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Bootloader?

M

ManOfSteele

Newbie
Any word on the status of the bootloader of the Prime? Honestly thats gonna be the make-or-break factor for me in regards to the tablet. I've done some digging with mixed results, anyone know for sure how open this is gonna be?
 
ManOfSteele said:
Any word on the status of the bootloader of the Prime? Honestly thats gonna be the make-or-break factor for me in regards to the tablet. I've done some digging with mixed results, anyone know for sure how open this is gonna be?
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Are you thinking for later as in root? I hope the bootloader isn't locked
 
Yeah, as in custom kernels, all of that vanilla goodness, bootloaders. I remember reading that the original Transformer was locked down but they managed to unlock it through an update exploit. Apparently ASUS's track record is a bit shoddy.
 
ManOfSteele said:
Yeah, as in custom kernels, all of that vanilla goodness, bootloaders. I remember reading that the original Transformer was locked down but they managed to unlock it through an update exploit. Apparently ASUS's track record is a bit shoddy.
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I thought the original Transformer was easy to root?

Today it has one of the best tablet developer communities for it. I saw it has an alpha of ICS already! I'd think the Prime will be similar.
 
Thats different.

Rooting is all about access to system files via Superuser. Its basically truly opening up the Linux-based operating system. This has everything to do with getting the most out of your software (Awesome things like Cache clears, System-Only Files, Overclocking, etc).

Bootloaders all have to do with OS booting, system kernels, debugging, etc. This has everything to do with the hardware working in junction with the software (Primarily due to every processor and motherboard having different bootloaders, so to speak). This is really the reason why Custom ROMs on devices like the OG and Nexus One are so phenomenal, because kernel code modification really extends the validity and lifecycle of a device. Did ya see that Video of ICS running on the Hero? Thats what I mean.

I personally really want this opened up so that way the ability to run or even dual boot other software--Primarily Windows 8, if its any good--isn't shut down from day 1.

That, and I've got bootloader blues from my Droid X.
 
True. Does the Transformer 1 not have bootloader access and therefore custom kernals?

And I'm so with you regarding the X, can't wait to upgrade to something open like the Nexus...
 
Considering how the original Transformer wasn't too hard to root, I think we'll be fine on that. I couldn't imagine that it would be too hard to crack, especially because its a WiFi only device, and doesn't have to meet the security standards that the Airwaves require for cellular service.

I could really just use some confirmation regarding the bootloader, especially cause they always ignore my tweets XD
 
Lock-N-Load said:
On a blazing fast Tegra 3 chip, who is going to want to install a kernel to overclock?
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Who said anything about oc'ing?:p You can underclock, change the governor if available, set screen on/screen off profiles. All can be a benefit of better battery life. Rooting isn't just about overclocking, there are sooooo many other positives to obtaining root access, I hope that the bootloader isn't locked:)
 
dont select developers have this already!! Tell us if it is unlocked!!
 
Overclocking brings up a thought..

With the companion core, how exactly would that work?

And if you could over clock the companion core to say 750mhz to have it handle slightly more duties you could potentially save even more battery.. just a thought.
 
Ibrick said:
Overclocking brings up a thought..

With the companion core, how exactly would that work?

And if you could over clock the companion core to say 750mhz to have it handle slightly more duties you could potentially save even more battery.. just a thought.
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Unfortunately, thats not how processors work.

The 5th core is purposely underclocked so it can do that background tasks without tasking the higher powered cores, therefore saving power. 500Mhz is the perfect clock speed for something like that, powerful enough to handle the tasks, but low power enough to save battery. Overclocking that core would result in a drop in battery life, mainly because of the way that Android handles background tasks.

Moreover, I'm sure that Nividia used less powerful and less expensive Silicone for the core, so messing with that particular core could lead to some mad mojo.

Granted, if you were experiencing some lag or slowdowns when switching from apps (Which I couldn't even imagine happening due to the other 4 cores snapping into action with hardware acceleration), you could overclock the companion core for better and smoother BG tasks.

If anything I would want a custom kernel and governor for the core, to maximize my battery life even more (Which is why I started this thread).
 
ManOfSteele said:
Unfortunately, thats not how processors work.

The 5th core is purposely underclocked so it can do that background tasks without tasking the higher powered cores, therefore saving power. 500Mhz is the perfect clock speed for something like that, powerful enough to handle the tasks, but low power enough to save battery. Overclocking that core would result in a drop in battery life, mainly because of the way that Android handles background tasks.

Moreover, I'm sure that Nividia used less powerful and less expensive Silicone for the core, so messing with that particular core could lead to some mad mojo.

Granted, if you were experiencing some lag or slowdowns when switching from apps (Which I couldn't even imagine happening due to the other 4 cores snapping into action with hardware acceleration), you could overclock the companion core for better and smoother BG tasks.

If anything I would want a custom kernel and governor for the core, to maximize my battery life even more (Which is why I started this thread).
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Its lower powered for menial tasks, it doesn't necessarily always have to run at max speed, so I don't see how bumping it up slightly would result in a decrease in battery life. Especially when compared with the 4, 1.3ghz cores potentially remaining idle for more duties.

Anyway, that was just an after thought as I was typing. If OC'ing is possible, I wonder how that companion core would work. You would almost need a completely separate set of settings for it if you wanted to undervolt or do anything with it.

Kernel dev's are going their work cut out for them..
 
ManOfSteele said:
Moreover, I'm sure that Nividia used less powerful and less expensive Silicone for the core, so messing with that particular core could lead to some mad mojo.
Click to expand...

Not less powerful and less expensive, but the companion core actually uses a special low power silicon. Transistors built on this special silicon minimize leak current, and therefore overall power consumption; however, they only work at low clock speeds. If you try to speed them up, they actually consume MORE power than the same transistor built on G (general purpose) silicon.
(Here's a good article explaining the differences: Tegra vSMP Technology )

So overclocking the companion core would actually be extremely detrimental to battery life.
 
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