I need to replace my parents 7 year old Windows PC with a new one. I was thinking of getting a Android stick instead since their uses are limited to Skype, Hangouts, Facebook, occassional browsing and YouTube. Besides, at least my mom has become pretty familiar with her Android phone.
What I have in mind is this:
Buy a monitor with HDMI port or DVI. The monitor will have built in speakers as well. Connect the stick to it.
Attach a USB hub to the stick.
Attach webcam, keyboard and mouse to the hub. Alternatively, attach keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in the monitor (if available). I don't want to use bluetooth because they will find recharging the keyboard/mouse difficult.
My questions are:
How effective this setup will be for the above mentioned purposes? The reason I ask this is because most people seem to be using Android stick primarily as a media player.
I tried hooking up two tablets to my TV, neither of them gave full screen. Will I face such problems with the stick? Do I need to look for any specific monitor resolutions or aspect ratios?
If I attach keyboard and mouse to the monitor's USB port, will it work?
Are there any sticks which will support touch screen monitors out of the box?
Will it play the sound through monitor out of the box?
In case I have to use bluetooth, can I pair both keyboard and mouse at the same time?
Do I need to shutdown the stick just like a PC or will a simple mains switch off be enough? Or can I leave it running all the time without worrying about the power consumption?
Please recommend a good stick for this purpose.
Am I overlooking something? Will I need any extra components?
I will most likely be telling them over the phone on how to set up the whole thing. So any kind of tinkering with software (like rooting or some form of modding) will not be possible.
unni_kmr said:
I need to replace my parents 7 year old Windows PC with a new one. I was thinking of getting a Android stick instead since their uses are limited to Skype, Hangouts, Facebook, occassional browsing and YouTube. Besides, at least my mom has become pretty familiar with her Android phone.
What I have in mind is this:
Buy a monitor with HDMI port or DVI. The monitor will have built in speakers as well. Connect the stick to it.
Attach a USB hub to the stick.
Attach webcam, keyboard and mouse to the hub. Alternatively, attach keyboard and mouse to the USB ports in the monitor (if available). I don't want to use bluetooth because they will find recharging the keyboard/mouse difficult.
My questions are:
How effective this setup will be for the above mentioned purposes? The reason I ask this is because most people seem to be using Android stick primarily as a media player.
I tried hooking up two tablets to my TV, neither of them gave full screen. Will I face such problems with the stick? Do I need to look for any specific monitor resolutions or aspect ratios?
If I attach keyboard and mouse to the monitor's USB port, will it work?
Are there any sticks which will support touch screen monitors out of the box?
Will it play the sound through monitor out of the box?
In case I have to use bluetooth, can I pair both keyboard and mouse at the same time?
Do I need to shutdown the stick just like a PC or will a simple mains switch off be enough? Or can I leave it running all the time without worrying about the power consumption?
Please recommend a good stick for this purpose.
Am I overlooking something? Will I need any extra components?
I will most likely be telling them over the phone on how to set up the whole thing. So any kind of tinkering with software (like rooting or some form of modding) will not be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list:
1. If you connect the mini pc (stick or otherwise) using HDMI cable to the monitor, you will have audio through the monitor.
2. If you buy a mini pc instead of a stick, you wouldn't need an additional usb hub (see X5 or X7)
3. You will need to use a logitech webcam (at least to use stock roms on Minix)
4. For browsing, Facebook, and Skype, the X7 will handle that easily, on a wired/wireless connection
5. Full screen works fine (either 1080p or 720p)
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
7. The X7will pair both a keyboard and mouse via bt at once, though I would recommend using the usb ports if you are setting it up at a desk
8. My X7 almost never gets shut off. Usually just shut off the monitor and let it stay on. The power consumption is minimal, especially when not being used.
Also, as far as a recommendation, I find the X7 to be pretty good. You'd probably be ok with an X5 if they aren't planning on using it as a media center and want to save some $$$. A lot of the cheap sticks are made by manufacturers who do not provide updates or product support, but since the end of July, Minix has come out with 3 firmware updates, and another one is almost ready. (They would have released update 005 except Rockchip released an update to their code and Minix want to integrate it prior to their next release, as it improves video playback).
On the negative side, the firmware does still have occasional glitches. Although my X7 has been up for days on end, every once in a while it just freezes up, and i have to pull the power cable, plug it back in, and turn it on. Also, the X7 had some early issues with SD cards, but if you don't plan on using an SD card, that shouldn't be an issue.
If you believe an android device will do everything your parents need in a PC, I think it's a great idea. Low power consumption (4W vs the 160-220W of my HTPC), low heat, no noise, low price, and decent reliability.
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Mike_77 said:
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list:
1. If you connect the mini pc (stick or otherwise) using HDMI cable to the monitor, you will have audio through the monitor.
2. If you buy a mini pc instead of a stick, you wouldn't need an additional usb hub (see X5 or X7)
3. You will need to use a logitech webcam (at least to use stock roms on Minix)
4. For browsing, Facebook, and Skype, the X7 will handle that easily, on a wired/wireless connection
5. Full screen works fine (either 1080p or 720p)
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
7. The X7will pair both a keyboard and mouse via bt at once, though I would recommend using the usb ports if you are setting it up at a desk
8. My X7 almost never gets shut off. Usually just shut off the monitor and let it stay on. The power consumption is minimal, especially when not being used.
Also, as far as a recommendation, I find the X7 to be pretty good. You'd probably be ok with an X5 if they aren't planning on using it as a media center and want to save some $$$. A lot of the cheap sticks are made by manufacturers who do not provide updates or product support, but since the end of July, Minix has come out with 3 firmware updates, and another one is almost ready. (They would have released update 005 except Rockchip released an update to their code and Minix want to integrate it prior to their next release, as it improves video playback).
On the negative side, the firmware does still have occasional glitches. Although my X7 has been up for days on end, every once in a while it just freezes up, and i have to pull the power cable, plug it back in, and turn it on. Also, the X7 had some early issues with SD cards, but if you don't plan on using an SD card, that shouldn't be an issue.
If you believe an android device will do everything your parents need in a PC, I think it's a great idea. Low power consumption (4W vs the 160-220W of my HTPC), low heat, no noise, low price, and decent reliability.
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a great wright up of x7 I love mine and agree 100 % with what you have said here. I've tried the uab sticks they don't work as well plus no heat on the x7 that thing is built well to last. I have set p.o.s. (point of sales) systems up in the past using the x5 cheap and fast browsing experience.
Good luck hope your parents are happy with what ever you end up doing.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
I have MK808b (dual core with 1GB RAM), and using it as a media center, but also as a PC for browsing INTERNET. It is connected to pc monitor with HDMI, and works perfectly in full HD resolution.
I can't find any reason not to use it as a replacement for PC, especially if you use cloud storage services.
Mike_77 said:
I have a Minix X7, which is my first android mini pc.. here's my thoughts regarding your list...
6. I have never used a touch screen monitor, but this thread has some guidance (http://www.freaktab.com/showthread.php?1802-Touchscreen).. a little more involved than plug-and-play
One more thought, if you wish to root/update firmware, etc, get the device shipped to you, then ship it to your parents. It'll take a few more days, but you can set it up and make sure everything suits their needs prior to delivery..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much for this detailed reply. Really appreciate you taking time to write all these.
I have dropped the idea of using touch screen, since they seem to be 3 times the cost of a regular monitor (in India).
Regarding the shipping, I am in US now and parents are in India. I am not exactly sure if customs will cause any problems. That's why I am thinking of ordering from eBay India itself. Only problem is eBay India seller is charging around $204, probably because this is a new device.
dincdoes.me said:
Good luck hope your parents are happy with what ever you end up doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this works as expected for the above purposes, I am the one who will be more happy. In the last 2 years, I have spent a lot of hours through LogMeIn remote desktop updating and maintaining the PC. Where my parents stay, there are scheduled powercuts for 1 hour per day for atleast half of the year, and power comes and goes every now and then even otherwise. This inconsistency in power was another reason that made me lean towards the mini PCs. Besides, my mom, who is the primary user of the PC, has become more familiar with Android (through her phone), and she likes playing the games a lot as well.
draskome said:
I have MK808b (dual core with 1GB RAM), and using it as a media center, but also as a PC for browsing INTERNET. It is connected to pc monitor with HDMI, and works perfectly in full HD resolution.
I can't find any reason not to use it as a replacement for PC, especially if you use cloud storage services.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
I am thinking of getting the X7 or X5 mainly because of the software updates, since I won't need to purchase any hub and since I can use my existing Logitech C310 webcam.
I have few more questions regarding the X7:
1. How responsive is the keyboard and mouse? Can I expect a response similar to a normal Windows PC?
2. If I use a monitor that has a resolution between 720p and 1080p (something like 1360x768 for example), will the device handle it properly or will it look odd (like stretched)?
3. Will it get updated automatically? I saw one video in YouTube in which he was manually flashing it using some Windows utility. Is that the only way to update?
I have two devices.
First device is a 70 dollar single core tablet with a broken touch screen. It was to expensive to fix it so I turned it into a server.
1. it runs Servers ultimate pro running a WebDav server, PHP/MySQL server for RSS feeds and a home site for the family, ddns updater and an FTP server.
2. it is running a surveillance app that sends an email to me the moment anything moves in the camera shot.
3. runs a PocketMine-MP server
4. runs an app to auto stop and start apps dring certain times of the day.
All this is remotely accessible VIA webkey.
Second device is an iMito MX1
1. it has a 7 port hub attached.
2. a HD webcam for Skype.
3. two harddrives (a 1 TB driver for media storage and a 720GB for internal memory replacement)(more on that in a min)
4. plays netflix, red box, youtube, Vevo, crackle and XBMC... to name a few
5. has 32 games loaded up with a Logitech F710 wireless controller VIA an app for onscreen touch.
6. Logitech full sized KB and Mouse.
I use this thing for web browsing, shooting vids and pics over to it from my phone for family sharing(DLNA)
The 750gig harddrive is currently the SDCARD but the internal one(NAND). The internal NAND is no longer used and the harddrive is where the OS stores the app's file to SD and the apps extra downloads. This has allowed me to download 15 games that contain 1+gig of extra data each.
All this has replaced two PC's in my house running 24/7. My electric bill has dropped 100+ dollars a month and the house has become quieter.
Let me tell you that two PC's(one was a server and the other a media center) running at full speed just to watch a movie took 280 watts of power. My new setup only consumes 24 at peak! Plus less heat and fan noise! I changed over around a year ago and never looked back or miss my old setup.
If you plan on running one fore a PC replacement I recommend a quad core. Sometimes the browsers can get a bit poky and that is due to the slower CPU. Also Webkey a must for remote management. This one FREE app has saved me more times then I can could. It has tons of functions and features but it's best feature is the remote control. It is just like setting in front of the device but just a tad slower. It is not a perfect app but it is the only remote app that I have found to work time and time again.
unni_kmr said:
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My monitor is 24" 1080p, and it's perfectly suitable for the purpose
For the office documents, 512kbps is quite enough, but not for pics, videos....
unni_kmr said:
Thanks very much for this detailed reply. Really appreciate you taking time to write all these.
I have dropped the idea of using touch screen, since they seem to be 3 times the cost of a regular monitor (in India).
Regarding the shipping, I am in US now and parents are in India. I am not exactly sure if customs will cause any problems. That's why I am thinking of ordering from eBay India itself. Only problem is eBay India seller is charging around $204, probably because this is a new device.
What resolution is your monitor?
Cloud storage will be a problem, since the internet at my parents house is only 512 kbps.
I am thinking of getting the X7 or X5 mainly because of the software updates, since I won't need to purchase any hub and since I can use my existing Logitech C310 webcam.
I have few more questions regarding the X7:
1. How responsive is the keyboard and mouse? Can I expect a response similar to a normal Windows PC?
2. If I use a monitor that has a resolution between 720p and 1080p (something like 1360x768 for example), will the device handle it properly or will it look odd (like stretched)?
3. Will it get updated automatically? I saw one video in YouTube in which he was manually flashing it using some Windows utility. Is that the only way to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to share my experience. I was a bit hesitant to buy one originally, but have been more than happy with my purchase.
I bought mine from http://www.aliexpress.com/item/MINIX-NEO-X7-Android-TV-Box-RK3188-Quad-Core-Mini-PC-1-6GHz-2G-16G-WiFi/1086507000.html# shipped DHL for only $3 more, and had it delivered in 3 days to Hawaii from China.
Updates are kind of a pain until they implement OTA updates, which they say they're going to do. That's why I recommend shipping to you first, and then you can send to your parents. I understand the customs issue though.. tough decision on that one.
I use mine on a 55" 1080p tv, and the picture quality is outstanding. The picture does not looked stretched or odd any any way. I believe it will detect the correct display settings and you can set the resolution you desire in /settings/display/resolution (trying to remember exact menu it's under)
The keyboard and mouse is just as responsive as a windows pc. There are a couple of times there is a bit of lag, but that is just a function of how much stuff is running. Even when you experience lag, it isn't anything significant.
There is a working version of CWM that will allow you to flash updates like an Android phone, but you will have to use the pc utility to install CWM (available on freaktab.com) Once CWM is installed, you can package the update files into a zip that is premade other than your update files, and it'll update for you.
There is a lot more information on freaktab.com. I alternated between that and minixforums.com for a while when trying to decide which android mini pc to buy. After weeks of research, I decided the wait for the X7 was worth it, and haven't regretted my decision since.
Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry that I didn't reply for a long time. I tried ordering Minix Neo X7 from the AliExpress link. But they rejected my payment due to security concerns (I used an US credit card and gave India adress which probably raised some red flags). Then I ordered from eBay India. Waiting for it to be shipped.
I also came across another interesting product that could have satisfied all my requirements. Its the ViewSonic VSD220. Its a touch screen monitor with speakers, web cam, USB ports and is a Android mini PC. The only down side was that a YouTube review said its processor is not upto the mark.
unni_kmr said:
Thanks very much for all the replies. Sorry that I didn't reply for a long time. I tried ordering Minix Neo X7 from the AliExpress link. But they rejected my payment due to security concerns (I used an US credit card and gave India adress which probably raised some red flags). Then I ordered from eBay India. Waiting for it to be shipped.
I also came across another interesting product that could have satisfied all my requirements. Its the ViewSonic VSD220. Its a touch screen monitor with speakers, web cam, USB ports and is a Android mini PC. The only down side was that a YouTube review said its processor is not upto the mark.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll get better performance out of the X7. Have you read all the info, etc on minixforums.com? Also, starting with FW006, they are supporting SDCard firmware updates (theoretically, though I haven't tried it)
reddragon72 said:
I have two devices.
First device is a 70 dollar single core tablet with a broken touch screen. It was to expensive to fix it so I turned it into a server.
1. it runs Servers ultimate pro running a WebDav server, PHP/MySQL server for RSS feeds and a home site for the family, ddns updater and an FTP server.
2. it is running a surveillance app that sends an email to me the moment anything moves in the camera shot.
3. runs a PocketMine-MP server
4. runs an app to auto stop and start apps dring certain times of the day.
All this is remotely accessible VIA webkey.
Second device is an iMito MX1
1. it has a 7 port hub attached.
2. a HD webcam for Skype.
3. two harddrives (a 1 TB driver for media storage and a 720GB for internal memory replacement)(more on that in a min)
4. plays netflix, red box, youtube, Vevo, crackle and XBMC... to name a few
5. has 32 games loaded up with a Logitech F710 wireless controller VIA an app for onscreen touch.
6. Logitech full sized KB and Mouse.
I use this thing for web browsing, shooting vids and pics over to it from my phone for family sharing(DLNA)
The 750gig harddrive is currently the SDCARD but the internal one(NAND). The internal NAND is no longer used and the harddrive is where the OS stores the app's file to SD and the apps extra downloads. This has allowed me to download 15 games that contain 1+gig of extra data each.
All this has replaced two PC's in my house running 24/7. My electric bill has dropped 100+ dollars a month and the house has become quieter.
Let me tell you that two PC's(one was a server and the other a media center) running at full speed just to watch a movie took 280 watts of power. My new setup only consumes 24 at peak! Plus less heat and fan noise! I changed over around a year ago and never looked back or miss my old setup.
If you plan on running one fore a PC replacement I recommend a quad core. Sometimes the browsers can get a bit poky and that is due to the slower CPU. Also Webkey a must for remote management. This one FREE app has saved me more times then I can could. It has tons of functions and features but it's best feature is the remote control. It is just like setting in front of the device but just a tad slower. It is not a perfect app but it is the only remote app that I have found to work time and time again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. What would you reccomend for luanchers or either installing a new system on the Tronsmart T428. I just can't stand using the android with my wifi keyboard w built-in mouse. The android pop-up keyboard takes up half of my projector screen when it pops up even with null keyboard installed. When selecting a link if a similar page ops up there is no scroll bars on the right letting you know to scroll down or if ytou are still on the smae page waiting for stuff to upload. i guess I'm looking for more of an Ubuntu 10x or windows experience. Traditional keyboard and mouse vs touch screen. NOw that I think about it I bet I have to get hulu plus to watch anything on this bc it acts like a tablet.
Related
I got extremely lucky today when I walked into a local CanadaComputers and they happen to have two 32GB TF101 in stock after the rest of their shipment sold out the day before.
I want to build a nice mount and put it somewhere on the dash. Has anyone thought about such a project?
Hiding the cables won't be an issue. I'm going to mount a 300W A/C inverter inside the centre console and cut a piece out the back (facing the back seats) and put a small plastic or metal grate for air flow (the fan exhaust on the inverter unit will face the grate).
Will run two USB cables through the transmission box and through the dash to where the mount will be installed. One for my Captivate and the other for the tablet. The Aux port is also in the centre console for music and video purposes.
To my understanding the tablet requires a 5V/1.2A source to charge with the tablet sleeping. To use the tablet while charging, 15V/2A is required? I'm not 100% sure. There is a 12V DC port in the centre console that is only active while the vehicle is running. The tablet can charge while the vehicle is running and run on battery power (sleeping) while the vehicle is off.
Internet connectivity will be tethered from my Captivate via Mobile AP. It works *decent* but for apps that require a consistent connection often disconnect between coverage sites. I hope LTE fixes this problem.
There are some limitations but I think I work around them. Such as Always On. When I'm running Google Maps on the tablet it will still sleep. I want it on at 100% brightness while the car is on and I want it to sleep while the car is off. Kind of like how Windows 7 has power profiles - one when A/C is connected and one for battery power.
I also want the tablet to automatically connect to the Captivate when in range. Does the tablet search for Wifi connections even while sleeping? By the time I open the car door; I want the weather widget and my Gmail to be updated. I want Maps working with a data connection. Everything automated.
Voice is also a HUGE bonus with this setup. I tested it today - works very, very well. My only quibble is the voice input button on the home screen is so tiny. I need a widget with a nice big voice input button so I don't have to turn my head off the road to look at the screen.
Oh and the reason why I don't want a 3G model of the tablet is because when LTE goes live in Canada it's promising up to 150 Mb/s downlink. I don't want to be limited by the tablet's radio. 802.11n supports ~300 mbit. When I upgrade my Captivate to a new LTE phone (probably around Xmas 2011) I can tether to the tablet with the higher speeds without a hitch! 3G is so 2010.
I'm so hyped this is gonna be AWESOME when it's done.
Give me ideas!
Of course you buy a Garmin GPS that is more accurate, and has weather, traffic, gas prices, car mount, etc and works when there is no Wifi signal for $200.
jerrykur said:
Of course you buy a Garmin GPS that has weather, traffic, gas prices, car mount, etc and works when there is no Wifi signal for $200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but does it have a 10 inch IPS touch display with a tegra 2 and USB host? + internal storage for movies of course.
jerrykur said:
Of course you buy a Garmin GPS that has weather, traffic, gas prices, car mount, etc and works when there is no Wifi signal for $200.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Small screen, can't watch movies, no browser, no email, no music...
flak4 said:
Small screen, can't watch movies, no browser, no email, no music...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He might as well be saying "why buy a transformer if you can buy a netbook for 200"
This sounds like an awesome project, I'll look forward to seeing your updates. Tasker might be a handy app for this.
seshmaru said:
but does it have a 10 inch IPS touch display with a tegra 2 and USB host? + internal storage for movies of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they have screens you can actually see in daylight unlike a tablet.
As for the rest, if you was watching movies or using the USB host to run your coffee warmer while driving please stay away from me. Heck, if your talking on your cell phone and driving stay away from me.
flak4 said:
Small screen, can't watch movies, no browser, no email, no music...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Watch movies, browse web, check email, lose control, skid onto on coming traffic, kill yourself and kill others. Superb idea.
gumbi4u said:
Watch movies, browse web, check email, lose control, skid onto on coming traffic, kill yourself and kill others. Superb idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because only the driver could ever want to watch movies or browse the web. Checking your mail in the dunkin donuts parking lot is also ridiculous and dangerous and will kill everyone.
gumbi4u said:
Watch movies, browse web, check email, lose control, skid onto on coming traffic, kill yourself and kill others. Superb idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why are you all crapping on my thread?
I practically live out of my car because of my job. I use to do everything off of my phone and Zune. But the displays are too small. Yes this includes watching movies on my phone while waiting for some tests to complete (which can take hours). I use my phone for GPS and Google Maps (I don't use standalone GPS units). I drive long hours and spend a lot of time away from my home.
My laptop is good but is a hassle to set up. Personally I find navigating a tablet easier than navigating a laptop using the mouse pad. Using a laptop while sitting in the drivers seat is cramped, too. It's so annoying that I usually browse using my phone rather than my laptop.
The tablet can potentially replace the need for a Zune, GPS and laptop (for browsing, email and multimedia purposes) in this scenario and its functionality and performance will only improve over time.
You're telling me this isn't a sweet idea?
I was hoping to get some more thoughtful responses. If anyone has any answers for my initial post - regarding the AC requirements for the tablet - and how I can automate tethering, please share.
flak4 said:
Why are you all crapping on my thread?
I practically live out of my car because of my job. I use to do everything off of my phone and Zune. But the displays are too small. Yes this includes watching movies on my phone while waiting for some tests to complete (which can take hours). I use my phone for GPS and Google Maps (I don't use standalone GPS units). I drive long hours and spend a lot of time away from my home.
My laptop is good but is a hassle to set up. Personally I find navigating a tablet easier than navigating a laptop using the mouse pad. Using a laptop while sitting in the drivers seat is cramped, too. It's so annoying that I usually browse using my phone rather than my laptop.
The tablet can potentially replace the need for a Zune, GPS and laptop (for browsing, email and multimedia purposes) in this scenario and its functionality and performance will only improve over time.
You're telling me this isn't a sweet idea?
I was hoping to get some more thoughtful responses. If anyone has any answers for my initial post - regarding the AC requirements for the tablet - and how I can automate tethering, please share.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have wifi set to on at all times and the network is remembered, it will auto connect when in range. Regarding the power, you'll need 2A 15v to charge it while it's awake. The USB cable supplied however doesn't deliver enough power and can't be used with a car adaptor for USB, you'll need to have a converter to use the wall charger for the tab.
Not sure about the other things though.
Take a look at thsi Youtube video below. The day the Ipad 2 was released, this guy mounted one in the dash of a new F150. Custom fiberglass/bondo work to rebuild the console to allow the docking directly in the dash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jr3_zLHTbY
Tablet mounted into dashboard = sexy
Not legal in some US states, I have no idea about Canada.
flak4 said:
I got extremely lucky today when I walked into a local CanadaComputers and they happen to have two 32GB TF101 in stock after the rest of their shipment sold out the day before.
I want to build a nice mount and put it somewhere on the dash. Has anyone thought about such a project?
Hiding the cables won't be an issue. I'm going to mount a 300W A/C inverter inside the centre console and cut a piece out the back (facing the back seats) and put a small plastic or metal grate for air flow (the fan exhaust on the inverter unit will face the grate).
Will run two USB cables through the transmission box and through the dash to where the mount will be installed. One for my Captivate and the other for the tablet. The Aux port is also in the centre console for music and video purposes.
To my understanding the tablet requires a 5V/1.2A source to charge with the tablet sleeping. To use the tablet while charging, 15V/2A is required? I'm not 100% sure. There is a 12V DC port in the centre console that is only active while the vehicle is running. The tablet can charge while the vehicle is running and run on battery power (sleeping) while the vehicle is off.
Internet connectivity will be tethered from my Captivate via Mobile AP. It works *decent* but for apps that require a consistent connection often disconnect between coverage sites. I hope LTE fixes this problem.
There are some limitations but I think I work around them. Such as Always On. When I'm running Google Maps on the tablet it will still sleep. I want it on at 100% brightness while the car is on and I want it to sleep while the car is off. Kind of like how Windows 7 has power profiles - one when A/C is connected and one for battery power.
I also want the tablet to automatically connect to the Captivate when in range. Does the tablet search for Wifi connections even while sleeping? By the time I open the car door; I want the weather widget and my Gmail to be updated. I want Maps working with a data connection. Everything automated.
Voice is also a HUGE bonus with this setup. I tested it today - works very, very well. My only quibble is the voice input button on the home screen is so tiny. I need a widget with a nice big voice input button so I don't have to turn my head off the road to look at the screen.
Oh and the reason why I don't want a 3G model of the tablet is because when LTE goes live in Canada it's promising up to 150 Mb/s downlink. I don't want to be limited by the tablet's radio. 802.11n supports ~300 mbit. When I upgrade my Captivate to a new LTE phone (probably around Xmas 2011) I can tether to the tablet with the higher speeds without a hitch! 3G is so 2010.
I'm so hyped this is gonna be AWESOME when it's done.
Give me ideas!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you mount it on your dash? Want it flying in your face in an accident? Get a 99 bucks gps.
nxp3 said:
Why would you mount it on your dash? Want it flying in your face in an accident? Get a 99 bucks gps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess some people don't read threads. Idiot.
Some people just have to come and **** on everyone's great ideas and dreams. Personally it sounds to me like this can make your life easier, and more awesome. Post some pics as soon as you have them!
I have the same project in works, I am using a Pro Clip and pad tap to accomblish it in my 2007 bmw 3 series. I have both the parts ordered and in transit, will mount this saturday and share pictures if u are intereted. The tethering would be done with my HTC evo using the sprint 4G network and to avoid the wires mess will be using blackberry bluetooth gateway to connect to car stereo.
Gonnaaa be shiccccckkkk.
You don't need Wi-Fi to get GPS to work like some idiots are saying, only if you rely on Google Maps. Even if you want to use Google Maps, you can tether up the Transformer with your phone.
I mounted the TF to my vents, shot a video few days ago
..and how has it worked out for you?
I used it a lot, but there are just too many things I need a computer for. So, even though most everything I do is on my phone, there is still a need for a PC
Ymmv, but try typing anything longer than a couple paragraphs on the phone. It sucks.
Sent from my LG-P920 using Tapatalk
I think within the next 5-10 years you will see the cell phone replacing the laptop, especially for business users. Instead of lugging heavy laptops around airports when travelling we will have a phone, HDMI cable, soft BT keyboard, and BT mouse. Head to your hotel room, place of work, plug into a LCD via HDMI, and good to go.
Right now, replacing a laptop with a phone such as the Atrix would be counter intuitive, as there are so many things you still cannot do on a phone, plain and simple. It's going to happen though..............just not yet.
Actually, I thought of doing that when needed to replace my old laptop. I checked for lapdock abilities and performances. However, as mentioned above, android OS lacks to many features that I need (Especially office features, and some games) so I left it aside.
I believe that the Atrix marks the future in the technological world, and slowly laptops will become useless, especially with quad-core devices, and the coming of WIN8. Mobile device hardware will be powerful enough to run everything that a laptop runs, and WIN8 is expected to support ARM processors.
I think that phones will come with a lapdock-like station, and the phone will power it. The incompatibility of android will be replaced by WIN8 while connected to the dock, and voila a mobile phone that has PC capabilities.
I bought the lapdock for my atrix and have since stopped taking my toshiba laptop to school.
I only really use google docs. notes and such. lapdock is much lighter than my laptop. it's thinner.
i keep my laptop at home now... only using it to download stuff, really.
I use the lapdock to watch netflix, go online, and it handles it well.
The lack of ability to multitask on the lapdock is the crappy part. I liked being able to be online on different webpages at once and listen to music on my laptop.
with the lapdock, I can really only be on 3, maybe 4 sites before I it starts lagging. but i just started listening to music on my mp3 player while I'm online.
so for more involved tasks, laptop. simple tasks, lapdock.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Only as my computer at starbucks. Works great for surfing the net, checking facebook, answering emails, texting people back with a full keyboard, watching youtube/flash videos...
Other than that, I really cannot replace a full laptop with it. There isn't enough cpu power yet for it to be used for everything. Plus the webtop needs to be really hacked with webtop2sd or something similar in order for it to be really useful beyond the basics.
Motorola is defiantly on the right track with this. This can grow if they play their cards right.
raginginferno said:
Only as my computer at starbucks. Works great for surfing the net, checking facebook, answering emails, texting people back with a full keyboard, watching youtube/flash videos...
Other than that, I really cannot replace a full laptop with it. There isn't enough cpu power yet for it to be used for everything. Plus the webtop needs to be really hacked with webtop2sd or something similar in order for it to be really useful beyond the basics.
Motorola is defiantly on the right track with this. This can grow if they play their cards right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, this is identical opinion as mine. For those who is expecting the Atrix (as well as anything eslse) attaching with a laptopdock can be able to replace the laptop then pls give up right now.
But I also confirm that: As for some popular need of entertainment such as internet surfing, gaming, social net browsing..., and for some simple need of office such as noting, word/pdf/xls viewing/revising... you guys can completely leave the laptop at home to carry the Atrix along with its lapdock.
Actually, I have been using my Atrix standalone in the class, library and seminars with amazing conveniences, where the Notes app, OCR app (eg. CamSanner, Scan2PDF...), voice recorder and internet are very important tools for my own job. When I'm at home, I have the wireless keyboard and mouse to use with my Atrix over the TV every evening for facebook, news, XDA...
With the rest of need especially for office taks such as Autocad, Photoshop, rich text editor,... you cannot entrust them for any smartphone like Atrix even when our Google provided good office services such as GDocs, or the power app Open Office for Linux is free out there...
Just as my own experiences.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
I would like to add my own thought of this question. As my many years experiences of smartphone and laptop, office applications are divided into two groups by usage level as follows:
1. Essential applications includes:
- Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Pdf viewer/tuner
- Files Manager
- Calendar/Task Reminder/Alarm Clock/Contacts manager
- Note/Memo/Voice Recorder...
- OCR Scanner/PDF Converter, Calculator/Dictionaries/Currency, Unit converter...
- TeamViewer/VNC client...
- Stock/RSS/News/Weather app...
- Skype/Yahoo/Facebook/Twitter and other text/voice IM client...
- POP3/IMAP/Web Email client
- Web Browser/Google/Yahoo Search...
- And ofcos, all functions of a feature phone
2. Professional applications includes:
- AutoCad
- Word/Xls/PowerPoint creator/editor
- Photoshop/CorelDraw/3DMax/Visio editor...
- ERP softwares (Accounting, POS, CRM...), Programming (Java, Oracle...)
- Heavy Web surfing
- Full features PC remote
- All kinds of studio application (photo, audio, video)...,
- And any other professional application which requires high memory, large storage, powered CPU, strong GPU, multiple I/O ports, heavy multi-task operation, etc...
You guys are working only on applications in the first group, you can completely sell your laptop to save the money for purchasing a power smartphone like Atrix along with some valued accessories, eg. wireless keyboard/mouse, multimedia dock, laptop dock, high capacity battery...
But if you guys have any need of application in the 2nd group, you will be disappointed if using a smartphone like not only Atrix but also hi-end Android/iOS tablets such as Galaxy Tab, iPad, Transformer Prime... for it.
And for myselft, I am using two devices simultaneously for works.
Just as my own experiences...
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Cell phones with accessories still have a long way to go before I could replace my laptop. I need Visual Studio, Visio, and my company's software that I use for consulting purposes. I would love to get rid of a heavy laptop, but I had to go with a quadcore i7 sandy bridge because I really do need the performance. The thinner laptops only have the dual core i7, which cuts my primary apps speed in half (multithreading).
Funny, I actually didn't have a choice about a month ago. I'm a student at UCF in Orlando, FL. My lapdock had actually just come in 3 hours before my hard disk in my laptop bit the dust and I had to wait a week for the replacement to come in, so I had to use the lapdock as my computer for a while. I bought the lapdock to take to class(my laptop is a 17" beast and a pain to carry around with all the other crap I lug around.. I really didn't think that through when I bought it back in 09) and it did the bare essentials. There's no way I'd replace my computer with the atrix lapdock though. Not a chance. The speed, multi-tasking ability, rendering, none of it is up to par to replace a purpose-made computer. It does just enough for the money, IMO.
I have replaced my personal laptop that I used to carry around, I mostly use my full laptop only to burn dvds, rip music, create and edit videos for Youtube and such tasks.
But for day to day things like browsing the web for research, typing memos and multimedia stuff (Photoshopping with GIMP, youtube, Netflix, etc) also I do a lot of Torrenting from my Atrix remotely onto my QNAS home server and website managing through FTP and many other things.
Cheers!
Rayan
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MK80...ip-RK3066-Cortex-A9-Mini-PC-stick-307415.html
What everyone think? Anybody took the leap and bought it yet? I was thinking about getting one so I don't have to hookup my laptop to my TV anymore
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
nice gadget!!
richeazy said:
http://www.geekbuying.com/item/MK80...ip-RK3066-Cortex-A9-Mini-PC-stick-307415.html
What everyone think? Anybody took the leap and bought it yet? I was thinking about getting one so I don't have to hookup my laptop to my TV anymore
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine mk808 yesterday. I bought a mk802 in august but it "burned" after 1 week. I also think that the mk802 was very laggish... The mk808 is far much better!!!
So far I am very very very happy with it!
regards
gillidk said:
I got mine mk808 yesterday. I bought a mk802 in august but it "burned" after 1 week. I also think that the mk802 was very laggish... The mk808 is far much better!!!
So far I am very very very happy with it!
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gillidk, Did you buy yours from geekbuying? How long was the delivery and which country are you
I was about to order the similar GV-20 mk808 based device from gadgetgreats but poeple have mentioned fraud etc
http://www.gadgetgreats.com/gv-20-a...i-a9-dual-core-android-4-0-mini-pc-gv-20.html
many thanks
I got mine today. I ordered it over a week ago. Weird because I didn't get my shipping information until last night, and when I tracked it, it was already out for delivery.
My Measy Air Mouse R11 is screwed though I think. It keeps sliding to the left hand side. I even tried on my PC and it does the same thing. I've tried to resync it and screw with it, but it keeps moving. Very hard to use a mouse that doesn't stay still. The MK808 is fun. I just got it tonight. I haven't had the time to get really crazy with it. Seems to run ok and would be far more enjoyable with a good input device.
Ordered mine today (only $60), if it really works as reviews say, it's quite a bargain
Do you still have problems with the rc11 or are they solved ?
send by an 42y old gio junkie™
player911 said:
I got mine today. I ordered it over a week ago. Weird because I didn't get my shipping information until last night, and when I tracked it, it was already out for delivery.
My Measy Air Mouse R11 is screwed though I think. It keeps sliding to the left hand side. I even tried on my PC and it does the same thing. I've tried to resync it and screw with it, but it keeps moving. Very hard to use a mouse that doesn't stay still. The MK808 is fun. I just got it tonight. I haven't had the time to get really crazy with it. Seems to run ok and would be far more enjoyable with a good input device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get it by express delivery or normal delivery
send by an 42y old gio junkie™
I fixed my Measy Air Mouse R11.
To reset the Gyros, you lay it flat and press and hold LEFT ARROW + G for a few seconds... making sure it is flat. Now it works great.
I'm having some weird issues with some misbehaving apps. Root explorer started freaking out. And now my FPse won't use OpenGL for the life of me. I'm interested in trying the CM10 build for it but the operation requirements are bland. Supposedly it requires CWM recovery, which is supplied but doesn't give specifics how or what order or process to get it done.
I have to say that it is a fun unit to work with and chews through FPse roms. I'm surprised how well it runs for a chinese chipset.
Flashing is a bit of a chore and instructions aren't very clear, so I'll post them here:
With the unit OFF:
Insert a paper clip into the reset hole and press it in and HOLD IT down.
Awkwardly insert the MicroUSB-PC cable into the OTG. This will power the unit and it should boot into Flash mode given you've held the paperclip down properly.
Trying to install eGalax Touch Screen linux driver
I'm trying to install the eGalax Touch Screen driver for Linux 2.6 that came with my liliput 7 inch touch screen. The touch screen is for use in my car. Using the mk802 II or ug808 to replace my audio system. I just need to get the driver installed. The driver installation script is looking for the locations "usr/local" and "usr/bin", but the only "usr" directory I can find is in "system/usr"... I'm not sure if I should use that location and create the local and bin directories there or not. But when I created the usr/local and usr/bin at the same level as system (which is in the "mnt" directory which is also at the same level as "root" directory (btw, I cannot find a "home" directory), the install seemed to work fine using Better Terminal Pro android app with the bash shell. However, when I restarted the device, the "usr" directory that I create was gone, so the driver install was wiped apparently, and the usb HDMI touch screen still does not work... I can post the bash script if that helps. This is the last thing I need to get this to work, then I can have a full Android ICS system in my car. Thanks in advance.
FYI The HDMI works great to view and use a usb mouse or the RII keyboard. they work great. It's just the touch screen input does not work. It used to when I first turned on the device with the touch screen on, but the x-y coordinates were reversed, hence attempting to install the driver. I have ICS compiled from source and may attempt to add the drivers into it and create an img to them load on the mk802 II, but I fear that I'll loose any proprietary hardware drivers that came with the mk802 II.
I also wanted to make a img backup using ROM Manager, but ClockworkMod is not available for the MK802 II. ANy leads on this would help. Been researching and testing this for a month now.
rscreen said:
gillidk, Did you buy yours from geekbuying? How long was the delivery and which country are you
I was about to order the similar GV-20 mk808 based device from gadgetgreats but poeple have mentioned fraud etc
http://www.gadgetgreats.com/gv-20-a...i-a9-dual-core-android-4-0-mini-pc-gv-20.html
many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ordered on the 26th for 65$ (actually cost £42 through paypal),
they shipped on the 29th (tracking never worked).
And it arrived on the 6th. So quicker than expected.
I've applied the firmware update which was a slightly newer build of 4.1. Mentioned in both these places (applied the tweaked one from deadhp1 for the play store location fix in case needed)
http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2012/11/03/mk808-mini-pc-firmware-update-on-3th-nov/
http://www.armtvtech.com/armtvtechforum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=53
It now seems to play any avi / mkv / mp4 i've given it (usually on a usb stick or micro SD). It happily plays avi's over the network (using ES file explorer).
Its definitely better than the out of sync UG802 which wasn't quite right and the power lead came out too easily.
I use the custom stock video app (seems to come with most of the RockChip devices) and MX player (it looks a lot nicer)
I was looking for a device like this one and the reviews are really helpful
Anyone know of GPS that works with these?
jcps said:
I was looking for a device like this one and the reviews are really helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone know of GPS (USB or embedded) that works with these? Thanks for your help.
So confused... it's a USB drive that turns a TV into an Android PC? Does the TV require any special functionality to allow for that?
Avuja said:
So confused... it's a USB drive that turns a TV into an Android PC? Does the TV require any special functionality to allow for that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a mini PC that has HDMI output. Your TV must have a vacant HDMI input so you can plug the mini PC into it. My TV supports 1080p. And so I can set the output resolution on the mini PC to 1080p. But it also could be set to 720p as well. These don't come with any display so you have to plug it in to your TV or a monitor that supports HDMI. The audio is pushed through the HDMI as well. To control it you can use a USB mouse and/or USB keyboard. Your cheap wireless mouse will work but the USB ports do not have power to them so I've had to use a powered USB hub to make my wireless keyboard work further than a foot away from the USB dongle for the keyboard. The hub also allows you to plug in other devices like a USB camera. But the ones that work are somewhat limited , be aware. Does that help you understand it?
Maxx57 said:
I'm trying to install the eGalax Touch Screen driver for Linux 2.6 that came with my liliput 7 inch touch screen. The touch screen is for use in my car. Using the mk802 II or ug808 to replace my audio system. I just need to get the driver installed. The driver installation script is looking for the locations "usr/local" and "usr/bin", but the only "usr" directory I can find is in "system/usr"... I'm not sure if I should use that location and create the local and bin directories there or not. But when I created the usr/local and usr/bin at the same level as system (which is in the "mnt" directory which is also at the same level as "root" directory (btw, I cannot find a "home" directory), the install seemed to work fine using Better Terminal Pro android app with the bash shell. However, when I restarted the device, the "usr" directory that I create was gone, so the driver install was wiped apparently, and the usb HDMI touch screen still does not work... I can post the bash script if that helps. This is the last thing I need to get this to work, then I can have a full Android ICS system in my car. Thanks in advance.
FYI The HDMI works great to view and use a usb mouse or the RII keyboard. they work great. It's just the touch screen input does not work. It used to when I first turned on the device with the touch screen on, but the x-y coordinates were reversed, hence attempting to install the driver. I have ICS compiled from source and may attempt to add the drivers into it and create an img to them load on the mk802 II, but I fear that I'll loose any proprietary hardware drivers that came with the mk802 II.
I also wanted to make a img backup using ROM Manager, but ClockworkMod is not available for the MK802 II. ANy leads on this would help. Been researching and testing this for a month now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably you will need the kernel sources. also, you need root access. that error (directories that get lost after reboot) might be due to yo need to remount the /system partition in rw mode (by default is ro) and perhaps you will neet to do some symlinks on /bin to /system/xbin.
other thing you..must get in considwration is that android is different from linux.. and that you might need to compile the kernel module, such thiing im not sure that is posible from within the device itself...
or.. i just might be way off track, in which case jyst dismiss my answer
Enviado desde mi MB860 usando Tapatalk 2
Maxx57 said:
Anyone know of GPS (USB or embedded) that works with these? Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very interested to know as well, I have an MK808 and would love to add a GPS dongle.
Anyone know if a headset can be paired over bt for voip calls and or voice commands and search /google now?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app
killerskincanoe said:
Anyone know if a headset can be paired over bt for voip calls and or voice commands and search /google now?
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just so you know it doesn't have built in bluetooth.
if you need bluetooth google for imito mx1. this one seems to be the best mk808 model so far. i got mine last month but haven't tried bluetooth yet. antutu gives a score around 6500. it's a nice toy to play with on bigscreen tvs.
I read up on this one. Good vid review at http://youtu.be/X8pozwuAq7w
Anyone know the spec diff between this and the MX2?
and is geekbuying the best seller for this device or ???
c
h-guy said:
if you need bluetooth google for imito mx1. this one seems to be the best mk808 model so far. i got mine last month but haven't tried bluetooth yet. antutu gives a score around 6500. it's a nice toy to play with on bigscreen tvs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 11:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:24 AM ----------
can anyone comment on this non-support of XBMC for Rockchip? and if not Rockchip, which stick-PC gets it right?
one comment also that I would like more info on is that both iMITO units underperform compared to MK808
"Lack of XBMC support for HD hardware acceleration is a major issue that Rockchip needs to address if they want to keep selling SoC chips to the Stick PC mfgrs. Stick PC makers need 2 take action on this as well and if Rockchip won't play ball, they need to consider alternative SoC. We need more processing power anyway to get close to current smart-phone level and play the latest 3D games."
Hello. I was looking to replace my laptop these days and since i own a desktop pc,i was thinking maybe a tablet would be a solid solution for something more mobile. I own an android smartphone,but i don't know tablets and their limitations. So,to be more specific:
1) Is it possible to read/write data to external devices,like hdd or usb? And if so, does it need root or is it stock enabled?
2)Is it possible to mirror screen to a monitor? I'm reading strange answers about miracast and i am not completely sure if its micro hdmi out enables mirror screening or just movie streaming.
3)You think it is possible to do some programming on it? Obviously i am not talking about serious and heavy stuff, but since it comes with the best processor out on tablets-yet- and 2gb ram and there are many IDE's on play store i'm guessing it should be ok? Also,would it be a near laptop experience if i installed the linux app?
Hope i did't tire you,thanks for reading.
1)https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homeysoft.nexususb.importer&hl=en <- non root.
2)HDMI out does complete mirroring iir
3)well, you could boot ubuntu if you HAD to. but i don't see why not.
I don't think Android in general is well suited for a laptop replacement. I need things like the ability to view more than one window at a time, particularly when programming.
That said, one of the first things I want to do is work on being able to dual boot Linux and Android. For most entertainment type things Android is best but for productivity I'd prefer to boot Linux.
Same here. I mainly got the Nexus 10 as a laptop/desktop alternative to connect to external LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and possibly USB storage. It obviously seems powerful enough.
Questions:
Since the built-in display resolution is 2560x1600 and the HDMI output is 1920x1080 does it scale down the built-in display when mirroring?
In mirroring mode can you use the tablet as a touch input (laying it flat next to the keyboard) in place of mouse?
Thanks.
Thank you all for the fast answers.
1)From what i saw,usb importer is for reading only,not writing. So i'm guessing root is needed?
2)Thanks,i didn't know it mirrored to screen.
3)You are right about that part,programming needs many windows. Im guessing apps that offer ide's with multi tabs and possibly extending the display through the hdmi out to two monitors instead of mirror could be possible,right? How does the tablet do with compiling/running speed?
Obviously you are right though, dual boot would be the best option.
Thanks again.
If you are looking for the desktop experience, laptop is still your best choice, there's plenty of processing power, program compatibility, storage and screen space at ~$500. Tablets are mobile devices with limited HW and OS, but in return significantly faster internet, social media and multimedia access, better screen, longer battery life and much comfortable weight allowing the kind of easy use (e-reading in bed etc.) a laptop cannot. The closest tablets to a real laptop are the full Windows8 ones starting around $1000. If I wanted the programs and stuff I'd go with a $500 laptop, if I wanted the larger mobile, multimedia and reading experience, which I do, I'd get the Nexus 10.
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Nexus7
That'll most likely happen on the Nexus 10 as well at some point
I had lost my N7 2013 about 5 years back when I moved to a new place. I randomly found it yesterday, and of course I jumped on here and flashed it with the latest LineageOS (18.1). These forums are awesome and covered all issues etc and process was smooth. So the tablet is alive again .
The tablet is 16 GB, so not a whole lot of place by todays standard. So its not going to be my primary driver for my daily activities as I have another tablet for this, so I was wondering how people are using the N7 today? So thought it would be nice to check on here to see if there are any alternative interesting usecases !
rvgsd said:
I had lost my N7 2013 about 5 years back when I moved to a new place. I randomly found it yesterday, and of course I jumped on here and flashed it with the latest LineageOS (18.1). These forums are awesome and covered all issues etc and process was smooth. So the tablet is alive again .
The tablet is 16 GB, so not a whole lot of place by todays standard. So its not going to be my primary driver for my daily activities as I have another tablet for this, so I was wondering how people are using the N7 today? So thought it would be nice to check on here to see if there are any alternative interesting usecases !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have nexus 7 LTE 32GB with the common hardware problem of digitizer randomly not working and screen rotation issues. I'm trying to reset it because it became too laggy... Once it was the faster device I had so lets see if my attemp to restore it will succeed....
rvgsd said:
I had lost my N7 2013 about 5 years back when I moved to a new place. I randomly found it yesterday, and of course I jumped on here and flashed it with the latest LineageOS (18.1). These forums are awesome and covered all issues etc and process was smooth. So the tablet is alive again .
The tablet is 16 GB, so not a whole lot of place by todays standard. So its not going to be my primary driver for my daily activities as I have another tablet for this, so I was wondering how people are using the N7 today? So thought it would be nice to check on here to see if there are any alternative interesting usecases !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an old CD only stereo which had RCA input too, right now I am using it as a player with a 3.5mm to RCA adapter, it is working very well
It could be useful for running simple automated scripts if you are confortable with termux. It also has 5 Ghz wifi connection, so I guess it is not even that bad for downloading stuff.
I bought one used to use as a motorcycle GPS and Bluetooth music player. I adapted it to a phone holder that also serves as a wireless charger.
Pros: Bright, large screen, connects to BT helmet right away. My bike had an expensive OEM GPS optional unit that was only 5".
Cons- GPS totally unreliable. Difficulty acquiring and holding signal where other devices pick up right away. Apparently this was a common problem with them.
I'm going to try two things-
1. Lenonvo M7 Gen 3 7" tablet (no wireless charging), or
2. NC-105 external GPS receiver, connects via USB port.
The Nexus would be perfect for my needs if the GPS were reliable. The wireless charging has worked well on it while in the holder I modified. If I can get the USB GPS receiver to work with the Nexus, I'll likely return the Lenovo, although my mount has a USB charging option also.
For a few years it is now a "video tablet", on it there is Netflix, Disney+, Plex, Vimeo, MX Player, the local TVIP apps and others providers, etc and it is used to watch videos on it directly or broadcast to the TV on the wall (dumb TV with a chromecast).
Sometimes I fight with it because touchscreen or rotation is not working, as it does for almost 10 years now, I can now pry open it easily and reset cable in less than 1 minute
Magister54 said:
For a few years it is now a "video tablet", on it there is Netflix, Disney+, Plex, Vimeo, MX Player, the local TVIP apps and others providers, etc and it is used to watch videos on it directly or broadcast to the TV on the wall (dumb TV with a chromecast).
Sometimes I fight with it because touchscreen or rotation is not working, as it does for almost 10 years now, I can now pry open it easily and reset cable in less than 1 minute
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious, do you have Netflix playing in HD using Lineage OS? If so, how'd you do it? I resorted to installing version 6.26.1 of Netflix to get what looks like 720p.
RJFlames said:
Just curious, do you have Netflix playing in HD using Lineage OS? If so, how'd you do it? I resorted to installing version 6.26.1 of Netflix to get what looks like 720p.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, Widevine L3 so it plays in SD