ASUS Transformer Prime: How to Get the Bootloader Unlock Tool

ASUS has delivered its promise to launch a tool that unlocks the bootloader of the Transformer Prime Eee Pad.

When the tablet launched in December it came with a few shortcomings, the most prominent one being a locked bootloader. Many customers complained that the restriction would not allow them to customize their device.

A locked bootloader prohibits users from flashing ROMS and kernels to customize their devices. Here's what ASUS had to say about the locked bootloader:

Regarding the bootloader, the reason we chose to lock it is due to content providers' requirement for DRM client devices to be as secure as possible. ASUS supports Google DRM in order to provide users with a high-quality video rental experience. Also, based on our experience, users who choose to root their devices risk breaking the system completely. However, we know there is demand in the modding community to have an unlocked bootloader. Therefore, ASUS is developing an unlock tool for that community.

The bootloader unlock tool can be downloaded directly from ASUS's Website. There are 3 download servers available on ASUS Download Site - Global, China and P2P. Each server provides exact the same content no matter where you download from, except for the speed which you are connected to.

ASUS has warned its customers that the choice to unlock their devices will void their ASUS warranty, and Google video rental will also be unavailable because the device will be no longer protected by security mechanisms.

The bootloader unlock tool is for the Transformer Prime Eee Pad TF201 model. It is the first tablet to herald the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor. It is ultra-thin at 8.3mm and weighs only 586g and comes with state-of-the-art SonicMaster Audio technology, an HD 8MP rear auto-focus camera with LED flash.

The mobile dock allows the tablet to transform to a notebook form, equipped with a keyboard and battery charger. The Asus Transformer Prime also has capabilities to upgrade to Android's latest Ice Cream Sandwich software.