yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Gary Key:
Actually not, there are other technical reasons for the bootloader to be locked at this point and to remain locked until ICS is ready to roll out via FOTA. At that point a utility was going to be made available to unlock the bootloader along with an official statement explaining the process and consequences of doing so for the user. One only has to look at the history of the Transformer TF101 to understand that the TF201 would not remain locked. ;)

Unfortunately, the statement from HQ this morning was rushed to release without additional clarification regarding the GPS situation, ICS and plans for the bootloader unlock. For that we apologize and hopefully the next communication provides improved clarity on these subjects.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tbns:
Since it says in your profile you work for ASUS, maybe you can help clear up a bit of confusion about the 'warranty void' portion (which I beleive is perfectly fair).

I know at least for cars, if you modify your engine etc. using aftermarket tools, and have issues with unrelated items (say, a prematurely failing window motor, or an AC problem), the dealership/manufacturer will almost always fix the problem without argument as long as there's no possibility it was related. If we unlock our bootloader using the provided utility, but have hardware issues (such as a creaking screen, screen defect, etc.), would we be giving up the right to have it fixed under warranty? I'm assuming it does, since the Facebook post says "ASUS warranty will be void" if you unlock the bootloader. But just wondering.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ins0mniacs:
sad to see people gave up the pressure too soon.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] whizadree:
Couldn't XDA get hold of this tool and debug and reverse engineer it so we can revert back and forth using our custom roms and without asus knowing that we did run the tool on our system ?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] richteralan:
Please explain to me what's the history of TF101 regarding the locked bootloader since I'm getting one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Talek:
I dont know for sure if this would be the same but...

I had water damage on my Asus laptop which voided the warranty. But, it didn't actually effect anything so I didn't care. One day my DCin pin broke off. I took it to RMA at Asus and they pointed out the "water damage" on the motherboard so said no warranty on that. I told them it worked fine and I didn't need it replaced, and that my issue was the charging pin only. I said that should be still under warranty because it had nothing to do with water damage. They agreed. Fixed my laptop and gave it back all under warranty. Mind you, if my motherboard was the problem they wouldn't have fixed it.

So, I'd like to think it would be a similar scenario. But who knows. As long as the issue is definitely unrelated, I can't imagine them declining it. In fact I think HTC found out the hard way that you can't completely deny warranty if it can be proven to be unrelated.

Edit: Honestly though, I'd probably recommend getting one of those 3rd party warranty/insurance plans ($100?) If you're really worried. They take care of ALL kinds of damage. Plus you are all set for any accidental damage. I don't like insurance on items usually, but it certainly makes the void warranty irrelevant. :) Though, honestly I'd only get it (if I do decide to) because of concerns of accidental damage that aren't even covered by a warranty or lack thereof
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] josteink:
So just like a PC then. I don't see PC-vendors locking down the BIOS en masse because people are melting their devices though.

This is a PC. In a different form-factor. We demand the same freedom.

We demand the right to chose what software to run on hardware we own.. Without voiding a bloody warranty.

Asus can suck it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Haro912:
If you melt your cpu via over clocking it, its not getting replaced by a factory Warranty. Not one I know of anyways.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] josteink:
No. Obviously not. But you don't lose your warranty by booting an alternate operating system. As long as you use the freedom you have responsibly, you get to retain your warranty.

Why is demanding the same freedom for this new generation of PCs so unreasonable?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pandaball:
However, this is not a PC. There are no user-replaceable components, it does not give you the flexibility of a PC and it is called a tablet for a reason. Would Asus fix your PC if you poured water on it? Would Asus fix your PC if you overclocked it and the CPU blew up? Would they even fix it if you broke the warranty seal? No. Thus, you don't get the same freedom, which isn't a lot to begin with.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Haro912:
Booting Linux and not windows will most likely not render the computer useless if done wrong. That could happen with the tablet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] darth_suicune:
This is more similar to a laptop than a PC, and if you make changes to your laptop you're voiding the warranty (unless stated otherwise). In fact, netbooks W7Starter warranty is voided if you change the wallpaper (not joking, actually read MS W7Starter license and you'll see). But anyway, read your warranty card in your pre-assembled PC. I'm quite sure (but can't confirm) that it will state that the warranty is void if you install 3rd party non-supported software. The assemblers give support to THEIR PCs, and that includes hard+soft. You modify any of those outside of their parameters, you're out of the warranty terms. That's true for MOST pre-assembled PCs, special ones might have special warranty conditions. Aside, there are different warranties in pre-assembled PCs, being the assembler responsible of the hardware and (usually) Microsoft of the OS.

The fact is that after taking that into account, most assemblers will accept it in warranty if the failure is not due to the 3rd party software. My opinion is that ASUS should (and probably will) do the same.

And BIOS aren't locked for a reason. For overclocking, most processors have a locked multiplier, unless they're specifically made for OC, so it doesn't need a BIOS control, the processor just won't let you (unless you do some techniques that would allow it... voiding the warranty)

Is it so hard to understand that ASUS is selling the full pack (hard + soft) and if you change one of that parts they might perfectly choose not to fix your mistakes? (or charge you for them).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] anoneemooz:
My respect for ASUS has been restored and I no longer regret buying the Prime which I am due to receive in a few days from now (ordered from BJ's on the 31st and got the shipping notification a while ago!)

Hopefully mine doesn't suffer wifi issues; as for GPS, I may not be a user of this feature, but I'm glad they at least admitted to the fault. Looks like their PR is doing some good damage control now.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Magnesus:
I corrected my Amazon review. Still couldn't give it 4 or 5 stars because of the GPS and WiFi. But if GPS is fixed I'll correct it once more. :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Kyonz:
Sorry just to correct this, in pre-assembled PCs the assembler is responsible for the OS not Microsoft under OEM licensing support is handled through the OEM not Microsoft. (although they will provide support for updates they release)...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] darth_suicune:
Thanks for the correction, always recurred to MS on Windows problems, thought would be their responsability
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
I am opposed to such a position. It's just a huge loophole for the corporation to manufacture shoddy gear and blame anything it can on a non-factory OS.

I don't void the warranty on my Asus motherboard if I install Linux instead of Windows. Why should my Transformer netbook/computer be any different?

If they are that concerned about us not being able to recover from a brick they can release the software tools they use, and post instructions for us to fix this ourselves.

But that's not what this is really about. This is about being locked in to whatever The Company (Asus, HTC, et. al.) want to support and having to buy a whole new unit in order to upgrade.

So even the "Well you can but it'll void your software warranty" stance is unacceptable to me.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] halr9000:
How likely is it that a smart hacker will be able to get around the google video restriction? That just seems dumb to me, especially given that I can rent videos all day long on my formerly encrypted and locked HTC Sensation.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ins0mniacs:
I don't thin k they wanna get it..stubborn bunch if you ask me.:confused:

rather then demanding all of it their happy with just a part of the pie.

ps : uefi the new bios might force us to use only certain OS'es on a motherboard.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Haro912:
UEFI ****ing sucks... Just saying. Pain in the **** to get a dual boot working with Linux and Windows.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Ins0mniacs:
agreed... one more way to get more money out of us. wait till be have to upgrade the motherboard every time we wanta new version of an OS perhaps then ppl will get it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] bubigrega:
But you can also shorten life of device or fry CPU with OC-ing. Bad software can damage hardware... No NVFlash can solve this...

And not all ppl that install ROMs are as educated as you are...

But I admit its about DRM also. But that's not Asus. Music and movie industry demands it. But well we customers want to rent, buy movies...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] josteink:
No. But not having nvflash makes it much harder to FIX.

So yeah. Unlock those bootloaders and don't hold the warranty hostage in the process. That's just not cool.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
For me, warranty is not an issue as I will be puchasing the Squaretrade warranty. I need something to protect this bad boy just in case my daughter messes it up lol.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
Actually these are called Tablet PCs, and have been for years.

Besides, if it barks and one end and wags at the other it's a dog. You can call it an elephant or a snorkblatt or whatever you want, but that won't change it's nature or functionality.

Tablets are the next generation of PCs, it is a PC with a different form factor.

Sure, you can't brick a PC by installing a different OS, but that just means that we need the tools to recover from bricking. I'm not saying we should get a JTAG programmer free with every purchase, but we should have access to the software tools to recover from bricking.

That way the only way to brick your device is to fiddle with the bootloader on a binary level. And speaking of the bootloader, it should be "programmable" via text file. Something similar to GRUB would do. If I want to boot a customized, recompiled Linux distro from my SD card it shouldn't be a headache.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Haro912:
+1

10charrssss
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] silentscreamer:
:D unbelievable ^^ .. but true :D

Well, lets start some the fun :D ´ @
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] LouisRLinux:
Unless, of course, the bootloader was completely unlocked. Then the system could easily be reloaded ... just like your PC.

Asus has already said that this decision was made for DRM reasons. If bricked devices are a problem at all, it is a problem of their own making.

---------- Post added at 06:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:18 AM ----------

Having no user replaceable parts is irrelevant. What you describe differs little from any laptop or netbook. I am allowed to load whatever software I choose on these other PCs. All tablets are 'P'ersonal 'C'omputer devices, by the way. Changing the form factor and replacing the mouse with a touch screen does not make it something other than a computer.

As for overclocking the CPU and frying it - you're right. Asus should not, and most likely would not, cover this on any of their PCs. I have yet to see anyone ask for this.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] shortskoolbus:
A little late to respond but...

First off

1) I'm entitled to give them a 1 star rating if i believe that's what the product is worth since at the time the bootloader was locked, and if others feel so as well then they can do the same. In fact i did cancel my order that same day from amazon.

2) So what if their customers are childish? They are still their customers and the people they are making money from. What's your point?

3) Anyway, i updated my product review so no harm no foul and the bootloader will be unlocked anyway, so everyone wins right? Btw, i updated my product rating the same day the news came out.

Oh well, this response is pointless now anyway though. :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] EndUser2012:
Canceled Order...

BUM GPS / Even Worse Wifi performance... and now encrypted boot loader... Seriously that is the straw that broke the camels back... Unlocking it for ICS is not saving my interest thank you so much ASUS!

- Order Canceled -
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] droidx2.3.3:
OK. Gps, yes don't work to great. But wifi DOES work. And why is an unlocked boot loader and ics not saving you??? My prime has ZERO flaws (other than GPS being sketchy). Wifi is fine. Honeycomb to me is just a fail so ics is where this tab should be. And the unlocking tool won't affect me until the development gets going
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
Okay guys updated with new GOAL IN MIND! HELP OUT!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
You need to update the petition page. Also I commented on FB and Twitter!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
I did but could someone right another good petition letter? like they did before? it was very convincing

and do you mean i just need to make a new petition page?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] hbk19:
Seriously?

The TF700 won't be out until Q2, meaning April/May/June.

As much as I'm rooting for you, it's ridiculous to think ASUS would replace your TF201 with the TF700. For goodness' sake, it's only just been announced today.

The TF201 is an amazing device. As someone said before, just because ASUS announced a redesigned version, the TP doesn't magically turn into a turd.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] h0l:
I think a new petition page would be a good idea - since it's a new topic
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
You might need to create a new one, or somehow let the original people know that the petition that they signed has now changed to something else.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] undercover:
This won't work.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
But it will show how pissed off after 3 full weeks after the launch in the US, they announced a redesign named the same thing I just bought. In a few other countries it hasn't been even released yet, and then this announcement comes. I could understand if they introduced a larger tablet named the same thing, but a redesign, that just pisses me off.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
Changed link to new petition!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] L3rry:
This is ridiculous. Is it going to be a new petition every week? Last week it was all we want is an unlocked bootloader and an answer on GPS. Asus provided a response and folks were "we won, we got what we wanted". Now a week later, some folks aren't satisfied again because a new product is going to be launched in 6 months (like that never happens). Now all of the sudden people want a redesigned back or a new unit down the road. LOL!

There is a solution already...if you have a problem with your Asus, then return it. Problem solved.

Unfortunately, we are now living in an entitlement society (at least in the US) were fools cry like babies hoping to get what they want. What a miserable way to go through life. Enjoy! :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Wordlywisewiz:
Can not return anymore!!!

past my return window!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] undercover:
Why did you keep it so long then?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] L3rry:
Really? Where did you buy from? Most places are 30 days or extended to 30 days because of the holidays? Did you call Asus directly to ask for a return?

Last week Asus provided answers on the bootloader (to be unlocked) and the GPS (SOL). You said it was a win. There was no mention of needing a new back. What changed? Just because a newer version is coming out in 6 months? Will you ever be happy?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wynand32:
Why is this so hard to understand? SOME PEOPLE ARE PAST THEIR RETURN PERIODS OR BOUGHT FROM PLACES THAT DON'T TAKE RETURNS.

There, I yelled it, so maybe it'll get through. And about places that don't take returns: they offer to REPLACE defective devices, but what is to be done when the defect is one of design and exists in every device? Some may offer returns, others not, and there's the rub.

And note that there are people buying the Prime now who don't come to XDA or visit that ASUS Facebook page, and don't know anything about the GPS issue. And yet retailers still have GPS listed on their specs, and the box still says "GPS" on it. And since ASUS hasn't formally communicated a solution, those people as well may go past their return policies before they figure out why their GPS doesn't work.

I think if ASUS were to 1) communicate the issue clearly and truly remove all references to GPS from their marketing and 2) offer to provide returns on Primes purchased up to a certain date, then there wouldn't be an issue.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] hbk19:
There's a difference between a developer community being outraged about a locked bootloader, and a developer community being outraged about not being able to upgrade to an improved version of the device. Asking for that is too unreasonable for a corporation to accommodate.

XDA is a minority in terms of TP sales; we're like a niche group.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] L3rry:
Exactly. The wifi and GPS issues were known from day 1. I kept mine for a couple of weeks, was not satisfied with wifi and GPS after firmware updates, so I returned it. It took 10 minutes.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
Read my post that's two post above yours. I think it's crap that they release it and then many people have issues with it. Then learning from their mistakes they basically redesign it and call it a different name. I could understand if they waited a couple of months to announce a redesign, but seriously 3 weeks after launch? They should have waited to launch the TFP for another month or so and got it right the first time. But shoulda woulda coulda....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] L3rry:
If people are stupid enough to buy from places that don't take returns then they don't have my sympathy since there are plenty of places with good return policies (at least in the US).

I find it hard to believe someone doesn't know on Day 1 they have wifi issues (especially since they were publicized weeks before the release. GPS probably difficult to notice on Day 1 if not used.

Where did you buy your Prime from? I would assume even if past return date and you think it is defective you could exchange for new unit and see if it is better.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wynand32:
Gack, this is such a freaking mess. We're conflating all kinds of issues here.

It is NOT a problem that ASUS is releasing a higher-end version of the Prime, and there's no doubt in my mind that they intended to release the TF700 all along. It makes perfect sense to offer a Prime with a higher-res screen for more money, and since such screens aren't yet being produced in any volume, it makes sense that it won't be out for months.

It's also not a problem that ASUS is redesigning the TF700 for better radio performance, nor that they're showing this redesign so soon after the TF201's release. Read the part above about the screens not being available yet. What's ASUS supposed to do, sit by and watch Acer and Lenovo and whomever else steal all the thunder with THEIR high-res screens? Just to avoid upsetting people who bought the LOWER COST TF201?

The ONLY problem here is that ASUS hasn't yet offered up an official solution to people who bought their Primes and can no longer return them after learning that the GPS problem won't be fixable in software. And the fact that many people who don't visit XDA and Facebook are unaware of this change because it's still listed in retailer specs and on the packaging--that's a problem that needs fixing as well.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mibo666:
I totally agreed....

Stupid idea with Operation "replace our tablets". Most idiot idea in this year. It is not possible. Stop craying ...! If u want change...sell Prime on ebay and wait until Q2. In my opion this is stupid.... new Tf = new problems....You will see after release of TF700.

Wysłane z mojego Transformer Prime TF201 za pomocą Tapatalk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] hbk19:
People seem to have mistaken ASUS for someone who's sensitive to how their customers might feel.

Lenovo and Acer both announced 1920x1200 resolution Tegra 3 tablets, not to mention is CES; how could they not announce it?

Yes, they should have gotten it right the first time if this is what they intended with the original Prime. Complaining about what they should have done does nothing. It's all in the past now.

Anyway, it could be possible that they intended for there to be a 720p (the current Prime) and a 1080p version of the Prime (the TF700T) from the beginning. Most likely, after the problem with the current casing for the TP, they redesigned it for the TF700T.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] L3rry:
I do agree that the timing is stupid on their part. It would be interesting to know if the TF700 was in the works for a while or only after the Prime problems popped up. But we will never know.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] foboi1122:
God this is so retarded that it makes me angry. I've got 10 more days to return this and I'm seriously considering doing so and just waiting for the high res tablet to come out unless asus comes out with some sorta fix for the back plate. I figured I can try to exchange it at gamestop, and I know the don't have stock so they'll have to just give me a refund. (fingers crossed).

Oh well, at least I got to beta test a cool tablet if anything.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wynand32:
First of all, as I said, people buy from places with poor return policies for a variety of reasons. And each of those places offer exchanges for defects. Problem is, this is a defect without a solution--you could get 1000 replacement Primes and all would have the same problem. Maybe they're okay with an exchange-only policy, but only if that means they'll end up with a fully working device.

Second, as you yourself say, perhaps they don't try GPS right away. Perhaps they wait until after Best Buy's 14-day return policy to try it. And then they see it doesn't work as expected. Or Abt Electronics' 15-day policy. Or any other variation? What then?

Second, I'm not even arguing for myself here. I just returned one Prime on Saturday, my Prime from Abt Electronics with broken haptic feedback will be going back this week, and I just got another one from Best Buy today that I'll be checking to make sure everything (except GPS) works fine.

I like the Prime, am not concerned with the GPS thing, and plan to keep one if I can ever get one that's not defective in other ways. I'm arguing here entirely on principle.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jondroot:
I'm so mad asus will not fix the problem with our primes, but instead come out with a new version and not give us some kind of buyback or swap out program when the fixed version comes out! Asus do the right thing!!!!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mibo666:
Please close the thread.....

Wysłane z mojego Transformer Prime TF201 za pomocą Tapatalk
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jfortier777:
If the original author of this petition is an XDA member they ought to be banned, with great prejudice.

This is absolutely unacceptable.