We’ve already seen video of Asus’ Eee Pad Slider in action, and it feels like forever that we’ve been waiting for an official release date for the nifty pop-out tablet concept. Over at Aussie blog Ritchie’s Room, Ritchie’s managed to get a first look at the retail packaging, as well as a suggestion as to when you might be able to buy one.
Ritchie doesn’t offer a comparative review, strictly speaking — it’s more of a hands-on opinion on the Slider — but the pictures tell the story that we didn’t know upfront, especially when it comes to the retail presentation. Ritchie also ends the article on an interesting note; while we’ve been waiting to hear official word from Asus on exactly when the Slider will launch, he ends the piece stating that you could be in line to buy one “later this month”. I’m not sure if that tip is on the money, especially as it’s the end of August. [Ritchie's Room]
lambomann007
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 10:40 AMLater this month, eh? You do realize that today is the last day of this month and that it’s only got another 13 & 1/4 hours left to be released? :P
EckyThump
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 10:46 AMYou know what! I hope the damned thing is as exy as hell, cos I recently bought the transformer, which has identical specs and belatedly the keyboard, but the slider is the one I wish I’d waited for!! #{
olearymo
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:03 AMah, so you added the keyboard? Cool.
Gotta admit, the transformer is the android tab that tempts me the most. Really, best of both worlds. I got an ipad back when there were bugger-all android tabs. Happy with it, but that transformer always draws my eye…
mmmmmmm… (Herbert from Family Guy sound).
Mike
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 2:04 PMA mate of mine has the transformer with the keyboard dock too, I’ll pick up one of these and have fun laughing at him :D might do a side-by-side review.
Jester
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 11:29 AMAww Ecky, do you really hope it’s priced too steeply for the rest of us to enjoy just so you feel better?! :P
I still don’t think I’d get enough use out of a tablet, but if I were in the market, this is what I’d be going for. Best of both worlds.
EckyThump
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 12:14 PM“Aww Ecky, do you really hope it’s priced too steeply for the rest of us to enjoy just so you feel better?! :P”
Yep,…(crosses arms and turns around showing back petulantly) !! #]
Geoff
Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 7:57 AMGee EckyThump sounds like you came out of a similar mold as the Apple addicts :-) Me, I am not an early adopter of technology. I wait until it is improved or proven. Save a lot of money that way.
Sylphier
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 2:00 PMI’m slightly concerned about the “sliding” aspect of this tablet. My friend has a HTC Desire Z, with a similar slider keyboard. He says that the sliding mechanism feels very flimsy and is afraid that after prolong uses the joints will become loose.
Wonder how likely will it happen with the Slider? Otherwise, very looking forward to get one of these, especially if I can find a decent video streamer for Android…
weresmurf
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 2:52 PMSo…….. its a laptop without an optical drive, no hdd, low performance specs, low resolution, low battery life and a high price?
Sorry but that’s what the slide out keyboard turns it into.
olearymo
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 3:09 PMit’s a laptop with a retractable keyboard, a touch screen, an OS highly optimised for a mobile device, perfectly good battery life (where’s your evidence it’s bad?) and a price between netbooks and full laptops.
Sorry but that’s what your argument turns into.
EckyThump
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 3:21 PMTrue, it’s not a laptop, optical drives are quite passée nowadays, the specs are for a touch pad not a laptop, battery life should be comparable with TF101 if it has sister battery 18hrs, otherwise 9hrs, price, meh, cheaper than a laptop. If you want a laptop with cd buy a laptop, these devices are for convenience not power! #}
202halffound
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 3:48 PMThis is exactly what I have wanted from a tablet.
TSH
Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 12:26 PM+1
The Transformer already brought it, this brings it again. I hate using onscreen keyboards, no matter how thin the device is – I just hope this isn’t as thick as the Transformer with dock.
Chris
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 4:24 PMCan’t wait for Apple to come out with some sort of obscure and retarded patent that ASUS have infringed on to prevent this going to market…….