Head to head: Apple iPad 2 vs Asus Eee Pad Transformer05 July 2011
Which tablet should you buy?
We've been on a tablet streak this year and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer was our most recently loved device. But how does it stack up to reigning champ, the iPad 2? We've put the two head-to-head for the ultimate face off - here's which takes what.
Design
Apple iPad 2 This was a close one, but the iPad 2's super-slender aluminum body is so ergonomic and futuristic it just makes you want to pick it up. Though the Eee Pad's brown textured chassis is well-built, it becomes much chunkier when the keyboard is docked. Software-wise, iOS5 is inimitably elegant and simple to use, though Android Honeycomb offers far more functionality. If hardware floats your boats more, the iPad 2 takes it easily but software aficionados will appreciate the Eee Pad's greater power and customisability.
Web
Asus Eee Pad Transformer With a preloaded Dolphin browser that supports tabbed and private browsing, the Eee Pad easily wins on web browsing. Its 10.1-inch display is a touch larger too, packing the same resolution and high-tech IPS panel - though the iPad 2's screen is less reflective. Both Wi-Fi only versions cost around the same, but if you're after 3G connectivity, only the iPad 2 fits the bill.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer If your top priority is banging out those messages, Asus's tablet takes it for its desktop-like Gmail app, two-column inbox view and keyboard dock. Though the iPad 2 has a good email app and responsive touch-screen, typing isn't quite as fast.
Media
Asus Eee Pad Transformer We love the simple drag and drop media transfer compared to the iPad 2's clunky iTunes method. Though the Eee Pad natively supports only MP4 video and MP3 audio, there are video players downloadable from the Android Market that will play more types - and they won't reformat all your high-quality media as iTunes does either. That said, this is another close call, as both devices feature similar displays - and the iPad 2 has better speakers.
Apps
Apple iPad 2 Apple continues to be the king of apps, and its App Store far surpasses the Android Market for tablet apps with more and better apps, as well as a special section for tablet-optimised programs.
WINNER: Asus Eee Pad Transformer
With Android Honeycomb adding serious PC power to well-designed tablet, the Eee Pad Transformer is a stunning device whose keyboard dock adds immense functionality for document editing, web browsing and emails. It was a long time coming, but two iPads and 14 months later, we love a tablet more than the iPad. Just.
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