Related
I just ordered a Bluetooth GPS receiver from Amazon because they are only $5! Original price is $150, so you save 97%.
Bluetooth GPS reciever
Bluetooth-GPS
I figured for $5, it is worth a shot. I should be receiving it by the end of the week, and will post my findings.
mcrcracer said:
I just ordered a Bluetooth GPS receiver from Amazon because they are only $5! Original price is $150, so you save 97%.
Bluetooth GPS reciever
http://www.androidpit.com/en/android.../Bluetooth-GPS
I figured for $5, it is worth a shot. I should be receiving it by the end of the week, and will post my findings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, you're trading one problem for another, WiFi will vanish with Bluetooth on.
Neither of these links work?
NOT SOLVED.
What's the point of of a thin, sleek tablet when it's got to have a dongle sticking out it.
At most your post is an obvious workaround, but hardly anywhere near ideal, or even acceptable for a lot of people.
kristovaher said:
Well, you're trading one problem for another, WiFi will vanish with Bluetooth on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your tethering your tablet via BT to a GPS unit, why would you care if WiFi was off or on? If your even doing this, it is obvious your out traveling and thus, WiFi is of no use so... it is a mute point
Someone Walkin' said:
NOT SOLVED.
What's the point of of a thin, sleek tablet when it's got to have a dongle sticking out it.
At most your post is an obvious workaround, but hardly anywhere near ideal, or even acceptable for a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously don't know what a Bluetooth GPS receiver is. Though I do agree that this is a workaround.
You realize the ones for $5 don't come with the charger, right?
Lock-N-Load said:
If your tethering your tablet via BT to a GPS unit, why would you care if WiFi was off or on? If your even doing this, it is obvious your out traveling and thus, WiFi is of no use so... it is a mute point
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless you want to tether to a phone or hotspot to use nav
Lock-N-Load said:
If your tethering your tablet via BT to a GPS unit, why would you care if WiFi was off or on? If your even doing this, it is obvious your out traveling and thus, WiFi is of no use so... it is a mute point
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi-tethering with a smartphone?
Lock-N-Load said:
it is a mute point
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a MOOT point, for sure.
tdrussell said:
unless you want to tether to a phone or hotspot to use nav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you're doing that then why not just use tether gps?
pyro6128 said:
if you're doing that then why not just use tether gps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably true, but sometimes, a smartphone's AGPS isn't that much better.
And sometimes, you want to use... the Internet.
Glad I don't really care about GPS on a tablet or even a laptop. Both my cars have navigation systems so I'm good on that
wifi-tethering with a smartphone? I'll just use the phone GPS.
Honestly I can't even think of a situation where I really needed GPS on a larger screen...
(obviously this is just my personal situation)
Itaintrite said:
Probably true, but sometimes, a smartphone's AGPS isn't that much better.
And sometimes, you want to use... the Internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying its ideal. Obviously having a dedicated working gps in the tab is better. I'm just saying if you have a smart phone, instead of buying a bluetooth gps and jumping through hoops and all, might as well just use tether gps and use your phone's.
hairdewx said:
Glad I don't really care about GPS on a tablet or even a laptop. Both my cars have navigation systems so I'm good on that
wifi-tethering with a smartphone? I'll just use the phone GPS.
Honestly I can't even think of a situation where I really needed GPS on a larger screen...
(obviously this is just my personal situation)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I was thinking with all these people complaining about the GPS. I could care less. I don't think I will ever even turn it on.
wynand32 said:
It's a MOOT point, for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
d'ohh busted
kristovaher said:
Well, you're trading one problem for another, WiFi will vanish with Bluetooth on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Situation 1: You're home using your wifi and you need Blutooth GPS.
Solution: Dude, if you need to know where you are at home, there is a bigger issue.
Situation 2: You're driving down the road and you need Blutooth GPS.
Solution: Turn it on, there's no Wifi anyways
Situation 3: You're driving down the road, you need GPS, but someone is using the Prime in the passenger seat connected to a wifi hotspot from a phone right next to you.
Solution: First, it probably won't drop in that close proximity. Second, how often is this situation going to happen? For six sigma the population, this will happen less than once.
Situation 4: You're in a coffee shop on wifi and need GPS.
Solution: Disconnect Wifi, do your GPS location, reconnect Wifi.
Alternate Solution: Use the wifi location tracking.
So really, there is no issue here. Unless you have one I'm not thinking of.
pyro6128 said:
I'm not saying its ideal. Obviously having a dedicated working gps in the tab is better. I'm just saying if you have a smart phone, instead of buying a bluetooth gps and jumping through hoops and all, might as well just use tether gps and use your phone's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I agree. If you have a smartphone, might as well use the phone for GPS. Tether-GPS isn't that fast.
I PERSONALLY will never use GPS with my tablet though. There's a reason why GPS devices don't have 10" screen ;P
Just so we are clear, I am by no means in NEED of GPS on my tablet, as I have a droid bionic.
This workaround is for my wife to use while I am driving. We go on a lot of road trips, and she constantly complains about screen size of the droid.
I agree with people in the sense that GPS is not needed on the tablet, and it is not feasible to be driving around by yourself using the tablet for GPS.
I think you will find that tethering a bt GPS might be a pain. Back in the day I managed it with my old dell axim but drivers will be an issue on android.
There can be use for GPS in a tablet with cached or offline maps though. I actually hold on to our htc-hd2 because of the great GPS with offline maps under wm6.x. we use it all the time...but I prefer the pocketabilty of that system for GPS navigation.
I have little use for GPS on a tablet...but I am a little annoyed as I was with my vibrant that GPS is not working as advertised on the prime.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
SO after all the people worrying me I got mine today from Game Stop. Opened it up, rooted it, installed root keeper, upgraded to ICS and upgraded the camera. Wifi works fantastic at my work so far, and GPS locked me on me as soon as I upgraded Google Maps. It wasn't 100% perfect but it was accurate upto 20 meters.
I know this isnt a blog site, I just wanted to give some positive feedback after reading all of these nightmares forever.
Also, I am using wifi and my bluetooth mouse with no problems either.
Now we just need some love from ASUS so we can get some custom ROMs/Kernels
Told ya..lol. Glad to hear its working well for ya.
DroidHam said:
Wifi works fantastic at my work so far, and GPS locked me on me as soon as I upgraded Google Maps. It wasn't 100% perfect but it was accurate upto 20 meters.
Also, I am using wifi and my bluetooth mouse with no problems either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do NOT want to be the one to rain on anybody's parade and insist that someone shouldn't love the product they just bought. Hell, I love my Prime as well, although I'm still debating whether to return the one I have with broken haptic feedback in hopes of finally getting one where at least every major component just functions at all.
That said, we do need to keep the issues clear that actually do exist. So:
1. If you have GPS completely turned off, Google Maps will still locate you to 20 meters via wifi-based location services. In fact, you might find that your GPS actually is turned off by default (I can't remember whether mine was on or off out of the box and following the ICS update). However, locking to 20 meters accuracy when connected to wifi has pretty much nothing to do with working or non-working GPS.
2. If you have another Bluetooth device to try other than a mouse, it would be interesting to see if you can stream more data (say, a BT headphone and streaming audio) and retain full wifi performance at the same time.
Nice to hear, I hope it stays (almost perfect).
Just to worry you some more:
Make sure you are streaming audio to a bluetooth from a video or something online. YOu want to make sure your BlueTooth is actually streaming something, and not simply turned on.
Check the edges of your screen. Make sure your screen is not lifting away from the back. This may or may not be a problem for your, but for my prime and some others, the glass appears to be raised above the Back Panel and can basically be pushed flush against it.
I love my prime, I love it. Except, I cannot update it cause I have no Serial Number. Even with my screen a little raised, and some light bleed on the right hand side, I would keep it if I could update the firmware. But I cannot, and have to take it back.
DroidHam said:
SO after all the people worrying me I got mine today from Game Stop. Opened it up, rooted it, installed root keeper, upgraded to ICS and upgraded the camera. Wifi works fantastic at my work so far, and GPS locked me on me as soon as I upgraded Google Maps. It wasn't 100% perfect but it was accurate upto 20 meters.
I know this isnt a blog site, I just wanted to give some positive feedback after reading all of these nightmares forever.
Also, I am using wifi and my bluetooth mouse with no problems either.
Now we just need some love from ASUS so we can get some custom ROMs/Kernels
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google maps locks on for me at 20 meters accuracy. Although when I try Google Nav. No such luck. Glad yours is near perfect
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
You all are funny..lol
Everything is nice on my Prime. The one thing I noticed on the native video player when playing mkv files. I would get these lines outside the playing video. But if played from a third party player like mx player I have no problems.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Mine is almost perfect save for a spec of dust under the LCD which causes a small greyish dark shadow on white/bright backgrounds...Problem is best buy where i bought it from is out of stock...and with the unknown serial number problem seemingly becoming more commonplace...i dont want to risk replacing this one that works perfect and has one small imperfection...and getting one thats unrootable and unupgradeable...im thinking i will just keep this one and RMA it later on if need be when the bugs and issues have been worked out down the line after all the tab is covered by a 1 year warranty with Asus.
3rdamention said:
Make sure you are streaming audio to a bluetooth from a video or something online. YOu want to make sure your BlueTooth is actually streaming something, and not simply turned on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not the OP...but ran this test with 20 minutes of streaming video from YouTube and Netflix without issues. I think some people got a bad bad batch.
mike infinity said:
I am not the OP...but ran this test with 20 minutes of streaming video from YouTube and Netflix without issues. I think some people got a bad bad batch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Bluetooth device were you streaming to; presumably it was audio? While you were streaming to Bluetooth, did you do any SpeedTest runs? Would be interesting to see if you were able to maintain full Internet connectivity over wifi while streaming to Bluetooth...
my replacement ATP should be in today or tomorrow..i hope so.
They have one from a preorder that never picked up and the manager and I both agreed that it would be better not to open up one from the same "batch" but try fresh with this new batch..regardless if the units being released now are the same as before...(i doubt this from a production/shipping standpoint..otherwise if no new units were created...why the massive shortage upon release?)
the last question was more rhetorical.
Glad to see you have yours....I love mine other than what others are facing...screen separation, no GPS(none), WiFi is intermittently crappy...BT issue is intermittent..and something i haven't seen anyone talk about..i have a dead-zone right where the WLAN module seems to be. I've used both the developer screen visualizer and Multitouch Visualizer and have posted the video's confirming it "Skips" at the exact same spot and ONLY that spot.
Being an original transformer owner....I am in love with this one! IMO It is working great right out of the box smooth as butter.... I really don't know whats up with all these post about ICS being buggy,laggy,crashing.....?? This tablet is going to sell because its nice,fast,the screen is amazing and it's beat every other company off the line with cutting edge software & hardware... I'm not saying its perfect but it sure works for me.
I heared Gamespot have some problems with returning policy so im afraid to order one from them... happy to hear you got a good one tho.
but why did you root it? is that a MUST ?
vitalero said:
I heared Gamespot have some problems with returning policy so im afraid to order one from them... happy to hear you got a good one tho.
but why did you root it? is that a MUST ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first Prime I got from GS non tablet store. I was able to return it within the 30 day policy. I just explained about the GPS and random shutdowns and that was that got my money back and now have my replacement from OD. I'm happy and rooted! Can't wait for the unlock bootloader tool.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Asus just contacted me regarding my RMA I just received today. It does work better then my last tablet, but soon as I start streaming bluetooth the wifi just drops right out. Anyway, they indicated THERE IS a hardware fix and I'm going to have to send my tablet BACK to them again. I have no idea what this hardware fix is or what it implies. I'm trying to get back in touch with support so I can get ANOTHER RMA to send the tablet back out again for this "hardware fix".
Your tab is just racking up those flyer miles. Hopefully it gets fixed this time.
I got the same email today saying that they had a hardware fix. They said that it will be a couple weeks before its ready so they suggested that I wait for 2 weeks other wise my tablet will just sit there. Its encouraging for sure.
kkpsichologist said:
I got the same email today saying that they had a hardware fix. They said that it will be a couple weeks before its ready so they suggested that I wait for 2 weeks other wise my tablet will just sit there. Its encouraging for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real big problem with this is by the time they actually get to service everyone there will be perfectly high end tablets out on the market already. Asus really bombed on this one.
opentoe said:
The real big problem with this is by the time they actually get to service everyone there will be perfectly high end tablets out on the market already. Asus really bombed on this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep also I think the fix is only for the WiFi range not Bluetooth WiFi speeds
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Wordlywisewiz said:
Yep also I think the fix is only for the WiFi range not Bluetooth WiFi speeds
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heck, if they have a fix for the wifi range I'll be ecstatic. You mean I won't have to tape tinfoil to the front of my Prime anymore? If that's true, life will be great.
Of course, ASUS may as well just do a general recall b/c as soon as it hits the fan and people find out there is a wifi fix, they're probably going to get 50% returns anyway. I think a ton of people are putting up with wifi right now because it's adequate but they know it's really not as good as it could or should be.
Prime + properly working WiFi = ABSOLUTELY AWESOME user experience.
EDIT: Also, I think they should make the fix available through their authorized service providers nationwide and not force everyone to send back to the only repair center in the country that appears to be working on these right now.
Well that is encouraging that they have a hardware fix. I agree a mass recall should be done for those who want it. Ship us new ones so we are not waiting for them to get repaired when the mass influx hits. They can use the techs to just fix all the current models we ship back without having rush jobs causing scratches on the cases/glass. Sell them as refurbished and people will still snap them up in a heart beat.
opentoe said:
Asus just contacted me regarding my RMA I just received today. It does work better then my last tablet, but soon as I start streaming bluetooth the wifi just drops right out. Anyway, they indicated THERE IS a hardware fix and I'm going to have to send my tablet BACK to them again. I have no idea what this hardware fix is or what it implies. I'm trying to get back in touch with support so I can get ANOTHER RMA to send the tablet back out again for this "hardware fix".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I heard this as well. Gary from Asus stated this in his last interview with CNET. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57373634-94/putting-the-transformer-prime-in-perspective/
"The second area of concern with users is the performance of the unit with Wi-Fi and BT enabled at the same time. For a very small minority of users, this combination resulted in signal dropouts or severely degraded wireless performance. We are still investigating the root cause of this problem with returned units, but it appears to be a random manufacturing process issue with properly attaching an antenna.
At this time we have been reworking or replacing units for customers who have reported this problem. In addition, we will start a standardized repair process shortly to ensure any units that still suffer from the problem are properly fixed and offer the same level of Wi-Fi performance as the current shipping units."
The broadcom combo chip is what controls the WIFI/GPS/Bluetooth. Look at BOLD statement above. Not sure what he is talking about atm. I thought WIFI/Bluetooth was ran out of same antenna. I have the WIFI/Bluetooth fallout as well. I modded my prime and have external antenna directly from pogo pin locations. So..... I think it must be something else HARDWARE related. Maybe a resistor or something else coming from the chip that is not right? I been thinking about this ever since I heard that statement.
Erusman said:
Yes, I heard this as well. Gary from Asus stated this in his last interview with CNET. http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57373634-94/putting-the-transformer-prime-in-perspective/
"The second area of concern with users is the performance of the unit with Wi-Fi and BT enabled at the same time. For a very small minority of users, this combination resulted in signal dropouts or severely degraded wireless performance. We are still investigating the root cause of this problem with returned units, but it appears to be a random manufacturing process issue with properly attaching an antenna.
At this time we have been reworking or replacing units for customers who have reported this problem. In addition, we will start a standardized repair process shortly to ensure any units that still suffer from the problem are properly fixed and offer the same level of Wi-Fi performance as the current shipping units."
The broadcom combo chip is what controls the WIFI/GPS/Bluetooth. Look at BOLD statement above. Not sure what he is talking about atm. I thought WIFI/Bluetooth was ran out of same antenna. I have the WIFI/Bluetooth fallout as well. I modded my prime and have external antenna directly from pogo pin locations. So..... I think it must be something else HARDWARE related. Maybe a resistor or something else coming from the chip that is not right? I been thinking about this ever since I heard that statement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think all Primes have this issue, it's just only a small amount of Prime owners are streaming audio over Bluetooth. That is why the hardware fix won't be ready for about 2 weeks, and I am not sure how long before the production Primes will come off the line with the fix included.
diecast17 said:
I think all Primes have this issue, it's just only a small amount of Prime owners are streaming audio over Bluetooth. That is why the hardware fix won't be ready for about 2 weeks, and I am not sure how long before the production Primes will come off the line with the fix included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Gary is quoted saying "a very small minority of users" have this issue. I haven't heard of anyone yet that owns a prime that doesn't have this issue.
The big ? is.. What is this hardware fix? I would love to open a prime that has the WIFI/BT issue fixed by Asus. See what they have done to it. I highly doubt it is the broadcom chip itself. Must be a smaller component flawed on mobo to cause this issue.
This could also be a fix for weak wifi in general. A couple of people have posted that "insider sources" other than Gary said there was some sort of hardware antenna fix in the works, probably within 30 days. Could be related to these emails.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
dcAndroidFan said:
This could also be a fix for weak wifi in general. A couple of people have posted that "insider sources" other than Gary said there was some sort of hardware antenna fix in the works, probably within 30 days. Could be related to these emails.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. They keep referring to "Antenna fix." My factory WIFI/GPS antenna are removed. I have antenna directly to mobo pogos via SMA connectors. I still have the WIFI/BT fallout issue. That is why I keep thinking its something on the primes mobo that is not right. Hmmmmm maybe something to do with the shielding and the broadcom chip?
Anywho... yes it would be cool to see what they do since they tell us that it IS a Hardware issue.
Hardware fix
The hint is the combo chip were they share the B/T and Wi-Fi I believe they are separating them and the antennas.
Would be great if we could get this verified and made into an official ASUS sticky thread. I know we are all very interested in the outcome.
Edit: If the new hardware fixes wifi range, that is. I am aware that an official sticky thread exists for the BT fallout issue.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
bologdl said:
The hint is the combo chip were they share the B/T and WiFi I be live they are separating them and the antennas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. I am going to pull the broadcom #'s on the combo chip tonight if I get a chance. Then find out what pinouts control the WIFI/BT combo. I do know that WIFI and BT both operate at 2.4ghz. And I thought share the same antenna. I didn't think they could seperate it. Hey maybe I will learn something. Always fun!
Anyone else have some ideas on this whole issue?
Erusman said:
Yes. I am going to pull the broadcom #'s on the combo chip tonight if I get a chance. Then find out what pinouts control the WIFI/BT combo. I do know that WIFI and BT both operate at 2.4ghz. And I thought share the same antenna. I didn't think they could seperate it. Hey maybe I will learn something. Always fun!
Anyone else have some ideas on this whole issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep us posted. Would also be nice to know when this fix will go into production!!!!!
opentoe said:
Asus just contacted me regarding my RMA I just received today. It does work better then my last tablet, but soon as I start streaming bluetooth the wifi just drops right out. Anyway, they indicated THERE IS a hardware fix and I'm going to have to send my tablet BACK to them again. I have no idea what this hardware fix is or what it implies. I'm trying to get back in touch with support so I can get ANOTHER RMA to send the tablet back out again for this "hardware fix".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this is true I would ask Asus to send me a loaner first and using the same box from the loaner to ship my own prime.
Erusman said:
I agree. Gary is quoted saying "a very small minority of users" have this issue. I haven't heard of anyone yet that owns a prime that doesn't have this issue.
The big ? is.. What is this hardware fix? I would love to open a prime that has the WIFI/BT issue fixed by Asus. See what they have done to it. I highly doubt it is the broadcom chip itself. Must be a smaller component flawed on mobo to cause this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think i have one of those with no problems.
I compared wifi signal reading with signal reading on my laptop to same acceespoint , its only couple db lower.
Today i went for a drive with gps test on. 90% of the time i had gps lock. I had up to 12 sats.
a1jatt said:
I think i have one of those with no problems.
I compared wifi signal reading with signal reading on my laptop to same acceespoint , its only couple db lower.
Today i went for a drive with gps test on. 90% of the time i had gps lock. I had up to 12 sats.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I think Gary was referring to the Bluetooth dropout issue.
2. My Prime gets almost exactly the same signal as my HTC phone but the data throughput drops off a lot more at the same distance.
3. Those who want GPS for navigation would say that losing your lock 10% of the time is a problem. (especially in cities where you need to make a number of quick turns in short distances)
Not saying that you should be discontent. Just observing the counterpoint.
Sent from my HTC Incredible using Tapatalk
a1jatt said:
I think i have one of those with no problems.
I compared wifi signal reading with signal reading on my laptop to same acceespoint , its only couple db lower.
Today i went for a drive with gps test on. 90% of the time i had gps lock. I had up to 12 sats.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stream some bluetooth and then get back to us. I stream right from the tablet itself and still my wifi drops right out. Pooop.
All,
I am open to suggestions on what to do with my prime. Some background:
I bought it because I wanted an Android table that I didn't have to hack to make work and that I didn't have to keep plugged in all the time. I had a Viewsonic Gtablet and that was such a turd I was totally disgusted with having to support it anytime I wanted to use it. I just wanted it to work, but as I am an Engineer by trade I liked the flexiblity that came with an Android tablet vs an iPad.
I was one of the early ones to get the prime, and as such I thoroughly tested everything, screen bleed, dead pixels, battery, bluetooth, wireless, GPS, the whole 9 yards. Then I got the patch that came out around New Years Day and never got GPS back. I called support and they wanted me to send it in for at least 7 days. I found that to be ridiculous and decided to live with it. I got hopeful that as other people got theirs working with newer patches mine would too.
I just got the new patch the other day, still no GPS and as I was trying to use my tablet tonight, it was slower than dirt. I run a speed test and I get 1.5Mbps down, and I pull out my phone and run a speed test over wireless (802.11, not 4G) and I get 15Mbps down. Ran the same tests a few times with consistent results.
I just want a tablet that works and everything works as it should. I don't want an Apple product as I take long flights and like to be able to watch mkvs as well as a couple of other things Apple doesn't do easily. I really thought my Prime would be the solution for me.
So your thoughts on my options:
Return it to ASUS for service, how likely am I to be satisified with those results?
I see that there is a potential fix for GPS, is there one for WIFI? I don't want to hack it to get my stuff to work, but it is an option.
Sell it and buy an Apple Product.
My wife has an iPad and anytime I have issues with my Prime, I pick hers up and it just rocks and rolls. I really like Android and the features it offers over an iOS device, not to mention I really HATE iTunes.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
I understand about itunes, it drove my away from apple also. But it seems as if the Prime really isn't the tablet for you. I don't know if its just hardware or bad luck, either way I sorry to hear your having problems.
I don't think anyone can make the decision as to what you should do, however it seems as if you have made up your mind already. If you think ipad is a better solution then that might be the better pad for you. Good luck.
unlock it, throw a custom rom on it. worries will be over
IMO, try to return it for a device with C20 or above on the serial number.
Check and see if you can get an exchange, or refund. Refund is probably the better idea over exchange.
For GPS.. if the feature is important to you, Transformer Prime simply isn't the right tablet for you. Look for other alternatives .....
As for WIFI:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5688/apple-ipad-2012-review/18
It could just be Anandtech's Prime (however, mine is similar to Annandtech.. slightly better or worse on each given day)... but either way, you will be taking a chance if you wish to re-purchase Transformer Prime.
shinzz said:
Check and see if you can get an exchange, or refund. Refund is probably the better idea over exchange.
For GPS.. if the feature is important to you, Transformer Prime simply isn't the right tablet for you. Look for other alternatives .....
As for WIFI:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/5688/apple-ipad-2012-review/18
It could just be Anandtech's Prime (however, mine is similar to Annandtech.. slightly better or worse on each given day)... but either way, you will be taking a chance if you wish to re-purchase Transformer Prime.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why is GPS so important? If you really have this device mounted in your car, you should be shot. A 10 inch screen has no place in your car. Look at the road, for christ. Buy a decent smartphone that has GPS. There's really no reason for a tablet to have GPS anymore, with the Wifi system.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
here is my suggestion~
Prime isn't perfect, nor the new ipad is and its hard for every user to expect its do all the things it supposed to do (I know its on the spec and we all want it working fine... but u know ipad wasn't perfect too, though it came with a extra egg-cooking function which is not on the spec list) I guess in other few patches, Prime will finally work the way u want it be, but u know, getting other tablet may disappoint u in other ways as well. chances are always there~
so if u really want GPS then refund it~
if u can bear the difference of 1.5 mbps and 15 mbps, then it worth the wait ~
kjp1231 said:
All,
I am open to suggestions on what to do with my prime. Some background:
I bought it because I wanted an Android table that I didn't have to hack to make work and that I didn't have to keep plugged in all the time. I had a Viewsonic Gtablet and that was such a turd I was totally disgusted with having to support it anytime I wanted to use it. I just wanted it to work, but as I am an Engineer by trade I liked the flexiblity that came with an Android tablet vs an iPad.
I was one of the early ones to get the prime, and as such I thoroughly tested everything, screen bleed, dead pixels, battery, bluetooth, wireless, GPS, the whole 9 yards. Then I got the patch that came out around New Years Day and never got GPS back. I called support and they wanted me to send it in for at least 7 days. I found that to be ridiculous and decided to live with it. I got hopeful that as other people got theirs working with newer patches mine would too.
I just got the new patch the other day, still no GPS and as I was trying to use my tablet tonight, it was slower than dirt. I run a speed test and I get 1.5Mbps down, and I pull out my phone and run a speed test over wireless (802.11, not 4G) and I get 15Mbps down. Ran the same tests a few times with consistent results.
I just want a tablet that works and everything works as it should. I don't want an Apple product as I take long flights and like to be able to watch mkvs as well as a couple of other things Apple doesn't do easily. I really thought my Prime would be the solution for me.
So your thoughts on my options:
Return it to ASUS for service, how likely am I to be satisified with those results?
I see that there is a potential fix for GPS, is there one for WIFI? I don't want to hack it to get my stuff to work, but it is an option.
Sell it and buy an Apple Product.
My wife has an iPad and anytime I have issues with my Prime, I pick hers up and it just rocks and rolls. I really like Android and the features it offers over an iOS device, not to mention I really HATE iTunes.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you can live a few months without a tablet, return it and wait for the infinity... It should resolve most of the issues.
rorytmeadows said:
Why is GPS so important? If you really have this device mounted in your car, you should be shot. A 10 inch screen has no place in your car. Look at the road, for christ. Buy a decent smartphone that has GPS. There's really no reason for a tablet to have GPS anymore, with the Wifi system.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen!!, This should be stickied and placed in bold. Anybody who buys a wifi device (like the Prime) that would have to be tethered to another device with a cell radio (like a cell phone) to be used properly, but complains that the GPS won't work, needs to rethink the purpose for a wifi tablet.
GPS on a tablet is a gimmick feature at best and I don't blame Asus for removing it from spec. It certainly isn't worth the headache it has casued.
ill1 said:
Amen!!, This should be stickied and placed in bold. Anybody who buys a wifi device (like the Prime) that would have to be tethered to another device with a cell radio (like a cell phone) to be used properly, but complains that the GPS won't work, needs to rethink the purpose for a wifi tablet.
GPS on a tablet is a gimmick feature at best and I don't blame Asus for removing it from spec. It certainly isn't worth the headache it has casued.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Part of the problem with the Prime forum is ill-informed posts like this one, and the post that prompted it. Note, I'm not singling out the individual posters here as this seems to be a very common sentiment on the Prime forum these days, but just using these posts as an example.
There are many reasons why someone might want GPS on their WiFi only tablet beyond navigation, and even if you did want to use it for navigation in a vehicle, there is absolutely *no* requirement for it to be tethered if you have offline maps.
There are plenty of apps out there that rely on GPS for things like marine navigation, hiking, geo-tagging photos etc that don't need data access, but require having working GPS. Something like the Prime with its IPS+ screen is ideal for those sorts of uses, *if* the GPS worked correctly. Saying that it is a "gimmick feature", or doesn't matter because the WiFi iPad doesn't have it, is patently absurd.
Ok, so Asus have stopped advertising the Prime as having GPS, but that doesn't help those who purchase the Prime beforehand, or those like the OP who had functioning GPS which was nerfed by an update.
It's incredibly short-sighted to just assume that because *you* don't have a use for GPS on a WiFi tablet, no one else does.
Can we please stop with attacking people who just want their tablets to work as they expected?
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
Part of the problem with the Prime forum is ill-informed posts like this one, and the post that prompted it. Note, I'm not singling out the individual posters here as this seems to be a very common sentiment on the Prime forum these days, but just using these posts as an example.
There are many reasons why someone might want GPS on their WiFi only tablet beyond navigation, and even if you did want to use it for navigation in a vehicle, there is absolutely *no* requirement for it to be tethered if you have offline maps.
There are plenty of apps out there that rely on GPS for things like marine navigation, hiking, geo-tagging photos etc that don't need data access, but require having working GPS. Something like the Prime with its IPS+ screen is ideal for those sorts of uses, *if* the GPS worked correctly. Saying that it is a "gimmick feature", or doesn't matter because the WiFi iPad doesn't have it, is patently absurd.
Ok, so Asus have stopped advertising the Prime as having GPS, but that doesn't help those who purchase the Prime beforehand, or those like the OP who had functioning GPS which was nerfed by an update.
It's incredibly short-sighted to just assume that because *you* don't have a use for GPS on a WiFi tablet, no one else does.
Can we please stop with attacking people who just want their tablets to work as they expected?
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Dave, couldn't have said it better myself.
I didn't buy the tablet so that I could mount it on my dashboard and drive around with it. My previous tablet didn't have GPS, the Apple products do as does the original Transformer. When I pre-ordered mine GPS was listed as a feature and I expected it to work right. It did right out of the box until the first patch came, Asus doesn't recognize it as a hardware problem. GPS is not just for directions, there are quite a bit of applications out there that use Location Based Services and when you aren't connected to Wi-Fi, it would be nice that the GPS actually worked as GPS is a better at Location Based Services than Wi-Fi is.
I also bought a product that supports Wi-FI, accepting that 1.5Mbps down is not really an option.
I just want a product that works everytime I pick it up. The Gtablet was not that product as the ROMS were always in development, and there was always one feature or another not working. That is why when I bout the Prime I wanted a product that just worked.
Kevin
ill1 said:
I understand about itunes, it drove my away from apple also. But it seems as if the Prime really isn't the tablet for you. I don't know if its just hardware or bad luck, either way I sorry to hear your having problems.
I don't think anyone can make the decision as to what you should do, however it seems as if you have made up your mind already. If you think ipad is a better solution then that might be the better pad for you. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you ill,
I haven't made up my mind yet, I really really do not want an Apple product. I really want a functioning Android product. I was more posting to see what suggestions people had to get mine to be fully functioning as the product that was advertised and I bought.
Kevin
bk201doesntexist said:
IMO, try to return it for a device with C20 or above on the serial number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
returning it is not an option as this was a pre-order and I only had 30 days to return it. I got it the last week of December 2011.
Why not try the Samsung tab 10.1?
If GPS is a requirement, I'd go for a cheap bluetooth GPS, if you can find one that's compatible, and rely on a mobile hotspot if you need data on the road. That being said, I dunno if the bluetooth + wifi problem affects GPS in such a configuration. The Samsung tablet is also a good alternative...that, and a good Windows tablet can be overlaid with RoadRunner or other control and give you a car-oriented interface for Nav and control of music, etc. that rivals a lot of factory control systems. From what I've seen of what's available in android thus far, the options for a control interface in android don't come close to what's available for windows...
My combination of problems differs; I never had a usable GPS, but since the .15 update, I've had no GPS at all (no satellites). That, and the no serial issue, and the bluetooth (A2DP) drops out when streaming audio or video over wifi.
I'm thinking about an RMA, but I'm not encouraged by the reports of effectiveness for forum members that have gone through the process...I'm kinda waiting on the "big announcement" from Gary before I pass judgment on the RMA. I'm kinda hoping on being able to unlock the device at some point, and at least be able to load a custom ROM if I'm stuck with no OTA updates. In the mean time, the tablet makes a great media consumption device and game platform, and I'd like to explore the keyboard option in the near future.
To those with a problem with a car mount: You'd rather someone use a 4.5" Garmin or a dash-mount 7" factory nav? You do know that it's easier to glance at a larger screen when it comes to navigating, right? I don't suggest use of the tablet while driving: Pre-program your routes (and playlists for music) before you go, and pull over for geo-tagging or finding restaurants, etc....but there's no reason a tablet can't be used for in-car purposes, so long as you use a little common sense and foresight. I run a laptop with an in-dash touch screen (7") carputer system, it works fine this way.
GernBlanston said:
If GPS is a requirement, I'd go for a cheap bluetooth GPS, if you can find one that's compatible, and rely on a mobile hotspot if you need data on the road. That being said, I dunno if the bluetooth + wifi problem affects GPS in such a configuration. The Samsung tablet is also a good alternative...that, and a good Windows tablet can be overlaid with RoadRunner or other control and give you a car-oriented interface for Nav and control of music, etc. that rivals a lot of factory control systems. From what I've seen of what's available in android thus far, the options for a control interface in android don't come close to what's available for windows...
My combination of problems differs; I never had a usable GPS, but since the .15 update, I've had no GPS at all (no satellites). That, and the no serial issue, and the bluetooth (A2DP) drops out when streaming audio or video over wifi.
I'm thinking about an RMA, but I'm not encouraged by the reports of effectiveness for forum members that have gone through the process...I'm kinda waiting on the "big announcement" from Gary before I pass judgment on the RMA. I'm kinda hoping on being able to unlock the device at some point, and at least be able to load a custom ROM if I'm stuck with no OTA updates. In the mean time, the tablet makes a great media consumption device and game platform, and I'd like to explore the keyboard option in the near future.
To those with a problem with a car mount: You'd rather someone use a 4.5" Garmin or a dash-mount 7" factory nav? You do know that it's easier to glance at a larger screen when it comes to navigating, right? I don't suggest use of the tablet while driving: Pre-program your routes (and playlists for music) before you go, and pull over for geo-tagging or finding restaurants, etc....but there's no reason a tablet can't be used for in-car purposes, so long as you use a little common sense and foresight. I run a laptop with an in-dash touch screen (7") carputer system, it works fine this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually purchased cheap Bluetooth GPS to tether to my Prime. I personally find it annoying that I have to carry multiple device & charger... =/
This will ultimately depend on the user...
As for big announcement, don't expect a miracle or hardware "solution" provided by Asus (especially on GPS).
Btw, if the OP can wait.. there are other options.
Such as this one...
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-A510-10s...TWKA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333374516&sr=8-1
reNeglect said:
Well if you can live a few months without a tablet, return it and wait for the infinity... It should resolve most of the issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Returned mine to Amazon today and now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Infinity so that I can buy it!
kjp1231 said:
returning it is not an option as this was a pre-order and I only had 30 days to return it. I got it the last week of December 2011.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to RMA it with Asus. If the unit they send as a replacement doesn't meet your needs, sell it on eBay. Even used you should have no problem getting $400-450 for it.
I haven't had any of the issues you have described aside from the poor GPS. WiFi works great, the tablet's performance is smooth and apps run fast with no issue. Also the latest update got rid of the annoying "Browser Not Responding" glitch after I did a factory reset.
FYI, GPS never really worked. It it seemed to either you hadn't really tested it, or the Prime was lying to you
If GPS is a necessary feature you will never be happy with the Prime. And yes, I also have an early model (BBOK) with GPS listed as a feature on the box.
almightywhacko said:
FYI, GPS never really worked. It it seemed to either you hadn't really tested it, or the Prime was lying to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tested my unit very thoroughly as soon as I got it out of the box. I was consistently getting a very fast lock on to at least 13 satellites inside my house. Not sure how the prime would have lied about that. Since the first update around January 1, I cannot get it to lock on to any sattelites outside my house in a field no matter how I hold the unit.
foxmeister said:
Part of the problem with the Prime forum is ill-informed posts like this one, and the post that prompted it. Note, I'm not singling out the individual posters here as this seems to be a very common sentiment on the Prime forum these days, but just using these posts as an example.
There are many reasons why someone might want GPS on their WiFi only tablet beyond navigation, and even if you did want to use it for navigation in a vehicle, there is absolutely *no* requirement for it to be tethered if you have offline maps.
There are plenty of apps out there that rely on GPS for things like marine navigation, hiking, geo-tagging photos etc that don't need data access, but require having working GPS. Something like the Prime with its IPS+ screen is ideal for those sorts of uses, *if* the GPS worked correctly. Saying that it is a "gimmick feature", or doesn't matter because the WiFi iPad doesn't have it, is patently absurd.
Ok, so Asus have stopped advertising the Prime as having GPS, but that doesn't help those who purchase the Prime beforehand, or those like the OP who had functioning GPS which was nerfed by an update.
It's incredibly short-sighted to just assume that because *you* don't have a use for GPS on a WiFi tablet, no one else does.
Can we please stop with attacking people who just want their tablets to work as they expected?
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not singling out any individual posters either but since you used mine and noted the one that prompted my response then I'll respond to you.
On this forum I come across a lot of threads that get hijacked because of the GPS issue, it's a known problem Asus acknowledged it and took it off spec. You could always ask for a refund or sell it and get one that is better suited for your needs. It would be a completely different thing if Asus hadn't acknowledged it or worse just simply ignored it but they haven't.
No GPS is not an issue for me, but I understand it is for others however Asus has said it may not work properly and should not be considered in place of a professional GPS unit. There are other tablets that may be a better fit for users who need GPS . So I don't believe it's me who's being short sighted.
I never meant to attack anyone if you feel attacked I apologize but I stand by what I wrote.
I'm started this thread because it seems there are a lot of TF201 owners, like me, who feel that the GPS fix is good, but a WIFI fix would be better. Hopefully we can keep the feet to the fire and get some improvements here too.
My WIFI works very well in a 20 foot radius around the router. But step outside that bubble and it drops off significantly. I will need to buy a new access point to have good connectivity in the kitchen. That sucks.
Apparently the C3+ serial numbers are better, here's hoping. I've stayed positive about ASUS and the TF201 since December. Please ASUS, fix the WIFI, not the GPS.
Cheers.
I expressed my opinion in the "thread opened by Gary", it's not necessary to start another discussion here.
I wil folow the primary one.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1537260
bimbobo said:
I expressed my opinion in the "thread opened by Gary", it's not necessary to start another discussion here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough. But that thread is about general product updates, this is specifically addressing the issue that WIFI is more important than GPS.
Typical 21st century human behavior thx for an almost perfect product but we need MORE!
Not flaming just trashing around. Wifi is more important than GPS. Are wifi repeater that expensive? I'd just go ahead and buy one if that solve all your problems ^^
In my case wifi is good enough. Meaning its similar to my other devices like my phone. It could always be better but i think its as good as it gets with a mobile device that's so thin and made out of aluminum
-lukin- said:
I'm started this thread because it seems there are a lot of TF201 owners, like me, who feel that the GPS fix is good, but a WIFI fix would be better. Hopefully we can keep the feet to the fire and get some improvements here too.
My WIFI works very well in a 20 foot radius around the router. But step outside that bubble and it drops off significantly. I will need to buy a new access point to have good connectivity in the kitchen. That sucks.
Apparently the C3+ serial numbers are better, here's hoping. I've stayed positive about ASUS and the TF201 since December. Please ASUS, fix the WIFI, not the GPS.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more.
Swap out older models with newer ones that apperrntly have better WiFi
Ever heard the saying you can't please everyone
GPS problems is affecting probably 99% of primes when wi-fi problems are affecting lets say 20%...as a company which would you adress first?
I have had a prime since day of release in UK & have stated on numerous occasions only problem I have is GPS. I do not do all these wi-fi speed tests, bench marks etc I think they just placebo, If you get low scores you are convinced tablet is slow & reverse for if you get high scores. I test my Prime by how it compares to my other products & yes my wi-fi is just as good as my neetbook,phone & old hannspad tablet
wow people are never happy. be glad that asus is actually doing something about the gps. its good to see that a company cares enough about its customers who have ALREADY bought their products to fix it up. i'm sure they will fix up wifi aswell. its good to have a responsive company.
Quit complaining and contact Gary directly. This thread is useless.
clouds5 said:
Typical 21st century human behavior thx for an almost perfect product but we need MORE!
Not flaming just trashing around. Wifi is more important than GPS. Are wifi repeater that expensive? I'd just go ahead and buy one if that solve all your problems ^^
In my case wifi is good enough. Meaning its similar to my other devices like my phone. It could always be better but i think its as good as it gets with a mobile device that's so thin and made out of aluminum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think that it is practical to carry around a wifi repeater everywhere you go...
I agree and posted about this in another thread. While some people use GPS on a tablet, ALL people use wifi on a wifi only tablet.
Perhaps the wifi issue is not as easy and can only be fixed via a panel change. The C3 model apparently does have some bill of material changes for wifi internally, but this will not overcome the attenuation issue caused by the all aluminum back panel.
That said, Flub does have a point that GPS does not work well at all, but some are having better luck with wifi. I disagree on the 20%, but the point is still valid.
rushless said:
I agree and posted about this in another thread. While some people use GPS on a tablet, ALL people use wifi on a wifi only tablet.
Perhaps the wifi issue is not as easy and can only be fixed via a panel change. The C3 model apparently does have some bill of material changes for wifi internally, but this will not overcome the attenuation issue caused by the all aluminum back panel.
That said, Flub does have a point that GPS does not work well at all, but some are having better luck with wifi. I disagree on the 20%, but the point is still valid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Hmm... I wonder how much ASUS is dishing out per 'dongle'.
$10?
xGary said:
I don't think that it is practical to carry around a wifi repeater everywhere you go...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually for me it is... I have a WL330N3G for that purpose
The point of the OP is that by repairing the GPS, which was needed, they're still not out of the water yet.
And why should I have to buy an new AP if the device is supposed to work properly? I'll do it -- but it doesn't make the original problem right.
-lukin- said:
The point of the OP is that by repairing the GPS, which was needed, they're still not out of the water yet.
And why should I have to buy an new AP if the device is supposed to work properly? I'll do it -- but it doesn't make the original problem right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You just signed you death sentence. HOW DARE YOU REQUEST A FULLY WORKING PRODUCT FROM ASUS!!??
FcUk gps, don't care much anyway, wifi location is good enough for most of the stuff, but poor wifi on a wifi ONLY device? It's like antenna on an old tv, usable once you fiddle around with it, but right pain in the ass, and god forbid to move it a millimetre.
I don't agree with people bashing you for starting this topic, its a good point.
I didn't exactly purchase this prime for its GPS, i like having the gps to update my location, etc., but I purchased it for its WIFI.
I own an HTC Sensation, which has a metal/plastic case. I receive a much stronger wifi signal with my phone than my prime.
I own an ASUS wifi-N dongle for one of my PCs. It would be awesome if I could use the dongle on my dock, I wouldn't mind that.
great news none the less as it apparently is not going to cost us anything.
http://www.slashgear.com/asus-offers-transformer-prime-owners-hardware-gps-fix-06221855/
Have anyone received an email notice from ASUS yet?
I can't remember, but I hoped I signed up to their website. I think I did when got my Prime 3 months ago.
flub said:
Ever heard the saying you can't please everyone
GPS problems is affecting probably 99% of primes when wi-fi problems are affecting lets say 20%...as a company which would you adress first?
I have had a prime since day of release in UK & have stated on numerous occasions only problem I have is GPS. I do not do all these wi-fi speed tests, bench marks etc I think they just placebo, If you get low scores you are convinced tablet is slow & reverse for if you get high scores. I test my Prime by how it compares to my other products & yes my wi-fi is just as good as my neetbook,phone & old hannspad tablet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seriously doubt wifi on your prime is "as good as" your other devices. My prime is slower than every one of my other 9 devices in my house. I don't care about benchmarks...they only reaffirm what I already see in everyday use. Try streaming a 1080p or even a 720p more than 20 feet away from your router and you'll likely see a problem. Depending on where you are in your house and how big your house is, the problem will be worse for some.
On campus I can barely use wifi even though it works great on my Galaxy Nexus. I'm having to buy a repeater just for the Asus Transformer Prime. At only 2 rooms away it is unusable for anything but casual web browsing.
And don't get me started on bluetooth + wifi.
At this point, despite loving everything else about my prime, I would love to just return it but I am outside of my return policy by a good bit.
dalingrin said:
I seriously doubt wifi on your prime is "as good as" your other devices. My prime is slower than every one of my other 9 devices in my house. I don't care about benchmarks...they only reaffirm what I already see in everyday use. Try streaming a 1080p or even a 720p more than 20 feet away from your router and you'll likely see a problem. Depending on where you are in your house and how big your house is, the problem will be worse for some.
On campus I can barely use wifi even though it works great on my Galaxy Nexus. I'm having to buy a repeater just for the Asus Transformer Prime. At only 2 rooms away it is unusable for anything but casual web browsing.
And don't get me started on bluetooth + wifi.
At this point, despite loving everything else about my prime, I would love to just return it but I am outside of my return policy by a good bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it's just you.
My Wifi is just as good on my Asus notebook, actually better then my HP notebook and my G2 phone.
bluewr said:
Nope, it's just you.
My Wifi is just as good on my Asus notebook, actually better then my HP notebook and my G2 phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, all the other complaints on this forum and elsewhere are just me signed in under a different username.
I fail to see how your supposedly perfect TF201 means those that have hardware issues shouldn't complain.