Our cousins in the UK already have it, and it looks like we'll be rounding out April with a launch of our own.
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is one of the more interesting tablets we’ve seen since the iPad kick-started Tablet-mania last year. Already available in the United Kingdom, Asus has yet to set a release date and reveal pricing for the US market. However, it seems we won’t have to wait much longer for the device.
Former Engadget editor Joanna Stern cites an Asus source that says the 16GB, WiFi version of the Transformer will be hitting Best Buy and other retailers by the end of April. Carrying a price of $399, the Transformer’s separate keyboard dock is said to cost $149. It’s likely Asus will offer a keyboard+tablet bundle at a discounted price when the Transformer launches in the United States. The same model in the UK costs £379. Bundled with the keyboard dock, you’re looking at £429. European pricing puts the 16GB at €399, with the tablet and keyboard together costing €499. The 32GB version costs €499, or €599 with the keyboard.
The Transformer boasts a 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a front-facing 1.2-megapixel camera, a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera, a 10.1-inch Gorilla glass multitouch display (1280x800), a combined battery life of 16 hours (9.5 hours without the dock), built-in SRS Sound technology for dynamic 3D stereo audio, and a mini HDMI output port. Additional features include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1, a G-sensor, light sensor, gyroscope, e-compass and GPS. The docking station provides a full QWERTY keyboard, unique Android Function keys, an SD card reader, two USB ports and the additional battery.
They choose to only make 100 dollars in profit instead of 200 to 300 dollars in profit like everyone else does.
Unlike the ehem.. Xoom.. which is hundreds more for the addition of 4G
Anybody that says that doesn't deserve to be looking into cheap ANDROID tablets in the first place, you're out of place saying that here.
This isn't running ANY operating system that's capable of using Photoshop or any standard desktop programs.
The point does still stand though, that this still can't fully replace a netbook for productivity with Android as an OS. And when Asus does release it's Win7 tablet, it likely won't be as comfortable to use as a tablet. A dual boot solution would be the ideal answer for these devices, using Android for "tablet mode" and Win7 for "netbook mode". The dock does bring the battery life to upto 16 hours though, and can add several useful ports. I wouldn't recommend this without the dock, Acer's tablet looks like it has a bit more to offer as a tablet only device. Both companies need to be using a higher build quality than they've had with their netbooks if they want to really compete with Apple.
wasn't the EP121 already launched? It has a i5 not an atom though?
If you want to use CS5 you should better look for a desktop with core i7 cpu. I cannot imagine how are you going to use it with photoshop anyway.
Yeah, the price is still too high but at least not laughable as the prices of Xoom or Galaxy Tab.
Zingham - as far as I can tell this tablet already bests the IPAD 2 in pretty much everything - better screen, more ram, better cameras, microSD card & HDMI out, making the cupertino product look last gen.
on the notebook/tablet article above: it's actually made me (a very pro dekstop guy) think about getting into tablets after all. Especially if i start travelling more with a new job (hold thumbs for me that I get it!!).
I love android! and I simply can't see how this can go wrong...and before I do end up having to get an iShit of some kind, I'd rather grab this!
Other than that, I am happy I can finally buy a decent tablet that does not have a fruit on it.
Anyone else sick of the crapple fan boys quoting how much market share the ipad has even though they were the only player in the market for like a whole year?
Since Best Buy normally releases new items on Tuesdays and it's said to be the end of the month, expect 4/26 (the 25th anniversary of Chernobyl) as the release date in the US.
It sounds like it will be included and only cost $399.
The"mass" appeal of tablets is for content consumption.
I would use the keyboard only to quickly edit word docs, PPTs and spreadsheets while I am on the run. The fact is comes with software that is compatible with MS office documents is a major plus for me.
I don't think it will replace my laptop or home PC full stop, but it is still a feature that I like.