yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
I purchased both the Infinity tablet and "Infinity" doc, and I am getting the same thing as everyone else to a t. I had a TF101, and I found out about the TF700 before the TF201 came out, and was considering the TF201 until I heard about all of the WiFi / GPS issues due to the fully aluminum case (which I later read could be fixed, but by then the TF700 was around the corner). Anyway, I paid the full MSRP for the dock and the tablet, and 1) unless you insert with a good amount of force, even the supposed Infinity dock lock key doesn't auto lock, so I am thinking there is no difference between the locks.

I could care less about a slight color difference, at least not for the difference in price. I certainly don't want to pay more for a smaller battery.

What I am intrigued about is the talk about TF201 tipping with the supposed older design / battery placement. Are we talking a major issue that everyone consistently complained about? With the dock I have, it is definitely stable no matter which position I have the hinge in, no hint whatsoever of tipping even if I push on the very top of the tab screen to try and tip it back. With the wait of the tablet, and bump on the back of the KB to elevate it a bit, I don't see how tipping could be an issue. Does anyone here using the $100 version of the TF201 dock have any tipping issues? If not, then I am returning this "Infinity" dock and getting a TF201 doc (since according to my system info screen that is what I have anyway).

As far as part numbers on internal parts being different, I could care less unless those different parts actually DO something different. Working at a dealership for Toyota, many of the parts between Lexus and Toyota and Lexus were identical, but they had different part numbers and the Lexus people paid twice as much for the exact same thing. Even worse with VW, Audi, and Lambo. 3 different part numbers, identical parts, but Audi drivers typically pay 2-3x as much, and lambo owners pay 10x's as much. I don't care about what part number matches the model (which in this case, that isn't even the case :(), I just care that the part provides the functionality just as well (or it sounds like better with batter on the TF201 dock, assuming tipping isn't an issue.
[Asus Transformer TF700] gottahavit:
To clarify, I am not trying to be an a$$, If there really is something difference with these docks then great, if the people who paid 60 bucks extra actually got something then great, but given the mess in packaging and distribution and the fact that asus can't get their stories straight I want details and proof why I should return my 99 dollar 201 dock.

When everyone is saying.. "I got ripped off and sent 201 dock" and all pics look same, and all materials are same. Then some asus rep comes on and says "oh no they are all spdcial 700 docks, don't worry, trust us" and suddenly everyone is all "oh ok great thank you", It really makes me laugh.

Add to that he hasn't responded to any direct inquiries for proof....

That said I am loving my infinity and my tf201 dock works flawlessly, though it feels cheaper than my tf 101 dock.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Einride:
That has more to do with driver/firmware re-use than anything I guess.

I also contacted Tien about my newly acquired dock and was told it's a TF700 dock. As for the better weight distribution, it still feels pretty top heavy in my opinion, and if you leave it on a soft surface like a couch it doesn't take much to tip it over and in worse case drop it to the floor. I'm taking great care and not placing it where it can tip over and fall down at least.

Also, the top edge over the power connector, where the plastic and aluminium meets, is extremely sharp! One slip while holding it on the left side could easily cut skin, it's like a knife. The right side with the USB and SD card slot seems better.

The touchpad has two "clicky" corners on the lower left and right, but the entire pad seems to sometimes click every now and then. It doesn't register as a click, it's just mechanical noise. Not a big deal, just noticable.

Other than that the dock feels pretty nice. Keyboard is okay for a chicklet type, keys are responsive and the shortcut keys are a great addition. The touchpad is "widescreen" format so while horizontal scrolling and swiping is fine, vertical is more awkward. It works, but you need to re-position your fingers more often.

It seems the battery indicator isn't updating properly though? It was showing 77% dock and 79% on the tablet one minute ago, but when I now undocked and docked it again, it suddenly updated and showed 65% and 85%. Seems the dock has been charging the battery, but the status wasn't updating. Not sure if it was a one-time thing or not, guess I'll find out soon enough.
[Asus Transformer TF700] mulherns:
I am 100% sure we are being lied to and scammed by Asus!

About a month ago I purchased a TF201 and TF201 dock from Amazon. I then purchased a TF700 from Amazon and a TF700 dock from JR last week. I returned the TF201 tablet but kept the dock to compare to the TF700 dock.

I have both docks right in front of me right now. As with others, the tablet software, clear FCC label on the back, and other stickers, etc. on the box say TF201 while the packaging also says TF700T-DOCK-GR, TF700T Mobile Dock.

Comparing the docks side by side to me they appear to have:

1. IDENTICAL coloring.

2. IDENTICAL weight distribution.

3. IDENTICAL dimensions

They seem identical in every way.

At this point I have to say we've all been lied to and scammed by Asus. I appreciate Tien's attempts to help but I feel he is either being misled himself and believes in lies told by his own company, or is being dishonest to us and perpetuating the scam by saying he has yet to see a serial number submitted to him that is a TF201 dock mislabeled.

I am tempted to open both docks and submit my findings. I don't want to eat the cost though. Maybe I sould take donations via Paypal to open them up and submit a full set of pics on here as evidence. Any thoughts?

---------- Post added at 09:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:16 AM ----------

Another thought...I wonder if since the FCC sticker says TF201 dock and Asus claims it is truly a TF700 one, could Asus be in some hot water with the FCC if I reported them!?!?
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
I just picked up a TF-201 dock (without the stickers for TF-700 compliance from BB for $99), and the FCC stickers have difference FCC certification/licensing numbers on them so it at least looks like Asus did indeed register the new dock with the FCC with a different reg number. I doubt that the FCC would care about it being listed as a TF-201, given they were registered differently.

That said, I just finished taking both of mine apart and taking side by side shots of both externally and internally, and they look IDENTICAL to me, except the newer doc seems to have perhaps a mm or less thinner battery. Both batteries, along with everyone else is in the EXACT same place. There are some diff part number on the PCBs, but I am willing to bet if you got aon older vs. a newer 201 only PCB you would see the same thing. My main point is I think I have photographic proff that we were lied to. I will post pics once I finish putting them back together and have can sort through all of the bad shots, and crop and label the good shots, assuming the forum will let me attach pics since I am a "newbie" and all. I have to wait 5 min between posting something and editing, totally sucks, I feel totally castrated on this forum. On a side note, disassembly was a piece of cake, 8 screws and a spunge and I was done, 5 min or so each. One other thing i noticed, A LOT of empty space in there, so definitely room for more components (4TLE anyone, PCIE slots(or the ARM equivalent), RAM upgrade slots, all kinds of possibilities!). Of course those possibilities would only exist docked, but better than not having the possibilities at all!!

EDIT #1: Another surprise, I decided to take out the batteries, and THEY ARE THE SAME, both 7.5V, 2940 mAH, 22Wh, etc., etc. I weighed them both, and think that it was the old one that was .2 OZ heavier. Yet another lie(but at least this is a good one, the "TF700 battery" is not smaller. TBH, the only difference that I can see between the two is stickers (which you will see in the pics i took, and minor differences at that). Take a guess on which one I am keeping :). SO, the only real issue here is the misleading statements from Asus on the differences between the docs that are shipping right now (where my TF-700 came straight from Amazon, not a 3rd party through Amazon, so I trust I got "the real thing" when it comes to the TF700 version of the doc.
[Asus Transformer TF700] aiu:
Tien,

Then why the dock is reported as TF201 in the About Tablet section in the software? Also I did send you couple of days ago two emails regarding verification of my dock and didn't receive any reply yet.

Thanks,

Alex.
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
I will be posting all of my pics of the TF-201 dock and the TF201-//TF-700 dock side by side in a new threa to make it easier to peple to find a thread with the first post answering their question with photo proof. Will post the link here.
[Asus Transformer TF700] aiu:
This really must be clarified by ASUS! It is unacceptable in my opinion!
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
Photographic Proof that TF-201 and TF-700 docks are identical, except stickers.

Link:
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
But wait a minute - I think it's clear that the TF201 docks are somewhat different as the TF201 dock does not latch automatically like the TF201/TF700 labeled dock does (it latches fine).

So, there must be *some* difference...
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
I don't think that is true. I have both of them right now, and not only did I analyze their latching mechanism when I took them apart (identical), but their behaviors where identical, the both require a good pit pf pressure to fully seat the TF in he KB, but once you have, they both auto lock just finel
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
Interesting.... I've read *lots* of reports that say the opposite and that they must manually "lock" the latch on the TF201 dock.,..
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
Here is the link to my dis-assembly of both docks side by side so you can see that they are identical. I tried swapping docks many times, never once had a lock not fully engage, you just cannot limp wrist the activity of inserting the tablet into thedock, and it will lock just fine. Same thing with my TF-101 even.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1810592

---------- Post added at 03:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:48 AM ----------

Here is my link of my tear down and side by side comparisons between the true older TF docs and the new TF-201/700 doc, no real difference IMO. Regarding color, they match each other in hue better than with match the tab.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1810592

Oh well.

Your move Asus, please with sugar on top come up with something to make this right :). I bet JJ wouild be embarrased.
[Asus Transformer TF700] mulherns:
I agree with this. I have both side by side and they exhibit the same behavior.

---------- Post added at 07:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 AM ----------

AWESOME WORK Craftyhack!!! You have confirmed what I originally claimed with certainty. We've been scammed! Even though Tien from Asus has been polite and responsive, it seems his information is FALSE!

This is almost enough for me to ditch both tablet and dock plus discontinue buying from Asus. This may sound harsh, but if they are willing to carry out these kind of disreputable business practices, do they really deserve my money? This plus the Prime wifi/GPS controversy pretty much seals the deal for me. What a shame!

Also, FWIW, I will be weighing my two docks today provided my coworker brings in his scale and will post results if that happens.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Floortje:
Color of dock

I have the dock. It is exactly the same color as the tablet: grey.

This grey is really grey in some light, but dependant of the different lightsources, it has a blueish or purple shade. This goes for tablet and dock.
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
Yeah, that is actually problem I was having, since the shade of color changes, it was really hard to "compare". Plus I was tired last night, I could barely see by the time I was done, it wasn't a planned endeavor, half of what I typed doesn't even make sense, I quickly fixed that a few min ago on my other post :). At the end of the day, I don't think there is a difference between the two docs and the tablet color.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
Here's a video that mentions the locking mechanism. He talks about it at about :50

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP_gQm3Fgs8
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
He just didn't push hard enough :).
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
Well I waited weeks on my pre-order from Amazon for the dock in hopes that it would be at least a different box..and it's the same one that everyone is complaining about. Oh well. I'm keeping it though. Hopefully later down the line I find out some secret as to how it's special. lol
[Asus Transformer TF700] paysen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGFE-tiR_GA
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
Yes, that's how easily the new dock latches on. I see you say it's the one that you got bundled with the Infinity, so that makes sense. What I'm talking about is the original prime dock that is NOT being sold as an infinity dock. Apparently that one doesn't click when you put an Infinity into it. Mine exhibits the same behavior as yours because it's supposed to be an "official" one.
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
OK, so what dock is that? There is really a TF700 doc out there somewhere? Neither of my doc snapped in that easily, including the supposed TF700 dock. Of is that just a TF201 dock that works better? Or perhaps it was tuned.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
You'd have to ask paysen as he's the one who posted that video. I merely just quoted him to say that my "Infinity Dock" latches that easily too. I do not have to push hard. It is one of the docks with the confusing labeling. I'm just saying that from what I've heard, the original Prime dock requires extra work to get the Infinity to latch that's all. Makes no difference to me, I'm happy with my dock. Just an observation.
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
Sorry if I came out harsh, not intended. I have both (until I send the TF700 doc back this weekend), and regarding how they lock, they are identical in both operation and construction from when I took them apart. I can get both to full lock just by inserting without having to touch the lock, but no way as easily as the linked youtube vid for either of them, I have to seat it pretty good.. Unfortunately my TF700 and TF201 dock are lent out the guy at work that manages the EUDs that we pick for the company among other things (he does all kinds of stuff, one of those enthusiast guru types), or I would play with it to see if there is some tweaking possible, and where the resistance is (in my case)... it may be the TF700 itself vs. the docks, I dunno. Me = confused. I cannot imagine that their manufacturing tolerances are that loose in consistency... so maybe some of the stickered ones really are different? I now have NO IDEA :D.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Alitheia:
Seems we will forever be befuddled about it! I'm thinking maybe we're just "breaking them in." I've had mine less than 24hrs and already it seems easier every time I dock it. I really wish Asus would speak out. By the way, I had it in my lap and it still is easy to tip backwards. No way that tiny fraction of weight loss in the battery actually contributing...

You should send these photos to Tien and see what he has to say.
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
I have sent questions to Tien and ASUS support in general, as have several others. I have received no reply, has anyone else? My biggest question... is there really a TF700 dock out there that has improvements? My second request would be that they update their compatibility matrix to say that the TF-201 dock is compatible with the TF700 to be transparent to their customers on their options. Haven't heard anything back on either.
[Asus Transformer TF700] dahas:
There is not any new TF700 Dock (in a manner of new shape, electronics) is just the same TF201 with label for TF700. Is used including the older 201 box for shiping the 700 dock :) They reuse at maxim all they got and who wish to buy 201 will be the one luck for getting a cheap product or product with low interest.

Who buy TF700 Dock means they can sepend that 50-60 extra. Hope that will make Asus to run on new firmware and get money to pay programers.

Enjoy of your tablet w/o docking who care if is labeled as 201 or 700 as long do they jobs :)
[Asus Transformer TF700] craftyhack:
My TF-201 dock snaps right into place now as well, just took a bit of wearing in. Works fine, and I have no complaints, paid $80 for it, just had to deal with RMA, etc. but that really isn't the big deal. Ethics to me is a big deal, and Asus ethics in this whole deal seam questionable.
[Asus Transformer TF700] dahas:
It is for mee too i hate to get scamed and when i discover them they say deal with it :(

It's a consummer protection who can get in the midle and represend us as the one who got scammed by ASUS not by the seller.

So if you do a compain about consummer proteciton about this i will sign that petition along with others who buy the new 700 dock for higher price than 201 when we buy same product with different labels.

I dont want money back from the seller i want them from ASUS because they make this happend not the sellers.
[Asus Transformer TF700] buhohitr:
Nope that just voltage/current/power rating. Easiest way to tell, If you go into settings--> About tablet--> if your MobilDock version is DOCK-EC20N-0207, then you have the tf201 dock, anything else is the newer version.
[Asus Transformer TF700] Neo3D:
Thanks, that's exactly the MobileDock version I have.

What Asus did with the labeling is confusing as hell!

BTW, which dock is better? The TF201, TF700 or the new TF700 AD01?

I think the TF201 is the best because it has the biggest battery. The TF700 AD01 has a plastic bottom and the port labels are painted on instead of imprinted into metal. However, the TF700 AD01's rubber feet seem slightly recessed so maybe they will stay put more firmly?

I currently have two "TF700" docks and debating which one to keep?

It's so crazy that both are labled "TF700 dock" but they are so different!
[Asus Transformer TF700] buhohitr:
My opinion, the new one is better even with slightly smaller battery, but not noticeable. I knew for fact that the locking mechanism and possible the weight ratio on the tf201 is not as good.
[Asus Transformer TF700] ShadowLea:
My tablet has never toppled over, no matter the angle. And it is docked 99% of the time. Nor is there anything 'unsolid' about the locking mechanism. No pressure, no loose bits, no rattles, nothing. And it's a TF201 dock. (Shipped with the TF700 in the same box).

More and more I get the idea that the EU variants are of an entirely different make than the US ones. Possibly because the EU has quality certification requirements the US doesn't?
[Asus Transformer TF700] Neo3D:
Why do you think the new TF700 AD01 dock is better? I have a few days to return mine.

These are the only things I can think of that are better:

recessed rubber feet mounts

more balance weight distribution

slightly lighter due to plastic material instead of aluminum

Things that are worse:

3.5 Whr less battery life

port labels painted on, not stamped into casing

casing made from plastic, not aluminum
[Asus Transformer TF700] ShadowLea:
This seems a little contradictive. :confused:

Unless they packed weights into the dock itself (making it heavier), a lighter dock would be far more unstable. Physics 101...
[Asus Transformer TF700] Neo3D:
That's what Asus claims.

But it is possible. Have you seen the tear down images of all these docks? The batteries are huge. It's entirely physically possible to use plastic as the shell instead of aluminum (which is the case in the AD01 models) and shift the position of the battery to make the overall unit more stable.

But, I still would prefer a larger battery.
[Asus Transformer TF700] ShadowLea:
Well, Asus also claims there is no I/O issue.... ;)

Regardless of the position of the battery, a stand that is lighter than the object will never be stable. But I quite agree, bigger battery is far more useful. (a couple of grams less or a couple of hours more.. Seriously? Do people actually have to think about that? :laugh:) And as I said, my setup has never toppled over. *shrugs*

I also think the plastic finish is rather cheap. It's supposed to match the tablet, not look like a 10 bucks addition... :rolleyes:
[Asus Transformer TF700] elfaure:
So [MENTION=4362404]buhohitr[/MENTION] are you disputing [MENTION=3374802]craftyhack[/MENTION] 's claim who took them apart that the locking mechanisms *are identical*? If they are identical, how can the TF201 locking mechanism be *not as good*? Or is this an EU vs US thing?? There is a big difference in price and if the locks are identical and the performance near equivalent I'd just assume go with the less expensive one personally. :confused: :confused:
[Asus Transformer TF700] Neo3D:
Well, [MENTION=4362404]buhohitr[/MENTION] couldn't backup his statement so I returned my TF700 dock (AD01 model) yesterday to Walmart.

There are still some places that sell the TF700 dock (TF201 model).

I couldn't see any advantage of the AD01 model that beat out having a larger battery.

Both docks fit the tablet EXACTLY THE SAME. I've had both docks for a couple days and you cannot tell the difference in how they fit the tablet.
[Asus Transformer TF700] screamnslave:
I bought my tablet at best buy and about a week later went back and got the dock. They are the same color. That was several months ago though.
[Asus Transformer TF700] elfaure:
I'm sure he'll get around to a rebuttal. These guys have seen an unusual number of near bricks this week. Maybe he's just been too busy.

Re: Battery Weight vs Weight Distribution: It is actually possible to move less weight farther from the hinge point and make better mechanical advantage against tipping over. Its the product of weight (force) and distance called moment (torque) that determines the reaction force. Tipping happens when the tablets moment exceeds the docks moment about the hinge point. Just that its lighter does not necessarily mean its less stable. That's the lever law. Remember the "sea-saw" when you were a kid and the fat or skinny kid on the other side. Did you notice you had to move out for the fat kid or in for the skinny kid to get it to balance (assume you were an average weight kid)? Physics 201

http://physics.weber.edu/carroll/archimedes/lever.htm
[Asus Transformer TF700] jmsobrino:
The best?

Ok, so, what is the best mobile dock for TF700T plastic or metal ???

1. Mfr: TF700T-DOCK-GR

or

2. Mfr: TF201-DOCK-GR
[Asus Transformer TF700] elfaure:
I don't have a dock. But if weight were not an issue, assuming the metal one is heavier, I could be wrong, but in any case I would go for the metal one personally. The 700 is metal cased and it pairs well. Plastic is cheap and looks cheap and isnt as durable or as impact resistant as metal. Metal would be a better heat sink while charging.
[Asus Transformer TF700] jtrosky:
Agreed - I have a metal dock and I would not be interested in a plastic dock (like the AD01 dock). The metal just give the thing a "premium" feel and like you said, it matches the tablet itself. I just wouldn't want the "plastic" feel, especially when the rest of the device is metal. It's a personal preference though. I don't think that the weight difference would be that noticeable - but then again, maybe it is, I don't have a plastic dock to compare it with.

It's getting harder and harder to find the metal docks though since they've been replaced with the plastic version. In the end, it's probably not a huge deal though - either one will still do what its supposed to! :)