Can't decide between Kindle Fire HD & Asus TF300

12 years ago

I really want a tablet, but won't pay for an iPad. I went in to Staples to look at the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 in person. Ended up talking to the sales guy who said if I am going to spend $299 for the Fire I might as well get the Asus TF300 for $349.

He said that it is faster than the Kindle and has 32 GB rather than the 16 the Kindle has. Also has the rear-facing camera I was hoping for. But I am totally confused. The specs show that the Kindle has better screen resolution but only a dual core processor. The screen images in-store were stunning. I want this mostly for web-surfing, email, reading and streaming videos.

I have a Kindle 3G keyboard model which I love for reading, but I am concerned about how Amazon restricts your access to things on their products. Then again it may not matter based on what I plan to do with it.

I hadn't finished researching what I wanted when Amazon had their one day offer this week of $50.00 off the Kindle so I decided to jump and buy it. Will return it unopened if I decide to go for another tablet.

Can anyone offer any advice?

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Comments (37)

grandms
12 years ago
I'd look at other tablets also before making up my mind. I don't know if you want a 10" or a 7" tablet, but I just bought the Google Nexus 7" 32GB for $249. The 16GB is $199, and it has received rave reviews. You have access to all the apps in the Google Play store, it will sync all your Google accounts, and you aren't limited to what Amazon will allow you to do. BTW, the Nexus is made by Asus also. Now there is a 10" Nexus made by Samsung, I believe. So do some online searching before you spend the money.

The screen is brilliant, too, and there is the ability to speak what you are searching for. Very slick! I'm just learning to use mine and really enjoying it. I have the Nook app, and all my books are there, automatically. Same with Kindle app and those books. I'm sort of open-mouthed about what this thing can do.
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acraftylady
12 years ago
I have the original kindle fire that came out a year ago and love it and use it so much more than my laptop now. My friend got the HD one and I have been helping her with it since I know the kindle well and I really like it.

I will upgrade at some point because I want the one with the bigger screen because I watch netflix on it every night and if I miss a show on CBS and such I watch on it.

I don't worry about storage because all my apps and books are stored in my amazon account so I just connect into wifi to get what I need since I have it at home and it's readily available else where but if you are the type to store up stuff on the device then that might not work for you.

You are locked it amazon's content but if you get stuff outside of amazon it's really easy to side load. Since no tablets do flash anymore there is a work around on the kindle for that. You load the dolphin HD browser and an older version of flash then sites like ABC and such that require flash for the videos will work. The amazon kindle boards talk about this and have all the info. Not sure what other tablets do for flash.

For me the price was right and I have a nice e-reader that I can surf, check email and play games on so I am happy but only thing I had before this was a laptop and desktop so no smart phone or I anything to compare. Mary
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I don't think you should consider this a "toy". That's where a lot of people run into problems. I really feel this is a tool for you in your situation and while you can use a screwdriver for a hammer especially with toys, it's usually better to use the right tool for the job. I do not have much experience with netbooks but I know people who use them and none are too thrilled about them beyond their limited specialty use. That's not to say they're not right for some. More later. I have a small tablet and it's fine for certain things but hasn't gotten and likely will not get much use from me. It's the take with in case I need to access the internet away from home unit and it works fine for that but it's slower and often frustratingly so. It can be useful in a waiting room for a couple of hours waiting for a car repair, Dr. appointment or something to check mail, search info like an address or something, etc. but beyond that it's not a good fit for me. I haven't found it more useful in a store for instance than a pen and paper going back to my PC. I much prefer a notebook computer, for screen size, speed and ease of use. Generally (what's now commonly called) a laptop (it's actually a "notebook" so for this post the terms are interchangeable) will be more functional than a netbook. I'd go with a laptop if I were you and the reasons being: 1) Price. There's a lot of laptops well under $400. Newegg and Microcenter run them for $250-$350 all the time. You might choose to upgrade the RAM a bit, get an external mouse, a USB drive (for transfering & backing up files) and a good carrying case for it and still be about $400 or under. 2) Meeting your needs. It'll do it, and more. It'll also probably have more USB ports than the other options if that's a benefit and is for me. 3) You can use it to play DVDs, CDs and music CDs. You might want to consider something like Netflix or rent some DVDs and watch movies, especially if there's wifi issues at the hospital or even if there aren't such issues. Your granddaughter might like to watch a movie or listen to some of her favorite music. Tablet won't work as well and you'll need more gear with most netbooks. Now let me add a caveat here. Many/most netbooks do not have optical drives (meaning CD/DVD). They'll probably have the ability to connect an external, but that's additional cost and more gear to carry, thus more weight so the netbook advantage there is lost to a notebook (laptop as often called these days). 4) Tagging onto Joyful's suggestion, you might find a used one more readily available if you choose that option. 5) Screen size. I can't say enough to people over about 30-35 looking for new "toys" as far as screen size. I'm using what's called a 17" notebook/laptop and still will zoom in for reading forums and the like. Netbooks will have a smaller screen as will tablets. My 7" tablet serves a limited purpose but would never work for much use at a time. 6) With the larger screen size you can both watch a movie together which could be very comforting to both of you or play a game together or any number of things. You could also connect an external mouse and keyboard to put in your lap and keep the unit on a sturdier table if that might be a benefit. 7) This is a rather small advantage but certainly worth consideration. Are you ready to explore a new technology when you're going to be under stress? A notebook will be far more familiar to you in operation than the others. A new one will likely have Windows7 on it but even if you're used to XP you can set it up or have it set up to look and feel like XP. Again, not a big thing, but worth mentioning. I like a keyboard and mouse. For many things I also like they number keypad and you can get a USB external one for about $25. Your needs might not need one though. Whichever of these you choose will be subject to theft so you need to keep security in mind. But your budget is reasonable and worst case, wouldn't be a huge loss. Each piece of gear has it's advantages and disadvantages. If weight is a big consideration, then the tablet wins. Versatility, the laptop wins. Compromise, depending on needs a netbook could work. For me, I can't see a time where a netbook would be better for me than the 15" notebook. Screen size is important to me. The weight of my 15" is not objectionable. I used to take it with me when I traveled to look up routes on the mapping program and check email, etc. I'm always annoyed when I see a situation where someone asks what they should get and give their needs and then someone says something like "I have the Binford 6000 and I LOVE it!" but won't say what *their* needs are and *why* it's perfect for them. Their needs may be different than yours so be sure to keep YOUR needs, desires and budget in mind rather than mine or theirs. BTW, one suggestion, if you go with a netbook or notebook, toss a 6'-10' extension cord in the case to keep power available. You probably want to keep it fully charged anyway if you go someplace you don't have outlet access. A tablet might not need it as much. Good luck to you and your granddaughter.
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I hope Sue sees this before it ends as of now it is showing only on for another 11 hours. Since this is in the flash section you do have to be registered on the site to view but it is a quick and easy free registration for their site. I have been a registered member for years now and buy stuff quite often. I don't know that I have ever had my Asus go completely dead on the battery, it lasts a really long time. I plug it in first thing in the morning since I take it to bed and read or surf at night, when I am done using it at night I do turn it totally off which saves the battery but during the day once it is charged I rarely plug it back in. And this tablet will come with Android 4.0 but once connected to wifi it will let you know you have updates and it will update to the most current version of Android, that is what mine is on now.
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anyone interested Tiger direct has posted their cyber monday deals and they will have an ASUS RB-TFT101-B1 Eee Pad Transformer Tablet NOW: 239.99 Plus Free Shipping** here is all the info ASUS Eee Pad Transformer 10.1" Android Honeycomb Tablet (Refurbished) ******************************************* With a slim, lightweight design and a 10.1" IPS capacitive display made from durable and scratch-resistant glass that is viewable at angles up to 178Ã¯Â¿Â½, the versatile ASUS RB-TFT101-B1 Eee Pad Transformer Tablet is the perfect tablet for anyone who wants to enjoy multimedia on the move, and wants to have easy access to the web, email, and other productivity applications. A custom user interface provides easy access to the many features of the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system, while the NVIDIAÃ¯Â¿Â½ Tegra(TM) 2 chipset provides full support for Adobe(R) Flash(R) 10.2, smooth HD video conferencing and playback, a lightning fast web experience, and incredible mobile gaming performance. NOW: 239.99 Plus Free Shipping** TF101A1 Eee Pad Transformer this is not the one I got the one I got is the latest version the TF300, but it is still a good price. this price apparently does NOT include the keyboard dock that would have to be a separate purchase. They have it listed as $74.99. Big Lots flyer lists the Vizio Vtab like mine is on for $149.99 till 12-1-12 here is their info from the flier 4GB internal storage (32GB with microSD card, sold separately), capacitive multi-touch screen, VIZIO Internet Apps Plus(TM), 1024 x 768, front facing camera, WiFi, play video & music on your TV, pre-loaded apps include Google Market/Play Store, Netflix, Hulu, Nook and more, 90 day free trial at HULU Plus, 30 day free trial of Netflix * 8" screen. that vizio has honeycomb not ice cream sandwich.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
I am typing this from my fabulous new Asus tf300 transformer that I got for Christmas I am extremely happy with it. It is fast, the resolution is very crisp,the size and weight are perfect. It is pretty much exactly the same as the nexus 7 but in 10 inch form. Both made by Asus both have the tegra quad core, but mine does have sd card slot and with the dock there is a second full size sd card slot and usbport. Igot the dock too. I got mine with the dock for less than the price you quoted for just the tablet! There are some great sales this time of year.

I can not express how much I love this transformer. Definitely highly recommend it.
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beache
Original Author
12 years ago
ravencajun,

Aren't the docks alone $150.00?? Can you tell me where you got your TF300 at such a great price and what you paid for the tablet?
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juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl
12 years ago
Congratulations on your new Transformer, RC. I don't have one but I know exactly how you feel when you comment about how much you love it. I have the Google Nexus 7 and share the same open-mouthed wonder and enthusiasm for this device that Grandms expressed in her earlier post in this thread.

Isn't it great that, as adults, we still can get toys that bring us this kind of "new bike" excitement? There's a kid still inside each of us!
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grandms
12 years ago
Yeah!!!!!
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debo_2006
12 years ago
beache....Woot had the Transformer with dock as a one day deal recently. The price for both, if I remember correctly was $279 or $300, something close to that. Raven may have gotten it there as I know she is big on those deal sight. So am I but I passed on that one. :-(

The TF300 seems to get glowing reviews.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
I did indeed snatch it up on the one day sale at woot. Itwas under $300 for the tablet and dock. I just could not pass that up, and my husband was happy he wouldn't have to go shopping for my gift.

The reviews are great on it and they are spot on. The dock is great it is a very nice size keyboard. It also has a battery and you can charge the tablet from and it really extends the battery life.

Right now I am sitting in my RV parked on a beautiful lake surrounded by giant 100yr old oaks dripping moss here in Cajun country Louisiana, and my transformer in my hands, life is good lol!

Watch those dailydeal sites they have had it on a couple more times since I got mine. It was also on several black Friday sales.
I have been wanting the transformer since the first version, glad I waited for the tf300. It has not disappointed.
Yep I love my toys too LOL.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
By the way it is running jellybean and I have flash 11x running on it just fine. Can play flash games and videos easily. I have the stock browser, dolphin, chrome and one called puffin which I really like,puffin is very fast.
Am trying out a few different keyboard programs. Ihave been using swiftkey3 on my phone and other tablets. I really like it but this swipe is pretty good too.
So many things to try out.
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beache
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the info. I will watch for a sale!
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urlee
12 years ago
I am typing this from my fabulous new Asus tf300 transformer that I got for Christmas I am extremely happy with it. I can not express how much I love this transformer. Definitely highly recommend it.

raven, Can't email you so will write here hoping you catch it.
I have a hankering to buy an Asus tablet. I have been thinking of the tf700. You speak so highly of the tf300, it makes my decision difficult. (smiles)
One thing I have noticed is the Display on the tf300 is an LCD and the tf700 is LED. My Bedroom TV is LED and my Living room TV is LCD which I like better. At a certain angle, the LED looks like a negative on dark scenes.
Does LED vs LCD make a difference on tablets??
Would you have gotten the tf700 if the price was right?
Thanks
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
That's a difficult question to answer. I know that Asus sent out the jellybean update to the Tf300 fast and Tf700 owners weren't happy about it.
I can't speak for anything other than what I have, and I have to admit I'd highly recommend the one I have. Now would I say the same of the 700, I don't know. I would think so since they are quite similar and Asus makes great tablets.
I am very happy with my screen and resolution I have never tried one of the led screens on a tablet so you would know more about it than me. I love it on my big monitor. However the 700 has a higher quality screen with super ips and higher resolution so with out doubt it will look better.
If I had the money eating a hole in my pocket I probably would have bought the 700 it's the flagship.

great article here
happy hunting let me know what you get

Here is a link that might be useful: comparison
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
by the way just saw last night that best buy had the tf300 docks for $49 that is just mind blowing cheap but they are only in black which really would not matter since it is the bottom. Mine is that dark blue which looks black in some light. I have only used mine with dock once I normally use it just as a tablet.

Another difference is that the 300 case is plastic and parts of the 700 are aluminum. That was not a concern to me since I always put mine in a case of some sort.
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urlee
12 years ago
WOW!
Thank you so much for getting back to me and with very good info offered.
Lots to take into consideration.
Thanks,
urlee
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luis_pr
12 years ago
Some aluminum products scratch easily. Research that too (and let us know)... if scratches are something that will drive you crazy.
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jerry_nj
12 years ago
Wow, and I don't even know what a Tablet is, I'd better check-it-out. Can anyone recommend a site to read about Tablets and what makes them so great/better? Then too, I don't know what an iPOD is (a smart telephone?) - are they competitive with a Tablet, or is a Tablet the new Notebook.

I always find "ravencajun" input and advice helpful and, reading this thread, I think I discover where the name/handle comes from. Quoting: "Right now I am sitting in my RV parked on a beautiful lake surrounded by giant 100yr old oaks dripping moss here in Cajun country Louisiana, and my transformer in my hands, life is good lol! "
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urlee
12 years ago
Hi Jerry,
What started me off on a tablet was the demonstration on what you can do with them that was shown on HSN TV some while back.
I like the portability and "Qwerty" (on screen) keyboard they have.
I have come across video's of them in my searching but off hand do not have where. The URL is a list of some to look at and maybe will help a little with info.

Here is a link that might be useful: Tablets to compare
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urlee
12 years ago
Here is one place I have been to that may be helpful.

Here is a link that might be useful: Difference of
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luis_pr
12 years ago
Quoting: "Right now I am sitting in my RV parked on a beautiful lake surrounded by giant 100yr old oaks dripping moss here in Cajun country Louisiana, and my transformer in my hands, life is good lol! "

It just occured to me... he sounds like he is on a place where wi-fiis not available. How was the Internet connection made with the TF300??? Unless they are putting Starbucks near 100yr old oaks!
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
lol Luis I am a she, and the RV park that I stay at in South Louisiana has Wi-Fi, which is how I was online. However I also carry an ATT USB air card which lets me connect through cellular network.

You bet I am a proud Cajun from down on the bayou in South Louisiana. I am currently not living there but my family is.

Since I got my current Asus transformer I find I am rarely ever on my computers. It does pretty much every thing I need.
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luis_pr
12 years ago
Oh and ah! My apologies. I could picture you in a state park miles away from civilization when you said something about connecting while seated besides the big ole oak tree!

I do not have an ASUS but was wondering, do you physically connect the ATT USB Air Card to the ASUS? Never seen one of those cards.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
No I carry a small portable wireless router with me, the usb card plugs into the usb port on the router, then the router enables me to have wifi in my RV and can use any of my various wifi devices including my Asus Tablet. Plus it affords me security when using a public wifi since I am connecting to my router with WPA2 security and double firewalls.

The RV park is very rustic and laid back but there is a store/office there and they have wifi in there if you are close enough you can use their wifi for free.

Here is a look out of my living room window in the RV at our wonderful relaxing view!
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grandms
12 years ago
Ahhhh, Raven, this does bring back memories of our RVing days. But we haven't done this in two years now. Loved every minute of it, too, including the time we spent visiting Cajun country and enjoying the good food and music. By the way, our last name is the same as the owner of the KOA in Lafayette (unless he has sold to someone else). Found out our last name is fairly common in that area. However, my husband's family is German although they hail from the Alsace-Lorraine area of Europe.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
Louisiana is such a mixing pot of nationality I would not be surprised at any names down there. There's a large German population in areas.

We have truly enjoyed our RV excursions.
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WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
12 years ago
Raven, I have recently started thinking about purchasing a tablet. Do you have the ASUS Transformer Pad TF300TG or
ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T? Also, would you mind giving more statistics on the small portable wireless router, please.
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
I have the Tf300t.

The router is small palm size, the Asus dock does have a full size USB port so I probably can plug the air card into it, but I don't use the dock often.

The router is a zyxel

Here is a link that might be useful: zyxel
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grandms
12 years ago
Several companies make routers that work with cellular service. One well-known company is Cradlepoint. I have had one of their routers for several years since my only service is 3G and I need a wireless signal for laptop and tablets. These devices are much less expensive now than when I bought mine (always the story with electronic devices).
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Elmer J Fudd
12 years ago
For those looking for a "router" for sharing data over cell services, there are additional alternatives to using a USB dongle with a portable router:

- A "mobile hotspot", a combined cellular "modem" and router in one small package. Offered by the major carriers. Cost- wise, it's like having another phone, you pay to buy the device and have a (usually 2 year)contract with monthly access and data usage charges.

- Most smart phones can operate as a mobile hotspot. Also called "tethering". The advantage with this is that there's nothing additional to buy and (at least with some carriers) no contract is necessary. You can turn it off and on as you wish, and apply usage to the phone plan you already have. The disadvantage is if you're not plugged in, the steady stream of cell data and wifi usage will eat through your battery life. I don't know if a tethered connection can be encrypted. It's convenient for occasional use, with my carrier, it's $ 20 per month prorated for the days it's turned on, so it's like 70 cents per day.
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WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
12 years ago
Thanks for the info Raven, Grandms, and Snidely.
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WalnutCreek Zone 7b/8a
11 years ago
Raven, would you mind explaining what your following statements refer to, please: "I have flash 11x running on it just fine. Can play flash games and videos easily." I just don't want to buy a tablet that I cannot play games on if I want to and/or watch movies and anything else I want to do. With PCs, I am pretty knowledgeable, but know nothing about tablets. TIA
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acraftylady
11 years ago
I wish the websites that require flash would update to what ever it is they use now, HTML5 is it someone told me? Stupid that adobe stopped support of flash on adroid devices when the websites won't change over or at least some places I visit on my tablet haven't.

I am able to do a workaround on my kindle fire so if I miss a show on ABC I can watch it but if I didn't do the work around ABC shows won't play on the built in browser. Mary
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genes
11 years ago
Got this a few weeks ago and love it..quad core, 8GB internal storage and mini SD slot for up to 32GBs..normally around $250..got it on sale for $148..at that price it is super
http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Acer-ICONIA-TAB-A110_id7141
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marciasc
11 years ago
I bought the 9" Kindle Fire HD and love it! I don't have to pay for anything to get on the Internet. I like it because anything that I have with Amazon like books or music are put onto it free. I just found out that all the music I had bought in the last couple of years can be listened to on my Kindle. I have CDs that I bought for gifts but now I can listen to them myself.

I just bought a DVD of Downton Abby, which hasn't arrived yet, but I can watch it on my Kindle now.....which I did last night. Wifi is easy to find and use.
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acraftylady
11 years ago
It's actually 8.9 inches and I take it you got the one where you pay $49.99 for the year and get 250mb a month with 4g? After one year you will pay what ever the monthly rate is for AT&T 4g, probably a lot more than $50 a year but it is a nice introuductory rate.

I wonder what the fees are if you go over in a month? If you stream and download a lot on 4g I can see that happening so I would only use it for lite surfing and email then wifi the rest of the time. I want the larger screen only because I watch netflix and HBO on mine a lot. Mary
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marciasc
11 years ago
ACraftyLady, yes, I know it is 8.9 but when they first started talking about it they said 9 so I just say that.

I pay nothing extra as I have wifi as I said above. This is what I got: Kindle Fire HD 8.9"
8.9" HD Display, Dolby Audio, Dual-Band Dual-Antenna Wi-Fi, 16GB.

I am very happy with it. I also have the Kindle just to read books. This Fire is great for watching movies and TV shows.
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acraftylady
11 years ago
Oh I see but you sill pay for your main Internet. Mary
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
11 years ago
Asus transformer Tf300t is on sale at woot again, tablet and dock $330 this is the 32GB version.

Here is a link that might be useful: woot
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Can't decide between Kindle Fire HD & Asus TF300

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