ASUS Build quality issues?

[into_311]

I have been on the market for an Android 10 inch tablet for close to a year. I have watching several of the devices that have come on the market there. I like the iPad for some things but I hate the proprietary nature and many other numerous issues to list.

Back to my original question though

I have been following reviews online and this is probably the 3rd or 4th time that I have seen reviews on Amazon.com or other sites that the ASUS TF700 has some "build quality issues" they have pointed out problems with the tablet making a squeaky noise when pressing on the glass in some areas and it appearing that the "glue is coming loose". I wanted to say that if I'm spending $500+ on a device. I want it to work, and work well, and not have to replace it in a year or less.

Another comment I have seen is that its sluggish when doing "heavy multitasking". I plan to do quite a bit of multitasking on it and wondered what other user's experiences are. I have read that ASUS will release the Jelly Bean update to this device and I would expect that this may help with some of that.

One of the reasons that I'm certainly considering going with the ASUS over the other tablets is that I prefer ASUS devices on other platforms. I have an ASUS laptop that originally came with Windows Vista (that tells you how dated it is). It's probably 4-5 years old at this point and it's still working off the original AC adapter, original battery and it still works flawlessly. I have owned several ASUS motherboards that work perfectly and last.

I wanted your opinions, since you guys are the Android tablet guru's and I've read some of the other posts. Even the one about the squeakiness by the speaker. But I' m wondering if this is a common issue or one to be concerned about.

One last thing is that I noticed there is an Atmel stylus that might be compatible with it. Has anyone purchased and used one yet? If so, what do you think about it? I'm seriously considering the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 as well because of this stylus capability and the 2GB of ram in there. Money is not that much of a problem since I will be using gift cards (like up to $700 worth) to buy it.

 

[jtrosky]

Yes, Asus definitely has some quality-control issues, but if you do get a "bad" one, you can always just return it for another. Personally, my TF700 is fine - some minor light bleed on the bottom and right sides, but it's only noticeable at full brightness, which I'll never use anyway. I don't have the clicking/squeaking noise either. I truly believe that most of these issues are very minor and most folks wouldn't even notice them if they weren't looking for them.

Don't let this hold you back from an awesome tablet - that's why they make warranties! My original TF101 is still running great (hardware-wise, at least - ICS is another story!) - never had any hardware issues with it and my wife still uses it daily.

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

 

[rightonred]

I'm surprised. From what I see here, I think I got one of the nicer tablets. My screen has no obvious light bleeds, no dust trapped under the glass, or scratches. The display is bonded firmly and doesn't squeak. I guess it may be potluck with the build quality, but mine is built well.
Like jtrosky said, if you get a bad one, you can exchange it.

 

[Digital Man]

I'm surprised. From what I see here, I think I got one of the nicer tablets. My screen has no obvious light bleeds, no dust trapped under the glass, or scratches. The display is bonded firmly and doesn't squeak. I guess it may be potluck with the build quality, but mine is built well.
Like jtrosky said, if you get a bad one, you can exchange it.

First one had dust under screen.

Second had huge bright white crater-like defect in center of screen. Really bad defect - can't understand how that passed quality control.

Third one is perfect....so far....

 

[buhohitr]

Asus should stay with what they do best..build computers. They sucks with pad, problems after problems. The TF700 is not ready for prime time. They did the 201 and still making too many mistake with the 700. I can named many like, USB,SB card, I/O bottle neck, phone jack volume, noise when pressed on glass, not fitting well with dock..and on and on. I would wait for Samsung Note 10.1.

 

[Digital Man]

Asus should stay with what they do best..build computers. They sucks with pad, problems after problems. The TF700 is not ready for prime time. They did the 201 and still making too many mistake with the 700. I can named many like, USB,SB card, I/O bottle neck, phone jack volume, noise when pressed on glass, not fitting well with dock..and on and on. I would wait for Samsung Note 10.1.

But then what would be the alternative: Acer? Apple? Samsung where you're stuck on the same firmware forever?

I think the problem is the separation of design and production these days. These tablets are made by faceless Chinese workers, and then shipped over here. Its not like it used to be where the factory workers and the manufacturer and quality control were all in one place. In fact, do we even know if ASUS ever even sees the tablets after they leave the factory and get shipped to the warehouse?

You should be honored. You're now an ASUS employee - we get to inspect the tablets and return the defective ones - we're quality control technicians!

 

[buhohitr]

But then what would be the alternative: Acer? Apple? Samsung where you're stuck on the same firmware forever?

I think the problem is the separation of design and production these days. These tablets are made by faceless Chinese workers, and then shipped over here. Its not like it used to be where the factory workers and the manufacturer and quality control were all in one place. In fact, do we even know if ASUS ever even sees the tablets after they leave the factory and get shipped to the warehouse?

You should be honored. You're now an ASUS employee - we get to inspect the tablets and return the defective ones - we're quality control technicians!

Asus sold the product, they're 100% responsible for their product, doesn't matter how/where they were made. I payed Asus with my own hard working money and I do have the right to complaint when the product is not working as advertise. I will be glad to contribute my free time to test for them for free if they allowed me to have the product for FREE.

 

[Digital Man]

Asus sold the product, they're 100% responsible for their product, doesn't matter how/where they were made. I payed Asus with my own hard working money and I do have the right to complaint when the product is not working as advertise. I will be glad to contribute my free time to test for them for free if they allowed me to have the product for FREE.

That sounds nice. But you have to vote with your wallet. And the public already has. People want cheap stuff. The Chinese make cheap stuff. So regardless of weather ASUS is responsible or not, if people continue to buy it, why would ASUS have any reason to change? The days of real premium quality merchandise are over.

Every product on the face of the planet is now made in one place. We chose to abandon our factories and manufacturing facilities. So cheap lower quality stuff is now the norm.

 

[jtrosky]

Asus sold the product, they're 100% responsible for their product, doesn't matter how/where they were made. I payed Asus with my own hard working money and I do have the right to complaint when the product is not working as advertise. I will be glad to contribute my free time to test for them for free if they allowed me to have the product for FREE.

I believe that he was just being sarcastic with that last statement!

Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

 

[nothsa]

I was in the same boat as you, waiting for a 10" tablet that I thought fit my needs and was worth the premium we pay for tablet devices.

I was concerned about quality as well. I kept seeing all kinds of stories on the forums (loose glass, dust, light bleed, etc). I ordered from Amazon knowing that it would be easy to return if there was a problem, but mine is just fine and fortunately has none of the problems that some other people have had.

Re: multitasking - I do a lot of multitasking. I usually have it on "balanced" mode and it's super smooth. It slows down a very little bit when I'm updating 2+ apps simultaneously, and the odd occasion where I'm running multiple CPU-intensive apps, but I just switch to "performance" mode for that short period of time and it's back to being snappy.

If you get a bad one, just return it immediately and get a new one. I'm loving this tablet =)

 

[into_311]

Thanks, I appreciate your input. I think I may end up going with it. We'll see...The samsung note 10.1 doesn't even disclose how much it will cost yet. I'm worried that even $700 may not be enough. I have heard some rumors of around $750. Plus, I don't know how much I would honestly use the Stylus. It would be a fun toy, but not practical for day to day use for me most likely. I'm so used to using touch interfaces all my other android tablet devices and a prior iPhone now anyway.

 

[cmscritic]

Keep in mind as well that it'd usually not the happy people that write or speak out. Its often the dissatisfied. There are plenty of happy and satisfied users out there as well.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

 

[into_311]

Got my T700 a couple weeks ago

I've had enough time to grow accustomed to it and I love it so far. I can see what same are saying about the build quality issues. The glass feels slightly loose in some areas but not so much that it would come apart.

 

[okantomi]

I've had enough time to grow accustomed to it and I love it so far. I can see what same are saying about the build quality issues. The glass feels slightly loose in some areas but not so much that it would come apart.

I hope it works out for you. I think this is a terrific tablet (and keyboard dock).