ASUS Transformer 32GB In-Stock at Newegg for $499

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The Asus Transformer tablet has been a hot item over the last few weeks, only problem is no one can find it in stock. We have mentioned it a few times at places like Walmart, K-Mart, Target and more but it looks to be in-stock and ready to ship with FREE 2-Day shipping at my favorite online store called Newegg.com


If you have not been paying attention the Android 3.1 update for Honeycomb has just started hitting the Transformer. So you can get it now and have it delivered by Saturday and have that update waiting for you. Newegg usually ships same day if you order before around 3:00 PST (I know from many many purchases) so for those that can’t wait order now and choose next day shipping if you want it tomorrow.
The developers at XDA already have the Transformer chugging along at over 1.4 Ghz so you basically just need to buy it and enjoy the party.
[via Newegg.com]

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Android 3.1 now available for ASUS Eee Pad Transformer

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ASUS promised that Android 3.1 would arrive in June, but I did not expect it to be June 1st. It actually started rolling out yesterday, but today it has become available to all of the United States.
One thing that is missing is Google Movies. Apparently it is only available to XOOM 3G owners at this time.
Full changelog after the break

• Build number: 8.4.4.5-20110527
• MobileDock version: 0209 (No update occurs, unless your dock was out of date from before)
• Kernel changed.
• Updated wifi driver.
• Updated bluetooth driver.
• Updated GPS driver.
• General CPU optimisation, improved loading times performance.
• General GPU optimisation, improved graphics performance.
• Smoother UI experience.
• Greater stability.
• More responsive multitasking.
• Re-sizable widgets.
• Decreased app loading times.
• Added more USB device support (gamepads, etc).
• Added more Bluetooth device support.
• Added one click USB importing of files from external devices (cameras, etc).
• Wifi icon shows data activity.
• Debug mode icon changed.
• Task manager list now scrollable.
• Browser ‘quick controls’ updated.
• Browser speed improvements.
• Full flash support (720p).
• Embedded HTML5 video normal size enabled.
• Browser now supports saving webpages to web archives (saves as .webarchivexml filetype to Downloads directory).
• Scrolling tab for easier page navigation.
• Browser pinch to zoom improvements.
• Tapping the home button now takes you back to the last screen you were on, not always the centre screen.
• Mouse tracking improved (using dock).
• Mobile network signal battery bar removed.
• Movie Studio app added.
• Zinio Reader app added. 

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ASUS PadFone and Eee Pad MeMO 3D official

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ASUS is talking tablets at Computex 2011 this morning, and while we may have already seen the company’s PadFone, there are still a few surprises on offer. That includes the ASUS Eee Pad MeMO 3D, a glasses-free 3D update of the original MeMO Android Honeycomb tablet shown at CES 2011, with a 1024 x 600 IPS 3D display, an active digital stylus like the HTC Flyer, and a companion MeMIC Bluetooth headset for music and calls.

The ASUS PadFone is what we’re more interested in, though, a 10-inch 1280 x 800 slate into which can dock a roughly 4-inch ASUS smartphone. Once in place, the tablet can recharge the smartphone using its own inbuilt battery, as well as use the phone’s 3G connection and rear 5-megapixel camera. That, ASUS suggests, means two 3G-enabled gadgets for the price of a single 3G connection.
The company has also done some work fettling the UI, scaled both to suit phone use and tablet use. The PadFone can switch “seamlessly” between the two. According to ASUS this is all semi-conceptual right now, with no confirmed specs, but the company does intend to release the PadFone at some point.
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Asus Padfone Press Photos (full view) [BREAKING LEAK]

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As you know, we’ve been chomping at the bit for the past week or two to see Asus’ new effort for Android, one that we found late this past week would be at least one, maybe two devices called Padfone. As it seems now, it’s definitely SOMETHING like that. Have a look at what we’re seeing here: what appears to be a tablet with a phone living inside it, able to come out at a moments notice via a sort of garage door hatch. What in the world?


This device (or devices, whatever you’d like to say,) will almost certainly be revealed tomorrow at Computex in Taiwan, and we’re hoping this oddity doesn’t stick in the Easter side of the world. Asus! Let’s have a look at this strange thing! Note everyone that there appears to be a copper color in here and a black color – perhaps two different color combinations. These devices look very similar to some recent devices we’ve seen come from Dell and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer doesn’t look too far behind this collection as far as industrial design.

Then there’s the ATRIX 4G. We’ve had a look at its desktop mode and all the fun things you can do with the laptop dock – how will this tablet situation compare to that laptop situation? Motorola, are you ready for this jelly? A camera that can see through the cover that protects the phone, dual-speakers that surround the phone hole, the ability to open up the dock to turn the tablet into a laptop. Wild stuff!

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ASUS Padfone, Android 3.1 for Transformer, and More at Computex 2011

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That cool company with the coolest tablet out there, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, is set to transform the game, as it were, at Computex 2011, coming soon to a Taipei near you. At this event it appears that they’ll be releasing at least one new device, possibly three. There’s some teaser frames to spice up your life below, right here in this post! Then remind yourself that you love new names, even weird ones, as a trademark has been registered by ASUS for the word “Padfone.”


Interesting how similar the text in this new logo looks, reminds on rather of a competing “pad” toting company, doesn’t it? Also note that it’s no artists rendering, it comes straight from the patent office. Is this one of the three (or 1, or just 2,) devices that ASUS is set to show off at Computex 2011? Bank on it. This is the same way we found out about the word XOOM, and look how that turned out!

Have a look here at these three images and tell us what you think of them – one, two, or three devices?
Finally we will be seeing the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer get some Android 3.1 Honeycomb next week, this according to some “inside sources” with This is My Next. Trust! This update will of course bring several new UI features such as advanced resizable widgets, an expanded multi-task switcher, and improved stability. It also adds, in this case, a docking station firmware update that will improve typing speeds, USB capability, and mouse tracking. This update may come out as soon as Monday, aka the first day of Computex 2011. Be there!

[via SlashGear]

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Asus Eee Pad Slider set to hit stores soon

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One of the more interesting tablets to come from Asus in recent memory is the Eee Pad Slider that was unveiled months ago during CES. We have all been waiting to hear when the Slider would hit stores so we can purchase the thing and have our keyboard packing Android tablet love. The standout feature of the Slider and what gives the tablet its name is the slide out keyboard. The screen tilts up at a slight angle when the keyboard is exposed for more comfortable working.

That screen is a 10.1-inch unit with a 1280 x 800 resolution. The tablet uses an NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor at 1GHz and runs Honeycomb. Other than the launch date, the other key factors we are lacking is how much the tablet will cost. I hope that Asus makes the Slider a reasonably priced tablet, if the price is pushed too high it will be a hard sell to many shopping for an Android tablet.
We don’t have an official launch date on the Slider at this point, but a tweet from Asus has surfaced. The teasing tweet read, “For those of you waiting for the Eee Pad Slider, we’ve got some good news for you: its launch is due soon!” Often makers of gadgets have different opinions for just what “soon” means than many of us do so for now it’s still wait and see on the Slider. Until the launch, you can check out the hands on video and photos over on sister site SlashGear.
[via Tabletpcreview, Slashgear]

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Looking To Pick Up An Asus Transformer? Use NowInStock To Keep Tabs On Retailer’s Stock Status

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Official word from Asus is that they can’t make enough Transformers to keep up with demand, something that’s perhaps not surprising given that the tablet maintains high-end specs but a low-end price. Luckily for some users, keeping a hawkish eye on (r)etailer’s websites has allowed them to snatch one up when the seller was lucky enough to get a few in stock. Now, however, there’s an easier way, called NowInStock.

The service keeps tabs on a whole host of retailers and checks the stock situation every minute so that it’s always up to date. Not only that, but as you can see, it shows the specific model and the price – impressive. Certainly makes being a hawk much simpler, doesn’t it?

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Asus Begins Teasing PhonePad Hybrid Device

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Anyone interested in a PhonePad?  A Phonablet?  Tabhone? Phablet?  Asus is apparently preparing to unveil one at Computex 2011 and have opened up a teaser site for it with the slogan “Break the Rules:  Pad or Phone?”  Our instinct is definitely telling us to assume it’ll run Android especially after seeing some early success from their Transformer Honeycomb tablet, but is a hybrid phone/tablet something to get excited over?  We’ve already seen 7″ unsuccessful slates from big time players like Samsung and 5″ Dell Streaks that no one bought, so what would make Asus stand out from the crowd?  It’s tough to tell from the images that have been released through Tech in Style, so we’ll leave the creativity and imagination to you. 

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ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Overclocked to 1.4 GHz

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Overclocking can be quite the gratifying experience, and overclocking dual-core tablets can make benchmarks cry. With the Motorola Xoom overclocked to 1.5 GHz last week, the rest of its Honeycomb brethren were sure to follow. Now a kernel is all ready for the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer to overclock, courtesy of XDA user netarchy. It isn’t proven to be completely stable yet, but initial reports sound promising.

As with all overclocking, there is a possibility of worsened battery life and some instability. Early adopters seem to be pleased with the results though. There have been some issues reported, among them some unreliable performance out of the left speaker. When people overclock though, they’re usually ok with these little bugs, sacrificing perfect stability for what anyone reading this article really wants to know.
When the Transformer’s Tegra 2 cousin, the Motorola Xoom, first reached 1.5 GHz, it was reaching 4500 in Quadrant. Well despite being only 1.4 GHz, one user has reported getting Quadrant scores as high as 4900. Naturally this is unconfirmed, and as always benchmarks are far from the be all end all of real-world performance. If you were feeling slighted that your Transformer wasn’t as unhumanly fast as the Xoom, and want that extra horsepower to squeeze all you can out of Dungeon Defenders (or Angry Birds…) give it a try and while you’re at it post your benchmarks in the comments below.
[Once again overclocking can be unstable, and if you aren't sure of any part of the process, or unwilling to sacrifice stability either learn first or don't try. Also, as many a wise man has said "Always back-up first!"]

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ASUS previews new tablet ahead of Computex debut

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ASUS has previewed its upcoming tablet, headed for a debut at Computex 2011 later this month. The unnamed slate is so far unconfirmed to be running Android, but given the success of the Eee Pad Transformer it seems likely that it will have Honeycomb on board.

Hardware specifications are unclear at present, but at least one camera is confirmed along with speakers. The aesthetics also look to have been given more consideration than on the Transformer, with more curves and different material finishes; in fact, the slate bears the ASUSdesign badging of the company’s design studio.
If ASUS can deliver the same balance of functionality and competitive pricing with the new model, they could carve themselves quite the niche in among the tablet market. We’ll have to wait and see exactly what the new slate delivers to know for sure, though.

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Asus Transformer in disguise at Walmart, K-Mart & Target

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What do we have here, the Asus Trans-for-mer doing what those actual Transformers do best and staying in disguise. Reports have been coming in that these amazing 10.1″ 3.0 Honeycomb Android Tablets are showing up in stock all over the place, mainly online. From Walmart, K-Mart, and Target, plus I’m probably missing a few. At this time of writing they have been coming in and out of stock extremely fast. K-mart has them listed “In-Stock” as I type this so you better hurry if you want one.

We first told you yesterday about Target finally having them in stock for order and shipping, but they quickly sold out. If I was on the lookout for a Asus EeePad Transformer I’d be checking all three of those sites somewhat often over the next few hours, or days. If you have been looking lately you know they are going fast as supply seems pretty limited. Can’t forget Walmart is a little cheaper for the low low price of $398 if you want to save a dollar or two.

 Asus recently denied that they were having shortage issues, but it looks like they might be having a hard time keeping places stocked. For those that are lucky and have already snatched up the Honeycomb tablet stay tuned as Android 3.1 updates should be rolling out soon. Links to buy below.
Transformer K-Mart Order Page
Transformer Walmart Order Page
Transformer Target Order Page
GO GO GO!

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ASUS updating Transformer to fix keyboard dock issues

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Until today we have not heard anything regarding keyboard dock problems and issues on the ASUS EeePad Transformer Tablet. It seems that certain models are in fact experiences some problems and docking has been difficult for some users. Our hands-on had no issues. According to the ASUS UK Facebook page they are rolling out the fix now.


The official statement from the Facebook page just mentions that this issue has been fixed and a small update should take care of everything, we are not sure if this is for the UK only or if it possibly is affecting other models as well. We haven’t heard any more on updates for other regions either. Here’s the statement from Asus:

ASUS United Kingdom
Eee Pad Transformer firmware update 8.2.3.13 released – keyboard dock issues fixed. Don’t forget once you have updated the firmware on the Pad and rebooted, you must then also click on the firmware update icon for the keyboard dock (it will appear as a triangle in the bottom right of the screen). We completed the process on our test unit here with no problems.

Like mentioned, this was only in the UK and so far there has been no reports of U.S. users or other regions as of this moment. If anyone in other area’s do get the update feel free to TIP US as that would be great. Many Facebook users are reporting all issues have been fixed and even ASUS responded with more detail regarding the issue.

Not all units affected. Some had connection problems (so the keys trackpad weren’t responding) and some weren’t allowing charge. The engineers are confident that the frmware update should resolve the glitches.

Now all we need is the Transformer to get that Android 3.1 update to start rolling out and everyone will be plenty happy, those that are fortunate to have found it in stock and have one already.

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Asus Transformer officially “in stock” at Target

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It looks like the Asus EeePad Transfermer is finally in stock at Target stores, and online according to what we see. There was a few stories of possible delays and shortages, and that Target was even canceling pre-orders at one point. I can now safely say I see the site myself, and the 16GB Wifi Android 3.0 beast of a Tablet is “in stock”. Go get yours now before they are all gone.

If you have been waiting for a great priced Android tablet, this is one of the lower priced tablets. It is a Wifi only, 16GB tab and runs Android 3.0 and will be updated to 3.1 shortly. The Asus Transformer has tons of accessories and even a keyboard dock to make it just like a laptop, check out our hands-on here.
Overall it is a great tablet, the hardware is very well made and has got many praises for build quality, it holds its own with the Motorola Xoom, but might be a little thicker than the shiny new Galaxy Tab 10.1 we have been hearing so much about, but for $399 you can’t go wrong. It is a great tablet at a great price. Will you be buying one, or waiting for the Galaxy Tab?

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Honeycomb 3.1 Update Coming to ASUS and Acer Tablets Next Month

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When Google announced the update to Honeycomb at Google IO last week, the only device given a timeframe to receive the update was the Motorola Xoom. Now Acer’s Iconia Tab A500 and ASUS’s Eee Pad Transformer have been added to that list. Both manufacturers have promised the 3.1 upgrade will be coming to their Honeycomb tablets sometime in June.

The honeycomb upgrade, only announced last week, is meant to help smooth out what many have described as several rough edges left in the first tablet adaptation of Android. The upgrade is set to bring several small performance improvements as well as a few new features, namely resizable widgets and scrollable task switching. Another major feature promoted at Google IO was USB hosting, which should be especially useful for those intending on using their Transformer as a laptop replacement as it will allow the connection of just about anything you would want to plug into your laptop.
The news of this speedy update is probably what is most exciting here though. Acer and ASUS are both relatively new to the Android game, and haven’t had much of a chance to display their commitment to upgrades. This is a great first move for both manufacturers and a reassuring sign for anyone worried about what will happen to their shiny Acer or ASUS tablets at the end of this year when Ice Cream Sandwich come to unify us all!

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Apple iPad 2, Asus Transformer Comparison Battle Video

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We have another battle video between iOS and Android today on the tablet front today, obviously pitting Apple’s latest baby, the Apple iPad 2 against the latest Android tablet to hit the scene, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer.
The iPad 2 versus the Asus Eee Pad Transformer comparison video comes our way courtesy of Jon Rettinger over at Technobuffalo, who places the iOS and Android tablets in a head to head confrontation to see which can come out the victor.
In this 22-minute tablet battle Jon, puts both tablets through 6 rounds, operating system, speed, screen, browser, intangibles and applications, but which of these two rivals can come out on top in this iOS against Android tablet battle?
Now obviously I’m not gong to answer that as you’ll need to set aside a little time, sit back and hit the play button to find out the result, bet will you agree with Jon’s appraisal and choice of victor? Feel free to let us know by shouting out in our comments area below…enjoy.

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ASUS: Eee Pad Transformer delays due to demand, not component shortages

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We're sure you heard the rumors when hanging out in your ASUS fanboy haunts, wearing your ASUS logo hats and medallions, talking your crazy ASUS lingo with your fellow ASUS scenesters. Or maybe you thought something was up when Amazon sold out immediately. Either way, there has been plenty of chatter in the gadgetsphere as of late about the Eee Pad Transformer. Why is it so hard to find? Are component shortages to blame? Quality control issues? We've heard plenty of speculation, and now ASUSTek spokesperson David Chang is weighing in on the matter. According to Netbook News, the company has seen overwhelming demand for the device, and is currently planning to put 100,000 units on the street in May, followed by an additional 200,000-plus in June. "If the demand continues to increase substantially," said Chan, "then we will have to continue to ramp up production in order to fulfill our customers' demand." You know, that's exactly what we would do if we were in that situation!

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Asus Gearing Up To Produce World’s First Quad-Core Tegra 3 Tablet

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Nvidia is gearing up to show the world it means business with its up and coming ground breaking new industry technology, yet again.  It looks like the company, the first to bring us dual-core in a smartphone with the LG Optimus 2X overseas, then making its way to the US as the T-Mobile G2X, is at it again.  DigiTimes reported that Asus, makers of the Eee Pad Transformer have announced the production of the new Tegra 3 based tablet.  One would imagine programs and navigation on a device like this would move at the speed of thought.
The device will be built around the new Kal-El quad-core specifications and could arrive sometime in August of this year.  When this Superman chip enabled device comes to light, users may just be laughing at what is now referred to as “1080p”.  We’d imagine the device will put out a few more pixels than the average screen res.  There’s no word as of yet on a release date for this monster but Nvidia does have a road map available regarding their chip set release, revealing quad-core for some time in August.  Let us know what you think about having such a powerful CPU in a tablet. Or, are you sick and tired of the “Core Wars”?

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Asus Transformer preorders cancelled by Target – or were they?

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We’ve been getting word from Target customers that due to severe product shortages, the Bulls Eye is canceling their Asus Transformer pre-orders. Customers following up by phone with Customer Service, however, are learning a different story – that the Transformer is actually just out of stock and that their orders aren’t canceled. Checking on Target’s Website, we found the Transformer listed as being out of stock. But whether it’s just out of stock or Target is giving up sending it out, many customers are frustrated and just plain angry.

Thank you for shopping at Target.com. Unfortunately, the following item is not currently available from any of our sources.
Asus Eee Pad Transformer 10.1″ Android Tablet (TF101-A1) with 16GB Hard Drive, 1GB Memory – Black/Brown
We have canceled this item from your order.

Earlier today we reported, Asus announcing they can only make about 10,000 units per month and that most were heading to Europe. A short production schedule is likely due to parts being in short supply. And that translates into retailer stocks being pretty low. And now, it’s apparent they’re running out.
Conspiracy theorists might think to link to Amazon where they may see the tablet ready to ship out the door – but take note! Amazon is supplied by Target, especially in this case you’ve got to know that the tablet wouldn’t come to your door any faster than if you’d ordered the same thing from a Target store. That is, unless you get some super sweet one day shipping deal out of Amazon. That’s always a possibility. As it stands now though, right around $600 is the best you’re going to be able to do.

 

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Asus Eee Pad Transformer production limited to only 10k units monthly

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The Eee Pad Transformer officially hit the market around the world late last month. We mentioned then that there were not many of the tablets in stock, especially in the US, with the launch mainly focusing on Europe. The available units were sold quickly at most of the retailers in the US, and many people were probably wondering exactly why the supply of the tablet was so low. Some may have figured that Asus was just taking it slow with their tablet to see what the demand was and perhaps to keep the demand for the tablet up.


Apparently, that isn’t the case. Netbooknews cites sources that claim that Asus is facing massive shortages of required hardware to build the Transformer and that shortage is only allowing the tablet to be built in very small quantities. Exactly what component is so limited is unknown at this point. However, it appears that it’s not a matter of the parts simply going to other companies, but rather the parts simply aren’t available at any price.

The limitations placed on Asus by parts shortages are reportedly limiting Asus to making a mere 10,000 Transformer tablets each month. Asus would like to be making 300,000 tablets per month. The sources claim that the bottlenecks are expected to last until mid-June. I don’t think it would surprise anyone to find out that ht shortages are due to the disaster in Japan. If you want a Transformer, buy it while you can, when you can. I expect prices of the available units might push up if demand remains high.

 

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Pre-Order the ASUS Transformer for Target And Get $40 Off [Deals]

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Looking for the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer? Target has this highly sought-after tablet up for pre-order but you won’t be getting it for $400 from them. You’ll be getting it a bit cheaper – $360. All you need to do is put your order in at Target’s site and offer up the following coupon code when they ask for it: TCA27BAR. Target says they’ll be shipping in 2-4 weeks. Let’s hope you can actually get your hands on one before they’re sold out just as fast as they were elsewhere.  

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