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It would seem reasonable that you could buy a replacement power supply for a current product from the manufacturer wouldn't it? Start on Viewsonic's web site. Try using the store - ha-ha. Now call the number. Get referred to another number. Call that number - get referred to another number. rinse and repeat. Go to their website to the gtablet page. Read call this number 866-501-6405 for anything you need. Get referred to another number call that number - get referred to another number - rinse and repeat. Get frustrated - call their corporate headquarters in Wlanut, CA. Ask for the name of the president so you can send a letter. Get told they can't give it to you for security reasons - but it is on the web. Get hung up on. Sadly, I really like my g-tablet but this is an awful company to deal with. I wonder what will happen if I need a replacement battery - will I be told to go to Radio Shack to find something that fits (like I was told to do for the power supply)? I'm really enjoying the g-tab but I can tell you that when it comes time to replace it, it won't be with another Viewsonic product. Anyone can sell you something - it is how they support it that separates the good companies from the bad. I feel better posting this and maybe someone has had a better experience but looking at the struggles here to get power supplies and docking stations, I'm going to guess that no one has much good to say about dealing with Viewsonic. Surprise me!
Unfortunately I will have to agree. Since day one the support has been far less than you would expect. There have even been times when they have referred to XDA to help out. Basically US Merchants buys from China, Viewsonic buys from US Merchants, and no one really know who's supposed to support it. I will have to say that's the beauty of open source and some of the people that are here. More times than not you can get support right here if you don't mind doing a little digging. I've only been playing with android's for about 8 months now and know more than I ever needed or wanted to all because of XDA.
But honestly, isn't that the way we've become accustomed to support? No one ever calls Microsoft anymore, we use Google.
It's truly a shame that you can't get a straight forward answer when trying to replace something so simple. I apologies on behalf of the business owners that still give a s**t.
it2steve said:
But honestly, isn't that the way we've become accustomed to support? No one ever calls Microsoft anymore, we use Google.
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That is because half the tech notes for MS are "Can not be found" when it comes to errors and such
Google search allows you to reach out to users who no these things first hand. That is why I always make a point if I can not find an answer to a question, even on line and I finally figure it out myself to post it somewhere so someone else can be helped by it.
I did that here on XDA and getting ADB to work on my win 7 64bit system. All the help was on 32b this and that. I finally figured it our myself and wrote a tutorial for others that "will" need it.
Viewsonic is a very big company that is dabbling in android based tablets that at least with thegtab did not design. I would also argue that the cost/price is such they don't really know where this is going.
same with all the other tab makers save on, the apple. Think about apple's model with iTunes, what I call a consumption model. They can actually give away the ipad at cost because they can get it from the model.
now in order for company's like viewsonic to compete they need to provide all accessories and have a hook. We know from the official viewsonic Rep that they are thinking about some kind of development site, makes no money and meanwhile Steve has to bring in accessories because viewsonic dropped the ball. So yes, basically unsupported. A lot cheaper for the hardware though.
I don't see another development site as a good thing. Viewsonic needs to spend its energies on marketing the apple way or just stick with monitors. Maybe they look at the gtab as a monitor. But we know that can't be because the screen is not in usual viewsonic quality. I'm sure they saw the ztab as quick entry and OEM'd, it.
I've got to agree..
I've been trying to find a source for the mini-vga cable for the ViewPad 10. Support told me to go to Best Buy. When I pressed them on exactly what to purchase they admitted they did not know and that Besy Buy probably did not carry them. Support handed me off to the parts dept.
Parts pointed me to a cable designed for the Viewpad 100, which was a product released in 2001. When I asked if he was sure if they cable would work, he said "probably". When I noted the website said the product was 'out of stock' he said "order it anyway, that will tell us we need more". Since the conversation did not exactly instill my confidence in the parts dept I did not order the $20 cable.
I'm still looking for a mini-vga cable for the ViewPad 10 if anyone can point me in the right direction.
Craig
Hey all
I just got my Transformer tablet in the UK. Considering I'm not from anywhere in the UK, Europe or the US, it was a good opportunity for me.
Next I'm planning on getting the keyboard only. I no longer have such opportunity to visit UK/US/Anywhere else where Asus sells stuff officially. Therefore eBay is my only option, so here's my question: Any idea whether the device might have issues with mixed regions?
English tablet and an American keyboard dock, for instance. Any info on this? Thanks
I have seen a difference between the UK and US keyboards.
The UK keyboard have the two-row enter key and a reduced right side SHIFT key.
The US keyboard has a one-line enter key, longer shift key and a |\ key right above enter.
Thanks for the info on the difference. Anyone got any idea whether such mix wouldn't work for whatever reason?
In theory using a tablet from one region with a dock from another region, shouldn't pose any problems. I'm not basing this on any inside knowledge or an Asus directline link, which only I have access to, but on simple logic.
The dock connection is going to be the same on all Transformers, therefor it shouldn't matter. It would be like connecting different keyboards to any PC ...
Hello, I've never owned a tablet of any kind but decided that I want one. After doing some research I found the Viewsonic gtablet as one that is in my price range. I've read about the good hardware, and the modding required for the software so I understand the work required. I've done extensive work on my desktop, so the modding doesn't worry me.
My biggest concern is that the reviews go from really bad to really good. Is this tablet worth it once you do the required modding?
Thanks, appreciate the input.
the tablet is completely worth it, in my opinion. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the Gtablet...
that being said...I have nothing good to say about Viewsonic. They have let us down every chance they get. We asked for updates in April...they gave us one, then pulled it a day later (that lead to the 1.1 vs 1.2 bootloader issues). We requested that they enable us to run gingerbread or honeycomb with the proper drivers. They told us that it wasn't possible. Nvidia told us that if the "hardware partner" requested drivers, that they would support it. Just reently, though, Viewsonic claimed that they DID request drivers from Nvidia, but that Nvidia claimed that they wouldn't support our hardware past Froyo. SO, who is to be believed, Viewsonic, or Nvidia. the jury is still out on that one. I've asked Nvidia to confirm whether or not Viewsonic requested anything from them, and whether Nvidia erally did deny the request.
There is no evidence that Viewsonic is working on an update to their still crippled stock firmware. There is no evidence that Viewsonic handles any customer service or technical service requests in house. They've basically tried to sweep the Gtablet under the rug and abandon all of it's users.
So, in conclusion...i love my Gtablet, but in no way would I ever recommend that anyone buy anything from Viewsonic, considering how they've treated their customers.
I recommend the ipad to everyone I talk to. That's just a personal rule I've come up with.
That said, if you decide to get the vs gtab, please visit my website linked in the signature. All necessary files are either provided free or linked to the necessary sites. A donation would be nice, but it's entirely of your choosing. The most important thing is to follow my instructions down to the letter.
The gtab is still alive because of the developers working on the rom, like this xda forum...viewsonic has basically throw them away
XDA DEVELOPER FTW
Well, the gtab is still quite popular. I received a brand new gtab as a gift and put it up for sale on amazon. Within 1 hour, I had a buyer. So, there are still lots of people who want it. If you think about it, it's still a perfectly good piece of hardware. The problem is those damn corporate dumbasses from viewsonic who couldn't look past their own corporate jets.
All we've asked for are the damn drivers and they won't even give them to us.
Thanks for the opinions. I'm not in the market for an iPad due to the price. It's hard to justify that amount for something that is a luxury rather than a necessity.
I'm going to take a look at picking up the gtab, especially since it's on sale again.
Tusck said:
Thanks for the opinions. I'm not in the market for an iPad due to the price. It's hard to justify that amount for something that is a luxury rather than a necessity.
I'm going to take a look at picking up the gtab, especially since it's on sale again.
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Really, if an iPad 2 is out of your price range, then the G Tablet is a great introduction to the world of tablets. There is a wide range of excellent custom ROMs for it.
For me, the only major feature that is lacking is video calls with Skype. Otherwise, for casual Web browsing, watching Netflix, and other common tablet-friendly stuff, it is a great option at a great price.
So yeah, we all know asus botched the GPS in their latest tablet,
they denied us a fix (irony) and now we're left to pick up the pieces ourselves.
Does anyone have some pointers on how to get a bluetooth GPS receiver to work on the prime?
I have a really old one (+7yrs) that doesn't seem to catch on with any of the apps I tried.
Its so old its unlikely to be compatible with anything android so a new one is in order,
so I was wondering if anyone knew a cheap one I could grab to get some GPS going.
In a quick search I found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BT-Mini-Mob...408?pt=AU_GPS_Accessories&hash=item4160a71b08
It certainly is cheap, but is it a viable receiver?
Any help towards getting GPS on my prime would be greatly appreciated!
(No I dont have a GPS phone..)
Cheers,
- Sven
Him.. I would be a bit leery of that thing. Something seems a little.. anemic? Get it, try it, report back as I would be curious how well it works and how long the battery lasts. Check Amazon for "Keychain Bluetooth GPS Receiver" if you want something like that and read some reviews.
I have read very good things about the Pharos GPS brand.
Naturally, you then need an app from the market on your tablet that talks to the unit so that you can get the GPS data it has sent to your tablet. So, it is not just as simple as pairing the 2 BT devices, an app is needed to then gather and use the data on the tablet.
Ive looked into those apps, they do something called mock location I think?
I have an old as hell GPS receiver but alas the apps weren't having it.
It pairs as normal, even does the 0000 password thing like it used to on my win mobile 2003,
but it simply isn't pumping out any data, not sure whats going wrong.
And yeah, the pricetag on that ebay one is raising some "this cant be decent" flags on my end too.
Then again some of the cheap Chinese crappery has surprised me before.
If at all possible id prefer buying a tried-and-true GPS unit though.
Pharos brand IGPS 500 has been talked about many times here alone in the Prime threads.
Assuming it is this thing, I find the price a bit steep,
for 90 bucks you can pretty much buy a standalone tomtom or similar.
I was hoping for someone to confirm wether or not the specs listed on that ebay receiver would be compatible and workable for navigation,
and if it could in theory work, id gladly be the guineapig to try it out and see how it goes.
But if it would be a dud per definition there'd be no point.
Shop around my friend, I can see some on ebay for $50 and used for much much less.
The one on eBay does "in theory" work. Like I said, search Amazon and read some reviews on those little keychain models.
Sokonomi said:
Ive looked into those apps, they do something called mock location I think?
I have an old as................................................
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Just FYI regarding 'mock locations'. That's actually a setting in the TF201 that you have to use with external gps units. I can use Google Navigation on my TF201 with data from my phone gps via wifi (using the TetherGPS program that is available in the market). In order to make it work I have to turn on 'Allow mock locations' by going to Settings, Applications, Development and then click 'Allow mock locations'.
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.
I have tried and tried and tried to get my Droid to tether GPS but have not been able to make it happen - tried many apps and many settings. I can, however, tether 3G and data all day long. Have not yet solved the GPS via my phone yet as we have great GPS units in our phones already.. generally speaking.
Yes, many used ones, even one for 29 bucks, but "ya'll yanks" dont like us Dutchies.
None of em are willing to ship to the Netherlands so im plum out of luck with ebay and pharos.
Local shops here dont seem to carry Pharos products at all, so that's two dead ends on that one im afraid.
Amazon doesn't seem to carry any keychain GPS units.
So meanwhile I went to one of my favorite cheap swag suppliers, deal extreme.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/65-cha...king-bluetooth-gps-receiver-data-logger-26337
What do you guys think of this thing? Its acing the reviews it seems.
They also mention google maps working with it somehow, so there may be a good chance?
Sokonomi said:
Yes, many used ones, even one for 29 bucks, but "ya'll yanks" dont like us Dutchies.
None of em are willing to ship to the Netherlands so im plum out of luck with ebay and pharos.
Local shops here dont seem to carry Pharos products at all, so that's two dead ends on that one im afraid.
Amazon doesn't seem to carry any keychain GPS units.
So meanwhile I went to one of my favorite cheap swag suppliers, deal extreme.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/65-cha...king-bluetooth-gps-receiver-data-logger-26337
What do you guys think of this thing? Its acing the reviews it seems.
They also mention google maps working with it somehow, so there may be a good chance?
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Yes, they certainly do, here is just 1 http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Input-Keychain-GPS-2000/dp/B0010NQ08M maybe not in the price you want, but they do carry several models.
Not only that, Amazon has the pharos IGPS new and used and if you can shop there, you can buy there. I would take the proven pharos in same price range over an unproven model any day.
Lock-N-Load said:
Yes, they certainly do, here is just 1 http://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Input-Keychain-GPS-2000/dp/B0010NQ08M maybe not in the price you want, but they do carry several models.
Not only that, Amazon has the pharos IGPS new and used and if you can shop there, you can buy there. I would take the proven pharos in same price range over an unproven model any day.
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Phobos is an American thing it seems, I cant shop at amazon.com either.
Although I agree with you that it is worth paying a little more if its a proven fix,
I cant get my hands on them so they are definitely out.
The 99 dollar keychain one probably doesn't resemble the 12 dollar one much.
bluetooth gpa
am using holux blue tooth gps receiver with bluegps program from market and have full gps functionality on prime.
adhuc0214 said:
am using holux blue tooth gps receiver with bluegps program from market and have full gps functionality on prime.
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Could you please specify which type you have?
Dealextreme seems to offer this brand, so I can get one if it really works well.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/holux-m-1000-32-channel-bluetooth-car-gps-receiver-25563
Yeah, if your going to post a brand you have used with success here, PLEASE try to include the model - that would be super helpful.
Notice how the Holux says "32 parallel satellite-tracking channels for fast acquisition and reacquisition" and that one on Amazon is 51 (2x the price) and the Pharos does not say.
That other one on dealextreme even boasts 65 sats. Thats a helluva lot of sats.
Unfortunately its impossible to know if its actually compatible.
I did email the manufacturer about android compatability,
but the site was full of chinglish so dont expect an answer.
Sokonomi said:
That other one on dealextreme even boasts 65 sats. Thats a helluva lot of sats.
Unfortunately its impossible to know if its actually compatible.
I did email the manufacturer about android compatability,
but the site was full of chinglish so dont expect an answer.
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Click to collapse
The thing is, there is no reason why it would not be "android compatible". These BT type GPS devices are BT devices. So, if they use a current BT standard - which they should - your fine. A BT type GPS is not made to be manufacturer specific. That is the point and beauty of them. They are for tablets, phones, computers, whatever. So that is not even a question worth asking.
The only things you should care about is the quality and name of the brand you choose and the software app you choose to put on your tablet. The tablet app you use is likely way more critical as it is what will do all of the work in sending the GPS signals to your tablet. The BT GPS unit is kind of just dumb in terms of who it is talking to and who talks to it. It does not really care. It has a current BT chip inside to communicate with a BT device - and so does your tablet. The software is going to be crucial as much as the quality of the GPS unit.... point is there is no "android compatible" BT GPS unit per se. These units are made to work with phones, laptops, tablets and more. It is brand dumb.
Every unit talked about here so far should 100% work. IF they do not, it is likely (1) a GPS quality issue - hence a $14 BT GPS keychain versus a $50-100 model or (2) the tablet software you pick to connect the 2 to talk.
If I could post a link I'd send you to the GPS over BT thread in the Android Forums. I'm still a few post shy of linking externally here.
theandies said:
If I could post a link I'd send you to the GPS over BT thread in the Android Forums. I'm still a few post shy of linking externally here.
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Thanks.. getting it done is not so much of an issue - tons of places on the web explain it. The software exists in the market as well. Really, it is first about picking the desired BT GPS unit of choice - I think that is the goal here first.
I know theres tons of apps for it, but its not as universal as it all sounds.
My receiver is proof of that unfortunately.
I think ill order the keychain one just for laughs,
we might get pleasantly surprised.
Sokonomi said:
I know theres tons of apps for it, but its not as universal as it all sounds.
My receiver is proof of that unfortunately.
I think ill order the keychain one just for laughs,
we might get pleasantly surprised.
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Click to collapse
I say go for it. Try it and see. Not a real huge loss if not. If not, sell it on craigslist and get your money back.
BUT, your not entirely correct. You self admit "I have a really old one (+7yrs)" - do you (1) realize how old that is in tech and (2) I bet that thing uses way old BT technology as just 1 possible reason why (not to mention GPS standards). Point is, my comment above is most certainly related to current & modern technology so needs that obvious context - not a piece from 2005
Hey guys, I was wondering what the consensus would be for me, and what suggestions people have. Here's my situation:
I pre-ordered my TFP from GameStop, and the SKU is from the first "batch"/revision/whatever it's called. Overall, I'm quite happy with my transformer, and have been able to forgive some shortcomings because I love the screen, form factor, and weight. Asus was basically the only Android tablet manufacturer that everyone seemed happy with back when Tegra 2 was the only game in town for Honeycomb tablets, because they delivered a solid product at a reasonable price, and because their updates/customer support were the best/among the best. So I decided to go with the TFP, and again, I was overall really happy with it, even with subpar wifi signal and a nearly useless GPS signal (which I know is not really all that important to most people, but I was planning on using it fairly often).
However, the awesome screen - which was something that I really liked about the tablet and allowed me to overlook some of the deficiencies - is starting to develop an increasingly bad light bleeding issue on the right edge of screen in landscape. I'm at the point now where I'm wondering what my options are, but I have long passed the 30 day return period.
Should I:
a) Contact gamestop despite the return period expiration? I'm pretty sure they will do nothing, but if anyone has heard otherwise, or if they have a reasonable replacement program, that would be something to consider.
b) Contact ASUS and try to get them to fix it or swap it for the new SKU?
c)Try to fix the problems myself, following guides here on XDA, despite having no experience working with electronics hardware?
d) sell it on eBay/craigslist/whatever and buy a new TFP, taking a huge financial loss? (probably not possible)
e) sell it and buy something else (I'm sold on the TFP, so I would only want to do this if people think ASUS will NOT fully "back" this product, and focus their attention on the newer models on the horizon)
f) something else
Thanks any opinions/suggestions appreciated
Put it in the oven @ 425 degrees and serve hot. Serves 1-5 people.
Sent from my tablet thing with XDA Premium.
Komodo Rogue said:
Hey guys, I was wondering what the consensus would be for me, and what suggestions people have. Here's my situation:
I pre-ordered my TFP from GameStop, and the SKU is from the first "batch"/revision/whatever it's called. Overall, I'm quite happy with my transformer, and have been able to forgive some shortcomings because I love the screen, form factor, and weight. Asus was basically the only Android tablet manufacturer that everyone seemed happy with back when Tegra 2 was the only game in town for Honeycomb tablets, because they delivered a solid product at a reasonable price, and because their updates/customer support were the best/among the best. So I decided to go with the TFP, and again, I was overall really happy with it, even with subpar wifi signal and a nearly useless GPS signal (which I know is not really all that important to most people, but I was planning on using it fairly often).
However, the awesome screen - which was something that I really liked about the tablet and allowed me to overlook some of the deficiencies - is starting to develop an increasingly bad light bleeding issue on the right edge of screen in landscape. I'm at the point now where I'm wondering what my options are, but I have long passed the 30 day return period.
Should I:
a) Contact gamestop despite the return period expiration? I'm pretty sure they will do nothing, but if anyone has heard otherwise, or if they have a reasonable replacement program, that would be something to consider.
b) Contact ASUS and try to get them to fix it or swap it for the new SKU?
c)Try to fix the problems myself, following guides here on XDA, despite having no experience working with electronics hardware?
d) sell it on eBay/craigslist/whatever and buy a new TFP, taking a huge financial loss? (probably not possible)
e) sell it and buy something else (I'm sold on the TFP, so I would only want to do this if people think ASUS will NOT fully "back" this product, and focus their attention on the newer models on the horizon)
f) something else
Thanks any opinions/suggestions appreciated
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You are past your return window so that's that.
If you want to keep it, then contact asus and RMA it.
If you don't want to keep it then sell it and get something else.