Help USB connectivity.

[ADP]

The main reason why I need a tablet is to transfer photos from my DSLR. My DSLR uses compact flash cards. So with the Acer Iconia a500 will the USB port be able to read the card via a card reader?

The other option is to buy the Asus transformer which has a better screen but no USB port. (I don

 

[chimphappyhour]

What are you wanting to do with your files once you get them onto the tablet, just for viewing? What format are you shooting, I'm assuming just jpeg, yes?

There's a lot of big questions that maybe need answering which might point to the answer that a tablet *might* not be the right device for some things. I know a tablet would choke on my workflow pretty quickly.

 

[Lock-N-Load]

1. yes, there is a USB accessory dongle coming - you can find it and see it on the web and in these threads about Asus accessories

2. you could transfer by Dropbox also

 

[Merlin_AZ]

I'm also looking at options using the TF to backup my pics on vacation.
I considered getting an EyeFi card, but I don't know how trustworthy they are, and would like to stick to my trusty Lexar.
Too bad these don't have a USB port or I could have just popped an SD card reader into it.
I wonder when the USB accessory is going to be released and how expensive it'll be.

 

[rushmore]

1. yes, there is a USB accessory dongle coming - you can find it and see it on the web and in these threads about Asus accessories

2. you could transfer by Dropbox also

No so sure about item 1., since the actual host function is in the keyboard and the socket for the keyboard and the dongle is mainly a pass-through. There will probably not be enough power to sustain anything beyond 8gb reliably and perhaps a few 16gb cards.

The USB host power bridge that is USB 2.0 compliant is needed to work as USB host- correctly.

 

[rushmore]

I'm also looking at options using the TF to backup my pics on vacation.
I considered getting an EyeFi card, but I don't know how trustworthy they are, and would like to stick to my trusty Lexar.
Too bad these don't have a USB port or I could have just popped an SD card reader into it.
I wonder when the USB accessory is going to be released and how expensive it'll be.

Seems like an A500 may be a better bet for you, since just as good of a device and adds host function- on the tablet and works very well. The Trans is a better bet for folks that do not want host (save $50) or want the keyboard and netbook-like function.

To get the same function on the Trans, you add an attachment, $100 more, more bulk and a pound more weight.

Still, both devices rock and suit different consumer wants

 

[LunchBB]

TF with the keyboard dock works for me. Since it is a 16gb model, I will bring a 2.5" USB drive plug in to the USB port on the dock. Then yhe full size SD card to unload photos and videos off to the hard drive as backup. Works well.

 

[robjulo]

No so sure about item 1., since the actual host function is in the keyboard and the socket for the keyboard and the dongle is mainly a pass-through. There will probably not be enough power to sustain anything beyond 8gb reliably and perhaps a few 16gb cards.

The USB host power bridge that is USB 2.0 compliant is needed to work as USB host- correctly.

I don't think it would make alot of sense for Asus to sell a dongle that doesn't really work and we know, they are selling a dongle.

 

[rushmore]

I don't think it would make alot of sense for Asus to sell a dongle that doesn't really work and we know, they are selling a dongle.

Not long to find out, but if you call tech support, you will get a similar answer that it is not true 2.0 USB host. When the Transformer specs showed no host on the tablet, I obsessed about this and hoped there would be an option with a cable adapter. None the less, I hope people have success using it.

 

[LunchBB]

Wow I just plug in a wireless USB mouse to the dock and I can use it right away. If ASUS put that USB port to the tablet itself, TF will be a big winner.

 

[aleis]

google stated that the xoom is now able to do true usb hosting with the 3.1 update...i believe its a software thing...

 

[LunchBB]

xoom doesn't have any standard USB port anyway. It's a birth defect =)

 

[Merlin_AZ]

I might just get an Eye Fi 4 GB card for my camera and back it up wirelessly if the dongle isn't out in the next 2 weeks.

 

[chimphappyhour]

Not sure if the OP has ever come back to look or not but I do have this to say about photos on the Transformer. As of right now, I can't say I'm impressed with how it renders photos I've shot with my DSLR and then imported to my tablet for viewing. Straight lines aren't perfectly straight but have a jagged step appearance to them. No idea if this is a honeycomb issue or Asus issue.

 

[Gunner]

That's a software issue w/ the default Gallery app. I use QuickPic. It's fast and renders photos in full detail.

 

[chimphappyhour]

That's a software issue w/ the default Gallery app. I use QuickPic. It's fast and renders photos in full detail.

What a night and day difference! Thank you! Now I'll actually be proud to whip my photos out on my Transformer.