yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
There are any number of ways one can give up warranty coverage on something that would otherwise be covered under an explicit or implied warranty contract. And you know as well as I you have to first define what that implied warranty is and is not, as it has as many definitions as there are stars in the sky. Is the GPS on my prime usable? It sucks, but "sucks" may or may not constitute breech of the implied warranty. Is it covered now? Is it covered if I replace the configuration files with pictures of my daughter? Is Asus legally bound to fix the faults if I obfuscate them with customized firmware? I can't believe that, PE or otherwise, you are unaware that automobile warranties are subject to a myriad of differing laws, where some of the warranty terms cannot be legally modified, some can. The brakes you cite in your example are, in most states, covered under warranty law in that a car cannot be sold with faulty brakes unless it is expressly sold "as is". The air conditioner, on the other hand, may be sold with no warranty coverage at all without iterating specifically "as is", and you may or may not be covered if it works as you drive it off the lot and breaks a week later.

My PE exam covered ethical questions and tort law as it pertained to the practice of engineering, and how that related to public safety and the performance of my duties. Neither your PE exam nor mine covered warranty terms and conditions for consumer-grade electronics, and you'd be stretching indeed to imply that this relates to public safety or to the principles and practice of engineering. Engineer != Lawyer specializing in class action lawsuit or consumer law.

I agree that Asus may be bound by the warranty of merchantability and the implied warranty to fix, replace, or refund you purchase price. I'm just saying you are free to agree to give up your rights by modifying your firmware and by electronically signing an agreement with Asus to do so. Asus can successfully argue, imho, that replacement of firmware with customized ROMS that Asus is itself unfamiliar with, and has not endorsed, constitutes an irregular or unreasonable use of the product and thus frees them from the implied warranty.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] eec_:
What I don't like about Android devices is that every manufacturer like Asus or Samsung have their own customized OS. One, of course, understands that for better hardware compatibility, it can be necessary. However, it is also really stupid. Since these are not strictly software companies, they usually f*ck things up. In the last week, there were three firmware updates. Three!

There is a big community out there. And they always try to avoid them. I would understand it, if Android was a product of companies like MS or Apple (Actually Google is not that different, but their product uses the benefits of FOSS, so really they shouldn't ignore that community. Or at least, it is how I feel).

This is my first Android device. I hate Apple's strategy and iOS. But it also dissappointed me to see that Asus or other companies try to be just like Apple. Voiding warranty is something I don't care. But what interesting is, is that one will also lose its hardware's warranty (I know sometimes softwares can make hardwares malfunction).

Whatever... This unlock tool is the best thing Asus did until this time. Their software support was not that great. And I hope the devs will also "unlock" the performance of this device. I too am waiting for custom roms and dual boots with Linux. But until these emerge, I will wait and not unlock. I think this is what people should do, if they don't know what they are doing with an unlocked device.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mardiie:
Endless discussion about warrenty.

In the end its up to the store where you bought it / Asus or eventually a judge, or did I miss something and are you people fortune tellers :-D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] cmccracken:
Exactly. The Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act of 1975 has been well-tested in court and doesn't let manufacturers off the hook like Asus' legalese would lend you to believe. The crux of the law is that it is the manufacturer's burden in court to prove that your actions caused the damage, they cannot deny warranty coverage because of your arbitrary actions that are unrelated to the issue.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
...references warranties which can be modified after the sale with the agreement of both parties. Asus can't arbitrarily write disclaimers that free them from warranty claims from people using modified firmware...until you both agree that the warranty you got when you bought the product can be modified. Such is the case with the bootloader software...you agree to modify the warranty terms, you get a bootloader unlocker. Do nothing, modify it outside the agreement and with another tool, root your device using an exploit, etc., and the burden of proof remains on Asus to show the faults are caused by your meddling.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rand4ll:
Said it better than I could have.

If you sign the agreement you have waived your warranty, simple as that.

If you can unlock your bootloader some other way and not accept the agreement and something goes wrong, then and only then if asus refuses to fix will you be covered by MM warranty act.

It all hinges on you accepting the agreement they offer.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
I notice the complete lack of discussion on this point.

Why should installing a different OS on my tablet (arguably a computer) be any different than installing a different OS on my laptop?

One doesn't void the warranty on a laptop by installing a different OS, why is a tablet different?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rand4ll:
You can permanently hard brick a device like this tablet due to the way booting and storage is handled, well at least say get it to a point it is not at all user repairable.

With a borked install of an OS on a laptop you still have bios level you can boot into and easily fix. Now asus even promoted their motherboards for instance to overclocking and allows you to do so. But if you 'brick' your motherboard by flashing non approved bios to it you also void your warranty on it and they can refuse to fix/replace it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] newellj79:
I know this is only adding to the noise, and it won't happen again. But, seriously, this thread has become a debate on Asus warranty practices. Sad.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
And how often does that happen with CWM/CWR? If anything the 3rd party bootloaders are more stable, and more versatile, than the stock one. Not just talking about Asus here, I mean across all hardware manufacturers.

And many motherboard manufacturers make unbrickable motherboards by having read only BIOS image in one memory location and the "working" BIOS image in another.

So what's the real issue here?

As always, money. Sure, we have ICS on our Primes. And it's as messed up as any other manufacturer implementation. Or moreso <glares at flickering screen on Prime>. But will we get Jelly Bean? Or will we have to buy a new tablet to upgrade our software? Asus (and all other manufacturers, I'm not just picking on the current one here) want to sell you new hardware if you want the new version of the OS.

The locked bootloader is their guarantee that independent devs won't be able to keep our Prime's relevant past the time when Asus chooses to stop supporting them. And the FUD of the voided warranty helps ensure that Joe Public is discouraged from finding out that he doesn't have to depend on the manufacturer to keep his system updated.

How long before these tactics are moved to laptops? And then to manufactured PCs, and then to components (mobo)?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rand4ll:
The bootloader and recovery are two different beasts. And how often it matters does not change the principle of the argument.

However I agree with you on the reasoning to an extent. It is totally about money and them protecting theirs. Mostly through not having to expend time and effort to fixing user broken units. I don't think that they use the tactic to help sell more future hardware as the way the tech world changes it does that itself. They can't be expected to support the device indefinitely with software updates and there will come a time when the hardware wouldn't even support the software in some way.

As far as the tactic moving to actual computers they do it to a level. Sure they don't void out the warranty on your hardware but you do void any software support agreements. It is a scary thought if you look at it simplistically but you can't really as it is two very different situations when you break down all the details.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] NewbieKeepItSimple:
I think I'll wait for the inevitable root software that will come not requiring you to release ASUS of all non-related warranty issues.

I had my original tablet rooted before ICS and then kept the root through VooDoo OTA RootKeeper when I upgraded to ICS. No problems then.

My mic cut out and with an RMA - ASUS just sent me a new tablet. Now with ICS - I'm looking forward forward to Rooting it as soon possible (without the ASUS penalty clause)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
Yeah, my bad. That's what I get for posting when tired.

I'll concede that the hardware changes quickly and the OS rushes to catch up (so to speak), but I've seen a newer version of Android used as a selling point on phones often enough that I've no reason to think it won't be used on tablets as well.

If it really is about Asus protecting themselves from user bricked devices why can't we use NVFlash after decrypting the bootloader?

If you call Dell with an issue the first thing they're going to do is run their restoration utility. They don't care what OS you had on there, be it Linux, a different version of Windows, or whatever. They're going to revert you to whatever that box shipped with as the first step of their troubleshooting.

What they won't do is deny you warranty service because you had a different OS installed.

And I decline to look at it as two different situations. My computer is my computer, regardless of who I purchased it from (which is why I won't buy an Apple product) or what OS I put on it. I know Microsoft erroneously thinks they own my PC, I decline to let another company make that same mistake.

The encrypted bootloader really violates the spirit of FOSS, and these companies need to stop biting the hand that feeds them. Do you think Asus will be shy about filching code from XDA (Rootzwiki, et.al.) dev ROMs if that code fixes problems they've been struggling with? I don't. Nor do I have a problem with it, as long as they play fair. And playing fair means not screwing your customers, particularly the ones who are supplying and testing your fixes.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] NewbieKeepItSimple:
Bootloader - rooting ?

I think I'm getting the bootloader mixed up with rooting the tablet.

I rooted my tablet and returned it for as new tablet when the mic died - no problem.

I thought the bootloader was the same as rooting but I easily rooted my new prime running ICS build 9.4.2.15 at this web site:

http://transformerprimeroot.com/transformer-prime-root/how-to-root-transformer-prime-ics/

I did not give up my warranty and enjoy the many benefits of a rooted tablet so I'm thinking maybe the bootloader access has some other use that I'm not aware of - is there a difference ?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rand4ll:
Yes the bootloader is what controls how the tablet boots. It starts up the kernel and launches the UI. Due to the locked bootloader we were completely unable to install custom kernels or possibly run an entirely different OS. The way asus did theirs it even made custom ROMs impossible. By unlocking the bootloader it becomes possible to do things such as not booting the android kernel right away and instead boot up into another loader like grub that would allow us to choose which os we want to run. For instance be able to choose between android or webOs or native ubuntu... Really anything we can get to run possibly even windows 8
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] akshay2000:
Now, I seem to have bit of a confusion. The thing is I have HD2 and as far as development is concerned, all I do is Apps for Windows Phone and Android. As the HD2 comes with unlocked everything, I'm not sure I correctly understand the native Android stuff. Is it that we can obtain the root on the stock ROM without having to do anything to the bootloader and the warranty? I was thinking of buying the Prime, but this thread made me worry. Are the WiFi and Bluetooth very big (deal breaker) issues. I think I can live with the stock ROM if the root is possible.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rand4ll:
Yes root is possible with all current versions of ICS without unlocking the bootloader. In my experience the wifi is just fine, just as good as my Samsung Droid charge. Yes my macbook pro beats it but that is somewhat expected. In the plethora of places I have used wifi already I have never had a problem connecting. I only have experience of bluetooth through use of sixaxis controller and it did not effect my wifi noticeably, but I also did not run any scientific tests, just loaded a emulator rom off a mounted folder.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] akshay2000:
I don't plan to use Bluetooth much. All I need is FTP here and there. So, keeping the bootloader aside, the device seems to be worth buying when compared against iPad 2. Right? I just want to be sure. I don't want to get stuck with the trail of issues and cheap hardware.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] XHolyPuffX:
This is exactly how Sony handled their PS3 when it first came out. They advertised certain features, like "OtherOS" compatibility to run linux and stuff, and PS2 backwards compatibility - and then they proceeded to remove these features in software updates / future versions. Now, it's gotten to the point where Sony claims that you do not actually "own" your PS3, but that it is still THEIR device even though you paid for it with your money, and that modifying the device in any way is illegal even though you bought and paid for it. Since ASUS / Nvidia messed up the software on this tablet so badly, why should it permanently destroy the warranty to try to fix it yourself? Especially when the tablet has so many hardware problems that could easily break the device without warning?

Companies are getting even more scumbaggish by the day; slowly stripping away any sense of freedom from the consumer and making it harder to obtain quality service. I work at Publix (first job, 18 y.o.) and our goal is to provide the ultimate customer service no matter what. So if a food company can do this, then why can't electronic companies do it? Because it's more elaborate and complicated? No..they just failed to deliver a defect-free product and are trying to come up with reasons why that's okay. Such a horrible waste.

EDIT: Unlocked my Prime. I'm pretty much setting myself up for defeat, but whatever. I'm already past my return window and there's no point in trying to get a refund at this point.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] null.div.zero:
Bootloader unlocker gone?

Hello, Anyone know what happened to the unlocker tool? It's gone today? Also, The one that was out yesterday doesn't work for my prime :confused: Any news when a real solution is coming? I want CM9 so bad I can taste it :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] newellj79:
Wow, now that's interesting.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I made sure to save the app when it was first released. never used it yet though..lmao. lets hope that the complaining people been saying about not completely unlocking didn't make Asus retract the tool. or cut off servers to it. its worth a shot though.

I've attached a zip file that has the unlock tool apk inside. while running it, if you go to unlock and its throwing up errors or something, then Asus might have cut off server access and really retracted the tool. you won't know till you try.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
technically rooting your tablet can void warranty also. so if you ever need to send it in, make sure you unroot it. or they could use that as a reason to void your warranty. with bootloader unlock, there is no turning back. no re-locking method. once you unlock, warranty is gone. at least with root you can unroot and make sure to erase any evidence of rooting.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] null.div.zero:
no solution

Thanks, unfortunately, that still doesn't. Work. The download is back on the Asus website. But, doesn't work either. I get a toast prompt "An unknown error occurs ...." many are saying its a serial number unknown. But, I never had that problem. Otas work fine too. Coincidentally. (Probably not) when I tried to register my prime I got the same error. I emailed Asus ; but they blew me off.....
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Unacceptable. You let yourself get blown.

Call them, email them more, create support tickets, try and find someone around here with a more personal contact in the company who will actually help you.

PM Gary and hope that he really does start posting sometime soon, since his travels should be nearing completion.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] schack:
2 factor authentication

Hmm strange, the unlock tool doesn't seem to accept my Google account password.

I do have 2 factor authentication enabled on my Google account, but not even the application password is accepted :-(

Any ideas ?

/Henrik Schack

*EDIT*

It does work, guess the servers at ASUS must have been down earlier.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jyarborough:
I agree with you 100%... now if one of the devastating here finds a way to to an s-on I'm all for it...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] null.div.zero:
Asus Still no help

Hi, I posted earlier that Asus has blown me off. I have sent another email to them and called them twice. The call ends in circles of "It wont unlock" -> "that's not our problem" -> "whats the problem then" -> "It nothing on our end; It must be a hardware or software problem in your device" -> " So, have I lost my warranty and gained nothing" -> "No, you have not lost your warranty because you have not unlocked your device"->"isn't a Hardware or software issue on the device covered by warrant?"->"?...." long silence. no RMA no exchange ; NO HELP!!! If they had never said they were going to release an unlock tool someone else would have already made one THAT ACTUALLY WORKS. AAAAARG......

Moderators take notice: member XDATFPrime has pm'ed me claiming he is asus dev and wants to know my Serial number. He is unable to provide verifiable credentials?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tsmt971@yahoo:
So What is a verdict??

Void Warranty or not Void warranty after you unlock the boot-loader.

I read though the whole thread but I could not find it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] newellj79:
Without a doubt, no way around it, every part of your warranty is void after you use the unlock tool. Real quick for what its worth. I bought this thing just so I could unlock it. Was not worried about the warranty because I have three different tablets and never had to make a warranty claim. I have all the well known problems the prime has, blah, blah, blah... but... 4 days after unlocking my camera module went bad, I.E. no rear camera. This is absolutely something I would have sent it back for, now I can't. Just something to think about.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] musa13:
I got this error: "unlock check fail, keep booting". Any idea how to fix?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] HaruHara12:
I also have the unlock fail check after using the app. This happened after I downgraded to .15, and rooted myself successfully. Cold booting and reinstalling the app wont help.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] thenrz:
Bcokas here, these cornerstone eos and aokp builds are giving me the unlock itch. I've had the tab for 5+ months now. What's the consensus on hardware failures after a 'break-in' period? Waited too long for square trade...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] brianbrifri:
I was reading through the thread and was trying to figure out if OTAs work if you unlock. At least, is there a way to install OTAs if you want to install them and make backups of stock ROMs?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ratman6161:
From the download area of the Asus web site, right next to the download link. In part...

"...Furthermore, such repaired Revised Product will not be covered under the warranty of the Original Product; the software of the repaired Revised Product will not be deemed the software of the Original Product and will not receive ASUS software updates.

It is strongly advised that you avoid activating this App unless you fully understand and accept the risks that may arise."
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] brianbrifri:
So, the devs haven't found a way to flash OTAs from ASUS then? I understand that we can't get them directly from ASUS but was hoping that we could at least install them somehow. This is probably one of the points that will help me make a decision to unlock or not. Not really worried about the warranty but I do like to switch to the stock ROM sometimes and the OTAs have seemed to work out some kinks over the months. I think I'm holding on to stock because I want to see how ASUS does with stock Jelly Bean.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tweeny80:
Dude I'm just like you, locked on stocked (but rooted) ... and waiting for JellyBean to arrive so I can judge the state of things then. Overall my tablet is fine, a few ANRs here and there but I accept that at this point. if JB doesn't wow me I will unlock like a mofo and try Baked Bean and Wookie. I flash ROMs on my Nexus S phone like nobody's business so would love to have two devices to play with.

Rock on.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] brianbrifri:
Well, I took the plunge. My prime is now unlocked. I performed NVFlash on it so now I literally cannot brick it (meaning fewer reasons for returns). Also, I have Best Buy protection in case I "drop" it haha. Took me a while to figure out things but feel free to pm me or add me on Gtalk for more info on it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Pyro8:
problem

I tried use that unlock device tool from asus website, and i get error "an unknown error occurs, which may be a network connection issue. please wait and try again later" I still have S/N in my status. I've been thousand ways to look. nothing. I tried looked different method to unlock without retard asus unlock app. It seems that only way to unlock bootloader is asus. I want do manually. Please help thanks
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] AlphaDog_NL:
Join the club: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1764917
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Kensh:
Is this tool still usable? I noticed they removed any mention or download link to it from the Asus support website.

I am running 4.0.3 ICS build 9.4.2.28
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] AndreXX:
The unlock tool is still available from the ASUS site.

From HERE, click the "DOWNLOADS" link at the top of the page.

In the " Model Name Search" box, type "TF201" (without quotes), and click "SEARCH."

Click " Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201" on the resulting page.

On the next page, in the "SELECT OS" drop-down, choose "Android."

On the next page, click on "Utilities."

The unlock tool should be the fourth one in the list.

I hope you have better luck than I. I have installed and run the tool, but received the common: "an unknown error occurs, which may be a network connection issue. please wait and try again later"error. :-/

See THIS THREAD for info.

ALS
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] idipous:
Hello,

Here comes a noob question I guess. Is it possible by moding the nook tablet say with CW7 to use the usb stick in order to attach a usb stick that will give 3g internet? Similarly to what you do with a laptop when you need 3g capabilities.
[Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet] nba1341:
I'd imagine one would rather use a portable hotspot isn't that pretty much the standard now-a-days?