Asus Transformer Prime TF700T or iPad 2: Which is Better?

If you've heard of the Transformer Prime TF700T, you may be interested in how it compares to the current tablet king, the iPad 2. Asus debuted the TF700T variant at International CES in January, and it's nearly identical to the Transformer Prime already shipping out. Where the TF700T really differs from the original Prime is in the display and back cover. The TF700T now offers a 1920x1200p resolution display and altered back cover to help improve the device's GPS tracking, bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi performance. The cover redesign is in direct response to Transformer Prime customer complaints about the device lacking a GPS signal and having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi. While the new display is super-sharp, there is no release date given, so if you've bought the Prime already, you'll have to wait for the updated version.

Transformer Prime TF700T is a 10-inch tablet running the Android 4.0 system and it has front and rear-facing cameras in either 32 or 64 gigabyte versions. It's the first tablet computer to use a quad-core processor, a feature likely to become more common on new tablets in the second half of the year. The TF700T also features a 40 pin connector port for a sold separately keyboard dock. Adding the dock ($150) turns the tablet into a notebook computer, and it includes a trackpad, full-size USB port, SD card slot and extra battery power (up to 18 hours total when connected).

iPad 2 doesn't have a keyboard, but there are plenty of aftermarket versions available. iPad 2 does have a super-thin design, instant-on touch sensitivity, App Store access and a handy feature called Video Mirroring. It's Apple's proprietary name for connecting your tablet to an HDTV so you can watch videos on a larger screen. Instead of using a micro-HDMI port like the Transformer Prime TF700T, iPad 2 requires an Apple made Digital AV adapter and cord to connect the device's charging port to a television. So, instead of buying an HDMI cord, you have to buy Apple's adapter. They are both around $50, so the devices are pretty equal there.

iPad 2's camera also isn't quite as good as the TF700T's, but there are many more apps for the iPad than there are for Android devices. If you focused on apps, Apple might be the better choice. iPad2 is $500 for the 16 gigabyte version, and the TF700T could debut at $500 for the 32 gigabyte version. That's a guess, but it's the same price as the Transformer Prime 32GB version, so it seems likely. Tell us in the comments if you've been to the store to check out the Prime or the iPad.