Help GPS issue solved bad news

[JackG058]

I don"t see anything between the lines about the GPS.

That's part of the problem. ASUS USA shot this one down when it came out. This was one retailer who gave this info at the time in this article. I don't recall this ever being confirmed, other than reading something about the first 300 Taiwan units having a second WiFi anntenna coming loose and needing recalled.

 

[golfernut78]

i just checked my location with my prime and my cell phone (samsung epic 4g) both sitting next to each other on my desk at work. the prime shows me in the parking lot in the exact spot my car is parked (dumb luck) and has me moving back and forth between parking spots. my cell phone originally had me at my house. after restarting it, it had me at an apartment complex across the golf course and main road (probably 1/2 mile as the crow flies) from my office. maybe the prime gps isn't that great, but it apperantly is an improvement over my phone.

that all said, i didn't know the prime had a gps feature until after it arrived, so its not really a selling point for me.

 

[rushmore]

The OP on this thread is probably the same jdbaker82 that currently has an account disabled on xda. Duplicate posts, duplicate threads, misleading thread titles, conclusions that seem to be out of the mainstream and aren't very helpful.

I assume his intentions are good and he's just anxious to post, I'm just sayin...

Though oddly worded, does not detract that the OP is correct and the reception issues were also validated by Anandtech and people using the device. The aluminum is a case of style over function. Though I would not own and iPad unless given to me, Apple did have the sense to give it a reception window (plastic section) to avoid similar issues.

 

[theandies]

Though oddly worded, does not detract that the OP is correct and the reception issues were also validated by Anandtech and people using the device. The aluminum is a case of style over function. Though I would not own and iPad unless given to me, Apple did have the sense to give it a reception window (plastic section) to avoid similar issues.

Ya but it looks like a stupid apple

 

[JackG058]

Though oddly worded, does not detract that the OP is correct and the reception issues were also validated by Anandtech and people using the device. The aluminum is a case of style over function. Though I would not own and iPad unless given to me, Apple did have the sense to give it a reception window (plastic section) to avoid similar issues.

The Anandtech review I read indicated that his replacement unit functioned way better. His original unit, probably one of the first 300 that got recalled, had some definite issues. I get mine tomorrow so I'll see for myself. I just don't take a lot of stock in posts that have been negative from the get go and especially before owning or trying themselves.

 

[Gatman]

Though oddly worded, does not detract that the OP is correct and the reception issues were also validated by Anandtech and people using the device. The aluminum is a case of style over function. Though I would not own and iPad unless given to me, Apple did have the sense to give it a reception window (plastic section) to avoid similar issues.

Just to be clear, the wifi-only ipad doesn't have that plastic window, and the wifi range is just fine. That wifi-only version does not have gps though.

 

[JackG058]

Just to be clear, the wifi-only ipad doesn't have that plastic window, and the wifi range is just fine. That wifi-only version does not have gps though.

I have to ask for point of clarification here. Although I'm totally disenchanted with Apple, to the point of giving my iPad 1 to my wife, I do have to say the plastic window is in my Wifi only iPad 1. Even with that, when the iPad 1 first came out, there were tons of complaints on Apple forums about weak WiFi and losing connections, etc. Their first software update addressed those issues and things quieted down.

 

[Gatman]

I have to ask for point of clarification here. Although I'm totally disenchanted with Apple, to the point of giving my iPad 1 to my wife, I do have to say the plastic window is in my Wifi only iPad 1. Even with that, when the iPad 1 first came out, there were tons of complaints on Apple forums about weak WiFi and losing connections, etc. Their first software update addressed those issues and things quieted down.

Oops...I was referring to the iPad2, which my wife has. The back of that unit is solid, with no plastic window. Sorry for not specifying it was the iPad2.

 

[jdbaker82]

Sadly I find it quite amusing that people are sending in their units to ASUS to have their GPS fixed when they have yet to acknowledge there's an issue and or how they are going to fix it...... Even sadder is the people on XDA taking them into Gamestops or Best Buy to exchange them like there's going to be any difference...... Again people EVERYONES TFP does NOT successfully stay locked on to any satallites while driving point A to point B this is not that complicated.

 

[rushmore]

Good points by all. I will also test one out, once Best Buy gets stock. The A500 is the weakest radio device I ever owned, so hoping not bad like the Acer effort.

 

[Ramzes13]

Sadly I find it quite amusing that people are sending in their units to ASUS to have their GPS fixed when they have yet to acknowledge there's an issue and or how they are going to fix it...... Even sadder is the people on XDA taking them into Gamestops or Best Buy to exchange them like there's going to be any difference...... Again people EVERYONES TFP does NOT successfully stay locked on to any satallites while driving point A to point B this is not that complicated.

not to sound challenging or anything, but can you source your claim about people taking these units back to best buy and gamestop?

also, unless your tethering or using a program like navigon, gps wouldnt matter while traveling anyway. besides who in their right mind would want a 10.1 gps unit? in most states that would be considered a driving distraction and therefore a ticketable offense.

 

[thomslik]

This is not theory this is fact I have taken the back off my Prime and navigated around staying locked from point A to point B with no problems.

Can you share your process for removing the back from the prime? Also, it would be great if you could provide some pictures of the prime with the back removed.

Thanks.

 

[JackG058]

Good points by all. I will also test one out, once Best Buy gets stock. The A500 is the weakest radio device I ever owned, so hoping not bad like the Acer effort.

I hope the GPS works as it should as well. However, to be honest, that would not be a deal breaker for me, because I'll never use it. That's what I have my Epic 4G Touch for. I will be saddened if the build quality isn't solid though. I won't be able to whine another tablet out of my wife for awhile to come, I suspect.

 

[JackG058]

I'd like to know why the OP cares so much about a device I don't think he owns, since he was just posting before Christmas how no one was getting theirs for Christmas (and then they did), so I can't believe he obtained one in the interim. And again, I don't typically hang out in product areas I don't have a personal interest in. I'm not defending Asus or the Prime, because I've not even seen one, let alone used one. But I just don't like blatant attempts to discredit something one has no experience with. Of course, pics might help your case.

 

[rushmore]

I agree GPS is not a biggie, since I have a Razr for that. My main concern is the wifi, since am used to the Thrive and View that have great wifi, but previously owned the A500, which had the worst wifi of any device used.

 

[Netherdragon]

I agree GPS is not a biggie, since I have a Razr for that. My main concern is the wifi, since am used to the Thrive and View that have great wifi, but previously owned the A500, which had the worst wifi of any device used.

im in the same boat here, don't care about the gps 1 bit but the wifi signel being half decent is a must. if I cant get a decent reception unless im near a router then this will be a let down.

Although this wont be an issue when im out as i intend to use my phone as a wifi hotspot for it anyway with my phone being right next to it.

 

[rsmin]

I hope the GPS works as it should as well. However, to be honest, that would not be a deal breaker for me, because I'll never use it. That's what I have my Epic 4G Touch for. I will be saddened if the build quality isn't solid though. I won't be able to whine another tablet out of my wife for awhile to come, I suspect.

JackG058,

Just got mine last night. Haven't had much time to mess around with it, but the build quality is perfect. I am not seeing anything wrong with it. The creaking some were stating, I dont have. The screen is amazing, wifi for me is good. It is amazing how thin and light it is. Coming from a 1st gen ipad, I just am totally satisfied with it. It will take me some time to tweak it the way I want it, but that is what I love about Android. Ever since getting my droid x I have been hooked on Android.

 

[GatorsUF]

I don't want to say I don't believe you. But....I don't believe you.

You haven't "solved" anything. You suggested a theory (which seems possible but not proven).

Please, lets see a picture of your Prime with the back cover off. Otherwise you are just blowing hot air.

 

[andygu3]

To me, this whole GPS issue/problem could solved by future updates to the kernel or an updated OS like ICS(when it comes). To the op's point that the problem with the GPS and Prime is a design flaw but how do we know this? Initial release of the tablet was 11 days ago and now people are sending the tablets back because GPS doesn't stay locked for an extended period of time. I don't know about you but I sure didn't buy this tablet as a GPS Navigation unit. It does the simple map information when data is connected.

Now, yesterday I tested Google Navigation on my Prime and after resetting my A-GPS with GPS Status, I was able to get a lock with 10/12 sats in 3 minutes. That, imo, is pretty good seeing that I don't have a cell towers aiding in my coordinates. Now it did lose its lock after about a mile but after having a rooted phone and running AOSP roms quite a lot, this really isn't news to me. Like I stated before, future updates could possibly solve this issue.

After looking into the Google Maps application, there is a setting, storing cache data when you don't have a data connection. My guess, since I haven't tested it, is that once you have point of interest(Point B) determined then the cache will be stored on the tablet/phone so that the application has reference to go to when there isn't a data connection. Well, unless you are tethering the tablet, then obviously you won't have a data connection. Now a reason this may be helpful is when a reroute happens. How is the tablet, without the tablet having a data connection, going to reroute? So the stored cache will hopefully aid in this scenario.


I'm not sure if the Prime has a design flaw or its a kernel issue or an os issue..... and maybe, GPS will never work as it should but imo, I don't care if Google navigation never works. I didn't buy this tablet as a Navigation unit. Other than the initial problems with the GPS, this tablet rocks and highly recommend buying or keeping the Prime

 

[thomslik]

Interesting article where ASUS admits GPS problem:
ASUS Response To Transformer Prime GPS Problems | Land of Droid

 

[fuzzer]

Just because GPS isn't important to you, doesn't mean it isn't to others. Maybe some of you can afford to buy the latest and greatest gadgets every few months, but Most will be using the Prime for a long time, and if they are paying to have gps included it should work. I for one expect a fully functional piece of equipment when I purchase it new.

You dont have to be tethered to use CoPilot, or Navigon or Sygic.

 

[andygu3]

Interesting article where ASUS admits GPS problem:
ASUS Response To Transformer Prime GPS Problems | Land of Droid

You know what annoys the heck out of me are people comparing this tablet to a cell phone. In no way is there a comparison when the cell phone has cell service and tablet is wifi-only device. Data connection is extremely helpful.

Has anyone tried tethering the tablet to their phone and see if the tablet gets a better lock? By no means will this improve the chances of a better lock but I'm just curious as to whether or not my statements hold water. I'm going to try this today and see how it goes

 

[andygu3]

Just because GPS isn't important to you, doesn't mean it isn't to others. Maybe some of you can afford to buy the latest and greatest gadgets every few months, but Most will be using the Prime for a long time, and if they are paying to have gps included it should work. I for one expect a fully functional piece of equipment when I purchase it new.

You dont have to be tethered to use CoPilot, or Navigon or Sygic.

Welcome to the forums!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




But GPS works just fine, its just that using Google navigation isn't solid at this point in time. Again, why are we just giving up on the possibility that future updates, kernel updates.... will solve these problems.

Me personally, I don't believe that ASUS will just hang their customers out to dry without trying to develop a correction to this problem.

And again, if it's a design flaw and GPS will ALWAYS have this issue as a navigation unit, then you're right, it is a bit disappointing. But I'm of the belief that this will be corrected in due time

 

[doeboy]

The OP on this thread is probably the same jdbaker82 that currently has an account disabled on xda. Duplicate posts, duplicate threads, misleading thread titles, conclusions that seem to be out of the mainstream and aren't very helpful.

I assume his intentions are good and he's just anxious to post, I'm just sayin...

It is the same guy who created multiple threads on this while also posting in the GPS issue thread with the same info. But he felt that it was his advice or reasoning is deserving of a new thread after already posting in the original GPS issue thread. Many of the times he got immediate feedback and responded to people in the GPS issue and got basically the same feedback that this thread has given, but then decided he needed to create his own thread.

 

[jdbaker82]

I'd like to know why the OP cares so much about a device I don't think he owns, since he was just posting before Christmas how no one was getting theirs for Christmas (and then they did), so I can't believe he obtained one in the interim. And again, I don't typically hang out in product areas I don't have a personal interest in. I'm not defending Asus or the Prime, because I've not even seen one, let alone used one. But I just don't like blatant attempts to discredit something one has no experience with. Of course, pics might help your case.

really i dont own one

androidforums.com/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime/469927-got-2-without-pre-orders-thanks-gamestop.html

secondly i put it back together and now have a partially broken prime that wont charge now so i am not in the mood to take it back apart or pictures....

thirdly i am just trying to help and looks like asus is now telling customers exactly what i told them about the backing causing signal degredation. I honestly think I may have done their work for them and they are saying this because of me because someone from ASUS actually called me last night to confirm everything I told them earlier that day.

see this thread
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1404646&page=58