Asus Transformer Ice Cream Sandwich update coming this month

Asus has promised its Transformer tablet will be updated to Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream Sandwich, before the end of the month.

The Taiwanese company took to its UK Facebook page to keep fans in the loop, saying, "The TF101 [the Transformer] update is still expected in February."

Asus wasn't more specific than that, but as it's the middle of February right now, expect the update within the next couple of weeks.

"As always, when we have a specific date we will let you know," the computer maker added.

The company also made mention of an update for the Transformer Prime, which the company says is designed to "fix the reboot issues experienced by users after installing ICS". Asus says its tests indicate the update fixes that glitch.

I found a lot to love when I reviewed the first Transformer -- beyond the pleasing ker-chunk noise it makes when you slot the tablet into its keyboard dock, I was dead impressed by the build quality, battery life and low price. If you're looking for an Android-powered alternative to the iPad, take a long look at this guy.

I'd be more cautious about recommending the Transformer Prime. While Andy had no issues at all when he reviewed it, this quad-core follow-up has seen its launch plagued with problems, from reports of dodgy GPS to a locked-down bootloader that prevented Android enthusiasts from customising the tablet. Oh, and the company has been sued by Hasbro over the name.

Eesh. But on the bright side, Asus pledged to release an 'unlock tool' for the modding community, and while the Prime has also been bothered by Wi-Fi issues, Asus has said no models on sale in the UK are affected by this quirk.

Although Transformer owners will be impatient to try out Ice Cream Sandwich, I reckon Asus deserves praise for keeping fans informed. That's something many manufacturers are absolutely pants at.

Asus fans may also be interested to know Apple is reportedly putting pressure on factories not to build the Asus' Zenbook ultrabooks, as they compete with the MacBook Air.

What do you think about Asus? Let me know in the comments or on CNET UK's Facebook wall, and point your eyes down a jot for a video of me putting my hands on the Eee Pad Transformer.