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Hi guys, is the dock really worth the price point? Do you think its a must have accessory for the transformer? How have the dock improved your whole experience with the transformer? I have about $100 amazon gift credits left after selling my text books.
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk
Personally for me, yes, with the two USB slots, the extended battery life, the SD card slot, the keyboard and mousepad, and a way of protecting the screen of the tablet
I also debated about getting the dock. I believed I could really use it for school, so I bought it, but there were a few complictions non-device related. I then debated about returning it, but every aspect about it is amazing to me.
At night I throw my transformer on the dock and let them both charge fully, I wake up in the morning and throw my transformer and dock into my backpack, just in case I have a class where the notes are just extremely long. During free periods I pull it out and just mess around(I am a high school student). I dont get home until late every day so my tablet easily last all day.
From here I will just list the benefits, lol.
My transformer has been used down to 50% I reach in my bag and throw it on th dock, leave and come back my tablet is juiced and ready to go.
I want to browse the web fo a while, so I throw on the dock and get typing...i hate using the on-screen keyboard sometimes.
I open up XDA and browse a couple tablet forums and read their woes and trolls, and sometimes respond...with the keyboard.
I have a file on a flash drive or on my Phone and I want it on my transformer quickly to view and edit...(usb ports help out here)
The quick hotkeys at the top of the keyboard on the dock are amazing, I am always using one of those for something every minute.
Touchpad does not get used much due to having a display that can be touched
The coolnes factor, people ask me like, "ohhh you got another computer?!" im like nooooo this is my tablet, and pow undock it and blow their minds.
It will be compatile with Asus tablets to come...this does not seem like a big deal, but when you already have n accesory for something that isnt even out yet it feels like your saving mucho money.
Yeah, these are just a few, but I hope it helps you consider getting it because it is worth it in so many ways!
This was also typd from my dock XD
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Warkman said:
Personally for me, yes, with the two USB slots, the extended battery life, the SD card slot, the keyboard and mousepad, and a way of protecting the screen of the tablet
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ThEiiNoCeNT said:
I also debated about getting the dock. I believed I could really use it for school, so I bought it, but there were a few complictions non-device related. I then debated about returning it, but every aspect about it is amazing to me.
At night I throw my transformer on the dock and let them both charge fully, I wake up in the morning and throw my transformer and dock into my backpack, just in case I have a class where the notes are just extremely long. During free periods I pull it out and just mess around(I am a high school student). I dont get home until late every day so my tablet easily last all day.
From here I will just list the benefits, lol.
My transformer has been used down to 50% I reach in my bag and throw it on th dock, leave and come back my tablet is juiced and ready to go.
I want to browse the web fo a while, so I throw on the dock and get typing...i hate using the on-screen keyboard sometimes.
I open up XDA and browse a couple tablet forums and read their woes and trolls, and sometimes respond...with the keyboard.
I have a file on a flash drive or on my Phone and I want it on my transformer quickly to view and edit...(usb ports help out here)
The quick hotkeys at the top of the keyboard on the dock are amazing, I am always using one of those for something every minute.
Touchpad does not get used much due to having a display that can be touched
The coolnes factor, people ask me like, "ohhh you got another computer?!" im like nooooo this is my tablet, and pow undock it and blow their minds.
It will be compatile with Asus tablets to come...this does not seem like a big deal, but when you already have n accesory for something that isnt even out yet it feels like your saving mucho money.
Yeah, these are just a few, but I hope it helps you consider getting it because it is worth it in so many ways!
This was also typd from my dock XD
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
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+1. Agree 100% with both these posts. I personally tested 3 other tablets and the dock with all the niceties it adds was the selling point on th TF for me. 4 others at my work have bought TF and all have the dock.
Get the dock! I didn't want to spend more money to get it as I thought I wouldn't use it much. But once I got it I use it all the time, the extra battery, using the dock to hold as a stand and plugging a usb mouse were the main reasons I got it.
At first (I ordered the TF the DAY it was released) I wasnt going to get the dock, I figured it's a tablet if I need a kb I'll use my netbook or laptop.. So then I got the dock on sale (when they were selling like hotcakes) and snatched it up for the deal.. plus I figured even if I didn't use it I had a spare battery, plus a nice little way to prop up the tablet in bed.... fast forward to today.. I use the dock just as much as the tablet by itself. Because of the dock, I now use my tablet in ways I would never if I had not had the dock. I now keep all my class notes on it (using ever note) which makes reading them on the go easy(without the dock) and makes taking notes during class much easier. I really do now find the dock VERY useful.. It pretty much has replaced my netbook (dell duo netbook/tablet)
So I would say yes, in the long run the dock is most certainly worth the price (in my situation it was)
oh wow! Thank you so much for the informative responds. I will definitely get it! I still have few questions. Does it lag when you type on websites like it does on the screen keyboard? I use a chromebook for school. Hows the weight compared tot the chromebook? And can you easily peel off that sticker on the keyboard? Because sometimes its hard to take that off in some laptops and it will leave a mark.
Ok, I love my TF. And I mean it is awesome. And just being to get a Dock/Keyboard is very cool too..
But I am having a hard time buying the keyboard/. Yes I know all the advantages. But this is what my wife says about it. If you wanted a laptop, then why did you get a tablet?
I have no way of arguing with her on this point. But I would use it if I bought one.
So can you guys give me some advice to help me decide?
If your wife doesn't understand why it's better you chance your wife ;-)
Try to show herramientas that with a keyboard you have the best of two worlds. A laptop for some situations a tablet for other.
Enviado desde mi Transformer TF101 usando Tapatalk
I enjoy having the keyboard dock simply because it bridges the gap between a tablet and a netbook. In addition to all the features it offers typing is so much more convenient while still experiencing the touch screen of the tab itself (whenever I use mine or my wife's laptop I actually try to scroll on the screen...).
You can ask your wife to remove the screen from a netbook when you want to use it separately . I'd say go for it! According to ASUS it will also be compatible for future tablets.
Now having the keyboard dock, I wish i didn't. I wish i would have picked up a good bt keyboard that i could interchange with my cellphone/htpc/future cell./future tablet. my .02
It all comes down to what your main purpose/use for the dock is. I personally like that you can hook up external drives etc. without issues, take screenshots, have dedicated android shortcuts and so on. I had a BT keyboard for my XOOM but it wasn't that great (admittedly, it was a cheap generic Apple keyboard that I taught some android shortcuts). If it's just for the sake of typing on a keyboard then yes, maybe it's better to get a good wireless (BT) keyboard that works with other BT devices. If you want connectivity and expandability then the dock is the best (only?) solution.
phlunkie said:
Now having the keyboard dock, I wish i didn't. I wish i would have picked up a good bt keyboard that i could interchange with my cellphone/htpc/future cell./future tablet. my .02
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For me, I enjoyed using the tablet only. I got the keyboard/dock so I could type faster, and keep the tablet charged. Sometimes I use the USB & SD slots, too.
What happens now: I leave the tablet in the dock most of the time. I only disconnect the tablet when I want to read or play something that works better without a keyboard/dock.
The dock transforms your use from primary tablet, to primary tablet/dock. HTH.
One of the ways I justified it is that with any other tablet you have to buy a BT keyboard anyways, and in addition the dock when folded PROTECTS the tab's glass, basically eliminating the need for a case or sleeve
+1 To " get a new wife"
I make good use of the extra USB, SD, and battery so its really justified for me.
And +1 to fldude99 about protecting the glass. If you think it will benefit you for what you do with the tab then get it. I for one, love it.
I decided to go ahead and get one. Found a brand new one for $123.00. I can always use it on the next transformer I get that happens to have a number 2 next to it.
good for you, oh, and a word of advice, you might like to know what one would do about the weird trackpad and scrolling problems, and that is this: get a usb mouse... It works great with the dock and makes for the full "netbook" experience. (I would go for a wired one though because I occassionally have problems with my wireless one)
hope I could make your experience a little easier
cost with dock and tf is about 5 or 600 cost for new laptop, over 700 dollars. point made
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Considering I got my TF + Dock for $230 shipped brand new, Im thrilled with this thing. The dock is amazing because it gives you the flexibility to work or play. It's very portable with or without the dock, but I usually take just the TF with me when I go places and I dock it the second I get home. Not to mention the extra battery life is a blessing. I say go for it man, you won't regret it.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
It makes typing a hundred times easier and the extra battery are the main reasons I love the dock.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
(1) Laptop battery doesn't last 16 hours.
(2) Laptop can't transform into a tablet when you just want a tablet.
(3) Laptop doesn't have multi-touch capacitive screen.
(4) Laptop feels like an anchor.
Just a few off the top of my head.
I've found that people, ipad users in particular, have a hard time understanding choice. To them the issue is whether you want a tablet or a laptop. What if you want both but don't want to carry a laptop and a tablet around?
Earlier today someone on the train asked me just this question. She was crazy about her ipad 2. So, we talked about our tablets because she was curious about what I have. The question inevitably came up. Why didn't I just get a laptop? I gave her my short answer, which was "I like having the choice to either have a laptop or a tablet". She just gave me a blank look.
This goes back to what I've been saying for months. Apple has done a very good job at convincing people that you cannot be productive with your ipad. You need a laptop for that, preferably the macbook air. So, this woman, like so many others I've talked to, was puzzled why I wanted to do work with my tablet. She couldn't imagine typing for too long on her ipad because the softkeys are just horrible to type on if you're doing substantial typing. Even after I plugged my Tf into the dock, she still had trouble understanding how I could work with a tablet. I had to show her some documents I had put together on nothing but the TF and my powerpoint presentation.
By the time she got up to get off the train at her stop, I still got the feeling that she was still not convinced you could be useful with the tablet platform.
Last month, ,I read an article that claimed the author believed strongy the future will belong to the tablet-notebook hybrids. I guess only time will tell. I agree with that article, though.
i damaged my tablet by packing it with an extension cord for a flight - the prongs dug deep into the screen and damaged it somewhat - d'oh
so i picked up the keyboard primarily so that it could protect the screen
what i got was a keyboard that seems even better made than the tablet
i like the keyboard too for note-taking or long emails, while keeping the tactile yumminess of a touchscreen
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Now we seen the TF2, is there a new keyboard dock too? I'm thinking about getting a dock but if there is a new thinner one, ill wait. Wonder if it will fit a TF1.
I simply don't see how they could have a thinner tablet but still fit the first dock. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
That's a good question too. So if there is a thinner dock and thinner TF2, will the old thicker TF1 fit the thinner dock? If there is a new dock?
http://www.engadget.com/photos/asus...rmer-prime-android-tablet-at-asiad-1/#4542823
:/ new dock
ASUS always said it'd be compatible. It'll just look ugly when connected I guess. But the new Prime is super slick and thin. Best to just sell and rebuy.
That silver metal finished tablet, with the brownish dock will look like , well.... ummm... better buy the new one
The new transformer looks great... Better color than the original.
Sent from my Transformer TF101G using xda premium
las5muertas said:
The new transformer looks great... Better color than the original.
Sent from my Transformer TF101G using xda premium
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Well, I don't agree. I still think the bronze color of the TF1 looks great because it makes the TF look nothing like other tablets. I just hope they don't make the TF2 look like other tablets.
it... its so THIN! you better have a case already purchased before you receive this thing. I can see all of the RMA threads now....lol
uploder said:
it... its so THIN! you better have a case already purchased before you receive this thing. I can see all of the RMA threads now....lol
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Sorry if I'm dense. What's the joke?
goodintentions said:
Sorry if I'm dense. What's the joke?
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That thin = easy to break would be my guess. Although it hasnt materialized with the ipad or the Samsung. Its not like most people are snapping them in half, its broken glass, which will happen on a thin or a thick tablet.
I've gotta say, if the TF Prime works with the current dock, I'll be buying one the first day. I couldn't care less if it doesn't match--I'm not terribly worried about being arrested by the fashion police.
Really, what makes me hesitate in buying the Prime is the though of needing not only the tablet but also another $150 on a dock. Take that away, and suddenly I can justify things a little better.
That said, I don't actually think the dock will be supported--I remember Asus saying awhile back that they received a number of complaints about the docking mechanism (which I've never understood) and so were going to redesign it. I don't know how they could change the mechanism and still support the original dock, but we'll see...
wynand32 said:
I've gotta say, if the TF Prime works with the current dock, I'll be buying one the first day. I couldn't care less if it doesn't match--I'm not terribly worried about being arrested by the fashion police.
Really, what makes me hesitate in buying the Prime is the though of needing not only the tablet but also another $150 on a dock. Take that away, and suddenly I can justify things a little better.
That said, I don't actually think the dock will be supported--I remember Asus saying awhile back that they received a number of complaints about the docking mechanism (which I've never understood) and so were going to redesign it. I don't know how they could change the mechanism and still support the original dock, but we'll see...
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Yeah, it's unlikely I'll be upgrading if the existing dock isn't supported, either. I could care less about thinner, so the TF2's advantages (faster, and *maybe* a better camera since they bothered to add an LED flash) would be outweighed by its disadvantages (new docks means added expense, and now it's not only a reflective fingerprint magnet on the front, but on the back as well.)
I wonder if the new dock includes a built in battery?
They read it reportedly has a 14.5 hour battery life, but it didn't mention it that was docked or undocked. If that batter life is docked then a guess it a small trade off for thinness. If it's undocked I could see the dock not needing to have a battery (of course a dock that add an additional 10 hours would be really nice too).
RojasTKD said:
I wonder if the new dock includes a built in battery?
They read it reportedly has a 14.5 hour battery life, but it didn't mention it that was docked or undocked. If that batter life is docked then a guess it a small trade off for thinness. If it's undocked I could see the dock not needing to have a battery (of course a dock that add an additional 10 hours would be really nice too).
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From the video I heard him say that its about 8.5 without the dock and 16.5 with the dock
BongoBong said:
From the video I heard him say that its about 8.5 without the dock and 16.5 with the dock
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Ahhh... well, I guess that's not bad.
wynand32 said:
I've gotta say, if the TF Prime works with the current dock, I'll be buying one the first day. I couldn't care less if it doesn't match--I'm not terribly worried about being arrested by the fashion police.
Really, what makes me hesitate in buying the Prime is the though of needing not only the tablet but also another $150 on a dock. Take that away, and suddenly I can justify things a little better.
That said, I don't actually think the dock will be supported--I remember Asus saying awhile back that they received a number of complaints about the docking mechanism (which I've never understood) and so were going to redesign it. I don't know how they could change the mechanism and still support the original dock, but we'll see...
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Click to collapse
Yeah, the base becomes slippery when you raise the screen. Maybe if they would have used rubber on the feat instead of hard plastic it would have been better.
Pure math :
TF1 : 12.98mm thick AND TF2 : 8.3mm thick = Different dock
BongoBong said:
From the video I heard him say that its about 8.5 without the dock and 16.5 with the dock
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I heard 16.5 hours docked clearly, but couldn't quite make out 8.5 hours by itself. Not sure where everyone got 14.5 hours as is being reported, because I definitely didn't hear that.
dissapointed the dock doesnt have back lit keys
iLuv Executive Case w/BT Keyboard.
I'm ordering one of these today and will update when I get it. You can remove the keyboard if you want and it seems like a fair price compared to the Samsung OEM keyboards.
Edit:
I guess it would help if I included a link, sorry. Here you go:
http://www.amazon.com/iLuv-Executive-Detachable-Bluetooth-iSK914BLK/dp/B005JK62SU/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&qid=1323308666&sr=8-45
dazednconfused said:
iLuv Executive Case w/BT Keyboard.
I'm ordering one of these today and will update when I get it. You can remove the keyboard if you want and it seems like a fair price compared to the Samsung OEM keyboards.
Edit:
I guess it would help if I included a link, sorry. Here you go:
http://www.amazon.com/iLuv-Executive-Detachable-Bluetooth-iSK914BLK/dp/B005JK62SU/ref=sr_1_45?ie=UTF8&qid=1323308666&sr=8-45
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Let us know how it is. I keep hoping that Targus will make a version of their Versavu iPad2 Keyboard case for the Galaxy Tab 8.9. I know a couple people who have one for their iPad and it is a nice keyboard case.
http://www.targus.com/us/productdet...txt=Search Results Versavu iPad Keyboard Case
nkrick said:
Let us know how it is. I keep hoping that Targus will make a version of their Versavu iPad2 Keyboard case for the Galaxy Tab 8.9. I know a couple people who have one for their iPad and it is a nice keyboard case.
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Click to collapse
I agree, please do let us know how it is once you receive it. I am contemplating purchasing it. Frankly, if I was being honest, one of the major factors of this case that is keeping me from getting it is the "iLuv" branding on the clip. I don't think this was a necessary move, but hey at least they made a case with a removable keyboard!
As for Targus' iPad version of the case, it looks extremely nice.
Alot more companies REALLY need to expand out and develop more Samsung 8.9 cases (there aren't that many options).
I will update if I ever receive it. I have to call Amazon customer service. I'm not sure why, I am being told it is on back order, even though if you look at the site today, it says they are in stock. This kind of stuff just completely aggravates me.
dazednconfused said:
I will update if I ever receive it. I have to call Amazon customer service. I'm not sure why, I am being told it is on back order, even though if you look at the site today, it says they are in stock. This kind of stuff just completely aggravates me.
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Hmm, on that note, I think I'll just stick with my original pick and go this route:
ViperTek Slim Folio Case for the Samsung Galaxy 8.9 and
Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for Android 3.0+
bwhite4294 said:
Hmm, on that note, I think I'll just stick with my original pick and go this route:
ViperTek Slim Folio Case for the Samsung Galaxy 8.9 and
Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for Android 3.0+
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Click to collapse
I might look at that option as well. After arguing with Amazon for twenty minutes, I told them to cancel the order and refund my card. Makes no sense why my product is on back order when they still as of today show they are in stock from 6 different merchants.
How about this bluetooth case? Looks similar and cheaper cost wise?
http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Leather-Keyboard-Samsung-Galaxy/dp/B0062GU272/ref=pd_cp_e_1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA App
Well in case anyone orders one of these let me save you the trouble.
The keyboard is excellent, but the case is sized for a 10" tablet. The pictures on the Amazon.com website are misleading because they show the case and the tablet being perfectly sized together, but now I'm quite sure they are pics of the 10.1 model. Basically it fits fine, but you end up with about 1" of empty space all around the 8.9 (yuck).
http://www.amazon.com/iLuv-Executive-Detachable-Bluetooth-iSK914BLK/dp/B005JK62SU
They sell these things for the iPad, Galaxy 10.1 and a few others with just the pocket that the tablet slides into being custom to each model. So if you don't mind carrying around a 10" case with a really nice BT keyboard then you might like this one. Like I said the keys are really high quality and feel nice to touch type with. I'm sending it back for a refund.
Just curious,
Iluv makes 2 type of keyboard
BLK14 is 8.9" and BLK12 is for 10.1". Pretty sure the one in amazon is 8.9"?
There are mixed reports on a .de forum about that.
I´ll sell my good old 7" for the new one, but only in case that i dont have to spend the 69€ for a new car mount again.
Anyone able to give me a final heads up on this one please?
7+ is slimmer than the good old 7. It might loose...
there is a thread covering this already. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1387595
It can fit but the fit is very tight and far from ideal. Even though the 7+ is thinner it is longer and wider. It will fit in with no modification and the charge port will work. However, it is not ideal. I sanded the corners on mine down a bit to help it fit better. If it is something you want to put in the dock everyday I would recommend not getting the new tab without the new dock. However, if you are only using it once a month on trips or something, then it should work for you.
Hmm, i guess i´ll skip it then.
Seems like its not worth the trouble.
Thanks everyone.