iPad 2 (or even iPad 3) Android Alternative/Counterpart

[palswim]

My work is giving iPad 2 devices (or iPad 3, if I can wait a month or two). I would greatly prefer an Android device, and so I want to present an alternative. From my understanding the Asus Transformer Prime seems like the most reasonable alternative for both the iPad 2 or 3. What do you (Android) guys think?

Edit: So, it sounds like they're open to giving two devices for the price of an iPad. What would you guys recommend if I could parlay the iPad into one or two (three would probably push it) Android devices (so, ≈$500 altogether)?

 

[jhansman]

I'd opt for the Samsung Galaxy 8.9". Perfect size, 16 or 32GB, just a kick ass product.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I'd have a hard time recommending ASUS for a work tablet because of it's quality issues, limited wifi range, and bluetooth issues.

While the specs aren't as impressive, I think a Xyboard might be a better choice right now.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Just get an iPad?

Businesses aren't too excited about using Android stuff just yet. The IT dept might just shoot down your plan

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Just get an iPad?

Businesses aren't too excited about using Android stuff just yet. The IT dept might just shoot down your plan

because iPads are just like the non K version of CPUs

lock and forget PP

 

[Ravynmagi]

iPad's probably better choice anyway, because they are locked down so much, harder for end users to mess up, so easier to support. And has a much larger tablet app selection.

 

[MrX8503]

I'd have a hard time recommending ASUS for a work tablet because of it's quality issues, limited wifi range, and bluetooth issues.

While the specs aren't as impressive, I think a Xyboard might be a better choice right now.

Asus released a Transformer Prime version 2 (forgot its official name), which addresses a lot of its signal issues. It looks like Asus went for the all metal design and goofed up and realized they didn't add a plastic window for the wireless signals.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Asus released a Transformer Prime version 2 (forgot its official name), which addresses a lot of its signal issues. It looks like Asus went for the all metal design and goofed up and realized they didn't add a plastic window for the wireless signals.

Its also going to have 1080p

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

I didn't have any issues with my original ASUS Transformer. I just didn't like the form factor, thus went with an iPad2.

 

[Red Storm]

If you can, wait for the 1080P Transformer.

 

[SlitheryDee]

If the pattern holds from the last two versions, the ipad 3 will likely be the best tablet out at least until we're getting close to the ipad 4 release. I know it won't be quite as customizable or versatile as an android tablet, but I can't see how the benefits wouldn't outweigh the negatives.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I have a Transformer Prime and it is a monster.

The problem with the "fixed" version is that it will be 1080p with the same SoC. That means games will run worse, and I expect the interface to stutter more.

 

[palswim]

Just get an iPad?

Businesses aren't too excited about using Android stuff just yet. The IT dept might just shoot down your plan

They're giving it to us as a performance bonus (so, a personal device), not as a work device.

 

[palswim]

Asus released a Transformer Prime version 2 (forgot its official name), which addresses a lot of its signal issues. It looks like Asus went for the all metal design and goofed up and realized they didn't add a plastic window for the wireless signals.

Released or will release?

 

[Red Storm]

It also depends on what you want to do with it. I would use a tablet to stream sports, surf the web, and watch videos. I can't stream sports on the iPad, so it simply isn't an option.

 

[TuxDave]

They're giving it to us as a performance bonus (so, a personal device), not as a work device.

Oh, good thing you posted that because I was going to say to suck it up and deal with it.

But if it's for personal use, if you keep it on the hush-hush, maybe they can order something of equal dollar value or less. It probably wouldn't be wise to allow everyone to make customized requests so I wouldn't make your plans widely publicized.

 

[MrX8503]

Released or will release?

Uh, I'm not sure if you can buy it yet. I think you can, but maybe a google search is in order.

 

[Bateluer]

I'd opt for the Samsung Galaxy 8.9". Perfect size, 16 or 32GB, just a kick ass product.

While I like the size of the Tab 8.9, the TouchWiz UX skin really makes it lag. Badly. Otherwise, I would have bought one already. The TF Prime is just as thin, feels roughly the same weight, and boats the more powerful Tegra 3, vanilla Android ICS, and an sd card slot.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

As someone who owns an iPad 2 and a TouchPad and formerly a Transformer, I have to say iPad 2 by far. Yes ICS would be awesome on an Android tablet, but I can tell Flipboard alone makes the iPad 2 worth it as a reading device. That and all the games. I don't even touch games on my TouchPad. It's not even worth it.

iPads are also very good for battery life. The standby is amazing. The only way you can match that with Android is to turn off Wifi when standby is on. The iPad uses polling intervals so you still get notifications coming through even on standby rather than keeping wifi always on. As a result I can leave it for 2 weeks and its still got battery.

 

[dagamer34]

I would at least wait until MWC to see what Samsung is going to talk about. There are rumors of the next version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab with a 2560x1600 10~11" screen and using the next-gen Cortex A15 CPU which has double the performance of today's CPUs with better battery life.

 

[Bateluer]

I would at least wait until MWC to see what Samsung is going to talk about. There are rumors of the next version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab with a 2560x1600 10~11" screen and using the next-gen Cortex A15 CPU which has double the performance of today's CPUs with better battery life.

Which you won't see on the market until July.

 

[TheStu]

OP, if it is for personal use, then either go to them surreptitiously and request a change or get the iPad and go 'Oh boy, i can't wait to get home and use this!' and promptly post it on ebay or right here on AT.

 

[palswim]

It sounds like they're open to giving two devices for the price of an iPad. My co-worker just requested two Kindles (Kindle Fires, I believe).

What would you guys recommend if I could parlay the iPad into either one or two (three would probably push it) Android devices (so, ≈$500 altogether)?

(Also updated OP)

 

[the DRIZZLE]

It sounds like they're open to giving two devices for the price of an iPad. My co-worker just requested to Kindles.

What would you guys recommend if I could parlay the iPad into either one or two (three would probably push it) Android devices (so, ≈$500 altogether)?

(Also updated OP)

Kindles are $80 now. IMO if you already have an Android phone and are happy with it get an Android tablet. Otherwise get the iPad

 

[Mopetar]

Get the Transformer Prime. The only reason to get a different Android tablet is if you want something smaller. Otherwise there's no reason not to go with ASUS.