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I travel a lot, and I'm a minimalist. In other words, I'll travel for a week and take a paper lunch bag as my carry-on with hopes that I can get by with wearing the same outfit the entire week. I don't like carrying a full Navigation system and use my phone. This isn't an 'iPhone lovefest' because honestly, I hate everything about Apple, but I never had problems like this on my iPhone.
My problem though is the GPS. I'm on my third phone because of the GPS. The first phone would never get a lock on GPS. I could be sitting outside with a GPS satellite dedicated to me directly above me, and it would still say "Searching for Satellite". That phone went back and I took on another one.
Second phone had a problem where every now and then it would work, then stop working and never start working again until I rebooted the phone and even then it was questionable if it would start working again.
I just got my third phone a couple days ago. I did a stock root w/ no bootloaders, used Entropy's 11/13 Kernel, then threw on UnNamed ROM. This morning, I started up my car to drive somewhere and decided to test the GPS/Navigation. It took it a couple minutes to find the Satellite, then all seemed to be working ok. Then 20 minutes later it dropped the Satellite and it spent the next 40 minutes of my drive into the office saying "Searching for Satellite" no matter what I did.
This is really important to me as is the ability to tether when I want to (hence the reason I want a phone I can Root). So what can I do. At the moment, I've (In my head, so I could be wrong) narrowed it down to a couple things that could be wrong.
1. It's the ROM that's the problem. Though unlikely, it is a factor and it's me messing with the way the phone was designed and distributed.
2. It's the GPS in general. Seems like 95% of the people on here aren't having problems at all. There does seem to be 5% that seem to be having the same problems I am.
3. My region has crappy Satellite Coverage. Doubtful since my iPhone worked fine, and unless Apple did something amazing like put in an entire dedicated Satellite network to work with Jailbroke iPhones then this kinds of negates this though.
4. My cars are interferring. While this is entirely a possibility (I never do think to test this out in the open not in a car, so i can't say for sure) if it is the problem, then the device goes back as it's much cheaper to get a new device than to replace 2 cars. Again, though, my iPhone never had a problem doing this in these cars.
I love the phone, the speed, the Android OS etc... I don't want to go back to an iPhone because I"ll shoot myself. I just want to be able to have GPS work on this as it's the only hold up on the device. Any help anyone can do?
Take it back then. Honestly you say you have tried 3 different phones and all 3 are broken. I call bull****.
Never had a problem with it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
You didn't mention if you've tried in ANY of the three (3) phones if the GPS worked before rooting?? I'm not saying it's the rooting that's causing the problem, but I'm still running stock on my SGSII and have had no issues with GPS? Not saying it's not possible but three phones is kinda stretching it a bit to all have the same issue.
Yes, I know you took it back to STOCK rom with #3 but who knows if the STOCK ROM is really *STOCK*, you should try a new phone #4 stock without ROOT for at least a day or two to determine if it is a DESIGN/HARDWARE issue rule that out first and then try from there... If this still happens with STOCK phone, you may have to switch to another phone (iphone or otherwise)...
Good Luck!
I just took it back to stock and was going to go outside to see if it had problems finding service. Though as mentioned in many other threads on here, it's not so much it finding you when you're standing still. It's when you're driving the streets of Atlanta that things get crazy.
stalked_r/t said:
I just took it back to stock and was going to go outside to see if it had problems finding service. Though as mentioned in many other threads on here, it's not so much it finding you when you're standing still. It's when you're driving the streets of Atlanta that things get crazy.
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Hi Stalk,
Keep in STOCK mode and drive around with it and see if this is still an issue then... Also if you have an aluminum case, this has been a known issue where the TARGUS (SP?) korean made BEAUTIFUL/GORGEOUS case affected the GPS antennae. Try it stock no case on the dash away from DIRECT sunslight and begin troubleshooting there...
UNFORTUNATELY it may boil down to Stock and working GPS or ROOT with Tethering... You ***MIGHT*** not be able to do both...
Good Luck...
If you JUST root, it shouldn't affect GPS - but test without rooting first.
And I agree - if you've got a metal case, DITCH IT.
So far, my experience is that the GPS chipset is almost as good as any standalone GPS chipset I've used - Sirf StarIII, MTKv2, STM Cartesio (the latter being the chipset in my Garmin Oregon, the former being chipsets in various Bluetooth dataloggers I've used for hiking). Actually, the GPS in this phone beats the StarIII and is around on par with the Cartesio. So far nothing I've ever used can touch an MTKv2 though.
I'm used to phones having crappy awful GPS chipsets - this is the first device I would ever consider using for geocaching on its own.
Thanks for the replies. I did test just now on the way to and from lunch with stock everything. I do have a case that's part aluminum (Case-Mate). I didn't try it without the case. didn't even think it could affect this.
Running a stock setup, I attempted to get navigation to my lunch location The drive was about 6 miles each way. When I left the office, I started Navigation. It never found a satellite enroute to the restaurant. I never stopped it during lunch from looking, though I was in a building, so i didn't expect it to find anything. On the way home, same status. Searching for satellites. I'm torn. I want this phone bad, love the Dev support, and there's nothing coming from AT&T that makes me want to use an old Blackberry to wait for. I also don't know what I can do to test this further.
On the way home, I'm going to do something very simple. I'm going to wipe the phone. I'm going to skip all steps of the initial setup, just have service and that's it. I'll start navigation and have it direct me home. If it doesn't work, I'll look at my options. If it works, then I know it's an app that's causing the problem.
Unless someone else can think of something for me to try. I wish this just worked like I know it can.
Ok. So an update. Wiped phone, not even associated with Google, Removed my 32 gig SD card for the heck of it, removed the case. Started nav and INSANTLY inside a building it had me pinpointed and was directing me to the next turn point to get home.
Here's the case I have: http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Ga...rsion-Barely-There-Brushed-Aluminum-Cases.asp
In one of the reviews, this is said:
As much as I wanted to love this case, I couldn't. I've used many Case Mate products before and I am just disappointed in them for the lack of quality of this case. There is a noticeable issue with the case fitting the bezel on the top right corner of the phone. The lip of the case fails to properly wrap around the front bezel. There is also the connectivity problems that come with this case. GPS has especially weakened with this case on. Other than that, I like the quality material that this case is built out of and feels very sturdy. Unfortunately though as of this writing, this is really the only choice for a decent case for this phone on the market. Time will tell if better choices come about.
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I'm going to keep this setup through tomorrow, then root the phone if there's no difference in performance and all is well. If that works fine for 2 days, I'll throw the Kernel on and throw UnNamed on. If that works, I'll throw the case on and see what happens. I now feel like this could be the problem. Thanks for the thoughts guys. I'll continue my abuse of the "THANKS" button and thank you all.
ride home was flawless. If ride to work tomorrow is flawless, I'll root and flash.
Entropy512 said:
If you JUST root, it shouldn't affect GPS - but test without rooting first.
And I agree - if you've got a metal case, DITCH IT.
So far, my experience is that the GPS chipset is almost as good as any standalone GPS chipset I've used - Sirf StarIII, MTKv2, STM Cartesio (the latter being the chipset in my Garmin Oregon, the former being chipsets in various Bluetooth dataloggers I've used for hiking). Actually, the GPS in this phone beats the StarIII and is around on par with the Cartesio. So far nothing I've ever used can touch an MTKv2 though.
I'm used to phones having crappy awful GPS chipsets - this is the first device I would ever consider using for geocaching on its own.
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I haven't gotten enough free time to log the NMEA output, but I don't think our "SirfSTAR IV" chipset is actually even using DGPS/WAAS. Which makes the accuracy it get's even more impressive. The chip definitely supports WAAS, but who knows exactly how the implementation is done between Android & Samsung...
I've also owned a SirfStar III based Bluetooth GPS, a MTK-based GPS (also the best I've found), and several phones with dedicated and integrated GPS chipsets. Have to agree our GS2 is one of the best. I can't exactly wander around the house and have it track my every movement like my Bluetooth pucks can (also having a large ceramic patch antenna helps a bit no doubt), but my GS2 locks fast, and stays locked. What else can you want from a GPS?
Might be worth it to look into WAAS either way though. On any standalone GPS unit, WAAS is the difference between 15-30 meter accuracy, and 3-5 meter (or better) accuracy. That is unless you have a military GPS unit, and the appropriate keys to receive the high accuracy P(Y)/M signals...
If you want to get a good idea of how the GPS is doing, this app will show you the strength of your GPS lock:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.eclipsim.gpsstatus2
Also, upon further research, the NMEA output is reporting that WAAS/DGPS is not in use.
Example: "$GPGGA,222520.000,4218.460926,N,07111.901869,W,1,06,1.2,77.1,M,-33.8,M,,*53"
Where the bold "1" should be 2, and the null field right before the checksum "*53" should be the age of the DGPS/WAAS info if it were in use.
The chipset in our phones (http://www.csr.com/products/35/sirfstariv-gsd4e) clearly states that it supports WAAS. And since the choice of DGPS or not is solely in the hands of the chip and software (wiring/antenna connection/configuration is irrelevant) perhaps there is a way to enable the DGPS mode? If so, I'm sure we would all see MUCH better position and accuracy information.
WAAS probably requires modifications to the host processing binary (SIRFHost)
BTW, our chip is a GSD4t, not 4e.
I was having problems with my gps losing its lock for the longest time, i got a replacement phone and it started doing it again AFTER root. Im thinking some app might be causing the issue. I read somewhere that ROM Manager can cause issues. I deleted it and so far my gps has been working. I am really baffled on to what can be causing it.
stalked_r/t said:
ride home was flawless. If ride to work tomorrow is flawless, I'll root and flash.
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Its the case man. Great looking case, but kills the cell signal and terrible GPS. Mine went back after 3 days.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Yep. Ride into work today lost signal once. After letting it sit for a couple minutes, I rebooted. After reboot it worked flawlessly. Definitely the case at this point. Putting Root/Kernel/ROM on it today and seeing how the drive home is. If it's good, then the case can be tossed and I'll find a different one.
Entropy512 said:
WAAS probably requires modifications to the host processing binary (SIRFHost)
BTW, our chip is a GSD4t, not 4e.
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Click to collapse
Good catch. Interesting. Haven't checked out the sources, but I'm assuming all the GPS binaries are blobs? And source is not available?
Always wondered why mobile phones never have WAAS support... course then again, if the hardware was developed in Korea, that would make a little bit of sense. Seeing as there isn't WAAS coverage there, although I do believe there is an alternate DGPS solution for Asia.
Friends, a few have asked for a longer more challenging demonstration of the GPS capabilities from my first post on this subject. In this video I have on several occasions purposely turned the opposite direction as the GPS wanted me to. It was my intention to share with the community what “my” results were after ICS upgrade on “my” TF201. It was never my intention to start a war over this information I have posted.
In my case after the ICS update I was able to lock on to satellites (something I was not able to do before the upgrade of ICS) it is by no means a claim that this is the best GPS in the world, by no means it’s not. There are hiccups with the navigation but it does work and I believe it would be able to get you from one place to another. Who know it may even get better down the road with the next update, or it may get worse.
Let’s be clear that this is a Android tablet and not a exclusive GPS unit it is what it is. But, for my purpose it opened a ray of hope that this indeed was/is capable of getting me to one place to another if I do chose to use it as a Navigation device. Also, it made me feel that I was getting what ASUS claimed in the spec sheets as having which is GPS. Before the upgrade GPS for me was dead.
I hope I have helped some people with my findings. Use the information provided as you see fit for you.
Code:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shfOIx5mlik&feature=youtu.be
Can't tell if it was a GPS issue or an app issue when your screen froze. Other than that, looked like it worked out fairly well.
Did you have WiFi on and were you tethered?
It may of been the app. I had the same thing on my phone happen once or twice before.
Did you have WiFi on and were you tethered?
No, no wifi and no tether just the tablet itself.
good video. seemed like the prime did a good job of navigating. at about 1:50 into your video, it sounded like your car was being bombarded by rocks..lol.
what case is that that you have for the Prime? is that Copilot app free?
good video. seemed like the prime did a good job of navigating. at about 1:50 into your video, it sounded like your car was being bombarded by rocks..lol.
what case is that that you have for the Prime? is that Copilot app free?
Thanks, I went down a street that had potholes being filled with blacktop, that was kicking up in the wheel wells.
The case is a case from Targus, it's for the Transformer not for the TF201. It woks fairly well but is a little large for the TF201. It will do till the case for the TF201 comes out.
The Co- Pilot app is not frre.
So this may be a stupid question from someone who isn't an advanced tablet user, but why is the GPS so important to so many people? If I need a GPS to get somewhere, I use my phone or GPS. And even if my tablet is tethered to my phone with the GPS off, it still gets it's location just fine. If I'm just an ignorant fool please feel free to let me know, just wondering what the benefit of it is.
Dan
I like maps and have very nice and detailed maps from memory map. It's very nice on a phone, but it would be so mutch better from a tablet.
Besides that, I can't stand it if something doesn't work (even if I never gone use it).
ddelong22 said:
So this may be a stupid question from someone who isn't an advanced tablet user, but why is the GPS so important to so many people? If I need a GPS to get somewhere, I use my phone or GPS. And even if my tablet is tethered to my phone with the GPS off, it still gets it's location just fine. If I'm just an ignorant fool please feel free to let me know, just wondering what the benefit of it is.
Dan
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they make seat mounts where you could technically use it as a turn by turn navigation. someone mentioned he wanted to mount one in his RV. I personally wouldn't mind having mine be functional so when I am riding with my friends to a vacation spot or something I can backseat turn by turn us to a liquor store or something....... all in all shouldn't be a huge deal for most but the fact that Asus was dumb enough to put a aluminum plate to block signal is kind of alarming.
ddelong22 said:
So this may be a stupid question from someone who isn't an advanced tablet user, but why is the GPS so important to so many people? If I need a GPS to get somewhere, I use my phone or GPS. And even if my tablet is tethered to my phone with the GPS off, it still gets it's location just fine. If I'm just an ignorant fool please feel free to let me know, just wondering what the benefit of it is.
Dan
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Click to collapse
[A] I believe the point of GPS on this device (or any modern tablet / phone) is the utter ubiquity of GPS functions in apps, search, etc.... that coupled with gps hardware being so small, cheap, and power-conscious - it makes little sense to leave it out (even wih major usability issues)
I rarely use gps on my phone, let alone a tablet. Location based services are overrated
Maybe a gps to track a jog or hike? I'd love to see a jogger carrying a tablet
I'd also say that the people that post on these forums are generally not like the average user
It allows the FBI to find you when you view questionable material on the web.
Also, it allows Google to know where you are while collecting all of your habits, personal info and tastes.
Not everyone has a smart phone...not everyone can afford multiple gadget...
They buy the best gadget that meets their needs, the tp was originally advertised as the only device you need....
before ASUS dropped it from its specs, gps was part of the tp, so they expected the product to work...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Well whats important with GPS?? Well, whether you use it or not. If the box says it has GPS, it better have a working GPS. If you buy a car and it says it has a rearview camera and you find out that rearview camera was not working. Would you just says its ok thats what turning your head and looking at the mirrors are for. You paid for the feature, you best bet it works correctly if you paid for it. But if you bought it after the fact that they struck the GPS out of the box specs, then you shouldnt complain about the GPS or the use of it on your tablet.
People are upset because the box says GPS, and you paid for GPS but your not getting GPS.
Not getting what you paid for = upsetting.
Its like buying a turbo charged MR2 then finding out that the turbo isn't actually hooked up because toyota says the MR2 isn't meant to be a high performance race car...
And to add to that note..
And you find out the guy in your neighborhood bought the same MR2 at the same dealer and his turbo actually works. Its like WTF??? The guy is ranting I love my MR2 and not all MR2's are the same. And another guy with a faulty MR2 is also saying "its ok I dont use the turbo that much anyways" ... hehehehe.. Sorry just had to add.
Here's another idiot question, is GPS a subscription service?
No. As long as the device you have has a GPS receiver all it needs is a navigation software. The prime has a built in GPS receiver and has a navigation app so in theory it should lock on to satellites without the help of a wifi connection. But due to whatever Asus did to the prime, whether the aluminum case or firmware. The prime is a hit, or somewhere in the middle, to a complete miss in getting a lock on a satellite. Thus making the prime's GPS way below other devices with a GPS receiver and made Asus remove it from their specs.
ddelong22 said:
So this may be a stupid question from someone who isn't an advanced tablet user, but why is the GPS so important to so many people? If I need a GPS to get somewhere, I use my phone or GPS.
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Click to collapse
Think a little, then you will know:
1. Not everyone has GPS in their phone. Buying phone with GPS = additional cost.
2. Dedicated GPS devices have often outdated maps because they lack internet connection and buing one = additional cost.
3. Tablet has enormous screen, great for using navigation while being a passenger (you hold the tablet in your hands, look at maps or use navigation) - the screen is much bigger and better than most phones (I for one have very basic phone because I have tablet for more advanced things).
4. Tablet has a great battery life - it's perfect for out-of-car navigation (trips on foot, on a bike) and for tracking GPS for your photo camera on any type of trips.
5. GPS is usefull not only for navigation. Simple thing like having Google Maps locate you is very useful, but also webpages and many fun application use it. Just search the market for GPS, you will find a lot of useful applications of your tablet with GPS.
6. For instanced where your tablet gets stolen GPS can help you locate it.
I think I missed some things, because I'm writing this list second time, from what I remember...
Ok so I'm in the market to get a tablet and the Transformer Prime on the top of my list...Ok it's the only tablet on my list XD
I've been poking around the forums and I getting slapped in the face with more and more problems with the device. It's insane 10 min here and I see SD fallout Wifi fall out GSP is screwed and bricked units!!!
Would someone be so kind to tell what all of the problems are? If most of the things could be fixed I don't mind spending time rootting modding tweaking I just want to know what I'm in for if I get the prime.
Thank you everyone~
The problems are:
GPS DOA
Wifi Weak
Buletooth Weak
Can't use Wifi and Bluetooth at the same time
Glass Cracks from holding it wrong.
If your going to mod it, I think this one can still be bricked.
Especially if its a C10 or later S/N (I don't really remember but somewhere around C10 up).
Just be sure the first thing you do after unlocking the bootloader is get clockwork recovery rom installed.
Do a nandroid backup, then copy that backup file to a safe place off the unit.
From then on, you should be good to go whatever you try and pull on it.
Thats about the list you'll find here.
Keep in mind that any internet forum, and this is no exception, will have more than the average overall of problems beacuse most people that are happy don't seek out communities to fix problems if they have none.
So, you get an unbalanced proportion.
You have the geeks, hardware and software hackers, as well as the people that haven't got a clue but are looking up prime problems.
I'm not saying there isn't a disproportionate amount of issues with the Prime, far from it.
I'm just saying it may not be quite as bad as it seems on the surface.
Now, I have one, I bought my wife one, and a friend in the cube next to me here at work bought one same time I did.
None of these have had ANY ISSUES at all save the gps which is not advertised as working anymore.
To be honest, Google location services is fine for whatever I need tethered to my phone for things like Yelp.
I have a gps in my car and never plan to use the Prime for it anyway.
Also, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Best of its kind by far and constantly is surprising me with the versitility.
If I want to do something different, it just does it.
Have hooked up Wiimote, Sixaxis, external drives, sambad, ssh'd dlna'd, hdtv'd out, you name it, this thing rocks.
I'm not going to drive with my table out so I'm not worried about the GPS lol.
From my understanding so far it's a luck of the draw you get one with some problems or no problems. The only problem I see there that I care about is weak Wifi and I think that happen with the ICS update? If that's the case then I'll just hunt down a fix for that I'm sure it's a software issue.
The main reasons I want the prime is because of the godlike dock! For some reason I hate laptops,but I love the prime since I can just add and remove the dock. I haven't seen any tablet out there with USB ports which is insane if you ask me!!!
I really hope that one could install Windows 8 on the prime since it has an open bootloader.
Thank you for your feedback Scrufy~
1 problem. Stupid ignorants in the prime xda forums. Oh, and GPS. That makes two.
Sent from my tablet thing with XDA Premium.
CarlosBattousai said:
I'm not going to drive with my table out so I'm not worried about the GPS lol.
From my understanding so far it's a luck of the draw you get one with some problems or no problems. The only problem I see there that I care about is weak Wifi and I think that happen with the ICS update? If that's the case then I'll just hunt down a fix for that I'm sure it's a software issue.
The main reasons I want the prime is because of the godlike dock! For some reason I hate laptops,but I love the prime since I can just add and remove the dock. I haven't seen any tablet out there with USB ports which is insane if you ask me!!!
I really hope that one could install Windows 8 on the prime since it has an open bootloader.
Thank you for your feedback Scrufy~
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Only small numbers have weak wifi. BT is not weak..lol I use both all the time just fine. Even in combination with each other.
There is only one real problem and that's GPS. As far as screen cracking, that's b.s. a handful at most had that and some of those stories are questionable. I've had mines since 12/22 with no case and screen is just fine. Wifi works great and even stronger and has faster download speeds than my Ipad.
Its a great device. Earlier units suffered issues. If you want a reality check on situation of prime, just take a look at the Positive Transformer thread in my signature. If you get one now, chances are high you have nothing to worry about. There's alot in the forum who don't even own device yet spread negativity about it without any real hands on experience. There's a poll that shows over 400 prime owners here, over 80%, are satisfied with their Prime. Which greatly outnumber those having issues. So issues tend to be grossly exaggerated.
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.