Transformer quality and reliability question

[jonhcox]

All,

I have a coworker that is trying to sell me a Transformer because he needs quick cash. I'm deeply considering buying it, but I want to know from all of you current owners out there how they seem to be holding up. How is the build quality, any issues that seem to be prevalent across the product? I'd like to get it for my wife as she really enjoys my Xoom, though I might keep the Transformer because of the superior display and give her the Xoom.

All input greatly appreciated.

Regards,
J

 

[CarsnGadgets]

there seem to be a few people claiming they have light bleed problems around the edge of the screen when the screen is on but black or dark.

Most people agree that the right speaker is louder than the left (mine is), this may be fixed by a software update. Some people have also had speakers fail (not many).

the back plastic panel sometimes can flex very slightly in the metal frame, its not a problem and the transformer feels sturdy and well made, but it can cause a creaking sound sometimes when you hold it.

otherwise it seems very well made and much better than other tablets i have used.

 

[radekal]

I've had the exact issues you've described. I'm on my 6th tablet, all have light bleed and 2 of the 6 were creaking. Am I wrong to expect perfection for $500+, the Ipad doesnt do that!
I purchased mine at Best Buy and at this point they're refusing to do any more exchanges for me, what do I do now?

-Rad

there seem to be a few people claiming they have light bleed problems around the edge of the screen when the screen is on but black or dark.

Most people agree that the right speaker is louder than the left (mine is), this may be fixed by a software update. Some people have also had speakers fail (not many).

the back plastic panel sometimes can flex very slightly in the metal frame, its not a problem and the transformer feels sturdy and well made, but it can cause a creaking sound sometimes when you hold it.

otherwise it seems very well made and much better than other tablets i have used.

 

[kampfwolf09]

Ipads have light bleed problems, its common in IPS screens. Unless it major leakage, it shouldn't be an issue. The creaking issue is something I wonder about, bc unless your actually bending yours, why would you notice it? Might just be me, but I've never noticed mine do it unless I tried to make it.

 

[lunatic59]

I've had the exact issues you've described. I'm on my 6th tablet, all have light bleed and 2 of the 6 were creaking.

I thought IPS panels all exhibited a little light leaking in a dark room when the screen was black but the panel was on. I've seen it on iPads and iMacs and Dell IPS monitors. It rarely affects the normal use of the device. Now if you have significant bleed (you can see a marked difference at full brightness) or streaking, then that is a different issue and should be addressed under warranty.

Am I wrong to expect perfection for $500+, the Ipad doesnt do that!

Actually, yes. I think expecting perfection from any manufactured device is a bit unreasonable, especially if it doesn't effect the normal operation of the device. The iPad kind of does do that. It is my suspicion that Apple traps more of the screen edge under the bezel to minimize the user perception of the effect.

I purchased mine at Best Buy and at this point they're refusing to do any more exchanges for me, what do I do now?

If it bothers you that much and Asus will acknowledge that it is a manufacturing defect, you could try to get it fixed or replaced directly, but they are under no obligation to provide you with a new replacement. You'd most likely get a refurb, and theoretically, you could even end up with one of the tablets that Best buy has already exchanged for you. Best Buy connot legally sell returns as new, so they return them to the mfg. for a credit and the manufacturer stocks them (after checking them out) as warranty replacements.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

Why not just return it and not get another after the 2nd wasn't like you expected?

Insanity= repeating the same action expecting different results.

 

[mobimop]

I've had the exact issues you've described. I'm on my 6th tablet, all have light bleed and 2 of the 6 were creaking. Am I wrong to expect perfection for $500+, the Ipad doesnt do that!
I purchased mine at Best Buy and at this point they're refusing to do any more exchanges for me, what do I do now?

-Rad

My experience was almost identical to yours. I hate to say it but I sold my transformer today and I'm going to the iPad. I had the original iPad and loved it but also have a Droid X which I love, I tried Honeycomb however the android tablet experience (software/apps) has a lot to be desired.

 

[No_u]

Wow you guys are EXTREMELY picky, if you are going to get 6 new tablets I would refuse you more exhanges too. The tablet light bleed does not affect my experience at all, it's just a bit of light you can only see when there are dark colours on the screen. It's not a dead pixel for gods sake.

Cracking with the screen is fine, you should get protection anyway, either the dock or the case. The other problems, the speakers, aren't affecting me and can be fixed.

 

[Mastrik]

I just got mine today using the Staples coupon at Office Depot, and I had heard about the bleeding issue but heard the later builds dont have. I dont have any of the issues reported so maybe they addressed them. For $299 you just cant beat it. The coupon is good until the end of the month. Youll find it in another thread.

 

[fldude99]

I've had the exact issues you've described. I'm on my 6th tablet, all have light bleed and 2 of the 6 were creaking. Am I wrong to expect perfection for $500+, the Ipad doesnt do that!
I purchased mine at Best Buy and at this point they're refusing to do any more exchanges for me, what do I do now?

-Rad

Don't take this the wrong way, but after following forums such as these since my N95 Nokia, there are always (for lack of a better way to say it), ultra picky folks such as you and mobi mop. To the OP..the transformer is a quality built piece of equipment and I would say 99.9% of us don't notice (even if looking hard) any light bleed or creaking, etc...