I'm tired of the GPS not working accurately on my vibrant. People seem to forget what's the true reason to use a mobile phone in the first place. Who really needs a faster processor and sharper resolution when you can't use it for something as basic as navigation and finding the number and address of your local grocery store?
This is why I have switched to a Garminfone. I do not have to pay for a data plan. Who really surfs the net on a tiny screen? that's what laptops and tablets are for. Can anyone here say their Vibrant GPS works just as accurately as a Garmin device? I want to know if it's because I have an older Vibrant model. Have the new Vibrants fixed the GPS issue completely? My Garminfone is accurate in locating me within 2-10 meters and can find me in 2-3 seconds! Plus it was made to integrate directly with your car, so there is a windshield holder with power outlet.
No real software can truly fix the GPS since it's a hardware limitation. Probably why my Garminfone is heavier. It uses a real GPS, not aGPS! And it's made by Asus which is an excellent brand!
No flaming intended, but HOLY CRAP a Garminfone?
Ouch dude.
You picked a GARMINFONE over an SGS? The ONLY thing that phone does better is GPS.
That being said, the GPS on my Vibrant works great. I have no idea why some Vibrants can't see a bird to save their lives, and some work. Supposedly the newer hardware makes it more likely that it will work.
Good luck with your new GPS that can make phone calls.
LOL at picking a Garminfone over the Vibrant.
On second thought...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<composes himself>
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dominic77m said:
. People seem to forget what's the true reason to use a mobile phone
Who really needs a faster processor and sharper resolution when you can't use it for something as basic as navigation
This is why I have switched to a Garminfone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird... I thought the true reason to use a mobile phone.... was to call people??
I thought about the Garminfone briefly before I settled with a Vibrant.
Software updates for the Garminfone are really non-existent and any modding/hacking Roms is almost extinct as well. The device is on life support at best.
That being said I've seen Vibrants with superb 5 second GPS locks by just spending 10 patient minutes doing the GPS hardware fix listed in the sticky.
dominic77m said:
Who really surfs the net on a tiny screen? that's what laptops and tablets are for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do. Everyday. Especially at work.
dominic77m said:
Can anyone here say their Vibrant GPS works just as accurately as a Garmin device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GPS locks faster and recalculates less often than my Garmin.
dominic77m said:
No real software can truly fix the GPS since it's a hardware limitation. Probably why my Garminfone is heavier. It uses a real GPS, not aGPS! And it's made by Asus which is an excellent brand!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. There is a hardware issue with the GPS as stated in the sticky in the General Section. But once that issue is corrected the GPS is just as good as any standalone device I've every used. There are about 90 other people who will back me on that too. Oh and my phones GPS is set to Standalone, no aGPS here...
those that are replying, keep in mind....
does you GPS work properly without a Data plan???
my point is, if you're paying an extra $30 a month which is $330 a year for data when there is wifi in just about every mall, mc donalds, star bucks...why even bother?
and on top of that, why pay for data if you already have wifi at home and in the workplace??
Seriously, no one truly browses a full web page on a phone. You do that on a laptop or tablet. The Garminfone has android 2.1. So what is if it doesn't have 2.3? The issue is always going to be T-mobile will be a few builds behind the latest one. Are you really going to save the world with 2.3???
It's all about functionality and value!!!!
I can be in the middle of nowhere and get GPS directions, address and telephone numbers without a data plan! No paying $330 yearly!
So back to my question, does your GPS on your Vibrant work accurately without a data plan or wifi?
omg is this thread for real. me and my wife had a garmin when they first came out cause of the buy one get one deal. we couldnt give those crappy phones back fast enough. really garmin phone why dont you just get a tom tom duct tape it to your vibrant if you want gps so bad.
I looked at the Garminfone for about 10 minutes. I am not going to bash your choice because everyone has different needs for their devices. I will however say that my decision to NOT go with that phone was I read a ton of bad reviews on overall hardware and software issues. Plus I really hardly use GPS unless I am bored.
If you truly need GPS and just use a phone to call and text then that is what suits you best.
Good luck with your purchase, come back in a few weeks and prove us wrong I guess
After reading through this post, I don't why the OP even created this post in the first place when he knows for a fact that our phone requires a data plan for GPS to work. As for me, I am out most of the time and it's just much more convenient for me to use the data plan to go online and email without having to look for a place with wifi. On top of that, my replacement phone sees 11 to 12 birds and locks on to 6 to 8 birds in about 10 to 20 seconds. Maybe the OP regrade switching over and is trying to justify himself for the switch.
he might as well get a cup and string along with a star chart to map with for location for a phone.
dominic77m said:
I'm tired of the GPS not working accurately on my vibrant. People seem to forget what's the true reason to use a mobile phone in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The irony is freaking delicious.
i see a lot of people here are new to TECHNOLOGY. I've been around computers since the first desktop computer came out. Many on here started using computers only when facebook became popular. The point is, the true value in technology does not lie in paying for a device at it's birth.
I repeat, $330 a year for what???
It's $330 for service...not a device that can be resold and make half your money back in a year. What do you really need so badly to download from the internet that requires you to get a data plan instead of using wifi?
The initial bad reviews for the Garminfone was because it only supported 1.6 at the time. 2.1 isn't that bad. And get this, Garminfone is made by Asus which is the best quality PC brand!
Of course the vibrant is better...well it ought to be if you're paying $330 more a year!!! It all comes down to price! You expect more if you pay more!
If you bought your Vibrant through Tmobile, you could have easily swapped it out for a newer model without the hardware problem at no cost to you. My GPS is working fine, and yes in some cases it fares better than standalone units.
People use their phones for browsing all the time, that's kind of the major point of a smartphone...
As for the data plan, I use Audiogalaxy to stream my entire music collection (upwards of 200 gigs of music) from my computer at home, to my car. How would you do that without a data plan again?
dominic77m said:
my point is, if you're paying an extra $30 a month which is $330 a year for data when there is wifi in just about every mall, mc donalds, star bucks...why even bother?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about everyone who doesnt have wifi at work. Those who don't visit malls or fast food restaurants. What about the fact then even those who do have wifi at work also have many restrictions to go along with it. I'd rather have the network with me at all times than to have to go somewhere to use the internet
dominic77m said:
and on top of that, why pay for data if you already have wifi at home and in the workplace??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again... You assume everyone has wifi at home/work.
dominic77m said:
Seriously, no one truly browses a full web page on a phone. You do that on a laptop or tablet. The Garminfone has android 2.1. So what is if it doesn't have 2.3? The issue is always going to be T-mobile will be a few builds behind the latest one. Are you really going to save the world with 2.3???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again. I use my phone for full web browsing on a daily bases even at home. As do many others who do too. You shouldnt make statements like that without knowing peoples habbits for a fact.
dominic77m said:
It's all about functionality and value!!!!
I can be in the middle of nowhere and get GPS directions, address and telephone numbers without a data plan! No paying $330 yearly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool story. Whatever works for you. But don't pretend you know whats best for everyone just because its best for you.
dominic77m said:
So back to my question, does your GPS on your Vibrant work accurately without a data plan or wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again. Yes my Vibrant is just as accurate and in some cases MORE accurate. And it is possible to use the GPS without a data plan.
dominic77m said:
i see a lot of people here are new to TECHNOLOGY. I've been around computers since the first desktop computer came out. Many on here started using computers only when facebook became popular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O, rly? Source?
dominic77m said:
I repeat, $330 a year for what???
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Click to collapse
Unlimited access to the cloud and everything that entails, at speeds that are often faster than the average wifi connection. This also works when in a car, on a bus, at the beach, in the mall, in an airport, while doing handstands, practicing your backflips on a trampoline, hell even when I'm walking to the office, dropping my drawers, and dropping a deuce all over my ****ty Asus netbook
dominic77m said:
It's $330 for service...not a device that can be resold and make half your money back in a year. What do you really need so badly to download from the internet that requires you to get a data plan instead of using wifi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its consistent convenience. Social Networking, streaming radio (including jacked into my car stereo), XDA app, certain games, Market access anytime, etc.
dominic77m said:
Of course the vibrant is better...well it ought to be if you're paying $330 more a year!!! It all comes down to price! You expect more if you pay more!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. You pay less for a less enjoyable experience.
regP said:
Again. Yes my Vibrant is just as accurate and in some cases MORE accurate. And it is possible to use the GPS without a data plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, and with Maps 5.0 you have offline route caching, so you can still navigate when you lose data service.
people really need internet on a tiny little device 24/7 for $330?
Sure everything is case by case, but $330 in this economy when MOST people already have wifi. This is how ridiculous cellphone plans are! It use to be a device for talking and now people describe it like a NECESSITY!
This is exactly why Americans are always broke! They don't know the meaning of value. It's one thing that you're Donald Trump, but MAJORITY of people don't need internet service with them 24/7.
If you're using your mobile device for tethering, then that's a good thing...but when you already have wifi at home like most people, this is completely a waste!
Does anyone have proof that the Vibrant GPS works great by itself without a data plan. I'm looking for proof online. Maybe a video or article.
Hey, if the aGPS works like real GPS on the vibrant, I'd completely switch back.
dominic77m said:
people really need internet on a tiny little device 24/7 for $330?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i only pay 180 a year!! got tmo to lower it to 15 dollars a month when my contract expired and its been that way for 2 years now
dominic77m said:
Hey, if the aGPS works like real GPS on the vibrant, I'd completely switch back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The vibrants GPS can operate in 3 different modes. One of which is STANDALONE. meaning the phone gets its data directly from the sats. Meaning no network connection is needed.
Related
Well ive finally done it ive had my mogul for almost 1year and i had an apache for like 2months (we got last ones before they got replaced with moguls at the sprint store) then we switched to the mogul my sisters are envious of the apps i have on my phone but i dont have alot. Im looking for all the must have apps for an 11 year old so just throw some in there that you really really like! Excuse my geek abbrivations xD
And yes ive searched around.
You might want to try the regular mogul forum. This forum is dedicated to upgrading the mogul's ROM.
why in the world would an 11-year-old have a cell phone at all - let alone something like a mogul?
N715DP said:
why in the world would an 11-year-old have a cell phone at all - let alone something like a mogul?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's something that I would never want activated on a network..
A PDA? Great, letting a kid play is best for development.. Many of us here started quite young. My first comp was an Atari 400 at the age of 9. But a data capable cell phone? With the first HST modems I remember all the trouble that I got into..... To a long term investigation leading to the RCMP hauling me out of class and parents called in from their work. The advantages of being a minor but a later demonstration of CSIS' incompetence in passing me for a security check. I do miss my youth....
I had my first phone when i was in 3rd grade but it was an old direct connect that got surpassed by the i580 from nextel and in 5th grade i got samsung then i got the apache cause my dad got 5 and got them for like 200 each cause we got 5 then when he realized they went out of sale at sprint and got surpassed by the mogul he got them all switched. And the only one in my family that actually can WORK ELECTRONICS. As most ppl would say plz keep on topic.
chococrazy said:
I had my first phone when i was in 3rd grade but it was an old direct connect that got surpassed by the i580 from nextel and in 5th grade i got samsung then i got the apache cause my dad got 5 and got them for like 200 each cause we got 5 then when he realized they went out of sale at sprint and got surpassed by the mogul he got them all switched. And the only one in my family that actually can WORK ELECTRONICS. As most ppl would say plz keep on topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lucky you. I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 17 (had to work for it -_-).
Anyways I would recommend you get a GPS anti-theft program because you never know when other kids steal your phone or if you dropped it or if you forgot it somewhere. You could always pull up the location of the phone. But watch out, your parents could also use it to keep tabs on you
Total_Lag said:
Lucky you. I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 17 (had to work for it -_-).
Anyways I would recommend you get a GPS anti-theft program because you never know when other kids steal your phone or if you dropped it or if you forgot it somewhere. You could always pull up the location of the phone. But watch out, your parents could also use it to keep tabs on you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any in mind?
N715DP said:
why in the world would an 11-year-old have a cell phone at all - let alone something like a mogul?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A phone: It depends on the person and what you do. A mogul: maybe not, but then if there's a few in the family.... It's also a nice internet device with Opera and Skyfire (though I can't get the beta yet...)
But people are getting technology younger and younger. Also these 2 year contracts and timing of the year effect how old you get your phone. I was 13 when I got mine for christmas and now I'm 15 and I got the voyager, but I had it switched for an XV6800 (which ended up being cheaper). Now I can't go back to a 'dumb-phone' Though I'm still hoping for an iPhone in a couple years can't imagine what it will be like then!
So as far as apps go: I use my phone for productivity and what not and I like customizing my phone. So for me there's Total Commander and I use the HTC Home plugin. Also I like the touch-esque comm manager and dial pad.
Also if you've got the latest sprint updates you can try something like Navizon which uses the GPS to map WiFi and cell towers. It sounds like a lot, but every 10,000 points you get $15 in cash. Currently, Navizon won't let Mogul and Titan variants map cell towers because of a system bug. So earning point may take a bit longer, but with the wireless age there's so many WiFi spots. I you use it could you click the link in my sig.
Also check some stuff out at http://www.freewarepocketpc.net
Hey-
I see that everyone decided to use your thread to criticize you for having a phone instead of just answering you question. Kinda lame.
Anyway, here is what I have:
-WM 6.1 for the threaded SMS
-S2U2 for full screen picture caller ID
-SPB mobile shell with Robodad's skin- makes the phone a lot easier to use. I like flashy and simple and mobile shell does both
-Google Maps and Live Search - Great when your out and need to fins a store or something nearby and finding cheap gas (dont think this really applies to you)
-Emerstec Jbed and Opera Mini - Great web browser
-Sprint Navigation - Good turn by turn directions for your gps. It is free with alot of sprint plans
- Sprint TV - This is really cool. It is currently working on the Mogul so enjoy while you can.
-WMWifiRouter - so that I can get internet on my laptop while I am out.
-Core player with Youtube bundle - so I can watch youtube videos
-Oxios Hibernate - Run it if your phone is being SLOW
-Advance configuration and nueLED - Just to tweak certain settings to my liking.
Hope this helps man. Let us know if you have any other questions. That is the point of this forum.
Sorry if this has been asked, I saw a video on youtube that said it did. So does have built in GPS?
p.s. search is temporarily down.
No, the one available from sears doesn't have the chip. This device has many names and a couple different configurations from different companies. One is available w/ 3g radio, gps, and 1 gig of ram. It's available for order from some import sites. Ours unfortunatly is only 512 and no 3g or gps. with that said, their is support for an external bluetooth gps device.
Thanks for the heads up. Damn, kind of a let down(for me). It still is one of the best spec'd tablets out right now for the price. How do you like it????
marixsmith said:
No, the one available from sears doesn't have the chip. This device has many names and a couple different configurations from different companies. One is available w/ 3g radio, gps, and 1 gig of ram. It's available for order from some import sites. Ours unfortunatly is only 512 and no 3g or gps. with that said, their is support for an external bluetooth gps device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What variant has those specs?
vinscuzzy said:
Thanks for the heads up. Damn, kind of a let down(for me). It still is one of the best spec'd tablets out right now for the price. How do you like it????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can only answer for myself. I am using the stock software. I have not modified it in any way. I have been able to find enough apps to do what I want with the device as it is supplied from Sears. Would I like more, sure. I would like to have flash working. While I really don't care about youtube, it would be handy to be able to pull some things up for my music lessons. The guys on this forum have done more in 10 days than any other group that I have ever seen. They have mod'd this device all over the place. One guy has reported that he even has a wince version almost ready to release as a beta. Honestly, the hardware on this thing is fantastic. I admit the software is not up to the same caliber as the hardware. I am just too busy to play with mod'ing mine right now. I am going out of town for two weeks and I don't want to screw it up just before I go and then I will be pissed off the whole time I am gone. I believe the experts on this forum have said the device is un-brickable. And from all of the discussions, I believe this to be true and not just hot air. My advice - If you can get a refurbished one buy it fast at 279. If not then buy it on sale this coming Thursday for 379. If all else fails then shell out the 400 for a brand new one. If it can't do it now I am sure these guys will make it do it before Christmas. IMO
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...D-screen-16GB-SSD-1GHz-Tegra-wholesalers.html
Here's the tablet in question from an Malata, the supplier that sold it to viewsonic. It's a bit pricy though.
marican said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...D-screen-16GB-SSD-1GHz-Tegra-wholesalers.html
Here's the tablet in question from an Malata, the supplier that sold it to viewsonic. It's a bit pricy though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wth? By that link it looks like flash is working. Hey, it even comes with a custom case with the cutouts for the buttons and stuff. They probably have a kickass market too! ;P
marican said:
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-f...D-screen-16GB-SSD-1GHz-Tegra-wholesalers.html
Here's the tablet in question from an Malata, the supplier that sold it to viewsonic. It's a bit pricy though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would definatly get that if it were a bit cheaper, like the 450 range with 3g and GPS
guitar geek said:
I can only answer for myself. I am using the stock software. I have not modified it in any way. I have been able to find enough apps to do what I want with the device as it is supplied from Sears. Would I like more, sure. I would like to have flash working. While I really don't care about youtube, it would be handy to be able to pull some things up for my music lessons. The guys on this forum have done more in 10 days than any other group that I have ever seen. They have mod'd this device all over the place. One guy has reported that he even has a wince version almost ready to release as a beta. Honestly, the hardware on this thing is fantastic. I admit the software is not up to the same caliber as the hardware. I am just too busy to play with mod'ing mine right now. I am going out of town for two weeks and I don't want to screw it up just before I go and then I will be pissed off the whole time I am gone. I believe the experts on this forum have said the device is un-brickable. And from all of the discussions, I believe this to be true and not just hot air. My advice - If you can get a refurbished one buy it fast at 279. If not then buy it on sale this coming Thursday for 379. If all else fails then shell out the 400 for a brand new one. If it can't do it now I am sure these guys will make it do it before Christmas. IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like you, I am using the stock software, and have not modified it, other than to add the folio flash apk. Flash now works great. It is a great device and I am eagerly awaiting the update from VS
another option is to use a BT GPS puck and an app like Bluetooth GPS to simulate an internal gps.
In the Malata link that Marican posted, it talks about adding GPS like it is something they can "plug-in" upon request. If that were true, it sounds like for $40, we might be able to get the same thing and stick it in the unit. Anyone have any ideas about how they are adding GPS?
disregard post
Talk2Rider said:
In the Malata link that Marican posted, it talks about adding GPS like it is something they can "plug-in" upon request. If that were true, it sounds like for $40, we might be able to get the same thing and stick it in the unit. Anyone have any ideas about how they are adding GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a space on the board for a GPS on a chip, as well as a mini PCI-e socket and space for a SIM socket. Might be doable with a bit of soldering, which I might be attempting soon.
Let me know how it goes is like to put a gps card in there
switt said:
another option is to use a BT GPS puck and an app like Bluetooth GPS to simulate an internal gps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine to work using bluetooth gps on the g-tablet and share gps on my droid 1. Worked beautifully. Now i need to root my droid so I can tether internet. Anyone know of good in car mounts for this thing?
marixsmith said:
No, the one available from sears doesn't have the chip. This device has many names and a couple different configurations from different companies. One is available w/ 3g radio, gps, and 1 gig of ram. It's available for order from some import sites. Ours unfortunatly is only 512 and no 3g or gps. with that said, their is support for an external bluetooth gps device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm, in Italy Olivetti is proposing Olipad100, which is a version of G-Tablet with 1 GB RAM (but no GPS, unfortunately), as reported here:
http://forum.android-dev.it/olipad100-viewsonic-g-tablet-rimarchiato-512mb-t2980.html
It is my understanding that you do not need to root your android phone when you use 'Easy Tether' program available on Market.
GPS Chip soldering
KorbenD said:
There's a space on the board for a GPS on a chip, as well as a mini PCI-e socket and space for a SIM socket. Might be doable with a bit of soldering, which I might be attempting soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did the soldering go? I wanted to try the same, but wanted to know, how did it go for you before actually trying it myself.
makbruno said:
How did the soldering go? I wanted to try the same, but wanted to know, how did it go for you before actually trying it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is tons more info in this post on the internal gps. Hope this helps
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1062333
It appears like I'm one of the many people with non existent GPS. I wonder how much it really matters though. Outside of location services for apps, what is the point of having this on a wifi only tablet? You are going to get some location info on wifi. When you are not connected to the Internet, what good is the GPS? Google maps generally requires a data connection, as do most apps.
I already knew about the GPS problems before buying the tablet, so I'm not stressing about it.
What are you using GPS for when you are offline?
Thoughts?
teknomar7 said:
It appears like I'm one of the many people with non existent GPS. I wonder how much it really matters though. Outside of location services for apps, what is the point of having this on a wifi only tablet? You are going to get some location info on wifi. When you are not connected to the Internet, what good is the GPS? Google maps generally requires a data connection, as do most apps.
I already knew about the GPS problems before buying the tablet, so I'm not stressing about it.
What are you using GPS for when you are offline?
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel the same way, I just got my prime and I knew about the gps issue and to me it is a non issue. The wifi works just fine so I am very happy
For me is more the fact that I paid $500 + tax for a fully working tablet and its not what I got. I'm funny like that.
At this point in time, in a premium 2012 tablet, GPS is not exactly black magic. It should work in a premium tablet - it works perfectly on a wifi samsung 10.1.
At the very latest it's like buying the keyboard dock with a non working sd card reader. Yes, there is the cloud, the micro sd card in the tablet, just plug a usb drive, blah blah blah. Really?
It's there. Its a great gps chip. It should simply f*ing work, simples.
rueben68 said:
For me is more the fact that I paid $500 + tax for a fully working tablet and its not what I got. I'm funny like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True. But, they originally delayed shipment of the tablet because of the GPS issue and then said they were planning to disable it. So, I wasn't even expecting to have the option available on it. I'm just curious what people would use it for if it was functioning. Maybe to make myself feel better that it's not working.
teknomar7 said:
I'm just curious what people would use it for if it was functioning. Maybe to make myself feel better that it's not working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://bestandroidappsfor.com/maps-navigation/best-android-offline-maps
Offline maps are great for off roading, for instance. Or trekking in a big national park. Heck,een geotagging, tagging your pictures/notes for organizing them later.
Star, planets, educational apps.
Edit: oh yeah, those tablet retrieval security apps...those that would report back (when connected) where your precious is located if stolen. That's about it, LOL.
teknomar7 said:
What are you using GPS for when you are offline?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locus Pro, but there are many offline solutions such as CoPilot.
rueben68 said:
For me is more the fact that I paid $500 + tax for a fully working tablet and its not what I got. I'm funny like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RipplingHurst said:
At this point in time, in a premium 2012 tablet, GPS is not exactly black magic. It should work in a premium tablet - it works perfectly on a wifi samsung 10.1.
At the very latest it's like buying the keyboard dock with a non working sd card reader. Yes, there is the cloud, the micro sd card in the tablet, just plug a usb drive, blah blah blah. Really?
It's there. Its a great gps chip. It should simply f*ing work, simples.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two posters above nailed the issue dead on.
GPS isn't voodoo, nor is it black magic. It's a standard feature in Android devices. Why is this top of the line, leading edge, Android device deficient?
As has been discussed many times, Apple has sold tens of millions of iPads with no GPS chip whatsoever, and for $100 more per tablet on a same-storage basis. So, obviously, the market as a whole doesn't demand GPS in a tablet. Toss in about 6 million Kindle Fires to illustrate the point.
I kind of understand the idea that the chip is there so some people want it to work, but for myself I have to admit that I pretty much don't care beyond that completely theoretical level. I suppose my opinion is influenced by the fact that I never once used GPS on my original Transformer. Not a single time. Didn't even think about using it. So, the chip sat there, completely unused. What do I do, complain now that I spent money on something I never used? Should I have demanded a lower-priced version of the Transformer without a GPS chip?
I think the fact remains as it always has with the Prime: if you want navigation-quality GPS on a tablet, then the Prime isn't for you. Neither is the iPad. So, make a different choice. I choose to simply think of the Prime as a tablet that's like the iPad in not having GPS, only $100 cheaper.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
wynand32 said:
As has been discussed many times, Apple has sold tens of millions of iPads with no GPS chip whatsoever, and for $100 more per tablet on a same-storage basis. So, obviously, the market as a whole doesn't demand GPS in a tablet. Toss in about 6 million Kindle Fires to illustrate the point.
I kind of understand the idea that the chip is there so some people want it to work, but for myself I have to admit that I pretty much don't care beyond that completely theoretical level. I suppose my opinion is influenced by the fact that I never once used GPS on my original Transformer. Not a single time. Didn't even think about using it. So, the chip sat there, completely unused. What do I do, complain now that I spent money on something I never used? Should I have demanded a lower-priced version of the Transformer without a GPS chip?
I think the fact remains as it always has with the Prime: if you want navigation-quality GPS on a tablet, then the Prime isn't for you. Neither is the iPad. So, make a different choice. I choose to simply think of the Prime as a tablet that's like the iPad in not having GPS, only $100 cheaper.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
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Do you turn off the GPS location services in the settings? Does this actually turn off the radio to preserve battery or just disable the app usage?
teknomar7 said:
I wonder how much it really matters though?
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Regarding your title question.... To you... Not much. To others... I can't say, but for me, I put off my purchase directly because this feature is not available/functional.
wynand32 said:
......I think the fact remains as it always has with the Prime: if you want navigation-quality GPS on a tablet, then the Prime isn't for you.
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Click to collapse
'always' = o'rly?
As it remains, now, yes, but AFTER ASUS TOOK THAT FEATURE OFF OF THE SPECIFICATION LIST....AFTER ALREADY MANUFACTURING IT AND SELLING IT AS PREVIOUSLY SPECIFIED AS HAVING GPS CAPABILITY
sorry for SHOUTING, but some folks forget the timeline involved, and also that we are not all after the same thing -feature wise- with tablets or other technologies. Some features are more important to others, some features may never even be used by some folks...maybe they will use it in the future or folks will give the tablet to their kids who my discover unused features.
Also, some of ya'll must never travel out of cell phone signal range, and that's a very sad thing, because there exists a LOT of places on this beautiful planet and some of them, gasp, don't have wifi or cellular coverage for location services-places where I turn phones off because they become completely useless. I travel to some of these places, and would be nice to navigate, geocache, geotag pictures from my DSLR, watch movies, play some simple games, keep notes of the journey, itinerary, etc... on less than 2 or 4 devices, possibly even on just 1 nearly awesome device... but I guess not this one-that doesn't make me wrong for wanting GPS capabilities on a high-performance Android Tablet and being interested in one that was supposed to have said capability.
/rant
GPS doesn't drain battery if not in active use, it's not like wifi that test network even when no network usable.
So you can leave it on but what for...
teknomar7 said:
Do you turn off the GPS location services in the settings? Does this actually turn off the radio to preserve battery or just disable the app usage?
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Click to collapse
The "GPS location service" is WiFi. Google has mapped out where millions of WiFi nodes are, plus you are getting AGPS data over WiFi if there is an open access point.
"GPS Satellites" is what you want to uncheck to save battery.
Striatum_bdr said:
So you can leave it on but what for...
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Use your imagination! Think of places where you might want to know where you are but there is no wifi or cell coverage. Think of things you would want to do with that information. Think of reasons for wanting that information integrated within a device you use for other purposes (ie: using something you already have with you instead of bringing something additional)
The sad thing is mine and my dads prime had gps working outside until the last update which was to "fix the gps".
Yes, my GPS was working too until the last update specifically for GPS. Then it no longer worked. It has been posted that the update would disable GPS. Guess I should've believed that and passed.
I use GPS a lot with my smartphones and wanted it here for the larger map. I carry a 3G MiFi for travel so maps and aGPS were a go once upon a time and the larger map was indeed a plus.
It matters to me but I'm not returning my Prime until or unless a fix is known.
-jts
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
mrmark93 said:
Regarding your title question.... To you... Not much. To others... I can't say, but for me, I put off my purchase directly because this feature is not available/functional.
/rant
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Are you planning to purchase an alternative tablet for GPS? Is the Galaxy Tab the only other one with that feature?
teknomar7 said:
Are you planning to purchase an alternative tablet for GPS? Is the Galaxy Tab the only other one with that feature?
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Click to collapse
My Prime's pretty solid, no real issues that aren't software as far as I can tell.
If Asus can't fix the GPS issue I'll probably buy a bluetooth GPS puck and call it a day.
Col.Kernel said:
The "GPS location service" is WiFi. Google has mapped out where millions of WiFi nodes are, plus you are getting AGPS data over WiFi if there is an open access point.
"GPS Satellites" is what you want to uncheck to save battery.
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Click to collapse
That's what I meant... thanks.
I actually noticed Google Maps was crashing on me when I had GPS turned on and couldn't get a signal. Then when I turned it off and just used wifi for location, it worked fine. Plus, every time I open Facebook it tries (and fails) to find my GPS location. So, I will probably just disable it for the time being.
teknomar7 said:
It appears like I'm one of the many people with non existent GPS. I wonder how much it really matters though. Outside of location services for apps, what is the point of having this on a wifi only tablet? You are going to get some location info on wifi. When you are not connected to the Internet, what good is the GPS? Google maps generally requires a data connection, as do most apps.
I already knew about the GPS problems before buying the tablet, so I'm not stressing about it.
What are you using GPS for when you are offline?
Thoughts?
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+1. A good point well made.
If I ever need GPS data I can use my mobile, but can't ever remember needing to use it.
mrmark93 said:
Regarding your title question.... To you... Not much. To others... I can't say, but for me, I put off my purchase directly because this feature is not available/functional.
'always' = o'rly?
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Click to collapse
Okay, yes, there is a group of people who bought Primes and didn't find out about the likely permanence of the GPS issue until after their return policy expired. For those people, ASUS needs to come up with a solution, up to and including giving a refund.
However, this thread is about whether GPS matters today. Certainly, anybody buying it now and visiting this forum has zero reason to complain, except in general to say "Boy, I really wish the Prime had working GPS, because then it would be the perfect tablet." Fact is, though, it doesn't, and so that wish and $.25 won't even get a person a cup of coffee nowadays.
FOr xformer Prime, do I really need the GPS dongle or would the GPS work w/o it?
Are you going to be using GPS alot with your Prime? If yes, then hell yah you need it!
Windiddy said:
FOr xformer Prime, do I really need the GPS dongle or would the GPS work w/o it?
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Click to collapse
I don't and won't need it, but signed up today to get it. I may want to sell my Prime in the future and having it might make that easier.
Put it like this:
What's the point of not having it if it's free? Ever thrown something away that you turn out to want/need maybe not even a week later? Kind of like that to me
Windiddy said:
FOr xformer Prime, do I really need the GPS dongle or would the GPS work w/o it?
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Click to collapse
If you want to be able to rely on your Prime for navigation assistance then yes you need the GPS dongle. GPS will not work reliably without it, if it did they wouldn't need to manufacture and freely distribute a dongle now would they?
Also.. its free. So even if you never use it, it is worth signing up for and getting just in case you do need or or you want to sell your tablet sometime in the future.
babymatteo said:
Are you going to be using GPS alot with your Prime? If yes, then hell yah you need it!
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so does it mean that Prime's internal GPS doesn't work? very disappointing.
Windiddy said:
so does it mean that Prime's internal GPS doesn't work? very disappointing.
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Click to collapse
Where have you been? The internal GPS has never worked on anyone's Prime since they started shipping in December. Asus even removed it from their advertising.
chamberc said:
Where have you been? The internal GPS has never worked on anyone's Prime since they started shipping in December. Asus even removed it from their advertising.
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Click to collapse
For the record, I decided to test the GPS on my Prime today while the weather was warm. This after I checked my serial number of the device: C1 by the way...
Walked outside and stood 10 feet away from my front door. Less than 10 seconds and a lock. I walked around a bit and walked back into the house and it was still locked.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
That's because you are / were connected to your home router which gives the prime your location based on IP. A better test would be to disconnect WIFI, disable location services and reboot, then test. You probably wont get the same results
Of course you need it ! Having it will add couple more bucks to the price when you're selling it
el_chiefo said:
That's because you are / were connected to your home router which gives the prime your location based on IP. A better test would be to disconnect WIFI, disable location services and reboot, then test. You probably wont get the same results
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Click to collapse
You're right! Now answer me this: why would I ever turn that off in the real world?
Google has mapped millions of Wifi SSIDs to assist with this very same thing. Half of all telephony GPS devices would have the same difficulty without it (especially since Google leases this information to Microsoft and Apple), my MyTouch 4G Slide included. Why would I not keep location services on?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
I will happily sign up for that dongle, but not without i see my screen light-bleed free. Made up my mind to be without it for a few weeks, maybe a month. If it takes longer than that, i'll ask for another one at the store.
rorytmeadows said:
You're right! Now answer me this: why would I ever turn that off in the real world?
Google has mapped millions of Wifi SSIDs to assist with this very same thing. Half of all telephony GPS devices would have the same difficulty without it (especially since Google leases this information to Microsoft and Apple), my MyTouch 4G Slide included. Why would I not keep location services on?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you need gps if you had wifi? To check where in the house you are? Or which section of McDonald's you're in? If a device needs wifi for the "gps" to work then they might as well not call it a gps cause my Desktop can triangulate my position with wifi.
xGary said:
Why would you need gps if you had wifi? To check where in the house you are? Or which section of McDonald's you're in? If a device needs wifi for the "gps" to work then they might as well not call it a gps cause my Desktop can triangulate my position with wifi.
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Click to collapse
Who cares?
If the problem is solved because Wifi assists the GPS in finding a lock, then who cares? GPS in small devices isn't always going to work. I learned that 10 years ago when they sold only GPS USB dongles and it took forever to get a good lock. Turning Wifi on takes care of the issue.
Look, I get it. We all want our devices to work perfectly. My desktop doesn't handle two video cards easily. My video card doesn't handle TV relay (like Slingbox) well. My phone doesn't have a dedicated number row on the slide out keyboard. My A500 was a bit bulky. My Sony BluRay speaker system sometimes has a delay. My Insignia LED TV doesn't handle Xbox great. My Astro A40s bleed through batteries.
Welcome to technology. If you don't work in IT, let me give you a heads up: nothing ever works 100%, 100% of the time.
Just consider yourself lucky it's the GPS with your tablet, something so absurd to make use of on a tablet anyway.
And if you're still bothered by the whole "Asus sold us a load of crap" concern, well, this is life. This won't be the last time that happens. And honestly, I agree with that other poster; if it didn't have GPS in the description or on the package, would you have refused to buy it? Google's ingenious SSID mapping has made geolocation so much faster and efficient (unless you live in the backwoods).
I'm sorry, I don't aim to be mean or anything, but this is ridiculous. It's semantics. If it works, it works. Is the world going to end because you have to turn on Wifi to lock quicker?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Anyone else having problems with ASUS' quality website where it doesn't recognize your serial number?
I swear, ASUS sucks at customer service and I think the PRIME is my last ASUS product ever. Unfortunate.
im just asking bc I have a Sgt10.1 and looking to upgrade. I wouldn't like to buy a defective product. I can't decide to get prime or ipad3.
Windiddy said:
im just asking bc I have a Sgt10.1 and looking to upgrade. I wouldn't like to buy a defective product. I can't decide to get prime or ipad3.
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Click to collapse
It turns out, if you're a normal human being and don't mind running Wifi alongside your GPS (like most people run their phones), you'll be absolutely perfect. Only if you're a stickler for no reason will you have a problem.
I am learning over the past 24 hours that people are making a big deal over GPS because they are too stubborn to make the modern-era change of running Wifi alongside GPS. If you have no problem doing that (like a normal person), then you'll be perfectly fine.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Buy and ipad3. Stay away from the TF201. It sucks in many ways, the only good thing it has going for it is the quad core and the screen. Wi-fi - SUCKS, GPS - SUCKS.
I don't mind that GPS sucks (actually never ever got a lock on once), but when Wi-Fi sucks when you are 10 feet from the router. That's a huge problem. I cannot even sit on my sofa and use the TF201. My Xooms, no problem. I can even go 70ft away with the Xoom and no problem. TF201, about 4 1/2 feet then it takes a DUMP.
For the price the ipad3 will give you a much better user experience. TF201 as far as I am concerned is a defect. LEMON.
ASUS won't even let me click to get the free dongle.
rorytmeadows said:
It turns out, if you're a normal human being and don't mind running Wifi alongside your GPS (like most people run their phones), you'll be absolutely perfect. Only if you're a stickler for no reason will you have a problem.
I am learning over the past 24 hours that people are making a big deal over GPS because they are too stubborn to make the modern-era change of running Wifi alongside GPS. If you have no problem doing that (like a normal person), then you'll be perfectly fine.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree! I personally don't see what the big deal is. I get a location lock when using Google Maps, as an example. I don't see why anyone needs to have a constant gps lock all of the time. I'm not getting it. I have my Rezound and Tom Tom if I need door to door direction.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
rorytmeadows said:
Who cares?
If the problem is solved because Wifi assists the GPS in finding a lock, then who cares? GPS in small devices isn't always going to work. I learned that 10 years ago when they sold only GPS USB dongles and it took forever to get a good lock. Turning Wifi on takes care of the issue.
Look, I get it. We all want our devices to work perfectly. My desktop doesn't handle two video cards easily. My video card doesn't handle TV relay (like Slingbox) well. My phone doesn't have a dedicated number row on the slide out keyboard. My A500 was a bit bulky. My Sony BluRay speaker system sometimes has a delay. My Insignia LED TV doesn't handle Xbox great. My Astro A40s bleed through batteries.
Welcome to technology. If you don't work in IT, let me give you a heads up: nothing ever works 100%, 100% of the time.
Just consider yourself lucky it's the GPS with your tablet, something so absurd to make use of on a tablet anyway.
And if you're still bothered by the whole "Asus sold us a load of crap" concern, well, this is life. This won't be the last time that happens. And honestly, I agree with that other poster; if it didn't have GPS in the description or on the package, would you have refused to buy it? Google's ingenious SSID mapping has made geolocation so much faster and efficient (unless you live in the backwoods).
I'm sorry, I don't aim to be mean or anything, but this is ridiculous. It's semantics. If it works, it works. Is the world going to end because you have to turn on Wifi to lock quicker?
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is stupid. Do you work for ASUS? If the tablet didn't have a camera would I still have bought it? Yes. But if I bought it and they told me "lol the camera is actually fake, we didn't think you would use it." then would I give them hell for it? Yes. As far as I know, people use gps on their phones for turn by turn without internet and it works fine. So I am not sure what you mean by gps won't always work in small devices. As far as I am concerned the TFP is bigger than many GPS devices on the market.
BTW, there is a difference between needing wifi to get a faster lock (aka AGPS) versus using wifi to triangulate one's position (aka the internet). I don't get what your deal is that just because you don't use the gps on the tablet then you think that it is absurd. If no one uses it then why did they put gps on the tablet in the first place? Why does Apple put gps on their 3G iPads if no one uses them?
---------- Post added at 07:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 AM ----------
rorytmeadows said:
I am learning over the past 24 hours that people are making a big deal over GPS because they are too stubborn to make the modern-era change of running Wifi alongside GPS. If you have no problem doing that (like a normal person), then you'll be perfectly fine.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is tragic. Looks like the modern era is actually degrading. I guess eventually we will have to connect our phones to a cable to make a phone call and then start writing each other letters. Looks like we rather burn the battery and data on our phone unlike the abnormal people who have phones with gps that actually receives signals from satellites rather than using wifi to triangulate the position.
---------- Post added at 07:53 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:52 AM ----------
dabombcra said:
I totally agree! I personally don't see what the big deal is. I get a location lock when using Google Maps, as an example. I don't see why anyone needs to have a constant gps lock all of the time. I'm not getting it. I have my Rezound and Tom Tom if I need door to door direction.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea you personally don't. But don't talk for others.
I got the smart tag with the s21 and I am wondering really what its use could be outside of car keys, purse (I'm not a woman). The only thing I could think of is maybe leaving it in my car when I go out to a large parking lot (malls, etc when pandemic is over heh). I'm really not sure how it works besides its low energy bluetooth and range is ~ 120 meters. Without having to push the button would that work? I'm not sure what the battery life is on this thing.
I know the battery is crazy on it so maybe just 2-4 changes a year maybe.
I wanna try it on the kid and see if I can keep tabs on him when he commutes to school.
I believe it works by using nearby Samsung phones to give you location.
tfn said:
I know the battery is crazy on it so maybe just 2-4 changes a year maybe.
I wanna try it on the kid and see if I can keep tabs on him when he commutes to school.
I believe it works by using nearby Samsung phones to give you location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, but only if the users of the Samsung phones have opted in to do so. I remember my phone asking me if I wanted to enable something like that. I said no. I bet most people will not do it due to impact on battery.
Bet when Apple comes out with their tags, they won't even give users the option, apple will just have it enabled on all iPhones.