Acer Iconia or Asus Trans?

[rushmore]

Thought I was getting the Asus, but the specs and total cost of the Acer seem more tablet-centric and less cost.

Full sized host function USB port AND a micro USB port on the tablet. No need to buy a keyboard to get the function. I already have an M11X, so prefer not another laptop like device. Prefer having the function already on the tablet, rather than need a keyboard, plus saves $100.

The speakers with built in Dolby audio are apparently stellar.

The display is in between the Asus and Moto as far as quality.

 

[wynand32]

For me, the keyboard dock is the kicker. I do some writing, and so I need a physical keyboard for any device to be truly productive (even my phone, an Epic, has one). But more than that, the keyboard dock also serves as a "cover" for transportation, a dock for watching movies and such, and most important, a huge extra battery. Indeed, the fact that it actually charges the tablet rather than just working inline with the tablet's battery makes it a nice portable charger as well.

If I knew I'd never want to type anything longer than a tweet or need longer than native battery life, then I'd likely choose the Acer over the Asus for the ports and apparently smaller size. Although, even then, the screen quality would come into play and I'd have to consider the Asus.

But with the keyboard dock, I really like the thought of being able to go for a day trip somewhere and know I don't need to take a charger.

 

[aleis]

from what i hear, asus hardware is very good.
and they have a history of making good quality products.
i KNOW about acer. they are cheap. so that was my justification for getting an asus.
plus showing off the keyboard, cost and feature set is going to be FUN when competing with other devices

 

[rushmore]

Simple answer is the Asus having ports on the tablet, rather than having iPad envy. With that BIG A55 bezel, Asus had tons of space for ports.

 

[GeekClass]

Simple answer is the Asus having ports on the tablet, rather than having iPad envy. With that BIG A55 bezel, Asus had tons of space for ports.

If you want or need USB ports on a tablet and a keyboard isn't important, then get the Iconia. It's only $50 more and is out right now. Not a hard choice.

 

[rushmore]

If you want or need USB ports on a tablet and a keyboard isn't important, then get the Iconia. It's only $50 more and is out right now. Not a hard choice.

I think I may go extreme and buy both from BB and keep the one I like the best.

 

[crimton]

i had it narrowed down to these two but i will end up going with the asus and the keyboard dock. they both look like solid tablets though.

 

[rushmore]

i had it narrowed down to these two but i will end up going with the asus and the keyboard dock. they both look like solid tablets though.

If the Asus had a full USB on the tablet, I would choose it too.

 

[kenyu73]

The Asus has a LED/IPS screen which is a bit better then the standard LCD screens. It provides a better viewing angle as well as a 'slightly' better outside viewing screen.

 

[K5TRX]

transformer is cheaper, IPS, lighter, same size
keyboard dock option double battery, adds 2 USB, 1 SD, netbook
why would you get the acer?

 

[kampfwolf09]

I look at it this way. Chances are if I'm just using the tablet portion, I'm probably gonna be on the move or away from other devices (USB). If I'm sitting and working on something, I'm probably gonna be using the dock. It makes the perfect stand and most people are use to using a laptop already. So to me, not having usb on the tablet itself isn't a big issue. After all, this is why we have DLNA and remote access apps. So we don't have to be tethered to anything with a cable.

Personally, I think Acer takes too many shortcuts with the quality of their components. I think in the case of their Iconia, it might not be as big a deal thanks to the standard honeycomb hardware. If I had to have a tablet today, it would be the Acer over the Motorola all day, but since I'm not, I'll wait for my Asus.

 

[aleis]

from what i hear, asus hardware is very good.
and they have a history of making good quality products.
i KNOW about acer. they are cheap. so that was my justification for getting an asus.
plus showing off the keyboard, cost and feature set is going to be FUN when competing with other devices

i ordered one of these to hold me over til the asus is available

 

[SirKronan]

i ordered one of these to hold me over til the asus is available

I too am stuck here between wanting the keyboard and extra battery, or having USB on the tablet proper. Tough choice. If the Asus had USB on the tablet it would totally be "game over" but they had to restrict it to their $150 accessory, tantamount to Apple and Samsung and their proprietary dock connector. Do I like Asus better as a company? Yes. Would I use the keyboard almost daily? Also yes. But do I want to be strapped to the keyboard every time I need to see images from my SLR on a photo shoot? Do I want to have to connect the dock every time I want TV output or mirrored gaming from my Android device and it's library of games?

Heck no. This is not cut and dry like some of you are saying.

 

[dbpaddler]

because he doesn't need the keyboard. Did you read the guy's post?

If you're not looking for a pseudo laptop replacement and just want the tablet, it's not a bad way to go if you need it now.

Think some of the Acer reviews say it's harder to hold because of the aluminum back not being very grippy. That was the only real knock I've seen on it so far. It's all a tradeoff though. Better connectivity options on the tablet - the slightly worse screen for $50 more and available now.

transformer is cheaper, IPS, lighter, same size
keyboard dock option double battery, adds 2 USB, 1 SD, netbook
why would you get the acer?

If I'm waiting till June for it, I'm changing my focus to Lenovo who has the keyboard dock on it's thinkpad tablet. Wish they'd disclose more about the keyboard dock. Plus it has all the connectivity you need on the tablet including a full sd card slot.

 

[aleis]

im taking the acer back tmorrow.

 

[SirKronan]

because he doesn't need the keyboard. Did you read the guy's post?

If you're not looking for a pseudo laptop replacement and just want the tablet, it's not a bad way to go if you need it now.

Think some of the Acer reviews say it's harder to hold because of the aluminum back not being very grippy. That was the only real knock I've seen on it so far. It's all a tradeoff though. Better connectivity options on the tablet - the slightly worse screen for $50 more and available now.



If I'm waiting till June for it, I'm changing my focus to Lenovo who has the keyboard dock on it's thinkpad tablet. Wish they'd disclose more about the keyboard dock. Plus it has all the connectivity you need on the tablet including a full sd card slot.

You've got me interested in that Lenovo. The only thing I fear is where it will be priced. I'm worried it's likely to be more in the Xoom's territory than in Asus' territory. Hope not though. Full size SD slot PLUS usb would be so fan-freaking-tastic on a tablet ...

im taking the acer back tmorrow.

Why? What happened?

 

[aleis]

Why? What happened?

this tablet sucks!
i come from a xoom (and thinking of going back!) this tablet just doesnt compare...gonna wait for the asus.

 

[rushmore]

this tablet sucks!
i come from a xoom (and thinking of going back!) this tablet just doesnt compare...gonna wait for the asus.

How does it not compare? I have used them both and am testing the Acer now:

1. The display is better
2. Speakers sound just as good if not better due to the Dolby assist for output
3. Microsd work perfectly (using 32gb)
4. Full USB host works great. I have used it with 16gb and 64gb thumbdrives and keyboards work too.
5. $150 less cost
6. Build is as good our better

Not sure what the issue is for you, but this is a solid tablet.

 

[SirKronan]

How does it not compare? I have used them both and am testing the Acer now:

1. The display is better
2. Speakers sound just as good if not better due to the Dolby assist for output
3. Microsd work perfectly (using 32gb)
4. Full USB host works great. I have used it with 16gb and 64gb thumbdrives and keyboards work too.
5. $150 less cost
6. Build is as good our better

Not sure what the issue is for you, but this is a solid tablet.

I've heard the speakers on the Iconia are excellent for a tablet, and you're right about the USB functionality, but the Acer's screen isn't better from what I've heard. I have heard it's the best non-IPS tablet, though, and that the screen is definitely very good. I've read the build quality is excellent on both tablets. In addition, it's only $100 (not $150) cheaper if you want USB but NOT the keyboard. If you don't need USB on the tablet proper, then the Acer is $50 more expensive.

this tablet sucks!
i come from a xoom (and thinking of going back!) this tablet just doesnt compare...gonna wait for the asus.

Wow, you're the first person I've heard "this tablet sucks!" from. Please specify. I'm not trying to flame bait or anything, I really want to know your honest feedback, and "this tablet sucks!" isn't very descriptive ...

 

[aleis]

i know. my thing is...i set it up, and i was thinking wow, im going to keep this!
why do i need that asus keyboard dock?? i had made up my mind!
but...its heavier than the xoom, and after 5mins, i realized that! then i tried to connect a 4gb usb...it didnt show up in es file explorer...i restarted it..nothing! no problem. THEN, i let my 5 year old use it. now, he`s been using my laptop by himself to surf youtube since he was 1 (i run a networking and computer repair business...im a GEEK), he hated it. i tried to tether from my phone (droid x) for him to watch michael jackson videos...it just wouldnt connect! well...it did, you just couldnt surf (wtf?) even after a restart. the crazy thing is, when i was showing it to my ipad holding friend, it worked! he actually thought it was a cool device. but, my son also said its too heavy. he played with it for 3 mins! he use to play with my xoom for hours! i said should we keep it? he said no. i said i`ll take it back later. he said "can you take it back tomorrow?" that did it for me. it is nice! just had a bad experience i care not to repeat.

 

[rushmore]

I've heard the speakers on the Iconia are excellent for a tablet, and you're right about the USB functionality, but the Acer's screen isn't better from what I've heard. I have heard it's the best non-IPS tablet, though, and that the screen is definitely very good. I've read the build quality is excellent on both tablets. In addition, it's only $100 (not $150) cheaper if you want USB but NOT the keyboard. If you don't need USB on the tablet proper, then the Acer is $50 more expensive.



Wow, you're the first person I've heard "this tablet sucks!" from. Please specify. I'm not trying to flame bait or anything, I really want to know your honest feedback, and "this tablet sucks!" isn't very descriptive ...

Sorry, I was referring to the Xoom wifi ($150 more) and the Xoom's display, since that is what the aleis was comparing to in the post. IMO, the A500 display looks as good as the Asus/iPad in regards to brightness, color and contrast. The IPS wins for extreme angles, but not too often I will look at a display in extreme angles.

 

[rushmore]

i know. my thing is...i set it up, and i was thinking wow, im going to keep this!
why do i need that asus keyboard dock?? i had made up my mind!
but...its heavier than the xoom, and after 5mins, i realized that! then i tried to connect a 4gb usb...it didnt show up in es file explorer...i restarted it..nothing! no problem. THEN, i let my 5 year old use it. now, he`s been using my laptop by himself to surf youtube since he was 1 (i run a networking and computer repair business...im a GEEK), he hated it. i tried to tether from my phone (droid x) for him to watch michael jackson videos...it just wouldnt connect! well...it did, you just couldnt surf (wtf?) even after a restart. the crazy thing is, when i was showing it to my ipad holding friend, it worked! he actually thought it was a cool device. but, my son also said its too heavy. he played with it for 3 mins! he use to play with my xoom for hours! i said should we keep it? he said no. i said i`ll take it back later. he said "can you take it back tomorrow?" that did it for me. it is nice! just had a bad experience i care not to repeat.

Sorry you are having the issues

I have used 16gb, 64gb thumbdrives (using one now for PSX games) and a 500gb hard drive for file transfer, media playback and playing PSX games with no issues. I am stunned how smooth and hot swappable the process is.

I am also currently using the A500, wifi tethered with my Incredible and it works very well. Connects better and does not lose connection like my gTablet does.

Again, sorry you are not having the same results. As far as weight, I think the difference is about less than an ounce to the Xoom. Correct?

added: I use Astro as my file manager and have transferred files from internal flash, 32gb microsd and the noted drives above. Works fast and no issues.

 

[kampfwolf09]

There's only about a 1/10th of a pound difference between the xoom and the acer. I can't believe its that big a difference, but hey its your the one who has to be happy with it.

 

[aleis]

yeahs its like 100g difference (laughable but...) it is noticeable.
anyway, glad u like it. im back to being sad until i get my asus

 

[hjoneshjones]

transformer is cheaper, IPS, lighter, same size
keyboard dock option double battery, adds 2 USB, 1 SD, netbook
why would you get the acer?

Because I dont want another laptop. The asus would actually be $50 more with the functionality I would need. I want to connect my external hard drive and dont want to have to connect it to a docking station in order to do so. Im just glad that there are now options to bicker over. LOL...before it was pretty much just the ipad. I think the Xoom is going to have to drop their price pretty fast or it will xoom itself right out of the competition. Why pay more if you have pretty much the same options or even better with newer tabs.

And this whole heavier/lighter discussion, the best advice I can give is lift weights.