Asus Transformer Prime users report teething GPS problems
The Asus Transformer Prime pioneer users, who just got their machines recently, are reportedly coming across one of these problems that often arise with the first devices of a given chipset, despite all the QA testing companies do. The first quad-core tablet, powered by NVIDIA's Tegra 3 silicon, seemingly has issues with its GPS signal lock and tracking.
Granted, it is an aluminum-clad slate, which usually stands in the way of receiving signals from the proverbial ether, but the fact that Asus removed the GPS listing from the Transformer Prime's specs doesn't bode well for a simple or quick resolution of the matter. Here is the official company comment sent to a user, who probed them about the GPS conundrum.
Dear Valued Customer,
Some scenarios you may encounter when experiencing weak GPS performance:
1. Using the GPS while traveling in a car: The roof of a car, the insulation, bridges and other factors can affect signal reception.
2. High density areas with large buildings and structures that can block line of sight communication with GPS satellites.
Thank you for contacting ASUS Customer Service.
The ASUS Transformer Prime is made from a metallic unibody design, so the material may affect the performance of the GPS when receiving signals from satellites.
Please note that this product is not a professional GPS device and signal performance can be easily influenced by factors including, but not limited to: weather, buildings and your surrounding environment.
Please understand there are some limitations when using the GPS function.
There is a whole XDA thread created about the problem, and Asus reps have apparently also suggested things like first locking your position while in a Wi-Fi range, but some users are reporting locking up to 9 satellites and still not being able to get tracked, so there could be deeper issues at play here.
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