Buying the new ASUS Tablet worth it?

[Hamen Cheese]

SHORT VERSION: What do you think of the ASUS Eee Pad (with keyboard dock) for writing?

 

LONG VERSION: So, I've come to realize that my desktop home computer is no longer a conducive place to write. Perhaps it's the oppressive heat or the constant amount of clutter that gathers around my room but I've discovered that I'm most encouraged to write when I'm outside the house. So I'm looking to buy a very portable laptop (to replace my currently bulky and almost zero battery life one) to help me write outside the house.

 

I was thinking of getting a netbook (since it fits the "very portable" category) but then am also considering a tablet. There is a frenzy over iPads and iPad-imitations that has admittedly made me desire to have one for myself. However, to buy an iPad just for games (as most people do) is just not worth it for me. I don't need one - but I do want one.

 

So I was thinking of looking into an area somewhere in between (to satisfy both cravings) which is why I'm also considering a tablet. In particular the ASUS Eee Pad (if that wasn't a ripoff name, I don't know what is). It seems to have enough features of a netbook with the benefits of an iPad (touch screen, light, can be used as screen only). Not to mention, it seems to be sold at a reasonable price. What do you guys think of this item? Does anyone have any experience with this or perhaps some friends who have said how much they loved or hated it?

[Andrew Q Gordon]

HC -

 

Just an FYI on the iPad - can't speak much for the others as we don't have on in our house - you can buy a keyboard attachment for the iPad too.

 

That said -I bought Mike an iPad for Christmas - it's nice, he uses it to check his mail, surf the web in bed or while watching tv etc. He watches movies on it when we travel and he reads on it using the iBook feature. You can get a word processing app easy enough so writing on it won't be an issue if you get the keyboard.

 

that said, I'd get a netbook if the purpose is to write. First - netbooks - at least here in DC/US are half what tablets costs. I saw one for $249 with a $50 gift card at target - they had a tablet thingy for $399- no gift card - now that's not saying that is the best pricing just an example.

 

I find it easier to write on my laptop than one of those keyboard attachments AND by the time you pack up the tablet and the keyboard etc, you're carrying almost as much stuff as a netbook weight and size wise and if you forget the keyboard then what? So if you're planning to use it to write, go with the netbook.

 

That's my 2 cents worth.

 

Andy

[Lugh]

I like the convertable tablet/netbook looking ones turn the screen one way you have a tablet the other you have a netbook they are the size of a netbook but you don't HAVE to use it open if you just want to use it like an e-reader or something.

 

I've seen a few, dell makes one and if they do, I'm sure there are others.

[Johnathan Colourfield]

I like the convertable tablet/netbook looking ones turn the screen one way you have a tablet the other you have a netbook they are the size of a netbook but you don't HAVE to use it open if you just want to use it like an e-reader or something.

 

I've seen a few, dell makes one and if they do, I'm sure there are others.

 

My brother actually has one of those and its very good for like business and stuff

 

I wouldn't go for a tablet but for a tablet/netbook cuz they are the most flexible

[Caedus]

I haven't handled the Eee Pad myself but I've read some good reviews about it. If your considering tablets, take a look at the new 10.1 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab as well.

 

 

Here are some good reviews I found for tablets in the market right now:

 

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Reviews:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4277/asus-eee-pad-transformer-review

http://thisismynext.com/2011/05/12/asus-eee-pad-transformer-tf101-review/

 

Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Reviews:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4445/samsung-galaxy-tab-101-review

http://thisismynext.com/2011/06/15/samsung-galaxy-tab-10-1-review/

 

The keyboard dock would definitely work for writing, but that depends on the type of word processing software they offered.

 

Hope this helps!

[Hamen Cheese]

I like the convertable tablet/netbook looking ones turn the screen one way you have a tablet the other you have a netbook they are the size of a netbook but you don't HAVE to use it open if you just want to use it like an e-reader or something.

 

I've seen a few, dell makes one and if they do, I'm sure there are others.

 

I'll have to take a look at that. Any particular Dell model you'd recommend?

 

I haven't handled the Eee Pad myself but I've read some good reviews about it. If your considering tablets, take a look at the new 10.1 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab as well.

 

 

Here are some good reviews I found for tablets in the market right now:

 

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Reviews:

http://www.anandtech...nsformer-review

http://thisismynext....r-tf101-review/

 

Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Reviews:

http://www.anandtech...-tab-101-review

http://thisismynext....ab-10-1-review/

 

The keyboard dock would definitely work for writing, but that depends on the type of word processing software they offered.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Yeah, ASUS Eee Pad seems to get some favorable reviews especially regarding the affordability part. My only concern is I've never used an Android OS before. I don't know it's limitations and all. I'm thinking of something that could double for work so I can bring this in place of my bulky laptop even if the latter has better specs.

 

Is that Galaxy 10.1 the next generation Galaxy Tab or the first release? Cause I've handled the first gen one and I didn't like it. I definitely won't get something without a keyboard dock.

 

Just an FYI on the iPad - can't speak much for the others as we don't have on in our house - you can buy a keyboard attachment for the iPad too.

I didn't know that. Though my main concern with Apple is that it is well... an Apple. Being an Apple means it's already more expensive than what it offers hehe. I have friends that have it and I certainly enjoy playing games on it. I just have never seen anyone use it for writing or business (more writing) which makes me wonder if it will be any good at it.

[comicfan]

i work for a major electronics store. The tablets sell and are back a lot for returns. Unless you plan to just write skip the netbook. If you are thinking tablets, I hate to say it but the most flexible is still the Ipad. Get the keyboard and go.