Android fans have been shocked to discover that Asus' Transformer Prime tablet packs a locked and encrypted bootloader, making it nigh-on impossible to modify the tablet to run customised software.
The lock severely limits the amount of tinkering Prime owners will be able to indulge in, and was spotted by a member of the XDA Developers forum.
"This makes it impossible to flash ROMs and kernels which can really unlock the device's full potential," the post reads. "i.e. overclocking, flashing Linux distros, customising, undervolting, potentials of Windows 8 etc."
While that kind of fiddling will be beyond the cares of many tablet shoppers, the ability to mess around with your gadgetry is one of Android's major selling points, especially for ambitious geeks who love to customise their tablets and smart phones.
While Android is traditionally wide-open, Apple is infamous for the control it exerts over its products, making it tricky for anyone who wants to go off-piste when it comes to what your tech can do.
Irate Android fans are taking to the Internet, asking Asus to unlock the bootloader via messages on its Facebook page and tweets directed at the Asus Twitter account.
Last year HTC backed down when it came to locking the bootloader on its mobiles, following a flood of complaints from fans. Asus may perform a similar u-turn, or it may choose to stick to its guns. We've asked Asus for comment, and we'll let you know when we hear more.
Do you love to mess around with your gadgets? Would you buy the Transformer Prime while any customisation is forbidden? Tell us in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters
Comments 4
Add your comment
anonymous 3 January, 2012 16:48
WHere's your 'open' operating system NOW??
anonymous 3 January, 2012 22:30
At least Asus have listened to all the complaints- they say they're making a tool to unlock it. For me personally I couldn't care less if the bootloader is locked or not, but I think it shouldn't be locked: the person rightfully owns it and I think they should be able to tinker with it as they please so long as they take full responsibility if they ruin their device (which Asus have made very clear: unlocking it will void the warranty). They say its for security but am I right in saying that most computers don't have a locked bootloader anyway? It can't be that much of a security concern if most computers are made without one, surely?
olivierm 4 January, 2012 08:57
Locked bootloader wouldn't bother me in the slightest. I've not rooted any of my handset and wouldn't start with a tablet.
I really don't think this is the major selling point of Android btw. Ease of use, google cloud integration, App market and huge availability of handset at any price point is the selling point of Android.
anonymous 5 January, 2012 11:29
Asus have released a statement saying they will provide a tool to unlock the bootloader and are working on ICS.
Apparently the locking of the bootloader was in favour of Google Video's DRM.
Little more to say on thi subject. I hope other manufacturer's will take this as a good example on future releases.