[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] drkmtr:
Results of an experiment

Hey folks,

I'm not sure how interested you will be in this, but I thought I'd share with you all anyways...

Like many of you here, I own both a TF101 and a TF201, and like many of you I was quite concerned about the GPS issues discussed in this thread. So, what I decided to do was pitch the the TF201 GPS against the TF101 GPS.

Now, before I continue, this experiment was rushed, not fully thought through, and done late at night - so no *****ing about the validity of the experiment... this is a 'best endeavour', done with my own time, for the benefit of everyone in this community - rather than *****, why not follow up on my results and try to organise a more comprehensive set of tests.

Here is some background about my tablets...

TF101

Android HC 3.2.1 - Revolver ROM 3.7.3_epad-8.6.5.13-20110925

GPS Version : 5.5.8

TF201

Android HC 3.2.1 - Stock WW_epad-8.8.3.33-20111223

GPS Version : 5.8.13

Using the "GPS Status" app, both tablets were configured with the following parrameters...

GPS Status version 3.8.1

WIFI Off (ie. switched off in settings)

AGPS State cleared (Reset) x 3 times.

Screen timeout : 10 mins

Both switched off prior to taking them outside.

So, with that done, I took them in the car to this location...

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=55.855871,+-4.296465&num=1&t=h&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&z=18&iwloc=A

This is a relatively open area of the city, which isn't too far from where I live. Once there, both tablets were put on the roof my car, within two inches of each other, and started up.

At 2105, the sky conditions were scattered, broken clouds.

With both tablets powered on and waiting, I fired up GPS Status on each and, after confirming the conditions above (again), opted to clear the A-GPS state on both tablets, force close the GPS Status app, and relaunch it.

OK, so - the TF101 managed to find more satellites from cold start, than the TF201. However, both got a lock relatively quickly (within 2mins). To validate the signal lock, I FC'd GPS Status on both tabs and relaunched. Both tabs got lock quick than before (as expected), but again with the TF201 locking fewer sats than the TF101.

Placing both tabs in the front seat, I (carefully!) monitored thier response to travel. The TF101, certainly seems to hold sats easier than the TF201, however teh TF201 still maintained a lock and the representative speed was more or less accurate, although the TF201 error margin was noticeable larger that that of the TF101. The chassis of the car could have been a factor of interference, when considered with the TF201 aluminium backing. (although the car does have a glass roof)

My conclusion based on my escapades this evening is that, yes there may be sensitivity issues with the TF201, but not so much that it would not make it a viable GPS tool. Given ASUS revocation of the GPS function from the official spec, this seems natural given that there are so many variablse involved in GPS function in any multifunction device. I would never rely upon the TF201, the TF101 or even a smartphone to deliver accurate GPS measurements - as it is not a dedicated GPS device. So, based on this - will I be returning my Prime? - F**k no - it's still a kick ass piece of kit! Will I be usng it for geocaching, sat nav or geo-taging images? Yeah probably - cos it will prolly deliver a quality service in that area. Will I be using it to go in to the Scottish Highlands for hillwalking? Nah, I'll pass on that one! :rolleyes:

In closing, I would be quite interested in taking GPS signal strength measurements from the TF201and TF101. Does anyone know of any GPS app that will give me that information?

I hope that this has been of interest. Peace out folks!