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I currently have an Acer A500 tab, and I mainly chose this for its usb slot(best thing ever created on a tab).
However, I am looking at getting the Asus Prime because I need the Tegra 3...NOW! lol.
I hope you guys can answer my questions.
How do you like your keyboard? I want the keyboard for the usb and super battery life, but It feels like the keyboard would be trouble when you dont want it, or you want to use your tab in portrait mode. Is it an inconvenience carrying around a keyboard for "just in case I need it" situations?
Also can you turn the tab around on the keyboard and fold it so the keys are touching the back of the tab? (I dont think so but thats why I am asking).
I love my Acer and I like the Asus. Amazing tabs with there own pros and cons. But I am very interested in the prime and and help would be appreciated.
I love this tablet. Have had this thing for four days now and I'm very happy with it. And i love the keyboard! I actually thought about not buying the keyboard but I am so happy I did. The extra battery is so great. Can go a long time without needing to charge. You can't turn the tablet around and shut it backwards against the keys. And I have no trouble keeping the tablet handy when im not using it. I definately suggest getting this, especially now that the Prime has the Tegra 3!
Do whatever you can to see the 1015PE and similar Eee PC netbooks by ASUS. Something that made it easier to buy in to the TF101, the keyboard is virtually the same as my netbook, which was just a smidge smaller than my laptop with fn/ctrl swapped. It's as good as you are going to get without a standard keyboard.
I carry mine in a backpack, otherwise my tablet is rarely longer than arms length away and the dock a room away at best. Thus when I'm out, the worst I can get is dealing with my pack
Nevver tried docking it that way but it is inconvienent to desire (or require) portrait mode with the dock. If you have a lame app like PayPal that goes Portrait Only, you pretty much can **** your head to the side or undock.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Amazon has accpeted to refund my Transformer Prime. Now I am wondering if I should replace it with the Infinity (in that case, I won't send my keyboard dock) or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I have read about some issues that people were having with the infinity such as problems with the screen, hardware problems or lagginess even with Jelly Bean. I was wondering if these problems are generalized like the problem with the Prime or if they are isolated cases. Would you get an Infinity again if you could go back and choose?
Wendemixda said:
Amazon has accpeted to refund my Transformer Prime. Now I am wondering if I should replace it with the Infinity (in that case, I won't send my keyboard dock) or the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. I have read about some issues that people were having with the infinity such as problems with the screen, hardware problems or lagginess even with Jelly Bean. I was wondering if these problems are generalized like the problem with the Prime or if they are isolated cases. Would you get an Infinity again if you could go back and choose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
39 pages on this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1662
44 pages on the Note forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1736
I would get a note 10.1 personally. The TF700 suffers from lag because it uses a slow nand chip. The note 10.1 uses a fast nand chip and there are no major flaws with it.
Would you rather have a higher resolution screen that lags & has quality control issues or a lower resolution screen that's fast?
Just got my tf700 after returning the prime a while back. Make your decision based on what you use the tablet for. I use the keyboard quite a bit and therefore would go with Asus. If you tinker/flash like me, Sammy is a good choice plus their stylus tech is pretty solid. (I own a Galaxy Nexus and an Infuse before that)
Barry is right, these threads often biased depending on the sub-forum. Google some reviews for both tabs and compare their features.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
The best way to decide (if possible) is to go to a store and play around with both of them.
The "slow Nand" issue is *way* overblown, in my opinion - most users would never even notice the problem. Honestly, the *only* time that I see any sort of lag or slowdown is when updating/installing apps, which can be done when the user decides (like when you don't need to do other things) - besides, how often are you actually install/updating apps while trying to do other things? Honestly, the issue is not nearly as bad as some would make you believe.
As another user already started, if you are going to do a lot of typing and want a FHD screen, the choice is rather obvious. If you actually have a real-world use for the S-Pen, then the Note 10.1 would be the obvious choice.
But again, do yourself a favor and go and try both devices for yourself - most of the stuff you read on these forums is very biased and most of these folks haven't even used both devices, so to get a true representation of the differences between both devices, you'll need to try then for yourself.
I will say this - since the JB upgrade, my TF700 absolutely flies - it is not "laggy" or slow at all - it runs *very* well. After a few small tweaks, even the stock browser is amazingly fast.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with any of these devices. If you need a stand alone USB port on the TF700, ASUS makes one. I don't think the ASUS keyboard is reason to select the Infinity over something else.
I think the prime is very good hardware wise. I love the screen. This screen should be on every phone and laptop.
I think JB will be faster once someone gets all the bugs out and replaces some of the molasses with the butter they promised.
Here is a good review of the Infinity. AFAICT, the only thing it lags hardware wise is the iPad 3.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6036/asus-transformer-pad-infinity-tf700t-review
I love my Infinity. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Linuxguy1 said:
You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with any of these devices. If you need a stand alone USB port on the TF700, ASUS makes one. I don't think the ASUS keyboard is reason to select the Infinity over something else.
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True, but a bluetooth keyboard and/or the 30-pin->USB converter are nowhere *near* as convenient as the docking station. Plus, there is no extra battery that way, which is a huge benefit of the dock.
The keyboard dock is one of the features that really sets the Transformer series apart from other Android tablets - I think that it most certainly *is* a reason to chose the TF700 over something else.
I'm guessing that you don't have the dock?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
jtrosky said:
True, but a bluetooth keyboard and/or the 30-pin->USB converter are nowhere *near* as convenient as the docking station. Plus, there is no extra battery that way, which is a huge benefit of the dock.
The keyboard dock is one of the features that really sets the Transformer series apart from other Android tablets - I think that it most certainly *is* a reason to chose the TF700 over something else.
I'm guessing that you don't have the dock?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
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I agree with this ^^^^^
Linuxguy1 said:
You can use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse with any of these devices. If you need a stand alone USB port on the TF700, ASUS makes one. I don't think the ASUS keyboard is reason to select the Infinity over something else.
I love my Infinity. I wouldn't trade it for anything else.
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Keyboard dock with it's extra ports and added battery is a major thing. You can easily get a BT keyboard for your Note but it won't have the the Key features that sets the Asus Keyboard dock apart that the Transformer series is known for. It protects your screen as well
jtrosky said:
The keyboard dock is one of the features that really sets the Transformer series apart from other Android tablets - I think that it most certainly *is* a reason to chose the TF700 over something else.
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Quoted for truth.
Thanks to everyone for your input. I read the mobiletech comparison of the infinity and note 10.1, which was in my opinion an unbiased review of the two tablets. But even as she did the review, a problem appeared on the Infinity (line on the screen). My heart leans toward the infinity because I used the prime and I like all the benefits of the keyboard dock. I am just worried that some people are returning the infinity just like it was done with the prime. I know software issues can resolved with updates so my worries lie mostly with hardware issues.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
Wendemixda said:
Thanks to everyone for your input. I read the mobiletech comparison of the infinity and note 10.1, which was in my opinion an unbiased review of the two tablets. But even as she did the review, a problem appeared on the Infinity (line on the screen). My heart leans toward the infinity because I used the prime and I like all the benefits of the keyboard dock. I am just worried that some people are returning the infinity just like it was done with the prime. I know software issues can resolved with updates so my worries lie mostly with hardware issues.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
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Honestly you will more then likely get swayed to not get the Infinity due to a few having a bad experience/issues with the Infinity or those that simply just enjoy the attention/drama. It's easy to get caught up in there issues and make you second guess yourself. I for one after seeing these negetive posts lately had made me second guessing myself, even though I have yet to find issues with my Infinity.
Go out and try it! Decide for yourself. Sometimes we are forced to come out of hiding to defend this great device from too much repetitive negetive postings. Also the Infinity is now running Jelly Bean 4.1.1 from the ICS that Lisa from Mobiltech review comparison video. A lot has changed since then... and it's definately even better.
jjdevega said:
I agree with this ^^^^^
Keyboard dock with it's extra ports and added battery is a major thing. You can easily get a BT keyboard for your Note but it won't have the the Key features that sets the Asus Keyboard dock apart that the Transformer series is known for. It protects your screen as well
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These things have excellent battery life. I haven't seen any need for a larger battery and if I did, it charges through the USB port, which is very easy to set up and carry with me.
The reason I don't think the keyboard is necessary is because I don't use mine as a netbook. I have a netbook. My tablet is a tablet. I use it where a keyboard would be impractical, ie where I want a tablet.
I think these tablets are terrible netbooks. They don't multi task, their app selection is limited, JB is clunky, etc. Whenever I have work to do, I reach for my netbook.
Linuxguy1 said:
These things have excellent battery life. I haven't seen any need for a larger battery and if I did, it charges through the USB port, which is very easy to set up and carry with me.
The reason I don't think the keyboard is necessary is because I don't use mine as a netbook. I have a netbook. My tablet is a tablet. I use it where a keyboard would be impractical, ie where I want a tablet.
I think these tablets are terrible netbooks. They don't multi task, their app selection is limited, JB is clunky, etc. Whenever I have work to do, I reach for my netbook.
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Even if you dont use it as a netbook, you wouldnt want the extra battery life? That alone should warrant getting the dock. Just seems pointless to carry around a netbook and a tablet when you can just reduce it to one device....just saying
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T
I have both the infinity and note 10.1 along with a kindle fire with CM10. You will be happy with either the Asus or Samsung product. For everyday common web reading and ebook I gravitate to the 7" kindle over the larger 10.1" tablet. I do have the Asus keyboard dock and use it for testing apps.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk HD
I say...
...if you can wait for it.
Dump all the Android tablet stuff and go for the Windows Surface.
I'm no expert in the tablet or Android world, yet something says go WinRT8.
I've stuck by my Infinity thru bad and good and I'm happy, but sadly not elated.
The Android Infinity is slowly coming ashore, yet it's really not anything ground breaking.
Good!...just not fantastic yet.
I was going to screw myself with a second high performance (in relative terms) Android tab.
However for me I'm going to jump on the Surface bandwagon.
I know a Windows touch tablet will make me mad, yet I've been pissed at Windows
since 1995 so we might as well continue with the hate\love Microslop thing.
Hope the rumored price of the Surface is true.
$499.00 for a 32 gig is fair I believe.
Anyhoo...whatever your decision be a happy Android!
Thats OK said:
Hope the rumored price of the Surface is true.
$499.00 for a 32 gig is fair I believe.
Anyhoo...whatever your decision be a happy Android!
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The $499 for tablet alone is accurate. http://surface.microsoftstore.com/s...age.Surface?ESICaching=off&WT.mc_id=FY13WinHH
I would say the same thing as Thats OK. Windows 8 RT tablet is coming so soon, you should wait and at least get the sense of what people think about the tablet.
I jumped on Infinity because I really needed FHD and did not like Apple. Among the announced Win 8 tablet, there is only one that has Full HD level of screen resolution, which is Samsung Ativ Smart Pro, which is not RT but full Windows 8 tablet so the price is like $1100 and battery life is merely 5 hours. After reading these specs, I basically found myself in a spot (sort of by process of elimination).
Eventually, if the rumored Nexus 10 or perhaps Windows 8 as it evolves and comes up with better model, I may simply jump to it. With the pace of tablet evolving, I am assuming within next six months, there will be a device that is superior to anything out there in every aspect.
For now, each company and device put their own emphasis thus no device is truly superior to others (in my opinion)
Galaxy Note 10.1 - 2GB memory provides great multitasking on android, and its stability and speed is the best. S-pen and S-note experience is the closest to the real paper and pen experience. However, no Full HD and HD screen is just HD. Never as good as FHD.
Infinity - The best full HD screen android tablet. Speed is compatible to Galaxy Note in most cases. Keyboard dock is really great as it can be essentially used as portable battery charger if nothing else. Stability is not quite as high especially after the JB update, (at least for me) I get random white screen freeze, which I am hoping to have it get fixed but until then definite minus point. But its multitasking capability is not as the level of Galaxy Note 10.1.
Windows 8 RT - Don't know how much restriction there. But multitasking should be superior to that of any android as its Windows based. However, it probably will take time for its application market to develop as RT is not compatible with regular windows apps. Also, there is no FHD option, and all announced devices I believe are heavier than android counter parts.
Windows 8 Tablet - Full blown windows 8 tablet has a great potential but so far just as my old $2000 windows tablet suffered, battery, weight will be not as portable. Even xoom on my hand were felt heavy for prolonged use. Price will also be much higher like x2. However, it is real windows so you can essentially do everything that PC does (obviously not running high graphic games).
New Ipad - Full HD, great stability. But just so restrictive and basically no multitasking.
The problem with W8 tablets is kind of a Goldilocks thing.
1) Will RT be enough with the ability to only run "Modern" apps?
2) Are Atom-powered devices too little to run full Windows; especially HD video and games with high frame rates with no discrete GPU?
3) Are Pro devices which are as expensive as ultra and notebooks too much?
Here's what RT devices can and can't do:
Windows RT contains many of the same features as Windows 8:
Fluid, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface design that you can easily customize.
Built in apps like Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos, and SkyDrive with many more apps available in the Windows Store.
Internet Explorer 10, for fast, intuitive browsing.
Touch-enabled so you can interact with Windows in a whole new way.
Mouse and keyboard–enabled so you can be as productive as you need to be.
Windows RT also includes some different features:
Windows Update and Windows Defender are always on and up to date making your PC more secure.
Device encryption provides advanced data protection to help keep your information secure.
The PC can turn on instantly with connected standby.
Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview is preinstalled.
Some features aren't included in Windows RT:
Windows Media Player
Windows Media Center
HomeGroup creation (you can join an existing HomeGroup but you can't create a new one)
Remote Desktop
Domain join
Although you can install apps directly from the Windows Store, you can't install apps on the desktop on Windows RT. Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview Edition comes preinstalled, which provides you with touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
You can only install printers, mice, keyboards, and other devices that are certified for Windows RT.
The problem with full-W8 tablets is that when using native apps that aren't touch optimized you need steady hands and a magnifying glass to interact with them because of the display resolution.
W8 tablets could be the next big thing or they could be a fail. Until (non-media) people have them in their hands and start using them to do the things they'd do on an Android tablet or iPad it's too early to call. The HP TouchPad was easy to use and intuitive but died because of its limitations and poor app availibility. If MS Office was so important to non-business users Android tablets and iPads wouldn't be selling as well as they are. So for consumers, Office as the W8 tablet's stand-out feature might not be that big of a draw. To me, $499 for the base Surface RT is way too much for a product in a 1.0 state competing with more mature products (and eco-systems) like iOS and Android. I guess time will tell.
There is a lot to consider in this decision and depends on what you want to do with the tab. I have the prime, infinity and note. (Yes, I am a tablet horder. I'll admit that now, lol) I personally like the Note and find myself using it over the Asus brands. Everything just works on the Note. And works the way it suppose to. Heck, I can't even stream Youtube or .mkv audio over my Asus tabs without the audio getting out of sync. (via Bluetooth Headphones). That is because Asus used some cheaper components in their tabs. Cheaper AzureWave Wifi radios and Cheap io Nand. Yes, the TF700 can stream a little better than the prime, but after awhile they get out of sync and pisses me off. The major thing the TF700 has over the Note is the HD display. The HD display is nice. But, honestly half the time I can't even tell the difference between the Note and TF700. I actually prefer the colors of the Note's PLS display. Plus, its a hit or miss that you will get a HD display that wont suffer from some sort of light bleed. Performance. Well, performance goes back and forth. The Note outshined the TF700 for awhile. But since the TF700 got JB its now seems a little faster than my note. (That is without some major tweaking and rom modifications.) But the Note has the TF700 beat on multitasking. I can't wait to see what the JB update to the Note will do.
Go to the store check them out m8. If the HD is something that is the winning factor and you could care less about BT crap then go for TF700. Buy one. Take it home. Play with it for awhile. Go back trade it in and get other. Make a decision that way. Because its really hard to come on here and ask us. Each of us do different things with the our tabs. Some enjoy some features more than others. That is why the best bet is just go to a store that has a really good return policy. That way you can play around and see what you like more.
I keep hearing ppl saying to wait for winRt instead of getting an android or iPad, and am curious as to what winRT can do that can't be done on an Android or Apple tablet? It was my understanding that winRT would be limited to windows phone esque apps and you would have to get a windows 8/pro for the full experience. I was excited about the Surface when it was announced because i thought i could use all the programs that I'm used too from previous versions of Windows, but that version of the Surface isnt coming out untill later this year right?
I just don't see Windows RT succeeding at the current price point without the legacy support. $250-$300 would be more reasonable IMO.
OP I've seen videos of the Note 10.1 in action and its great, but so is the infinty when it works. If u can hold off until next year, I think Samsung will be releasing a very high res tablet with potentially exynos 5 series cores. I'd get a nexus 7/nook tablet/fire HD while u wait.
I'm running Fedora 17 on a Dell Duo for notebook purposes and it absolutely rocks. Its totally stable, no bugs, surfs great, fast, multi tasking, etc. Its an amazing combination for a netbook. The only thing it doesn't have a lot of is video power. Its definitely not a gamer in that regard.
The Duo came with Vista. SSSLLLLOOOOWWW. Touch a link and wait and wait and wait. It didn't even surf well. Its outright fast with Fedora and Fedora is improving with every release. Its way faster surfing with the Duo than the Infinity. Firefox works way better on the Duo than it does on the Infinity.
KDE 4.9 is a really nice desktop and tools like Libre Office or whatever its called are pretty nice these days. I chuckle to myself every time I realize I have the power of Linux in such a small device.
I got my Infinity to see what I was missing in Android land and to get a tablet that I can read in a car or outside. The Duo screen is almost invisible in anything near daylight.
I'm impressed by the Infinity hardware. The screen rocks, the GPS is good, etc. I am not impressed with Android itself. Its a poor, poor cousin to Linux, for example.
I wouldn't own another tablet without the IPS+ screen. ASUS should be releasing the 600 and 810 models later this month and the 600 might have an 11.6" IPS+ screen on it. It will be running WIndows 8. I'd get a 600 in a heartbeat and put Linux on it. I might do that anyway and retire my Duo. I'll keep my Infinity for around the house and in the car purposes. Its so convenient for browsing, which is about all I ever use it for, right now at least.
My wife has a Sony laptop with Win 7 on it. Her laptop before that had Vista. As far as Windows goes, are you kidding me ? I totally fail to see the attraction. And I pay about $100 for that crap every time I buy a device and install Linux on it.
Ok, to make a long story short. I handed in my prime for RMA and got offered to alternatives , a TF700 or a samsung note 10.1.
Now , I had really ****ty experience with the prime. Primarily wi fi issues, but the performance in general was rubbish. With that said there were many aspects of the prime that l liked, Such as the keyboard and battery time.
My question is what are the known issues that with the note 10.1 and it's main drawbacks?
Keyboard isn't a must, nor is the pen, though l would love both! I could in short go for either.
It's kinda time urgent , I only have a few days to decide.
Help?
Thanks in advance!
The note is superior to tf700 in every way except screen resolution. I exchanged 3 tf700 then tried the note, the results is obvious. I only regret not taking the 3g version.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk HD
Could you be a bit more detailed?
There are no drawbacks as the software is more refined in every way and the hardware is solid and future proof atleast for year or two
But there only difference is the body and the screen resolution
Apart from that it is better then prime or any other tablet in the market even N10 once it gets JB the reason being the world class developement done by Samsung on the OS
The screen on tf700 was deformed, not well fixed on edges. Less ram, only 1 gb, no dualband n Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth 4, low end internal storage, not as fluent as the note. Much better battery on the note. A lot of random reboots on stock tf700, none on the note.
I have changed the 3 Asus after using each one for a few days. I admit that the resolution was great, but the note is a better tablet overall.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using Tapatalk HD
And the price to in India the prime is almost 200 dollars more expensive
the prime? Don't think it factors in as such into my question... Kinda keen on Tf 700 vs Note 10.1
I've read tons of reviews and they go both ways , but it seems the TF700 comes ahead a lot of the time. That's the confusing part. I've tested both in the store, with no clear winner. Screen on Tf is great and they both felt snappy. The pen on the Samsung was fun to use and accurate, but testet a few pens on the transformer and they were pretty good as well. Big issue is 1 gb DDR3 vs 2GB ddr2 , and Tegra vs Exynos. Kinda a bummer considering games and certain apps are tegra focused .
But the old Prime is still in the back of my mind, I\O performance etc...
BUT A BIG DRAW BACK WITH SAMSUNG, I can't plug in a HDMI and USB cable at the same time... kinda need it from time to time ( external drive and HDMI, or game controller and HDMI or...)
I think almost everyone that owns a Note 10.1 went through the same decision. And newer owners are also factoring in the Nexus 10. Obviously the people in this forum chose the Note. You'd get other opinions from forums dedicated to those devices and I suggest you ask and look in those too.
For me, the decision was easy. I dd look at the Asus forums as well as here. In the Asus forums there are tons of post of people having problems. Granted, people with problems tend to find forums. But why do you not see people here posting about problems? The few you do see are mostly folks that tried to either root or flash their units and didn't read the instructions fully. Sure you'll find an occasional legit problem post, but they are so few and far between that it's an effort to find them. That's not the case in the Asus forums.
I spent a lot of money for the Note 10.1. I bought it before any of the recent price drops. I have no buyers remorse at all.
Well good to know. I've posted a similar thread in the ASUS forum just in case, but response has been limited. The big issue l have with the Samsung is lack of ports and weaker battery compared to the ASUS. wouldn't mind a keyboard, but seen that there are dozens of keyboard folios and so on....but again one comes to the issue of battery being drained ( in this case by the bluetooth)
I'm on the fence , 50-50 so that's why I was looking for personal experience with the unit(s). I kinda missed the mark with the Prime , so don't want to mess up again.
BTW I see it mentioned a dozen places, how is the support from Samsung, ie updates etc....?
I owed a prime and had all the bad experiences. I read and read before getting another tablet and everything pointed at the infinity, so I got one. Had it a little over a week and noticed lag from time to time, but nothing major, until I bought the new need for speed... geez, it's unplayable on the infinity. I pulled it up on my note 2 and its flying. So I returned it and got the note 10.1. It flies! The screen is the only advantage the infinity have
I've owned the Transformer Prime for almost a year and I had the Transformer Infinity for about a month before I traded it for a Galaxy Note 10.1.
The memory issues with the transformers is really bad, when you use the browser it constantly hangs and gives ANRs (App not responding). It is basically unusable in the browser. I had the same problem with the Prime and the Infinity, it happens more often when you have multiple apps running.
I debated it for a long time because I really wanted the high resolution, but once I got the Note 10.1 I knew within a day that I made the right choice. Everything works as it should, everything is faster and smoother, graphics intensive games like N.O.V.A. and Dead Trigger actually run better (N.O.V.A was unplayable on the Infinity because it lagged so much). The screen isn't as good, but it isn't worth the issues you have to deal with on the Transformer line.
I used the keyboard dock on the Infinity and loved taking notes in school with it, but since I got the Note 10.1 I started taking notes with the S-Pen and I carry a bluetooth keyboard just in case I need it. I've liked taking notes with the S-Pen so much that I never even use the keyboard anymore.
As a previous prime owner of 8 months, id have to say i have no regrets
What i miss
-usb slot
-full sd slot
-hdmi
-extra battery
What i dont miss
-anr
-wifi/bluetooth issues
-slow playstore install/uninstall
-the cheap buttons on keyboard(one snapped off, too easilly)
The things i wish the note has but doesnt
-a decent port connected keyboard with, hdmi, usb, sd card
The comprimises
-usb/sd card adapter
-allcast(when sammy finally gets its finger out its bum).......stream game over wifi, while using bluetooth gamepad/keyboard/mouse
As a prevoius prime owner yourself, i think your in a position to appreciate this phrase "it just works"......and thats the main thing that makes the things ive lost bearable, trust me its a relief......another thing i like is that it feels more sturdy,
If you can find a tf700 without daily issues, then i'd say go for that, but me i wont trust their quality control on the tablet front for a while
On a side note, battery on the note, even without the extra battery is commendable..........at least 10h constant use on avarage......thats brightness dim, powersave on......by the way powersave is pretty impressive to (limit to1000mhz), no hiccups.
Just to reiterate what banderos101 said,
I'm a former TF101 owner (the original transformer from asus), and I miss the same things he misses. In addition, my transformer often had weird stutterings that may or may not have been associated with the roms I used on it (but it had them on stock too before I rooted and flashed custom roms).
That said, I don't know much about the TF700, but you probably should pick it based on what your primary usage will be. I got the Note instead of another transformer tablet because I take notes using a pen (physics is hard to type notes for) and because it has 2gb RAM. Also, the screen resolution doesn't matter to me much because it didn't put me in shock and awe when I used my friends' iPad retinas and TF700's, but maybe that's because I'm nearsighted.
DeBoX said:
Well good to know. I've posted a similar thread in the ASUS forum just in case, but response has been limited. The big issue l have with the Samsung is lack of ports and weaker battery compared to the ASUS. wouldn't mind a keyboard, but seen that there are dozens of keyboard folios and so on....but again one comes to the issue of battery being drained ( in this case by the bluetooth)
I'm on the fence , 50-50 so that's why I was looking for personal experience with the unit(s). I kinda missed the mark with the Prime , so don't want to mess up again.
BTW I see it mentioned a dozen places, how is the support from Samsung, ie updates etc....?
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I'll come at this from a completely different perspective from everyone on this thread. I have an Acer A500. Had it for a few years. Sunday night, my wonderful children decided I needed a new tablet so they dropped my acer out of the car. Off to the store! LOL! I'm not dedicated to any brand at all. I want cheap and as much bang for the buck as I can get. My 2 contenders were the same as yours. Asus Infinity vs Samsung Note. The real question you have to ask is what do you really want the tablet for? What do you expect to get out of the experience? No matter what you read here, the Asus is a better tablet than the Samsung. It has a visibly better screen. It has more storage for the dollar. IE, the 32gb Asus is the same price as the 16GB Samsung. The processor is slightly faster, but the Asus has a 5th independent low power processor that allows it to run much less power therefore slightly longer battery in real world. Average test is about 8 hours for the Samsung, 10 for the Asus.
The Asus also allows you to add the keyboard with an additional battery in the keyboard as well as full sized USB ports etc. So if you are looking for a laptop replacement, it's hard to beat. Now, you're probably asking, why am I putting all this in the Samsung thread?
I bought the Samsung. Why? Because the #1 thing I need from my tablet is the ability to take handwritten notes in meetings and it has to be easy and fast. Bottom line is, the digitizer system on the Note is unbeatable. Period. The Asus can't touch it. The Note is a great screen versus an amazing screen. It's nearly as fast processor wise, 1.4GHz vs 1.6GHz. So while the Asus in my mind is a better tablet, the Samsung Note is better for what I need. And by better I mean, lightyears better. There isn't a tablet on the market that can touch the Note for writing. It is truly paper and pencil good. But if you don't care about that, the Asus is a little better in a lot of ways.
I get 14 hours on the note on regular use, the record being 16 (talking about screen+ WiFi active, not about stand-by). With tf700 i had 11 hours with the first one, the other 2 devices never more than 8 hours (all without the dock, i did not buy one).
mobiushky said:
I'll come at this from a completely different perspective from everyone on this thread. I have an Acer A500. Had it for a few years. Sunday night, my wonderful children decided I needed a new tablet so they dropped my acer out of the car. Off to the store! LOL! I'm not dedicated to any brand at all. I want cheap and as much bang for the buck as I can get. My 2 contenders were the same as yours. Asus Infinity vs Samsung Note. The real question you have to ask is what do you really want the tablet for? What do you expect to get out of the experience? No matter what you read here, the Asus is a better tablet than the Samsung. It has a visibly better screen. It has more storage for the dollar. IE, the 32gb Asus is the same price as the 16GB Samsung. The processor is slightly faster, but the Asus has a 5th independent low power processor that allows it to run much less power therefore slightly longer battery in real world. Average test is about 8 hours for the Samsung, 10 for the Asus.
The Asus also allows you to add the keyboard with an additional battery in the keyboard as well as full sized USB ports etc. So if you are looking for a laptop replacement, it's hard to beat. Now, you're probably asking, why am I putting all this in the Samsung thread?
I bought the Samsung. Why? Because the #1 thing I need from my tablet is the ability to take handwritten notes in meetings and it has to be easy and fast. Bottom line is, the digitizer system on the Note is unbeatable. Period. The Asus can't touch it. The Note is a great screen versus an amazing screen. It's nearly as fast processor wise, 1.4GHz vs 1.6GHz. So while the Asus in my mind is a better tablet, the Samsung Note is better for what I need. And by better I mean, lightyears better. There isn't a tablet on the market that can touch the Note for writing. It is truly paper and pencil good. But if you don't care about that, the Asus is a little better in a lot of ways.
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Thanks for your post, it's nice to "hear" a slightly different approach. The problem in my case is that I'm kinda looking for the Jack of all trades , pref master of all
The pen idea is really tempting and l hear people praising it to high heaven. I have an old Lenovo x 201 Tablet and loved it for years, but it's kinda big and cumbersome to lob around for short trips and meetings / classes .
I'm looking for something that can at the very least cover these areas:
Media machine ( connected to a screen)
Gaming
Productivity (notes in class+ I work as an IT consultant so quick notes at work etc. In this case both have almost equal merit. pen vs keyboard )
Stable ( regular updates)
Connectivity ( ports and connections)
Good performance
HAS TO HAVE GOOD BATTERY ( average use wifi + bluetooth + browsing and note taking + maybe a short vid. here and there)
What l don't really care about
Screen rez.
Build materials ( ok, don't want it China cheap, but don't need super hyper space age Unobtanium)
Still trying to narrow down everything l need it for.
I know I want my cake and eat it too, but let's be honest, why have the cake if you can't eat it??
To be honest that was the note 10.1 out of the box... It really doesn't need constant updates because it just works how its supposed too... I've never owned an Asus tablet but wouldn't constant updates mean it has constant problems that are trying to be fixed?
Gaming is fine, you can run the chainfire 3d app for tegra games, I run with sonic and that works fine and a few other games (NFS most wanted, GTA3, Dungeon Hunters 3 and Assassins creed 3) and have no problem...
Notes are easy to take using the pen, think back to high school with a folder, about the same size and not that heavy.
You can get an adaptor for usb connectivity - Just cant use an HDD as it requires too much power but a thumb drive works fine (mines 32gb), I have a 64gb sd card installed and I got the 32gb 3g version, forgot phone, no problem...
Performance is fine, there's no problem and 2gb of RAM makes it snappy - even when you fill it with stuff, I have around 4gb left internally and about 2gb on the 64gb sd card - no lag or stutter...
There is a HDMI adaptor you can get but haven't tried it. If you have a smart tv from 2012 then you can share your screen wirelessly and you can get the wireless adaptor that plugs into the tv set. For older versions of TV sets freeing up your usb port you can use the wireless adaptor that plugs into the tv instead of the MHL Adaptor.
Screen resolution is fine for what I need, it plays 720P movies very well and I don't care that I can't magnify the screen into infinity when viewing pics or text...
I have had no problem with build quality, mind you most people I know seem to put it into a folder for protection - don't use anything with magnets as it might affect the wacom digitiser.
The S-pen makes it easy to enter notes or data, its a shame that Samsung used a little known format for s-notes but there's ways around that too...
Battery life is awesome, I use it 8 hours a day watching movies, surfing the web, listening to music, writing, taking notes and making calls and still have around 20-25% at the end of the day...
Overall I find it fine for what I use it for, the new JB update makes it so much better....
At the end of the day you will make your decision, if you live in America you might be able to change that decision, but I like my note 10.1. It is the only tab out there that allowed me to make phone calls and that's what pushed it over the edge for me.. That and the bluetooth stylus that doubles as a handset.... :laugh:
ultramag69 said:
To be honest that was the note 10.1 out of the box... It really doesn't need constant updates because it just works how its supposed too... I've never owned an Asus tablet but wouldn't constant updates mean it has constant problems that are trying to be fixed?
Gaming is fine, you can run the chainfire 3d app for tegra games, I run with sonic and that works fine and a few other games (NFS most wanted, GTA3, Dungeon Hunters 3 and Assassins creed 3) and have no problem...
Notes are easy to take using the pen, think back to high school with a folder, about the same size and not that heavy.
You can get an adaptor for usb connectivity - Just cant use an HDD as it requires too much power but a thumb drive works fine (mines 32gb), I have a 64gb sd card installed and I got the 32gb 3g version, forgot phone, no problem...
Performance is fine, there's no problem and 2gb of RAM makes it snappy - even when you fill it with stuff, I have around 4gb left internally and about 2gb on the 64gb sd card - no lag or stutter...
There is a HDMI adaptor you can get but haven't tried it. If you have a smart tv from 2012 then you can share your screen wirelessly and you can get the wireless adaptor that plugs into the tv set. For older versions of TV sets freeing up your usb port you can use the wireless adaptor that plugs into the tv instead of the MHL Adaptor.
Screen resolution is fine for what I need, it plays 720P movies very well and I don't care that I can't magnify the screen into infinity when viewing pics or text...
I have had no problem with build quality, mind you most people I know seem to put it into a folder for protection - don't use anything with magnets as it might affect the wacom digitiser.
The S-pen makes it easy to enter notes or data, its a shame that Samsung used a little known format for s-notes but there's ways around that too...
Battery life is awesome, I use it 8 hours a day watching movies, surfing the web, listening to music, writing, taking notes and making calls and still have around 20-25% at the end of the day...
Overall I find it fine for what I use it for, the new JB update makes it so much better....
At the end of the day you will make your decision, if you live in America you might be able to change that decision, but I like my note 10.1. It is the only tab out there that allowed me to make phone calls and that's what pushed it over the edge for me.. That and the bluetooth stylus that doubles as a handset.... :laugh:
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Can you tell me more about the wireless HDMI solution. One of the BIG issues I have with the note is the fact that it's lacking ports and there aren't any docking stations etc with both hdmi and usb . I have several really good LED TV's at home , but non have wireless DLNA or similar setups ( have to buy extra plugs etc) so a HDMI port would have been great...
Another issue is the fact that there seems to be an increase in TEGRA optimized games... somthing that's a major bummer since l actually like using the tab as a mini game console .
KoRoZIV said:
I get 14 hours on the note on regular use, the record being 16 (talking about screen+ WiFi active, not about stand-by). With tf700 i had 11 hours with the first one, the other 2 devices never more than 8 hours (all without the dock, i did not buy one).
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Is that 14h out of the box, or have you done some tinkering with it?
For the games run chainfire 3d... You can then run the tegra games with no problem...
Allshare cast dongle or Allshare cast hub - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2003478 & http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089VO7MY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00
Need help deciding what tablet to get I currently have an iPad 4 retina 64gb, and I like it but have come to the conclusion that I only like it because the apps are optimized for the tablet screen, have the note 2 and love it and want the same experience on a tablet instead of waiting around for a jailbreak to get somethings that I can do on an android tablet. I like to play video games and the moga or plug in an Xbox 360 controller is a plus for me widgets and all that fun stuff I like. The choice of tablets that I'm considering is the Asus transformer infinity with keyboard dock or the nexus 10 leaning more to the infinity because with the keyboard dock it can replace my laptop with splash top connecting to my Mac mini it is a laptop at all times. Things that concern me is screen resolution, and tablet optimized apps any help is much appreciated.
Lots of these threads going previously.
IMO it's pretty much up to you.
jammicphi said:
Need help deciding what tablet to get I currently have an iPad 4 retina 64gb, and I like it but have come to the conclusion that I only like it because the apps are optimized for the tablet screen, have the note 2 and love it and want the same experience on a tablet instead of waiting around for a jailbreak to get somethings that I can do on an android tablet. I like to play video games and the moga or plug in an Xbox 360 controller is a plus for me widgets and all that fun stuff I like. The choice of tablets that I'm considering is the Asus transformer infinity with keyboard dock or the nexus 10 leaning more to the infinity because with the keyboard dock it can replace my laptop with splash top connecting to my Mac mini it is a laptop at all times. Things that concern me is screen resolution, and tablet optimized apps any help is much appreciated.
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Click to collapse
Sounds like the Nexus 10 would be best for you.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
jammicphi said:
Need help deciding what tablet to get I currently have an iPad 4 retina 64gb, and I like it but have come to the conclusion that I only like it because the apps are optimized for the tablet screen, have the note 2 and love it and want the same experience on a tablet instead of waiting around for a jailbreak to get somethings that I can do on an android tablet. I like to play video games and the moga or plug in an Xbox 360 controller is a plus for me widgets and all that fun stuff I like. The choice of tablets that I'm considering is the Asus transformer infinity with keyboard dock or the nexus 10 leaning more to the infinity because with the keyboard dock it can replace my laptop with splash top connecting to my Mac mini it is a laptop at all times. Things that concern me is screen resolution, and tablet optimized apps any help is much appreciated.
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JOSE89178 said:
Sounds like the Nexus 10 would be best for you.
Sent from my MB886 using xda premium
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Except for the fact that the Nexus 10 has a) availability issues and, more importantly, b) quality control issues that seem even worse than with the 700. You furthermore do not get the added battery life because of the powered dock, and less storage options. Why do you put forward the N10?
More on-topic, though: it really depends on preference, as Thats OK already said. I really do like the battery-powered dock and the extra oomph that gives -- I have a relatively long commute and irregular shifts, so it pleases me a lot not having to recharge every 12 hours, or whenever a wall socket is available somewhere. The screen resolution is fine -- I happily read technical (medical) books and articles, for which the radiographs, charts and stuff all come out really nicely, and even the private reading is a pleasure (text is crisp, contrast is good). The movies and documentaries or TED talks I regularly watch are great, too.
Nah. I'd pick the TF700 if it came out now if I had no other options. However... and we also discussed this last week -- you really should use the serch function, you know -- someone I forgot the name of mentioned that soon a bunch of new models of several brands will be announced soon, and it might be prudent to wait it out a bit. You might shoot yourself in the foot when buying into an aging system, no matter how well it performs. Then again, in tech, there's always something better just around the corner, and if you wait, you can wait forever.
Good luck deciding!
You should wait and see the new Samsung tablet line-up (new models should be announced soon) before buying anything, well at least this is what i would do.
Search with Google for Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (this link is in italian, but you will get it - > http://www.everyeye.it/tech/notizia/ecco-la-line-up-dei-tablet-samsung-per-il-2013_148080) .
MWC is coming tomorrow and I am sure the right thing to do now is WAIT!!! Many new awesome products may be introduced during MWC, which may include tablets. I was hoping for a new Transformer tablet, but it seems that ASUS will introduce a new Padfone, which technically can still be considered a tablet.
While you may end up with a better tablet if you wait, that same logic would mean that you would never buy a tablet since there are *always* newer and better devices around the corner. Even if the "perfect" tablet gets announced tomorrow, you then need to wait another few months before actually getting your hands on it (if you are lucky) - and even then, how knows what will happen (could end up being a dud). You just can't tell the future!
My advice - go to Best Buy today, mess with a few different models for an hour or so and buy one NOW! We are not talking about purchasing a new house here - it's a tablet that costs ~$500 that will be worn-out and/or outdated in a year or two anyway. Satisfy the urge and go get what seems best - you won't regret it - any modern tablet is an extremely fun device to use!
It's easy for us to tell you to wait - we already have a tablet that we are thoroughly enjoying!
Just my opinion....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Another question from a lurker
Would you get the 32gb and dock or get the 64gb and grab a dock later?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
wurgy said:
Another question from a lurker
Would you get the 32gb and dock or get the 64gb and grab a dock later?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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IMO 32 gb for the internal memory is plenty to hold your apps and some media. I put all the space-intensive stuff, music, pics, videos on external SD/micro cards anyway.
The dock, providing a good keyboard, extra battery, USB and extra SD card slot is one of the main selling points for this tablet.
If you want a dock, the TF700 is your best choice - no doubt about it.
If you don't need/want the dock you have quite a few other choices for a great tablet out there.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
I thought about waiting myself. However, I wanted Tegra platform, and it looks like the earliest a Tegra 4 TF would release is in July. Side by side, I don't see a difference in the quality of the screen between an ipad 4 and a TF700. OTOH, the TF700 screen gets very very bright for outdoor usage.
As to storage, I've got a 32GB TF700, a 32GB microsd card installed, and the keyboard dock with a 16GB SD card in it; that's roughly 80GB of raw storage here and I can easily expand it. With the dock, battery life is phenominal. The tiny keyboard is taking some getting used to, but it's very handy. In fact, I haven't even turned my old dell laptop on since I got this. Just haven't needed it. I use a PS3 dualshock controller and a micro-hdmi cable for emulator gaming on the big screen. It's pretty cool. Haven't played any of these SNES games since I was a teenager.
The touchwiz launcher on your note 2 isn't available on a transformer. Asus has it's own launcher, but it's very nice. I suggest you try one out in Best Buy. They have a sale this week, the TF700 is $429, and the KB dock $99. That's like $120 off full price. Though, I think they change their sales on wed, so I'd decide quickly.
I don't regret buying the TF700 one bit. It's a good tablet/laptop replacement, and less than half the price of Asus's own ultrabook with a touchscreen. The only thing I'm really sacrificing is a full windows platform. In all the time I've had my old laptop though, I never really did anything on it that I couldn't do on this tablet, and this tablet does it for over 8 hours longer, lol.
jammicphi said:
Need help deciding what tablet to get I currently have an iPad 4 retina 64gb, and I like it but have come to the conclusion that I only like it because the apps are optimized for the tablet screen, have the note 2 and love it and want the same experience on a tablet instead of waiting around for a jailbreak to get somethings that I can do on an android tablet. I like to play video games and the moga or plug in an Xbox 360 controller is a plus for me widgets and all that fun stuff I like. The choice of tablets that I'm considering is the Asus transformer infinity with keyboard dock or the nexus 10 leaning more to the infinity because with the keyboard dock it can replace my laptop with splash top connecting to my Mac mini it is a laptop at all times. Things that concern me is screen resolution, and tablet optimized apps any help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously, fck samsung and there crappy-soft-plastic build quality. Anyone who would consider a samsung product does not know anything about build quality. The ridiculously high resolution? Not worth it. Why push a higher pixel count than the retina display if you cant see pixels beyond retina display. All of the android tablets anounced for this yr do not improve on the infinity except for vizios tablet that uses a tegra 4, and who knows when that will actualy be released. The tegra 4 is expected to ship on devices late this year. Of tablets on the market a non-stock infinity handles them all with no issue. I can confirm this bc i work at a tech store and have tested them all against my infinity. No android tablet can replace a laptop like an infinity. Since buying mine 8 mos ago I havent once used my old laptop.
lucius.zen said:
Seriously, fck samsung and there crappy-soft-plastic build quality. Anyone who would consider a samsung product does not know anything about build quality. The ridiculously high resolution? Not worth it. Why push a higher pixel count than the retina display if you cant see pixels beyond retina display. All of the android tablets anounced for this yr do not improve on the infinity except for vizios tablet that uses a tegra 4, and who knows when that will actualy be released. The tegra 4 is expected to ship on devices late this year. Of tablets on the market a non-stock infinity handles them all with no issue. I can confirm this bc i work at a tech store and have tested them all against my infinity. No android tablet can replace a laptop like an infinity. Since buying mine 8 mos ago I havent once used my old laptop.
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Just want to make a slight correction, minus the keyboard dock, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z has much better hardware specs than the tf700 (Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2 GB RAM, even 4G LTE). Since it is going to be released in May in the US, it will be a mistake not to consider it.
Dang must be a local best buy sale, mines still at $499. Though about the xperia but really like the idea if the dock. With the Ubuntu coming out it could make the tf700 VERY interesting.
If I get it I will be getting a dock. Was just wondering if it's better to get the 64 or just have a microSD and SD in the dock and call it good.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
huy_lonewolf said:
Just want to make a slight correction, minus the keyboard dock, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z has much better hardware specs than the tf700 (Snapdragon S4 Pro, 2 GB RAM, even 4G LTE). Since it is going to be released in May in the US, it will be a mistake not to consider it.
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Click to collapse
The problem is that you can't get a keyboard dock with the Sony, which is one of the TF700's main selling points!
I cannot understand why other manufacturers aren't offering an optional keyboard dock - I simply wont even consider a tablet without a keyboard dock -ever. It just makes the device that much more useful...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Don't they make bluetooth keyboards that would work?
Soul TKR said:
Don't they make bluetooth keyboards that would work?
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Absolutely not - a bluetooth keyboard is not even close to a true keyboard dock. A true keyboard dock is integrated with the device - it becomes part of the device. It includes an a battery to charge the device, a USB port, a SD memory card slot, customized buttons on the keyboard, a trackpad with two mouse buttons and even doubles as a stand for the tablet (which even charges the tablet!).
On the other hand, a bluetooth keyboard is just another separate accessory that you have to lug around, actually requires batteries instead of providing a battery, has no expansion slots and is, in general, a pain in the a$$ to work with (I know, I've tried).
So, as you can see - while they do make bluetooth keyboards that would work, they do not provide anywhere near the level of integration or functionality of a true keyboard dock. It's not even close.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Good points
Soul TKR said:
Don't they make blue tooth keyboards that would work?
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Click to collapse
Not really...
I've tried a couple I have the RockSoul BT keyboard it's a hassle and disconnects periodically.
For me a keyboard isn't a necessity.
Now a blue tooth mouse... :good:
lucius.zen said:
Seriously, fck samsung and there crappy-soft-plastic build quality. Anyone who would consider a samsung product does not know anything about build quality. The ridiculously high resolution? Not worth it. Why push a higher pixel count than the retina display if you cant see pixels beyond retina display. All of the android tablets anounced for this yr do not improve on the infinity except for vizios tablet that uses a tegra 4, and who knows when that will actualy be released. The tegra 4 is expected to ship on devices late this year. Of tablets on the market a non-stock infinity handles them all with no issue. I can confirm this bc i work at a tech store and have tested them all against my infinity. No android tablet can replace a laptop like an infinity. Since buying mine 8 mos ago I havent once used my old laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! You make me feel REALLY good about buying this tablet :bigsmile:
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
---------- Post added at 02:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------
wurgy said:
Dang must be a local best buy sale, mines still at $499. Though about the xperia but really like the idea if the dock. With the Ubuntu coming out it could make the tf700 VERY interesting.
If I get it I will be getting a dock. Was just wondering if it's better to get the 64 or just have a microSD and SD in the dock and call it good.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I load all my large files like media and videos on SD/micro cards, basically use the internal for apps and such only. 32gb is plenty for me in that regard...
64gb micro in the tablet, 64gb SD in the dock + optional USB stick.... I don't think I'll ever run out of storage on this baby!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
If the idea of having a keyboard is appealing to you, get the infinity...
If you find it slow, unlock bootloader and install cromi
Hey guys, so, I know there's a lot of you out there who are thinking of getting a controller for your shield tablet, thinking you should get a console controller w/ bluetooth or something of that nature, but I honestly think this is the best controller out there, despite some of its flaws. This isn't really a professional review, just some pictures and captions xP But I think it'll give people an idea of what to expect. The pictures were relatively big, 4000x3000, so I had to resize them all to 1024x768 on postimg. You can click the thumbnails to get a better view.
So as far as the box goes, there's nothing really much to say, it's mostly in chinese.
There's not much inside the box. Just the controller, a charge cable that's about 3 meters long, and an instruction manual.
The sheer size of this thing after first holding it literally had me laughing for about 10 minutes, just actually taking in that I'm holding this gaming device that is now about 13.5" long was just funny xD
After playing with this thing for an hour or two, going back to the Vita, the Vita felt extremely tiny in comparison.
This thing has three modes to pair, each is selected by turning the controller on while holding either X, Y, or A and pressing the home button at the same time. There is Keyboard, Gamepad(What you'd use), and mouse mode. Gamepad is X+Home.
Showing off Black Ops 2 played through Gamestream here:
The controller works very well with gamestream, practically no input lag AT ALL, but there is some video lag though that's NVIDIA's fault and will hopefully be lowered in the later months/years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTUAL REVIEW NOW
Now, onto some actual reviewy type stuff, the pros and cons. The build quality for this controller is absolutely FANTASTIC for $30, It feels much better than my Moga Pro in every aspect except portability, but for a tablet I'm sure you aren't expecting that anyway. The sticks feel amazing to the touch and have just the right amount of resistance, both the face buttons and the top buttons feel nice, just everything feels great and it's hard to believe this thing only costs $30, but there are some cons.
Not exactly a con: Ports
The ports are hidden as you have the controller fit as snug as possible, but it is completely possible to raise the tablet up higher while it's in the controller and have every port shown while still having a tight fit. It'll look something along the lines of this.
I kid you not I was flinging this controller up and down and left and right and even with the tablet in that high, it didn't budge at all, this controller holds your device in very well.
Pro: Works with Gamemapper
For some reason it's 2015 and we still have FPS games that don't have native gamepad support(NOVA 3). Luckily, just hold the start button and you can bring up NVIDIA's gamemapper.
(60/40) Con: D-PAD
Don't get me wrong, this is a really great D-PAD...For everything other than fighters. It feels nice, it works almost perfectly, the problem is, diagonal inputs don't read as naturally as they should. You have to kind of put more effort into getting the D-PAD in the diagonal portion of the gate to correctly get a hadouken or whatever you want out. It's kind of frustrating. A side note, for some reason, the Home button doesn't work at all. Not sure if I have a broken controller or if it just doesn't work correctly with Lollipop.
Con: L2/R2 (LT/RT for you X360 users)
Even though they feel nice to press, I can't get over the fact that these are just buttons, and not actual triggers. I don't even want to try a racing game with Gamestream because of how much it'd fail. They work fine with everything else though.
All in all, this is a very nice controller, and even with those cons, I'd recommend it to ANYONE looking for a controller for ANY tablet. Definitely the best bang for your buck.
MY SCORE: 9/10
You can purchase the controller really cheap at:
Mod Edit: Commercial links removed.