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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.
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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.
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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
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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".
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
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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".
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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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.
He prime users,
I have one of the primes with a bad connection to Wifi.
I love to use my prime for all other futures but it would be nice if i can also use it in the rooms further from my wifi signal.
Therefore i would like to insert a wifi usb stick/dongle into my prime keyboard.
Does anyone have experience with this? Or are there other people that have a wifi usb stick and want to check if it works?
My wifi signal is secured so how can you insert a password?
I really hope that this idea will solve my wifi problems for good.
Kind regards,
Germer
Did you registered you Transformer Prime on the (vip . asus . com) asus member webpage?
Once you have your product registered you will see an option on the left that let's you "ask" them to give the "solution" they found for those who have wifi problems with their Tranformer Prime.
Better worry, because it ends arround July I think.
Thanks for your reply.
I don't have the option on my asus vip page, i sended them an email now.
I bought the prime in the USA and i live in Europe so i can not return the prime.
I still hope i can solve the issue with a wifi stick? Anybody knows about the compatibility of a wifi stick?
On the VIP website, once inside, look for a botton called "TF201 GPS Extension Kit Apply&Inquire". After the click you will see something like this:
"Thank you for purchasing the ASUS Eee Transformer Prime TF201, and helping to make it the most popular Android based tablet since its launch in December 2011. We greatly appreciate feedback from our valued customers about our products, and take it very seriously. The response to the TF201 generally has been overwhelmingly positive, but we understand that, in certain regions, the GPS functionality has not met some user’s expectations.
Free Dongle! At ASUS, we are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality products and services, and our customers’ experience is important to us. Although the TF201 is not a professional GPS device, as part of our unwavering commitment to our customers we are offering all customers who purchased a TF201 system a free external GPS extension kit, called a dongle, which may help improve signal reception and optimize the user experience. We are pleased to announce this offer as part of our commitment to customer service, but it does not replace, alter or amend any existing warranties you may have.We also encourage you to contact ASUS customer support in your local region directly if you are experiencing GPS related problems.
ASUS prides itself on delivering an unrivalled user experience, and we offer our sincere apologies for any inconvenience that our customers may have encountered.
The offer will expire on 31th of July, 2012 (PST)."
It doesn't matter if you bought it in the USA and you live in Europe, just drop your adress and they will send you the hardware free of charge.
He again,
I do have the GPS extension kit, but does this kit also improve my wifi signal? I actually only care about the wifi signal. In the description of the gps extension kit it doesn't say anything about improving wifi.
germer
No, the dongle, according to reports, doesn't do anything to improve wifi.
Not sure why people in this thread are giving you advise on how to improve your GPS, when you asked about wifi?!?
Sorry I don't have any info on the issue you did ask about.
Sorry, my bad. I tought The dongle would help WIFI reception too.
Try searching on youtube for "asus transformer prime wifi fix" this might help. After you tested it, post here your results please.
I first brought up that idea about the wifi dongle. Demandarin said that if there is enough popularity on this subject Gary Keys might actually impliment it. So please keep seeing if more people would like this. This should be able to fix all wifi problems completely!!!
I used that video before, and it does work and improves my reception. But i can not sit at the couch and push on my tablet all the time. It is only temporarily and does not give me a good solution. I really hope that more people are interested in a wifistick solution so that someone can test it. More ideas?
Does anyone think this would work on the prime? It's a usb WIFI adapter for Apple products and some more.
meritline dot com/wlan-wireless-wifi-express-adapter-for-iphone-ipad-ipod---p-79501.aspx?hq_e=el&hq_m=2447492&hq_l=125&hq_v=84917200d8
Im not sure dude, but I would try giving it a go. I have messaged Gary Keys in hopes for him to allow usb wifi adapters to work on the prime to fix the wifi problem but I havent gotten an answer back yet. I assume if we all bring it up enough on these forums, he will actually impliment it in future updates. So, If you can, try spreading this idea around so more people will fight for this to happen.
I got this little wifi range extender that I carry around and use with my prime if needed.
http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=241&model=TL-WR702N#over
It works pretty well. You can quickly change which wifi network you want to extend with this by connecting to it and using the web browser to log into the quick setup.
You can also use it as an external wifi card via ethernet if you have the dock and a usb to ethernet adapter.
tonysunshine said:
I got this little wifi range extender that I carry around and use with my prime if needed.
http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=241&model=TL-WR702N#over
It works pretty well. You can quickly change which wifi network you want to extend with this by connecting to it and using the web browser to log into the quick setup.
You can also use it as an external wifi card via ethernet if you have the dock and a usb to ethernet adapter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
looks nice Is the device charging through the TFP's USB port on the dock?
i don't have one
That seems quite good. Might give it go. Found this aswell http://www.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/WL330N3G/
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
otispowell said:
That seems quite good. Might give it go. Found this aswell http://www.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/WL330N3G/
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read in some other threads that it works quite good indeed. However it's almost twice the price of the TP-link router. And in both cases, the question still remains if the device can be powered by the prime or not (for WL330N3G can't help but notice that the explanatory picture shows 2 usb cables connected to one laptop :s)
phat_11 said:
I've read in some other threads that it works quite good indeed. However it's almost twice the price of the TP-link router. And in both cases, the question still remains if the device can be powered by the prime or not (for WL330N3G can't help but notice that the explanatory picture shows 2 usb cables connected to one laptop :s)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's not 2 USB cables, it's a network cable and a USB cable
Just wanted to share my experience with the tplink nano router earlier mentioned with the tfp. So my main questions was if the device could be powered with the dock of my prime: it does not other than that, the repeater function works perfectly. The router is about 25 feet from the main router. The tfp right next to it, i managed to get 4 mbps of download out of a possible 12. From the same spot, the tfp gets between -80 to -70 dbm but the dm speed barely gets to 700 bps. So for the size and the price paid for, it's quite a nice performance imho. Besides, it is possible to configure it directly with the prime (with the help of'the dock and a nintendo wii ethernet to usb adapter). Like seen in most reviews the default settings come with dhcp server options disabled but it's quite easy to manage through the admin panel. I'll try to test it throughly with different scenarios (wifi hotspot and such...) and post results. It is quite sad that it can't be powered with the dock. Other than that, i hope it will be sufficient until the time i'll find a prpper replacement for the prime.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
otispowell said:
That seems quite good. Might give it go. Found this as well ..............WL330N3G/
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might be nice if ASUS cared enough to make the WL330N3G available cheaply to TF201 owners ...come to think of it free would be even better.
I got my GPS dongle but to be honest I would rather have better Wifi. I am confused as to whether the TF201 actually supports a normal Wifi Dongle - my reading seems to indicate that it requires a software update with appropriate drivers. If that's the case then maybe that's a good reason to root the Prime with a ROM that supports a Wifi Dongle!
Is there one out there?
GerryAttrick said:
It might be nice if ASUS cared enough to make the WL330N3G available cheaply to TF201 owners ...come to think of it free would be even better.
I got my GPS dongle but to be honest I would rather have better Wifi. I am confused as to whether the TF201 actually supports a normal Wifi Dongle - my reading seems to indicate that it requires a software update with appropriate drivers. If that's the case then maybe that's a good reason to root the Prime with a ROM that supports a Wifi Dongle!
Is there one out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a thread in here somewhere about a wifi dongle. You might as well rma to get wifi fixed if you are stock (as long as you want to risk losing ability to unlock).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1484339&highlight=dongle