AND THE WINNER IS.....

Making a comparison between the iPad3 and the ASUS Transformer Prime (TL201) is like watching a clash between titans. Apple gets definitely the honors for the break through of the tablet, starting with Ipad1. I used to work at that time on an HP TC 1100, very nice tablet with the computer in the screen, keyboard and pencil, but no one was then really interested. For me a fabulous machine still working after 6-7 years, but the iPad, although not really a computer, is more beautiful, lighter and faster for the day to day computer chores.

The iPad3 is even more impressive. Other tablets – from Samsung to Kindle fire for example, couldn't compete with this machines. So this would be my first Apple, I thought. However ASUS finally came up with a real alternative, the Transformer Prime TF201; here is the other titan who could engage in the battle on the market. Who is the winner?
Published at Gearburn: http://gearburn.com/2012/05/battle-of-the-beasts-the-new-ipad-vs-asus-transformer-prime/

Buttons

The look and feel of both tablets is perfect, the ASUS is a bit lighter and skinner than the iPad, (650 versus 580 grams). The buttons on the iPad are a little higher and make them easier to press. The ASUS screen is somewhat bigger 10.1 '' against the iPad 9.7''. But what a difference in sharpness! Simply, I am enchanted by its immaculate details that make even the tiniest of text within the web browser more than visible. The iPad wins with 2048x1536 pixels, while the ASUS comes not further than 1280x800. That is a difference in dpi of 264 versus 150, almost twice as much. iPad has a IPS LCD panel, dubbed as the Retina display because of its sharpness. But outdoors the ASUS is better to read because its higher brightness, 500 against 300 cd/m2. The explanation is the Super IPS+ display, which gives more contrast and therefore a higher brightness.

Quad-Core

There is a difference in processors as well. The iPad comes with the A5X dual-core processor with a new quad-core GPU for outstanding graphics(1GHz). Transformer Prime uses a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor(1.4 GHz). Geeks told me that the benchmarks of the ASUS were better, but I could not discover any difference when pincing or sliding.

Then the cameras in the front and the rear. ASUS is doing a better job with a front-facing cameras 1.3 megapixel snapper; the iPad packs a simple VGA camera. In the rear the differences are smaller, but still significant. The Asus Transformer Prime boasts a higher 8-megapixel auto-focus camera with LED flash whereas iPad carries a 5-megapixel one sans flash. For video they both use 1080p video recording with a F2.4 aperture lens, and sensor with backside illumination.

Concerning connections there is not much difference. Both do WiFi and Bluetooth, only the iPad has 4G LTE connectivity. When putting a sim card in you could connect to highspeed mobile networks. Battery live for both is almost the same about 9 hours on average use.

Android

Handling the devices gives different priorities. While iPad’s iOS is known for its simplicity and intuitiveness. The Asus Transformer Prime stands out partly because it flaunts the most up-to-date experience with Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. And that provides more opportunity for personalization. So it ultimately boils down to simplicity versus personalization.

The Apple store has more apps than Google, but they are under strict control. Android gives the user more freedom, especially after rooting the device.

Apple, and the iPad also, has no Flash, and that has consequences while browsing. Finally the ASUS has a micro HDMI connection for connection to a flat screen TV, while iPad uses Apple TV. With a mini SD card the memory of the ASUS can with a finger snap be enlarged.

GPS

There has been some discussion about GPS in the Asus. The first time it took quit long before I got a fix, for calculation the position. Next time it was much shorter, although still 5 minutes. That is long, probably due to the position of the antenna in the frame. For the user of the TF201 who are not satisfied, ASUS offers a free GPS dongle, available after registration.

Connecting the ASUS to a Windows computer was no problem, it immediately detected the drivers; under Linux Ubuntu a few tricks are needed to do the job.

ASUS has an extra; a key board docking station, which turns the tablet in a laptop. If you don't want greasy finger prints of your screen, this is your choice. On top you get extra battery power and a USB connection. But of course you have to carry more!

TF300

I had waited a long time to get the Asus, probably because Android 4.0.3 was not ready yet. Now Ice Cream Sandwich is available ASUS rolls out all the models. It annoyed me to read that in June ASUS will come with the TF300 for almost have the price of the TF201 or the iPad. At the end of the day the difference is the cheap model versus the prime. The TF300 is the cheaper tablet and there is obviously going to be compromise. Looking at the Prime TF201 vs TF300, we can say that the Prime has the Super IPS Mode (improves outdoor reading with a brighter display) and the TF300 does not. There is no rear flash on the TF300 which the Prime TF201 does have. Of course the TF300 is made of plastic and the TF201 is made of aluminum which isn't a bad thing when you consider some of the GPS wireless signal issue because of aluminum design. The TF201 comes with Gorilla Glass, the TF300 does not. The TF300 get less battery life and has a slightly slower processor. The TF300 is slightly heavier and thicker than the TF201 Prime Transformer also.

Decide for the winner yourself and fill in the poll on the right!