Transformer Prime bootloader unlock tool coming in February

Power users that purchased ASUS’s Transformer Prime tablet were unpleasantly surprised to discover that the bootloader was locked down, preventing the loading of customer firmware. This was a departure from the previous ASUS Transformer tablet, which had ended up being one of the more popular Android tablets in 2011.

ASUS was quick to reply to concerns, indicating that they had locked down the bootloader to comply with YouTube requirements for movie rental DRM. They also indicated that they would be developing an unlock tool so that power users and developers could unlock the Transformer Prime’s bootloader, at the cost of voiding your warranty and probably not being able to rent digital movies.

At the time of the announcement ASUS did not have a date they wanted to share, and we speculated that it could be a month or two until they had a bootloader unlock solution ready for release. ASUS proved once again that they can move quickly when necessary, announcing via Twitter that the bootloader unlock tool should be ready for release in February.

So there you have it – the wait is almost over, with an official time frame of 1-5 weeks. Does this make some of you more excited about picking up a Transformer Prime in all of its quad-core Tegra 3 glory?

Amazon Cancelling Asus Transformer Prime Orders Due To High Demand?

The Asus Transformer Prime recently went up for pre-order with Amazon, and the device will go on sale in the US later this month, and it looks like there has already been high demand for the tablet. We heard recently that Amazon sold out of their pre-orders within the first 24 hours, and now a number of people who pre-ordered the device have had their orders cancelled as Amazon has been unable to meet the demand for the tablet.

It isn’t clear as yet whether Asus is limiting the supply of the tablet, or whether demand for the device is going to be more than the actual supply of the device, I guess we will find out when it hits the stores later this month.

More information's:
http://www.droid-life.com/2011/12/02/amazon-canceling-asus-transformer-prime-orders-lists-lack-of-availability-from-suppliers-as-the-reason/

ASUS Transformer Prime:

Asus Transformer Prime might be launched December 8

The first quad-core tablet to hit US shores, the Asus Transformer Prime, is getting closer and closer to release date. Newegg has the hotly anticipated slate for $499 in its 32GB reincarnation, and it marks the tablet for release date on December 8.

The Transformer Prime is styled to match Asus’s latest Ultrabook offerings with a shiny metallic body. The 10.1-inch slate also has a pretty slim keyboard - only 0.33" (8.3mm) - as an added accessory, which adds another 8 hours to the battery life.

Amazon said the Asus Transformer Prime as arriving December 16, and currently on its preorder page it just asks you to sign up to be notified for the arrival. Hopefully the December 8 release date will hold water.