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Author Topic: The Transformer Prime has a 128kb encryption on its bootloader... [Locked]
sliyurs  3 stars
Title: Official VN Stalker
Posts: 771
Registered: 2003-1-9 21:27:11
Say goodbye to the rooting community Asus.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1422983

This launch has not done a single thing right lol. I may just pick up an old Transformer and save myself some money.

 

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-Mithan-  4 stars
Title: VNBoard Admin
Posts: 1,287
Registered: 2000-3-1 11:53:15
I don't what the fixation is on this unit, compared to the Galaxy Tab 10.1, it sucks.

 

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I survived to the end and got nothing out of it, but hey.
heiromancerdrackus  2 stars
Title: Is, indeed, a fat ass.
Posts: 274
Registered: 2001-12-24 17:04:55
-Mithan- posted:

I don't what the fixation is on this unit, compared to the Galaxy Tab 10.1, it sucks.



Uh, how? The LCD is on par or better and it has Tegra 3.
sliyurs  3 stars
Title: Official VN Stalker
Posts: 771
Registered: 2003-1-9 21:27:11
-Mithan- posted:

I don't what the fixation is on this unit, compared to the Galaxy Tab 10.1, it sucks.



How so? Specs wise it blows the 10.1 out of the water.

 

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Ravynmagi  4 stars
Title: Moderator
Posts: 1,098
Registered: 2001-12-23 17:10:17
* Late launch/limit quantities/pre-order miscommunication.
* Encrypted boot loader.
* Impaired wifi range.
* Slow GPS.
* Mono audio over HDMI.
* Poor build quality.
* No Android 4.0 in December.

It looks like ASUS rushed the tablet and cut some corners to get this out before Christmas (just barely at that) for $500 (cheap for 32GB tablet).

Just been nothing but bad news for this tablet since it was launched. And sadly a lot of this same crap happened with the original Transformers launch too. So ASUS hasn't learned anything. And it's worse because there was a lot more attention on this tablet because it was the first with a Tegra 3 (and was supposedly going to be the first with Android 4.0 as well).

ASUS kinda blew it. Sadly a lot of Android manufactures seem to be blowing it. It's no wonder the iPad is still crushing all the competition.
Ravynmagi  4 stars
Title: Moderator
Posts: 1,098
Registered: 2001-12-23 17:10:17
Some good news. ASUS will be releasing a boot loader unlocker tool next week. They say the reason it's locked in the first place is to support Google's DRM. Apparently it's needed to access Google's video rental service. Though I'm not sure that is actually true. I believe all that is required is the device not be rooted. Hopefully ASUS won't charge money for the tool like Microsoft does.

http://www.androidcentral.com/asus-says-bootloader-unlock-tool-coming-gps-hard-yall

ASUS says your GPS is screwed though. Just like with the wireless, the aluminum body is being blamed for the GPS problems and it seems ASUS won't have a real fix for that either.

PS. Oh, the other good news is Android 4 coming January 12th.
Ravynmagi  4 stars
Title: Moderator
Posts: 1,098
Registered: 2001-12-23 17:10:17
https://www.facebook.com/ASUS/posts/300815559961849 posted:

Thank you very much for all of the support you have given to ASUS. Eee Pad Transformer Prime received excellent reviews and great demand when it launched in December 2011. Now, we are continuing to make the Transformer Prime available in the worldwide market, and doing our best to fulfill the incredible demand. ASUS strives to create the best products and provide the best service for our customers, and will be releasing an FOTA update for the Transformer Prime shortly. This update, version 8.8.3.33, will improve the focus of the camera, the fluidity of the touch experience, and the APK capabilities in Android Market.

ASUS has been working hard to make the highly anticipated Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich available on the Transformer Prime, and today, we have good news for you. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich FOTA worldwide update for the Transformer Prime will start from Jan 12th, 2012. Thank you for your patience and support through this process.

In addition, we would like to address your concerns related to GPS and bootloader on the Transformer Prime.

The ASUS Transformer Prime is made from a metallic unibody design, so the material may affect the performance of the GPS when receiving signals from satellites. Please note that this product is not a professional GPS device, and signal performance can be easily influenced by factors including, but not limited to: weather, buildings, and surrounding environments. Please understand there are limitations when using the GPS function. To avoid inconveniencing users who demand a powerful GPS device, we made the decision to remove it from our specification sheet and marketing communications. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Regarding the bootloader, the reason we chose to lock it is due to content providers' requirement for DRM client devices to be as secure as possible. ASUS supports Google DRM in order to provide users with a high quality video rental experience. Also, based on our experience, users who choose to root their devices risk breaking the system completely. However, we know there is demand in the modding community to have an unlocked bootloader. Therefore, ASUS is developing an unlock tool for that community. Please do note that if you choose to unlock your device, the ASUS warranty will be void, and Google video rental will also be unavailable because the device will be no longer protected by security mechanism.

Thank you for all the understanding and support for the ASUS Transformer Prime. Happy New Year!



Unfortunately ASUS is incorrect in thinking a boot lock prevents rooting. The tablet has already been rooted (though ASUS is also fighting against that with firmware updates). The boot loader just prevents or at least hampers loading custom ROMs.

Even with an unlock tool, ASUS is giving off a very anti-modification friendly attitude from their actions and words here. It is probably going to drive off a lot of developers, so this probably won't be a good tablet to have if you like to tinker around, root, install custom ROMs, etc. And from what I've seen, not a friendly tablet to have if you like using wifi or GPS either.
Ravynmagi  4 stars
Title: Moderator
Posts: 1,098
Registered: 2001-12-23 17:10:17
And just unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty. With ASUS's questionable build quality, that's a pretty significant gamble to take on a $500 tablet.

This thing is dead to me. But the train wreck is somewhat fascinating to witness.
-Mithan-  4 stars
Title: VNBoard Admin
Posts: 1,287
Registered: 2000-3-1 11:53:15
That is a new version I wasn't aware of. Â Yes, it is better due to the Tegra 3, but did they slim and lighten it down at all? Â Or is it still a bulky POS.For me, Tablets need to be thin and light, which is why I like the Tab 10.1.However, I don't plan on buying one until the new resolution comes in at 25xx x 1600 or whatever they go with, then I plan on buying one day 1, be it Apple or Android.

 

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I survived to the end and got nothing out of it, but hey.
heiromancerdrackus  2 stars
Title: Is, indeed, a fat ass.
Posts: 274
Registered: 2001-12-24 17:04:55
-Mithan- posted:

That is a new version I wasn't aware of. Yes, it is better due to the Tegra 3, but did they slim and lighten it down at all? Or is it still a bulky POS.For me, Tablets need to be thin and light, which is why I like the Tab 10.1.However, I don't plan on buying one until the new resolution comes in at 25xx x 1600 or whatever they go with, then I plan on buying one day 1, be it Apple or Android.



Its razer thin, really. Thinner than the iPad 2 and the edge is so pronounced I've read it can be uncomfortable to hold.

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