yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] almightywhacko:
The keyboard dock adds many hours of extra usability out of the Prime if you are intending to use it for Navigation. This could be important since there is no viable way to charge the Prime while driving. Also the keyboard dock could serve as a stand to keep the Prime upright on the seat next to you or on your dashboard while using it for navigation.

I am not trying to be down on Asus, since I think it is great that they went through the added cost and complication of creating this dingle and then giving it away for free. That is great customer service IMO.

However it would have been nice if their solution could have worked with the keyboard dock, the single accessory that makes the device a "Transformer" and again the single accessory that was the deciding reason for a lot of people to purchase this tablet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I agree but it is what it is at the time being. Asus likely went with the majority in mind. majority of Prime tablets sold or their owners don't even have a dock. yes it was deciding factor for alot, but even more people bought the tablet by itself. I still think they should've made it universal to work with dock also though. who knows what else they have planned though.

Erusman thread will be the one to check out for making it work with keyboard dock. I'm sure they brainstorming something up already.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] theandies:
I'm registered and can't wait to test this thing. I didn't buy my Prime for navigation but if this works I think I might just use it for Nav.

Asus has also gained a customer that boarders on fanboy status. I've been in technology since you had to build your own PC and I can't remember ANY company that has ever done anything remotely like this for its customers.

Please, all you haters in this thread take your comments someplace else as demandarin suggested in the OP. I am sick of hearing you all *****.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] ylexot:
Sure there is:

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag...eld-keywords=inverter&sourceid=Mozilla-search

Of course, there's no way to do that with the dongle in the way...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nanias:
I agree it is better than nothing but there should be a better one (BT, backcover, usb). I think no one will leave it in because it is ugly, you can't "transform" and can't charge. Again I didn't hate it, I just didn't loved it, but it is okay. I pm'ed you Demandarin if you can please help me with that I would appreciate.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I just meant in general. I'm not exactly in love with the way it looks also. But I dread having some kind of dongle attached by a cable to 40pin dock connector hanging from my prime. For as well as it works, I can't complain though. Too me, its honestly not that bad at all. It works very well and at least matches the color of my prime. I wasn't expecting a Gucci or Prada designed dongle though.

ill respond to your email soon. Once I get the chance to get back home and settle in, ill send you a reply asap. I did see it.

also, if they made it USB, then THST would alienate the majority of prime owners out there. Most don't even own a dock or haven't gotten one yet. so that means we would need an USB adapter for prime to use it. They didn't go with back cover because that's probably too costly and not monetary sound decision to make on their part. I was the first one to say I'd rather just have a new back cover in the beginning. it would basically solve all wireless issues across the board some experienced. A Bluetooth dongle would've been nice also but once again, would cost Asus more. So it was probably cheaper and best for them to provide this one that's coming. its obviously been FCC approved so this is something that's been in the works for a long time.

like I said before, who knows what else Asus has in store for prime owners. We'LL have to wait and see what happens when they address other issues.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nanias:
Agreed, not an easy fix. I hope it works for me (I am an airline pilot and would love to be able to use it on duty). I look forward to hearing from you.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
Hey thanks for post demandarin. Well to clarify the GPS mod I have done. You can get around 8 to 12 feet accuracy 15 / 10 in use. I can get SNR up in the 40's as well. However, the Asus Dongle seems better in accuracy. 3-4 feet is pretty amazing. They must be draining a little power and amping the GPS signal in there.

I am so glad Asus admitted there was a problem with the GPS. Offered all its customers a solution for free! Honestly nobody is going to be using GPS unless they are in a vehicle. This Dongle works out just right. I notice some complaining about its size and users unable to use keyboard dock. But honestly who is going to be using their keyboard dock in a vehicle?

I wonder if this thing improves WIFI range as well?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
Gary never mentioned to me anything about this boosting wifi range also. it would be great if it did though. ill try to find out more details on this from him. It could easily be a secret feature they didn't mention(doubt it though). I didn't test for this but I will check and see if this improves wifi range or signal strength.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] r0ck0:
I think most people are going to be tethering the tablet to their phone for map data, ie google navigation, and if doing that you can also tether GPS data to the tablet from the phone. With this you can still charge your tablet and get GPS/Map data. Search the market for GPS tether, there are BT and wifi versions.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
I've ordered mine, excited to have it in a couple of weeks.

While it is indeed better than no solution at all, and I'll even go so far as to say FAR better due to the accuracy that seems to be above and beyond most mobile devices, I have this to say to you, Demandarin.

Not everyone who expresses a concern is a "hater".

Valid concerns include;

Can't charge with GPS dongle installed

No cases currently fit with GPS dongle attached (hopefully fixed soon)

Ditto for windshield/dashboard mounts?

Can't use keyboard with GPS dongle attached

One more thing to carry

So it comes down to the following questions;

How will the battery fare on a 12 hour road trip?

How safe will the Prime be without the protection of a case/mount?

How safe will my driving be without a dedicated mount (e.g. Prime on the passenger seat)?

I'm not hating on the Prime, I've had mine since February and I am well acquainted with its shortcomings. And its power, and its versatility.

But to take full advantage of that power and versatility I do carry Targus messenger bag made for tablets, and the GPS dongle will go into it. But that's a LOT of clutter (the dongle plus everything else I carry for it) for one gizmo, or so some people will think.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I have the "Bluetooth GPS" tether app on my prime and the "GPS 2 BT" enabler app on my atrix phone. it works great but doesn't produce results as good as what I've seen with dongle alone. Good thing is, there are various solutions. you can use dongle or external BT GPS reciever or use your phone GPS to tether to prime.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] slef2003:
In my humble opinion this would be a very silly thing to do, given that the prime is by nature top heavy then you would be asking for it to get damaged if you had to swerve or stop suddenly!

How many TFP owners also have an android phone? these are much more suited to act as a sat nav and work well using goggle navigation and at worst can be secured to a car dashboard with a bit of blu-tack!!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] BUYMECAR:
Are you seriously going to have GPS on the whole 12 hours on a drive? Jesus christ, that's a lot of turns lol

I recently took a trip driving 8 hours one direction and there were a couple of 200+ mile stretches on the same freeway. If you need GPS on the WHOLE time, then I am deeply concerned for you.

So let's say you drive on one route for 3 hours, that's at least 2 hours of charge time for your Prime.

Transformer: You did great, dongle!

I choose you, dock! Use Volt Charge!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] nonpaq:
Did you get any indication of what exactly the dongle is adding to the Prime? What's inside it? Is it an external GPS module, or just an extension of the current GPS antennas.

This thing looks ideal for some hardware MODS. Like adding a standard power plug (as someone mentioned), or adding a flip cover , like the ipad smart covers, using the dongle as the holding clamp for the hinge. I cant wait for the first GPS dongle tear down video.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
Those are valid concerns and not seen as hating. its very easy to tell difference between valid claims and those just throwing fluff out there.

As for how safe will the prime be out of its case, I'd say it'll be fine. I've had my prime since 12/22. I don't have an official case or screen protector for it. All I have is a targas netbook sleeve/pouch THaT I hardly even use. only use it when traveling. I don't have a single scratch or dent to the back of prime, or to my display. still looks brand new.

for battery life, putting it into battery savings mode will yield the longest battery results. for a 12 hour trip, I honestly can't say the prime will last that long or not. That's if you driving the whole 12 hours straight. if you taking rest stops or even hotel stay, then you could easily charge it back again. I don't know the maximum battery life with GPS attached. I know when i did use it for extended periods of time, it hardly used battery at all.

So yes, its not to be implied that anyone with a concern is a hater, but Prime forum is known for having plenty of haters out there that do nothing but troll with no valid claims or whose mission is to only be negative/pessimistic.

ill try to find out the GPS dongle battery usage data for you and other from Gary. ill also try to run more tests and see how long prime lasts with GPS dongle attached and activated. prime being at normal brightness settings.

All valid concerns though and are welcomed as people want to know. Nothing wrong with that.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
For hardware hackers only:

Dongle charger mod should be straightforward. TF101 can be charged using 5V@2A or 15V@1.2A. TF300T also uses the same power adapter in its FCC doc FCC doc. Prime likely has same arrangement.

Partial pin-out of 40-pin connector here. If you need a spare 40-pin connector, see this thread.

Mod a female Standard-A connector into the dongle housing somewhere. Since Prime will be mounted upside-down in your vehicle (so dongle will be at top), it's up to you to find a suitable location & angle to mount the connector so it doesn't look ghetto. Connect USB connector to pins 1-4 of the 40-pin connector on the dongle, per pin-out above. Plug into an iPad 5V@2A charger, and cross your fingers. If you see smoke, RMA. Cause: defective charger. Just don't tell them it's DIY. :)

As has been mentioned in TF101 threads, charge indicator probably won't come on. But charge current should be sufficient to keep battery from being depleted.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
from what I can tell, it looks like complete external GPS module and that's how gary described it to me. if you look at the close up shot(from land of Droid pics) of it, its only attached to the inside groove of plastic by 2 small screws. looks like you could easily remove both screws and remove the whole 40pin dock connector and GPS module as one piece. I do have a factory version on the way(one I have now is engineering sample) so I might try it soon just to see. Erusman thread will be the one to check out for dongle mods and ideas though.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] wynand32:
All I can say is, kudos to ASUS for coming up with a solution for, probably, 99% (or some large percentage) of Prime owners out there. Yes, it's conceivable that a person might have a 12-hour road trip where they want to use the Prime for navigation and never have breaks for charging (where the quick charging nature of the Prime is an advantage). So, it's not a solution for EVERYONE. Personally, I'd use a dedicated GPS unit for that kind of trip, but that's just me--I'm not saying it's not a disappointment for some, just that the number of folks who will be impacted is likely minimal.

As far as it not working in the dock, again, that's a theoretical disadvantage for most and might be an actual disadvantage for some people. Proof of the adage that you can't ever please everyone.

As far as Apple fans attacking the Prime and ASUS, that's of course ridiculous. The iPad wifi-only (the actual competitor to the Prime) has no GPS whatsoever, and the Prime will work identically to the iPad without the dongle. I can't see how the option of excellent GPS with the dongle isn't vastly superior to absolutely no GPS on the iPad, but then perhaps those particular Apple fans live in an alternative universe where logic doesn't apply.

For those people who bought their Primes and exceeded their return policies before the GPS issue was widely acknowledged, I think there's reason to be disappointed. I think ASUS should continue to offer refunds for those people.

For everyone else (in particular people who kept their Primes but could have returned them, while being fully aware of the GPS issue), I think ASUS has gone above and beyond. Certainly, there's nothing stopping them from producing a device that, like the iPad, has no GPS. So long as they've marketed it without GPS (and no, I don't think having GPS listed obscurely on the box is "marketing it" as having GPS). So, they could at any point have simply left it as, "The Prime has no GPS capabilities. Don't buy it if you're looking to use a tablet for navigation." But they didn't--they came out with a solution that will work extremely well for anyone who doesn't need to use it for greater than, say, the 8 hours the Prime will last on a charge or with the keyboard dock. And, they're providing that solution for free.

As far as I'm concerned, we're square...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Col.Kernel:
I've taken to reporting all the trolling threads, both from fanbois and from haters/iDiots. I've noticed the forum has cleaned up pretty nicely since then.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pennhaven:
Great idea, and I just registered to say so :) (after lurking for a couple weeks and getting a Prime last week).

Should simply require adding a power jack wired to the appropriate pins, then the dongle could be used to charge the prime from a vehicle or with a 12V wall wart. This would more than make up for the fact that it has to be removed to use the keyboard.

As to the (Cr)Apple fans dissing the prime. They should be doing the opposite. Assuming they're actual customers and not paid shills, it's actually in their interest that the Prime be a great product, since the better job manufacturers do with Android the more pressure there is for Apple to improve it's products for their customers. Unfortunately some insecure people get their egos all tied up in their purchase choices and fail to consider the big picture.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Uberjim:
Thanks mines on the way too glad i saw this
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] owmaddox:
[

Not everyone who expresses a concern is a "hater".

Valid concerns include;

Can't charge with GPS dongle installed

No cases currently fit with GPS dongle attached (hopefully fixed soon)

Ditto for windshield/dashboard mounts?

Can't use keyboard with GPS dongle attached

One more thing to carry

I have a minisuit made foe use with the docking station and it is easy to see that the dongle will fit on the prime with the case on it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] soutwater:
Quick thought. I just got my Prime 10 days ago, pretty happy with overall although WiFi could be a little stronger. I registered for the GPS dongle to have in case I need it, but honestly, I have a ReZound that I regularly use for navigation so don't know why I'd use the Prime's GPS. For those concerned about using dongle with a case, I am using the Moku (tablet only case) which has an open bottom so I can attach the keyboard when I need it. I take it off when done cause the case doesn't close with it on but I've read that it's not necessarily the safest thing to leave it docked 24/7 as some have cracked their screens that way. I see no reason why the dongle would fit there as well (plus should be able to close the case) and you still have the tablet protected otherwise. Just wanted to put out there that IMO, there are cases that look like they would work with the dongle.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] vakbrain:
Nobody needs a working GPS plugged on their tablet 100% of the time. For instance, if you need to charge your TF201, unplug a little dongle is not a big deal ;)

C'mon guys ! Be happy that Asus gives us this gift !

When you think about it, iPhone4 owners had to sue Apple to finally get a free 15$ rubber case. Asus gives us a GPS dongle that worth a lot more than 15$.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] buxtahuda:
Yeah, I've registered for mine, can't wait to toy with it. Suppose I'll be remodeling my compilation of Erusman's thread soon, plenty I've neglected to add to it.

If 'darin's guess is correct that it's just the 40-pin connector and an external GPS module, I can definitely see having some fun with it. I wonder if the keyboard kills signal as well as the Prime itself? Could tie this into the keyboards internal wiring so that undocked you use the Prime's GPS, and docked you would use the dongle patched into the keyboard.

But absolutely no keyboard for better GPS? N'thank ya boss.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Erusman:
I have two GPS Dongles coming. One I will keep for my C2. Other was for my modded "Optimus Prime" lol. That one I will not need. So If someone doesn't beat me too it I will tear that one apart and see what is in it. :D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] rmsingh:
Oh boy, can't wait:D
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] flyingwolf:
Exact same situation here, I have two coming, one shall be sacrificed.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] pike5:
Thanks

A very informative post. Thanks.

Just ordered mine. Eagerly awaiting receipt.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeJags:
This should work with the case I have......I will try to post a picture and a link once I get home......I think from memory that it should work......it works with and without the dock......
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
sounds good. can't wait to see. The Hardware pros will have a new toy to play with now. ill try to reconfirm if this is actually an external GPS module or GPS antennae extension. but I was told before it was an external GPS dongle module.

ill have 2 also. The engineering sample I already have and an official one from Asus on the way. So i can join in on the fun. Beating you to the punch sounds tempting though..decisions decisions ;) lol
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] banone:
Now looking at the hinge, i don't think there's room to fit anything in there, so thats probably a no-go. I do have a USB GPS dongle that i've used vith laptops previously. Does anybody know if its possible to use one with the ATP?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Danny-B-:
@demandarin

Post some high rez piccys already :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
this is actually possible. developers would have to add the drivers/modules for it. but is possible though. I've even seen someone here getting a USB wifi adapter to work on the prime(adding drivers and other needed modules of course).
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
ill get on it now and add them to my op shortly. give me a moment. :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] e.mote:
>ill try to reconfirm if this is actually an external GPS module or GPS antennae extension

It's not physically possible for it to be an antenna extension. That would require physical rerouting of the antenna circuit. It's your normal USB GPS dongle in a custom housing.

>I do have a USB GPS dongle that i've used vith laptops previously. Does anybody know if its possible to use one with the ATP?

You need two things: The clunky USB adapter (which can easily bend and damage the 40-pin connector) and a kernel module for the particular GPS chipset. Find out what chipset the Asus dongle uses. If it matches your own dongle, you may be in luck. Else, it's custom kernel route.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
thanks. I figured it was an actual external GPS module as that was what was told to me. just wanted to be sure for others.

I'm about to update the OP with high Res pics. I have some good up close ones also of pin connector. blurry cam turned off :)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Jesse6749:
I am seriously considering getting the Acer A510 when it is released, I think I had enough of Asus and their lack of support after using their products for over 10 years. I got the prime cause it has the keyboard dock that is the only reason for getting it, I did not expect the wifi issues, the gps I was aware of but mot the wifi.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeJags:
Here are some pics and a link for the case I use.....should work for the dongle......there may be a small problem with the fold over flap, but should be minor.......the link is just one.....I actually found it when I bought it at another site for around $35.....so look around if this interests you.......it comes in black and brown.......

http://www.minisuit.com/p-717-asus-...ase-compatible-with-mobile-docking-black.aspx

Edit: took pics off......weren't loading properly.......will try again in a moment......
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
OP is updated with High Res. pics. ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] lamboboy732:
RMA or return it, most of us have good wifi and this is a pointless post in this thread, we are talking about the dongle, not your problems.

---------- Post added at 01:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:54 AM ----------

Thanks for the new pics, they look good. So, whats the chance that you will tear this thing down so we can all see inside? I just cant wait to see some cool mods of these once they ship.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeJags:
As you can see, there is a cutout where the dongle will be.......and the case protects everything, and even has the cutouts for camera and ports......
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] xzombiex66:
so i wonder if when using this, does it disable the gps in the tablet? when you enable gps on the tablet with the "dongle" plugged in does it give you the option on what gps to enable?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
I had wondered the exact same thing at first. But once dongle is plugged in, Prime detects it and the dongle overrides the internal one. There is no choice of which to use. If you want to use internal one, just don't plug in the dongle.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] litetaker:
Nope. No forced updates happened here. Verified my build number, GPS version number, the lot. It seems to be OTA 9.4.2.21..

Anyway, not particularly thrilled by the look of the dongle. It isn't as discreet as I was hoping it to be... :/

[off topic]My #1 requested feature, as always, remains to be Ubuntu for Android. And I don't want it to be such that I need a dock, I want a Ubuntu tablet. [/off topic]

Cheers!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] demandarin:
the build number didn't change. I have the exact same one. on latest. 21. this was a firmware update just for the dongle alone. it would've occurred in the background and no way of detecting it.

kinda weird knowing they can push stuff to your device and no permission is needed though..lol what if Asus has now secretly activated my front cam and is watching me? lmfao. conspiracy theories.

your request is a good one. I have a feeling we will see that Android supported Ubuntu version soon.