How to find the Transformer Prime (or any other out-of-stock gadget)

By JR Raphael (@jr_raphael)

Asus's Transformer Prime is one tough tablet to track down. Since launching the Transformer Prime in December, Asus hasn't been able to keep the thing in stock anywhere; it'll sporadically show up at one retailer or another but then always return to backordered status within a matter of hours.

So how's a tech-lover supposed to get his hands on one these suckers? A lot of people have been asking me that since I broke down and bought one for myself last week. With any hard-to-find gadget, a certain level of luck is involved. But there's a little secret that'll give you an edge over everyone else.

That secret is a website called NowInStock.net. The site constantly monitors hot products and their availability at various retailers, and -- you guessed it -- the Asus Transformer Prime is among its most popular searches. With a couple of clicks, you can sign up to have NowInStock.net send you an alert via email or SMS the minute the Prime becomes available for any retailer or set of retailers you want. You can do the same for the keyboard dock, too.

It's no guarantee you'll be among the first to get there and grab one, of course, but it certainly increases your odds and cuts down on the level of work you have to do. It's how I learned about the Prime briefly becoming available at Best Buy last Friday morning and then about the keyboard dock becoming available later that day.

There are few things I love more than using technology to automate tasks and make life easier. Whether you're trying to find a Transformer Prime or any other out-of-stock gadget, NowInStock.net is a great resource to save a headache and put yourself ahead of the pack. Bookmark it now; you'll thank yourself later.

SEE ALSO:

• Asus Transformer Prime: To buy or not to buy?
• Asus's Transformer Prime TF700T: Some important perspective
• Android 4.0 and the Transformer Prime: This is how upgrades should be done

JR Raphael writes about smartphones and other tasty technology. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.

Article copyright 2012 JR Raphael. All rights reserved.