If you own an Asus Transformer Prime tablet, then you will probably have heard about the GPS issues on the device. Asus’s solution to this was to give all owners of the device a free GPS dongle to correct the issue.
Asus let owners of the Transformer Prime tablet register for their free GPS dongle last week, and it looks like the first ones have started shipping out to users of the tablet.
The add-on GPS dongle is supposed to fix the GPS problem that the previous firmware updates did not. If you have received the GPS dongle, leave a comment and let us know whether or not it has fixed the issue.
Background on the GPS Issue
The Asus Transformer Prime was one of the first tablets to feature a quad-core processor, making it a highly anticipated device upon its release. However, users quickly discovered that the tablet had significant issues with its GPS functionality. The problem stemmed from the tablet’s all-metal design, which interfered with the GPS signal reception. Despite several firmware updates aimed at resolving the issue, the problem persisted, leading Asus to offer a hardware solution in the form of a GPS dongle.
User Experiences and Feedback
Many users have reported mixed experiences with the GPS dongle. Some have found that the dongle significantly improves GPS performance, allowing for accurate location tracking and navigation. Others, however, have noted that while the dongle does help, it is not a perfect solution and can be cumbersome to use. The dongle attaches to the tablet’s proprietary port, which means it cannot be used simultaneously with other accessories that require the same port.
For example, John, a user from California, mentioned that the GPS dongle allowed him to use his Transformer Prime for navigation during a road trip, something that was previously impossible. On the other hand, Sarah from New York found the dongle to be an inconvenient addition, as it made the tablet less portable and more difficult to handle.
Alternative Solutions and Future Updates
While the GPS dongle has provided a temporary fix for many users, some are still hoping for a more permanent solution. There have been discussions in online forums about potential software updates that could further improve GPS performance without the need for additional hardware. However, Asus has not confirmed any such updates as of now.
In the meantime, some users have turned to third-party apps and external GPS devices to enhance their tablet’s GPS capabilities. Apps like GPS Status & Toolbox can help diagnose and improve GPS performance, while external Bluetooth GPS receivers offer an alternative for those who find the dongle unsatisfactory.
The GPS issue on the Asus Transformer Prime has been a significant drawback for an otherwise impressive device. While the free GPS dongle offered by Asus has provided a solution for many users, it is not without its limitations. The mixed feedback highlights the need for a more integrated and user-friendly fix. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Asus and other manufacturers address similar issues in future devices.
If you have received the GPS dongle, leave a comment and let us know whether or not it has fixed the issue.
Source The Verge
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