Asus looks to be declaring war on the Transformer Prime's GPS issues, launching an intercontinental ballistic update that upgrades the tablet's GPS version.
Since its release, owners of the quad-core Android tablet have been bemoaning the Transformer Prime's general awfulness when it comes to GPS. The jury is still out on whether the new update, which can be downloaded from Asus' support site, actually fixes the problem. Android Police reports that a Transformer Prime they updated is having no more luck getting a GPS fix, while Engadget is seeing signs of success.
It's possible that the GPS problem is hardware-based. A teardown by Anandtech places the blame at the feet of the Prime's aluminium construction.
Hacker types take note: discussion over at XDA Developers strongly suggests that performing this update will unroot the Prime. It looks like you'll need to get root access back yourself if you're the sort that likes to tinker with your tablet and add lots of custom modifications.
While the obscenely powerful Prime had us excited when it was announced last year, the launch has been rocky, to say the least. Aside from the persistent GPS issues, the Prime arrived with a locked-down bootloader, making tinkering impossible. Asus has since bowed to pressure from the customisation collective, offering an 'unlock tool' that voids your warranty.
Shipping delays and Wi-Fi problems (though these apparently won't affect UK models) have added to the Prime's pain, prompting Asus to extend the device's warranty to 18 months, also offering full refunds for disgruntled buyers.
We were impressed by the Prime when we gave it the full review treatment, but is it now simply too much trouble to bother with? Let us know if your confidence has been shaken in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 20
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ThomasC 19 January, 2012 14:15
Confidence remains unshaken as believe that ASUS will sort out and deliver solutions. The Prime is a stunning piece of technology and I am looking forward to owning one.
anonymous 19 January, 2012 17:41
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a AP at the beginning of Jan 2012. I had numerous issues with my UK version mainly in the the wifi kept dropping. I have since returned it to PC world for a full refund. Awaiting the TF700 in June.
5onthe5 19 January, 2012 21:52
Can someone explain to me in n00b-friendly terms what a "locked down bootloader" is? and what "rooting" is?
anonymous 19 January, 2012 22:25
I am currently looking to buy my first tablet... the TF201 has all round good reviews on most tech sites.. but all this talk about WIFI is making me wonder whether this really is the best tablet out there now?? confused.com
Lili Bartley 19 January, 2012 23:20
I too am interested in buying this, but am a bit unsure as I have seen a few negative comments.. can anyone who has one give me some positive feedback?
anonymous 20 January, 2012 03:28
I'm posting this message from my TF201, sitting in my front room with about 3 walls between me and my WAP. I've got 3 of 4 bars. There's nothing wrong with the WiFi. I just applied the update, Google maps said it got a lock within 30 seconds for the GPS, it's accurate within 20 meters. I don't think the GPS is any better, but I'm not spending an extra 100 bucks for the next model just for GPS lol.
MikeBuck_1 20 January, 2012 09:39
@5onthe5
Rooting your device basically mean you can remove the Asus loaded version of ICS and put on another version that developers have done, generally it won't matter to 9 out of 10 people.
@Lili
The prime is the best android device out there at the moment, there are alot of compaints about the GPS not being great, but GPS is only really used for Sat NAV, but if you don't have 3G then GPS is pointless. The recent statement from Asus about UK devices not having WIFI issue's would lend to believe that they have either re-designed it or upgraded the antenna, I'm also guessing they have done this already and have been shipping it, which is why some get rubbish and some get good WIFI. personally I'm gunna wait until they are in regular UK stores then will buy one to ensure I don't get a dodgy returned model.
But it is still the best android tablet out there.At the moment!
anonymous 20 January, 2012 09:46
My TP is excellent. I downloaded that WiFi analyser from the market and ran it on the TP and my Samsung Nexus mobile. There was nothing much to pick between them and certainly not a disaster. As for GPS, in every day use, how often will the GPS be essential. Thgere is an update today and the GPS seems fine.
Sure the Ipad is also a great product but think of what is happening in the marketplace. There are more people making products for Android. There is only Apple making products for iPad. No wonder Android is taking market share quickly. Developers will always go after the largest market sector. If you want to see what apps are available for Android, just look at the Android market. I suspect that Android and Windows 8 will transform the tablet market.
briansturridge 20 January, 2012 21:48
not sure what all of the negativity is about ive had mine for a while and it is fantastic. Ive had a few tablets before and this is the best, most reliable one ive had yet. I havnt had any wifi dropout!!!
@lili.... id definately recomend purchasing one.
anonymous 21 January, 2012 15:36
I have the TP. First thing I did was update the firmware and then encrypt the tablet. No problems with anything so far.
anonymous 23 January, 2012 07:30
own 2 primes now because its such a wicked tablet; one of each color, for work and home. No issues with them so far with wifi, gps, ics, etc. buy it, try it, if u dont like it....return it. simple as that.
the prime obviously had a rough launch, but do u seriously believe a respectable company like Asus is just going to turn its back on its customers?? c'mon. just think for a moment here and see the logic in this. in the interest of its business and clients. the majority of TF201 preorders/early adopters were probably made by diehard Asus fans. when the first defective batch reached market, of course these ppl are going to be a bit shocked and issues going viral. with 2 Perfect Primes in my hands, I can tell you that all of these neg. first impressions were blown out of proportion.
if you want to wait for the TF700T, thats ok. its no different than when I had to wait for the TF201. but, if you're one of those Dec.21, 2012 Doomsday believers, I say, wait no longer...it seriously is Prime Time.
anonymous 23 January, 2012 09:40
Mine arrived on the 13h, I arranged the return on Monday 16th. WiFi was fine, GPS all but non-existent but the killer for me was the huge amount of light bleed on an otherwise superb screen. I had an iPad at USA launch, a Touchpad from the firesale and have had a Sony Tablet S1 since IT was launched, that's 2 IPS screens and Sony's own "Deep Black" screen, all with zero light bleed. Since I have the S1 here I was able to run a side by side comparison of GPS, the Sony picked up 5 sats immediately wit 3 more closely following, the Asus find 1 after about 3 minutes with virtually no signal, it dropped after less than 10 seconds never to return!!
I am a fan of Asus having used their components since the early days and I have had 2 laptops, this Tablet is not not up to their standards and for me, unusable.
Simon Ayling 23 January, 2012 18:21
Is the 18 month warranty automatic and universal, ie when registering the Prime with ASUS, you get 18 months no matter what country you live in?
anonymous 28 January, 2012 15:08
I had eagerly awaited the TF201 and almost placed an advance order. However the problems quoted with WiFi and GPS are stopping me purchasing one at present. I shall wait a bit longer and find out if the UK models are better and if not I will probably have to buy an iPad.
Jean
Dan Bambridge 28 January, 2012 19:15
I kept my pre-order and was pleased to begin with... Now I have three dead pixels within a week. It's going straight back to Currys in the morning!
ThomasC 29 January, 2012 20:39
Have now got a Prime and am really enjoying both working and playing with it. WiFi is fine, is reading signals with ease. Have not been concerned by GPS as is not something that I really use on the tablet.
Jean - I seriously recommend.
Dan - really sorry to hear on the dead pixels - hope you get a replacement as I think there is much pleasure to had with a Prime.
From my earlier experiences with a couple of other tablets, the Prime is my clear favourite.
Lili Bartley 30 January, 2012 14:27
Well despite the arguments I went for the Prime and I have had it a few days and I have to say I'm really glad I did. It's so good. Wifi is really strong, it's easy to use, screen is great, not one issue. Honestly really recommend it.
dannypontin 31 January, 2012 17:34
i am very please that i purchased this ! i am as a rule, anti mac products and have been looking for an alternative for a while now! this is my new little travel companion..
d
anonymous 2 March, 2012 08:49
I purchased mine two days ago. Today it is going back. GPS (including the update) is laughable. It only works on the roof of the car with a perfectly clear view of the sky. Even then it takes 10 minutes to synch. Last night i tried streaming a movie from my NAS server. It failed 4 times before i gave up and watched it on my netbook! GPS simply doesn't work and wifi is 'iffy' where other devices work flawlessly.
Great graphics, lovely look and feel, but all useless because it simply doesn't work.
mr rugby 10 March, 2012 21:22
After reading many accounts of whether the transformer prime has or hasn't wifi issues in the UK, I took the plunge and purchased one to try for myself. Here are my results when located side by side with an original transformer model.
original model...wifi strength... good...speed 52 mbps
prime model......wifi strength... fair......speed 24mbps
Point proven.
Finally I have the tingling sensation that comes from the metal covers if touched while charging the prime. This disapears when the charger is switched off.
Form your own oppinion obviously, but mine are based on live tests.
cheers
mr rugby