ASUS’ shape-shifting Transformer might be ready to make its way across the pond, but don’t expect it to find its own way, because the US version won’t be packing GPS — at least not as we know it. The tablet’s official specs might lead you to believe otherwise, but according to a rather long and cryptic thread on Facebook, you’ll need a WiFi connection if you want the thing to take you places. After a review posted to AnandTech pointed out the slate’s apparent lack of GPS, ASUS revealed that there will be “No GPS in North America.” The company goes on to contradict itself, saying the US edition will include “location GPS” but not “Navigation GPS” — whatever that means — before settling on this:
“You need to be connected to wi-fi for the maps program to locate you at first, then it can guide the rest of the way. But if you powered off half-way you’d have to reestablish connection before making navigation changes.”
Now, you can call it A-GPS or location GPS — heck you can call it magic — but that doesn’t change the fact that ASUS’ US edition of the Eee Pad Transformer will not come equipped with GPS.
[Thanks, Richard]
Eee Pad Transformer US edition lacks GPS, but don’t tell ASUS that originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
