ASUS Transformer Prime: How to Boost GPS Performance

The latest ASUS Transformer Prime software update has improved the GPS performance of the tablet-- a problem that ASUS had previously attributed to a design flaw.

When ASUS launched its Transformer Prime Eee Pad two months ago, one of the first problems customers reported was inaccurate performance from the highly anticipated GPS feature.

The company offered the following explanation: 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.

It seems design was not the only factor affecting the tablet's GPS performance. Upon carrying out the latest OTA update, Engadget reported a GPS version updated to 6.9.13. Engadget members tested their updated devices in an area that previously had no GPS signal, rigging up 12 different satellites.

The positive results are just what ASUS needs after the company was criticized for its recent problematic Android Ice Cream Sandwich Update.

Several XDA- members reported an error message upon downloading the update. ASUS' technical marketing manager, Gary Key, offered the following solution in the XDA forum:

As for the Serial Number Unknown problem, please try doing a factory reset. If it does not work the first time, after the reboot, please try it again and once at the desktop, wait about 10-15 minutes for the system to sync with the server. So far this has worked for users I am directly assisting at the moment on another forum but it has not worked on two particular units that were returned yesterday.

Key said ASUS would not be issuing further statements until a solid fix is found for the problem. We are not going to lead users down the wrong path, he said.

Amid all its problems, ASUS revealed its next generation of Transformer Prime TF700T at this year's CES event in Las Vegas, blowing away ASUS enthusiasts with its 1920×1200 resolution that beats most laptops. The new TF700T resolution doubles that of its predecessor, which came with 1,280x800 pixels.

The TF700T is expected to ship in the second quarter of 2012, priced at $600 for 32GB and $700 for 64GB, CNET reported from CES in Las Vegas. This could infuriate ASUS customers who only just purchased the Eee Pad Transformer Prime with all its glitches.

The Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the first tablet to herald the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor. It is ultra-thin at 8.3mm and weighs only 586g and comes with state-of-the-art SonicMaster Audio technology, an HD 8MP rear auto-focus camera with LED flash. And all with an 18-hour battery-left when combined with the mobile dock. It seems the TF700T is an effort to address some of the design flaws that prevented the Eee Pad from reaching its full potential.