Value -
Ah here is my favorite part, ok not really but I do like getting to this part and then taking stock of what I have found and if the product is really worth it or not. As this one came out of my pocket, it is even more interesting to write up this section. When I tested the iPad, and then later tinkered with the iPad2 at the end I found myself not really regretting the purchase, but more wondering what I was going to do with it now that I had spent $500+ on each one. With the EP121 I spent almost double that and could not be happier with that purchase. Now with the Transformer I find myself know what I will be using this device for, enjoying it and looking forward to someone filling in the gaps (Microsoft or some app developer).

The 16GB Asus EEE Pad TF101 Transformer Tablet only will set you back about $400 (it was $399.99 at best buy) while the 32GB flavor will run you $469.99. The Dock Keyboard will add another $150 ($149.99) to your final bill. This means that to get the 16GB Tegra 2 based Transformer complete with the Dock you will spend a little more than $550. This is only $50 more than buying a 16GB iPad and you much more for your money (in our opinion).  When you push up to the 32GB flavor of Transformer the gap gets even smaller. The iPad2 32GB model is $599 while the 32GB Transformer with dock will only run you about $620. Now let’s add in some things here, twice the memory (1GB Vs 512MB), better video processor, better audio Codec, a much more customizable OS and I think the better value is obvious at least in terms of real value.

Conclusions –
The Asus Transformer is a very nice piece of hardware. It has power, battery life and more flexibility than many of the other Android tablets that we have seen on the market. There are a few issues, but most of those are centered on the Android OS and its default apps more than the Asus product. We are disappointed that there is not a good productivity suite for Android (and the transformer) and that most of the remote desktop software clients require software to be installed on the desktop in question (like VNC does). On the other hand gaming and entertainment were outstanding with the GeForce GPU inside the Terga2 showing off what it can do with a few selected games. The Dock accessory is also a great feature, it not only adds to the flexibility of the Transformer but I can tell you is great for when you need to fire off a quick email or reply and do not want to power up your desktop. Do I think that the Transformer is a better product than the iPad2? Yes I do. I will say this however; it will not be for everyone. For anyone looking for an OS that you can customize to operate the way you want it to look and feel while being able to choose what apps are suitable for you, then the Transformer is a tablet you should be looking at. If you are more comfortable with having a fixed and controlled experience with limited options for change, then you honestly will be happier with the iPad2.

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