[Q] Buyer Advise for TF701T

[blackisle]

I've had a TF201 for a long time but it is now almost dead (smashed screen, dents, slowdown, random reboots).

The TF701T looks like the direct replacement but I suspect it won't get a production Lollipop update.
I am no stranger to flashing custom ROMs and would happily do so again but CM12 development doesn't look quite stable yet although the unofficial ROM in the dev threads looks promising

Question/Poll:

1. Get a TF701T for form factor and ignore lack of official Lollipop
2. Get a Nexus 9 with Keyboard and ignore price
3. Get something else (Asus X205TA Atom for example)

 

[Sleeepy2]

I love mine. With the dock it is basically a laptop replacement for me. Using CM12 as a daily driver with no issues, seems super stable to me.

 

[Yegort]

I was considering a Nexus 9 but decided against it for 2 reasons:
1. no sd card and I use my tablet for a lot of textbook pdf's for school and also emulator roms
2. 4:3 screen and I like widescreen

The keyboard dock on the tf701 is sweet

 

[tschmid]

I love mine. With the dock it is basically a laptop replacement for me. Using CM12 as a daily driver with no issues, seems super stable to me.

Same here, just sometimes Dock connection trouble

Gesendet von meinem LG-D855 mit Tapatalk

 

[toanau]

Any idea if they are releasing a model for 2015? I can't find any news if there is a new release or this is the end of line for the transformer line

Slim-bacon

 

[mashed_ash]

Another contender was announced yesterday at MWC 2015

Sony Z4 tablet with keyboard dock

I'm glad to see someone making a high end android device with a keyboard dock.

 

[pelago]

Another contender was announced yesterday at MWC 2015

Sony Z4 tablet with keyboard dock

I'm glad to see someone making a high end android device with a keyboard dock.

Interesting, although it seems to be a Bluetooth keyboard without an extra battery to charge the tablet, rather than a Transformer-style keyboard.

 

[darker_slayer]

OP, I'm in the exact same market at the exact time

Interesting, although it seems to be a Bluetooth keyboard without an extra battery to charge the tablet, rather than a Transformer-style keyboard.

True question, but Asus products are all over the place these days. This particular tablet 701t should have been an absolute killer in sales, but it just didn't amount to much. After not such stellar sales on android, microsoft was right up their alley. The transformer tablet concept is just the best IMO. It definitely beats all Apple/Surface keyboard concepts I've seen. It makes sense for them to consider moving to windows. 2in1 windows devices seem to get a lot of help at least from microsoft and trying to push their way into small home office and hospital environments. Lot of that junk still running xp, so there is a big fat corporate market out there. As android goes, it's just too fickle on the high end to predict a standout winner.

Really too bad that asus didn't have a tf702-t or infinity-redux lined up for 2015. I'd be all over that, but no way I'm going to windows. Considering the Sony is waterproof and their android interface is nice and stock-like, I'm going to go for the z4 instead of the asus at this point. Definitely more expensive, but I want ac-wifi and waterproof anyway (not just perks, but things I wish Asus had)

As to battery life, looks like the z4 is reported to be in the 701t+dock territory all on it's own. Sure the dock will suck a little juice, but bt4-LE for keyboards is pretty efficient. I would be surprised if it drained more than an hour in a day. Maybe not, I'll buy it and see

 

[pelago]

Yep, even Asus's newer tablets like the TF103C no longer have a battery in the dock (although it connects physically rather than Bluetooth), so maybe that's the way things are going. And given how unreliable the dock connector is on the 701, maybe Bluetooth isn't such a bad idea!

I'm also very tempted by the Z4 tablet. I see it will be £499 in the UK, including the keyboard, though, which is a lot more than the 701 initially was priced at, I think.

 

[darker_slayer]

I was wondering the price as well. Fortunately electronics don't ever seem to price at the transfer rate anyway. FWIW, I'd bet it launched within in $50 of that exact number of pounds rather than the equivalent exchange rate

I don't recall the price of the 701t at launch either. I thought it was something like $399 and no clue on the dock msrp

 

[YayYouFixedIt]

I think eventually we will see Asus come out with something big.
It may not be too soon. I think they learned their lesson about putting stuff out soon.
For a lot of what Asus makes quality is very important. But pushing out too many tablets too soon has reduced buyer confidence.
They will wait when they have a high spec device that smashes all other competition.

 

[darker_slayer]

Yeah the tegra4 arrived ahead of the "pack" in the 701t. No reason to think they'll release yesterday's news with a k1 Denver. They seem to be in bed with Intel which is making progress, but compared to nvidia and Qualcomm. . . Intel feels like they are stuck in molasses. Lib-houdini was big, and a joint effort between Intel and Asus primarily (it seems, iirc) hopefully the lull is paving the way for something big and Intel will be aosp friendly

 

[mustardman29]

The TF701 will probably be getting official lollipop ROM according to semi-reliable rumors.

I have a TF701 and a TF103C.

If you don't need the higher specs of the 701 you will be happy just using the 103 and saving a bit of money. 103 screen resolution is just fine for normal everyday use, youtube etc. One thing I don't like about the 701 is that it runs kind of hot. On the back upper left where the Tegra CPU is. Battery life is not all that great either. The TF103C with it's Intel CPU does not have the heating issue and seems to be better on battery life. They changed the keyboard option on the 103C. It's a different part# that does not include a battery. So if you want to use the keyboard you will probably be better off with the 701.

One benefit of the keyboard change on the 103 is they moved the USB port to the side and just use a standard micro USB connector for that now. I don't use the keyboard option so one thing I really don't like about the 701 is that proprietary USB connector on the bottom designed for the keyboard. The case I use does not have a hole in the bottom so I cannot close it when charging. Could easily cut a hole I suppose. The other problem with that location is it's very very difficult to use it when plugged in. That connector at the bottom sticks out a ways and is fragile so it would't take much to break. The TF103C location is much better on the side and it's just micro USB that doesn't stick out too far so easier to use while plugged in and less likely to break.

You will be happy with either one I think and I'm pretty sure they will both get official lollipop. Can always use custom ROM lollipop which is available now for the 701.

 

[aydink]

get the tf701t and ignore the fact that there is no official lollipop yet. the inofficial cm12 is very good, I'm using it all the time. no problems till now

 

[deerhunter716]

get the tf701t and ignore the fact that there is no official lollipop yet. the inofficial cm12 is very good, I'm using it all the time. no problems till now

Are there any serious competitors to consider to the 701? I can get it with the dock for $295 from Amazon right now and unless I am missing something out there or coming out soon - there seems to be nothing even close to that price with this performance AND a keyboard without spending $500...

Am I missing something? I ask because looking at a birthday present to myself and want something that has a keyboard and is Android. I will mainly be using it with keyboard for web browsing as a "laptop", watching videos on trips, reading, and some gaming here and there but nothing major. Seems to be a MUCH better alternative and more flexible than the chromebook I was looking at.