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Asus EEE Pad Slider vs EEE Pad Transformer – comparison

By Andrei Girbea , updated on June 4, 2014

From starters, I have to tell you that I own an Asus Transformer and I’ve been using it (next to my iPad 2) in the last months. I got it after carefully analyzing my options and decided it was the perfect 10 inch tablet for my needs, back in May. The fact that it was excellently priced helped as well.

Today we’re going to compare the Transformer with Asus’s new born baby, the Asus EEE Pad Slider. On paper, there are many similarities between the two, especially in terms of hardware, display and features. And while both offer some extras over all the other tablets on the market right now, there are some significant differences between them as well.

The following post should tell you more about the particularities of each of these two EEE Pads. Of course, you’ll get more details from the two clips included below as well, but I’ll also highlight the most important aspects.

Asus EEE Pad Slider (left) and the EEE Pad Transformer (right)

Asus EEE Pad Slider (left) and the EEE Pad Transformer (right)

Similarities

First, let’s talk about the similarities of the two:

  • Hardware platform – Both are powered by a Tegra 2 platform, with 1 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage (the Transformer also comes in a cheaper option, with only 16 GBs, while the Slider does not).
  • Connectivity and ports – Both these tablets offer Wireless N and Bluetooth (no 3G for now), GPS, plus mini HDMI and a microSD card slot. The Slider also offers a Full-size USB slot though, while the Transformer gets the optional docking station that can add two USB 2.0 slots and an SD card reader.
  • Sensors – both of them feature pretty much all there is in terms of sensors, with Accelerometer, G-Sensor, E-compass, light-sensor and Gyroscope.
  • Display – I really like the screen of the Transformer, a 10.1 inch 10 points multi-touch capacitive display, with an IPS panel and 1280 x 800 px resolution. It offers good viewing angles, good colors and brightness levels, so we can easily say it’s one of the best screens you can get on 10 inch tablets these days, right there on par with the ones from the iPad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 . Luckily, the same display is also available on the new Slider, but it comes with a bit wider bezel here.
  • Cameras – Both feature a 5 MPx camera on the back, without Flash, and a 1.3 Mpx front facing camera for video calls and chatting. Image quality ain’t great on neither for them, but that’s the case with pretty much all tablets these days. As for video recording, both can shoot 720p clips, but once again, don’t expect too much in terms of quality.
  • Software and apps – Both tablets run on Android HoneyComb. For our tested units, we got Android 3.1 on the Slider and 3.2 on the Transformer, but as I’ve said before, Android 3.2 is only a minor update that only offers some in-game performance improvements. During everyday use, you won’t see any difference between the two. Also, both these tablets come with the same bundled software, including MyCloud, MyNet, Polaris Office and all the standard Honeycomb apps.
There are many similarities between the two

There are many similarities between the two

Differences

And here are all the details that could make one or the other tablet the better choice for you:

  • Body – Perhaps the main difference between the two is the concept around the chassis.

The Transformer is a regular slice tablet, like most others available on the market. It does come however with a docking station that offers a keyboard, trackpad, extra battery life and ports. But that does add to the bulkiness of the device and its weight, as when connected, the two look exactly like a netbook.

The Slider is a hybrid tablet, with a keyboard that’s hidden beneath the screen and can be unfold when you need it. As a result, there’s no way for you to leave that keyboard home, as it cannot be detached like on the Transformer. Thus, you can place the Slider somewhere between the Transformer without and with the docking, in terms of size, weight and functionality.

And one more thing: both these tablets are solid built. I like the metallic and textured plastic finish of my Transformer, it’s been quite reliable till now. But I also like the Slider, it feels great in your hand and looks rather chick I could say. And while the casing is made entirely from plastic, I really like the soft finish on the back and the round edges of this tablet.

  • Size – The Transformer measures 10.67 x 6.73 x 0.51 inches (271 x 171 x 12.98 mm) , while the Slider measures 10.75 x 7.09 x 0.70 inches (273 x 180 x 17.7 mm) . Thus, the Slider is nearly identical to its relative in terms of width and length, but it is more bulky, with that 40% extra height, and you can easily notice that from our clips.
  • Weight – The Slider weighs 1.95 pounds (886 g), while the Transformer is lighter, at 1.49 pounds (680 g) for the tablet alone, but can get to nearly 3 pounds if you’ll also add the docking station.
  • USB slot – While the Slider includes an USB 2.0 slot by default, the Transformer Pad lacks this feature. However, if you’ll go for the docking station, you’ll get not one, but two of those.
But also a bunch of differences

But also a bunch of differences

  • Keyboard and trackpad – The EEE Pad Transformer is basically a slice tablet with an expandable docking station. By default, it lacks a keyboard, still you will only get one if you buy the extra docking, that also includes a trackpad. The Slider comes with a keyboard by default, but it is more cramped than the one available for the Transformer and lacks completely a trackpad, trackpoint or any method of controlling a mouse cursor.
  • Speakers – The speakers are placed on the sides on the Transformer and they offer average volume and quality. On the Slider, they are placed on the back, near the sliding mechanism and they are not louder or better. Thus, sound volume could be an issue in a noisy place, especially when using the tablet in folded mode, when those speakers will be blocked by the screen rolled on top of them.
  • Battery life – By default, the Transformer offers an average of 8 hours of life, during everyday use (without the extra battery inside the docking). The Slider will give you pretty much similar battery life, but you should expect though only around 7 to 7 and a half hours on average, so a little bit under what you get on the EEE Transformer.

Video comparisons

Like I said, you’ll get more from the video comparisons. The first one talks about the exterior, screens, keyboards and features.

While the second talks about software, battery life, pricing and some of my conclusions.

Prices

The Asus EEE Pad Transformer was and still is one of the best tablets in terms of price/features ratio. The 16 GB Wi-fi only version goes for around $400 bucks, while the 32 GB model will cost you an extra hundred. As for the docking station with all its features, that one goes for around $150.

The Slider is not yet available in stores, but we have some details about it regarding prices and release date. Thus, it will only be offered in a 32 GB storage space version, with a price around 550 dollars . Should be available in stores worldwide by the end of September.

Wrap-up

There are still many other things to be said about these two tablets. Bottom line though, after playing with both of them, I’ll have to repeat what I already said above: the Slider is a hybrid, coming to fill the gap between the EEE Pad Transformer Slate used without and with its docking station. It is a bit bulkier and heavier than regular tablets, but adds a keyboard and all those useful connectivity options (we do have those ports on more compact bodies as well though, like on the Toshiba Thrive and Acer Iconia Tab A500).

Thus, I feel like there’s no real competition between these two: you either pick the Transformer slate for fun, the slate and docking for fun and productivity (but also less portability) or the Slider, that seats between them. For sure the keyboard on the Transformer combo is better, but on the Slider, you have it with you all the time and the overall package ain’t neither that bulky, nor that heavy as you might think.

In the end, it's hard to say if one or the other is a better option

In the end, it’s hard to say if one or the other is a better option

So it’s really up to what each of you guys will need. I do have to say I wasn’t impressed with the Slider concept back in February when I saw it at MWC in Barcelona and I still feel that for me, the Transformer is the better option, as I need that keyboard for my daily writings. On the other side, I did change my opinion about the Slider and I consider that for a less keyboard-dependent buyer, it could be the perfect solution to combine leisure and work on a tablet.

So, which one do you guys like better and why? I’m really looking forward to see your input on this matter, as I for one can only say that the true winners of a Slider vs Transformer battle are us, the users, as we get two excellent tablets to pick between.

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Andrei Girbea, Editor-in-Chief at TLBHD.com. This project was born as part of my search for capable mini-laptops that I could easily lug around to work, and still provide the performance that I'd need on a daily basis. I'm primarily using such ultracompact devices and have been testing them since 2006.

37 Comments

  1. Malic

    August 14, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    Thanks Mike for the review of the Slider! I liked it very much, because it´s a perfect combination between a tablet and a netbook. I finally decided what I will buy in the next month.
    One think, Mike. Could you make a review of the Office software in the HoneyComb (especially to the word, excel, e-mail service)? I would like to know if I could expect, in terms of software, the same facility in work from the HoneyComb. I use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) in my work. Could somebody accustomed to use Outlook (MS) to “re-accustom” to Android “outlook”?

    Îţi mulţumesc mult pentru buna revizuire a tabletului. Succese pe mai departe!

    • Mike

      August 15, 2011 at 10:08 am

      I’ll have a post on the Office suite included on EEE PCs soon. stay tuned

  2. Darryl

    August 15, 2011 at 6:18 am

    Mike,

    Great review and comparison. I personally like both of them but would probably choose the slider if I had to choose between the two.

  3. Je-Andy

    August 18, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    Great review lol but I’m still undecided, on which to get. Cause I really want the transformer for it has the option of the docking keyboard and the slider is also great……..smh I’ll flip a coin.

  4. linda

    August 19, 2011 at 12:06 am

    Can you tell me why my downloads fail to open? I have the transformer and really love it but I wish I had a user’s guide.

    • Mike

      August 19, 2011 at 10:18 am

      well, what are you downloading? perhaps the tablet can’t handle those types of files..

  5. Dawn

    August 19, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    I finally decided. After watching a couple of videos, comparing both models, I’ve decided the best fit for me is the Transformer. The keyboard on the Slider is less than ideal. The shift key alone is enough for me to know that the Transformer is much better for me.

    I also like the fact that I can leave the keyboard behind. Also, I can get another 5-6 hours out of the tablet when I dock it…this could be a really big plus.

    I wish the Transformer had a USB on the actual tablet, but most of the things I want to do that would require a USB would be when we are on vacation and I would have the docking station set up anyway, and then there are two! Not having a tracking area is a big let down for me too. In order for the Slider to weigh so little with both a keyboard and a tablet, something had to give and that was, for me, way too many compromises to the keyboard. Having an entire additional row on the keyboard may not seem like a big deal, but if you type like I do, then you would agree.

    I don’t want to go for the Slider just to save $100 or so. Not when everything else is pretty much equal.

  6. Dan Sabin

    August 20, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    I love the reviews. I just bough a Transformer 32Gb for $365 on new egg (open box special). I am waiting on a deal for the keyboard to show up. I mostly bought the tablet for development purposes so i don’t really plan on using besides for testing my apps. A bit of play time with it can’t hurt. I really do appreciate your work and in depth reviews. It’s made me feel much more confident that i’ve bought the right tablet for me considering there were so many options.

    Felicitări.

    -Dan

  7. Jimmy

    August 25, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    Mike, that was a very nice review.

    I would pick the Transformer for the following reasons:
    – the Transformer’s docking keyboard offers more functionality than the Slider’s keyboard
    – could wait until the ASUS docking keyboard drops in price or buy an after-market keyboard?
    – with the docking keyboard, the Transformer’s screen is protected; whereas the Slider’s screen is exposed.

    Thanks,
    Jimmy

    • Mike

      August 26, 2011 at 12:05 pm

      You have that padded case for the Slider and the screen will feel pretty comfortable in there. Otherwise though, I’m with you on leaning towards the Transformer 😛

  8. Vinny

    August 29, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I for one like the Slider, it’s easier to carry around and lighter. Plus, the whole package is a bit cheaper as well.

  9. Jake

    September 4, 2011 at 3:34 am

    Hello,
    I have a question, is there a blue-tooth (roll up) keyboard out that will work on both of these units??
    Thanks

    • Mike

      September 4, 2011 at 4:36 pm

      all bluetooth keyboards should work. I have no idea if there’s any good one I could recommend, never went for such an accessory

  10. Lee Belton

    September 4, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    For either of these two products, can I connect to WiFi if there is only ethernet connection available? I travel extensively and it’s hard to believe some of the nicer hotels STILL have ethernet only in the rooms!

    It would defeat my purpose if I had a device that couldn’t access the ethernet but I really want to stop lugging around my 6 lb laptop but want all the options that a tablet provides.

    I know there are some various connections that may be able to do this….but I don’t know if the correct outputs exist on either/both of these products.

    Any experience with this?

    Lee

    • Mike

      September 4, 2011 at 7:05 pm

      Lee, you will need to get a Wireless Ethernet adapter. you connect that one to the cable in the hotel room and then it will create a wireless network you can use. Otherwise, tablets do not come with a Ethernet adapter by default

  11. Lee Belton

    September 10, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Do you know anyone that has one that uses it specifically for the Asus tablet? There is so much information on the internet about ones that won’t work with android OS, and some are quite costly. I already know the cheap USB to ethernet connection dongle I bought won’t work..it was less than $5, so it was worth the risk.

    I’ve seen a couple that appear to work with ASUS, but I also think they may be OVERKILL with all the options, when all I need is a simple connection in a hotel room where there is no wif–just ethernet. I’m thinking these are cadillacs when I need a chevy. D-Link DAP-1350 and Sapido RB-1602. I don’t mind spending the $50, but it would be nice to know that I’m not buying WAY more than I need. I just don’t want to mess around with reconfiguring, or anything other than plug/play, and if I don’t need these cadillacs, why buy and carry them.

    I emailed ASUS–they should provide this information on their own products, but they haven’t responded.

    Apparently, hotels with no wifi in rooms is very common in Europe so the need is certainly out there (to connect these tablets via ethernet), which is probably why they are one of the very few models that have al the portals built in.

    Thanks….I’ll keep researching too.

    • Mike

      September 12, 2011 at 1:06 pm

      Lee, not if I reckon correctly i know that Asus has some accessories incoming for their tablets. There might be something for what you need, but if I remember correctly it’s a USB to Ethernet connector. I know, this would meant you’ll also need the docking station to make it worth and it’s not exactly what you’re looking for, but could work. Let me double check and i’ll get back with extra info.

      As for that kinds of adapters tht go directly on the Ethernet Cable and offer Wi-Fi, I don’t know any specific one that will work with the Transformer.. So i guess it should be a try and hope case here 😛

      • Lee

        September 12, 2011 at 2:48 pm

        I’m fine with the USB…I plan on buying the docking station. I like the keyboard much better and I like that it gives me quite a few more hours of battery.

        I’ve found an actual Asus travel wifi router–that may be my better bet. Better chance of it working with the tablet’s OS.

        Thanks.

  12. ajalan

    September 14, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    Mike, I go for the slider, with thanks to your marvelous review !
    I have two questions :
    1. is the Slider coming with GPS ?
    2. Can this device tethering with my smartphone because there is no 3G ?

    • Mike

      September 14, 2011 at 7:27 pm

      1. Yes
      2. It depends. If the Phone can use tethering and the operator allows it, than yes, Otherwise, no

  13. Zubair Naeem Paracha

    September 15, 2011 at 9:46 am

    Mike,

    Thanks for a great comparison and those videos.

    Do you think Eee Pad Transformer with docking unit is good enough for content creation specifically blogging using wordpress?

    and it is a good replacement for a low-end laptop that costs around $550, if the most important thing that laptop/tablet is used for is content creation?

    • Mike

      September 15, 2011 at 10:44 am

      Well, it’s not for me. I rather have a 500 bucks 11.6 -12 inch laptop with Windows than this combo for blogging, because you can work with office, photoshop, windows movie maker, etc…

  14. steven moctezuma

    September 21, 2011 at 10:38 am

    hi there, your reviews are very great an informative im glad to see a website dedicated to everything tablet and tech. in regarding the review its solid and i have only had hands on with the asus eee pad transformer so i cant really say i choose the transformer but i love it, i’d choose it over ipad any day ! also i was wondering if there is any price drop on the eee pad transfomer anytime soon since the slider is coming out ? also if i wanted to get into the type of work you are in like tech reviews and tech gadgets what type of school would i need. i really enjoy your work and always wanted to work with tech! please if you can answer the questions id really appreciate it ! thanks again for the great reviews! keep them up -steve m.

  15. Dawn

    September 21, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Mike–

    I decided on the Transformer 32 gb and received it yesterday. Unfortunately, it was 3.1 Honeycomb and not the advertised 3.2 (I bought it new). Is this a big deal? I specifically bought this one because it indicated 3.2. Can I get the update online or is this something that has to be installed on the tablet (like windows, etc.)?

    Thanks!

    Dawn

    • Mike

      September 22, 2011 at 3:40 pm

      Dawn, you should get the update over the air if you haven’t already. PLus, in the About section of your tablet I believe there’s a Check for Updates button that can also help

  16. Marco Costa

    October 5, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Thosiba as launched a Tablet that the battery can be replaced.
    I do like a lot the Asus Eee Pad Transformer with the Keyboard but what about the batteries?
    Can they be replaced by taking the back cover or so?
    After 3 Years or so its expected it will die eventually and need to be replaced.

    Thanks,

    Marco Costa

    • Mike

      October 5, 2011 at 1:56 pm

      You can’t replace the battery on most tablets. That Toshiba is the exception that confirms the rule

  17. Muhammad

    October 9, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Thanks man, you’ve solved my prb. I wanted to buy a compact device for my blogging. I will go with slider, because its slimmer and lighter than transformer set (the whole). also it will be easier to carry than transformer.

    as far as your idea about buying 11.6 laptop for blogging, thats also cool, I think heavy apps are not bloggers daily need but for developers etc. for that purpose I will keep my desktop at home.

    BTW you detailed review on youtube is very nice.

  18. Siraj

    October 15, 2011 at 12:16 am

    hi Mike

    thanks for the excellent work

    regarding the battery replacement, can we get it done through authorizd repair shops, if not what is the option

    thanks

  19. Dawn

    October 20, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    Mike–

    I have no idea if you know this…but it’s worth a shot. I’d hate to ruin a $600 Asus Transformer!

    We are going to Austria and France and normally I lug my laptop. Electrical outlets are never an issue with the laptop because there is a built in transformer in the battery pack.

    However, the tablet….well, who knows what is in the small power pack that plugs into the wall with a USB on the other end.

    I’ve been asking around and have been told to look at the power pack and see if I can see the voltage…something like 110/220. No luck. It is so small, that I can’t see anything. I even had a 18 year old student that can see a bug a mile away and he couldn’t read anything regarding 110 v.

    I’m thinking that 110/220 V is not an issue or consideration given that a USB fits into the power plug, and then the actual plug. I’m told that USB power is universal so it doesn’t matter about the voltage. So, in this case, all I would need is an adapter (so the plug will fit into the european socket).

    Is there anyway you can check on this for me? It’s obviously very important and I’m running out of options.

    Thanks!!!!

    Dawn

    • Mike

      October 21, 2011 at 9:27 am

      dawn, from what i know, you need a charger that says 110/220 V on it. The Slider does have the same charger as the Transformer and I will check to see what it’s written on mine, but i’m currently away for a long weekend and don’t have it with me. So please drop me a line on Monday and I’ll check out the charger; also i’ll give you more details on your question if needed. Thanks and sry for the ndelay

      • Dawn

        October 21, 2011 at 1:24 pm

        Thanks Mike….we are flying out today. I will try to send this link to my email and pull it up again. I can’t get to half the websites I could with my laptop (can’t even check my comcast voice mail for home anymore via the tablet…:( ) but I am still experiencing a huge learning curve. I miss my laptop so much…and I know once I become more acquainted with the tablet it won’t miss it so much or at all.

        Thanks again.

    • ajalan

      October 21, 2011 at 11:52 am

      @Dawn, Do you don’t have a magnifying glass ?

  20. Dawn

    October 22, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Yes…..that’s how we could see what we did!

    I think the reason it doesn’t reference 110 or 220 is because it generates power via a USB. I think power from a USB doesn’t have to be converted…regardless of the voltage.

    I purchased an adaptor with a USB connection just in case. My Asus Transformer cost more than my laptop so I don’t want to take any chances.

    Thank you.

    Dawn

  21. Cullen

    May 21, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    Hey Mike Thanks for the review! The only problem I’m having is deciding if the slider is too heavy for standing use without the keyboard. I was originally going to buy the Transformer without the dock but then I saw the slider was the same price. Since I live in Canada there is no real place to demo the Slider. My choice is strictly going to be predicated on if the slider is too heavy to carry in one hand so please respond!

    • Dawn

      June 7, 2012 at 3:41 pm

      Like many others (it turns out), I rarely use the docking station/keyboard. I had read so many comments from others stating this but I thought my experience would be different.

      The only time I even take my docking station is when we travel for pleasure. And even then, it never leaves the ship or hotel. I only use it when I upload pictures from my camera as the docking station has the portal. Plus, if I want to do some work on a spreadsheet and want a real mouse, I’ll use the docking station for the USB.

      I was undecided too. But I am so glad that I went w/out the attached keyboard as it is my choice to take it or not.

      Also, if I was going to buy the Slider today, I’d buy an ultra thin 13″ … actually, if I could do it again, I might just do that anyway. 🙂

      I saw the tablet on sale at Fry’s for $399 last week (32)! Great price. But that is technology at its finest.

      Battery life is crazy. And I’ve found plugs on economy sections a lot this year.

      Enjoy.

  22. ajalan

    June 7, 2012 at 8:46 pm

    Hey Cullen, I have the slider now for three months and and want no other anymore, its fantastic to surf and wright. The weight in one hand is not so heavy, it is of courde a little heavier then a ordinary tablet. But most of the time its on my lap or on the table that i use it. Sometimes in the hand but it is not SO MUCH heavier then the transformer tablet. I enjoyed every day and i work all day with it.
    Buy it and have fun !

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