Browser2Ram Fixes Transformer Prime TF201, TF700T, TF300T Browser Not Responding

Word is that SQLlite performance is still atrocious with the new Transfomrer Prime update.  This means that the Browser likely isn't fixed and that the update is focused around the new Tegra 3 Drivers NVIDIA released. 

Sources close to ASUS claim that the next next update in the pipeline will likely focus on device storage issues with the prime which are so bad that many tech experts claim there is no way it couldn't be related to firmware.  Devices that are a few years older than the Prime will run circles around the Prime in terms of storage performance.

So with that out of the way lets talk about fixes.  I ran across Browser2Ram in a few posts.  Honestly they were mostly cryptic and it was quite hard to find this amazing APK.  I did not create it but I fucking endorse it.  It takes the Prime from one of the worst browsing experiences to one of the best by taking the main bottleneck of the TF201 out of the equation.

Browser2Ram works by caching webdata to RAM rather than the as of now shitty SSD on the Prime. Here's how to get your Prime Browsing like a champ!

1. You will need to have root access on your transformer prime to utilize this APK.
2. Download Browser2Ram APK
3. Install
4. Open Browser2RAM and grant Superuser Request (may not always ask on first opening but wait for a bit)
5. Reboot
6. Open Browser2Ram and grant Superuser Request
7. Start using browser, Browser2Ram is now set for further use
8. ???
9. Profit
10. ???
11. Watch RG3 and the Redskins return to preeminence over the next decade if the Mayan Apocalypse doesn't happen.

I will try to get some info for the developer up here ASAP.  This is so good that if the dev is a Giants or even a Cowboys fan I'll even take down #11 although I think we all know its true.

Update 6/27/2012:  The Dev is "TheOnionKnight" at XDA you can find his original post here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=25286407

Update 10/2/2012: This works perfectly on the TF700T / TF700 Infinity. 

TF201 Transformer Prime Update Update .28

.28 update is now in testing, fixing some minor issues from .25.  Expect a mid june or earlier release.

Here are some tidbits:

1. android 4.03
2. Not yet Linux 3 Kernel
3. ANR Browser issue is number one target fix.
4. Does not fix SSD performance
5. Nvidia Drivers Likely main update

source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1681469&page=10

TF201 GPS Dongle Works!



From inside a metal building

I got my dongle in earlier than expected 4/22/12. It worked GREAT.  It is seamless, once you enable GPS it automatically utilizes the Dongle's Radios.   No GPS Data Transferred via bluetooth, no need for clumsy software. 

I was also impressed with the ASUS packaging of the dongle.  Almost retail in nature.  I wonder if they will sell these in countries where GPS wasn't listed as a feature and who aren't eligible for the Dongle.

I highly recommend taking the stickers off both sides of the dongle.  Other than that it matches your TF201 Color and appears to be made out of plastic with a straight line polish and exposed mini torq screws (I believe).

Cliff Notes:

• Reboot if you have issues after first use
• Insanely good GPS Reception -- think 30' within a metal building
• No software, use it just like onboard GPS
• Lock is manually actuated vs keyboard
• Some cases won't fit

Possible TF201 Performance Bottlenecks (aka Why is my Prime Slow?)

here are some consensus ideas and some of my own observations regarding what may cause the TF201 browser to "Wait to Respond" and the overall choppy performance of the Tegra 3 in the TF201, TF300, TF700.  To fix this I've been using the latest version of Opera 12 Labs, but honestly it's not perfect. (I think Adobe should try to make a mobile browser...)

1. Nvidia Drivers that aren't fully optimized yet
1. Especially evident when switching performance modes 
2. Should be addressed in future firmware update
2. Overly Aggressive Power Gating
1. Run on performance mode unless you actually need to save the power for something
3. Slow NAND Storage
1. This could be an issue with cue length of accessing NAND based Cache
1. Might be able to solve with Firmware update or by forcing to utilize Fast MicroSD
4. Browser Parallel Processing Algorithm that is too "passive"
1. Hopefully ASUS will issue an update that allows for a "performance" browsing mode
2. The load presented to the Tegra 3 is distributed across multiple cores
3. But it is a little too hesitant to "drop the hammer" on one to four cores as needed
4. Snapdragons actually do the opposite running on one core up to full speed more of the time and kicking in the second core when absolutely necessary. 
5. Android has a way to go
1. Android is still a phone OS in many ways.  ICS brings the ability to run many apps stably but some lack of features make me miss Desktop based GUIs.
2. I also think there is a lot of tracking of information and background processes compared to what should be running on a clean full OS. 
1. We've gotten used to this because of phones
1. but why do we need to give up such data on a Tablet?
2. Still light compared to a full OS background load
3. Perhaps a minor reason iOS is a bit faster is because apps don't load themselves and digest your data on their own
1. yes I know you opt in but every program asks for way too much data, and google tracks too much. 
2. Microsoft & Apple doesn't know every app you have on your computers
3. Needs to be cleaner and sleeker in terms of file management and sophisticated code handling execution

Any other ideas? 

Asus eee pad Transformer Prime .21 Root Locked Bootloader

4.30.12 Update: ROOT IS BACK!

Basically we are going to revert to .15 Root, install Rootkeeper and then update:

Original Directions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1622628
Execute Method #2.  Only you are responsible for damage to your device. 

How To Root .21 

ORIGINAL OUTDATED POST BELOW:
Still no word on root yet for locked bootloader devices.  Personally I think google just did an about face with its open source policy by requiring ASUS to lock and encrypt the bootloader.  I had this device when the bootloader was still unlocked.  I do not want to unlock my bootloader as it voids the warranty. 

The only way to achieve root on .21 at this time is to use Rootkeeper before upgrading or to unlock and root with a rooted rom.  On my HTC phone this wasn't an issue, but my prime creaks when I tap it certain ways and it makes me want to hold on to that warranty.  Once I do unlock I will want to try out UNBUNTU and a ROM that supports dual windows.  (Why?  --- Privacy Concerns, Real OS).  Check out what's cooking for the TF201 at XDA.

I think there is a small possibility that ASUS allows unlock without losing warranty soon.  Why--

1. Other Manufactures do it, including those with comparable tegra 3 devices
2. Essentially they are selling the equivalent of windows without administrator privileges at some point the government may step in and regulate
3. There are obviously a significant number of users with pure hardware issues, this can be surmised from the low delivery/yield numbers and high return rates. 
1. ASUS has already faced one lawsuit over the tf201 functioning, they need to buy some "goodwill" if they don't want to get hit with more because they are in an actionable position
1. best case scenario for ASUS they spend millions on a winning defense with no recourse for attorneys fees
2. worst case could be a forced recall

This wait feels like forever just because the browser is so terrible.  I feel like I need to overclock this thing as the browser's borderline personality takes its mental toll on you.  After all this thing is a quad core isn't it.  My HTC Rezound equipped with S3 Snapdragon loads web pages faster and more stably.  By all accounts the Tegra 3 is a superior processor. 

Hopefully ASUS can embrace the developer community and start integrating some of their updated code which may actually help them fix the random reboots and terrible browsing which they have been unable to adequately address thus far.

Upcoming. Read about possible causes of Transformer Prime and tf300 slowdown

ASUS to Provide Free GPS Dongle to Fix Transformer Prime GPS

Update: ASUS giving customers GPS Dongle is confirmed. I've ordered mine, see official ASUS transcript below.  However, the process hasn't been officially announced yet.  Try to sign up at ASUS' members area if your new there and maybe you can order it. Please don't ask ASUS for support yet but do consider it confirmed that ASUS will make your transformer prime tf201GPS work in the very near future.
 
Over at XDA there is credible evidence to suggest that ASUS will be releasing a GPS Dongle to Transformer Prime owners, thus taking the tablet to promised original specification.  If the rumors are right expect news to be announced around mid-april about a process for owners to receive their GPS dongles.  Interface is unknown but I'd expect Bluetooth with an NMEA-183 (iirc) stream.  UPDATE: See below for source, but apparently the ASUS GPS dongle plugs into the charging connector and is flush fit and matching color, think keyboard hinge but smaller in width and without the rest of the dock.

Gary Key had mentioned that he had a big announcement regarding the Transformer Prime.  Perhaps this is what he is referring to.  .21 has made my Transformer Prime tf201 more stable.  As an aside I have been really enjoying the dock.  The updates ASUS has rolled out and continues to with addressing some browser lag are commendable.  Although perhaps a nuisance to keep root, which is nice since the Tegra 3 in the TF201 can hit 1.6GHz on all cores.

This is really solid news by a company who's products I've used for years.  I loved their X58 solution mobos.  I think this reflects really well on ASUS' commitment to customer service and is revealing of their corporate qualities. In fact I've been more impressed with ASUS then Google recently, but that's another post.

Although my prime isn't perfect its definitely a premium device.  Once these tegra driver issues are worked out I believe this thing will fly.  The docking station makes this device a game changer, and the dock is absolutely beautiful with a fantastic keyboard.  Very highend kit.  Build quality exceeding my phones.  I'm looking forward to reviewing their PadPhone. 

Thanks (in advanced) for fixing GPS ASUS!

Update xda link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1584213 see page 3 for a description. Not bt as I originally speculated, its been described by a testing group member (on page 3)  as  keyboard hinged styl3. 

Here's a transcript of the official ASUS message from their VIP Members Area-- once again THANKS ASUS

"Thank you for purchasing the ASUS Eee Transformer Prime TF201, and helping to make it the most popular Android based tablet since its launch in December 2011. We greatly appreciate feedback from our valued customers about our products, and take it very seriously. The response to the TF201 generally has been overwhelmingly positive, but we understand that, in certain regions, the GPS functionality has not met some user’s expectations. Free Dongle! At ASUS, we are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality products and services, and our customers’ experience is important to us. Although the TF201 is not a professional GPS device, as part of our unwavering commitment to our customers we are offering all customers who purchased a TF201 system a free external GPS extension kit, called a dongle, which may help improve signal reception and optimize the user experience. We are pleased to announce this offer as part of our commitment to customer service, but it does not replace, alter or amend any existing warranties you may have.We also encourage you to contact ASUS customer support in your local region directly if you are experiencing GPS related problems. ASUS prides itself on delivering an unrivalled user experience, and we offer our sincere apologies for any inconvenience that our customers may have encountered."

First post using TF201 Docking Station

I can't review this because I'm just starting to use this but I can see I'm typing faster than I would on a virtual keyboard.  I attempted to type all the words from racks but I was a little behind and after the thirty repetition of "racks" I decided it was past time to quit.  But what to quit was the question.  A little different then windows but overall this is a slick combo.  The whole package is smaller than a mac book air, and perhaps more powerful than all but the latest generations. 
Overall I haven't hit the touchpad accidentally and although they keyboard has a trackpad I'm finding that I often use the touchpad unless I'm navigating desktop websites or copying text.
This is a really great combination.  I would suggest that Jelly Beans or whatever the next android is should includ support for 2 portrait mode applications running side by side.  The ability to switch between programs by looking at a different part of the screen adds a lot to productivity and is something windows outdoes android with. 

Fix Transformer Prime GPS by Tethering Phone GPS to Tablet

Lets be clear, the TF201, or asus eeepad transformer prime release was not executed at a high level.  Many early models had wifi issues due to manufacturing issues with the diversity antennas, that seems to be fixed now.  All Primes have a GPS that is inherently ineffective due to poor antenna design.  If yours gets some satellites while standing still that's a win.  It is not effective enough to navigate even on a boat in the ocean with just a canvas top blocking the sky. 

I gave up trying to fix the GPS and was happy that my WIFI worked so well.  When I bought my prime GPS was still listed as a feature, I've been really lucky to have this tablet since the beginning of 2012, and have enjoyed it immensely.  I realized a BT GPS solution was possible after working with some iPad's set up for ocean navigation.  I decided one day to stream the GPS from a phone over BT to the transformer prime, and I couldn't be happier with the results. 

Here's the step by step to setup GPS BT Streaming to a TF201 (although it is applicable to many tablets including an iPad with suitable changes to the instructions). 

1) root the PHONE (not the Tablet)

2) download "Bluetooth GPS" on the prime (or tablet) by googoo android. This will receive the GPS signal over bluetooth. 

 

3) enable mock locations under developer settings on the prime settings

 4) download a GPS to Bluetooth app on the PHONE.  There are several

4.1) I use "Bluetooth gps" by meowsbox free trial 1.49 full version

 4.2) you will need to grant su privileges to the GPS to Bluetooth app you use

 4.3) some apps work better with certain phones

 5) start GPS and gps streaming utilizing utility from #4 on the phone

 6) pair phone and prime under bluetooth settings, in the settings menu of both tech.

 7) open up Bluetooth GPS on the prime choose the PHONE from the dropdown source menu and click connect

8) you should now be able to utilize GPS as if it were native on the prime

 8.1) you can see feed from bluetooth gps, see sats with GPS test, utilize maps or special nav charts e.g. boats planes etc.

Let me know if I skipped a step or can make this clearer.

Tf201 .15 update released

New transformer prime update available ota .15 as of posting date in USA. 

asus coming out with .15 update soon to further address rebooting problem on tf201

As title indicates

Gameloft makes more gsmes compatible with transformer prime tf201

As title indicates gameloft has officially supported more games on the tf201.  Hopefully more to come, 9mm is currently supported, mc3 not yet.

Transformer Prime Tf201 unlocked bootloader tool released by asus

As Asus promised after backlash for locking the bootloader , an unlock boot loader tool had been released.  This is exciting news for devs as the best tablet currently available, despite its issues, could benefit from homegrown roms. I believe Asus will void warranties if this tool is utilized, proceed accordingly with a device that does have some nagging issues to be worked out.
http://support.asus.com/Download.aspx?SLanguage=en&m=Eee+Pad+Transformer+Prime+TF201&p=20&s=16
There seems to be a lot of recent dev activity over at xda and similar for Google's current android flagship device.

.14 update ota tf201

There's a new update for transformer prime users.  Asynchronous cpu clocks and more low level stability from driver changes.  Haven't had to wait on the browser but I still have occasional last used apps screen flicker while widgets on screen.
Battery stats now reportedly working.  Much more stable than the transformer prime .13 update. Suspected longer battery life though wifi toggling is at times needed to reconnect to last network. Forums http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1501784