My Asus Transformer Prime was a disappointment from day one–the Ishtar of tablets! It died a gruesome death this weekend.
I was on the hammock reading when I shifted a little too much to the left. Helaine said she saw the tablet hit the ground. I was holding it, but didn’t feel it touch.
I recovered and continued reading, but around ten seconds later the screen spontaneously shattered! Delayed action. Surreal.
Tablets scratch an itch. I like carrying one as I walk around the house or watch TV. Except for heavy writing and photo/video editing applications they’re more convenient than a laptop.
It didn’t take long for me to get a replacement. I bought a Nexus 7. It too is made by Asus, but to Google’s specs. Everyone sells this unit for the same price. Staples got my business just by being close-by.
The Nexus 7 is faster than the Transformer Prime. It didn’t take long to see that. The TP memory problems were documented here on the blog a week ago. Having an a/b comparison showed me just how bad the problem really was.
I’ve traded the 10″ screen for a 7″ model. It’s more convenient to hold, but text sometimes seems tiny. That can be adjusted. The screen itself is exceptionally high-res, crisp and bright which hides a lot of problems a smaller screen might bring.
Helaine suggested I buy a case, which I did through Amazon. It comes with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. Now my little tablet is a little laptop.
Using this $229 Android tablet with a $19.95 keyboard has to send shivers down Microsoft and Intel’s spines. Their prime market has been marginalized.
This weekend we travel to Rachel Frank’s wedding. This tablet/keyboard combo will be my only computer. I expect it will be a trouble free substitute.
I’ll let you know if I’m wrong.