Who Would Be Interested in a Memory Card Case? - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I know that in android you can mount an sd card/memory stick through the proper adapters. So would there be any interest in a case with a micro sd pass through that would allow you to plug the cord into the case and use the phone like usual as far as charging and syncing goes, however you could also put a memory card slot in the case and then have the memory card slot that we all want. If there is interest in this, I was thinking about putting it on kickstarter, but I don't know who to approach as far as actually making it would go.
Anyone have interest in this or ideas for how to make it happen? If it seems popular, it could also be useful for other phones like the one x and galaxy nexus that also don't have internal card slots

This sounds like a good idea, but how would a case like this be managed?

I was looking or this forever on my gnexus, but never found it. I would be all for it if it can be done well. I fully plan to use wireless charging so using the usb slot would be ok with me. I just don't want any wires in the way or for the case to add much bulk either. I think that would be the case for most people as well.

You could build one yourself if you were crafty enough, it would be a nice little project.

I had the same idea but because i am a Student i dont have the money and time to make more than one but i would be very happy to see This on Kickstarter and follow how this idea will grow

Unfortunately, I am by no means crafty enough to make one of these, and I don't even have a nexus 4 (waiting to see about cdma/lte and going from there). I guess I could try and put it on kickstarter as there does seem to be some interest, but as I mentioned earlier, I just don't know where it would go from there if I got enough backing. I feel like if I contacted a case maker and they thought it was a good idea they would just make it and claim it as their own. Any Ideas?

FatalityBoyZahy said:
This sounds like a good idea, but how would a case like this be managed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by managed?

What about a stylish, ergonomic t-shaped Microusb flash drive?
Easier to keep in the pocket when you don't need it and much more elegant than carrying over an otg cable plus a usb flash drive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 02:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 PM ----------
.... and what about a nice and t-shaped Microusb Microsd card reader?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

vittogn said:
What about a stylish, ergonomic t-shaped Microusb flash drive?
Easier to keep in the pocket when you don't need it and much more elegant than carrying over an otg cable plus a usb flash drive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
---------- Post added at 02:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 PM ----------
.... and what about a nice and t-shaped Microusb Microsd card reader?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that could work, but the reason I kinda liked the case idea was that it would retain the use of micro sd cards, so you could swap in older ones or get new ones for cheap. I'm thinking matte black for the case, something similar in thickness to an otterbox commuter if that would be possible with the needed circuitry. Thinner if it could work

I really like the idea. Once i have my N4 i'd put my name down in an instant.

Good idea !
If I've got time, I'll try this with an OTG cable and a card reader May be great to do.

https://sites.google.com/site/sonicboomworld/my-projects/otg-diagrams
The second image there would be something like what I could use. have the charging one come out on the bottom of the phone/case in a similar position to where the current one is now, and then have the other one inside the case. Then I could get just a very small micro usb adapter and put that in the empy port on the inside of the case (which would have a molded cut out so that when you put the phone in it would fit fine and you couldn't tell it was there). Then you would be able to take the phone out of the case, put in whatever card you wanted, and then put it back in the case and not be able to tell it was there.
EDIT:
Maybe an sd card reader like this:
http://dx.com/p/kawau-world-s-small...558?rt=1&p=2&m=2&r=3&k=1&t=1&s=125517&u=25558
I would love for this to be more integrated, like the case just has a flap on the back, you peel it back and then you have a regular micro-usb slot like your typical phone has, but I don't know how technologically feasible that is. This seems like something that is more doable, at least for now

For the SD reader I thought about something like this : http://www.amazon.fr/Kingston-FCR-M...3NCU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1351701854&sr=8-6
It's very flat. Then just connect it to a rippped-off OTG cable and should be fine

thehunt33r said:
For the SD reader I thought about something like this : http://www.amazon.fr/Kingston-FCR-M...3NCU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1351701854&sr=8-6
It's very flat. Then just connect it to a rippped-off OTG cable and should be fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would actually work better probably. You could just take the housing off of the usb port and glue/solder the usb connectors together that way. Then have the memory card slot inside the case ready to go.

I have an idea on how to build Microdrives.... It'll be a few months before I can test though, I just lost my job and need to find another.
If the prototype works, I'll see about contacting suppliers and doing a Kickstarter run. Either that or I might do limited production of hand-made ones. That wouldn't be cheap though.

I wonder if it would work to pull the sd card reader out of another phone. they are much smaller than even the examples you guys have found so far.

Cool idea, i think one of the silicon type of case would be a good starting point.
i would imagine the sd card reader will only add a little thickness, if you guy can somehow sneak in a small battery for some extra juice would be great.

This would be cool. Make it more bad ass a power skin/ mophie battery case with a SD card slot. I have no idea if its possible but it would be bad ass
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

How bout a SD and LTE enabling case? Then this would no doubt be my next phone

Hell yes I would be interested in one of these! Unfortunately I could not provide any help with the construction or designing of one, but I would undoubtedly buy one if this happens.
Also, I just had this idea-
So someone before mentioned making it kind of like a Mophie case. I like that idea, but what if it was taken a step further, and was made as a battery pack/SD reader? Now, I'm not talking a huge extra battery here, it'd be nice to keep it thin, but enough to increase your total battery to 1.2 - 1.5x the original. I know that would be quite a bit more expensive, and probably is an unrealistic idea, but I figured I'd throw it out there in case maybe it's not such difficult idea, and someone would be interested in that.

Related

So simple it hurts!!!

I was thinking of ways to safely transport my spare XDA2 battery & wifi card and decided to try out an old PCMCIA case.
Its amazing how well the case fits the battery. Its almost as if this thing is made for this purpose. I used a little sponge packing material on one end to take up some slack and make it a tighter fit and thats all. Did not work quite as well for the WiFi though but so be it.
Does anyone else have a better solution for the WiFi card?
See pictures (made in XDA2...) attached.

Docking Station

Does anyone have a link to get a Docking Station? keen for something i can just place my X5 onto.
th3r3turn said:
Does anyone have a link to get a Docking Station? keen for something i can just place my X5 onto.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A docking station, like for a spaceship?
Kidding, some iphone ones work well enough.
Android-dock
They ship international too.
ryronz said:
A docking station, like for a spaceship?
Kidding, some iphone ones work well enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you link some working ones? Thx
My brothers one for iPhone 3gs works nicely, not sure of branding or anything. But they're pretty standard.
Micro USB on a 30-pin 3GS dock? Or is it just a 'stand' without connection?
sebgus said:
Android-dock
They ship international too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
come on it's cute
simplistian said:
Micro USB on a 30-pin 3GS dock? Or is it just a 'stand' without connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the point. Maybe it can be clearified
I ve found this on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Car-Holder-...384063?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f0a28c67f the seller says its for x5
One of the many reasons I wish manufacturers would've standardised on a MiniUSB connector instead of a MicroUSB connector, is the fact that the MiniUSB slots in effortlessly so is ideal for a docking station - the MicroUSB on the other hand is a pain in the backside to both slide in and slide out. Strangely, there's very little difference in the external size of the connector itself, so there's really no (as far as I can see) advantage in using MicroUSB.
That being said... Unless Huawei release their own U8800-specific dock or the 'phone itself becomes enormously popular, I doubt there'll ever be a proper dock available for it. By "proper" I mean one that you can just throw the 'phone at, and it'll (by virtue of the form-specific design) slot straight into its connector - this is the situation I have with the after-market dock I got for my HTC TouchPro.
It looks like that for the U8800, we'll have to make do with a "universal" dock. The one sebgus mentioned is about as good as it gets, but at around AUD$60 plus postage, it's a painful proposition for something which isn't even purpose-built.
By the looks of it, the Google Nexus One dock might fit the bill, but frankly I couldn't be bothered tracking down the dimensions (hey, it's nearly 2:30am here!). However... Even if the dimensions (width and thickness) of the 'phone were the same, there'd still be the U8800's ultra-curved end to consider - it may well slot into the dock perfectly but then want to overbalance to one side or the other. This however might be cured with some styrene wedged/glued into the corners to keep the 'phone upright?
The only other option would be to go the genuinely universal route, but then you're just getting a 'phone holder - and that's not what a dock's all about.
I'll do some more investigation into this thought tomorrow after I've had a few hours' sleep.
Edit: Bugger the sleep! Just looked up the dimensions, and it seems it might work...
U8800: 62mm (W) x 11.6mm (D)
Nexus One: 59.8mm (W) x 11.5mm (D)
Depending on the depth of the resting recess, the U8800's extra width may actually counteract its curved bottom edge.
Does anyone here have access to a shop which sells Nexus One docks, in which they can try to fit their U8800? They're cheap enough from eBay (around AUD$14), but it'd be far more prudent to try it out before parting with your cash.
The Nexus One docks wont fit, because the microUSB plug points in "wrong direction".
AliWam said:
The Nexus One docks wont fit, because the microUSB plug points in "wrong direction".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just noticed that myself...
I wonder how "butcherable" they'd be, to allow the plug to be re-mounted the other way 'round?
HTC Sensation
Oddly enough, the HTC Sensation dock works fine, my dad has one and every now and then I slip my phone into it. It's not a flush fit, but it does the job
Have anyone tried a docking station? Is it working good?
i want to make it by myself but i need someone who makes silicone form and then mold it with plastic.
Sent from my u8800 using xda premium
Found a Docking Station for the X3 on ebay h__p://xxx.ebay.de/itm/USB-Dockingstation-Ladestation-Huawei-Ideos-X3-U8510-/170720897957
But the X3 is a little bit smaller, so the X5 may not fit in /
Philips AS111/37 Fidelio Docking Speaker for Android is a nice universal solution...
wolfgr said:
Philips AS111/37 Fidelio Docking Speaker for Android is a nice universal solution...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's ugly and expensive.
---------- Post added at 09:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 AM ----------
Just bougth this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160652073307
If you need a quick dock solution without charging you can use the case from an old mini DV tape case.
Just open up the case, the X5 fits pretty well. If you're brave enough you might even try gluing a charging cable on the bottom, I tried but the super glue didn't really hold well.
I think, only docking station is your computer
You can play music, and watch videos with this dock
---------- Post added at 01:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 PM ----------
Thank you Silent_Fang i did your solution. Yes, i confirm that it's perfectly fit to phone.
And i have a new idea for that : make a hole, bottom of cassette case for usb connecting...

Looking for preorders / donations

Hello everyone, recently picked up an acer a500 over the weekend and i have to admit i am in love with it, i have always thought that tablets were useless when i have an android phone but i have to admit, this thing has changed my mind, and the fact that it has full usb makes it even better, but I have been a little annoyed at the lack of a keyboard / laptop dock. After reading a couple of threads about what the dock connector does on the tab I have decided to fill the need for this adapter. What i have planned includes the following.
Definite features are:
Full Keyboard
Charging ability
Extra usb ports
Possible features are:
Built in harddrive and OR memory card reader
Built in battery (obviously a little expensive to add so may be not possible)
Built in trackpad to use as a mouse.
I am just trying to see how many people would be interested in this and what they would be willing to pay for this. I would love to provide an adapter for the community since acer didn't make one, I also have a couple of other questions as well, if i made two models, one with a battery built in and one without how much more would you be willing to pay for an extra battery, also this would be a fordable dock meaning you could fold it together to carry like a normal laptop.
I look forward to hearing some responses, i hope to be able to offer this for about $100 or less however the more features obviously the more expensive it will be to implement.
if its possible, i'd love to buy one!
Awesome, I plan to have a prototype made by the weekend, i think the material of choice is going to be wood since it's light weight, easy to manipulate and also sturdy and it doesn't conduct electricity
once i see a working prototype, then id preorder, until then all your doing is fishing for donations, ive been lurking xda for quite some time and usually people with so few post and not a recognized developer are just spewing flights of fancy and never actually create anything, though if im wrong, prove me wrong and ill be the first to not only apologize but preorder one. not trying to be a d*ck just saying how it usually goes..
If it looks good and works ill be instrested
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
H4k3r4r34l said:
once i see a working prototype, then id preorder, until then all your doing is fishing for donations, ive been lurking xda for quite some time and usually people with so few post and not a recognized developer are just spewing flights of fancy and never actually create anything, though if im wrong, prove me wrong and ill be the first to not only apologize but preorder one. not trying to be a d*ck just saying how it usually goes..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No worries I understand completely, once I have a prototype done then and only then will I accept any orders or donations, should have made that more clear beforehand sorry about that, right now I'm just judging the interest of the community for such a product.
How will you be connecting this? AFAIK, the full pinouts and capabilities of the dock connector are not known...
FloatingFatMan said:
How will you be connecting this? AFAIK, the full pinouts and capabilities of the dock connector are not known...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using my volt meter and some old fashion trial and error, I'm pretty confident in my abilities just need to actually get started on development, going today to look into what my supplies are going to cost.
A voltmeter isn't anywhere near enough... You might want to check out this thread first.
I know I will need more than a voltmeter, and yes i read that before i decided to embark on this project. This is where trial and error will come in, from a usb standpoint since there is an apparent lack of usb support through the dock this will be circumvented by having a small plugin to the usb host port in order to connect the planned additional usb devices in the dock.
genius
This is fantastic! I've been searching for a good case too, this sounds perfect, give the Transformer a run for its money. I'd buy one, let me know.
The dock connector doesn't have the required pins for USB, or really anything other than charging.
any prototypes up? the idea of the keyboard dock extra battery and usb mouse sounds like bliss
It could be some sort of variation of the keyboard that Acer already made for this tablet. Perhaps modifying it so that you can put the dock in to charge and have the input device (in this case the keyboard) connect via bluetooth. Having the touchpad for a mouse is a different story though.
hardslog said:
It could be some sort of variation of the keyboard that Acer already made for this tablet. Perhaps modifying it so that you can put the dock in to charge and have the input device (in this case the keyboard) connect via bluetooth. Having the touchpad for a mouse is a different story though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd rather use USB for a mouse using a touch pad would not be so good with onlive
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
Be cautions with Trial and error on a mobile device . there electronics will not be forgiving any type of over voltage or short circuits . And you could very well be shopping for a new ICONIA .
To me a dock for a hand held tablet is counter productive . PEOPLE BUY A NETBOOK.its faster more power more storage more battery . LESS MONEY.
Ok the above is my opinion only I have a 11.6 inch hp notebook with the new multi core amd fusion cpu i get unbelievable battery life. Near that of my iconia .
with a full keyboard and track pad 1.2 tb hard drive
So good luck . by the way if you get the connectors and hardware worked out make the case out of lexon or carbon fiber both easy to work with and mold to any shape . acrylic works well also..
GOOD LUCK INSURE your iconia and home up front Erica Renee
erica_renee said:
Be cautions with Trial and error on a mobile device . there electronics will not be forgiving any type of over voltage or short circuits . And you could very well be shopping for a new ICONIA .
To me a dock for a hand held tablet is counter productive . PEOPLE BUY A NETBOOK.its faster more power more storage more battery . LESS MONEY.
Ok the above is my opinion only I have a 11.6 inch hp notebook with the new multi core amd fusion cpu i get unbelievable battery life. Near that of my iconia .
with a full keyboard and track pad 1.2 tb hard drive
So good luck . by the way if you get the connectors and hardware worked out make the case out of lexon or carbon fiber both easy to work with and mold to any shape . acrylic works well also..
GOOD LUCK INSURE your iconia and home up front Erica Renee
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't want a net book if Acer doesn't add something like this with their tablets I'm just going to smh
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2
hardslog said:
It could be some sort of variation of the keyboard that Acer already made for this tablet. Perhaps modifying it so that you can put the dock in to charge and have the input device (in this case the keyboard) connect via bluetooth. Having the touchpad for a mouse is a different story though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Acer has not made a keyboard that uses the dock for this tablet. You may be thinking of the W500 keyboard, or of a USB keyboard.
To be honest, I don't see this going anywhere. OP, I'd suggest you find out how to get USB or Keyboard off of that connector before asking for preorders.
To anyone else, I'd suggest you just keep looking. Not to be rude or mean to him, but the OP seems to be rather noobish, and I think your money would most likely be better spent elsewhere, or at least held onto until there's some sort of result or breakthrough.
Also, the OP only having 9 posts throws up a red flag to me.

Nexus 4 Charging Case

Been looking for something like this for quite sometime but couldn't find it anywhere, hence posting here.
http://www.amazon.com/Mophie-Rechargeable-Battery-Verizon-iPhone/dp/B0046EBTQ0
http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-air-iPhone-4-4S-battery-case-p/1145_jpa-ip4-blk.htm
Any idea where can I find one for N4?
I've been thinking the same thing myself. My only concern is that as the iPhone is so widely available that the accessories will be made for it, but will a company make accessories for a platform with such a wide range of devices?
These r available for Samsung phones too, since they r popular as well. But then again, so is N4.. I just hope we get such a case. I used to carry one with 4s and it was really very handy, compared to portable battery packs.
Charging Case
I have never seen a case like this before. I have been waiting for a hardback card carrying case. But if something like this became available I would defiantly get this instead.
I liked the rugged protection of the PRO case and how they redirect the speaker to the front of the phone. So annoying holding your hand against the back of your phone to try and hear things better
These types of cases are notorious for breaking your USB port in your phone. However, I'd LOVE to have a Qi version of one of these things. Then it shouldn't add a significant amount of height to your phone, mostly just thickness as expected.
I have used such a case for 4s for over a year.. I surely stopped working after that but it was for $ 20 only so u cannot complain really.
filthykid said:
Been looking for something like this for quite sometime but couldn't find it anywhere, hence posting here.
http://www.amazon.com/Mophie-Rechargeable-Battery-Verizon-iPhone/dp/B0046EBTQ0
http://www.mophie.com/mophie-juice-pack-air-iPhone-4-4S-battery-case-p/1145_jpa-ip4-blk.htm
Any idea where can I find one for N4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's one I saw in another thread. It's bulky and expensive imo. I emailed them to ask if they could make one for half the size and battery for half the price. Well see. On a side note I think these kind of companies should add usb slots to easily add hdd and stuff .
http://www.shapeways.com/model/937654/nexus-4-5000mah-charger.html?li=productBox-search
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
frigidazzi said:
Here's one I saw in another thread. It's bulky and expensive imo. I emailed them to ask if they could make one for half the size and battery for half the price. Well see. On a side note I think these kind of companies should add usb slots to easily add hdd and stuff .
http://www.shapeways.com/model/937654/nexus-4-5000mah-charger.html?li=productBox-search
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They responded and apparently they already have a smaller version. It's still too pricey for the use I personally would get out of it. Anyone else interested? Has usb port built in to.
http://custompowersolar.com/lg.html
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
frigidazzi said:
Here's one I saw in another thread. It's bulky and expensive imo. I emailed them to ask if they could make one for half the size and battery for half the price. Well see. On a side note I think these kind of companies should add usb slots to easily add hdd and stuff .
http://www.shapeways.com/model/937654/nexus-4-5000mah-charger.html?li=productBox-search
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
holly cow lol no it's like carrying a dock around. i'd rather carry my battery pack. beside it's quite pricey I'd wait for a more proper one lol..
Custom Power Solar integrated chargers
michael_ta315 said:
holly cow lol no it's like carrying a dock around. i'd rather carry my battery pack. beside it's quite pricey I'd wait for a more proper one lol..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi-
We've recently added the USB power out port on selected versions of our chargers - primarily the thinner lighter versions. You can charge any devices up to 2A. The Nexus version we've made in a 1250 & 2500mah slim (15mm) version - besides the standard 5000mah version which is 21mm thick. The thinner versions are much lighter as well - less than 1/2 the weight.
What are you looking for in terms of features/price?
Here are the Nexus 4 versions:
custompowersolar.com - produtcs - LG
We make the cases using 3D printing, so can be easily customized. You can get a full color image printed on the case with our Sculpteo partner. Devlivery time is typically 5-10 days depending on options - many units we have in stock.
We also make versions for iphone5 in 1500mah and 5000mah, Galaxy S3, HTC DNA, iphone 4/4s, iPad and iPad Mini.
All models also can be purchased with a camera/tripod mount - 1/4-20 screw holes on the side & bottom for easy attachment to a tripod.
The X Bracket allows you to mount any smartphone to a tripod - we also have a ball swivel, bike mount, and hang glider mount.
If you have something special you want, contact us - we're having too much fun designing and building products with 3D printers.
Any one have experience with these cases I'm thinking about trying one
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Unpopulated Micro SD slot!?

I am not really sure if this is a SD card slot, because I did not measure 3.3volts at the terminals, also not in recovery (not sure if micro sd card is powered up as soon as the phone is).
Really strange because why have they left it out of the phone?
My Z1 is dead. SoC is dead.. I ordered a "brand new never used before" mainboard with discount so my parts get a second round.. I will try to root that one unlock bootloader and dump sdcard and run photorec to see how truly true that statement of the seller was about being "new". Anyways that's it for now..
Here are some pictures
Most manufacturers design their pcb's for multi purposes. I know it from Nokia, Siemens and also nowadays. You design one pcb for 3 devices and not 3 for each of the them to save design and production costs.
strongst said:
Most manufacturers design their pcb's for multi purposes. I know it from Nokia, Siemens and also nowadays. You design one pcb for 3 devices and not 3 for each of the them to save design and production costs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense, but why did they not just add sd card support to the phone? Is this to safe cost or to keep the design the way they wanted it?
I think the cost of adding it is so small. Why bother, just mill the frame and solder the socket on. But in this case, pads where not connected so maybe it's sth else.
NiTrOwow said:
Makes sense, but why did they not just add sd card support to the phone? Is this to safe cost or to keep the design they way they wanted it?
I think the cost of adding it is so small. Why bother, just mill the frame and solder the socket on. But in this case, pads where not connected so maybe it's sth else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pads are not connected cause of my mentioned reasons maybe and yes, Design is one of the possible reasons too!
From design a board to release of the final design for the smartphone there's a huge time that can go past. So they don't design a new pcb if pr says: we don't want a sd card.
They just disable them, cause the smartphone must be released.

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