Transformer Prime ICS update coming on 12 January, unlocked to follow boot loader, GPS is not good

We have some good news and bad news for ASUS transformer of primer owners and future buyers. The company was only a precise time frame for the Android 4.0 ice cream sandwich update for its slate and it's gone either not too far.

The ICS update rollout for the transformer Prime on 12 January, is only 9 days away. The company also said that it already to release a tool that you use to unlock the Tegra 3 driven animal bootloaders and the custom ROMs get up and running.

Now for the bad news. Unlock of the bootloader means that kiss your warranty for reunion - a movement, the unlikely that ASUS is to win many friends among the developer community. But since install custom firmwares raises your warranty on any Smartphone (and if you install not so, why would you mess with your boot loader in the first place), we do not think that this will become too large a problem.

What could be a bit problematic, the Asus is transformer Prime GPS performance. "Early Adopters" have trouble getting a correct GPS lock with and according to ASUS with this problem in the hardware of the device.

According to the manufacturer, the metal shell of the transformer-Prime is the reason why its GPS performance is less than stellar. Now, there is quite an outrageous assertion as quad-Prime is not the first metal device not all of them are problems around and I am sure GPS. However, it is good to know that an update that you are not going to come, saw someone in the event to replace their car navigation with an ASUS tablet. The company even promised to remove the function of the transformer Prime information to avoid confusion.

For everyone else from the transformer, Prime is probably still there is an excellent device and it is all the sweeter in 9 days, when it comes to taste Android 4.0 ICS.

The Eee Pad Transformer Prime’s origami covers hit the shelves to bring stylish protection to the quad-core tablet

The iPad 2's Smart Cover is a pretty recognizable accessory for Apple’s tablet, but earlier this month we saw the Android equivalent crop up in the form of a product simply known as ‘Sleeve’.

Intended for the Eee Pad Transformer Prime and made in house by Asus, the new protective cover has arrived online and is ready and waiting for those planning on picking up the quad-core endowed droid tablet right now.

Formerly known simply as ‘Sleeve’ the new Asus origami covers bring a little more style, functionality and protection to the EPTP. The unusual folding design makes for an attractive stand and the cover itself clips in neatly along the side of the Prime.

Perhaps not as elegant as the iPad 2's magnetic clasp it might be, but safer to use the physical mechanism than risk the chance of infringing on another patent Apple undoubtedly own.

These origami covers come in a variety of Neapolitan pastels and are available on Amazon for $39.99.

Hasbro comes up and sues Asus over the Transformer brand

Since the announcement of the Asus Transformer Prime, I’m sure many of you were wondering what Hasbro thinks about this. Well, the thinking seems to be over – Hasbro is taking Asus to court.

Hasbro is the owner of the Transformers trademark, all the characters and most importantly the most popular transformer – Optimus Prime.

Hasbro took its time (almost three months) before taking actions against Asus. The Transformer tablets have gained much popularity already and although they are not record-breaking bestsellers, they sure do get a lot of press.

No matter which side I look at this, it seems to me Hasbro is probably right – it is one thing to name your tablet the Transformer, but a whole different case naming its successor the Transformer Prime. It totally steps into this grey territory if indirect referencing to the popular toy.

It is yet to see how the things will turn out for Hasbro and Asus. All this mess should be settled out of court, otherwise Asus will most probably lose.

Asus Transformer Prime preorders from Amazon now shipping

Asus delivered on their promise to make the Transformer Prime available on 19th December and users who placed a pre-order on Amazon.com got their shipping notifications over the past couple of days. The quad-core tablet is now on its way to its first US adopters and just as rumors, takers aren’t in short supply.

The other major retailer that will sell the Transformer Prime in the US, Best Buy, is also expected to start shipping the first orders this week, so units should arrive in time for Christmas.

Smaller US retailers should also be getting the next Android top dog slate by the end of the week, so obviously the rumors we heard yesterday about Asus not being able to cope with the initial demand were a bit exaggerated.

If any of you has been lucky enough to have received their Transformer Prime already, do not hesitate to drop us a line in the comments section and share what you think of it.