The world’s first tablet with a quad-core processor, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime looks set to become one hell of a business tool. How does it compare to Apple’s market leading iPad 2 for business?
More and more people are incorporating tablets into their businesses, as they provide the perfect balance between power and portability. The Apple iPad 2 is the undisputed leader, but now a new and super-powerful Android tablet called the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is on the horizon. Boasting a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime promises vastly improved graphics and a dramatically longer battery life. Could it be time to dump the iPad 2?
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: display
Both the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and Apple iPad 2 have screens that hover around the 10-inch mark, but the Asus Transformer Prime follows the Android way of offering a wider aspect ratio rather like a widescreen TV. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime also boasts Super IPS+ screen technology for ultra-wide viewing angles and superior outdoor visibility.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: power
If the difference between the screens is marginal, then the difference in performance is anything but. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the first device to run on NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 chip, which offers four processor cores next to the iPad 2’s two. The iPad 2’s time as the performance king is almost over.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: storage
Both the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime and Apple iPad 2 offer the option of 32 or 64GB of internal storage, although currently only the 32GB version o the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is confirmed for UK release. The Apple iPad 2 also offers an entry-level 16GB model. We wouldn’t even consider that though – you’ll want at least 32GB for all the documents, apps and videos you’ll be downloading.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: software
Here’s where the iPad 2 continues to reign supreme – which could prove decisive overall. Simply put, iOS 5 is a much cleaner and more complete tablet operating system than the Asus’s Android 3.2 (aka Honeycomb). It’s slicker, more intuitive, and the Apple App Store has far more tablet-optimised apps than the Android Market equivalent.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: camera
We doubt you’ll be using your tablet to take many serious pictures, but if you think you’re likely to then the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime has the clear advantage. Its 8-megapixel camera – which is capable of 1080p video recording – is more like something you’d see on a high-end smartphone. The Apple iPad 2’s camera, meanwhile, is only good for (relatively) low-res video.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: dimensions
The Apple iPad 2 was an object of slender beauty when it was launched earlier in the year, and while it still looks better than the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, the Android device is both slimmer and lighter. There isn’t a great deal in it though, and if anything the iPad’s squarer form factor makes it more pleasant to hold.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime v Apple iPad 2: special features
This could clinch the deal for the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime. Asus offers an ultra-slim keyboard add-on that effectively turns the device into a netbook. What’s more, the add-on comes with its own battery that adds a further six hours running time to the tablet, bringing it up to an impressive 18 hours. If you take a lot of long haul flights, or need to type a lot on your tablet, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the better choice.
Jon Mundy
Innovating your office with One Net Express
Agility and innovation can be the keys to success for any small business. Winning new business can require flexibility towards work processes. With a lot of fast moving working on actual income generating tasks, the ‘back office’ can sometimes be neglected. Read More: One Net Express
