The Asus Transformer Prime may have only officially gone on sale yesterday, but it's already creating quite an uproar, with shipping delays and the announcement of a revised model irking those of you who have just shelled out for one.
The Transformer Prime officially went on sale on Thursday 12 January and many customers were expecting to immediately kick back with their new tablet-cum-laptop over the weekend. Unfortunately many pre-orders have been postponed, leaving customers understandably upset. One such customer got in touch with us, explaining that his order with Amazon had been "postponed indefinitely".
Of course, we can totally sympathise with the frustration -- if we're left without tech for more than five minutes we break out in a horrible rash -- so we got in touch with Asus. It told us that the delays were due to the sheer number of orders and that more stock was expected to arrive soon. We don't quite know what that "soon" might mean, but it's safe to assume that you may have at least a few weeks to wait.
It's not plain sailing from there for Asus though. Over at CES in Las Vegas, an update to the Prime was unveiled packing a 1080p-resolution screen and updates to the back casing that improves GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities. If you've already bought the original Prime, it's at this point that you should rightly be wondering why your expensive new tablet has been replaced before you've even taken delivery of it.
More worryingly still, the fact that Asus has made improvements for connectivity suggests that there are known issues on the current model. Although Asus wouldn't comment on any such problems, we're forced to remember the old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Asus did fix it, so it must have been broken, although in our time with it, we didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, so it might not be a widespread problem.
Annoyingly, Asus wasn't able to tell us what the exact situation was on this new model. It could be a more 'premium' version that sits alongside the Prime -- in which case we'd expect it to have an even higher price tag than the original Prime. Alternatively, the cost may be reduced, which won't please those of you who've already bought it.
Then again, it might be a direct replacement, in which case we'd sincerely hope that Asus offers a trade-in scheme to avoid a riot from those who've spent £500 on a now outdated tablet.
Without having official confirmation on the situation with the new model from Asus, it's very difficult to suggest a course of action. If you've already pre-ordered a model and haven't had it yet; hold tight, it's on its way. When it does arrive, you can update it to Ice Cream Sandwich and enjoy the power from that quad-core chip. We'll keep you updated on whether Asus opts for a trade offer with the new model.
However, if you're looking to buy a Prime but haven't already spent your money, it's probably worthwhile waiting until Asus explains exactly what's going on. Unless you just can't wait a moment longer to get your hands on one -- which we'd sympathise with -- it's still a brilliant bit of kit.
We'll keep poking Asus over the coming weeks to try and get more details so make sure to keep it CNET UK for all the latest news. Have you already bought a Prime? If not, will this put you off investing? Let us know in the comments below and over on our Facebook page.
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MikeBuck_1 13 January, 2012 15:48
I was going to buy one, but delayed ordering and am pleased i did. As much as these Wifi and GPS problems are being played down by ASUS, they are kinda needed especially when WIFI is the only way you can get it connected to the internet without doing a potentially expensive bluetooth tethering to your phone.
They have replaced the cool looking metal back (that seems to be the cause of the issues) with an average looking back with a plastic strip at the top.
Personally I would have said they could have made a similar looking plastic back, and put that on the current tablet, those who have one already get a replacement back. That would make everyone happy and would make ASUS look good to customers. But why make yourself look good when you can screw over customers and make more money! well short term anyway, cos those people won't buy another product from ASUS.
However i'm using common sense there, and as working where I do has proved to me, common sense and large company decisions generally don't mix!
anonymous 13 January, 2012 16:13
After viewing all this madness I have quickly decided on one thing.. I will not buy 201. Instead.. I will look for a good deal on TF101 which is actually very good even today.
There is an old Chinese wisdom " Don't believe whatever is too cute!"
Bye bye 201!
Simon Ayling 13 January, 2012 16:14
What annoys me most in this debacle is Currys PC World, who advertise a pre-order service, take your money at the point of ordering (not a token value deposit, but the whole sum), and then seemingly don't order enough units - or at least they don't seem to have had any thought of stopping pre-orders once they're allocation was up. At least Amazon did the latter, as did eBuyer and many of the other 'pre-order taking' rEtailers did.
If they hadn't charged my card and had been honest about the transaction from the outset - and I mean OPEN and honest - then I might not have cancelled my order and gone elsewhere.
The announcement about the 'upgraded' version, when taken with the ordering fiasco here, leads me to think that whatever shipping date is announced for the new one should be taken with a mountain of salt!
anonymous 13 January, 2012 16:41
This was my first dive into the world of tablet computing. I'm not a techie, but felt I'd done my homework and pre-ordered the Prime through Amazon. The expected delivery date given..? Jan-4 thru Feb 24... in other words 'we haven't a clue'... I was disappointed, but ok, it's gonna be great when I DO get it... but now there is a prime/PRIME aka 700?! Really??? and you're not just going to auto upgrade those awaiting Primes to the new version ... even though they are basically the same unit but the 700 has the new back to fix the gps/wiFi issues and enhanced screen resolution?! I've not cancelled my original pre-order... am waiting to see what happens with the 700. I'm not worried about having the latest and greatest, but am NOT ok with having my version be outdated before it even reaches my hands.....
bashingleton 13 January, 2012 17:48
My prime arrived on Monday morning from Carphone Warehouse after ordering it on Friday - that's a full 3 days before their website said they were going to deliver.
I've never been very impressed with tablets but I LOVE this one. I haven't had any issues at all with wifi or GPS, and the upgrade to ICS was seamless and in total contrast to the nightmare I've had with iphones/ipads etc.
As for the upgraded HD version, I'm not that fussed - the wifi works fine on mine as it is and I don't need more mega pixels on the cameras (which I doubt I'll use anyway). As for the screen, it's gorgeous as it is. So very very happy with my purchase!
anonymous 13 January, 2012 18:25
Exactly what bashingleton said!
Ordered on Carphone Warehouse, came in 2 days. Love this tablet, no issues with wifi, updated to ICS and it's flying. Wouldn't pay 100 pounds extra for a better camera or screen.
anonymous 13 January, 2012 18:27
I got one, but it had the "Serial Number Unknown" bug and cannot upgrade to ANY firmware, including Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This has been a Huge Issue for people going back until the middle of December, Asus has yet to acknowledge or respond to this issue at all.
I even filled out a Tech Request after registering my Prime and joining Asus' website. They are supposed to respond within 48 hours then you are advanced to "urgent" so it is quickly responded to.
It has been 3 days and I still have not been responded to. I should have been upgraded to "urgent" with my request, so I must not be too urgent since I am being ignored.
I find it ridiculous that Asus has all of these "Serial Number Unknown" issues going back to December, and their Customer Support says there is nothing wrong with it. Also, Asus Customer Service reps have flat out denied all week that Ice Cream Sandwich was released, telling many it is a "malicious" release and not to download it. Meanwhile, they are touting ICS on Facebook and Twitter, but Customer Service Reps are denying it.
I have had nothing but problems with Asus, and If you are lucky to get a working Prime, good for you. But cross your fingers you do not have to deal with Asus. This is the customer service I have ever seen.
anonymous 13 January, 2012 18:27
I too have cancelled my order with PC World. First because I have grave doubts as to the wifi performance and don't want to sit with an expensive paperweight in my garden shed (work place). Second because Asus has put out a product which has not been thoroughly tested and is making no attempt to fix or compensate buyers. Third because they have the cheek to promote a 'fixed' version at CES 2012 before UK customers have even received their long awaited pre-ordered tablet. Fourth because the day before it was due to be dispatched PC World emailed to say it was delayed until early February " due to circumstances beyond our control". The whole thing from manufacturer to resellers is a fiasco. Thinking iPad 2 paid and delivered within 24 hours.
anonymous 13 January, 2012 18:40
Already selling at one online companay today in the US for $100 cheaper, no way to know if it is an special promotion, but I suspect another company dumped them since they are in such high demand and have so much negative press.
peterpoose 13 January, 2012 18:54
I ordered my Prime from CPW 2 weeks ago. I received an email today telling me it has been dispatched.
As for the new Prime, I totally disagree with a new Prime being promoted before we even receive the last one.
I would love for Asus to offer a trade in for the new one when it is out but I am not very hopeful of that so I will probably sell this Prime and upgrade when it is released.
anonymous 13 January, 2012 19:28
Peterpoose, new TF700 was a featured release on 11 January before the UK release date of 12 January. What's to disagree with?
peterpoose 13 January, 2012 19:36
As I said, I pre ordered 2 weeks ago before they released details of this new Prime. Had I known I would have waited.
What was it about my post that you didn't understand?
anonymous 13 January, 2012 20:00
I live in Vancouver and have the prime and dock since Tuesday of this week. While I love the tablet I have a major issue with the WiFi signal strength. I have my router in a bedroom and sitting through most of the house I get a fair signal (excellent with my laptop) with the prime WiFi and a link speed that varies from 2mbps to 60mbps, but if I am about 15 yards away in my front room the signal drops off. I am sitting in my family room now and have only on bar highlighted on the WiFi icon with a signal strength of fair. I will say this I was in a coffee shop this morning and got 4 bars and a good signal. When I am standing beside my router I get an excellent strength signal but what worries me is the rapid dropoff with every couple of steps. like I said the tablet is great and ICS is cool but I'm considering strongly on returning it as we have a 14 day return policy here...all because of the WiFi issue. Anyway ...food for thought!
anonymous 13 January, 2012 20:57
People wont learn. PC World/Currys is a horrible company with nasty customer service (my experiences with the high street shops). That £50 voucher that you got, is pretty much useless if you read the t&c's. I would cancel and re-order through Amazon, at least you know what you're getting and you're not feeding a company that should not exist.
I'm not cancelling my pre-order for the luscious Champagne Gold Prime..who uses GPS on a tablet when you have a phone?! And the wifi..well if thats a problem then I'll send it back..easy. But from what I've heard, I doubt there'll be a problem. The resolution..yeah great for movies, but more pixels will mean worse looking stretched apps.
Come on Asus! I can't wait any longer for your beautiful product!
anonymous 13 January, 2012 22:53
The 701 will feature a better screen, better GPS (possibly wifi) and a better front camera.
It is being sold as a premium model not replacing the prime. It doesn't make the 201 obsolete in the least. That's just the "I have to have the latest and greatest" feeling you get from tech marketing.
If you want to pay $100 more for those features, great. If not no big deal you're still getting the best android tablet out there.
anonymous 14 January, 2012 01:34
After we spent all the money we wanted on the kids, we then started thinking of what to get each other for x-mas. I started looking into tablets, found that perfect one...but I could not get my hands on one anywhere. I looked and researched until I called ASUS and the told me that the ones that got released in DEC. were a limited release only and that in JAN. more where coming. I checked every day and then finally it was available on bestbuy.com so I got it and rushed it to me. I got it on the 10th, the battery was dead, not used to that, then when it turned on it started doing updates which was a good update to ICS and whatever else. So on the 11th when I really got to start messing with it, i was having problems with things getting pressed by themselves and things moving around on the home screen, I opened the Superpad app. and it would draw and make dots all by itself. So I pressed the reset button..nothing....so I did a factory reset and did not sync my old stuff this time just did the bare minimum to get the tablet going. Worked good beautiful display, very responsive, highly impressed....then while I was in YouTube it started pausing and playing, and clicking on things again....irritation. So I called ASUS and was on hold for at least 30mins. Then the guy told me that I had to send it in but they don't pay for it to go there, and I had to fill out a form they sent me online, and I had to send a paper writing what the problem was (typed is what they preferred) paid the 30 bucks to get it to the address.....now I find out there is a better model coming out....REALLY!!!
mikeninafa 14 January, 2012 01:55
PLEASE DO RIGHT BY YOUR CUSTOMERS ASUS!!!!!
anonymous 14 January, 2012 04:57
I unloaded my Prime tonight. I didn't cheat anyone (sold at cost) but I also did not inform them that WI-FI isn't as strong as it should be. My intentions are to wait until Q2 to get the new Prime. I want the better resolution, better camera, & a working GPS. I was able to download ICS and it is really nice/sweet. I have bought into the retail hype and will wait.
anonymous 14 January, 2012 09:06
Delay due to the sheer numbers of Pre-Orders!!!
What a joke. How on earth Asus can say this when they didn't even deliver to the main stores on release day.
Yet more marketing PR from Asus.
I have a TF101 which works very well. I was going to purchase the TF201. Instead I'll wait and see who else will be able to provide me not only a working Tablet but some decent honest open truths to boot.
anonymous 14 January, 2012 11:08
to me the tf700 is not better than the original prime because exactly the same hardware has a bigger screen to power, which in some cases might lower performance. I just hope GPS and WiFi work as they should in the new version. Still, ASUS should take some marketing lessons from Apple
bazmos 14 January, 2012 11:54
NON-TECHIE ALERT
Hi, Bazmos here,
I want a tablet to replace my current net book.
I liked the Asus Transformer but decided to wait for the Prime.
All these delays and rumours are making me nervous.
I am a non-techie. i don't need a top spec machine
Should I just go ahead and buy the original Transformer that was such a success before they "improved" it. Or should i go out and buy an iPad.
anonymous 14 January, 2012 14:38
I had placed a pre-order for the new Prime with Amazon, but was told this week that deliveries had been delayed. By chance I spoke to a friend who had obtained his tablet from Comet. A previous Asus Transformer owner he was immediately disappointed with the poor Wi-Fi connnectivity. He could not obtain a usable signal even in the same room as his wireless router. He has sent it back and obtained a refund. I've cancelled my order & will wait for an updated model to arrive.
anonymous 14 January, 2012 16:01
Guys - Sign the Petition re the faulty TP201.
http://www.change.org/petitions/jonney-shih-chairman-jerry-shen-ceo-fix-or-replace-transformer-prime-model-tf201
I too am desperate to get a Prime (pre-ordered) - but one that works! What good is a Wi-Fi only device with poor wi-fi ??? More to the point how the hell did it get to be that way? ASUS AREN'T going to "boost" or improve WiFi/GPS on the 700 - because they can't ! all they're going to do try to make sure that the 700 is capable of receiving the signals and doesn't BLOCK WiFi/GPS - there's a world of difference. They're touting a fix as an upgrade !!!
anonymous 14 January, 2012 17:21
Sign Petition : "Asus: Fix or Replace the Transformer Prime model TF700" on change.org . 950+ already signed
anonymous 14 January, 2012 17:24
*model TF201
John Webb 14 January, 2012 21:00
I have cancelled my order given the clear problems, ASUS and PCW changed the spec to withdraw the GPS and a Youtube video comparing TF101 with TF201 clearly shows the lousy WiFi problems. It was clearly not fit for purpose as I ordered against the original spec and manual which I downloaded. All I want now is my money back and I must confess it never crossed my mind that PCW ethics included taking payment for undelivered goods. I will be very wary in any dealings I have with both ASUS and PCW in the future.
anonymous 15 January, 2012 01:51
Before I get started, you should know that I despise Apple Corp and their policies. However, I have been an IPAD user for over a year and have become addicted to the tablet lifestyle. I could not wait for a good Android tablet that had ICS so I could move away from the Ipad. My phone is a droid bionic.
I ordered my Asus Transformer Prime in Mid-December and have been anxious ever since. Today I was called ... It's in!! I picked it up around 12:30 PM and by 3PM I was returning it. I had heard so much about inferior wifi performance I decided to test it immediately to see if it was acceptable to me. I put the Prime next to my original ipad and ran speedtest.net on both. I use my tablet in bed often and the router is in my office about 70 feet away and through a few walls. The Ipad never had a problem. So here it is ... the ipad was able to do 19meg/5 meg (down/up) and the prime did 1.4 meg/and .5 meg. Loading web pages was just plain painful.. Even standing right next to the router, the prime performed worse that the Ipad from 70 feet away.
So back to the store it went and I will wait for something better ... maybe the ipad3, who knows.
5onthe5 15 January, 2012 10:30
Can't believe how stupidly Asus have screwed up the launch of this product. There's a huge and obvious gap in the market while the world waits for Apple to get its act together on the iPad 3. And Asus have a genuinely exciting tablet to launch that could turn a few iPad heads.
And...they blew it.
Where's the TV campaign? Where's the displays in PC World? Where's the sense of occasion that surrounds an Apple release? Nothing. And then when they do release, early talk points to a LOT of bugs.
Why were they so stupid as to ship review models with Honeycomb, so that every online review has to say what a shame it has Honeycomb?
Why hack off the early adopters with the announcement of a new and better version later in the year? By which time 75% of potential Prime buyers will just have taken the "safe" option and bought an iPad 3...
anonymous 15 January, 2012 11:41
Asus have blew it big time! I will definitely not be ordering the Prime. iPad 3 for me then!
anonymous 15 January, 2012 19:24
I've been in to my local PC world who said they hadn't even ordered in any stock as they thought the locked bootloader would mean no-one wants to buy it - the fools! Ordered it from John Lewis instead, plus I got 2 years free guarantee as part of their new Tablet care scheme - bonus!!! From what their website says I'll be getting it within the week....fingers crossed!
anonymous 16 January, 2012 21:01
I cancelled my TF201 order until this gets sorted out. I'll likely get the TF700, assuming it works properly.
Ona sidenote, my wife has the TF101 and we love it. But, we can't figure out why ASUS did not install a
microphone on the tablet. It defeats the best feature of Android, using voice recognition. They did provide
a microphone via a headset, but cmon Asus, I have to wear a headset everytime I want to use Googles
wonderful voice recognition. Huge oversight and I suspect the 2 newer tabs are missing this basic feature also.
anonymous 17 January, 2012 01:59
I got my TF201 to replace my TF101 I broke (my fault) on the 29 of DEC. It is phenomenal! The GPS has a hard time but zero issues with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Crazy fast and, apart from a few people not yet updating apps for ICS, the best device I've ever used!
anonymous 17 January, 2012 12:00
I have also cancelled my order with amazon. After reading reviews stating poor wi-fi and gps connectivity.
I will wait until the T700 is released or maybe opt for an iPad3. Asus needs to sort out its customer services and test their products thourougly before they mass produce it. I thought this would be common sense which is obviously lacking at Asus HQ.
Simon Ayling 17 January, 2012 19:21
Ummm...
The Prime DOES have an internal mic (this in reply to the third anonymous poster above).
Very nice tablet, I can say now I have one :)
anonymous 18 January, 2012 22:31
I stand corrected. The TF101 does have the Mic. Love this tablet.
anonymous 19 January, 2012 13:56
Just to advise those similarly concerned:
I ordered from PC World with an order dated 1 Jan 2012 (noted rec'd 4 Jan 2012). I have deliberately left chasing as I could see that there was a delay by the posts etc.
I have just contacted them for the first time and am advised that the order is expected in next week (wc 19 Jan 2012) - which is in line with a recent posting - and I will be advised on dispatch. This does not appear to be unreasonable delay where there is a known issue to me. I ordered on a pre-order basis - so no surprises. Of course, if there is a further delay without notification I will expect to follow -up. If there is an issue I will advise
Rob
meenahariom97 23 January, 2012 12:47
Those of us with a long memory can compare Mr. Busch's prose of today with that of years ago -- and be delighted at how much more interesting and incisive it has become.
anonymous 24 January, 2012 11:33
I also pre-ordered from PC World on the 19th of December and have yet to receive anything other than a single email several weeks ago saying there was a delay. Their website has said 8-10 days for the past 2 weeks. I finally rang them for the first time yesterday and whilst they were friendly and apologetic they were able to provide zero additional information. I could cancel, order something else, etc ... For whatever reason, I decided to hold on another week or two quietly hoping it's been worth the wait.
peterpoose 24 January, 2012 19:03
As I mentioned above I pre-ordered from Carphone Warehouse during Christmas and was told a delivery date of the 12th of January. Mine was delivered on the 15th January so it was 3 days late but with all the fiasco with the Prime delivery I was very happy to get mine.
For those not receiving theirs from PC World etc, why not cancel and order with CPW as they seem to have stock.
As for the issues that are said about the Prime. I have no issues really with the WiFi, it is as fast as my other devices pick up the signal and by changing the router to channel 1 it has increased my speeds a lot.
The GPS does suck as mentioned all over the internet but they have just sent out a firmware update to help with that. I haven't noticed any difference but then again I am not planning on using the GPS as I either use my phone or Sat Nav for travelling.
All in all a very nice tablet!
anonymous 31 January, 2012 00:03
Last posted 19th Jan. - said I would report on progress. Order placed 1 Jan when in US as a pre-order, confirmed 4 Jan, and, as advised by them have now received notification of shipping via Yodel from PC World within the 8-10 days of my telephone enquiry as to progress now back in UK. Expecting tomorrow. Patience is rewarded....what's the rush naysayers? Reviews and peterpoose suggest I haven't bought a pup. As long as QC checks correctly carried out can't see the problem.
Keep smiling
Rob
dideen 1 February, 2012 12:02
to be honest with you, this is the best thing since iPad2, but I'm going to wait for the 3G version of the prime.
anonymous 21 February, 2012 09:56
I bought my "Prime" from PC World UK. After couple of days when restarted the tablet, found 10 death pixels, they are almost invisible but look carefully in darkness during boot on grey screen with green android logo. Later same day I have found 2 more posts on different forums people claiming exactly the same problem with the screen. Another issue is well known poor WIFI, that is not a problem form me. The very last thing is the GPS problems. I know this is a tablet not a satnav and probably not many people will use GPS functin but please remember that: Google maps, Facebook check in, some games require GPS connectivity. Another piont of view - why spent £500 for the device that is not fully functional ???..., I think I'm gonna wait for the next model. The first tablet with Tegra 3 - first does not mean best, let the ASUS learn on those own mistakes.
bazmos 22 February, 2012 23:22
I finally bit the bullet and went ahead and purchased a Prime from Car Phone Warehouse
It lasted 4 days before the WiFi went on the fritz.
Took it back - got a refund
Gonna buy me a Asus Transformer TF101