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Devs: Asus Transformer Prime has locked bootloader

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 02 Jan 2012 8:11 User comments (6)

Devs: Asus Transformer Prime has locked bootloader Asus' new quad-core tablet appears to have a locked bootloader, much to the ire of developers.
Members of the XDA forums have posted that the Prime has a 128-bit encrypted bootloader, making it a lot tougher for interested devs to create and run custom ROMs on the tablet.

Motorola has had locked bootloaders for some time now, and HTC recently switched their stance and released software to unlock the bootloader on phones like the HTC Sensation. All future models will not be locked, said HTC CEO Peter Chou. The company's decision came directly after angry devs posted their disdain on sites like XDA.



The Transformer Prime, arguably the best tablet ever built, has the following specs:

Nvidia Quad-Core Tegra 3 Processor
Additional 5th core to reduce power consumption when 2 or 4 cores are not needed
10.1″ IPS+ display with Corning Gorilla Glass and 178 degree viewing angle
1 GB RAM (LP DDR2)
8 megapixel auto-focus rear camera with 1080P video capture and large F2.4 aperature
1.2 megapixel front-facing camera for video conferencing
12 hours of battery life, up to 18 hours when paired with the keyboard dock
2 color schemes: Amethyst Gray and Champagne Gold
2 storage options: 32GB and 64GB ($499 and $599 price points) with expandable storage via microSD
8.3 millimeters thick, weighs in at 1.29 lbs.

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6 user comments

12.1.2012 21:59

order my on amazon expecting delivery on February... Im a sucker for new tech, sold my tab 10.1 for mere 300 dollars to get this, little disappointed for the extra waiting, no tablet is a tough time, so use to it.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 02 Jan 2012 @ 10:00

23.1.2012 00:06

Just a question, is an 8 megapixel camera really necessary on the back of a tablet?

I mean, sure why not, but do people actually use tablets for taking pictures?

33.1.2012 03:01

ASUS Transformer Prime: The "Unlock Our Bootloader" petition http://androids.ac/74f

43.1.2012 03:19

Originally posted by Morreale:
Just a question, is an 8 megapixel camera really necessary on the back of a tablet?

I mean, sure why not, but do people actually use tablets for taking pictures?
Its just another benefit over other tablets. I'd much rather have an HD front facing camera, but oh well or a crummy camera and pass on the savings to the consumer. Chances are if you have this tablet, you probably have a smartphone with as good of a camera and ease of use with the form factor.

53.1.2012 07:53

I use my tablet as a main cammera, but I'm weird.

63.1.2012 15:39

I have one question........."why lock the bootloader" WHY WHY WHY WHY Asus? Anybody give me one reason that I can have in my head please.

From a tech/business perspective, I just don't know why they'd do this. Perhaps they think they're forcing people into buying something else? Maybe they don't want to support the fallout from modding?? That can't be as the Amazon reviews state that Asus support just sucks!

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