Advice before 1st touch - Asus Transformer TF700

Hi all,
after having read a lot on different accessible Android tablets, I have decided to purchase a T700. Seeing the speed on YouTube and reading about this device have convinced me to make that step.
Now, the order is placed, but receipt is still a few days away, I am reading this site and have the feeling that actually the device is not so smooth when kept original. I do wish to have a smooth working device but keep away from as much flashing as possible.
As my signature might indicate, I have some flashing experience, but I still feel myself noob for each and every new device I get.
My Desire HD has always been stock, not even rooted.
My OneX+ is rooted and unlocked after a short while, I use TitaniumBackup and deleted some Bloatware, but have no wish to flash any custom roms.
I just feel that flashing a device new and new to get it perfect is aking too much time. My rooted and unlocked OneX+ is fast enough, no tweaking needed.
This is the state I would like my T700 to be in. Fast and smooth with allowance to have the device do what I want.
Means I do want root, but if not necessary would not like to unlock / flash or anything else.
Can You advice me on the steps I should or should not do to get such state.
-should I make sure not to use any OTA after receipt
-should I root after receipt and upgrade to JB after that (and eventually root once more)
I will be reading around more before I will get my hands on the device, but I would really like to make the correct steps.
I'd be grateful for your opinions.
Thanks in advance,
Ruud

To be honest, the TF700 does have some performance issues with the stock firmware. I would *highly* recommend that you install a custom ROM - more specifically, I'd recommend the "CleanROM Inheritance" custom ROM specifically for your TF700, which will make it *very* fast and smooth.
Of course, in order to install a custom ROM, such as CleanROM Inheritance, you will need to unlock the bootloader on your device, which *will* void your warranty! If that is a concern (it was for me), I would recommend a third-party warranty service such as SquareTrade. With a coupon, you can get 2 years of coverage (including "accidental coverage") for about $80. This way, if you do brick your device while trying to flash a custom ROM, you will be covered.
Trust me, $80 is a small price to pay for complete peace-of-mind for 2 years, especially considering the performance gain with CleanROM. Hell, even if I run the TF700 over with my car, it will still be covered under warranty...
Just my opinion, of course!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

Hi,
Thanks, although this was not exactly what I wanted to hear.
So even if I would unpack and let all OTA updates run up to JB, give it a complete refresh, I would still be unhappy with the performance, right ?
The insurance is nice, but as I am to use it in Russia, I would not know if I am covered for these things.
It is actually not the fact that I am afraid to loose warranty. All devices I did unlock were done after reading the different threads here and I was always lucky to get the job done without serious issues. My OneX+ is still brandnew and I presume I do not have warranty anymore anyway as I rooted and unlocked it already.
What I was hoping for is to get a smooth device without the need to go through this process, I guess your answer says I am not .
regards,
Ruud

Before doping the OTA updates use NVflash. Eventos though you are no considering flashing ROMs now it will be a good insurance in the case you change tour mind in the future.
Enviado de meu Galaxy Nexus usando o Tapatalk 2

raladoshow said:
Before doping the OTA updates use NVflash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be more exact: version 9.4.5.26 is the last version that can be used to *prepare* NVFlash access. To use NVFlash on the TF700, you need a tool called "wheelie" and a blob file with data extracted from your device (it's encrypted with a device-specific key). Later bootloaders are locked down, even after unlocking the device, so it is no longer possible to obtain this file. So before upgrading anything, be sure to read about the procedure on http://androidroot.mobi/t3_nvflash/ .
There is also a thread in the development section that explains the details.

Hi guys,
these looks like very good advises. Before reading in to them, let me say ; "Thanks" !
regards,
Ruud

Related

Hesitant to root

Hello there... this is probably going to get laughed at by the more experienced users on the site, but what the hell, here it goes.
I've had a Droid 2, an HTC Thunderbolt, a Dell Streak 7 tablet, and now, my pretty new TF300 tablet. I've never rooted any of them (the Thunderbolt looks scary as f*** to root), mainly because I was scared. I want to unlock all the capabilities of my device, but the idea of bricking anything I have just scares the piss out of me.
I've heard people say that the Transformer (not necessarily the TF300, mind you) is fairly easier to root than other devices because ASUS provides you the software you need to root it. Well, to my surprise, that software was nowhere to be found when my tab showed up. So I guess it's up to me to seek out the details and do some hardcore tab rooting... but damn am I scared.
Bottom line: I'm verrry inexperienced at rooting things... I probably couldn't root my way out of a paper bag. I see the lingo people use in the topics where they talk about rooting their device, and I am just totally lost. I guess I'm looking for input from others who were new to rooting until they hit this device, or input from pros about how risky it is, the ease of the rooting process, a more in-depth explanation of the rooting process... anything. The more, the better. Anything anybody could say to help me nut up enough to root my device, I'm looking forward to hearing it.
All you have to do, if you're still on the OG firmware (.17), is find the app called Sparkyroot, open it, and follow the directions. There is no danger of a brick by using Sparkyroot.
Note that if you've updated to .26 or .29 firmware, you'll have to downgrade to root, which could potentially cause a brick. But really, as long as you can control your attention span and follow directions, you should be fine.
Check out this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1645029
I'm a computer programmer and I rooted only because I wanted to remap the keys on the dock. If you are so hesitant, and don't have a good reason to root, maybe your tablet is just fine the way it is. If you don't have a good reason to root, but you have time to kill, and want to learn new things, then it may be a good thing to do.
As a first safe step, on your laptop you can just install the android sdk with platform-tools, install the usb driver for tf300t, and see if you see anything when you type "adb devices" in command prompt. Maybe doing this will give you a better idea on things that you'll need to do.
Honestly, I'd wait until you have a real need or reason to root. You say you want to "unlock all the capabilities" of your TF300. But what do you mean by that? Is there a specific app you want to run?
I rooted my phone because I wanted free WiFi tethering. I haven't rooted my TF300 because I haven't yet run into any increased functionaliy that I feel I really need or want.
Another thing to consider is that OTA updates can fail or brick a rooted device (or you may simply lose root). So if you want an OS update, you sometimes have to flash an older, un-rooted stock ROM on your device, then take the upgrade. A bit of a hassle. I expect that, since the TF300 is so new, we'll be seeing a few OTA's over the coming months. Until things settle down I, personally, am happy as is.
You're gonna think this is so stupid... but the reason I want to root is so I can run an app called GameCIH, which would help me cheat in a game. lol
In my own defense, the developers have made that game so difficult that your only real hope is to buy in-game currency for real money. Enough other people say, "Cheating is wrong, but in this case, it's pretty warranted."
Lol, you have piqued my curiosity. What game? And its stupid easy on .17. I did it about 4 hours after receiving. If you wish to waive your warranty, you can unlock, install CWR(clock work recovery), then flash the SU(super user) zip.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA
The game is called Defender II from Droidhen. If you go to Play, you'll see a whole poop ton of one-stars, people complaining that the game basically became impossible after the last few updates.
Now, since I'm such a know-nothing when it comes to stuff like this, I don't feel bad asking: I saw that Asus released a bootloader thing for unlocking the TF300 today. Is unlocking different from rooting, and can I hack that game having just used the bootloader apk? I tried using the GameCIH app, but it told me my device wasn't rooted so I couldn't use it.
And to answer somebody's earlier question, I have provided my device with all the firmware updates supplied it over the air by Asus. Does the bootloader app I downloaded tonight make that any less problematic?
-Tim
Here are my reasons to root:
- app backups/restore with saves (mostly games )
- tune settings (look at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1641219)
- some apps require root access for more functionality (nova laucher, titanium backup)
- I'm a linux user so I like having god-like control over my system even if I don't use it offen
- and many more...
The only reason to not do this is loosing your warranty.
At this moment I have root only in my phone (Galaxy S II) but I'm also thinking about rooting my TF300T
^^
Another good reason would be to overclock imo. I've seen threads on XDA where people are getting 1.5 or 1.6 from root/overclocking, which is +EV imo.
If you can follow directions, you should be ok. At some point, everyone roots for the first time. I had no clue about any of this either (and I'm still not the best, especially with adb commands on the comp) but once I rooted my first device, I found it to be pretty interesting and now I do it with anything I get.
I'd advise you to read the root threads thoroughly, you will see a lot of Q&A which will show you where people tend to get stuck in the process. You also might want to just use it as-is for a week or two and make sure you don't have any defects, since your warranty could be void, and you wouldn't want to find out about an unrelated problem later that you can't get fixed.
I'm extra hesitant because it sounds like the downgrade is more dangerous than anything else, and damn it, in every thread, they use so many technical terms that I don't understand...
Make sure the blob file is in there with ADB tools and *circus music playing in my head*
Haha, trust me, I know where you are coming from. Rooting may be a good place to start actually, if you truly screw it up I don't think they will be able to know that it's rooted and will still cover it (someone else can chime in here if I'm wrong). Unlocking, however, apparently sends them information and will void your warranty for sure.
The only way to learn it is to do it
Then again, if things are working well for you, leave it as-is, won't hurt anything to run it stock.
Yeah, if that's the case though, then I really wish I didn't unlock it... I thought it was like rooting but it did nothing for me except kill my warranty and OTA updates... so until I nut up enough to root it, I guess I'm stuck on .29. Not a bad update, mind you, but as they keep upping the tab, I'm going to be stuck in the stone age. That kind of sucks.
Can someone reply to this ASAP:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1668173
Does following the steps in that post allow for a much easier root than I would have had to do less than a week ago? It sounds like it's a cinch to install CWM onto the tab (which, by the way, I know zip-**** about), and then after that, it says to "flash" a file to achieve root.
And on a side note, what the Bejesus does it mean to flash a file?
If you are unlocked, then yes that's the best way to go. Just to confirm, when you boot up, it says "bootloader unlocked" in the top left?
Flashing a file means to install the .zip from CWM.
In the top left, it says "Device UnLocked" or something like that. It's not near me at the moment, but yeah, it definitely says the word unlocked when I boot her up.
And thank you for the clarification
Sack up, and Root it!
It's FUN!
nordis,
I've flashed CWM onto my tab and I'm navigating it now, but I'm still unclear about how to root it.
The step says:
"After flashing CWM, you might also want root. It's easy, just flash the attached zip "
How! What?! Damn it! Can somebody detail what he means, or if I have to enter a specific command using my computerizer, what do I have to input? Because if I have to guess, I'll do it wrong, and this bastard will detonate in my arms.
Edit: I'm also in the process now of backing up my device. I don't know if rooting makes me wipe everything, so why the hell not. If I'm making a mistake doing this, then someone post back right away and I'll fling my tablet at the wall and hope for the best.
Edit: I did it! I'm rooted! I'm the smartest man alive! Nobody else needs to answer any questions I asked about this then
See, it ain't so bad. Pretty fun figuring this stuff out really. Now get to work rooting your phone and all your friends phones and tablets immediately
-T-mobile SGS2 Hercules
Tim 13 said:
I've flashed CWM onto my tab and I'm navigating it now, but I'm still unclear about how to root it.
The step says:
"After flashing CWM, you might also want root. It's easy, just flash the attached zip "
How! What?! Damn it! Can somebody detail what he means, or if I have to enter a specific command using my computerizer, what do I have to input? Because if I have to guess, I'll do it wrong, and this bastard will detonate in my arms.
Edit: I'm also in the process now of backing up my device. I don't know if rooting makes me wipe everything, so why the hell not. If I'm making a mistake doing this, then someone post back right away and I'll fling my tablet at the wall and hope for the best.
Edit: I did it! I'm rooted! I'm the smartest man alive! Nobody else needs to answer any questions I asked about this then
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone explain what flashing CWM is and how it's relevant to rooting? It has nothing to do with unlocking the tablet right?

ROMs that dont need an unlocked bootloader

ive looking and i couldnt find one. does anyone have one that i dont need to have an unlocked bootloader?
Not physically possible. If you need customization, use root with the stock rom and be very careful not to brick.
how would it not be possible? just use a stock kernel and you should be good. thats what we did with the atrix 2 since the bootloaders locked.
Don't think you can put a custom recovery on without unlocking the bootloader. No recovery = no flashing ROMs
vegandroid said:
how would it not be possible? just use a stock kernel and you should be good. thats what we did with the atrix 2 since the bootloaders locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't even start on that bootstrap debacle with moto phones. It was absolutely horrid for flashing anything and was not nearly powerful enough for me. The hassle of using a neutered recovery instead of the real thing is just not worth it, even considering the warrantee.
le rustle face
Keion said:
Don't even start on that bootstrap debacle with moto phones. It was absolutely horrid for flashing anything and was not nearly powerful enough for me. The hassle of using a neutered recovery instead of the real thing is just not worth it, even considering the warrantee.
le rustle face
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.... I fail to see the point of your post. I didn't ask for your opinion on Motorola or what works best for you. Style on topic dude.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
So there is a way to install custom ROM's without unlocking the bootloader? If so, I'd love to know how!!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
The problem is, the methods used on those Motorola phones are very hackish, and not recommended if alternatives are present. And since the TF700 is unlockable, its extremely unlikely those methods will ever be duplicated since those who want to mod can do so without restrictions.
Just look at the OG Atrix community... the instant an unlockable bootloader was leaked, development for those hackish methods immediately halted. Someone ported 2nd init days or weeks before that happened, and nothing was ever written to use it because it simply wasnt needed anymore.
jtrosky said:
So there is a way to install custom ROM's without unlocking the bootloader? If so, I'd love to know how!!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. If there was any way to get around Asus's crappy unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty thing I'd jump right on it. I also didn't know that type of thing was possible...
vegandroid said:
ive looking and i couldnt find one. does anyone have one that i dont need to have an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I read that you were going to try to port paranoidandroid to the TF700 last night or was that one of my weird obsessive Infinity dreams ?? I wish you luck if you are going to try - we need a few more devs around these parts.
I personally wasn't worrying about voiding the warranty considering it rooting voided on all the other devices I've had. I'm more waiting for a reason to unlock the boot loader. It's just a nice bonus that rooting doesn't.
I just say wait till you have a reason, and feel comfortable that the device you got is good.
Did I read that you were going to try to port paranoidandroid to the TF700 last night or was that one of my weird obsessive Infinity dreams ?? I wish you luck if you are going to try - we need a few more devs around these parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When i can get jellybean then ill work on it. Im super busy with school and work, but i need to set some time aside to port it for tf700. i just cant spare the time to completely port JB too right now.
Jotokun said:
The problem is, the methods used on those Motorola phones are very hackish, and not recommended if alternatives are present. And since the TF700 is unlockable, its extremely unlikely those methods will ever be duplicated since those who want to mod can do so without restrictions.
Just look at the OG Atrix community... the instant an unlockable bootloader was leaked, development for those hackish methods immediately halted. Someone ported 2nd init days or weeks before that happened, and nothing was ever written to use it because it simply wasnt needed anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes a lot of sense, thanks!
Personally, I'm still interested in a way to flash custom ROM's without unlocking the bootloader, even if it is "hack'ish".
As a good example, I unlocked the bootloader on my original TF700 after I had it for about 3 weeks. I figured that I was good to go - no major flaws... And then about 2 weeks later, the damn thing died on me, so I was stuck with a less-than-45-day-old device that had no warranty!!
I'm just saying - if there is a way to flash ROM's without voiding my warranty, I'd be *very* interested in doing that, even if it was a little hack'ish!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
its rather hard to install custom roms without an unlocked bootloader.
Consider this: You have a computer that boots directly into windows. Now you have administrator access to the computer however you can't change the boot priority, what disks it boots from, or anything having to do with how the thing starts up. Usually when you want to install an operating system, say windows xp, you would put the disk in, boot from the CD, and install it. Well we have no "boot from CD" option, everything pertaining to that is locked down by Asus.
I know other phones have found ways to sidetrack around that but honestly, with how unreliable they are its often not worth it. Asus has this thing locked down pretty well that its damn near impossible to get enough access to load anything custom at startup (even the unlock they gave us is garbage, if that fails your screwed).
If you want to load something custom you are best to get a third party warrenty and use the unlock.
pileot said:
its rather hard to install custom roms without an unlocked bootloader.
Consider this: You have a computer that boots directly into windows. Now you have administrator access to the computer however you can't change the boot priority, what disks it boots from, or anything having to do with how the thing starts up. Usually when you want to install an operating system, say windows xp, you would put the disk in, boot from the CD, and install it. Well we have no "boot from CD" option, everything pertaining to that is locked down by Asus.
I know other phones have found ways to sidetrack around that but honestly, with how unreliable they are its often not worth it. Asus has this thing locked down pretty well that its damn near impossible to get enough access to load anything custom at startup (even the unlock they gave us is garbage, if that fails your screwed).
If you want to load something custom you are best to get a third party warrenty and use the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even with those methods, you're still restricted. For example, the Motorola phone hacks can run custom roms, but are still stuck with the stock motorola kernels. That means a (somewhat dirty) AOSP rom can be made around the kernel, but a true clean Cyanogenmod or anything requiring kernel level hacks are not possible.

Any advice for a soon-to-be Infinity owner?

I'm getting a bursary payment from my university on Thursday and I was planning on using the money to buy the parts for a new computer then, but I've now decided to wait till next month and put some of the money from said payment towards buying an Infinity instead as a early birthday present for myself as well as using it as a device for reading relevant materials for my Computer Studies degree (That, plus it looks like it'll make a great device for viewing HD anime fansubs as well! ^_^)
In the meantime, do any of the members here in this forum who own the device have any advice for a new owner, such as what's the best custom ROM, the best accessories, how to make it the best it can be, etc?
First of all: 'This is an awesome tablet.
But you will soon discover that the stock ROM has sad and perplexing limitations.
If you plan to unlock and flash a custom Rom anyway, my vote goes for CROMI!
It's based on the stock ROM, but much, much better!
On stock this tab crawls, on CROMI it flies, it's stable and incredibly well supported.
Just follow the CROMI threads in the Development, General and Help sections for a while and you'll see what I mean....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
berndblb said:
First of all: 'This is an awesome tablet.
But you will soon discover that the stock ROM has sad and perplexing limitations.
If you plan to unlock and flash a custom Rom anyway, my vote goes for CROMI!
It's based on the stock ROM, but much, much better!
On stock this tab crawls, on CROMI it flies, it's stable and incredibly well supported.
Just follow the CROMI threads in the Development, General and Help sections for a while and you'll see what I mean....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll be sure to check CROMI out if it's that good. How does it compare to other ROMS such as Cyanogenmod?
I second the suggestion of CROMI. I just unlocked my tablet over the weekend and there is a MASSIVE difference in how fast apps load and especially PDFs (from a Class 10 MicroSD, of course) and browser performance. I still have to explore Data2SD, but I've heard good things about that too.
borgmanjayce said:
I'll be sure to check CROMI out if it's that good. How does it compare to other ROMS such as Cyanogenmod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would check out the relevant threads on this forum. In the end it is a matter of taste and preference.
I have not tried Cyanogenmod and I don't see any reason to do so. My tab runs perfectly on CROMI.
I cannot imagine it running better on another ROM.
CROMl is based on the Asus stock ROM, CWM is build from the ground up. From what I hear and read, this fact seems to make CWM prone to more bugs and hardware Conflicts. But that's just my opinion...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
borgmanjayce said:
I'll be sure to check CROMI out if it's that good. How does it compare to other ROMS such as Cyanogenmod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm you really need to root it, otherwise buy another tablet!
Once you are rooted, it's a great device.
I used Cromi for a week and it's good and fast, no doubt about it.
For me personally performance is not only about speed, but also about customize options and for that reason I flashed Baked BlackBean 8 and I will not flash anything else for a while. It's without a doubt the best ROM if you like AOKP roms. If your not familiar with I suggest to start with Cromi! Like said above, support is amazing, to be fair it's the only thread 'alive' in de TF700 forum compared to One X forum.
Btw: I didn't try CM10, but support there is also great from Dasunsrule
Sent from my Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
My suggestion would be to use it and use it well for the first month or two to make sure the hardware is functioning properly before going the custom ROM route. The reason for this is you will have to unlock it to flash a custom recovery and ROM, and this will void your warranty.
If something goes wrong after you have unlocked you are SOL for warranty coverage.
borgmanjayce said:
I'm getting a bursary payment from my university on Thursday and I was planning on using the money to buy the parts for a new computer then, but I've now decided to wait till next month and put some of the money from said payment towards buying an Infinity instead as a early birthday present for myself as well as using it as a device for reading relevant materials for my Computer Studies degree (That, plus it looks like it'll make a great device for viewing HD anime fansubs as well! ^_^)
In the meantime, do any of the members here in this forum who own the device have any advice for a new owner, such as what's the best custom ROM, the best accessories, how to make it the best it can be, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
borgmanjayce said:
I'll be sure to check CROMI out if it's that good. How does it compare to other ROMS such as Cyanogenmod?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Try and get NvFlash working. A safety is ALWAYS a good thing (you especially value that when you have a military background. ).
2. Unlock, and flash a custom ROM -- stock ROM sucks Major Balls' ass..
My preference is CROMI -- it's stock-based so you have the quick access features, full IPS+ support, full dock support, etc. that some other custom ROMs may struggle with (and even if stable now, they may get to struggle with them as new Android versions arrive on the stage). It does come down to preference, as the rest said, too. You cannot go really, absolutely wrong.
3. I had a rather thick leather case -- it might have been rendering too much pressure on the connections between the tablet and the dock (I still have to find out what caused the breakdown of the docking clamps... <ggrrrr>). I'd suggest either going 'naked' for a while (be careful not to let it tip backwards!) or get a really thin "foil case" (some are referenced in the Accessories forum).
4. Give data2sd some consideration -- that means getting yourself a nice, big, blazingly fast microSD card -- again: off to the Accessories forum you go.
5. With a little time, you'll be tinkering along with us, and get to arrive to the main point: enjoyment.
I just want to thank everybody who's posted here and offered some really great advice so far.
I'll definitely be installing CROMI and taking my time with the device when I finally get hold of it on Thursday.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Galaxy Tab 10.1 but I decided to get an upgrade as it was running out of space plus I was getting frustrated with the lack of a MicroSD card slot so I could transfer apps to a card as well as put media files on it.
borgmanjayce said:
I just want to thank everybody who's posted here and offered some really great advice so far.
I'll definitely be installing CROMI and taking my time with the device when I finally get hold of it on Thursday.
Don't get me wrong, I love my Galaxy Tab 10.1 but I decided to get an upgrade as it was running out of space plus I was getting frustrated with the lack of a MicroSD card slot so I could transfer apps to a card as well as put media files on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marty had some great advice actually. When you get your tablet, first thing: check your firmware version. If you're lucky it comes with ICS, firmware version ending in .26.
If that is the case: Do not update right away! Search XDA for how to make a NVflash backup.
If you have that, your tab is unbrickable = peace of mind.
I didn't know that and upgraded to JB right away (groan).
But I believe .26 is the last firmware version where you can use the NVflash tool. ICS .30 is already too late...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
berndblb said:
Marty had some great advice actually. When you get your tablet, first thing: check your firmware version. If you're lucky it comes with ICS, firmware version ending in .26.
If that is the case: Do not update right away! Search XDA for how to make a NVflash backup.
If you have that, your tab is unbrickable = peace of mind.
I didn't know that and upgraded to JB right away (groan).
But I believe .26 is the last firmware version where you can use the NVflash tool. ICS .30 is already too late...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm actually blushing.
The NvFlash procedure was a definite PITA -- it took me an entire evening and a few hours from the night to quit in frustration, only to try a different USB port the next morning and getting it to work right away. As you said, you'll really have to do your best and be extremely unlucky in order to brick it once you have your backups safely tucked away.
I really do find it extremely annoying that ASUS had decided to block NvFlash on the newer firmwares/bootloaders -- I fail to see any advantage in doing so. Now, they'll have more people sending in bricks that could've been easily recovered in the safety and comfort of the owner's own home, and their rather dense (in the sense of stupid) repair center/customer service is overwhelmed already. (People have been mentioning receiving their 700s from the repair center after having run through the RMA procedure twice -- :S -- without the issue actually having been solved [private communication].
Useless gits.
UPDATE: I managed to place a order with Amazon UK yesterday for a 64GB MicroSD card (Class 10 of course) as well as a Caseen Perfecto case for the Infinity itself as well as a computer case for the HTPC that I'll be building next month.
As for the Infinity itself, I was planning on buying it through Currys today via their Pickup and Collect option, but for some reason the option wasn't available at all and not only that, they didn't even offer a next-day delivery option to where I live in the UK, so I decided to order a used version from Amazon UK instead for £504.99 (which I'll be thoroughly testing and checking out before rooting it later on). In fact, I think Currys ended up doing me a favor as I've now saved £95.00 on the retail price for the 64GB version instead of the £50.01 that I would have saved if I had managed to buy it brand new from Currys today!
It's a bit of a shame that I'll have to wait till tomorrow to have it delivered (for free, thanks to Amazon Prime), but I know it'll be worth the wait at the end of the day.
borgmanjayce said:
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear you decided to take the plunge and join our merry bunch. I do hope that delivery is swift and all arrives well, and that you get a perfect Infinity!
By the way, in addition to my earlier reply: I have been testing data2sd lately, and it does make a significant difference, especially with (un)installation of appd and web browsing. Something to keep in mind; you may regard this as an additional recommendation, hahaha!
MartyHulskemper said:
Good to hear you decided to take the plunge and join our merry bunch. I do hope that delivery is swift and all arrives well, and that you get a perfect Infinity!
By the way, in addition to my earlier reply: I have been testing data2sd lately, and it does make a significant difference, especially with (un)installation of appd and web browsing. Something to keep in mind; you may regard this as an additional recommendation, hahaha!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do decide to root it in the end, ensure that you install "Browser2Ram", this significantly increased the performance of the stock browser.
Before rooting the native browser would crash with just about every webpage that was a bit overpopulated with script.
Bought myself an infinity tf700t - also my first post
Hi to all
thought it was time I scrapped my chinese Tablet and bought something more powerful, bit of an impulse buy but it did not cost me too much as purchased from E***, 1 dead pixel but actually has 3, I am not too bothered at the moment, it did occur to me that I could probably get this repaired under warranty, cant be more than a year old, would Asus honor this, would I have to provide receipts, anyone know where I stand in regards to this, I really do like the tablet, it is responsive and screen looks good,internet is really quick, be good to know what other things this bad boy can do, what I would like to ask is what apps would you all recommend and if anyone has found a decent case and cover for both components. I have been reading all the posts on custom roms, that might be a little bit beyond me as I have no experience of this. also read that it is only possible if tablet is running ICS, my is on JB 4.1.1
there was another question I wanted to ask, does this device allow for tethering to my iphone so I can use the 3g capabilities, and how is this done if possible, please make it simple as I am a bit of a Noob. as you have gathered I do need some help unleashing the power of my new toys, interested to hear anything or any suggestions, best apps, I would be extremely grateful and many thanks in advance. have a good day guys.
Kind Regards
Paul:
I finally got hold of the device a few hours ago and it definitely is a really nice device... Unfortunately, it seems that the one I got from Amazon UK has the Jellybean firmware so it looks like I'll have to downgrade then upgrade before rooting and adding a custom rom to it.
Can anybody point me in the right direction on how to downgrade then upgrade? The build number according to the device is "JR003C WW_epad 10.4.4.18-20121012".
tethering
cholo777 said:
there was another question I wanted to ask, does this device allow for tethering to my iphone so I can use the 3g capabilities, and how is this done if possible, please make it simple as I am a bit of a Noob. as you have gathered I do need some help unleashing the power of my new toys, interested to hear anything or any suggestions, best apps, I would be extremely grateful and many thanks in advance. have a good day guys.
Kind Regards
Paul:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tether mine regularly to my Motorola RAZR (Android based). I don't know how the iPhone identifies the wireless network it makes available when tethering. Once you find that out, you just connect the tablet to it, entering a password if you set it up that way. From then on, that connection should be remembered for easy connection.
- Ed
borgmanjayce said:
Unfortunately, it seems that the one I got from Amazon UK has the Jellybean firmware so it looks like I'll have to downgrade then upgrade before rooting and adding a custom rom to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to unlock anyway, you don't need to downgrade.
_that said:
If you want to unlock anyway, you don't need to downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought you needed to downgrade to unlock before rooting?
borgmanjayce said:
I thought you needed to downgrade to unlock before rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to unlock, you don't need to downgrade, and you don't need to root - just unlock and install a custom pre-rooted ROM.
If you want to root without unlocking, you need to downgrade to 9.4.4.30, root, and use OTA Rootkeeper and incremental dlkpgfile updates to get back to JB.

[Q] Speeding up stock 4.2.1 without unlocking...

I know the majority of speeding up this tablet is with custom kernels/ROMS. I just got my TF300T and I am at stock unrooted 4.2.1, and I know the new bootloader has something on it keeping people from being able to do too much with it right now. I know if I unlock the bootloader then I lose my warranty (which is stupid and not the case with my GS3), but I would love to be able to speed up this tablet.
It seems really slow in responsiveness and I wonder if 4.2.1 did this to it, because all the other reviews for this tablet previously said it was pretty decently quick. I am quite disappointed if the only way I can get it to speed up is to void my warranty and install a custom ROM/Kernel when you all figure out how to get around the current bootloader issues.
Any suggestions on giving this tablet a little more zip without the ability of unlocking it? Does anyone think there will be a way to Root it without unlocking it? How feasible is it to downgrade to another firmware (without bricking it) to achieve Root if that ever becomes a possibility?.
slickdaddy96 said:
I know the majority of speeding up this tablet is with custom kernels/ROMS. I just got my TF300T and I am at stock unrooted 4.2.1, and I know the new bootloader has something on it keeping people from being able to do too much with it right now. I know if I unlock the bootloader then I lose my warranty (which is stupid and not the case with my GS3), but I would love to be able to speed up this tablet.
It seems really slow in responsiveness and I wonder if 4.2.1 did this to it, because all the other reviews for this tablet previously said it was pretty decently quick. I am quite disappointed if the only way I can get it to speed up is to void my warranty and install a custom ROM/Kernel when you all figure out how to get around the current bootloader issues.
Any suggestions on giving this tablet a little more zip without the ability of unlocking it? Does anyone think there will be a way to Root it without unlocking it? How feasible is it to downgrade to another firmware (without bricking it) to achieve Root if that ever becomes a possibility?.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't wander about the new bootloader, i did it, and now have a BRICK instead of tablet!!!
a HARD brick of course!!!
if you need a faster tablet, go for something like iPad or Note 10 or even Tablet Z, this damn tablet is exactly what you see in 4.2, even when it was on 4.1, believe me...
just be cautious enough about new bootlaoder in 4.2, it's a crap, it screwed my tab...
Wish you best of bests

First Time Infinity Owner

Hey guys,
I'm just about to receive my Infinity and have been reading through the posts here. I've read quite a few horror stories about people bricking their tablets, not being able to power it up, etc etc.
I'm not sure what version of Android it'll be running when I get it so I'd like to know what are the things I should really be avoiding when using the lock tool, flashing the boot loader and the rom (cromix :good: )?
From the impression I've got, the device seems very fickle/easy to brick/break. Am I wrong in thinking that?
The TF700 users here seem like a helpful bunch so hopefully I could get a few pointers on things NOT to do....
Cheers!
jonlad1 said:
Hey guys,
I'm just about to receive my Infinity and have been reading through the posts here. I've read quite a few horror stories about people bricking their tablets, not being able to power it up, etc etc.
I'm not sure what version of Android it'll be running when I get it so I'd like to know what are the things I should really be avoiding when using the lock tool, flashing the boot loader and the rom (cromix :good: )?
From the impression I've got, the device seems very fickle/easy to brick/break. Am I wrong in thinking that?
The TF700 users here seem like a helpful bunch so hopefully I could get a few pointers on things NOT to do....
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, and welcome to the community!
First things first: check the unit thoroughly for the known issues (screen bleed, loose screen bonding, etc. Several threads in here concerning the most frequent issues.
1) If you happen to get a pre-.30 firmware (which is unlikely at this point in time), install Nvflash first and pull the backups. That might save you form not only severe headaches but a pretty stack of dollars too, if the excrement hits the ventilator.
2) Try and see if the unlock tool works. In a relatively large percentage of 700s, it doesn't. That would solve your problem instantly. (You can then proceed to update to the latest stock ROM, but no custom ROM'in' for you then. That << smiley is actually very mean, because that would be some major suck.)
3) Whatever you do, ONLY use the most recent versions of whatever recovery has your preference. Also update the bootloader to the version your ROM of choice requires!
4) Unless you have extensive experience with flashing and ROMs in general, it might be prudent to pick a stock-based ROM (i.e. CROMI-X). If you comfortable with the odd bug here and there, you might try an AOSP/AOKP/CM-based ROM and see if they fit your bill.
CROMI-X has a great OP with all the updates to bootloader and such you'll need.
5) Don't do anything if you're not sure when starting out. The 700 is not particularly easy to brick, but it is relatively hard to fix in some cases that on other devices (Samsung's comes to mind) would just mean reflashing some stuff (in Odin/Heimdall).
Have fun!
Marty
MartyHulskemper said:
Hi, and welcome to the community!
2) Try and see if the unlock tool works. In a relatively large percentage of 700s, it doesn't. That would solve your problem instantly. (You can then proceed to update to the latest stock ROM, but no custom ROM'in' for you then. That << smiley is actually very mean, because that would be some major suck.)
Marty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey mate,
Thanks for the info
With the unlock tool, has anyone reported any issues from trying to use it? If it doesnt work, will it just say it didnt work? I cant brick from just using the tool can I?
Cheers!
jonlad1 said:
Hey mate,
Thanks for the info
With the unlock tool, has anyone reported any issues from trying to use it? If it doesnt work, will it just say it didnt work? I cant brick from just using the tool can I?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't work it just gives some error message. I haven't heard of anyone bricking because the unlock tool failed, so you should be safe there. As far as I'm aware the only issue you'll have from the unlock tool not working is just the fact that you're not going to be unlocked lol.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
jonlad1 said:
Hey guys,
I'm just about to receive my Infinity and have been reading through the posts here. I've read quite a few horror stories about people bricking their tablets, not being able to power it up, etc etc.
I'm not sure what version of Android it'll be running when I get it so I'd like to know what are the things I should really be avoiding when using the lock tool, flashing the boot loader and the rom (cromix :good: )?
From the impression I've got, the device seems very fickle/easy to brick/break. Am I wrong in thinking that?
The TF700 users here seem like a helpful bunch so hopefully I could get a few pointers on things NOT to do....
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with Martin on this:
Until you are sure that your tab is not a lemon with major hardware issues I would not unlock it.
You can root it and start playing around with some more advanced settings in the meantime. Wouldn't it really suck if you unlocked and a day or week later the digitizer would go bad? Asus could say: Sorry, pal - you're unlocked, you're out of warranty.
They have repaired even unlocked devices under warranty, but you can't count on it. And in some cases the repaired tablet came back with a permanently locked bootloader....
So give it a few weeks, in the meantime start reading the relevant thread of your favorite custom ROM(s) to get a feel for them, and familiarize yourself with the process and lingo of flashing.
You could start here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2204100
I feel a little sheepish since we basically hijacked the original thread, but since the original topic is pretty much outdated and not active anymore, I guess it is ok. I kinda walked a user through the whole process of rooting/flashing a custom rom etc.
Start with post #191. In #193 I wrote a step-by-step guide which HeartWare42 fleshed out even more in post #220.
Note anything you don't understand and Google it.
Read 3 times, ask twice, flash once )
berndblb said:
I'm with Martin on this:
Until you are sure that your tab is not a lemon with major hardware issues I would not unlock it.
You can root it and start playing around with some more advanced settings in the meantime. Wouldn't it really suck if you unlocked and a day or week later the digitizer would go bad? Asus could say: Sorry, pal - you're unlocked, you're out of warranty.
They have repaired even unlocked devices under warranty, but you can't count on it. And in some cases the repaired tablet came back with a permanently locked bootloader....
So give it a few weeks, in the meantime start reading the relevant thread of your favorite custom ROM(s) to get a feel for them, and familiarize yourself with the process and lingo of flashing.
You could start here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2204100
I feel a little sheepish since we basically hijacked the original thread, but since the original topic is pretty much outdated and not active anymore, I guess it is ok. I kinda walked a user through the whole process of rooting/flashing a custom rom etc.
Start with post #191. In #193 I wrote a step-by-step guide which HeartWare42 fleshed out even more in post #220.
Note anything you don't understand and Google it.
Read 3 times, ask twice, flash once )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info guys, I'll check the hardware first!
jonlad1 said:
Hey guys,
I'm just about to receive my Infinity and have been reading through the posts here. I've read quite a few horror stories about people bricking their tablets, not being able to power it up, etc etc.
I'm not sure what version of Android it'll be running when I get it so I'd like to know what are the things I should really be avoiding when using the lock tool, flashing the boot loader and the rom (cromix :good: )?
From the impression I've got, the device seems very fickle/easy to brick/break. Am I wrong in thinking that?
The TF700 users here seem like a helpful bunch so hopefully I could get a few pointers on things NOT to do....
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
When I had bought my tf700 I did'nt have a clue what custom rom is.
I was totally naive and ignorant as to Android technology.
I was disappointed with my TF700 performance and lived with it for a couple of months.
Afterwards, I searched the internet until I have found this marvellous forum (which attracts OCDs like the fire attracts moth).
I read and read and read and read, and read more and asked the fine users of this fine forum if I got it all right,
and then one springy night on the end of March 2013, something happened.
A magic...
"I took the red pill" , unlocked my TF700, pushed TWRP and flashed CROMI.
Everything went super.
Ever since then I follow Sbdags CROMI-X thread and keep update my firmware.
Just to remind you - I am not a Computer wizard, my occupation has got almost nothing to do with electronics and I am not a kid (actually I am 37 with many obligations like family and work - so my spare time is scarce).
And here I am - master of my TF700!
So - everything is possible!
And if you follow instructions and restrict yourself to the right method - you can be rest assured you won't brick your device.
Actually It's like cooking: you should find a good recipe and act accordingly.
Cheers
So I finally got it delivered today
It looks good, no damage, screen bleed that i can see. Screen seems fine.
Its running JRO3C.US_epad-10.4.4.25-20121228
JB 4.1.1
I'm not really sure where to go from here - should I wait a few days or just unlock and put CROMI-X on now?
Speed of the system isnt bad, transitions seem a bit slow, havent really installed a bunch of apps yet...
jonlad1 said:
So I finally got it delivered today
It looks good, no damage, screen bleed that i can see. Screen seems fine.
Its running JRO3C.US_epad-10.4.4.25-20121228
JB 4.1.1
I'm not really sure where to go from here - should I wait a few days or just unlock and put CROMI-X on now?
Speed of the system isnt bad, transitions seem a bit slow, havent really installed a bunch of apps yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are itching to do it, right?
I can tell, you can hardly wait....
Well, the rational next step would be to wait a week, or two, or however long you can stand it, and then unlock etc.
But where's the fun in rational, right?
Well, while you decide - why not upgrade it to JB 4.2.1? Saves you a bootloader flash and clean install later....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
berndblb said:
You are itching to do it, right?
I can tell, you can hardly wait....
Well, the rational next step would be to wait a week, or two, or however long you can stand it, and then unlock etc.
But where's the fun in rational, right?
Well, while you decide - why not upgrade it to JB 4.2.1? Saves you a bootloader flash and clean install later....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is 4.2.1 worth the update? I read that 4.2.1 caused a few issues for some people....
I probably will just flash it It feels like it should run quicker, take Maps for example. seems REALLY laggy but on my N7 it was fine?
jonlad1 said:
Is 4.2.1 worth the update? I read that 4.2.1 caused a few issues for some people....
I probably will just flash it It feels like it should run quicker, take Maps for example. seems REALLY laggy but on my N7 it was fine?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JB 4.2 was better for most people, others had issues with Bluetooth tethering and some other stuff...
The reason I recommend you upgrade to stock 4.2 is mainly that then you automatically would have the correct bootloader on our tablet.
For Cromi-X you need the 4.2 bootloader. If you are on 4.1 you have to flash it before you flash Cromi-X, if you are already on 4.2 you're good to go. One less thing that could go wrong....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
berndblb said:
JB 4.2 was better for most people, others had issues with Bluetooth tethering and some other stuff...
The reason I recommend you upgrade to stock 4.2 is mainly that then you automatically would have the correct bootloader on our tablet.
For Cromi-X you need the 4.2 bootloader. If you are on 4.1 you have to flash it before you flash Cromi-X, if you are already on 4.2 you're good to go. One less thing that could go wrong....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That makes sense, I'll get that updated tonight, cheers
Does CROMIx improve the laggy transitions/Maps/Browser?
jonlad1 said:
That makes sense, I'll get that updated tonight, cheers
Does CROMIx improve the laggy transitions/Maps/Browser?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It improves e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
berndblb said:
It improves e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SOLD!
jonlad1 said:
SOLD!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will not be disappointed. Welcome to the OCFD corner.
Now that I think of it: http://hope4ocd.com/checklist.php is missing the "Needing the have the latest and greatest x.x.xxxxx version of your ROM", or "Needing to flash at least 5 ROMs a week". Can we petition that?
Hmm, I just tried to update via OTA and it said my system is up to date? I'm on 4.1.1?
EDIT - ok, updated manually. Trying to use the unlock tool but getting "Unkown Error. This may be a connection issue" - is that what'll happen if it's not gonna work for me?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
You could have got the Nook HD+ 32GB for $180 and dead easy to root and put CM 10.1 or Carbon on it and no concern of bricking it. Stock 2.1 on the HD+ is barely ok (very barely), but CM 10.1 rocks.
A little smaller tablet, but same great display resolution. I use this more than my iPad 4 now, which is both a compliment to the HD+ and an insult to how much I paid for the iPad 4.
jonlad1 said:
Hmm, I just tried to update via OTA and it said my system is up to date? I'm on 4.1.1?
EDIT - ok, updated manually. Trying to use the unlock tool but getting "Unkown Error. This may be a connection issue" - is that what'll happen if it's not gonna work for me?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, when I had this problem, I just tried to run the app every day for a week oe so and it eventually works, but others have had to use tricks. Use the search for unlock, you will find several ideas about fixing it.

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