Summary: The Transformer Prime is the best Android tablet available today, and paired with the unique laptop dock can be used for many things formerly done on a laptop.
The unique laptop dock available for the Transformer Prime tablet makes it the best physical laptop replacement in the tablet world. It turns the Prime into a laptop, so that’s not surprising. I’ve been using it heavily for over a week for most things I use a laptop to do, and have some pros and cons for those considering this optionKeyboard: ASUS has put a lot of work in making the keyboard work without compromise, and it shows the more I use it. I am a fast touch typist and I can really get going fast with the laptop dock. That’s important for a writer, and a great feature. The top row of special function keys plays a big role in my usage of the Transformer Prime and laptop dock, giving instant access to things like turning Bluetooth on/off, volume control, and screen brightness control. The Home key and Back key allow performing most Android functions without lifting my hands off the keys, a nice benefit. The four arrow keys on the keyboard make precise positioning of the cursor so much easier than using touch on the screen.
Trackpad: I didn’t think the trackpad would be something that would factor heavily in my usage, but ASUS has implemented it wonderfully. Whether it is using the trackpad to move the cursor around the Home screens or scrolling down web pages with two-finger trackpad control, the inclusion of a trackpad is a great feature of the laptop configuration.
SD slot: My camera is an older model with a full SD card for memory, and having a full slot on the laptop dock has come in handy. It is so efficient to pop the SD card in the dock and copy photos over to the tablet for additional work.
Portability: The ability to drop the Transformer Prime and laptop dock into very small bags makes it a no-brainer to take the combo just about everywhere I go. It weighs about two pounds, and is barely thicker together than just the tablet alone.
Cons:Trackpad: Yes, one of the best features of the laptop dock can also drive me crazy at times. Accidentally touching the pad while typing can shoot the cursor all over the place, totally disrupting my workflow and forcing me to bring it back where it should be. This is not unique to the Transformer Prime dock, this is a problem on some laptops, too. Fortunately ASUS has provided a key to toggle the trackpad on and off, so as long as I remember to turn it off when typing all is OK.
Clumsy tablet removal: The tablet is easy to pop into the laptop dock, but that’s not the case for removing it. It’s a somewhat awkward two-hand process to flip the release lever and lift the tablet away from the dock. I like to use the Transformer Prime as a tablet most of the time, only using the dock when I want to do some serious writing. The combination is meant to be transported in laptop mode, so I find I have to frequently dock/undock it unnecessarily. It has gotten easier over time, but still not a fully natural process.
Conclusion:
The Transformer Prime is easily the best Android tablet I have used to date. It is extremely powerful and offers great utility for everything normally done with a tablet. Paired with the laptop dock that utility is extended far beyond that available from any tablet in the Android space. While expensive to purchase the tablet and dock strictly to replace a laptop, as there are cheap laptops for that purpose, it is a great alternative for tablet users who want to get additional functionality out of a slate.
Quill if you would rather handwrite notes.
Kingsoft Office for Word, Excel and PPT documents.
Various Email, Chat, Phone, and Video Conference Apps.
Chrome Web Browser.
Many Remote Desktop Apps.
There are plenty of options to work from the tablet and while not as full featured as a desktop software package, it is still very well done!
Kingsoft Office for Word, Excel and PPT documents.
Various Email, Chat, Phone, and Video Conference Apps.
Chrome Web Browser.
Many Remote Desktop Apps.
There are plenty of options to work from the tablet and while not as full featured as a desktop software package, it is still very well done!
How do I get multiple windows next to each other, so that I can read my notes, whilst writing a document?
Next to a decent keyboard, being able to see multiple windows next to each other is the most important thing for me, when working.
Next to a decent keyboard, being able to see multiple windows next to each other is the most important thing for me, when working.
With the keyboard attached, you are no longer in the tablet frame of mind. You have both physically and mentally made the switch to laptop.
It's very much like the PC tablets which have been on the market for a decade. Though the tablet/touch function was a big selling point, anytime one was using the thing as a laptop, you tended to forget you were using a touch device.
We must remember to never think of a keyboard as a huge leap forward. If anything, it's a step backwards, and is only a temporary solution until a better solution is developed. A computer's keyboard is simply a variation of a typewriter which goes back 150 years! It's good for what it does, but is it really the best alternative we have? I say to use some vision.
It's very much like the PC tablets which have been on the market for a decade. Though the tablet/touch function was a big selling point, anytime one was using the thing as a laptop, you tended to forget you were using a touch device.
We must remember to never think of a keyboard as a huge leap forward. If anything, it's a step backwards, and is only a temporary solution until a better solution is developed. A computer's keyboard is simply a variation of a typewriter which goes back 150 years! It's good for what it does, but is it really the best alternative we have? I say to use some vision.
@ Peter Perry: It does come with the keyboard, at least in The UK. You cold buy the Transformer without it but the Prime you cannot.
Not to get too side-tracked, but I feel that for now on Android, Dolphin is the superior browser. I've tried FF, Chrome and built-in Android browser, and Dolphin just has so much more going for it: speed, preferences, gestures. Of course Chrome for Android is in beta, and will only get better.
on my asus. After the ICS update I actually find the stock browser to be the best. Looking forward to more improvements with Chrome but for right now it's still a bit too stuttery for me. the Stock browser is very smooth. Dolphin I haven't given it alot of attention as of late, but your post gives me something to look forward to in playing around and testing.
Fletchguy, where you are you looking? Best Buy's website indicates the 32GB model is not available online, and a check of stores reveals "unavailable." Fry's lists the Transformer, but not the Transformer Prime. I agree with ICU. Most sites don't have them listed at all or unavailable. It's been that way for weeks.
Hi!
Can you extend this article, by reviewing what a standard Windows SysAdmin can, and can't, do with this lap-tablet-top?
For example, Peter Perry already mentioned some key apps, but if you could show some more detailed examples, it would be very nice!
I'm so used working with different apps on side-by-side windows, and i believe it will not be possible for me to work that way... i don't even know if there's a way to do something that works like an Alt+Tab on android...
Can you extend this article, by reviewing what a standard Windows SysAdmin can, and can't, do with this lap-tablet-top?
For example, Peter Perry already mentioned some key apps, but if you could show some more detailed examples, it would be very nice!
I'm so used working with different apps on side-by-side windows, and i believe it will not be possible for me to work that way... i don't even know if there's a way to do something that works like an Alt+Tab on android...
I believe by the examples you give, this is probably not the item you would be interested in. When it's all said and done, this is still a Android tablet with an attached keyboard, period. The keyboard makes it easier when typing long heavily-worded documents, but besides that advantage, it's not meant to be a replacement for a true laptop or desktop.
mrxxxman 1 day ago
The Trans Prime has a very good file/folder system too so it's very laptop like in that sense too. You can easily create Office compatible docs. And it does things laptops don't do. Like voice recognition which is built-in to Android. How about the 18 hours of Dell Latitude E4310 battery. No netbook, let alone laptop can last that long. How about the numerous FREE apps available for Android on the Market, Amazon, and Nividia sites? And, lastly, of course, is the aspect of the touch screen. I find that the combo of touch screen and keyboard access at the same time is great and I'm using it more and more. Again, another thing you can't do with a regular laptop.
Sorry mrxxxman
I've seen netbooks with over 20 hours of HP Probook 4510S Battery life (which really isn't that shocking, seeing as they don't have to conform to slate-like size restrictions).
@Aerowind
What Netbook is rated over 20 hours while in use that's of comparable size. And don't forget the 1280x800 resolution of the Prime screen too. It only makes sense to compare it to the same size device.
re: More pros and cons, please!
Alt+Tab works fine, it's just that the Alt key is to the RIGHT of the space bar. The "search" key is to the left, and I keep hitting it by mistake when I want to change apps.
As far as I'm aware, there is no way to have multiple windows for apps next to each other. Only one app owns the screen at a time. While the Prime can act as a laptop in some respects, this is one place where Android cannot keep up with a more functional OS like Linux/OS X/Windoz. But it's not meant too either.
As far as I'm aware, there is no way to have multiple windows for apps next to each other. Only one app owns the screen at a time. While the Prime can act as a laptop in some respects, this is one place where Android cannot keep up with a more functional OS like Linux/OS X/Windoz. But it's not meant too either.
A Windows SysAdmin should write it, I guess
You can't expect from a journalist to write from point of view of Windows SysAdmin. Let's hope someone will show up.
I have managed without issues UNIX systems with a iPad. I can imagine that it will not be much different with Android. Without having special-purpose application, that is -- just an terminal emulator. No trouble to switch back and forth between the applications -- it all depends on your habits an dyes, there are tasks that require huge cuts and pastes etc that are more difficult on a tablet -- with keyboard or not. For such tasks, you need an special purpose application.
I have managed without issues UNIX systems with a iPad. I can imagine that it will not be much different with Android. Without having special-purpose application, that is -- just an terminal emulator. No trouble to switch back and forth between the applications -- it all depends on your habits an dyes, there are tasks that require huge cuts and pastes etc that are more difficult on a tablet -- with keyboard or not. For such tasks, you need an special purpose application.
I love my Transformer
All I can say is that I love mine. The skinning was good. The keyboard kicks ass mainly to provide the tablet protection. The Acer aspire 4738z battery life is great, so much so that I can use the keyboard to provide extra power to my cell phone if I need to. What TiagoViana mentions is probably my biggest issue with Android, not necessarily the Transformer. I'd love to have two windows open next to each other. That said, it isn't a complete PC replacement. It is why I have a Windows tablet PC convertible as well, the HP 2730p.
I'd love one
I have been watching this machine grow. Not having the money to jump onto the yearly Apple Upgrade cycle and not wanting a 4th device (ie desk, lap, pad, phone) this is the best so far.
But, I'd still like to know if it can function (as my laptop does) as a full fledged desktop with 28" monitor, full scale Kb and of course the old fashioned mouse, supplemented minimally with usb2 to high capacity disks?
It won't be long and we'll be there...
But, I'd still like to know if it can function (as my laptop does) as a full fledged desktop with 28" monitor, full scale Kb and of course the old fashioned mouse, supplemented minimally with usb2 to high capacity disks?
It won't be long and we'll be there...
Sorry, there's one thing that's stopping me still.
I just buried a T22 which I used for 13 years. I seriously doubt a Tablet with /hard wired batteries/ would last 13 years. The laptop batteries would probably last about 2 - 3. Then how do you replace them? Oh I forgot, you spend $500 for a another tablet.
Also $500 for a tablet, with a dock? Sorry, the Asus Eees do the same thing, weight around the same weight, HP Compaq 6910p battery are replaceable, as well as the HD (and you get far more HD space.)
Nope for my money a notebook/netbook is still the way to go.
Also $500 for a tablet, with a dock? Sorry, the Asus Eees do the same thing, weight around the same weight, HP Compaq 6910p battery are replaceable, as well as the HD (and you get far more HD space.)
Nope for my money a notebook/netbook is still the way to go.
I am excited about this concept
Having one device that you can use for multiple functions. I really like this. Buying one "brain" item that can dock or be linked to perform several functions.
My Droid4 phone does this. I have the Lapdock 500 Pro and have been using it for the vast majority of my computing needs for almost 6 weeks now. I also have the HD dock for it and stream Netflix movies and view photos on my big screen & play music through my surround sound system.
The Lapdock 500 has 2 USB ports and an SD card reader. HP Compaq 6710b battery life is not as good as the ASUS combo, but I can get about 8 hours if my phone is fully charged when I dock it.
I think we are about 2 years away from having a legitimate one device does it all solution that most people will be satisfied with. I am really looking forward to that.
My Droid4 phone does this. I have the Lapdock 500 Pro and have been using it for the vast majority of my computing needs for almost 6 weeks now. I also have the HD dock for it and stream Netflix movies and view photos on my big screen & play music through my surround sound system.
The Lapdock 500 has 2 USB ports and an SD card reader. HP Compaq 6710b battery life is not as good as the ASUS combo, but I can get about 8 hours if my phone is fully charged when I dock it.
I think we are about 2 years away from having a legitimate one device does it all solution that most people will be satisfied with. I am really looking forward to that.
Multiple Windows
There is a new android browser out that will float over the other windows called Onskreen, they also have a calculator that does the same. It's not as fully featured as Dolhin but it allows you to look up stuff while keeping another app open to type or draw in, and to do some calculating.
An Interesting point, however...
I think that this is an interesting point, and I am currently using an iPad to replace a notebook computer for my personal computing needs. The only thing that I have not been able to perform on my iPad is the ability to write programs (not web pages) and have them run on the device. This has only been at most 10% of my portable computing needs. The other concern that I would have with this device is the ability to remove Android from device and install a mobile version of Linux. I do not trust Google and I would not want to plug any information into any Google service. I do not trust that Google has not installed back doors into the system so that they can suck all my information from the device, and then sell that information to advertisers.
You don't trust Google but...
You trust Apple? Just Google (pun intended) and see how Apple and others collected your info.
And yes, you can run Linux on the Prime either native or together. Again, trust Google to give you the answer.
And yes, you can run Linux on the Prime either native or together. Again, trust Google to give you the answer.
We Are Humans
I don't believe that there will ever be a device that everyone will be satisfied with. I first learned about the Transformer about the middle of last year and followed it religiously until I was able to place an order in November for delivery around Christmas. I finally go the tablet part at the end of January and the keyboard in early February. I am overwhelmed with the structure and capability of the Prime and hope to have it converted to doing all of the things that I do on it. I have always been a fan of MS Outlook and don't have a single app that will do all of the things that Outlook will do and would appreciate suggestions from others who are faced with the same problem. In all of the replies above, no one has mentioned the wonderful screen resolution or the 8 Meg Camera that does portrait like pictures. The original story also says that he has difficulty separating the tablet from the keyboard but I assure you that it is easier to do than shutting my Windows laptop down and closing the computer. You can do the process with the Transormer turned on or off and it will convert to the new system immediately.
The biggest negative I can think of is the fingerprints on the screen but I can live with that.
The biggest negative I can think of is the fingerprints on the screen but I can live with that.
What about printers, hard drives, DVD players/burners?
How can you claim the AT can replace notebooks and not address these issues?
Can the average notebook owner swap in a Transformer without needing a techie to get these other things going?
Also, what makes a Transformer superior to, say, a Toshiba Thrive which has a full-size USB (plug in an external hard drive and flash cards), mini-USB, full-size HDMI (plug in an external monitor with a standard HDMI cable), full-size SD slot, swappable ACER Aspire 5732z Battery, etc., plus the ability to hook up your choice of Bluetooth
Can the average notebook owner swap in a Transformer without needing a techie to get these other things going?
Also, what makes a Transformer superior to, say, a Toshiba Thrive which has a full-size USB (plug in an external hard drive and flash cards), mini-USB, full-size HDMI (plug in an external monitor with a standard HDMI cable), full-size SD slot, swappable ACER Aspire 5732z Battery, etc., plus the ability to hook up your choice of Bluetooth
Flawed assessment
No mention of price comparison to notebooks. No mention of the standard features that come with a budget notebook that this solution is missing. No mention of how a slate+keyboard solution compares with a netbook. No mention of the app limitations or how to get around them...
Why not talk about productivity and multimedia performance? Why not look at alternatives that cost less and offer more bang for the buck? Are we only pretending to be impartial?
I would expect a far critical observer to point out more cons than what you have James. This solution really is no more than a glorified word processor for people that have very limited needs and little creativity. Happy typing to you!
Why not talk about productivity and multimedia performance? Why not look at alternatives that cost less and offer more bang for the buck? Are we only pretending to be impartial?
I would expect a far critical observer to point out more cons than what you have James. This solution really is no more than a glorified word processor for people that have very limited needs and little creativity. Happy typing to you!
bye laptop
I was rethinking things and while for what I do I don't agree that I would necessarly try to replace a laptop with an android or ipad, I am rethinking the laptop itself.
I realize what I hate is small laptop keyboards and trackpads for full productivity. If I want to do serious development work (as I do), I want to sit at a desk with a full size keyboard and mouse and not on the couch or something. You can do this with a laptop, but then you have the extraneous laptop on the desk.
For this reason, I am considering going back to a full size under desk machine, only, for productivity and then a transformer prime for optional light casual typing of email and stuff on the couch where your lap won't get hot and tired from the weight and of course normal tablet on the go uses (I use mine absoutely everywhere, thanks in part to velcro). I never seem to get any real work done on the couch with a laptop anyway.
I realize what I hate is small laptop keyboards and trackpads for full productivity. If I want to do serious development work (as I do), I want to sit at a desk with a full size keyboard and mouse and not on the couch or something. You can do this with a laptop, but then you have the extraneous laptop on the desk.
For this reason, I am considering going back to a full size under desk machine, only, for productivity and then a transformer prime for optional light casual typing of email and stuff on the couch where your lap won't get hot and tired from the weight and of course normal tablet on the go uses (I use mine absoutely everywhere, thanks in part to velcro). I never seem to get any real work done on the couch with a laptop anyway.
No comments:
Post a Comment