Nice comparison of Iconia & Transformer

rushmore · May 2, 2011

Nice comparison. One thing though is that though the Iconia display is very nice, the Trans display is very, very nice (two very's).

Fair top level overview of the devices, but seems that both tabs cater to some different needs. Either case is a win though

Acer Iconia A500 Versus the Asus Transformer Technidroid

Iconia

For pure tablet function and connectivity without an attachment, the Iconia seems the best choice (assuming the connectivity part is a priority). There is a cable coming out for the Transformer, but it will not provide true host, since not enough voltage to support it (no host port on the tablet).

Transformer

Keyboard aside, seems if were mainly going to use for a reader and web surfing, the Transformer is best ($50 savings too). With the keyboard and if wanted "netbook" function, the keyboard attachement is an option, but apparently there are still issues with input devices and some storage drives working. Also a net increase of $100 to get the same connectivity as the Iconia, but if you wanted the KB anyway, no harm no foul (plus extra battery life).

Best of both worlds would probably be the Iconia with the Transformer's display for same price levels.

For rooters though, in spite of more traffic on XDA for the Transformer, the Iconia is the easiest to root ATM.

michaelg1030 · May 2, 2011

Yeah I saw those pics last night. The display on the trans is nice, but I'm really liking my Acer. Asus could have easily made the transformer with the USB and charged $50 more. Then it would be no contest, but they didn't I guess so they can sell the docks.

Never the less I decided to keep my iconia and canceled my order for the transformer this morning. I still have 8 days left to return it in case their is a problem with it. After the return period I will be rooting.

The biggest thing for me with wanting the Asus was their included office suite. A good program to create, edit, view word and excel files is all I need to never (for the most part) have to turn on my PC again. I need the files to be 100% compatible with .doc so when. I send something out like a resume the employer can read it properly.

rushmore · May 2, 2011

michaelg1030 said:
Yeah I saw those pics last night. The display on the trans is nice, but I'm really liking my Acer. Asus could have easily made the transformer with the USB and charged $50 more. Then it would be no contest, but they didn't I guess so they can sell the docks.

Never the less I decided to keep my iconia and canceled my order for the transformer this morning. I still have 8 days left to return it in case their is a problem with it. After the return period I will be rooting.

The biggest thing for me with wanting the Asus was their included office suite. A good program to create, edit, view word and excel files is all I need to never (for the most part) have to turn on my PC again. I need the files to be 100% compatible with .doc so when. I send something out like a resume the employer can read it properly.

I think this is the number one reason why Asus did it. Seems they may have lost some customers in the process, but figure they will gain it back with margin from the attachement KB. The Trans is actually wider than the Iconia, so Asus had tons of room for ports. If Asus had put one host and data port on the Trans, it would sell even more. Acer is probably saying "Thanks!", since it provides differentiation for Acer.

I still think people will be let down by the keyboard unless Asus is able to make it more stable and work with Honeycomb better. All reviews that have went in depth with the keyboard function have pointed out stabilty and connectivity issues. Kudos to Asus for basically telling Google to "stuff it" in regards to Honeycomb's attempt at a closed internal system.

reggie22 · May 2, 2011

Go with the Transformer. IPS FTW

rushmore · May 2, 2011

Go with the Iconia if you want fully functioning USB host and non proprietary data connection for the win

Folks waiting on a Transformer keyboard for the same connectivity may be waiting longer than expected. Not to mention connection issues.

Still, the IPS sure is purtee'.

gabeyong · May 3, 2011

I went with the Iconia because of the price and USB host. If I wanted to use a keyboard I would have just stick with my mackbook pro. Asus failed for me because of it's hardware instability. Nicer screen that's all IMHO.

Sheba611 · May 3, 2011

I too went with the A500 because of the USB host port. I downloaded Thumb Keyboard from the Market and it works great especially in landscape mode.

Vmanisme · May 7, 2011

I had 2 orders on the Asus Trans then tried the Iconia.... called and cancelled my order right there in store and haven't regreted it. Loving my iconia

fartsman · May 21, 2011

CNET has a prize fight between the Acer and Asus:
Acer Iconia Tab vs. Asus Eee Pad Transformer - CNET Prizefight - CNET.com
They don't seem to value the USB as much as I do.

rushmore · May 22, 2011

This prizefight seemed rigged.

PeteDee · May 22, 2011

rushmore said:
This prizefight seemed rigged.

All to often seems to be the case, if they had used an SD slot instead of the very, very stupid micro SD slot I would not care about the USB so much but the USB really is a great thing to have working, I can plug my cameras straight in and look at the photos, I also have some movies on USB thumb drive, just excellent and easy.

Pete

excav8ter · May 22, 2011

Hey all, I ordered the Transformer, but am wondering if I should cancel my order and go with the Iconia? I had been advised by computer guys who build computers for people to go with the ASUS. I am going to use it mainly for web surfing and, email, apps and hopefully to put some movies on an extra memory card. I was also hoping that I could find a program that would let me make my own spread sheet for doing estimates for my sewer and water installation business. Also I am wondering, with the USB port, can a printer be plugged into it so I can print with it? I am very excited about getting my first tablet and just want to make the right (for me) choice.

Thank you

jeaucamom · May 22, 2011

i am looking for a tablet for my son and am trying to decide which one to get him. I would like it if he could do his hw on it and also have it be an overall pretty good device. I was thinking the a500 because of the USB. We are brand new to tabs however and i was wondering if the a500 is the best choice, or which one is?

Howie · May 27, 2011

I have both, and while the Transformer has a gorgeous screen, I prefer the Acer Iconia A500. The extra connectivity rocks! They both have bugs, and hope are both resolved soon. Iconia the screen turns on by itself every few minutes. Transformer will just not wake back up randomly, so you have to hold down power to force it off then back on.

webchameleon · May 29, 2011

I'm going to post this question in this stream as there seems to be a lot of activity and you all have fleshed out the many pros and cons of the two tablets. I purchased my iconia because of the usb to tether with phone (though still trying to figure out how to do that), but also to video record testimonials then upload to FB. Only when I record using the rear facing video, the audio is muffled. I've heardnit is because of mic under glass and noise cancelling mic....which would seem to be too huge an oversight to be missed on rollout.

Can someone verify if this is an issue im going to have to live with or do I have a malfunctioning unit or is there something else I can do?

splatoid · May 29, 2011

I just tested it out and you are right.The sound is quite muffled when recording from the rear camera which is the best camera on the unit. The sound is better recording from the front.A little at least....

Nice comparison of Iconia & Transformer

Extreme Android User

Member

Extreme Android User

reggie22

Guest

Extreme Android User

Android Enthusiast

Well-Known Member

Android Enthusiast

Lurker

Extreme Android User

Well-Known Member

Android Enthusiast

Newbie

Android Expert

Lurker

Android Enthusiast

BEST TECH IN 2023

Smartphones

Best Android Phones

Upcoming

Best iPhones

Upcoming

Tablets

Best Tablets

Upcoming

Laptops

Best Laptops

Upcoming

Televisions

Best TVs

Upcoming

Game Consoles

Best Game Consoles

Upcoming

Wearables

Best Wearables

Upcoming

Smart Home

Smart Home Tech

Upcoming

Similar threads