yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] kgirl91:
I would go for this after a few people tested it out, if Asus didn't come up with some solution, and if it was good quality plastic/well manufactured/nongrippy. As long as I could replace it with the original back in case I needed to send it in for warranty.

You should come up with something and then sell it to them for $$$ haha. Clear would be awesome (I would never go for a bright, unbusinesslike color) but I would be happy with black as well. I think silver would probably look cheap even though it would match the champagne docks. A texture would be nice for those who don't use cases and it would be nice to be able to replace the back and not have to worry as much about scuffs. I probably wouldn't pay more than $30-$40 though... the tablet costs as much as it is.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Magnesus:
Make it transparent and I'm buying Transformer Prime just to have it. :D

(I'm joking, don't count me as a potential buyer, I'll be waiting a few weeks before deciding if I want to buy Prime or not)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] don_cheadle:
I hope ASUS is reading this. :|
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dsmitty166:
I'd go for this if it was clear. I'd want to replace the whole back tho. I don't have the tools to properly cut the aluminium
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeyLe:
LOL. Yeah, lets buy a $500 dollar device which isn't working good and then pay $100 for a plastic back cover. Great idea guys!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Arun01:
Too bad the guy that took his back cover off & claimed he instantly got better wifi & GPS didn't take pics.I would be taking mine off right now if that was the case.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dsmitty166:
I would not buy it for 100. However if it was below 50, and made of a rugged material I would. At that point you're not looking at much more than a case. If you don't want to buy it, then stop trolling and get out of here
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeyLe:
It is just funny, think about it. You're gonna buy a tablet which is nice because it has a aluminium back cover, which makes it unique. Then you gonna put a cheap plastic back cover on it?

Yes, there are problems but I don't think this is the right way to get this "fixed".

Sorry, just funny how you want to get Asus to get away with it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
I dont wanna be the stinker in your little plan, but has anyone actually tried using the prime without a backing to see if it actually matters at all?

Because frankly I think it wouldn't do f* all to GPS signals since you'd never have the tablet backside up while navigating.

Its like changing your umbrella while standing neck deep in a sea of sh... :rolleyes:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeyLe:
There probably is also some aluminium above the GPS (for the screen as example), don't you think? Yes, the back cover is the problem, but to fix it like this?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
Does anyone have a shot at how the GPS unit is orientated in the device?

GPS antennas are not omnidirectional, they are bidirectional at best, with one side preforming better then the other.

Basically its a tiny 1.3ghz patch antenna if anyone is familiar with the term.

My guess is the "good" side is pointing straight at the front of the tablet,

technically this means it should preform "best" if laying flat on its back.

This of course means the back has no say in the whole story of reception.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HuskerWebhead:
If you read through the thread you'd see many people, myself included, wanting to see proof that removing the aluminum backing actually fixes things. IF it does, then I'm in....but only with definitive proof.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] don_cheadle:
Simply too many people with not enough experience working with small electronics or enough balls to pry open their brand new $500 toy to find out.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Arun01:
Once they start releasing more primes.Someone will eventually do it.There are a lot of people still waiting to receive theirs.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] skeptikal:
I might be interested just to have some options. It would have to be a full back though. I wouldn't want to modify mine. I would want to install it myself tho after watching a tutorial or two maybe.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrjonstott:
+1

This was my thought

Would pay and probably opt for DYI depending on how difficult the process. TFP coming Wednesday.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
You'd better go with "fake" carbonfiber stickering though, because if anything blocks signals well, its that stuff.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jfranco328:
I wonder if the antennas can be extended to the asus logo on the back plate and the logo itself could be made out of plastic to alow signals to pass through...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] RussianMenace:
Feel free to step up. :rolleyes:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] phoneturf:
Make Asus pay for it

I don't have a Prime yet but would have one by now if they had been in stock anywhere. Now I am reconsidering even getting one when they are widely available due to the GPS and Wifi issues. If I did have one currently I would first call Asus and ask them for a plastic back panel to replace the aluminum one so the GPS and Wifi will work properly. If they said they could not do that, I would ask them if they will reimburse me $75 for the cost of a custom made plastic panel. Then remind them that they CAN do this at the least. And perhaps mention that they will likely have to discount them that much anyway once word gets out they have crappy GPS and Wifi. Why aren't y'all hounding Asus directly about this? I sure as hell would be.

That said, if I currently had a TP I would order a plastic panel (especially clear!) right now for $50 or 75 if one were available. I would do this even if there was no affect on the GPS or Wifi - it would be worth that much to me to not have to hold metal in my hands, since I much prefer plastic. But one problem with a plastic panel would be that it would have to be both heavier and thicker than the aluminum to provide the same rigidity.

Can the TP be used without the back cover with just a case to hold the battery in until there are plastic back panels available for it? I have a Samsung Captivate, which is notorious for poor GPS. This is probably due in part to it being the only Galaxy s model which had an aluminum back, but the software certainly played a role. I removed the back since the battery stays in without it, and just put a thin tpu case on the phone to cover the internals. The GPS works fine without the panel (and with a decent rom the GPS works _great_) and the wifi and even the radio seem to work better. So, will anything fall out if you take off the TP cover?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
Just an update... I gave the fabricator pictures of the tear downs so he could give me a rough estimate on a plastic back cover based on different quantities. I also asked about cutting the existing back and putting a plastic insert in it. That's pretty much a fail because the aluminum would likely warp during the cutting process. I should have more info toward the middle of the week.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Delecron:
I'm actually missing my TF101 in terms of hand holding comfort. The sharp edge and the metal are not doing it for me. Something a little curved, perhaps with a slight texture? Since I"ve already gotten a straight scratch through the circles on the cover I would love not to have to have OCD pangs thinking about it/
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mccahon:
I would pay $50-75 the day you set up the purchases (if everything goes as you plan) My gps gets signal stregnth of 25 and on other devices i averaged 75-82. I would love a clear back that would be cool. And i would only but a DIY kit as i would never send a $600 device to a private party.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] etm250r:
So, now that we got an official statement from ASUS stating the GPS issues are mostly caused by the metal back plate, I suspect many more people will be interested in this idea. But, I think the only way to make everyone happy color-wise would be to offer a champagne and grey color to match each dock, and maybe a clear for the outlyers.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ricard2798:
i dont care if its shocking pink if it gets this tablet to work like it was intended to work on paper :P
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nxp3:
No offense to you, but I paid 500 for this and don't want to pay about another 100 for the back. Asus better come up with a solution, if it is the back, I expect asus to offer a plastic back.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] xdaspyder:
I vote for a black cover, wouldnt want clear, but I guess it wouldn't matter much with a case
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] etm250r:
I agree I would much rather have a solid colored cover but, then again, you can go from clear to any other color with a case, but you cannot go from any color to clear with a case.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] hbk19:
Would you take custom orders? Here's a VERY rough photoshop of something I'd love for my tablet. The base for it is the rubberized back of the Alienware M11X, except with a red and blue theme. It would truly make this the Transformer PRIME.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HuskerWebhead:
Let's not go crazy. The easier and more standardized the replacement back is the cheaper and quicker we'll get it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
I'll get an estimate tomorrow...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] redlin'r:
I would love to see a matte black, matte white, gloss black or gloss white cover! I would buy one if it was $40-$65!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dpwhitty11:
I would love a transparent/clear back cover. 'Twould be badass.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tdp252:
I would definately buy one of these if there was testing to see how it would help satelite signal reception.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
Wouldn't it be kinda cool if you know.. someone actually proved the back is killing GPS first,

before prospecting on all kinds of business plans to replace it? :rolleyes:

Everyone just seems to roll over and submit now that asus said (or lied) it is the backplate,

without there being any proof whatsoever that it is indeed what they say.

Suddenly everyone has forgotten the fact that the driver coding is very shoddy,

likely to be just an old compatible driver they tried to make fit with a lump hammer.

Id say don't buy into this kind of stuff until were sure there's a point to it.

What if the backplate DOESNT turn out to be the magic fix you all dream about?

You'll twitterbomb the ** out of this guy? :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ToneyEricsson:
Couldn't we just use a USB GPS receiver if we wanted something a bit more powerful and accurate for GPS functionality?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
Thats exactly what im planning to do, use a BT GPS to get around with car navigation.

I'm just a bit ticked about the way Asus goes about dealing with their essentially broken feature.

Id rather not have to rely on my old-as-jesus 4Mhz GPS mouse when theres a fancy new one in my 600 dollar tablet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tdp252:
Agreed. Thats why many are tempering our responses with conditions. i suspect ICS would be out well before anyone could get design, production and a finalproduct shipping out.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jfortier777:
A clear cover gets my nerd juices flowing.

As far as I'm concerned, better GPS would just be a bonus.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ToneyEricsson:
I haven't got a Prime yet but have been looking at what kind of accessories you can use with the Prime as I see it has a USB port. Another one I was looking at apart from the USB GPS is a USB Ethernet port so you can directly plug in a Ethernet cable if ever needed. They seem cheap as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
I vote ditch the asus logo on the back and put

1 a clear cover with an alienware logo
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
The prime might already be a bit cumbersome without the dock, not sure if id want to stick a USB GPS in there.

A bluetooth GPS unit luckily isn't that expensive anymore, if not just as cheap as a USB one.

Certainly cheaper then buying a 100 dollar backplate + possibly costs of having it installed.

I'm considering just wiring the GPS mouse into my car,since thats the only place ill ever need it.

It would mean not having to carry around/charge anything extra for it to just work in my car.

Kinda stupid with a nice broadcom just sitting right there under my nose though, but ohwell, cant have everything I guess.

Using USB Ethernet however could save you some time. ;)

USB 2.0 realworld data transfer is 320mbps, while wifi-n is just 200mbps.

Oop, offtopic, sorry guys.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HuskerWebhead:
:rolleyes: *sigh* Again, when this post was initially started most people who commented mentioned they wanted confirmation that the back improved GPS/WiFi. Regardless, the OP asked a question about IF it was possible, how much would you pay and what colors would you want. Answering those questions isn't the same as accepting to buy anything. Relax.....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
I'm curious how this would work. Would the buyer send Barry his tab, and Barry would,

. disassemble the Prime (and invalidate the warranty)

. remove all attached components from metal back

. reinstall said components onto the plastic back

. reassemble Prime

. test to make sure everything still works

. provide some nominal (30-day?) warranty for workmanship

. ship retrofitted Prime back to whatever place/country it came from

And all this for $50-75?

Or is Barry saying that he'll ship the plastic back to buyer, and it's up to the buyer to do the retrofitting? If this latter, I doubt anybody is up for the DIY task.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] awesome-member:
White with glowing apple logo. Or an android logo :) .
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BarryH_GEG:
First, other than putting the whole thing together, "Barry's" not going to be touching anyone's tablets. I know some qualified by trade h/w geeks that would do the work to pick up a couple of extra bucks.

Once I get the details about fabrication and some pricing, I can figure out if this is even doable at a realistic price. Then I can work on the logistics. What you described is pretty much what I'd invision. The exception being shipping to and from which will be borne by the purchaser along with $10-15 to the geek for doing the swap. Hopefully I'll be able to fill in the blanks tomorrow.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] shinzz:
Before I take the plunge, I prefer to see the results of GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth when switched to plastic cover.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
I realize you're doing this out of good will, but the liability issue is substantial. No matter if you contract out the work, you are liable for the product being functional. Even if one tablet fails to work (out of 50, say), it'll be enough to ruin your day.

Worse is that whatever issue that may pop up afterward, even if it's not related to your work, you may be partially liable, or at least blamed for.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] hbk19:
^

Not if he just sells it as a DIY kit. If someone buys it and attempts to mod their tablet by themselves, then he wouldn't be held liable.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
>Not if he just sells it as a DIY kit

DIY would remove (most) liability, but as mentioned, most people here aren't up for the task. Even I wouldn't attempt it. Since there is an up-front fabrication/production cost, it wouldn't make sense to make it for, say, 10 hardcore modders as opposed to, say, 100 casual modders.

A tablet is a complex product, and the metal back may be part of the unit design (say, for ground). Replacing the metal part with plastic may introduce other issues, in addition to the considerable number of issues already present.

As a DIY'er, my vote would be to cut out openings in the back (similar to the iPad), rather than replacing it altogether. It would be more doable, requiring only experience with a Dremel tool. The tougher part would be to fab plastic covers for the hole(s). I'd use thermoplastic, but the result won't be professional looking like the iPad.

Asus warranty would still be lost, and the user would still need to disassemble the shell. But I think this would be more viable as a DIY task. Perhaps Barry can provide the cut-out template & covers. A disassembly & cut-out video instruction would also be helpful. Cost should be much more palatable.

Thinking about this more, another way to fab small plastic parts would be to get access to a 3D printer.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jfortier777:
How about rather than wild speculation we wait for barry to assemble his prototype and determine if there even is anything inside that would complicate the swap.

For all we know the cover pops right off, abra cadabra!

Alternatively if anyone has seen any detailed teardown articles they would be extremely relevant.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
>For all we know the cover pops right off, abra cadabra!

There are many parts attached to the back. Tolerance for mounting points would need to be precise, not counting other potential issues. Search for FCC teardown.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jfortier777:
*information biased, post redacted
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ZyXELis:
Add an overheating factor to that as the metal back cover may act as a radiator.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ToneyEricsson:
I haven't seen anywhere yet any examples of anyone using USB GPS or USB Ethernet. Reason why I was looking at USB Ethernet is because the Prime is WiFi only unlike a netbook which has a Ethernet port and there's times when I'm abroad at a hotel which only say has an Ethernet cable in the room.

I'm not sure yet how either USB GPS or USB Ethernet would perform like in the Prime or if they would even work.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] fingery:
Link to teardown below :

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5286/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-teardown

Clips and glue so needs a confident modder!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] FishTaco:
There are probably a significant number of components attached to the metal back. It's not like a cell phone battery cover where you pop it off and snap it back on. This is a ridiculous idea. Obviously, someone with no engineering knowledge.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jptech:
true, replacing the back plate is not possible.

It's the foundation upon which the tablet is built.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HuskerWebhead:
I didn't think about it being a ground for the tablet. Good call. Seems that is the case based on the teardown.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] TalynOne:
For GPS, use a Bluetooth GPS such as the pocketable Holux M-1200:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/26076195808...NX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_500wt_1413

You'll need to use an additional app to pair with it such as this:

https://market.android.com/details?id=googoo.android.btgps

For ethernet use a portable WiFi router like this sucker:

http://www.meritline.com/edimax-br-6258n-11n-nano-router-ap-client---p-74514.aspx
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Jstrick5:
Considering Asus has told us the "Back Cover" is causing the issues with the GPS reception, it's a known fact that aluminum blocks antenna signals, and that several other devices like the Galaxy Tablet 10.1 AND the original Transformer are not hindered by this same issue (all with back mounted GPS antenna's and plastic backs) I think it's safe to say removing or swapping out the aluminum back for a plastic one would solve the issue. Oh, I forgot to point out that even the iPad has the antenna mounted on back behind the plastic Apple logo. The ipad 2 has the antenna mounted near a speaker grill which gives it enough of a "window" to allow for good reception.

See below for more details:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/5285/asus-eee-pad-transformer-prime-gps-issue-explained

If you need more evidence that the aluminum back panel is the cause of the problem, I don't think you'll ever be convinced there's no other solution.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Fazziebear:
Would be interested here in the uk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Jstrick5:
Do you REALLY think Asus would rather admit that their design is at fault or that there's a software bug they can fix? I'm sure the official message they released was thoroughly thought through and software completely reviewed before they took public blame for bad design and said it's not fixable and removed "GPS" from features.

The fact that you think they made and old driver fit "with a lump hammer" is ridiculous. Why on earth would they use an old driver when any new and up to date driver would be every bit as easily usable. Not to mention this is the same chip that was used in the original TP and the ipad2. Wouldn't those have been effected by the same "old shoddy driver" at some point lol? It's not like the chip manufacturer provides whoever is using their chip with 10 different out of date drivers and says "Hey pick one to use in your product!"

Everyone is convinced there's some sort of crazy conspiracy theory going on. The aluminum back cover blocks signal reception. End of story.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
I think asus would indeed rather say its a backplate problem (for now) rather then failing to fix software,

simply for the reason it would shut you all up with all the twitterbombing and facebook spamming.

And yes they had to botch a driver to make it fit because Tegra 3 is a completely new architecture to deal with.

Thats also why other tablets, which dont have this newfangled processor, can deal with it.

Broadcom probably did give asus some tegra 3 compatible drivers, but likely they would be aimed towards ICS.

The aluminum

BACK

plate does not block GPS signals (you know, those things coming from the sky, above us, not underneath but up).

The backplate could only be causing some minor bounce back noise at most,

but never would it completely kill any and all incoming signals to a zero reading.

Because do realize there are a lot of primes who get nothing at all, not even one sat.

Recently another culprit showed up, those damn pogopinns connecting the actual chips to the antennas.

Think about that whole new ****storm for a second, they would explain the gritty WiFi performance as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] lmm112190:
My prime should be here today but correct me if I'm wrong. In general aren't most devices built from the backplate up. Meaning all the internals are mounted to the back plate? Wouldn't this make replacing the back plate of the TFP incredibly hard (for most DIY anyways).

But while were on the topic. I would pay 50-75 for a clear windowed custom cut out (or even clear a clear ASUS logo), with a led light kit. As long as its relatively easy to do.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] u010679:
Perforations?

As any cutout has the obvious difficulty of trying to cover it up with another material, would it be easier to attempt an ipad-2 like grill?

Given the location of the antenna is very close to the edge, would several tiny holes (or creating a speaker grill) (perhaps then filled in with clear epoxy) do the trick?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] geinome:
Yes

I would definatly want to get a custom back if it fixes this issue. However what about shipping to the UK? Im really keen to buy one if so. As long as i dont have to do any actualy creating of it.

Im happy to change it though on my own.

And Black if possible, something robust thats not going to break under pressure or heat. :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] skeptikal:
Only one way to find out. :D Don't forget to make a video. ;)