DailyTech - ASUS Eee Pad Transformer in Low Supply, Plagued by Component Shortages

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Gadgets ASUS Eee Pad Transformer in Low Supply, Plagued by Component Shortages
Mark Kurlyandchik - May 3, 2011 7:44 AM

12 comment(s) - last by priusone.. on May 5 at 8:17 AM

ASUS can only manufacturer 10,000 devices a month

If you were hoping to get your hands on one of the nicely priced ASUS Eee Pad Transformers, you might have to wait until mid-summer.

Netbook News is reporting that components shortages are plaguing production of the impressive Android-based tablet. Rather than manufacturer the target 300,000 devices per month, ASUS has been able to deliver at a rate of 10,000 per month.

Component shortages have been particularly widespread since the 9-magnitude earthquake devastated Japan in March. Analysts predicted that the problem could be a bane to many companies in the second quarter of the year, affecting even major players like Apple.

ASUS is expected to be able to ramp up production of the Transformer in mid-June, when more components are to become available.

Until then, you can try your shot at finding the elusive tablet here.

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RE: Timing

By CurseTheSky on 5/3/2011 9:31:53 AM , Rating: 2

I'm in the same boat. I have a pre-order on Amazon for the 32GB model, and I'm toying with the idea of cancelling it and picking up something different.

It's not that I dislike the Transformer or that the delay is pissing me off that much, but it is making me second guess whether or not it'll actually be a useful device or just another toy.

Too bad I can't find a small (~10-11") laptop / netbook with enough horsepower to make it bearable, decent resolution (1280x800 or similar), awesome battery life (8+ hours), and a decent price tag. One can dream, eh?

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RE: Timing

By cknobman on 5/3/2011 10:07:40 AM , Rating: 2

HP dm1Z series is just what the doctor ordered my friend.

Uses AMD e-350, radeon 6320 graphics, 3gb ram, 1366x768 11.6 screen, 320gb hard drive and only $449 (that is without even using any promo codes or discount to lower price!!!!!!!!!!!)

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RE: Timing

By Mitch101 on 5/3/2011 10:54:39 AM , Rating: 2

Buddy of mine just got his Acer Iconia Tablet and he loves the device im going over on Friday to check it out. Time will tell but hes a gadget guy and if he gives the thumbs up it must be good.

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RE: Timing

By Cheesew1z69 on 5/3/2011 12:26:13 PM , Rating: 2

I had it as well, I liked it, but the Asus has an IPS screen, which I have been reading is better, and the Iconia cost more. I took it back because the corner seemed to be a bit flimsy and had some play in in, I was afraid it was going to get worse over time and did not like that.

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RE: Timing

By therealnickdanger on 5/3/2011 4:02:45 PM , Rating: 2

I picked up the Iconia (literally picked up, not bought) demo at Best Buy over the weekend. It's really cool... until you remember that the ASUS Transformer gives you a slightly better device (on paper) for $50 less. If the Iconia were also $399 or $379, then it would be much more attractive. Also, the Transformer does have the cool keyboard option, even if it is overpriced. The beauty of competition is that these things will only get better and less expensive over the coming months.

I'm not knocking the Iconia, it was a very smooth and fluid experience, very good screen and easy to hold. But the whole time I was thinking, "Too bad it's more expensive than the Transformer."

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