[Q] New Owner of Transformer TF300T

[Lummers]

Hi everyone, great threads on this forum and it's helped guided me with a lot of questions that I've been facing.

So my wonderful gf bought me this tablet as a surprise last week, I've greatly enjoyed it.
But I'm still a little tossed up on it, the experience with the tablet has been mixed.

At times it's great speedy, responsive, and probably providing me with the best first time experience with a Android based tablet.
Other times not so much, I do understand this is a year old tablet, not the latest and greatest (as far as the RAM goes, display can be a little better but still awesome). So at times it would be sloooooooooooow, and chuggish.

I remember reading on the forum somewhere forgot who posted it, but they were comparing a Samsung Note/Galaxy to this and it's night and day at times, games would be running a lot more smoother on those units then this one. (which I've come across when I was showing off to my cousins and they had a Note, showoff failed)

So I just have a couple of questions and maybe you guys can all help me with a few suggestions.

Is this table worth keeping? Or do I wait for the next generation of the Transformer to come out?

Should I root/custom Rom for a better experience? But then again, shouldn't a brand new out of a box tablet give me that optimum experience already?

I've searched and read multiple threads and it's given me somewhat of a direction.

But waiting for a brand new tablet with Tegra4 + more RAM otw could also be more worthwhile.....

My gf paid retail value for this tablet (which is pretty steep up in Canada 500$?), so I'm just trying to see what would be the best...either I return and wait up? or Root/Rom and try the new experience.

I know I've been a little vague,but I really don't know what else to add as I'm still a FOB (fresh on the boat :fingers-crossed with Android Tablets.

I guess, am I expecting too much out of a unit that is a year old?

 

[frankgreimes]

Hi everyone, great threads on this forum and it's helped guided me with a lot of questions that I've been facing.

So my wonderful gf bought me this tablet as a surprise last week, I've greatly enjoyed it.
But I'm still a little tossed up on it, the experience with the tablet has been mixed.

At times it's great speedy, responsive, and probably providing me with the best first time experience with a Android based tablet.
Other times not so much, I do understand this is a year old tablet, not the latest and greatest (as far as the RAM goes, display can be a little better but still awesome). So at times it would be sloooooooooooow, and chuggish.

I remember reading on the forum somewhere forgot who posted it, but they were comparing a Samsung Note/Galaxy to this and it's night and day at times, games would be running a lot more smoother on those units then this one. (which I've come across when I was showing off to my cousins and they had a Note, showoff failed)

So I just have a couple of questions and maybe you guys can all help me with a few suggestions.

Is this table worth keeping? Or do I wait for the next generation of the Transformer to come out?

Should I root/custom Rom for a better experience? But then again, shouldn't a brand new out of a box tablet give me that optimum experience already?

I've searched and read multiple threads and it's given me somewhat of a direction.

But waiting for a brand new tablet with Tegra4 + more RAM otw could also be more worthwhile.....

My gf paid retail value for this tablet (which is pretty steep up in Canada 500$?), so I'm just trying to see what would be the best...either I return and wait up? or Root/Rom and try the new experience.

I know I've been a little vague,but I really don't know what else to add as I'm still a FOB (fresh on the boat :fingers-crossed with Android Tablets.

I guess, am I expecting too much out of a unit that is a year old?

Welcome on board, I've had the same experience like you with the tablet so I am going to provide you with some thoughts of mine, there is also a thread called "would you buy this tablet again" somewere.

I'd highly recommend using an app called clean-master it's basically Androids counterpart to the famous CCleaner on a pc, whenever the tablet feels slow/laggy run it.

The display is ok, but like you said it could and should be brighter with a higher PPI but since it's more of a budget tablet Asus had to cut costs somewhere.

Better experience:
Rooting and flashing a custom ROM would be a good way to get a way better experience out of this thing. After receiving mine baack I've installed Paranoid 3.99 althoug it's not the official release it is very stable, responsible and offers a lot of customization options, stock Android ones are heavily lacking. You can also overclock this thing without any worries for example mine is running at 1,5 ghz right now and the experience is way better then before although for most of my stuff already to fast, since I am only doing notes, browsing and emailes on my tablets.

If I were you, I would wait for the TF 701 release:
Screen: 300ppi 2560 x 1600 resolution
inside: 2 gb RAM 1,9 ghz Tegra 4 cpu
according to Asus it will cost 499 $ with an included dock station, like all Asus tablets it offers an SD slot hopefully on the tablet and the dock

If you are looking for even more power the next note from Samsung might be worth a look, the screen quality will be the same but it comes with powerful 3 GB of RAM, so perfect for multitasking if you need it the downside is Samsung is looking at a 699 $ pricetag.

Hope that helps and welcome aboard

 

[Lummers]

Welcome on board, I've had the same experience like you with the tablet so I am going to provide you with some thoughts of mine, there is also a thread called "would you buy this tablet again" somewere.

I'd highly recommend using an app called clean-master it's basically Androids counterpart to the famous CCleaner on a pc, whenever the tablet feels slow/laggy run it.

The display is ok, but like you said it could and should be brighter with a higher PPI but since it's more of a budget tablet Asus had to cut costs somewhere.

Better experience:
Rooting and flashing a custom ROM would be a good way to get a way better experience out of this thing. After receiving mine baack I've installed Paranoid 3.99 althoug it's not the official release it is very stable, responsible and offers a lot of customization options, stock Android ones are heavily lacking. You can also overclock this thing without any worries for example mine is running at 1,5 ghz right now and the experience is way better then before although for most of my stuff already to fast, since I am only doing notes, browsing and emailes on my tablets.

If I were you, I would wait for the TF 701 release:
Screen: 300ppi 2560 x 1600 resolution
inside: 2 gb RAM 1,9 ghz Tegra 4 cpu
according to Asus it will cost 499 $ with an included dock station, like all Asus tablets it offers an SD slot hopefully on the tablet and the dock

If you are looking for even more power the next note from Samsung might be worth a look, the screen quality will be the same but it comes with powerful 3 GB of RAM, so perfect for multitasking if you need it the downside is Samsung is looking at a 699 $ pricetag.

Hope that helps and welcome aboard

I've been following that thread Is it still worth buying this tablet extensively, it's been very very informative.

From what I got after reading that thread is that a lot of people are happy with this tablet.

I've decided to keep this tablet for now, and if/when the next generation one does come out, maybe I'll pawn this off and hopefully get that one.

Would you guys be able to guide me into which thread might have a list of roms that I may find that may be suitable for me?

As well as which information you would need from me to help you with a selection.

Thank you guys.

 

[frankgreimes]

I've been following that thread Is it still worth buying this tablet extensively, it's been very very informative.

From what I got after reading that thread is that a lot of people are happy with this tablet.

I've decided to keep this tablet for now, and if/when the next generation one does come out, maybe I'll pawn this off and hopefully get that one.

Would you guys be able to guide me into which thread might have a list of roms that I may find that may be suitable for me?

As well as which information you would need from me to help you with a selection.

Thank you guys.

Personally I am still undecided in terms of waiting for the TF 701 or even the next generation, if Asus does I can see them packing it with 4 gig of RAM and then we can really talk about multi tasking but the TF 701 looks really great from what I've seen and read so undecided.

In terms of ROM I am big fan of Cyanogenmod and Paranoid, both are offering great customization options, superuser abilities right from the installing and of course a much smoother experience than stock Android.

Paranoid has an unofficial 3.99 (Android 4.3) build currently and Cyanogenmod is offering Nightly builds, since both aren't official releases some things might not work yet but they are for the most part stable. I would manually install them and use a tool like goomanager for flashing/updating the ROM if available.

 

[Lummers]

Personally I am still undecided in terms of waiting for the TF 701 or even the next generation, if Asus does I can see them packing it with 4 gig of RAM and then we can really talk about multi tasking but the TF 701 looks really great from what I've seen and read so undecided.

In terms of ROM I am big fan of Cyanogenmod and Paranoid, both are offering great customization options, superuser abilities right from the installing and of course a much smoother experience than stock Android.

Paranoid has an unofficial 3.99 (Android 4.3) build currently and Cyanogenmod is offering Nightly builds, since both aren't official releases some things might not work yet but they are for the most part stable. I would manually install them and use a tool like goomanager for flashing/updating the ROM if available.

I'm a little torn as well....the TF701 does look amazing spec wise...I'm still contemplating if I should return and grab that one....but my first tablet...kind of want to pop my Root/Custom rom cherry with this one as I've read great reviews about it from everyone on the forum so far. :good:

Is there a thread/site that you can kindly guide me to so I can take a look at these ROM's to see what they offer me and which one might suite me the best?

As well would I be able to retain the Asus Apps or would it be a clean slate ROM?

Still a little lost on some of these ROM options, and if I didn't like the ROM's is it possible to go back to factory defaults?

Thanks once again, much appreciated.

 

[frankgreimes]

I'm a little torn as well....the TF701 does look amazing spec wise...I'm still contemplating if I should return and grab that one....but my first tablet...kind of want to pop my Root/Custom rom cherry with this one as I've read great reviews about it from everyone on the forum so far. :good:

Is there a thread/site that you can kindly guide me to so I can take a look at these ROM's to see what they offer me and which one might suite me the best?

As well would I be able to retain the Asus Apps or would it be a clean slate ROM?

Still a little lost on some of these ROM options, and if I didn't like the ROM's is it possible to go back to factory defaults?

Thanks once again, much appreciated.

Things to make sure before doing that:

1. Use the right version for your bootloader of either Clock Work Mod oder Team Win Recovery Projects
2. Backup all your important apps with Titanium Backup Pro

Links Cyanogenmod, Paranoid is also known as AOSPA you can get it here they used to have an official website but can't find it right now also you are going to find a lot of versions including the newest in the Development section of this forum.

You can also use the GooManager to flash/update your ROMS, especially useful if you are using nightly builds for Cyanogenmod

as for the Asus Apps:

It really depends what you need, personally I've done a full app backup and only restored the ones I sometimes use such as livebackgrounds, if so mething important is still missing I'll just restore it using Titanium Backup

Going back to your "usual Asus ROM" is rather easy:

Just use CWM or TWRP and select the Restore option

Before installing a new ROM:
Do a davlik/system/cache/data wipe, I would not recommend to wipe the whole internal or external sd card because all your data will be lost so be careful there

I am sure there are people who can give you a way better introduction on all the available Roms than me, since I am just stickong to the ones that work perfect for me and I am only having this tablet since may so good luck

 

[Lummers]

Things to make sure before doing that:

1. Use the right version for your bootloader of eitherClock Work Mod oder Team Win Recovery Projects
2. Backup all your important apps with Titanium Backup Pro

Links Cyanogenmod, Paranoid is also known as AOSPA you can get it here they used to have an official website but can't find it right now also you are going to find a lot of versions including the newest in the Development section of this forum.

You can also use the GooManager to flash/update your ROMS, especially useful if you are using nightly builds for Cyanogenmod

as for the Asus Apps:

It really depends what you need, personally I've done a full app backup and only restored the ones I sometimes use such as livebackgrounds, if so mething important is still missing I'll just restore it using Titanium Backup

Going back to your "usual Asus ROM" is rather easy:

Just use CWM or TWRP and select the Restore option

Before installing a new ROM:
Do a davlik/system/cache/data wipe, I would not recommend to wipe the whole internal or external sd card because all your data will be lost so be careful there

I am sure there are people who can give you a way better introduction on all the available Roms than me, since I am just stickong to the ones that work perfect for me and I am only having this tablet since may so good luck

Awesome!! :good:

You've been of great help.

I'll browse around those ones for sure and take a look and learn some more before doing anything.

Are there any other steps I would need to do prior to flashing a rom?

I've been reading unlocking the unit before flashing the ROM? Not too sure what that is about.

As usual Thanks!

 

[frankgreimes]

Awesome!! :good:

You've been of great help.

I'll browse around those ones for sure and take a look and learn some more before doing anything.

Are there any other steps I would need to do prior to flashing a rom?

I've been reading unlocking the unit before flashing the ROM? Not too sure what that is about.

As usual Thanks!

Glad, I've helped you

Steps you need
1. rooted tablet just search for motorshoper here - just subscribe to the thread it's an awesome tool to get superuser "root" access
2. download the bootloader unlocker from the Asus webpage

should work flawlessly if you aren't sure,about having root rights use an app like root checker

be aware always make sure to read the steps carefully and only download the right TWRP or CWM version for your bootloader. Also search for potential problems before atempting to downgrade versions, without having a working backup this way you are going to save yourself a bit of time and trouble.

 

[Lummers]

Glad, I've helped you

Steps you need
1. rooted tablet just search for motorshoper here - just subscribe to the thread it's an awesome tool to get superuser "root" access
2. download the bootloader unlocker from the Asus webpage

should work flawlessly if you aren't sure,about having root rights use an app like root checker

be aware always make sure to read the steps carefully and only download the right TWRP or CWM version for your bootloader. Also search for potential problems before atempting to downgrade versions, without having a working backup this way you are going to save yourself a bit of time and trouble.

Thanks!!

Super excited now to see the potential of this tablet!

Can't wait.

I'll be doing a little research to see which one fits me the best for my needs.

 

[frankgreimes]

Thanks!!

Super excited now to see the potential of this tablet!

Can't wait.

I'll be doing a little research to see which one fits me the best for my needs.

Thats part of the fun when you are using custom ROMs there are tons outthere and thanks to the former mentioned tools trying them out and see if they fit you, is easy.

Can't wait to change my blackberry so I can enjoy custom Roms on my handy too.

 

[Lummers]

Thats part of the fun when you are using custom ROMs there are tons outthere and thanks to the former mentioned tools trying them out and see if they fit you, is easy.

Can't wait to change my blackberry so I can enjoy custom Roms on my handy too.

Gasssps Blackberry?

I'm on the iPhone 4 so I shouldn't be saying much..

Question - any reason why I would go with a nightly build over a RC/S build?

 

[frankgreimes]

Gasssps Blackberry?

I'm on the iPhone 4 so I shouldn't be saying much..

Question - any reason why I would go with a nightly build over a RC/S build?

Well I love their keyboards but the lack of custom roms and superuser rights is very disappointing,.at.least you can jailbreak the iPhone.

The differences are as follows:
Nightly builds are less stable and some things might not work right now but they include newer features
Stable/RC builds are more stable and most if not all features are working flawlessly

so which build to use will fully depend on what you want, if you are looking for the newest 4,3 features nightlies are the one to go, if you value a stable and feature complete build more I'd go with a RC/S type. The middleway would be to choose a monthly build sadly there aren't any available for CM right now.

 

[Lummers]

Well I love their keyboards but the lack of custom roms and superuser rights is very disappointing,.at.least you can jailbreak the iPhone.

The differences are as follows:
Nightly builds are less stable and some things might not work right now but they include newer features
Stable/RC builds are more stable and most if not all features are working flawlessly

so which build to use will fully depend on what you want, if you are looking for the newest 4,3 features nightlies are the one to go, if you value a stable and feature complete build more I'd go with a RC/S type. The middleway would be to choose a monthly build sadly there aren't any available for CM right now.

Hmmm I'll look into those again and see

I'm having a problem right now...
I got CWM installed fine (I Think)
The problem I'm having is when I go to choose zip from sdcard, it won't mound the sdcard or the internal
So I'm stuck...I can't seem to root it now.

 

[frankgreimes]

Hmmm I'll look into those again and see

I'm having a problem right now...
I got CWM installed fine (I Think)
The problem I'm having is when I go to choose zip from sdcard, it won't mound the sdcard or the internal
So I'm stuck...I can't seem to root it now.

Have you done it, in the correct order? First you need to add the ROM, then "add more Zips" select the gapps file

I've had the same problem with the external SDcard so I moved it to the internal one and it worked, but sorry no clue why it doesn't work with an external one

 

[Lummers]

Have you done it, in the correct order? First you need to add the ROM, then "add more Zips" select the gapps file

I've had the same problem with the external SDcard so I moved it to the internal one and it worked, but sorry no clue why it doesn't work with an external one

Here are my steps
1. Unlocke downloaded from Asus site
2. Downloaded CWM
3. Fastboot loaded CWM

After that I logged onto the Recovery
Tried installing from SDcard to root

But can't detect, another thread a nice gent, has given me the pointer to try to use TWRP.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446177

So I'm going to give that a shot and see if that helps me out more.

 

[frankgreimes]

Here are my steps
1. Unlocke downloaded from Asus site
2. Downloaded CWM
3. Fastboot loaded CWM

After that I logged onto the Recovery
Tried installing from SDcard to root

But can't detect, another thread a nice gent, has given me the pointer to try to use TWRP.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2446177

So I'm going to give that a shot and see if that helps me out more.

Have you installed the .blob or .img file?

If you are using TWRP there is also a tool called TWRP Manager: so you can normally boot your tablet with it, start the manager make all the settings and it will automatically reboot your tablet into recovery mode.

Personally I have tried CWM and TWRP liking TWRP better too.

Another step you can check:
Go into Goomanager - Settings and look for the default "save folder" if you are having your .zip files in another folder make sure, to put them into this directory. Usually it's something like goomanager/Roms/ or so.

 

[Lummers]

Have you installed the .blob or .img file?

If you are using TWRP there is also a tool called TWRP Manager: so you can normally boot your tablet with it, start the manager make all the settings and it will automatically reboot your tablet into recovery mode.

Personally I have tried CWM and TWRP liking TWRP better too.

Another step you can check:
Go into Goomanager - Settings and look for the default "save folder" if you are having your .zip files in another folder make sure, to put them into this directory. Usually it's something like goomanager/Roms/ or so.

So I have TWRP installed, man all I can say is that it is night and day in the steps of setup.
So much easier and direct.
I've downloaded goomanager I'm taking a look at it now and seeing what I can do.

I'm running Cromi-X right now and browsing no longer lags, I'm content.

Wondering what else I can do now.....

 

[frankgreimes]

So I have TWRP installed, man all I can say is that it is night and day in the steps of setup.
So much easier and direct.
I've downloaded goomanager I'm taking a look at it now and seeing what I can do.

I'm running Cromi-X right now and browsing no longer lags, I'm content.

Wondering what else I can do now.....

Something I'd highly recommend:
check the app privacy rules and remove all the permissions most apps shouldn't have i.e using your location, reading SD or contact lists
personally I have also overclocked my tablet it is running at 1.5 ghz now could go as far as 1.7 but I am very happy with the performance so far

another cool thing most custom roms provide is the ability to customize your lock screen.