Had a phone call with a VP from Asus. Want to know why after months being released you still can't find one to buy easily? Asus is and has been fully aware of the hardware issues with its tablet. Even BEFORE it was released, but since they (here we go again with this word) announced a release date and wanted to try to get some money in around the holidays was released anyway. Asus is just not producing a lot of them because they know the only way to fix their problems is with a physical hardware change. And of course, the least amount of units you have in the field the less it will cost to fix. This does make sense to me, and it is also almost a given. You don't have to believe me, but I wasn't told not to distribute this information. I'm only holding back the name our of respect.
I interpret this discussion as good news, as it appears they have plans to actually fix or replace our devices. I hope this is true.
Sent from my Desire Z using the XDA App
David Dee said:
I interpret this discussion as good news, as it appears they have plans to actually fix or replace our devices. I hope this is true.
Sent from my Desire Z using the XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Optimistically, so it would seem.
Pessimistically, they get a smaller class action when they phase out the Prime.
opentoe said:
You don't have to believe me, but I wasn't told not to distribute this information. I'm only holding back the name our of respect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WTF?? If you were told not to distribute this information, what exactly do you think that posting on the most prominent dev forum on the internet is? Keeping silent?
Edit: Ok, now I see that you say you were NOT told not to distribute the information. I was confused by the post title "sworn to secrecy".
opentoe said:
Had a phone call with a VP from Asus. Want to know why after months being released you still can't find one to buy easily? Asus is and has been fully aware of the hardware issues with its tablet. Even BEFORE it was released, but since they (here we go again with this word) announced a release date and wanted to try to get some money in around the holidays was released anyway. Asus is just not producing a lot of them because they know the only way to fix their problems is with a physical hardware change. And of course, the least amount of units you have in the field the less it will cost to fix. This does make sense to me, and it is also almost a given. You don't have to believe me, but I wasn't told not to distribute this information. I'm only holding back the name our of respect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am raising the BS flag on this. Asus is a multi-billion dollar company and obviously they must have some business acumen to have achieved this. If they were in full knowledge that their product was fatally flawed why continue to distribute it, even in small quantities? The logical action if this actually were the case would be to pull the product immediately and cut their losses. Continuing to distribute a product that they know is flawed and that they are going to recall would either a) increase the cost of this recall; or b) increase their liability from a class action lawsuit. The OP makes no sense.
Oh, and if this is actually true I take it that this is the last phone call that you will have with your Asus VP buddy
well I just Spoke with the President of Asus on this matter. you know the president is higher up than a VP. I linked him to the op and he said its utter B.S. lmfao.
More like the OP spoke with the VP of the cleaning company that cleans Asus Headquarters..lmao
Thanks OP, I needed a good laugh. this is funny!
edit: SOME GULLIBLE PERSON ACTUALLY BELIEVED THIS.
WARNING! THIS IS SARCASM AT ITS BEST. THIS POST I MADE IS NOT A TRUE STATEMENT. IF HE BELIEVES THIS THEN HE MUST BELIEVE IN BIGFOOT ALSO..LOL
---------- Post added at 10:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:43 AM ----------
paddycr said:
I am raising the BS flag on this. Asus is a multi-billion dollar company and obviously they must have some business acumen to have achieved this. If they were in full knowledge that their product was fatally flawed why continue to distribute it, even in small quantities? The logical action if this actually were the case would be to pull the product immediately and cut their losses. Continuing to distribute a product that they know is flawed and that they are going to recall would either a) increase the cost of this recall; or b) increase their liability from a class action lawsuit. The OP makes no sense.
Oh, and if this is actually true I take it that this is the last phone call that you will have with your Asus VP buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what Im saying..lol. VP is not that dumb to admit to a major crime to a mere consumer out of no where. They know better than that. come on now OP, at least make it believable
demandarin said:
that's what I saying..lol. VP is not that dumb to admit to a major crime to a mere consumer out of no where. They know better than that. come on now OP, at least make it believable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you are the VP, then I wouldn't trash another forum member. I wouldn't be surprised. Maybe he's not a mere consumer. The VP of a big company like ASUS will know that no-one will believe a "mere consumer" anyway. They are getting away with murder.
I was told by the product manager of ASUS South Africa this morning when trying to organise my refund "What do you want? Cause I'm really busy". He did not say it any way that could even be deemed as "nice" or "helpful". This blind fanboyism needs to stop.
To the OP: name and shame.
paddycr said:
I am raising the BS flag on this. Asus is a multi-billion dollar company and obviously they must have some business acumen to have achieved this. If they were in full knowledge that their product was fatally flawed why continue to distribute it, even in small quantities? The logical action if this actually were the case would be to pull the product immediately and cut their losses. Continuing to distribute a product that they know is flawed and that they are going to recall would either a) increase the cost of this recall; or b) increase their liability from a class action lawsuit. The OP makes no sense.
Oh, and if this is actually true I take it that this is the last phone call that you will have with your Asus VP buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, a VP who feels obliged to just give this info over the phone to a random caller, even though Asus as a company has continuasly denied a widespread issue on these tablets?? Smells like another BS post to me, but I dont want to be accused again of stalking the OP's posts.
paddycr said:
I am raising the BS flag on this. Asus is a multi-billion dollar company and obviously they must have some business acumen to have achieved this. If they were in full knowledge that their product was fatally flawed why continue to distribute it, even in small quantities? The logical action if this actually were the case would be to pull the product immediately and cut their losses. Continuing to distribute a product that they know is flawed and that they are going to recall would either a) increase the cost of this recall; or b) increase their liability from a class action lawsuit. The OP makes no sense.
Oh, and if this is actually true I take it that this is the last phone call that you will have with your Asus VP buddy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. +1. 10 char
Moist said:
Unless you are the VP, then I wouldn't trash another forum member. I wouldn't be surprised. Maybe he's not a mere consumer. The VP of a big company like ASUS will know that no-one will believe a "mere consumer" anyway. They are getting away with murder.
I was told by the product manager of ASUS South Africa this morning when trying to organise my refund "What do you want? Cause I'm really busy". He did not say it any way that could even be deemed as "nice" or "helpful". This blind fanboyism needs to stop.
To the OP: name and shame.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not say that this is "blind fanboyism", at least on my part. The point I was making is that the OP makes no business sense. You don't continue to distribute flawed products when you know that the midterm liability will be greater than the short term profit.
I am less than happy with Asus: I am sure that any fix that may or may not be offered for the hardware issues will not include people who have unlocked their bootloaders even though their TFP's contain the same substandard components. I unlocked my bootloader in full knowledge that I was voiding my warranty and fortunately my hardware issues have been negligible (I would not have done it otherwise). However, my GPS (which I don't use) is non-functional (as I said, not a big deal to me). The bootloader unlock was a sneaky way for Asus to reduce their overall liability by voiding warranties. Overall, I will not loose any sleep over this but looking around this forum there seem to have been a lot of users that have unwittingly unlocked without realizing the full consequences of their actions.
>If they were in full knowledge that their product was fatally flawed why continue to distribute it, even in small quantities?
For one, because the product isn't "fatally flawed," as evidenced by the fact that most here are still using it.
There can be many possible reasons--business and technical--none of which we as outsiders are privy to. You can just as well ask, why release a product right after Christmas shopping season, traditionally the deadest spot of the year for consumer buying.
Here's one plausible reason: Because Asus needed a test bed, since this is the first tablet that makes use of the unibody process from the Zenbook line. It wants to work out the kinks before applying the production process to more mainstream models.
Sure, anybody who said "yeah, I just had a talk with a VP, and he said XYZ" should be viewed sceptically. But what he said isn't exactly outrageous. And it's not asking you to alter your view. It's simply another data point.
>The bootloader unlock was a sneaky way for Asus to reduce their overall liability by voiding warranties.
This would be a good reason for Asus to stop offering the BL unlock for future models, if your attitude is representative of how it's viewed.
Well my ignore list just grew one more person..
e.mote said:
>The bootloader unlock was a sneaky way for Asus to reduce their overall liability by voiding warranties.
This would be a good reason for Asus to stop offering the BL unlock for future models, if your attitude is representative of how it's viewed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In general, I think the response to every ASUS effort to communicate and resolve issues has been such that they're probably rethinking being involved in this forum.
e.mote said:
>If they were in full knowledge that their product was fatally flawed why continue to distribute it, even in small quantities?
For one, because the product isn't "fatally flawed," as evidenced by the fact that most here are still using it.
There can be many possible reasons--business and technical--none of which we as outsiders are privy to. You can just as well ask, why release a product right after Christmas shopping season, traditionally the deadest spot of the year for consumer buying.
Here's one plausible reason: Because Asus needed a test bed, since this is the first tablet that makes use of the unibody process from the Zenbook line. It wants to work out the kinks before applying the production process to more mainstream models.
Sure, anybody who said "yeah, I just had a talk with a VP, and he said XYZ" should be viewed sceptically. But what he said isn't exactly outrageous. And it's not asking you to alter your view. It's simply another data point.
>The bootloader unlock was a sneaky way for Asus to reduce their overall liability by voiding warranties.
This would be a good reason for Asus to stop offering the BL unlock for future models, if your attitude is representative of how it's viewed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the record, in no way do I personally think that the Prime is "fatally flawed". As I stated in my previous post I think it is a great piece of hardware and if have had little reason to be unhappy with it - it works well for me.
However, the implication of the OP was that Asus was aware that it was flawed prior to its release and knew that they were going to have to deal with the resulting issues. This makes no business sense, whereas the the explanation that you give is reasonable. However, you state that the OP is "simply another data point". Data has to be based on fact to be worthy of attention
wynand32 said:
In general, I think the response to every ASUS effort to communicate and resolve issues has been such that they're probably rethinking being involved in this forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't of said it better myself. What's the point of informing your customers if they are just going to complain about every little thing and expect you to provide more info when they want it?! I don't see where on my receipt/warranty where it states that Asus is SUPPOSED to do this. I think this is probably part of the reason why Gary's posts are getting smaller, the amount of complaints, accusations, trolling and people just generally expecting everything be handed to them is amazing!
---------- Post added at 06:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:47 PM ----------
jyan_osu said:
Well my ignore list just grew one more person..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao! it's both funny and sad at the same time, the lengths that some would go.
jyan_osu said:
Well my ignore list just grew one more person..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
opentoe is probably just sexually frustrated since he broke up with his girlfriend cameltoe.
>In general, I think the response to every ASUS effort to communicate and resolve issues has been such that they're probably rethinking being involved in this forum.
It's part and parcel of customer support. I don't think people's reaction here are out of the ordinary. I think the communication process could be better handled, and hope that will be the case once the dedicated CS Gary spoke of is in place.
It's a given that rants tend to get louder when there is a willing ear. But a seasoned CS rep should have no problem filtering out the noise.
I can confirm the OP's post as legit!
Guys, I just called Asus customer service and was immediately transferred to a conference call to the very same VP as well as the President of Asus!! They did confirm that even though they have pending lawsuits so they shouldn't be telling me this, but after gaining their trust over the phone, they did admit that they were well aware of the issues with these tablets, but that they just really needed to make some money, so they went and released them anyway. They also informed me of the secret update that Gary has mentioned, which will be released soon! I can't tell you guys what the announcement will be or they threatened to be really really upset with me if I did!
So now demandarin is not the only person with an Asus contact!!
love you guys!!
This "unavailability" thing also doesn't make sense to me. Practically every Fry's Electronics in my vicinity is stocking Prime 32/64 Grey/Champagne and the corresponding docks. For $499 and $599 plus taxes respectively. I actually stood in line on the release day and was majorly jilted by Apple with the iPad 3 (bad screen/temperature/10 hr recharge issues, to name a few). After 5-6 exchanges and repeated bad screens, I gave up and decided to get the BEST android tab instead. The Prime was an obvious choice. I looked up Amazon and the it looks like they are going for $600+ for 32. I look up Fry's and they got em all. LOL. I'm seriously stumped as to why the online prices have shot up like that. And... get this... my Prime had a dead pixel. It took me a while to unroot and remove the cwm. But it can be done. I took it to Fry's and walked out with a brand new one in less than 15 minutes. I have had no other 'issues' as such. Although I haven't tested the GPS. My buddy mistakenly updated it to .21 and now I'm stuck w/o root. LOL. But hey, otherwise it's a solid piece of hardware. Very well designed. I don't think a lot of people understand the complications behind cutting-edge design and hardware integration. Apple was handing out $5 bumpers for dropped calls. I'm sure Asus has done a much better job with the Prime.
Mind games! I would say no one in here gets any inside info from anyone at asus other than what Gary provides . Anything else is just another wannabie.
Related
This thread is to provide Asus with some realistic ideas to make us happy with the botched release and design issues (namely insufficient demand, the locked boot loader, GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth metal cover) of the TF201 Prime which look to be rectified in the latest TF700T model announced at CES.
After reading tons of threads I suspect a few XDA members actually work for Asus in one capacity or another and could be a conduit for these constructive ideas. While we (as in the XDA community) may be a small blip on their sales report we're likely one of their biggest thorns in their sides as exhibited by the numerous social media campaigns so they might actually look at what we have to suggest. My hope is that we can provide concrete ideas that would appease most of us.
A few ground rules:
This is not a "bash Asus" thread; those exist elsewhere
Ideas should be realistic and constructive
If you're idea is to return the TF201 and move on because technology is always evolving I request you not post. We all understand we can return our Primes but I'd like to provide suggestions other than being without a tablet for a few months. Hopefully, others can accept that.
If we come up with a few solid ideas I envisioned setting up a poll and giving Asus a snapshot of what our community thinks they can do to improve their image.
Personally, I hope Asus just communicates with us, acknowledges there are issues and provides some consolation for the early adopters who pre-purchased and waited months to receive a less than perfect device which already has a successor (I've had mine a week after ordering in November). We know demand for their products is high as Asus is a leader in the technology field but customer service is very important for a company's long term success.
My idea:
Provide a window from now until a month after the release of the TF700T for Asus to buy back our TF201 at 75% of our purchase price which would go toward buying the updated TF700T.
The early adopters still have skin in the game and paid 25% for depreciation and usage over a few months.
Asus is guaranteed a sale of the TF700T (so their market share isn't reduced)
I haven't seen a true breakdown cost of the tablet (probably because it hasn't been out long enough) but I’d hypothesize $125 (for the 32gb model) is close to actual material (please correct me if I’m wrong) so Asus wouldn't be out more than profit. The traded-in TF201s could be refurbished and resold and/or donated by Asus to a school, shelter, etc (which would do a lot for their image).
Lastly, IMHO, it would reduce, if not eliminate, the negative buyer’s remorse and ill will toward Asus felt by many on this forum.
Other ideas I've seen reading the forums:
Institute a recall to replace the back cover in hopes of improving the GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nothing, Asus has no obligation to do anything other than standard warranty repairs
Other suggestions/ideas?
(Mr Moderator: I put this in general as this isn't a question thread specifically about the workings of the TF201, hoping it's ok I put it here. If not, I'm happy to move it.)
A simple backplate exchange program would satisfy me.
Not to mean or degrading in any way, Asus doesn't need to improve it's image. A botched release or defects will soon be forgotten. We are a small pond here in XDA for Asus to worry about. Just saying.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
mikepfly2 said:
This thread is to provide Asus with some realistic ideas to make us happy with the botched release and design issues (namely insufficient demand, the locked boot loader, GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth metal cover) of the TF201 Prime which look to be rectified in the latest TF700T model announced at CES.
After reading tons of threads I suspect a few XDA members actually work for Asus in one capacity or another and could be a conduit for these constructive ideas. While we (as in the XDA community) may be a small blip on their sales report we're likely one of their biggest thorns in their sides as exhibited by the numerous social media campaigns so they might actually look at what we have to suggest. My hope is that we can provide concrete ideas that would appease most of us.
A few ground rules:
This is not a "bash Asus" thread; those exist elsewhere
Ideas should be realistic and constructive
If you're idea is to return the TF201 and move on because technology is always evolving I request you not post. We all understand we can return our Primes but I'd like to provide suggestions other than being without a tablet for a few months. Hopefully, others can accept that.
If we come up with a few solid ideas I envisioned setting up a poll and giving Asus a snapshot of what our community thinks they can do to improve their image.
Personally, I hope Asus just communicates with us, acknowledges there are issues and provides some consolation for the early adopters who pre-purchased and waited months to receive a less than perfect device which already has a successor (I've had mine a week after ordering in November). We know demand for their products is high as Asus is a leader in the technology field but customer service is very important for a company's long term success.
My idea:
Provide a window from now until a month after the release of the TF700T for Asus to buy back our TF201 at 75% of our purchase price which would go toward buying the updated TF700T.
The early adopters still have skin in the game and paid 25% for depreciation and usage over a few months.
Asus is guaranteed a sale of the TF700T (so their market share isn't reduced)
I haven't seen a true breakdown cost of the tablet (probably because it hasn't been out long enough) but I’d hypothesize $125 (for the 32gb model) is close to actual material (please correct me if I’m wrong) so Asus wouldn't be out more than profit. The traded-in TF201s could be refurbished and resold and/or donated by Asus to a school, shelter, etc (which would do a lot for their image).
Lastly, IMHO, it would reduce, if not eliminate, the negative buyer’s remorse and ill will toward Asus felt by many on this forum.
Other ideas I've seen reading the forums:
Institute a recall to replace the back cover in hopes of improving the GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nothing, Asus has no obligation to do anything other than standard warranty repairs
Other suggestions/ideas?
(Mr Moderator: I put this in general as this isn't a question thread specifically about the workings of the TF201, hoping it's ok I put it here. If not, I'm happy to move it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very critical of Asus with the way they handled TF201 but financially speaking, even your suggestions aren't very realistic.
1. Kindle Fire cost about $200 to produce... That means Prime will cost double at the least (i think IPS display panel alone cost $50+).
2. Any sort of recall for a product is huge hit in profit. Simply changing the backplate won't solve the issue either. Based on anantech's breakdown, it might require the antennas to be re-positioned as well. I doubt the avg. user can disassemble & re-position all at the same time.
The only realistic solution for Asus is either:
1.) ignore the whole fiasco (btw, they did admit that backplate is the problem)
2.) take a huge hit in profit in order to salvage reputation/image from the hardcore
I actually really like the suggestions in the op as they same fairly realistic. If my prime wasn't a brick right now I wouldn't be feeling buyers remorse and thinking about the 701 or whatever haha. To be honest I think consumers would be happy even if the depreciation rate was higher. Usually when we sell or old tech we take a much bigger loss than 25%. I would settle for a somewhat lower credit of it meant I was guaranteed Asus would take it back and I could get the new one in a timely manner. The time it takes to get the item, as we've seen with the prime, is not something that should be overlooked.
Edit:a discount for prime owners is another idea, nothing crazy, but it would be a nice good will gesture. The benefit of this for Asus is it helps build brand loyalty and eliminates the operations costs that a buyback program would create. People underestimate brand loyalty, but apple survives on it, to the point that people will stick with them even when they get screwed by apple.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
farplaner said:
A simple backplate exchange program would satisfy me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this - especially as someone who works in a pre-WiFi aware, zombe attack resistent, very metal building!
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
>This thread is to provide Asus with some realistic ideas to make us happy
I WILL BUY ASUS NO MORE FOREVER!!
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ASUS IS MY BFF!
farplaner said:
A simple backplate exchange program would satisfy me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Prime's backplate serves some pretty significant functions, not the least of which is to provide structural support for the entire device. Why does everyone assume it would be so easy to just replace part of it with plastic?
I imagine this would require a complete, or at least major, redesign. It would also require re-certification at the FCC. In short, we're talking months here to get such a thing accomplished.
I think the only reasonable approach is to offer refunds up to a certain point for people who are outside of their return policy. The point should be set at whatever time is reasonable to assume a buyer was aware of the GPS issue and purchased anyways. I'm not sure if it's reasonable to extend any program all the way to the TF700's release, although offering a buy-back/upgrade program in general wouldn't hurt from a PR perspective.
OK - I'm a new member, so the lowest of the low, but this is what I think.
The only realistic way for Asus to proceed is the discount path as mentioned earlier.
Foe example:
Buy a TF201 before January 31st 2012 and ASUS will give you a 25% discount on the upgraded model if you purchase within 31 days of its release in your market.
This requires no recalls, complex returns, just proof of purchase with a date.
The discount could even be retrospective and direct from Asus.
Asus knows it's made a mistake. Asus knows that we know it's made a mistake.
Asus has a chance to restore some real kudos for what would be relatively low cost in the scheme of things - and also as mentioned, they would be selling more units!
mikepfly2 said:
This thread is to provide Asus with some realistic ideas to make us happy with the botched release and design issues (namely insufficient demand, the locked boot loader, GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth metal cover) of the TF201 Prime which look to be rectified in the latest TF700T model announced at CES.
After reading tons of threads I suspect a few XDA members actually work for Asus in one capacity or another and could be a conduit for these constructive ideas. While we (as in the XDA community) may be a small blip on their sales report we're likely one of their biggest thorns in their sides as exhibited by the numerous social media campaigns so they might actually look at what we have to suggest. My hope is that we can provide concrete ideas that would appease most of us.
A few ground rules:
This is not a "bash Asus" thread; those exist elsewhere
Ideas should be realistic and constructive
If you're idea is to return the TF201 and move on because technology is always evolving I request you not post. We all understand we can return our Primes but I'd like to provide suggestions other than being without a tablet for a few months. Hopefully, others can accept that.
If we come up with a few solid ideas I envisioned setting up a poll and giving Asus a snapshot of what our community thinks they can do to improve their image.
Personally, I hope Asus just communicates with us, acknowledges there are issues and provides some consolation for the early adopters who pre-purchased and waited months to receive a less than perfect device which already has a successor (I've had mine a week after ordering in November). We know demand for their products is high as Asus is a leader in the technology field but customer service is very important for a company's long term success.
My idea:
Provide a window from now until a month after the release of the TF700T for Asus to buy back our TF201 at 75% of our purchase price which would go toward buying the updated TF700T.
The early adopters still have skin in the game and paid 25% for depreciation and usage over a few months.
Asus is guaranteed a sale of the TF700T (so their market share isn't reduced)
I haven't seen a true breakdown cost of the tablet (probably because it hasn't been out long enough) but I’d hypothesize $125 (for the 32gb model) is close to actual material (please correct me if I’m wrong) so Asus wouldn't be out more than profit. The traded-in TF201s could be refurbished and resold and/or donated by Asus to a school, shelter, etc (which would do a lot for their image).
Lastly, IMHO, it would reduce, if not eliminate, the negative buyer’s remorse and ill will toward Asus felt by many on this forum.
Other ideas I've seen reading the forums:
Institute a recall to replace the back cover in hopes of improving the GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nothing, Asus has no obligation to do anything other than standard warranty repairs
Other suggestions/ideas?
(Mr Moderator: I put this in general as this isn't a question thread specifically about the workings of the TF201, hoping it's ok I put it here. If not, I'm happy to move it.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy back at 75%, hell no, I barely use this thing. I just don't want a non working GPS that is all. And Asus is not going to modify this thing so it will work right. That is already evident by them admitting it. The only thing that is left now is to give people back their money if they want the money back because of the bad gps.
It really is ashame, because that number would have been much lower if they had offered that before announcing the new tablets.
Now even people that don't care about GPS says they're being cheated. Those people would have kept their prime even if the GPS was bad, now they don't want it with a new one coming out to replace it. It's really a tough call. Normally I would say that new stuff comes out all the time and we shouldn't be mad if they improve on it. In this case, it's not even that. Asus knew of the problem, instead of fixing it they sold bad units. Then they fix the issue and sold it as new units. They announced this Prime replacement even before the Prime had even become readily available in stores. It's really a slap in the face. I'm not going to buy another Asus product whether it's tablets or motherboards or whatever asus makes.
Some people have problem with their units, those should be dealt with indvidually. But the main problem that is common in almost all user is the bad GPS signal. Now we know that asus will remove gps functionality and the description off the package, but to me, unless it's says it on the box they haven't done anything. They need to place a sticker saying this does not have GPS. From this date onward, then people can't complain about the GPS. And anyone buying before this date will have opportunity to take back if they chose because of the bad gps.
There should not be any trade in program for the tf700t. If you don't care about GPS problem then keep yours and when a new one comes out, you can either buy it or don't. There is no future proof when you buy something. But if something is bad and you don't want it, you should be able to return it for money back.
nxp3 said:
Buy back at 75%, hell no, I barely use this thing. I just don't want a non working GPS that is all. And Asus is not going to modify this thing so it will work right. That is already evident by them admitting it. The only thing that is left now is to give people back their money if they want the money back because of the bad gps.
It really is ashame, because that number would have been much lower if they had offered that before announcing the new tablets.
Now even people that don't care about GPS says they're being cheated. Those people would have kept their prime even if the GPS was bad, now they don't want it with a new one coming out to replace it. It's really a tough call. Normally I would say that new stuff comes out all the time and we shouldn't be mad if they improve on it. In this case, it's not even that. Asus knew of the problem, instead of fixing it they sold bad units. Then they fix the issue and sold it as new units. They announced this Prime replacement even before the Prime had even become readily available in stores. It's really a slap in the face. I'm not going to buy another Asus product whether it's tablets or motherboards or whatever asus makes.
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Don't worry.. according to DEMANDRIN.. actually, let me quote him:
" it was been stated in other threads Asus said they will continue to push out updates to tweak/make GPS work as good as they can get it to. never said completely fix. they just said as best as they can."
So yea, according to him.. Asus will continue to push out updates to tweak/make GPS work. If you, or any other can find me a thread or OFFICIAL ASUS quote.. please, link me to that direction.
Btw, I guess you aren't successful with returning it to Gamestop =/
wynand32 said:
The Prime's backplate serves some pretty significant functions, not the least of which is to provide structural support for the entire device. Why does everyone assume it would be so easy to just replace part of it with plastic?
I imagine this would require a complete, or at least major, redesign. It would also require re-certification at the FCC. In short, we're talking months here to get such a thing accomplished.
I think the only reasonable approach is to offer refunds up to a certain point for people who are outside of their return policy. The point should be set at whatever time is reasonable to assume a buyer was aware of the GPS issue and purchased anyways. I'm not sure if it's reasonable to extend any program all the way to the TF700's release, although offering a buy-back/upgrade program in general wouldn't hurt from a PR perspective.
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That's why I think a backplate replacement is out of the question. It seems that the prime is assembled from back to front. All the innards are screwed down to the back. It wouldn't be just unscrewing it and putting in a new one. This would be even more work then putting it together in the first place. A total replacement is needed.
---------- Post added at 09:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 AM ----------
shinzz said:
Don't worry.. according to DEMANDRIN.. actually, let me quote him:
" it was been stated in other threads Asus said they will continue to push out updates to tweak/make GPS work as good as they can get it to. never said completely fix. they just said as best as they can."
So yea, according to him.. Asus will continue to push out updates to tweak/make GPS work. If you, or any other can find me a thread or OFFICIAL ASUS quote.. please, link me to that direction.
Btw, I guess you aren't successful with returning it to Gamestop =/
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Click to collapse
Updates aren't going to improve to the point of it being usable. Increase the power to send out stronger signal? That will just interfere with other parts such as wifi and shorten the life of the hardware.
The only way to fix this problem is if some enterprising persons come up with a soltuion to reposition the antenna, whether it's to create a window or fasten some external antenna and charging a fee. Then maybe asus can refund the fee. Asus will not do it themselves. It would cost them a fortune.
No I was not able to return mine to gamestop. I want asus to take it back so I can buy something else. I might even chill for a while with the tablets. Asus has put a bad taste in my mouth. Besides, got a kindle fire and a galaxy s2 to play with. On another note, I have a gentleman who might want to buy mine. I've notified him of the GPS being flaky and he don't seem to mind. Not sure if he'll buy it yet...waiting for his repsonse.
nxp3 said:
That's why I think a backplate replacement is out of the question. It seems that the prime is assembled from back to front. All the innards are screwed down to the back. It wouldn't be just unscrewing it and putting in a new one. This would be even more work then putting it together in the first place. A total replacement is needed.
---------- Post added at 09:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:11 AM ----------
Updates aren't going to improve to the point of it being usable. Increase the power to send out stronger signal? That will just interfere with other parts such as wifi and shorten the life of the hardware.
The only way to fix this problem is if some enterprising persons come up with a soltuion to reposition the antenna, whether it's to create a window or fasten some external antenna and charging a fee. Then maybe asus can refund the fee. Asus will not do it themselves. It would cost them a fortune.
No I was not able to return mine to gamestop. I want asus to take it back so I can buy something else. I might even chill for a while with the tablets. Asus has put a bad taste in my mouth. Besides, got a kindle fire and a galaxy s2 to play with. On another note, I have a gentleman who might want to buy mine. I've notified him of the GPS being flaky and he don't seem to mind. Not sure if he'll buy it yet...waiting for his repsonse.
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The most realistic solution is what Asus of Taiwan is offering. A total recall to replace the backplate will require monumental financial hit, not to mention redesign & going through the process with FCC again. That.. and they even have to pay "labor". Asus can't simply "send" redesigned backplate as well since it isn't easy to disassemble & re-position some of the antennas to the avg. user.
Now, will Asus Global follow Asus of Taiwan.. that in itself is a debate as well. Just have to wait on how they will proceed.. if they do.
Btw, you should get "demandrin" as the spokesperson to sell the Prime to him.
Hey guys,
I really need to rant a little bit now.
This thread is for everyone creating all those "kill ASUS on facebook/twitter/blog sites" threads.
I really understand your angryness about the initial issues with the Prime, but has anyone of you guys ever thought about that you are doing huge damage to both ASUS and yourself with those hate campaigns?
Best example: "Lets spread information about minor software problems all over the web and its major blog sites"
This is ridicioulus guys... Seriously, ASUS really can't fix for example the serialnumber issue within 3 days...
They need to find out what's wrong first. After that they need to fix the problem. After fixing the testing follows.
All this needs time. And spreading rather unprofessional information all around the web won't speed this up at all.
But now to the main part of my rant: the damage being done to us, the owners of the Prime.
Do you guys really think you are doing anything good with those social attacks?
In fact you are driving many people away from the Prime for reasons which are seriously non-issues.
Lets re-think about the issues and ASUS reactions:
GPS issue: ASUS confirmed, that this might be a hardware problem,
it seems they are starting a bonus program for the ones not happy with the GPS (either 6 more months of warranty or a full refund)
This is actually really embarassing for them, but I couldn't think of any better method to solve this issue
(we are talking about realistic methods here, giving you a free TF700 is not realistic)
The Wifi issue: Well actually we do not know much about this.
ASUS told us it's not a hardware issue, rather an issue of specific batches with wrong firmware. We will see in the future what they can do here
The Wifi/BT issue: As several members found out this is a real non-issue. Speed drops appear across all devices and platforms when using BT and Wifi together. Nothing really to complain about here
Random lockups and reboots and unknown serial number issue: ASUS is aware of these problems, already got fixes and is testing these fixes right now.
Nobody else tests fixes with real customers in a public forum. Thats' great!
Now lets talk about that damage I am always talking about:
Here the facts:
Reporting minor software issue (GPS and Wifi aside here) definitely leads to a smaller customer base for the Prime
Major news sites falsely reported the serial number problem as a hardware problem, leading to confused users which do not want to buy this tablet
Smaller userbases always lead to less support, both from the company and also from our own developers.
Less company support means that we will get less often and lower quality updates for our Prime. The device will be abandonned much faster than devices with large customer bases
Less dev support means less innovating new features from our side, less custom ROMs, less custom kernels, in fact the smaller the userbase the faster the Prime development will go dead
Think of the HTC HD2: the ultimate development phone. Its rather big userbase lead to incredible development. They have everything on that phone: Win 6.x, WP 7, Android 2.x and 4.x, real Linux... Smaller userbases ultimately lead to worse device development
I guess it's already too late, the damage being done by you and the major blog sites is irreparable.
Non tech-focused customers who read Engadget won't get a Prime now.
But these non-tech focused guys are the imporatn part of a customer base.
We tech guys here are always a very minor part of a device's customer base.
Ah and by the way: If you buy a product directly after launch, you have to expect those kind of problems.
I haven't seen any product launch in the last years which had not initial problems and issues. No matter if tablet or phones, HTC or Samsung...
ASUS is always one of the first (the first?) major companies, providing support on xda-developers. That is nothing usual for big companies like ASUS.
Give them credit for this move.
I hope someone actually read that text...
I completely agree, thanks for this post. However the problem is it are mostly people who haven't even bought the Prime are *****ing the most.
I couldn't agree more, *****ing about the problem isn't gonna get anything solved. If you have problems try to help, that way things can get fixed more quickly and then everyone (or at least most) can be happy.
read it and agree, there are issues but the support from Asus on this forums is great.
Srsly? Do you have like Stockholm-Syndrome?
Asus threw an unfinishied product on the market.
They can't fix the SN issue in 3 days? Well, I didn't have such issues with my 4 other android devices. Maybe the should have been testing it.
Of course it is embarassing for Asus, but this is clearly not our fault. We fulfilled our part with odering and paying for a tablet. Rest is up to them.
While I agree that a free TF700 or such things would be impossible, the GPS problem is clearly a sign there has be no/not enough testing.
All the problems you are stating would have been showing due to Asus product testing, again. This is completely THEIR fault and they have to deal with it now.
You think we need to stop reporting errors to make the prime look better and they can sell more?
Dude, seriously. Do you buy a brand new car and when you have issues, you just shut up so the store can sell some more?
I'd really love to love my Prime, but with all those obvious mistakes Asus made, I can't.
The problem with what you are doing is: If you support Asus now, other companies will see it's ok to sell faulty products, and the next generation of tablets could have big issues as well.
You need to say what's wrong for anybody to hear. Or would you like to buy a product and then find out later that it's full of bugs? But nobody tould you because it wouldn't be nice for the company?
Do you think Asus will decrease support if less people are bying it?
Again, this wouldn't be nice, but it's completely in the hands of Asus.
It's a big company and they shouldn't have trouble emplyoing a few guys for support. If not, the save money on the wrong thing. Don't make (Non-)Buyers responsible for this.
No matter what other companies do, bringing an untested product to the market is not acceptable and that is the feedback Asus is getting now.
And no, you don't have to expect those "kind of problems".
When I buy a 600€-Tablet, I expect a full working one, and not in 3 months but NOW. I didn't have problems with my Optimus 2x or Iconia A500.
It's a big difference wether the company is fixing issues or improves the quality with updates.
And another point on Asus working with the community: It's nice they are on XDA, but... I remember there was...is... a locked and encrypted bootloader?
Yeah, right. Asus completely locked the Prime and only promised to make an unlock tool after giant social network ****storms.
Is this "working" with the community? Why didn't they look at HTC and provided an unlock tool from the beginning? Asus is only giving in because they are afraid of more bad attention. And that seems to be the only way for the community to be heard.
Just my 2c.
pintness
I think peoples persistence on forums have forced ASUS to look harder at the problem but never the less they are doing something and its a real credit to them that Gary Key is active on our forums now. I think in this modern age ASUS have took a brave step and one that they should be praised for.
We are all upset about the problems but we need to give ASUS fair time to address them. We have all had a rant but now its time to work with ASUS and give them as much information as possible, this is the only way we all get what we want, loyal happy customers and a fantastic product with new and exciting products on the horizon.
Cut them a bit of slack.
Dear Diamondback,
Damage to ASUS with those hate campaigns? I am sorry, but I am not going to speak well of a company that releases devices with as many problems that I have paid for. If I end up buying a broken device, I will be disappointed. They did not let these devices through proper quality control and we are suffering from it.
Serial number issue should have never happened. WiFi issue should have never happened. GPS should have never happened. These problems can be caught in quality control, but they didn't because they rushed the device to the market before holidays and did not test it long enough beforehand.
Yes, a lot of new devices have tech problems. Difference being that while I have been part of many tech launches as an early adopter in the past, I have never seen a launch that has this many critical problems and this amount of returned devices. Even I had to return a device because the keyboard just did not work and I've never had to do it before in my life.
As for damage to 'us', your points are irrelevant. Social media attacks are important, because they make ASUS more aware of these situations and react quicker. Let's be honest here, ASUS PR has been horrible throughout the Transformer Prime launch. It is only thanks to their customer support and engineers in this forum that we get some information out of ASUS.
I will not 'lie' and say that TF201 is a great device. It is really really good, but if you want to be sure and want a better all-round device then I will suggest people to get an iPad 2 and I will not tell my friends that this device does not have flaws just because this will increase ASUS sales and public image.
These social media attacks are important because ASUS will hopefully try to do better in the future, because a company cannot survive many of these clusterfraks in a row.
If ASUS will 'abandon the device' quicker because people are critical about it, then so be it. It will only make it clear to me not to buy ASUS products in the future, since it is exactly when there are problems, where support is needed. Not providing this will lose them even more customers in the future.
And trust me when I say this, Transformer Prime will never be a popular device in a way iPad, Galaxy Tab or Kindle Fire are popular. It will sell more than the original Transformer, but it will be very little known outside tech circles. Most of my friends don't even know that there is such a thing as TF101, let alone TF201.
How can ASUS change that? Not disappointing early adopters. It is the most crucial thing about products release, since early adopters are the most passionate customers. At the moment though many of us are with flawed screens, weak WiFi, non-existent GPS, devices without serial numbers and countless of other issues that will really hold us back from speaking well about the product we have paid a lot of money for.
ASUS can really change all that by letting devices actually go through quality control and testing. Many of the problems with Prime were detected in just the first days of use by us or the reviewers. ASUS can spare to delay the release by a week to provide additional testing for a fixed amount of devices.
Will they do it in the future? Who knows, unlikely. This device was rushed to the market to get as much sales as possible, ASUS did not care about us, the customers, they cared about their sales.
And this is why we have every right to be critical of ASUS. I hope they will do better in the future.
pintness said:
Srsly? Do you have like Stockholm-Syndrome?
[...]
Just my 2c.
pintness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kristovaher said:
Dead Diamondback,
[...]
And this is why we have every right to be critical of ASUS. I hope they will do better in the future.
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Click to collapse
You both are not getting my point. Instead of going to the media you should report your errors to ASUS.
No matter how incompetent their customer support is on the phone, the errors will reach the developers anyway.
Nobody told you to praise the Prime. I just said that overpainting the issue won't help anyone. Not even you.
ASUS will fix the software problems. And the GPS issue got kinda resolved too. If you are not happy with it, return it.
I am pretty sure there will be other countries than UK and Taiwan with this move.
And yes you can't fix software errors in that scale in 3 days. Just deal with it. That's how software development works.
Oh and I hope that "Dead Diamondback" was a typo.... Otherwise, get off here troll
You haven't mentioned the dock issues lots of us are getting. My dock keyboard only works about 20% of the time I connect it. There is at least 30 or 40 users on here with the same issue, and about double that on the transformerforums site. This may not be a lot but I'm sure a lot of US owners don't own the dock where as is Europe you have to buy it as standard. ASUS support haven't been overly helpful - wait for the ICS upgrade and try a wipe - done that and it still doesn't work - no further update from ASUS. I'm having to send my tablet and dock back and hope the next one works fine - any issues with the new one and I'll be getting a refund.
kristovaher said:
Dead Diamondback,
Damage to ASUS with those hate campaigns? I am sorry, but I am not going to speak well of a company that releases devices with as many problems that I have paid for. If I end up buying a broken device, I will be disappointed. They did not let these devices through proper quality control and we are suffering from it.
Serial number issue should have never happened. WiFi issue should have never happened. GPS should have never happened. These problems can be caught in quality control, but they didn't because they rushed the device to the market before holidays and did not test it long enough beforehand.
Yes, a lot of new devices have tech problems. Difference being that while I have been part of many tech launches as an early adopter in the past, I have never seen a launch that has this many critical problems and this amount of returned devices. Even I had to return a device because the keyboard just did not work and I've never had to do it before in my life.
As for damage to 'us', your points are irrelevant. Social media attacks are important, because they make ASUS more aware of these situations and react quicker. Let's be honest here, ASUS PR has been horrible throughout the Transformer Prime launch. It is only thanks to their customer support and engineers in this forum that we get some information out of ASUS.
I will not 'lie' and say that TF201 is a great device. It is really really good, but if you want to be sure and want a better all-round device then I will suggest people to get an iPad 2 and I will not tell my friends that this device does not have flaws just because this will increase ASUS sales and public image.
These social media attacks are important because ASUS will hopefully try to do better in the future, because a company cannot survive many of these clusterfraks in a row.
If ASUS will 'abandon the device' quicker because people are critical about it, then so be it. It will only make it clear to me not to buy ASUS products in the future, since it is exactly when there are problems, where support is needed. Not providing this will lose them even more customers in the future.
And trust me when I say this, Transformer Prime will never be a popular device in a way iPad, Galaxy Tab or Kindle Fire are popular. It will sell more than the original Transformer, but it will be very little known outside tech circles. Most of my friends don't even know that there is such a thing as TF101, let alone TF201.
How can ASUS change that? Not disappointing early adopters. It is the most crucial thing about products release, since early adopters are the most passionate customers. At the moment though many of us are with flawed screens, weak WiFi, non-existent GPS, devices without serial numbers and countless of other issues that will really hold us back from speaking well about the product we have paid a lot of money for.
ASUS can really change all that by letting devices actually go through quality control and testing. Many of the problems with Prime were detected in just the first days of use by us or the reviewers. ASUS can spare to delay the release by a week to provide additional testing for a fixed amount of devices.
Will they do it in the future? Who knows, unlikely. This device was rushed to the market to get as much sales as possible, ASUS did not care about us, the customers, they cared about their sales.
And this is why we have every right to be critical of ASUS. I hope they will do better in the future.
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Click to collapse
GDI read the ****ing OP's first post. He did not ask you to kiss Asus' feet. He did not ask you to say false POSITIVE things about the Prime. He did not tell you to disregard Asus' mistakes. He simply asked you to vent your frustration and give your CONSTRUCTIVE feedback to the appropriate recipient: ASUS.
BTW you have my thanks OP.
kaiserpc said:
You haven't mentioned the dock issues lots of us are getting. My dock keyboard only works about 20% of the time I connect it. There is at least 30 or 40 users on here with the same issue, and about double that on the transformerforums site. This may not be a lot but I'm sure a lot of US owners don't own the dock where as is Europe you have to buy it as standard. ASUS support haven't been overly helpful - wait for the ICS upgrade and try a wipe - done that and it still doesn't work - no further update from ASUS. I'm having to send my tablet and dock back and hope the next one works fine - any issues with the new one and I'll be getting a refund.
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Click to collapse
Hm, seems I missed that. My german dock works perfectly. What's the issue exactly?
But still, ASUS is a big company, they can't just find, fix, test, and make an announcement in 3 days...
It reminds me of the launch of the HTC Desire HD, Back then it seemed as though the first couple of batches that made it into customers hands had not been properly tested and manufacturing QC was absolutely terrible.
GPS issues were rife, cases didn't fit together properly, screens were loose with dust underneath them. Then of course there was the screen bleed, stuck pixels and countless other problems.
I remember it well as I was one of the first people on this forum to receive my DHD and I spent countless hours sitting watching IRC channels for root to be achieved.
Now then after that short history lesson, here is the point of my story. There was a lot of complaining about these issues here on the forum, but what most people did was either accept the fact that this was an early batch and realised that as an early adopter these things are to be expected, or they sent them back. End of story.
There was no smeer campaign, nothing. Just people being adult about the situation and that's that.
Thanks for listening.
Doktaphex said:
It reminds me of the launch of the HTC Desire HD, Back then it seemed as though the first couple of batches that made it into customers hands had not been properly tested and manufacturing QC was absolutely terrible.
[...]
Thanks for listening.
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Click to collapse
Same here, I think I got one of the first good batches
Nobody started a big ****storm back then and everything is fine today. The Desire HD is still a very good device and it was one of the top sold devices from HTC.
HTC sorted out all problems.
Agree
I actually agree with everything you said diamondback.
I personally love my prime, but i have a couple of issues here and there. Nothing that wont get fixed in the long run. I have a moan here and there, But i still show my support to a brilliant device.
And another thing i have never seen is a compnay actually showing their dedication to fixing the problems like asus. For god sake people they actually have a rep on here talking to people and providing inside information that actually could help. And again in garys posts people are attacking them there.
I really those people who are attacking asus shoulld either:
1. Suck it up and shut up and wait for a fix
2. Sell there device or take it back for a refund and shut up about it.
I know its not the best path, but you have to give a company some time for actually fix these issues. It doesnt happen over night, they ar'nt robots!
Rant over
---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 AM ----------
Diamondback said:
Same here, I think I got one of the first good batches
Nobody started a big ****storm back then and everything is fine today. The Desire HD is still a very good device and it was one of the top sold devices from HTC.
HTC sorted out all problems.
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Click to collapse
its funny because i have a DHD, i got one of the bad batches and still using it this day. Although HTC's repair team didnt do anything when i sent it back in. 3 days before my warrenty ran out. But that was a GPS issue for me. And im not really that bothered about it to be fair.
I personally love my phone, ive modded it so many times now ive lost count.
Just remember...Man with hand in pocket feel cocky all day
But aren't we pushing for double-standards here?
Because it would be a ****storm all around if Apple releases a product that has even a single critical flaw. Such as iPhone 4 antennagate. People pay a lot for Apple for quality, they don't expect such problems and Apple has very, very few issues like that with their product launches.
On the other hand we have ASUS who releases a product that has GPS that cannot be used, has weak WiFi range (+ broken WiFi on early US units), weak quality control on screen, keyboard and software issues with crashes and inability to update. Transformer Prime has more early adoption issues than iPhone's and iPad's have had in total.
Apple has set the standard, so when we end up paying a lot of money and face this many problems, being publicly critical about it makes sense. Sure you could say that ASUS is small compared to Apple, but if they want to compete with Apple they simply have to do better. If they release a device that is as flawed, it is not just bad for customers, but Android in general. I remember giving excuses to people who used my HTC Desire back in the day that had a multitouch screen that was not multitouch and it was obvious that it is a lesser device. I will feel just as bad when someone tries to use GPS on my Prime and is confused that it doesn't work and so on, because they -expect- the device to function.
Pat on the back and 'better next time' just doesn't cut it, since many of us will be using the device for more than a year. This is not a startup world, ASUS has been in the business for years, they are ambitious with their claims of having created the best tablet, if they cannot live up to it, they deserve the criticism.
They are a big boy and will hopefully do better next time. Market demands it. Otherwise someone else will simply create better devices and wins over the customers that ASUS has. ASUS is unique in that it offers an innovative keyboard dock with Prime, if it becomes popular then competition will increase and I'll gladly jump ship to manufacturer that has a better history with product launches.
Thank you OP for IMHO a needed and well thought out post.
I completely agree with OP post. People that are unsatisfied can easily return device and move on. But no, instead they love to hang around a nag like women with each other. I can tell most polls made here in thisbsection was made to make the Prime look bad. But guess what, it backfired. Most, if not all polls here show in favor of the Prime in a positive light. Don't believe me, just take a look. Of all the people that voted in them, its always 77-85% or more people that are happy with devices, or defect free or etc...
Although the smear campaigns might hurt a little, the ball is already rolling. Even the negative people not going to be able to stop developement. We already have a good number of developers doing alot of great things without bootloader unlocked yet. We have other major developers just waiting to hit the ground running once unlocking tool is available. Its almost surreal sometimes reading the issues some people have. As from 12/22 my device has worked great everyday and have really been enjoying it. Its really sad how some people try to nitpick every single little thing.
If you are unsatisfied with device, do like moderator Jerdog said. Which was get rid of device then, whine somewhere else, AND GO AWAY! Developers not going to want to hear your sob stories. Just imagine once custom roms start being made. Are those same people going to whine all the time after an early build is built n has some issues to be fixed?
Another thing also, some people are plain stupid. They smear n attack Asus for the Prime yet they talk of getting the new A-700. Dumb move. This new device hasn't even been proven tl be better then the Prime and won't be out for 4-5 months at the earliest. People just assume its better because it has a plastic strip across the back. Nothing can be assumed. This hasn't been thouroughly tested or reviewed by major tech sites to say its better. Which a mini test of sorts showed it wasn't, as far as wireless goes. To me. Asus is a great company because I received a great product. If people are to stupid to just return device instead of crying up here online, then that's on them. As they clearly have seen the people that love their devices way outnumber those who don't. sand ususally its the same people always complaining. That's why I've stopped trying to combat them in the threads really. I just report the post or thread, if its unreasonable. This has been working as several complaining threads already have been shut down. Even moderator tired of all the whining.
Just carry your a$$ somewhere else if you don't like your device. Plain n simple!
kristovaher said:
On the other hand we have ASUS who releases a product that has GPS that cannot be used, has weak WiFi range (+ broken WiFi on early US units), weak quality control on screen, keyboard and software issues with crashes and inability to update. Transformer Prime has more early adoption issues than iPhone's and iPad's have had in total.
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Click to collapse
I've had NONE of the issues you mentioned. The only thing I can't confirm that works 100% is the GPS since I did not buy this tablet to use as a primary GPS unit! I have a phone that does that and is more PORTABLE since it fits in my pants pocket. Last I tried using the GPS, it locked on my exact location in less than a minute. But really, I didn't really care, I only tested it because of all the damn *****ing on this forum.
So yes, I am a proud owner of a Prime with a "functioning" GPS, STANDARD wifi range, a VIVID screen, operational keyboard dock, no software issues, and updated with ICS.
First, OP, this isn’t just about Asus. What you’re saying in your post is that to protect the image and viability of a product (any product), people should suck up what they’re handed and deal with problems quietly in a way that benefits the manufacturer. That way, the product’s image will be protected. That’s great for current owners looking to reinforce their purchase and to grow the user base, but what about people that haven’t yet purchased the product? Hide defects and issues from them so they can figure it out themselves? If Acer hoses the A700 launch, would you give the same advice to their board? This goes against the principles of XDA.
Back to the Prime. Many of the issues discussed here caused people to say the Prime wasn’t right for them and either returned them or passed. Would you deprive them of that knowledge beforehand to further your personal agenda? Did you sign the “unlock the bootloader” petition? If so, then you’re being somewhat hypocritical.
Manufacturers need to be held accountable for their decisions. In Asus’ case, the choice of a metal back cover, claiming “GPS” when there wasn’t, racing the Prime to market with inadequate testing, and the random QC issues were all self-inflicted. Following your guidance, if this was kept quiet and didn’t impact sales, what incentive would they have going forward to sweat the details and deliver high quality products starting with unit number one?
Any “damage done to the Prime” was done in meeting rooms in Taiwan long before anyone here had a Prime in their hands. And h/w and s/w aside, hopefully Asus learned from this that customers aren’t sheep and willing to accept what they’re given and in the future will provide more frequent, accurate, and consistent communication before and after they launch a product. It’s terrific that after the damage was done Gary Key’s been proactive in cleaning up the mess and Asus offered a six-month warranty extension. Let’s give them an “A” for that. They get an “F” for how they managed the launch, communication, some of their design choices, and initial QC. So, at best, they’ve earned a “C.” If they’re a learning organization, let’s see what they do with the TF700. If it’s a repeat of the Prime, then God help them. And if the TF700 is everything the Prime should have been, that’s what’s going to cause the problems you outlined to happen, not the *****ing.
My friends that bought (and returned) Prime’s are pissed. Anyone trying to get one before the holidays went through flaming hoops and invested a lot of time and energy that they won’t get back via a “refund.” They’ll never purchase an Asus product again and are telling everyone they know about their experience. So even if everyone on XDA follows your advice, the damage will continue long after the postings stop. And it should because that’s what keeps manufacturers in check.
No.. this isn't actually a post about the Prime's problems... it's actually about how companies handle things when they screw up. A lot of people here seemed genuinely grateful for what Asus did postfacto... I'm not one of them because my bar is set higher. I expect more from the companies I buy from - well, when it's a $500 tablet anyway.
Here's an example of where the bar SHOULD be set.
A month or so ago, Google announced the Q - basically their version of the Roku or the AppleTV. Thing is, while it's innovative design, it kind of sucked at being an actual Internet appliance. Google admitted the Q was shipped too soon and had significant problems. They halted production.. and here's the kicker - everyone will get a free replacement. They don't even have to return the original. And if you preordered and haven't gotten yours, you get a free one.
Here's the letter they sent out:
We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.
When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.
To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.
Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.
The Nexus Q Team
So, they're giving away free replacements for everyone who has one - who got them for FREE... and everyone who preordered... also gets one for free.
They certainly didn't need to do this. Most people understood that the problems with the Q were relatively minor and most could be fixed with software upgrades... not to mention, the people who got theirs at Google IO didn't actually pay for them. Not an issue - not even a discussion point - Google wants to make sure you stay loyal and stick with them. Anything to make the customer happy. No attempt to try and gloss over the problem or shirk responsibility.
THAT'S customer service, amigos. No screwing around with buckshee hacks. No 'we didn't mean it when we said you have a GPS..'
That's the bar we should set and demand.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/31/3207482/nexus-q-consumer-launch-delayed
PS: You'll notice I'm here telling you how great Google is rather than being out there telling others how great Asus is? That's why it's important to encourage customer loyalty... And I don't even HAVE a Q (not available in this country).
TheWerewolf said:
Nice story about google giving away expensive devices for free...
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To be fair to ASUS, Google is a $207Billion company with almost $40B a year in revenue. The future of the company is hardly riding on them making a profit on their Nexus Q, heck it could be that no one's job is even riding on it given their business situation. Asus on the other hand is like a $6B company in US funds. Google could absorb financial hits that would completely BK or force massive layoffs at many other companies (like ASUS) without blinking. I think ASUS blew it with their QA on recent units but they have made some effort to try to set things right.
You can demand and expect completely-out-of-touch-with-the-rest-of-the-industry replacement/recall policies but you'll probably disappointed most of your life. Even mighty Apple told people they were holding their phones wrong when Antennagate hit. It probably makes more sense to learn your lesson and just move on.
To be honest, I think the world has enough/too many $100B+ companies already.
TheWerewolf said:
No.. this isn't actually a post about the Prime's problems... it's actually about how companies handle things when they screw up. A lot of people here seemed genuinely grateful for what Asus did postfacto... I'm not one of them because my bar is set higher. I expect more from the companies I buy from - well, when it's a $500 tablet anyway.
Here's an example of where the bar SHOULD be set.
A month or so ago, Google announced the Q - basically their version of the Roku or the AppleTV. Thing is, while it's innovative design, it kind of sucked at being an actual Internet appliance. Google admitted the Q was shipped too soon and had significant problems. They halted production.. and here's the kicker - everyone will get a free replacement. They don't even have to return the original. And if you preordered and haven't gotten yours, you get a free one.
Here's the letter they sent out:
We have an important update about your Nexus Q pre-order.
When we announced Nexus Q at Google I/O, we gave away devices to attendees for an early preview. The industrial design and hardware were met with great enthusiasm. We also heard initial feedback from users that they want Nexus Q to do even more than it does today. In response, we have decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.
To thank you for your early interest, we'd like to extend the Nexus Q preview to our pre-order customers and send you a free device. If you had other items in your order, your credit card will be charged for those items only.
Your Nexus Q will be on its way soon and you will receive a notification and tracking number from Google Play when it ships.
The Nexus Q Team
So, they're giving away free replacements for everyone who has one - who got them for FREE... and everyone who preordered... also gets one for free.
They certainly didn't need to do this. Most people understood that the problems with the Q were relatively minor and most could be fixed with software upgrades... not to mention, the people who got theirs at Google IO didn't actually pay for them. Not an issue - not even a discussion point - Google wants to make sure you stay loyal and stick with them. Anything to make the customer happy. No attempt to try and gloss over the problem or shirk responsibility.
THAT'S customer service, amigos. No screwing around with buckshee hacks. No 'we didn't mean it when we said you have a GPS..'
That's the bar we should set and demand.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/7/31/3207482/nexus-q-consumer-launch-delayed
PS: You'll notice I'm here telling you how great Google is rather than being out there telling others how great Asus is? That's why it's important to encourage customer loyalty... And I don't even HAVE a Q (not available in this country).
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Well said! In my opinion they would gain a stronger customer base.
zenaxe said:
To be fair to ASUS, Google is a $207Billion company with almost $40B a year in revenue. The future of the company is hardly riding on them making a profit on their Nexus Q, heck it could be that no one's job is even riding on it given their business situation. Asus on the other hand is like a $6B company in US funds. Google could absorb financial hits that would completely BK or force massive layoffs at many other companies (like ASUS) without blinking. I think ASUS blew it with their QA on recent units but they have made some effort to try to set things right.
You can demand and expect completely-out-of-touch-with-the-rest-of-the-industry replacement/recall policies but you'll probably disappointed most of your life. Even mighty Apple told people they were holding their phones wrong when Antennagate hit. It probably makes more sense to learn your lesson and just move on.
To be honest, I think the world has enough/too many $100B+ companies already.
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Yeah, I would never expect a smaller company like ASUS to be able to do something like this. But, the Prime really is such a mess in my eyes that it would take something drastic to get me to buy another ASUS product. When you have a seemingly pretty faulty device combined with the absolute horrid customer support (19 days now they've had mine, still waiting for parts) you lose me as a customer. Granted, I also have a faulty ASUS motherboard in my computer, so I have another reason to never buy from them again since that's 2 for 2 of the ASUS products I've ever owned having issues.
If things are better on the Infinity as far as GPS, wifi, blu tooth, build quality (like rear cameras not breaking), then ASUS should just bite the bullet and kill the TF201 and give at least early adopters a trade in. That's what it would take to make me happy, and even then they would still have a huge problem with their repair service. But, at least I would have a better chance of not ever having to deal with them.
This would never happen with Asus not because of money but simply because they don't give a f*ck about their customers.
wifesabitch said:
This would never happen with Asus not because of money but simply because they don't give a f*ck about their customers.
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That's honestly how I feel, and I feel that way 100% because of their terrible customer support. I understand things go wrong especially in this fairly new market of Android tablets. That's the time for your customer service to shine. Instead, they show us how much they care about us by having the worst service I've ever heard of.
ASUS Customer service in not. They could give a rat ask about problems with the Prime.
It is not a matter of how big Google is versus Asus. It is simply doing what is right. The Prime is junk. Asus knows it is junk. Fix it, or replace it.
We paid $500 for this tablet and anyone with any common sense would expect value for their money.
Just Received my TS. Although I like it I am wondering if there is any future for this device. The 6+ months delay seem like an eternity and what looked like a promising novelty is already lagging behind. And what makes me wonder is the apparent separation between the company and the first batch of users. How come that not one single bug seem to have been fixed? How come that there is still no OTA updates? Omate closed their official forum and is redirecting to xda for support, but where is Omate in this forum? And what about the possibility of switching to Android Wear, that looks like it will be the standard for this type of devices? I was a happy backer of their Kickstarter project, but at this point all I think is that I bought myself a Xmas present that was delivered at Easter!
Omate, obviously totally abandoned this project.
Rumors are thet they are preparing TS2 so TS is something that used that as a learning base...
Don't know did you followed g+ but I talked much about exactly the same problem months ago...
I said: (in December 2013): when we get TS that device will be old and many other device will be released.
We'll have expensive project that will be just overpriced and unusable...
I'm very sorry to see that but even then while community attacked me -I was right...
We'll try to give our best and try to adapt it but TS is dead and that's, unfortunately, something Omate admitted long time ago...
There's no Omate on XDA, no support, no answers or anything...
We are alone mate...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
funky0308 said:
Omate, obviously totally abandoned this project.
Rumors are thet they are preparing TS2 so TS is something that used that as a learning base...
Don't know did you followed g+ but I talked much about exactly the same problem months ago...
I said: (in December 2013): when we get TS that device will be old and many other device will be released.
We'll have expensive project that will be just overpriced and unusable...
I'm very sorry to see that but even then while community attacked me -I was right...
We'll try to give our best and try to adapt it but TS is dead and that's, unfortunately, something Omate admitted long time ago...
There's no Omate on XDA, no support, no answers or anything...
We are alone mate...
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
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Agreed. Omate is done. They were done before they started shipping.
1. Warranty- HA! Null and void
2. OTAs, support, service- LOL
..... U get the picture....
If something goes wrong with your TS...I guess your only choice would be to contact Omeox. Omate certainly won't do anything and most likely won't be around to help. This has been their MO from the beginning. For example, the infamous BT problems and Omate's lack of dev support. This alone spelled disaster for the company and sealed the coffin for any future "free" help from the dev community. Lesson learned: ANY start-up MUST have, keep and strengthen the full support of the community devs.
And lastly, the Omate disaster has laid a major wake to future smartwatch, IGG or KS, campaigns. Its a real shame...now, for any fledgling tech trying to grab a foothold in this market, that truly has something new and innovative, will have to work twice as hard to get noticed.
All due to Rocki and LLP's lies, misleading marketing and "bait'n switch" game.
Thanks Omate!
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
While all this is definitely a shame, one bright side out of this is that I have a damn cool watch, and I paid about fair market value for it (the other Umeox watches go for similar prices). I guess I'm lucky in that mine works fine, so I don't have to deal with Omate again.
I realize that some specs have changed which kinda sucks. But I never intended to go swimming or anything with this, and the other spec changes are minor to me and don't really reflect anything in real world usage. The patch available really make this thing a good, usable, android watch phone (thanks again, Loki!). So I'm at least happy with what I got out of this whole ordeal.
Will I back anything on kickstarter (or others) again? Hell no! But at least I don't feel like I got screwed out of my money.
LLP was bragging on his g+ account about Omate's skills. While I think it is impressive they managed to produce a product, the fact remains that the hardware they used is debatable theirs and if what Loki has said is true, the software is Omate's main field of expertise and that in itself is of a questionable quantity.
I just do not understand Omate. I am not fussed about waterproofing and what not, but not being open about it until after the orders were taking just isn't cricket.
And then this whole lark about not having service centers in your country bla bla bla. Omate should just accept some things will break and have made back up watches to replace those which do. Those which are broken could be shipped back, repaired and resold.
The lack of anyone from Omate here seems really odd. I guess it could be a language issue but I doubt it.
What puzzles me is what did Omate expect to happen? For XDA to do all the work? For the project to develop a life of it's own?
I do think Kickstarter has lost an awful lot of credit, but I do not think the blame should be theirs. Omate just caused PR disasters one after another. Even now, the manner of the conduct online is extremely unprofessional.
Would I buy another Omate (TS2)? Most likely not. I love my TS and think it is super cool, but I want a device which will grow and has a loving community behind it. It is clear there is no love for this device now.
Unless Omate have some secret stuff going on in the background such as a huge update and a ton of new features, I don't see anything special about the Omate. I had an EC309 and with the exception of Omate's sd slot, it could do everything the TS could.
Personally, I think Neptune Pine will win people's hearts. It has had a bumpy ride but recently started being VERY open about production problems and delays. Perhaps it takes an Omate to get these Kickstarter companies to step up a notch.
I'll probably buy a Neptune Pine and other smartwatches. I don't think Omate has killed people's love for the concept, but it has left a bitter taste in many peoples mouths regarding crowd funded projects.
Hyperthetically say if we were to developer/begin a new Smartwatch or smartwatch company. Thru market research we established that there was a massive demand for something similar to the Omate or the A.I. Watch, I.e. a mobile notification and stand alone Android with a sim card wifi, gps BT ...etc.
First we started to source the unit (as designing a new one would take too long and cost too much and it would be copied) what would be the 'do's & don'ts'?
Keep it civil pls and dont say do the exact opposite of Omate... although that would probably go a long way.
It's more of about the way Omate managed the release rather than the product. I accept there would be issues in development.
What is odd is that the watch seems to be available to buy on their China site with no mention of it being a pre-order/ waiting God knows how long till it turns up. Does this mean that they're actively selling them now in China before sending the backers theirs?
Like their Chinese site though. At least it gives info about the company.
http://china.omate.com/
Have they (Omate.com) removed the specs info'?
simple1i said:
Have they (Omate.com) removed the specs info'?
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Doesn't seem like it. They still have that annoying avatar with the Omate being splashed. Their Chinese site still has the specs up. I think they still say the camera is 5 mega pixel.
http://china.omate.com/smart.php
Compensation for Galaxy Note 7 Owners. Sign the petition if you guys can.
Change.org Link:
https://www.change.org/p/samsung-compensation-for-galaxy-note-7-owners
After reading that laundry list of those dema---errr requests I feel pretty confident that it ain't gonna happen but I suppose we'll see what happens.
br0adband said:
After reading that laundry list of those dema---errr requests I feel pretty confident that it ain't gonna happen but I suppose we'll see what happens.
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Chances are slim, but hey never hurt to try right? You never know!
I'm the person who started that petition.
Being an ex-N7 owner and now S7 Edge owner, I was on several forums and the most common demand was the ability to upgrade to the next Note without a penalty or a free Note altogether. So the $1000 is an estimate on what it would cost for a free Note, case, and screen protector. Do I honestly think Samsung will do it? No. However that doesn't mean we can't ask. In fact we should request something COLLECTIVELY so they understand it's not just a few sporadic groups complaining.
Basically if you don't ask, you will most likely get nothing. If you look at the petition, I've added updates showing how Samsung is considering an upgrade option for those affected by the recall. Is this because of the petition? I have no clue, but they know it's there and they know the number of signers is growing..... because it's also posted on their forum.
Even if you don't agree on the petition verbatim, please SIGN & SHARE. The more support we have, the more it will encourage them to step up and make the options better for us.
jealbr75 said:
I'm the person who started that petition.
Being an ex-N7 owner and now S7 Edge owner, I was on several forums and the most common demand was the ability to upgrade to the next Note without a penalty or a free Note altogether. So the $1000 is an estimate on what it would cost for a free Note, case, and screen protector. Do I honestly think Samsung will do it? No. However that doesn't mean we can't ask. In fact we should request something COLLECTIVELY so they understand it's not just a few sporadic groups complaining.
Basically if you don't ask, you will most likely get nothing. If you look at the petition, I've added updates showing how Samsung is considering an upgrade option for those affected by the recall. Is this because of the petition? I have no clue, but they know it's there and they know the number of signers is growing..... because it's also posted on their forum.
Even if you don't agree on the petition verbatim, please SIGN & SHARE. The more support we have, the more it will encourage them to step up and make the options better for us.
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Hmmm, hitting the 1,000 mark real soon.
Oh absolutely, let Sammy hear what's up. Shoot, spent $1k and exchanging a lower end device? The loyal customers def. deserves something better IMO.
Hmm, maybe a class action lawsuit?
Samsung is doing what they can to handle the situation, with refunds and exchanges and even some credit towards future purchases (in amounts they feel are adequate) but if a bunch of people continue to press them for more and more and more it's just going to hurt them more and more and more as they're trying to resolve things.
They probably look upon such requests or petitions and attach some level of understanding towards the consumers who are affected by this whole fiasco since it started and they will do their best to settle things.
Jumping on a bandwagon heading into a situation that is already on fire (pun intended) isn't actually helping, but that's my personal view on the situation. Samsung simply cannot be expected to be "OK" with the loss of all the money from all the defective devices that were manufactured and should be returned + all the money they're losing from the lost sales of millions more units that will never be made (but were projected sales) + all the money they're going to have to spend to keep the recall in place till all the units they can get returned do actually make it back to them + all the money it's going to cost them to destroy all the units that get returned + all the money for all the devices they're using as exchange units that now won't actually be sold + legal fees + the cost of the booths in the airports they're putting up + more and more and more... not to mention the hit to their reputation which can't be expressed as a monetary cost + the hit to their stock price as that reputation sours more and more each day no matter what they try to do to gain some level of control over this entire situation.
And then some people think because they owned a Note 7 that they feel like they should get a big discount on the next flagship device from Samsung in 2017 or that perhaps on some level they feel they should get it completely free too.
This is a lose-lose-lose-holy-crap-we've-lost-so-huge situation for Samsung and it's not going to end anytime soon, unfortunately.
After all this, I'm not saying customers don't deserve to be compensated for time and effort and the hassles of dealing with this, I'm saying that sometimes people - especially large groups of people - just go a bit too far in their demands and requests, this could eventually be one of those situations.
br0adband said:
Jumping on a bandwagon heading into a situation that is already on fire (pun intended) isn't actually helping, but that's my personal view on the situation.
[snip] not to mention the hit to their reputation which can't be expressed as a monetary cost + the hit to their stock price as that reputation sours more and more each day no matter what they try to do to gain some level of control over this entire situation.
[snip]
.
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Problem is, they've had my money for a couple of months and supplied me with (according to them) two dangerous devices, then completely stop responding to phone calls, emails, tweets.
They've scheduled someone to come to my house to collect it at a date and time when I'm not here, but attempts to get through to them also fail.
They haven't responded to questions about the refund process in general, nor about how we can get refunds for 3rd party accessories where the retailer won't accept the return. Amazon were great (though charged me P&P), but I have other bits (Brodit car adapter, for example).
I've just initiated a credit card chargeback so that I at least get a refund.
Unfortunately for Samsung, those who are reasonably high net worth can afford to pick and choose brands, and the replacement TVs, washing machine, fridge etc all won't be Samsung since they've proven they can't provide even a basic level of customer service.
Another set of brands that set themselves apart, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35301019 - those I won't buy from either since, again, and regardless of 'fault', they've proven they can't provide the level of service that customers need.
You're absolutely correct in how things are being handled overall and I'm 100% certain that the recall (both of them) and the refunds/exchanges/etc - especially in situations where people did surrender a previously owned device so they could essentially be without one entirely if they return the Note 7 they currently own) - could be dealt with better. I've been reading reports in the past 24 hours of some basically scummy ways that customer concerns are being addressed with respect to returning the devices worldwide and it's pretty disheartening when the end user is just trying to do the right thing themselves and they encounter a brick wall of sorts even so.
I hope it all works out for everyone and it doesn't kill Samsung to such a degree that they never ever produce another device like the Note but I'm leaning to the direction that they probably feel the Note brand is now so forever tarnished they may just drop it entirely, even as a branding label on the tablet line too.
Was just saying in another thread that it's somewhat odd that no other company over the past 5 years or so since the original Galaxy Note has appeared ever produced a device that could match it or even come close because of the Wacom hardware Samsung was smart to choose.
If there was ever a time for any company to pounce on this market - and it's a huge one considering how popular the Note series has been so far - this is it.