Asus reseller pulls Transformer Prime tablet from shelves

But vendor refutes claims that its new device is not up to scratch

Asus has refuted a UK etailer's claims that some of its new Transformer Prime TF201 tablets are experiencing technical issues.

Clove Technology has removed the Android-based device from its shelves after concluding the units it had got hold of were not "performing to the standard we expected".

The etailer said stock supply for the device had been an issue but that it had been able to obtain some stock sooner than expected.

"Because of the complaints of faults with the model we took the decision to thoroughly test stock before fulfilling any orders," Clove said in a post on its website earlier this week.

"We are at this time not satisfied that all units we could provide you with are working correctly... We have therefore taken the decision until further notice to stop selling the Asus Transformer Prime."

The device – which has in some circles been billed as a challenger to the iPad – has received praise and criticism in equal measure in the tech press, with some users reportedly having experienced issues with its GPS chip.

On 19 January, Asus advised any customers who were dissatisfied with the performance of the device's GPS module to return it. Customers wanting to keep hold of their units were offered an extension to the standard Asus warranty from 12 to 18 months.

It is thought the GPS chip was at least one source of Clove's angst over the device.

However, in a further statement in response to Clove's post, Asus repeated that it was "not aware of any quality issues with the Transformer Prime", adding that the device is performing "as expected in all areas".

"We have already issued a statement regarding the GPS module and provided a number of options to our customers," Asus stated.

"We refute any and all claims from third parties regarding the quality of our products. Stock availability to date has been constrained due to massive demand for the Transformer Prime. Large quantities of stock are arriving on a weekly basis and we expect to see increased availability within the UK shortly."

A Clove representative declined to elaborate on the firm's rationale when contacted by ChannelWeb.

"It is not an ideal situation for anyone but we feel the decision was in the best interest of customers," he said.