Should I get the ASUS Transformer Prime (an Android device) or the iPad 2?

1. 59

   ibbarkingmadposted 12 years ago

   Should I get the ASUS Transformer Prime (an Android device) or the iPad 2?
   
   I'm thinking about getting a tablet for school and work. Right now, there are a lot of Android tablets to choose from, but the best I've seen is the ASUS Transformer Prime. Then there is the iPad 2. I've measured the pros and cons of both, but I am interested to hear some other prospective before I take the final dive. Things the tablet would be used for: entertainment (books, movies, music), note taking, study, web surfing, drawing & art work (for my wife) and some gaming (not really sure how much, but it could be a bit). Both about the same size & weight so that isn't a big factor.
   
   

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2. 63

   jeyaramdposted 12 years ago

   The two have different hardware and operating systems. Its not the easiest comparison. the Ipad2 runs on IOS 5. The Android runs on honeycomb 3.2. The Apple is already on its latest IOS 5. However, Android may release honeycomb 4.0 in the near future. As such, based on these facts alone; I would recommend Apple IPad. Of course, unless there is a major price advantage.
   
   I have not personally used the Android device and so I cannot provide for an accurate comparison. However, Apple is a wonderful product. Androids are also on top of their game in the app department. Its definitely a close call. However, again, I prefer the familiarity of Apple over android devices.
   
   Apple has perfected a model that works well with its application. Apple may not always be so ground breaking in terms of offerring entirely new products each time around. But they are reliable as a result of that. Personally, I like something that would function well into the future. Choose IPad 2.
   
   Better yet. Wait for Ipad 3 if you can. It may arrive early in 2012. Just a rumour from tech junkies. So, don't hold my word on it. Apple never really reveals much information on its launches. Let me know how it works out for you. Thank you. Looking forward to the discussion.

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3. 60

   plussize-lingerieposted 12 years ago

   It depends on what you want it for, and what type of tech level you are. While the iPad is less versatile, I have recommended it to a friend who just isn't very technically competent. They're good for those with less technical knowledge.
   
   I've got the Asus myself, and the ability to lock on the keyboard and type (as I am now) is an absolute boon, plus it works as an additional battery/charger.
   
   It can play any media type, and while the Flash plugin is no longer being updated, everything on the web works. I get to use the full desktop versions of sites, which you can't do on the iPad. The overall browser is better even without Flash.
   
   Android Apps tend to be cheaper, if that matters.
   
   Downsides? It's not glitch free. I've got no showstoppers, but there's a battery display bug I keep getting that means I have to take the tablet off the keyboard and reattach it (2 second job). Also, the google checkout for the apps is painful.
   
   That said the iPad is not bug free either. While it does generally "just work", Apple has a tendancy to change things as it sees fit, so the recent update breaks shared secure calendars on private servers, because they have decided you need to use their paid for service instead. If you're happy with doing things the Apple way (and millions are), then the iPad makes sense.
   
   If you prefer more freedom, and want more control, then the Android. I've used both extensively, and I went for the Android, but I'm pretty geeky.
   
   Oh, and while I don't disagree with most of Jayaramd's answer, don't make any decision based upon their OS version numbers. As they are completely different, one being version 5 and one being version 3 makes no odds. In terms of functionality, they're very close, except for the limitations placed by Apple, such as file format support.

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