New iPad (3rd Gen) OR Asus Transformer Infinity??

[Majoram]

So I was planning on getting a "new iPad" for my wife but I heard about the Asus Transformer Infinity.

I already know the specs and the Transformer Infinity is slightly better.

Just wanted to get some opinions on Android Apps/Usage vs iOS Apps/Usage.
Also just in general which one would you prefer?

So she would initially be using it for Reading books but I'm sure she will also get into using it for:
- School notes, projects, assignments
Locations: At school, home (outside via wireless).
- Web browsing
- Videos & Music
- Simple games
- Maybe some apps (depends on if she sees anything she finds interesting but she is less likely to spend $$ on apps).

With regards to the School part, transferring/interoperability between a Windows PC/MS Office is important.
Also ease of use to transfer files of vary music & video formats as well.
I don't think she will use it much for pictures.

I am definitely getting a keyboard for either device.

[time space]

With regards to the School part, transferring/interoperability between a Windows PC/MS Office is important.
Also ease of use to transfer files of vary music & video formats as well.
I don't think she will use it much for pictures.

I am definitely getting a keyboard for either device.

Sounds like a regular low end Windows notebook computer would suit her needs best.

[gnuman]

Sadly a laptop seems best but if you're still focused on tablet then get the Asus Transformer. I have the Prime, might sell it shortly but that's a different topic

Transformer - Copy file from PC to USB key take USB key plug it into Transformer dock and copy file
iPad - ????????????????????

Transformer - Want to write a document use dock keyboard which has backup battery
iPad - buy bluetooth keyboard and drain battery away. Need to carry a keyboard because it doesn't close up nicely.

Transformer - Put media onto your Transformer and play variety of media types
iPad - Buy a program and hope to get lucky.

[Majoram]

Sounds like a regular low end Windows notebook computer would suit her needs best.

True but initially she just always wanted to be able to read books on the subway.
Knowing my wife (and being an IT person), I came up with the other requirements based on what I think she could use it for, given the option.

The notebook would be too big. The 10 inch size is actually borderline too but I think it would fit easily in her purse.

Sadly a laptop seems best but if you're still focused on tablet then get the Asus Transformer. I have the Prime, might sell it shortly but that's a different topic

Transformer - Copy file from PC to USB key take USB key plug it into Transformer dock and copy file
iPad - ????????????????????

Transformer - Want to write a document use dock keyboard which has backup battery
iPad - buy bluetooth keyboard and drain battery away. Need to carry a keyboard because it doesn't close up nicely.

Transformer - Put media onto your Transformer and play variety of media types
iPad - Buy a program and hope to get lucky.

Good points. Just gotta wait for the release of the Infinity and hope it's a good price.
Do you how easily are documents transferable between any Android Office App and MS Office (2007 or higher)?

[bibowski]

Just wait for the Infinity to come out and buy it from BB, FS or Staples. They have awesome return policies in case she doesn't like it.

Return it and just say (I didn't like it) and they will refund you completely.

[gnuman]

True but initially she just always wanted to be able to read books on the subway.
Knowing my wife (and being an IT person), I came up with the other requirements based on what I think she could use it for, given the option.

The notebook would be too big. The 10 inch size is actually borderline too but I think it would fit easily in her purse.



Good points. Just gotta wait for the release of the Infinity and hope it's a good price.
Do you how easily are documents transferable between any Android Office App and MS Office (2007 or higher)?

No I haven't tried it with Office docs though. Infinity pricing should be starting at $599 when I last looked at Anandtech's site about the specs. Asus did not execute too well on Prime though, so expect shortages and fighting for a US keyboard.

[djemzine]

Just a side question will retina display come into play? Meaning do you think she would make use of the screen on the new iPad or not? Otherwise then get the Infinity.

[gnuman]

Just a side question will retina display come into play? Meaning do you think she would make use of the screen on the new iPad or not? Otherwise then get the Infinity.

The amount of apps available in the iPad using retina display is like what less than 5%? I would not base my choice of functionality over eye candy. Yes the iPad 3 screen is nice and I had it for 72 hours but I got bored of it. I don't like Safari and a lot of the websites open as mobile version instead of a full version.

[djemzine]

The amount of apps available in the iPad using retina display is like what less than 5%? I would not base my choice of functionality over eye candy. Yes the iPad 3 screen is nice and I had it for 72 hours but I got bored of it. I don't like Safari and a lot of the websites open as mobile version instead of a full version.

Agreed, but some people/consumers just go for eye candy these days and are attracted to terms such as "retina display". However OP I would go for the Transformer Infinity just because you have more functions or a lot to do such as the dock to make it a netbook, etc.

[Majoram]

Based on everything so far, I'll go the Infinity.
The resolution between the Infinity and the new iPad is not too huge a gap and overall I liked how ICS was on the Transformer Prime better than iOS.

My only problem now is making sure I get it when it comes in stock.

Thanks everyone!

[ichpen]

Based on everything so far, I'll go the Infinity.
The resolution between the Infinity and the new iPad is not too huge a gap and overall I liked how ICS was on the Transformer Prime better than iOS.

My only problem now is making sure I get it when it comes in stock.

Thanks everyone!

You can also use google docs (now google drive) to transfer/edit files easily between your tablet and PC. Or skydrive/icloud if you get an ipad. No need for usb sticks and the like.

[gnuman]

You can also use google docs (now google drive) to transfer/edit files easily between your tablet and PC. Or skydrive/icloud if you get an ipad. No need for usb sticks and the like.

While that is true, what if you don't have net access or can't tether, then what? People are relying that the net will always be there to access files. What if you have 100MB of files to transfer? It takes a lot longer through the net than through USB key

[Kasakato]

The decision to me at least comes down to the eco-system. In this case, Apple wins hands down as its App Store is superior.

The amount of apps available in the iPad using retina display is like what less than 5%? I would not base my choice of functionality over eye candy. Yes the iPad 3 screen is nice and I had it for 72 hours but I got bored of it. I don't like Safari and a lot of the websites open as mobile version instead of a full version.

Nearly all the "big name" apps for iPad are retina now.

[djemzine]

While that is true, what if you don't have net access or can't tether, then what? People are relying that the net will always be there to access files. What if you have 100MB of files to transfer? It takes a lot longer through the net than through USB key

True to which the Asus Transformer series comes into play with its docking station with full USB support. Or heck you can even use your microSD card if you wanted to.

The decision to me at least comes down to the eco-system. In this case, Apple wins hands down as its App Store is superior.



Nearly all the "big name" apps for iPad are retina now.

Agreed that Apple is superior when it comes to the eco-system but what the OP's wife wants in terms of functionality, the Transformer/Android might have +1 up for functionality. In the sense it being a full fledged netbook and such.

[bibowski]

You can also use google docs (now google drive) to transfer/edit files easily between your tablet and PC. Or skydrive/icloud if you get an ipad. No need for usb sticks and the like.

Don't forget about Dropbox! I use it on my Galaxy S2, iPad, work pc, laptop, home pc and HTPC. Works like a charm!