Hello, I have a few questions I was wondering about before I buy one of these fantastic looking tablets.
1) Does USB On-The-Go work with it (ability to plug in USB devices)?
2) Does Asus have their own custom skin? Or is it stock android?
3) How good is Asus with updates - Do they still update their older devices? Will they support this after 2 years? Generally how long does it take to update to a new android version once it's released?
4) Does the bootloader come locked with no way of unlocking/has limitations when unlocked?
Thanks!
yousefak said:
Hello, I have a few questions I was wondering about before I buy one of these fantastic looking tablets.
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Good that you are asking questions and generally researching products before you buy. I will attempt to answer these questions, I have had my tf700 for 2 weeks and absolutely love it.
yousefak said:
1) Does USB On-The-Go work with it (ability to plug in USB devices)?
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From what I have experience, android and the device supports most 'plug and play' devices. I have plugged in mice, flash drives, usb hubs, portable harddrives, gamepads (logitech, sixaxis controller) and other USB devices and they all work fine natively with no extra software. I believe other devices such as keyboards, external CD/DVD readers, and others will work as well.
yousefak said:
2) Does Asus have their own custom skin? Or is it stock android?
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No custom UI or skins (like senseui, etc). ASUS has generally tries to keep their android installs as close to stock as possible. The only UI modification asus has is their custom 'quick settings' popup that replaces the stock android one. Its a tasteful addition in my opinion. You can switch between asus quicksetting and default android quicksetting in "settings>asus customized settings"
yousefak said:
3) How good is Asus with updates - Do they still update their older devices? Will they support this after 2 years? Generally how long does it take to update to a new android version once it's released?
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Click to collapse
Asus is known for being quick to update, fix problems, and support their devices for longer than most. My device has already download 2 updates that fix camera issues and a clock issue I was having. I believe the OG transformer (TF101) is getting an official update to Jelly Bean by ASUS, if that says anything.
yousefak said:
4) Does the bootloader come locked with no way of unlocking/has limitations when unlocked?
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The bootloader is not unlocked by default, however ASUS has released an unlocking tool that allows you to manually unlock the bootloader. I believe there may be warranty implications upon unlocking. There is a thread discussing the unlocking tool here.
modulator03 said:
Good that you are asking questions and generally researching products before you buy. I will attempt to answer these questions, I have had my tf700 for 2 weeks and absolutely love it.
From what I have experience, android and the device supports most 'plug and play' devices. I have plugged in mice, flash drives, usb hubs, portable harddrives, gamepads (logitech, sixaxis controller) and other USB devices and they all work fine natively with no extra software. I believe other devices such as keyboards, external CD/DVD readers, and others will work as well.
No custom UI or skins (like senseui, etc). ASUS has generally tries to keep their android installs as close to stock as possible. The only UI modification asus has is their custom 'quick settings' popup that replaces the stock android one. Its a tasteful addition in my opinion. You can switch between asus quicksetting and default android quicksetting in "settings>asus customized settings"
Asus is known for being quick to update, fix problems, and support their devices for longer than most. My device has already download 2 updates that fix camera issues and a clock issue I was having. I believe the OG transformer (TF101) is getting an official update to Jelly Bean by ASUS, if that says anything.
The bootloader is not unlocked by default, however ASUS has released an unlocking tool that allows you to manually unlock the bootloader. I believe there may be warranty implications upon unlocking. There is a thread discussing the unlocking tool here.
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Thank you so much for all the answers. I think I'll be purchasing the tablet.
Related
Hi, just wanted to get a quick check on what the Transformer currently supports. I'm trying to decide whether it can be a netbook replacement. My essential needs are:
1. netflix/hulu - I don't think apps are available for these yet right? anyway to get them to work?
2. sound recording through USB - I need to hook up an external USB microphone for recording. I assume there are adequate sound processing apps already?
Thanks!
There is currently a way to get the browser to play Hulu videos.
Netflix app was just released and is adding support for more devices. The TF isn't officially supported, but we're hoping for that or a modded version soon.
Not sure about recording, although newer versions of android promise full USB host compatibility.
Hope that helps!
DroidxRage said:
There is currently a way to get the browser to play Hulu videos.
Netflix app was just released and is adding support for more devices. The TF isn't officially supported, but we're hoping for that or a modded version soon.
Not sure about recording, although newer versions of android promise full USB host compatibility.
Hope that helps!
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Thanks! So a lot of partial support and hopes. I was lucky enough to find one and it's on its way from Walmart. Just need to decide if I should keep it or just return it. I really want to keep it but don't need so many pieces of electronics sitting around the house.
Hi Guys ... and Gals,
Am thinking of getting a TF for my wife ... 16GB without the dock.
The experience I have with Android is ... well, pleasant! I use the Nexus S.
Well, since I'm using the Nexus S, I would be interested to know if the TF comes with the original Honey Comb that can be updated directly from Google or if I would have to wait for updates from ASUS.
Yes I know all things are possible with a root, but:
a) I don't want to be messing with her tablet everytime.
b) I think the ASUS keyboard with the numbers on the top line is nice. Is it available as a separate download? Is it available for the mobile too?
I'm currently on holiday and would like to buy it so ... before I move back to is there any particular problems I should look out for?
Thanks for any help
Updates happen through Asus. Though they seem to be on time with them.
I think all tablet updates come from the manufacturer
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
Thanks both
So, the only way to get newer versions IF Asus start behaving like HTC or Samsung is to root it and put in a custom rom! Fine ... no probs. Atleast while the going is good, we don't have to worry.
Any known problems I have to look out for before a purchase?
Thanks again.
Paparasee said:
Any known problems I have to look out for before a purchase
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It's not the known problems you should be concerned about, but the unknown ones.
Get a newer model. Serial code should start with B60xxxxxxxxxxx. B40 is original. B50 middle.
I have a B50 and its nice. Other then that be on the look out for screen bleed. iPad2s have bleed just like everyone else. Some are extreme. Most are barely noticeable. Just keep an eye out.
Asus Transformer 3.1 pwnd
www.MiiWiiChat.com
www.SnapSiteAdmins.com
Asus made some subtle changes ( icons on the status bar) but asus was the first company to push out the 3.1 update ( after the xoom )
Thanks ... guess that will help
It's normal that the update come from the manufacturer.
Asus must have to include the specific drivers for it's tablet (not all the hardware is the same, even if the main platform is based on Tegra2)
It also made few modifications for apps integration and visuals.
Dark lord me said:
Asus made some subtle changes ( icons on the status bar) but asus was the first company to push out the 3.1 update ( after the xoom )
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The Xoom was only first in the US, everywhere else the Transformer got 3.1 before the Xoom. Actually the Xoom only has 3.1 in US, Australia,Japan and China.
it just has a few mods (buttons + some widgets and wallpapers)
And I'm honestly thinking about getting the Grid10. The Grid10 + case + USB cable is still $20 less than the Transformer (without a case, or the dock), which was the other tablet I'm considering.
Is there any reason I shouldn't get the Grid10? Better price point for similar specs. It can sideload Android APKs, and it uses the Amazon App Store, and the OS is something that really seems to flow nicely in all the hands on videos I've seen.
Since it's based on the Android kernel, it won't be another Playbook or Touchpad, since all Android apps theoretically work on the Grid10. The only thing I'm worried about is all the negative comments I've been reading about Fusion Garage and their previous tablet. I already know I'd enjoy an Android tablet.
I am currently the owner of an original Galaxy Tab, so really, anything is an upgrade at this point (Not having a tablet OS on a tablet is really awful)
This will be my next tablet, I have been watching the Grid10 for a while now. It looks smooth and responsive to the touch. I currently own the touchpad and an Android tablet. I am planning on getting the 3g version. Fast enough for me.
On the @FusionGarage twitter, I asked a few qustions that I've been unable to find answers to:
"@FusionGarage Quick question, is the usb cable a must? Can you sync/transfer files via wifi? "
Reply: "@steckums We are currently working on an application that will sync your content via WiFi, but right now you need the USB cable. "
"@FusionGarage Good to hear. One more: how compatible is it with Android APKs? Is it essentially able to sideload any (honeycomb!?) app?"
Reply: "@steckums Yes, you can sideload any Android app, including Honeycomb apps."
Off Topic
does anyone here have modded rom for this china tablet
APAD2 with call function
i am planning to buy by the end of the month and i want it flashed with better firmware.
please someone help me
So I have heard that GridOS is based on android 2.3. If that is the case how are they running any honeycomb apps? My guess is that older versions of GridOS (pre-production) were based on 2.3 and the production version is based on honeycomb. What are other people's thoughts on this?
I bought the wifi only version - it should arrive tomorrow. I've just read a less than stunning review from Engadget though, so now I'm leery...
Hello, I just bought my ASUS tf300t tablet and would like to develop applications on it. It came with Android 4.1 and now its updated to 4.2 but neither of those versions have a Wifi-Direct mode enabler in the settings. This is a feature I was waiting for since I bought my HTC Desire 3 years ago, and now finding out that ASUS doesn't offer it is a major let down for me...
But maybe there is a way to unlock it since I've read the Wifi component supports it.
- Does any custom ROMs that you tried offer Wifi-Direct? And does it work at all?
I am on stock but will root if necessary.
I am interested in knowing how many people bother with a ROM that lacks controller support.
For me, its the first thing I found out about a rom. Unfortunately, many developers don't see the need to post controller support in the main sections. I have to scroll through pages sometimes to find the answer.
Controller support is number one for me on this tablet. Gaming is the reason I chose this tablet over any other tablet. It makes very little sense to even bother with any roms that don't have it. IMO.
And some people purchase it because of the specs/price. Stock works just fine if you want to keep stock functionality, or just use the cm builds that have controller support. Also probably a better post for the Q/A section, not development.
By controller support I assume you mean Shield controller? Hooking up a PS3/PS4 controller is easier than changing diapers if you got root.
Well I've tried blisspop for a while, it kinda has support for the controller but from all the roms i've tried including CM, it's probably best to stick to stock with xposed and if you got the space, use multirom to dual boot the device. Custom roms just don't have the support for all the features the shield has, no game streaming, limited stylus support, limited shield controller support and the remote audio doesn't work at all. Basically if gaming is your primary use, use the stock rom.
2kool2Bcruel said:
I am interested in knowing how many people bother with a ROM that lacks controller support.
For me, its the first thing I found out about a rom. Unfortunately, many developers don't see the need to post controller support in the main sections. I have to scroll through pages sometimes to find the answer.
Controller support is number one for me on this tablet. Gaming is the reason I chose this tablet over any other tablet. It makes very little sense to even bother with any roms that don't have it. IMO.
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I actually don't use this tablet for gaming, I just wanted a powerful, mostly stock Android tablet with an SD slot and unlocked bootloader for aosp/custom roms. I have tried a few other 7-8 inch tablets to replace this one but I ended up sticking with it (stock rom had some multitask lag / can't multitask for beans and custom roms are unstable-haven't tried zombipop tho).
I don't care if a rom lacks nvidia controller support.
Keithn said:
And some people purchase it because of the specs/price. Stock works just fine if you want to keep stock functionality, or just use the cm builds that have controller support.
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^ This. I bought this device for general use, and to have something future-proof for a few years (unlike my last tablet that was stuck on 4.2 Jellybean). Never intended for the Nvidia controller.
As for the poll, I cannot really vote, since I am on a custom ROM that I didn't download (rather, rolled my own). I tried a build with the controller stuff in the vendor info, that just made the controller app crash over and over. I had to reboot, task kill the Controller app, then use TiBu to uninstall it. Whenever I get around to another build I will avoid the unofficial vendor stuff.
Since it was mentioned here, I may try Bliss in a little while as well.