by replacement.
There are always gripers - don't expose your weaknesses with a mass mailing.
U need a cause? It's election year in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to disagree with you.
I have tried them all, Apple, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Sony, you name it. First time I have seen this much complaint about quality and my unit also went back.
There is serious issue with Asus QC. Their product would be the best Android tablet available IF they just would make them as they should be.
I would guess getting quite expensive for Asus too to send new ones. I am guessing return % something like 30% with their products..just a wild guess!
I can't because I unlocked it before the problem actually arose, and to add to the problem, it was a US import
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
If your thinking of doing that email post then do it. You don't need the permission from the viewers here. You will feel a bit vindicated by standing up for what you feel. Just be aware your desired result probably won't happen and they may delete your post. You would be better off taking your time to put a short polite email about your specific issues and emailing Gary or Tien. Look at the stickies in the prime forum for their info.
I'm thinking
ASUS is just one of many companies passing expensive products of dubious quality to consumers.
Somebody write the "How Its Made" show and ask 'em to do one on tablets from ASUS.
Maybe we could catch them in the act.
CandyAndy said:
I have to disagree with you.
I have tried them all, Apple, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Sony, you name it. First time I have seen this much complaint about quality and my unit also went back.
There is serious issue with Asus QC. Their product would be the best Android tablet available IF they just would make them as they should be.
I would guess getting quite expensive for Asus too to send new ones. I am guessing return % something like 30% with their products..just a wild guess!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's a super-wild guess. Same thing occurred with the Nexus 7 forums. You would think that like 70% were bad! Now they are everyones' favorite tablet!
When SGS series phones were getting bricked by the dozens (hundreds, probably) due to very faultly emmc firmware that Samsung never fixed, you would also think it was the end of the world. But out of millions sold, whats a few hundred superbricks?
Anyway, everyone who has had severe-enough issues to have to return their TF700 gets my full sympathy. It sucks, plain and simple. But I'll bet they represent a very small percentage of the units sold to date.
I dont have any QC problems, after a month of usage, i dont have any clicks or other defects nor do i have light bleeding, but i do feel bad for all of you because i would have been as pissed as all of you if it would have happened to me. I will sign any petition or email.
okantomi said:
I think that's a super-wild guess. Same thing occurred with the Nexus 7 forums. You would think that like 70% were bad! Now they are everyones' favorite tablet!
When SGS series phones were getting bricked by the dozens (hundreds, probably) due to very faultly emmc firmware that Samsung never fixed, you would also think it was the end of the world. But out of millions sold, whats a few hundred superbricks?
Anyway, everyone who has had severe-enough issues to have to return their TF700 gets my full sympathy. It sucks, plain and simple. But I'll bet they represent a very small percentage of the units sold to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 7 can't be compared to Infinity when we speak about sold units, it's a Google brand and costs only 200$ so i'm sure it sold much more than Infinity. The Infinity will never sell as much as Nexus so in this case if you compare the numbers Infinity's quality issues are quiet serious imo.
Also i guess that people complain more when they paid 600 $ for a device compared with those that paid only 200.Anyway nobody stop you guys from sending a petition to Asus but imo you shouldn't expect too much from that.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Pretoriano80 said:
Nexus 7 can't be compared to Infinity when we speak about sold units, it's a Google brand and costs only 200$ so i'm sure it sold much more than Infinity. The Infinity will never sell as much as Nexus so in this case if you compare the numbers Infinity's quality issues are quiet serious imo.
Also i guess that people complain more when they paid 600 $ for a device compared with those that paid only 200.Anyway nobody stop you guys from sending a petition to Asus but imo you shouldn't expect too much from that.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Re: the Nexus 7, most of the people complaining were folks coming over from Kindle Fires iirc. I don't think it mattered to them that they had only spent $200-250.
CandyAndy said:
Too bad that the company I bought it had only 7 days return policy. [...] this one shop in Finland just got to my black list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you bought it online, you always have at least 2 weeks unconditional return in all countries in the European Union (which is one of the reasons I mainly buy my expensive electronic gadgets from online shops).
Just got my Infinity CG from BB after waiting a few months.
While its the sexiest Android Tablet or IMHO sexiest tablet of them all to date.. mine is plagued by light bleeding, dust and/or dead pixels under the screen, the glass gives around the edges and causes cracking/creaking noises.
Also, for a new un-opened box item, I was surprised to see my shiny gold back come from the factory with a few scratches and small indentations across the back and side of the unit.
I'll play with it a little more until it goes back as a return.
I can't imagine all the refurb deals that will be created from these Infinity Tabs...
Saddened.
I may try again in a couple months if it looks like QC is up and no worthy competitor is on the immediate horizon. But after waiting since last winter to get this thing, seeing the crappy production values is like a kick in the nads.
Crap. this is one of the reasons I was enjoying the TF700 section over TF201. Always 8itching on the internet and taking no action, return the ones with problems and get the one you want. Are any of the people complaining out of their return window? There are options for you as well that may be a little more work than complaining but still result in a warm fuzzy feeling about your new tablet eventually.
Maybe I'll go back to BB and get a TF300 and see if their immune to this.
Point is, buying a $500 computing device shouldn't be a crapshoot. Can you imagine people buying Dell laptops -- many of which are a LOT cheaper than this tab -- and returning them because of such basic manufacturing flaws?
Dunno about you, but I have a demanding job, kids, social life, etc. When I buy a product like this, I expect it to be 100% out of the box. I don't have time to play QC roulette because Asus isn't giving its best effort.

Asus & CEO Jonny Shih's "Hard Way"

I have been considering posting this for some time, and a couple of posts I saw in the past few days convinced me it's time. After seeing Asus CEO Jonny Shih showing off a "Pre-Production" Transformer Prime to Walt Mossberg last fall, I was one of the customers... scratch that... "suckers" who sold my Asus Transformer - the original, and waited patiently for the Prime. After the horrendous "roll out" wherein Best Buy oversold their pre-orders, Amazon dropped pre-orders and canceled hundreds more, I finally got my Prime. You know the rest, so I won't go into what a huge disappointment and letdown that became, but the worst part? Asus showing off the "fixed" product 3 weeks later, in the form of the Infinity. Then lying and claiming it was NOT the replacement for the Prime, but another BETTER Flagship. I challenge ANYONE to show me where I can still order or by a Prime in the US. (and don't bother showing me URL's with old stock for sale.)
Fast forward almost 1 year from when I sold my TF101, 8 months from the arrival of my sub-Prime and now I actually HAVE an Infinity (some of us are just gluttons for punishment, it seems) Anyway, I FINALLY found out what is at the root of the issues with this polarizing piece of hardware. How is it that something can have such an aura and presence and "quality" in terms of materials, and yet have defects, (light bleed, screen creak & separation etc. ) performance issues (I/O)
If you got to Asus Web Site and visit the section dedicated to the Transformer Pad Infinity. there are a couple of stylistic videos along the lines of "The making of the Transformer Infinity" showing some of the concepts, and engineering that contributed to the design. First, here is the "shpeel"
"While the specs of the tablet are hardly a surprise, it is the level of craftsmanship which impresses. An aluminum forging process, normally found in the aviation industry has been used to compress the metal of the tablet. A molding of the plastic parts with the metal at nano level has lead to the lack of any screws on the slate’s body. And of course, Corning Gorilla Glass 2 is protecting that precious screen at the device’s front."
In the second of two videos on this page: http://eee.asus.com/en/eeepad/transformer-infinity/features/
Titled: "The Next Transformation", one of the engineers says Asus CEO Jonny came up with the concept of "The Hard Way" - THIS is the root of the evil that inflicts ASUS tablets. The concept is to "come up with something that is worth doing, but challenging to accomplish, instead of choosing the easy path to success"
As noble as that sounds, it's plain stupid. WHY would atech company want to do things, build things, design things "The hard way" The build quality of the Infinity is the number one example of how this concept just DOES NOT WORK. The design is too difficult to build consistently. Sure they look awesome, feel solid, and are thin as insert your favorite anorexic chick here, but witness the defect rate. Oh wait... we don't KNOW what the defect rate is. Guess what? I believe It's pretty high. Samsung, with all their plasticiky products, that often look and feel cheap at least has a very good record of build consistency and few defective units.
Witness, I exchanged my Infinity 8 times. Yes, I know that's a ridiculous number, and I know you are thinking: this guy is all OCD, and picking on every tiny little quirk or issue. Maybe. I will grant that I am somewhat OCD, a bit of a perfectionist, but I still consider myself a reasonable person, and not over the top insanely picky. Here's why I returned 7 tablets, so you can decide for yourself:
First, every single one had a defect of some type, some minor, some cosmetic, but NOT ONE was defect free. At first I thought it was bad luck, but by exchange number 4 I KNEW there was some underlying issue; based on serial #'s it was NOTa particular "run" - In fact, I am now100% convinced that these are so difficult to build, that Asus is basically INCAPABLE of building even ONE without some issue. Over the 8 Tablets, I saw (sometime in combinations, but usually one issue per tablet. Ultimately, I ended up keeping one that had an "acceptable level" of issues. You know, like the Dead Pixel" policies companies use? This was "defect issues that are acceptable.
* Screen Back-light Bleed 6 of 8 tablets had noticeable and significant Light-bleed.
* Scratches, dents etc. Only 2 affected, one VERY minor (I almost kept it, until I saw the screen was also coming out of the frame mid-way across the top in landscape orientation) It had a tiny dent, and a tiny "shiny spot" where the anodized gray coating was missing- about the size of a pin head. The other one had a noticeable scratch from the plastic strip on a diagonal, about 1.5 inches long, and had chips out of the plastic strip where it joins to the metal back. Asus claims to us some type of Nano-molding technology to bind plastic and metal. I guess it failed on that one.
* Glass seperating or "Coming out" of the frame. This took the form of the glass being extremely warped, so much so, that I was concerned it would ultimately crack or shatter, as Gorilla Glass 2 is suppossedly thinner than the original, and just as strong, but under a constant stress, and temperature changes? I suspect that is how the "mystery screen breakage" occurs, when people have them docked, then open the tablet to see a broken screen. (Prime had a bunch of these stories, i have only seen a couple on the Infinity, but I suspect it could be worse, as there is no bonded strip around the outside, just a metal back with bent edges to hold the screen, and Lots of reports of screen separation.
TWICE along the way, I though I was all set. The first time, it was the screen warped and coming out of the fram I described above. Even though it worked perfectly, I was seriously afraid it would get worse, or shatter. If it got worse, i would have to shudder RMA the tablet. I went through that once. Never again, is all i can say on the subject. The other one was also really good... cosmetically very nice (by the way, the brushed circular pattern they apply to these is VERY inconsistent. I have seen huge variation on this, with some looking really nice, and some having inconsistent (there's that WORD AGAIN!) finishes, with deeper brush marks in "stripes" across the back, and others being smooth and super shiny.
The LOGO Cut - Done with a Laser? That's the only way I could conceive that they could precisely cut the back in a pattern to fit the Asus logo and have it inset into the aluminum. 2 of my exchanges had a ridiculously mis-cut back, and the logo was coming up, and the cut out was so sharp it would cut your hand easily - my daughter ended up bleeding onto the tablet, so that one went back. They other I was keeping, but failed some other way- I forget how now after all these tablets.
Number 7 was a keeper... I thought. It koooked PERFECT. Beautiful, They pretiest Infinity I ever had. But the Wifi was all over the place, and slow. I was seing 10 Mbit, maybe 12 Mbit speeds. then dropping to 3-5 Mbit. (Others I had would do 20+ Mbit every time, no matter when or how often you tested them. Some hit 30+ Anyway, all of a sudden I remembered the infamous "Pogo Pins" from the Prime, and I sueezed the tablet along the top edge. Not only did it IMEDIATELY shoot straight up to 30 Mbit, but the top left where I squeezed made a super loud creaking, and the screen deviated by a whole lot. You could SEE it moving in relation to the frame, with a loud creak and a clicking sound... great... there goes another one! (#7 - the last one I returned. And Best Buy had to pass it around so they could ALL give it a nice squeeze. Thanks Mr. Whipple!
Ripple effect (I would NOT return a tablet for this, but when it is present, but it looks noticeably less quality than ones that do not display this issue. It looks like several dozen tiny ripples running the length of the tablet, and in bright light it is obvious if you have this. Not all do, and some have no ripples at all.
Volume and power buttons are total crap. Some click and have a detent, others just "mush"
I mean, is this the price we must pay for all that sexy aluminum? This kind of "Delorean Motors build quality"? Hey! They DO sort of look like the Delorean, now that I think about it!
So this is my list. Do you have any of these:
1 Dents, divots or chips out of the metal.
2. Chips out of the plactic strip.
3. Spots where the anodized color is missing.
4. Glass that is rising above the frame, is notably warped (hold it level under some light, and look across the top. If it looks like a brezzy day on the lake, I would not feel too good about it.)
5. Poor application of the "Circular" pattern.
6. Poor laser cut of recessed Logo area. (including sharp metal edges)
7. Poor or failing Power buttons and Volume buttons.
8. Scratches of all types (on a factory sealed box)
9. Creeks, squeaks, Clucking, Clunking, Popping sounds when you squeeze the glass at the border.
That's mostly it for the Physical stuff on the tablet... It IS a beautiful tablet. I just think it's too difficult to build consistently well.
One final gripe: The Power Supply, same design since TF101, and really poor.
Poor grounding of power supply - feel that nice "tickle" when you run your fingers along the metal while on the charger? The Prime would only do this when the plug as oriented one way, switch it around and it stopped. The infinity does it on both polarities. How can they sell it like that? By the way, some are worse than others, I know, I have sampled enough. This is unacceptable.
If they could make these consistently well, there is a very short wishlist I would like to see filled:
* Better memory bus design. I am not sure this is entirely Asus fault, or if some falls on Nvidia, with the single channel memory controller, or whatever it is about Asus Tablet memory architecture ALL Asus tablets have some degree of IO issues - I know the Nexus 7 has I/O issues, though not as bad, but there ARE other Tegra 3 designs that are not plagued with this issue.
* Separate Bluetooth / Wifi chips. or at LEAST a 5 Ghz WiFi...Come ON! The iPAD 1 had 5 Ghz, as does EVERY Samsung Tablet.
* Better Buttons
* Micro USB Port on Tablet
* Real Stereo Speakers, preferably pointing at the user, on Keyboard would be the logical place (if that proves difficult, PERFECT: Jonny Shih's people will be ecstatic!)
Finally: STOP saying: "Dock attached: Use Keyboard to type WORDS" What the heck else are you going to use it for, sending morse code?
Poor I/O - Design of memory bus
Combined (cheap) WiFi/Bluetooth chipset - Thus the poor wifi when Bluetooth streaming.
No 5 Ghz Wifi (
Poor fit of the Primes Dock - Oh yeah, Asus has a blurb saying the TF201 dock is incompatible with TF700, but not the opposite. meanwhile, those videos I mentioned on Asus site? One of the goes on about how they spent a lot of time balancing the tablet to "make it work better in the TF201 Dock" Then they go and repackage Prime docks and charge a premium for them.
There... now I got all that off my chest. Can't WAIT for Jelly Bean!
......waaaaaaaaay to long of a post....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
A good post. Agree 100% with all of the problems.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
It's okay. I returned my tablet 9 times to Best Buy. The last two times I had my gf do it cause I was tired of getting my ID registered to their 3rd party company (The Retail Equation) who handles returns to find fraud. I finally got a good one. On my fourth exchange, I started opening the box right in their store to make sure nothing was wrong. I think it was about 9 exchanges in a total of 3 days.
the first I had was perfect, then I bricked it...
I got another one and it is also perfect, I can't understand you guys.
I had no light bleeding, no cracking sounds, no scratches on the metal, no seperated screen.
Nothing what you write about, not even a bit.
I got my two tablets from Amazon Germany, maybe WW Build quality is just better than US?
Good post!
Very informative and interesting.
I guess I was lucky, having gotten my mitts on one about two weeks before official retail <gnagna>. I can find no fault externally or with the screen, although I do have the same I/O issues everybody else is having, obviously (that's a clear design error).
Good post, had a good laugh -- I hope that JB will flip the coin for us and makes the 700 perform more like it should have out of the box -- though it remains uncertain at best if we will ever have the performance we paid so dearly for...
SmartAs$Phone said:
One final gripe: The Power Supply, same design since TF101, and really poor.
Poor grounding of power supply - feel that nice "tickle" when you run your fingers along the metal while on the charger? The Prime would only do this when the plug as oriented one way, switch it around and it stopped. The infinity does it on both polarities. How can they sell it like that? By the way, some are worse than others, I know, I have sampled enough. This is unacceptable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is truly unacceptable! And you should also add to your list the power supply noise, it is very annoying sometimes.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
I must be lucky, all i have is a little light bleed. My buttons are good and pretty solid feeling, I have a ipad 2 to compare to and after the update this thing flys.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
I also must be one of the lucky ones.
This thing is perfect in every way.
I loved your post. It is always good to speak your mind.
Agree 100% Exchanged my TF101 7 times, Prime twice and gave up, Tf700 twice (still not happy) and now I'm waiting for the Nexus 10. Done with Asus. And yes, I know Nexuses are built by Asus, but Google holds their feet to fire when it comes to QA.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
So all you guys who have perfect device Asus just put in two antennas for perfect WiFi Bluetooth connection and faster nand chip so no more sloppy io performance? Interesting..
I got ww model and I can't believe why Asus decided to save maybe 10$ there.
Apart from my 3 hot Pixels seems that no problems.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
I'm pretty lucky too compared to some of you. I bought mine off of Amazon and its been absolutely perfect! I also got the dock + splashtop = lots of funny looks when docking and undocking while using window in class
I've only had mine a week now, but agree with others, mine is great! I had my Transformer Prime for 7 months. I never did an RMA or anything. Other than a poorly functioning GPS and a slightly weak WIFI signal, the TPrime was great. I'm expecting the same with the Infinity, and as I said, so far, just great!
Sorry, but I just don't understand returning a product 7 or 9 times. I look at technology this way: there's bound to be a few glitches here and there. I've grown to accept that and live with them. Now, obviously I admit there are certain hardware failures and other issues which shouldn't be accepted in an expensive device. I'm not saying I've never returned anything. I have. It took me two phones to get to a properly functioning Galaxy Nexus phone. Stuff happens, but 9 returns?! I just don't get that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
SOTK said:
Sorry, but I just don't understand returning a product 7 or 9 times. I look at technology this way: there's bound to be a few glitches here and there. I've grown to accept that and live with them. Now, obviously I admit there are certain hardware failures and other issues which shouldn't be accepted in an expensive device. I'm not saying I've never returned anything. I have. It took me two phones to get to a properly functioning Galaxy Nexus phone. Stuff happens, but 9 returns?! I just don't get that.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a keychain camera for about $40 on ebay (look up 808 cam). I researched the tech, i made sure to find a buyer that reportedly sold what he said (a #16 instead of a re-labled #3) and when i got the product i was generally happy with it. It had a few glitches but i got what i paid for.
When i spend $650 for a tablet and dock, especially when there are other similar quality devices for $100 cheaper, i am expecting to get what i pay for. I paid for perfection. I COULD have gone on ebay and bought a bargian basement tablet for, say, $75, and maybe it would do what it claimed!
The reason we are upset is this:
We were sold a quality product
top of the line specs
from a trusted manufacturer with a history of meticulous perfection
Instead what we recieved was a product with many build issues
imperfect construction
sloppy workmanship
poor design
bad internals
and finally, extremely poor customer service.
Asus had been, in my books, one of the top companies. I would never think twice before buying a laptop or computer from them. Now.... I dont know. I had a prime, i should have learned from that. Now i have an infinity. Not perfect but considering (through a series of fortunate events) it cost me about $250 i can live with that.
Usually, if you have something that was mid-tier and doesnt work perfect you could say "should have bought the top end device", or justify those problems with saying you saved because its not the highest end model.
Well this is the highest end model. The galaxy note 10 comes close but unless you want the pen the infinity is the winner by specs. How can we justify poor quality when we pay top dollar? We cant.
What i dont get is how, after 9 returns, did this person not say "maybe i'd be better off with a tab2.0 or a galaxy note". I am at that point, i really, really love the specs for the infinity on paper, and i love the form factor, i love how light it is, how solid it feels (when its not falling apart), how thin it is, i think its awesome. I dont like how they charge $650 for something that should cost half that with the amount of problems it has.
Let me put it this one other way...
If you went to a car dealership and bought a car off the lot, brand new, never been driven before, and one of the tires was flat. Or one of the break rotors was misaligned, or one of the cylindars was misfiring, or the transmission didnt work, or the breaks were spotty, or the headlights didnt work properly.... if you had ANY problems you would say "hey, this isnt right, its brand new give me one thats perfect." Thats what we want from Asus. We want a tablet that is perfect. Yes, android itself has some quirks, and i can deal with software issues, but hardware issues? Not for my money. No sir!
Sorry for the long post but i, like OP and many others, are ready to throw in the towel with this infernal thing. And dont even get me started on the keyboard dock....
My Infinity was also almost perfect right away i opened the box. Except for the little, little light bleed, everything was OK - HW wise.
SW is another story, but not a part of this discussion I think.
Thank, because this is not really a cheap piece of HW, i handled it very gently.
After almost 3 months of using it, I decided to actually use it for what it is meant. It goes with me wherever I go.
I've been on vacations for 10 days, it goes with me to work and back, currently it is with me on a business trip.
Well well well. A lot of people were reporting detachments, screeches an so on. I never had them. Until now.
Left part of the tablet has started to screech few days ago, also i can feel a detachment.
I am right handed, which means i hold tablet with my left hand, on the left side. As the tablet is pretty heavy you have to hold it pretty hard.
Whenever i pick it up it screetches and i can see the screen "waves" on the left side of the screen.
I am afraid it will get worse. It feels like some day everything will just come apart and i get ending with two piecev of tablet.
Hope not.
This is my experience, and i hate to say, but i am slowly starting to regret this investment.
pileot said:
Asus had been, in my books, one of the top companies. I would never think twice before buying a laptop or computer from them. Now.... I dont know. I had a prime, i should have learned from that. Now i have an infinity. Not perfect but considering (through a series of fortunate events) it cost me about $250 i can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same. Previously I have bought two ASUS laptop I have been satisfied with. But after owning a Infinity for less than 3 moths my LCD suddenly cracked without a scratch on Gorilla Glass and poor ASUS costumer service, I will say no more ASUS.
kabauterman said:
the first I had was perfect, then I bricked it...
I got another one and it is also perfect, I can't understand you guys.
I had no light bleeding, no cracking sounds, no scratches on the metal, no seperated screen.
Nothing what you write about, not even a bit.
I got my two tablets from Amazon Germany, maybe WW Build quality is just better than US?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is a WW and also zero defects. I had 2 units opened at the store here in Bangkok so I could choose the between the champagne and amethyst and both were fine with no issues.
Do we actually know that the I/O issues are hardware related? The reason I ask is I have a HTC One X with Tegra 3 and no matter how hard I try everything keeps flying smoothly. I can start a ten app update while switching between as many apps as I want without it even breaking a sweat. My vote is for ASUS software being sh*t.
maedox said:
Do we actually know that the I/O issues are hardware related? The reason I ask is I have a HTC One X with Tegra 3 and no matter how hard I try everything keeps flying smoothly. I can start a ten app update while switching between as many apps as I want without it even breaking a sweat. My vote is for ASUS software being sh*t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but HTC didn't choose a cheap NAND drive as Asus did. This is not completely tegra related. Just cheap internals which Asus using.
Same goes with the wifi speed dropping when using bluetooth. Those bastards have the same antenna for both wifi and bluetooth and not even supporting 5ghz signal. So lame. I think the price difference for Asus would be something like 10$ but they decided to go cheap on this.
I was seriously considering to opening this up and installing faster NAND and another antenna but unfortunately that would result 100% surely into non working tablet.

Categories

Resources