Installing a tablet in lieu of a head unit

[Emerge]

This will probably require the help of all the audio genius yaris world has to offer.

I would like to exchange my current head unit and use my tablet instead as my entertainment center. It has been done with the iPad, and I would like to do it for my non apple tablet since I want to replace my head unit anyway.

For example, take a look at these videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkltRqOF5k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsU6RxHwsu4


But the absolute best, in my opinion is this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSnIXfoSU6I
It's a 4 part series of videos, I think. You can find the rest easily after watching that one.

So, what do you guys think of these installs? Anyone, besides me, interested in doing this?

[MickZEL]

Video does not work

[Lil Abner]

What size tablet do you have? And I'm assuming it's an Android one. Does it have everything you'll need? GPS? AM/FM radio?

If the tablet is small enough to fit where the CD player was, that would make it very easy. If not, you'll need to do some fabricating. You'll need to figure out how you want to control your volume. If you're putting this into a STOCK Yaris, then you are going to need to add an amp to power your speakers. If you add an amp, you could get one that has a remote volume knob that you could mount in your dash. Then you'd just run a 3.5mm to RCA cable from the tablet, into the amp, which then feeds the speakers.

The kit in the first link is cool, but it also screams "STEAL ME!!" If you can mount it flush in the dash, making it look like some aftermarket radio, I think you'd be better off. There are plenty of us on here to help you through this!

[Emerge]

Fixed the last link.

[sqcomp]

I would suggest a good line output converter OR a processor that can help you take the level of the integration even further. I'm thinking anything from a JL Cleansweep or an MTX ReQ to an Audison Bit Ten D (or even better a Bit One .1) or a JBL MS-8. I just installed the Audison Bit One in my system, even though I don't NEED it. A piece like this gives you the ability for exptreme control.

[Emerge]

What size tablet do you have? And I'm assuming it's an Android one. Does it have everything you'll need? GPS? AM/FM radio?

If the tablet is small enough to fit where the CD player was, that would make it very easy. If not, you'll need to do some fabricating. You'll need to figure out how you want to control your volume. If you're putting this into a STOCK Yaris, then you are going to need to add an amp to power your speakers. If you add an amp, you could get one that has a remote volume knob that you could mount in your dash. Then you'd just run a 3.5mm to RCA cable from the tablet, into the amp, which then feeds the speakers.

The kit in the first link is cool, but it also screams "STEAL ME!!" If you can mount it flush in the dash, making it look like some aftermarket radio, I think you'd be better off. There are plenty of us on here to help you through this!

I have the ASUS EeePad Transformer. It is, indeed, running Android (Honey Comb 3.2 to be exact.) OS. It has everything I need. As far as AM/FM goes, with an app I can be on any radio station in the country which is cool.

It is actually bigger than the double din I have going on. Which means I could do an ugly mount with some makeshifting, but that would look terrible in my opinion. I would rather do the type of install that looks much more OEM.

As far as controlling the volume, I would probably get a bit one like SQ recommended. Or, something like this:

http://blog.hexxworld.net/wp-content/gallery/carpc-remod-project/IMAG0385.jpg

http://blog.hexxworld.net/wp-content/gallery/carpc-remod-project/IMAG0386.jpg

http://blog.hexxworld.net/wp-content/gallery/carpc-remod-project/IMAG0387.jpg

I think the biggest issue I will have is getting the tablet integrated to my interior. Currently, my car looks like this:

http://www.ghanacarsonline.com/gco/directory/cars/191/Toyota%20Echo%202003%20Dashboard%20View.jpg

But, installing the tablet where the radio goes now is not optimum for use during driving. Ideally, it would go where the AC controls start. But, how the hell could I possibly change the locations of the AC controls? Also, I have no way of molding stuff from fiber glass. I can barely use a screwdriver. =/

[CTScott]

I totally missed the echo part until the last post. That's not a lot of space to work with and a tough position for that small of a screen. I messed around with the car PC thing a while back and actually drove around for a couple of months with a 10 color CRT mounted to the center of the top of the dash of my Subaru.

[Emerge]

Yeah, the small space presents some major problems with me if I want to try to have a factory look.

[Lil Abner]

I keep looking at this, and it seems like an interesting challenge. Moving the temp controls would be tough if you have no experience in molding. The better bet is putting in the stock location. But that seems like a terrible spot, and the viewing angle would be terrible. If you put it in the stock location, you'd have to angle it upwards to make it readable. You might be biting off more than you can handle. Sorry.

[toy_toronto]

Curiosity got the best of me and made a huge mistake of opening this thread to learn about the OP's tablet model (the ASUS Eee Pad).

I am now endlessly searching for the best deal to get my hands on one including a dock :mad:


:laugh:

p.s. I don't plan to mount it to my dash lol (unless emerge finds an ideal way to mount it haha)


-toy

[Altitude]

Curiosity got the best of me and made a huge mistake of opening this thread to learn about the OP's tablet model (the ASUS Eee Pad).

I am now endlessly searching for the best deal to get my hands on one including a dock :mad:


:laugh:

p.s. I don't plan to mount it to my dash lol (unless emerge finds an ideal way to mount it haha)


-toy


I was thinking it's better to find something with a 7 inch screen so it's an easier fit. So far it looks like the Dell Streak might be a good option.

[Emerge]

I keep looking at this, and it seems like an interesting challenge. Moving the temp controls would be tough if you have no experience in molding. The better bet is putting in the stock location. But that seems like a terrible spot, and the viewing angle would be terrible. If you put it in the stock location, you'd have to angle it upwards to make it readable. You might be biting off more than you can handle. Sorry.

Appreciate the honesty lol. I really don't want to buy a new head unit though. =/

[Emerge]

Curiosity got the best of me and made a huge mistake of opening this thread to learn about the OP's tablet model (the ASUS Eee Pad).

I am now endlessly searching for the best deal to get my hands on one including a dock :mad:


:laugh:

p.s. I don't plan to mount it to my dash lol (unless emerge finds an ideal way to mount it haha)


-toy

The transformer is the best tablet out now; trust me, I researched for months@!

[Emerge]

I was thinking it's better to find something with a 7 inch screen so it's an easier fit. So far it looks like the Dell Streak might be a good option.


If it's bought with the intent to integrate to your car's entertainment system, I agree. But, then again, it depends on what type of car you have. Some can handle the bigger tabs quite well.

[eTiMaGo]

get yourself an exogear exomount with tablet adapter:

http://www.mobimega.com/exogear-exomount-all-surface-super-car-mount-for-smartphone.html

the suction cup also has an adhesive coating so it sticks to pretty much anything, you might be able to stick it in front of the speedometer and have the tablet hand in the area in front of that little pocket thing... worth a try!

[toy_toronto]

The transformer is the best tablet out now; trust me, I researched for months@!

I'm officially picking mine up tomorrow --Thanks for doing most of the leg work for me :biggrin:

I agree, it's a very legit tablet per the reviews I've read.


-toy

[Emerge]

get yourself an exogear exomount with tablet adapter:

http://www.mobimega.com/exogear-exomount-all-surface-super-car-mount-for-smartphone.html

the suction cup also has an adhesive coating so it sticks to pretty much anything, you might be able to stick it in front of the speedometer and have the tablet hand in the area in front of that little pocket thing... worth a try!

Cool products on that website. Thanks for the input, it might be worth a shot. :w00t:

[ezhacker1]

i was thinking of getting a 7in android tablet too. Either the Galaxy Tab 7 ~$300 or the Nook Color ~$200 and get android on it. As for GPS, the nook color doesnt have it but i have a BT gps keychain anyways. Theres pros and cons to both but the IPS screen on the Nook Color seems the best in a carpc kind of role. Of course i want to do double duty with the tablet and undock it for normal day use..then again i already have the asus Transformer with dock.

With that said, im looking forward to see how you mount yours.

[toy_toronto]

Appreciate the honesty lol. I really don't want to buy a new head unit though. =/


Emerge, any update on this?


OT: I'm loving this Eeepad, have you rooted or OC'd your TF tablet yet? I'm thinking about doing mine.

[ezhacker1]

Rooted and OCed mine. OC is absolutely necessary to play Hulu..well root too. But in the end, i need more of a laptop than what even the docked form can provide. Afterall its still weaker than a netbook. Plus theres an update to the eepad coming very very soon with the new processor.

[Emerge]

Emerge, any update on this?


OT: I'm loving this Eeepad, have you rooted or OC'd your TF tablet yet? I'm thinking about doing mine.

Saving money for it, I still also need to find a way to keep it charging while it is in use.

[toy_toronto]

Saving money for it, I still also need to find a way to keep it charging while it is in use.

In-car charging is actually pretty simple. The TF expects to see 12v before it starts to charge over USB (unlike other devices that works fine with 5v), so I would just modify the internals of this to supply the 12v directly to the USB pin 1 & 4 (pref fused at 1.5A):

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L10089281.jpg


-toy

[Altitude]

In-car charging is actually pretty simple. The TF expects to see 12v before it starts to charge over USB (unlike other devices that works fine with 5v), so I would just modify the internals of this to supply the 12v directly to the USB pin 1 & 4 (pref fused at 1.5A):

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L10089281.jpg


-toy

I wouldn't recommend that. USB spec is 5v period. If his pad charges through the USB port then it charges using 5v not 12v.

[toy_toronto]

^ It's already been researched and proven to work. I have already built my own DIY home adapter for my Eee Pad and works flawless.


http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1087321



-toy

[Emerge]

I'm going to best buy today to look at some stuff. Wish me luck!

[ezhacker1]

update?

[Altitude]

Just picked up an Acer A100 Iconia 7" tablet (Honeycomb 3.2!). Over the next several months I'll be working on getting it installed and writing some custom SW to work with my bluetooth OBDII unit (which means I'll be selling my ScanGaugeII, Ultragauge and possibly my HU.)

The size of this tablet is almost a perfect fit for the OEM radio bezel. Hopefully I can work out an installation that looks super clean. It doesn't have cellular capability (I think the A101 does) but I think I can use my android phone and tether it when needed. Does have GPS, BT and WiFi so all that's good. Not sure if the USB port supports hosting, but I think the dock connector will so I might have to buy a dock and cannibalize it for the port connector.

Should be an interesting project and I think this is a better solution (less hassle and less cost) than a carputer which is something I always wanted to install but never had the time.

[eTiMaGo]

yep, the advent of (relatively) cheap, powerful tablets is going to make some big changes to in-car entertainment, that's for sure!

[ezhacker1]

Just picked up an Acer A100 Iconia 7" tablet (Honeycomb 3.2!). Over the next several months I'll be working on getting it installed and writing some custom SW to work with my bluetooth OBDII unit (which means I'll be selling my ScanGaugeII, Ultragauge and possibly my HU.)

I just got a used Nook Color, its perfect with it's IPS screen, sure I could have gotten a real tablet but at $185, how could I say no. Doesn't have gps on board but externals are usually faster at refreshing.

Definitely interested in what oBd stuff you'll do, better than Torque?

[tk-421]

I pretty much scrubbed my earlier attempt at a carpc, and am looking forward to getting a Nook very soon as well. At $180ish it's too good a price to pass up. Heck, at that price it could almost be worth it to get a couple more for the rear seats (if I still had any :biggrin:)

[Emerge]

update?

Found a decent solution for in car charging. Next step is deciding where the eff I am going to put this damn thing.

[eTiMaGo]

if I had the fabrication skills, I would get the blank 2-DIN plastic plate that the base models came with instead of a radio, and make some brackets that directly attach to that.

Which tablet did you buy? You should check if there is a desktop dock available for it, that would make for a good base, and keep the tablet easily removable, all you would need is a spring loaded clamp to hold it in place at the top.

[Altitude]

Looks like finding the right amp is going to be the challenge. Been looking for a *small* 5 channel and they are hard to find. Something along the lines of the pic that Emerge has in one post only with the addition of a sub/5th channel.

Everything I see is huge wattage and for show. I don't care what it looks like. I don't need huge wattage either. I want to hide it, preferably behind the dash.

Emerge - Where did you get that pic of the tiny amp? I tried to search for it using the brand and model number on the unit and can't find it.

Test Fit:

[ezhacker1]

nice work, get nook in soon

[Lil Abner]

That fits quite nicely!

Altitude, look on eBay. There are a TON of small 2-channel, low power amps out there. They are usually $20-30. I personally have 2 tiny old-school Blaupunkt amps (2x25W) that I always used for my tweeters. I can't remember the site I found that had a ton of them. But here is an example of one I use to own:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-FFyk0Psah7H/p_023PA2100/Blaupunkt-PA2100.html

Also remember, there is room under the passenger seat for an amp!

[Altitude]

Thanks Lil Abner. Thing is, I already have an amp under the passenger seat for the SW. I think what I'll probably do is get a single DIN HU that has the outputs I need and also has an AUX input so I can hook the tablet up to it. There's room to stash the HU behind the tablet, just need to tie it down.

[ezhacker1]

Got my Nook Color installed. The bezel thickness is causing me some mind pain {installed as close to the radio trim as possible, needs some side trim pieces}. The tablet is too tall when laid horizontally. pictures to follow to explain. Tho it looks awesome to have Torque app running there.

I'd like to be able to remove the tablet from the car but right now ibhave to remove the HU trim to do so. It's too wide to just come out of the Double Din bezel

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320126_10150305879122713_721932712_7917384_3290426 02_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/293437_10150305879187713_721932712_7917386_1444893 05_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320659_10150307979312713_721932712_7928793_1869994 746_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/313037_10150307979122713_721932712_7928790_7716743 60_n.jpg

[Altitude]

^ Nice work exhacker! How did you hook up your audio?

======================================

So I was messing around with getting the audio all setup and I think I've hit a show stopper.

Using the headphone output of the tablet and an aux in on an HU sounds like ass. Tried a little EQ and whatnot and I really can't get what I would consider good quality audio out of it. Major disappointment.

Edit:

Ok, so Bluetooth audio works and sounds great. Bypassing the analog output from the tablet is the way to go. Using an HU was a matter of convenience before, now it's a necessity. I had purchased a single DIN HU but it doesn't support audio streaming so I went to exchange for another one that did... only it doesn't, despite the description of the website. Guess I'll return that too.

My existing HU is perfect. It sounds great and has all the features I need. But it's double din and too big to tuck into the opening and still be able to get the tablet in there.

Plan B - found lots of space to the right of the HVAC core behind the glovebox. Gooing to put a little shelf in there to mount the HU on. I'm tired of searching for amps, EQ's, HU's and all that crap so I'm just going to stick with this idea. It should do the job and save me from investing any more money into the project.

[eTiMaGo]

looks good! Any pics of how you braced it in there?

[ezhacker1]

I take some pictures of the inside. No bracing whatsoever just cuts of plastic and friction fitting

[eTiMaGo]

I may buy my friend's HTC Flyer just for this... The Xoom is cool but just far too big and heavy, unless I could get a sturdy arm for it...

[Altitude]

looks good! Any pics of how you braced it in there?

I realize this is directed at ezhacker but...

I used the existing HU brackets and screwed a piece of 7x3.5 poplar between them so that the wood lined up with the front edge of the brackets making a nice backplane. The Acer tablet is the perfect thickness to be able to just lay the tablet against the backplane and snap the bezel in place. Holds well enough that way without needing to bolt it down.

I did have to shave off a little dashboard plastic (1/8") where the bottom edge of the tablet meets a portion of the dashboard so that the tablet would sit low enough to clear the vents above it.

The last pic is to show where I had to shave a little plastic off.

[eTiMaGo]

I think I get the idea, sandwiched between the metal brackets and the plastic bezel...

Here's my masterpiece:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1600280/cars/hu1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1600280/cars/hu2.jpg

not exactly a factory look :D

[Altitude]

I think I get the idea, sandwiched between the metal brackets and the plastic bezel...

Here's my masterpiece:


not exactly a factory look :D

It works and rounds out all the other gadgets you have :smile: How's your audio sound coming from the headphone jack?

I'm pretty sure my issue was just crappy DAC's/amp circuit inside the Acer. Thank god for bluetooth!

[eTiMaGo]

well honestly after the first drive I took the xoom out, the cheapo mount I have just can't handle the weight. If I braced it somehow with foam padding, it might work out better, but it's just overall too clunky.

I'm actually pretty happy with the headphone jack output on the xoom and the phones, though I really must recommend PowerAmp and its equalizer for actually making it sound good!

[isra]

ezhacker1 what bluetooth adapter did u use for the torque app and does it stay on when u turn off the key and remove the key

[isra]

ezhacker1 what bluetooth adapter did u use for the torque app and does it stay on when u turn off the key and remove the key

[ezhacker1]

A cheapo $18 or so one from ebay. No issues whatsoever . Key must be in the on position for Torque to work, its in their insturctions

[Altitude]

Completed install.

That tiny hole you see to the left of the screen is for the light sensor so I can have auto brightness on. The button with the green light on it in the second pic is so I can determine when to charge/run it on juice or have it run on it's own battery.

I'm thinking I might need to keep power to it during the winter to keep the unit warm and prevent the cold temps from affecting it.

[eTiMaGo]

very nice! Do you find any issues with glare on the screen or insufficient brightness?

[eTiMaGo]

PK, I'd think the cigarette socket adapter would have some basic voltage regulation electronics?

In other news I took the plunge and got my friend's Flyer off him cheap :) Pretty cool device I must admit, the stylus brings a lot more precision to certain tasks. Anyway, first thing was to load up the Modaco tweaked beta Honeycomb ROM that's floating around, works pretty nice! Next step will be to try and mount it as nicely as you guys did!

[ezhacker1]

im liking these tablet installs. So far 2 things i run is PowerAmp for music cuz of the EQ and Torque.

[eTiMaGo]

LOL yeah definitely the two best apps :D Though Poweramp looks quite crappy on a non-phone screen :( I tried the UberMusic beta some time ago (by the guy who does LauncherPro) and it looks good, as well as being skinnable, it might be possible to make a layout with bigger buttons more suited to in-car use (you don't want to look down and squint for a few seconds to find the right button!)

What I like about the HTCs is the Locations navigation app. I have it on my phone, since Google Navigation is not supported here (the hacked one works, but kinda crappily), and it works really good for us here. Problem is, the license I bought for the phone does not seem to be transferable to the Flyer :(

[eTiMaGo]

No no, I mean the male part, that does the (usually) 12V-5V conversion. I'm pretty sure a decent quality one would have some capacitors or something to smooth out spikes! That being said, yes, better safe than sorry.

[Altitude]

@etimago - On this unit the screen is *very* shiny so there is glare, but it isn't too bad. Though I might try to get a glare reducing screen shield. Brightness wise it's fine, maybe even a little too bright in the dark. Fingerprints are a bigger issue for me, but I can't do anything about that.

@pk - I cannibalized one of those selectable voltage car adaptors 12-24v in and 3 - 12v out. So it's got a regulator at least and I could always throw a capacitor across the line as a line smoother, but I don't think it's necessary. I'm pretty sure that the unit itself has a built in regulator too because it takes 12v in instead of 5v as might be expected. I'm sure it's dropping the voltage internally to charge the batteries.


Right now I'm using PowerAmp and PlayerPro - not sure which one I'll end up keeping - and strangely enough the music sounds different coming from each one even with all processing turned off. I think PlayerPro gives more of a true flat response whereas it seems like PowerAmp still has some DSP going on even with EQ and whatnot disabled. It's not a drastic difference though so it's going to come down to the friendlier UI.

Right now I'm looking for a good wireless tethering app so I can use my cell connection for net access while on the road.

[tk-421]

Have you guys heard about the Kindle Fire yet? Seems to be just a tad smaller than the Nook and a bit more powerful in the CPU department (http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/09/29/kindle-fire-vs-nook-color/)... OTOH, it doesn't have an SD card slot or (apparently) bluetooth capability (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-20113364-82/kindle-fires-shortcomings-little-storage-no-bluetooth/), so it might not cut it as a good head unit replacement.

[eTiMaGo]

yep, it sure sounds like a nice option on paper :)

I've also been seeing a lot of cheap tablets here, yet that seem of decent quality. They do run Gingerbread or Froyo, though. One that caught my eye is an 8" model for about $250, which seems more focused on being a personal media device, with built-in kickstand, and hardware buttons for volume, etc, on the front of the device (when driving, you don't want to spend too long staring at the screen trying to poke at volume controls, an actual physical button is far more tactile)

[isra]

Has anyone tried with the viewsonic view pad 7??

[ezhacker1]

Any updates on Tablet installs?
Apps to use?

I just use Power Amp and Torque. I hope to be able to run at least honeycomb so there is an easy way to multitask and change between those 2 apps. Plus dragging to see notifications does suck...compared to Honeycomb tap.

[Altitude]

Any updates on Tablet installs?

I've found the screen is very unresponsive in cold temps - sort of anticipated this.

So to solve it I bought a motorcycle grip warmer kit, cut a piece of aluminum the same size as my mounting block, slapped one of the warmers on the aluminum panel and screwed it to the mounting block. I've got it installed but haven't wired it up yet.

It gets so warm I'm just going to use to rapidly warm the unit up when I need it. When I have the time I'll probably build some sort of temp control circuit and add that on.

I've been using PlayerPro as the music player. Mostly because it has a volume control slider vs. the difficult to use fake knob style that Power Amp has. It made me realize that a lot of apps don't account for units without physical volume controls or in this case without access to them. You would think that every type of media player would have a volume control always on or available from the player screen. Not so. And it's annoying.

[eTiMaGo]

B-B-B-B-Bump!

Since I got the car back, finally time to move on with my own implementation :D

My idea was to brace the tablet against the bezel by way of epoxied bolts and metal straps across the back:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/691356/Flyer%20Head%20Unit/flyer_hu_1.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/691356/Flyer%20Head%20Unit/flyer_hu_2.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/691356/Flyer%20Head%20Unit/flyer_hu_3.jpg

But now that I have it in front of me, this solution does seem far too complicated, and may not even fit... So I'll probably follow Altitude's example. This tablet does not have a flat back, and is also a bit wide (the top edge will hit the AC swivel thing), so it may not be the best choice... Might have to try a Nexus 7 :laugh:

[suckerface]

I was just thinking, at the price, a Nexus 7 would be perfect, especially on the size as I'm already running a 7" DVD player.

Keep up posted Thomas!

[edmscan]

One thing to be aware of .. is that in some places (like in Alberta where I live), it is illegal to have a aftermarket video / computer screen in view of the driver. So .. just be aware that you could get a ticket from the police with such a setup.

[eTiMaGo]

taking shape nicely:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/691356/cars/DSC_4192.jpg

No need for bracing, it's just sandwiched in there quite snugly... But I can't fit the AC vents, might just put some mesh behind the holes :)

Screen is bright enough for daylight use, and I have a matte screen protector on it so it's better than I feared... Only problem is the screen automatically dims after a little while, I think I can remedy this with Tasker, though!

[ezhacker1]

screen gap seems huge on yours. i know mine is not perfect fit, but seems less visibile
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/313037_10150307979122713_721932712_7928790_7716743 60_n.jpg

so we got 3 peeps with tablets in.

[eTiMaGo]

yeah i', looking to put some pieces of plastic on the sides to cover the gap, eventually...


The next problem I have is that my "2.1A" charger seems to not be putting out enough amps to charge the damn thing in use...

[nicshields]

Is there any updates with these?

With the release of the iPad mini it'd be nice to see one mounted. Although it doesn't have as much functionality as a nexus 7 does I do think it'd look very sleek.

I think I have that in mind for my first major project.

Any pics of a final tab install?

[ezhacker1]

my nook color died on me kinda unexpected. it will turn on only if the charger is connected, shows full charge, but i pull it and it dies. could be a battery, i opened it up to take a look. Im better off just getting a nexus 7 at this point.

As mentioning the ipad mini, i would go that route, but the lower resolution than nexus 7 doesnt cut it. And unless there are cool apps like trackmaster or even torque on iOS, its not worth it. O and the price....

**wait for black friday, im sure tablets will get cheap.

[suckerface]

32 GB Nexus 7 is rumoured to be announced soon...at the same $250 price tag as the 16 GB...

[tk-421]

good to know... I've already bought two slightly cheaper tablets and returned them for defects... Should've just gone for the real thing from the start and save me all the trouble.

Totally getting a used 8gb nexus 7 once the 32gb model comes out. Considering that the n7 has a usb port, the extra storage space isn't really worth the extra cash IMO.

[suckerface]

Considering that the n7 has a usb port, the extra storage space isn't really worth the extra cash IMO.

USB Port? All I'm seeing is the Micro USB...
USB
Micro USB

And I assume that's just for charging. Not sure if it'd be able to be used to mount external devices. I was under the impression that the N7 relied heavily on the Google Cloud for content (Play, Drive, etc) and most people's complaints were about the lack of storage. For an extra ~$50 to quadruple the storage space, I think it'd be well worth it.

If you have other information (admittedly, I haven't researched a TON when it comes to hacks/rooting the N7) on how to use external storage, please link!

[Altitude]

^^ You're right. The USB ports on tablets are just for charging when a separate power jack isn't included and for connecting to a PC. They do not act as USB Hosts which would be required to use USB storage such as flash drives.

Look for tablets with a MicroSD card slot for external storage.

[tk-421]

If you have other information (admittedly, I haven't researched a TON when it comes to hacks/rooting the N7) on how to use external storage, please link!

[VIDEO] Google Nexus 7 Tablet & OTG Cable for USB Host Connection - xda-developers (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1795502)

[suckerface]

[VIDEO] Google Nexus 7 Tablet & OTG Cable for USB Host Connection - xda-developers (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1795502)

I stand corrected, thank you sir!

[tk-421]

Just pulled the trigger on a barely used 8gb n7 for $175. I'm sure I would've gotten one for even less, but I grew a bit impatient. :redface:

[HareBrained]

Cool. Does it have Jelly Bean? Jelly Bean (v4.1) enables usb-audio. This allows the use of an external USB-DAC and thus much better sound quality (assuming you rip at something better than 96kbps).

[tk-421]

Actually, the previous owner updated to 4.2 before shipping it. :biggrin:
Should arrive in a few days... Can't wait!

[nookandcrannycar]

Cool. Does it have Jelly Bean? Jelly Bean (v4.1) enables usb-audio. This allows the use of an external USB-DAC and thus much better sound quality (assuming you rip at something better than 96kbps).

Do any of the Gingerbread versions enable usb-audio?

[ezhacker1]

cant wait to see the nexus 7 installed. Im still planning to get one, im hoping in due time these tablets could get video in ability so i could use one as a PC monitor for DVR camera surveillance set up.

[HareBrained]

Do any of the Gingerbread versions enable usb-audio?

Not unless you update the drivers in Gingerbread in your device. Which, for the level of effort, updating to JB would be better, if possible.

[nookandcrannycar]

Not unless you update the drivers in Gingerbread in your device. Which, for the level of effort, updating to JB would be better, if possible.

Thanks:thumbsup:.

[ezhacker1]

Just got my Nexus 7 from ebay, cant wait to swap it in. The lack of bezel is gonna make the install look much cleaner. Cuz the tablet so slick im gonna use it out of the car too. The screen resolution is so nice.

[tk-421]

I know, right? I haven't been able to put it down since I got it. :biggrin:
Looking forward to seeing how you approach the installation. I'm still weighing my options over here...

[ezhacker1]

The N7 is smaller than my Nook Color i had in, so the fitment wont be as good without adding some material to the plastic i cut.

[david_827]

this thread is wicked interesting, why isnt it stickied?

[tk-421]

not fully cooked yet. :wink:

[ezhacker1]

Once TK and I put the N7s in the car, it'll be there. Right? lol. I run so many mpg gauges in Torque its crazy.

[david_827]

hopefully, this thread makes me want to try it, but after seeing all the hard work you guys have put into it, i don't think i have the dedication or the time....

[ezhacker1]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/ezhacker1/IMG_37461.jpg?t=1354399115
Im thinking of making a flush radio trim, maybe get the double din one or just bondo this one. You can actually see the sides of the tablet case, i take it out of the car when I get out, no point in permanently fixing it to the car

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/ezhacker1/IMG_37471.jpg?t=1354399186
Super ghetto way of keeping it from falling into the huge radio crevice. The bigger sized Nook color/tablet fit perfectly when I made the cuts in the plastic and using the airvent to keep it snug.

[fnkngrv]

I just pulled the trigger on an Asus Transformer TF700 this week. I have begun already to kick around the idea to pseudo install it in Tiamat somehow. Not sure if I wanna make it a replacement to my current HU since it just won't have the processing ability that my Eclipse has tho. For now I have ordered this to mount it in the car and will have to figure out how I will retrofit it in:

Universal Tablet Under Cabinet, Wall, and Desk Mount (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10828&cs_id=1082814&p_id=9585&seq=1&format=2)

http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/95851.jpg

Even tho not particularly elegant a buddy of mine suggest that I actually mount the swivel arm into the interior of the dash and then wrap it with a faceplate so that all you see is the arm coming through. This would enable the tablet to be swiveled around in any direction which could come in handy. The biggest trouble with this would be cable management so it would require some heavy thought. If all goes well with my plans to remove the dash and fabricate a custom aluminum one then it would cake to just make a mounting point anywhere I would like....that sounds like a nice idea too :smile: I guess I should see if Haltech or any of the other standalone EM companies have robust Andriod apps out there...never bothered to check that yet!

And as food for thought when it comes to a DAC:

Asus Xonar Essence One (http://www.pcworld.com/article/2013481/review-asus-xonar-essence-one-usb-dac-and-headphone-amplifier-delivers-audio-ecstasy.html)

[mf4361]

That's smart! we can do so much more with an android tablet as a head unit.

One question though, does all the above setup losses the radio? I can't see how an android tab takes radio antenna signal. I would have been a deal breaker for me to install one :(
Thanks.

[Altitude]

That's smart! we can do so much more with an android tablet as a head unit.

One question though, does all the above setup losses the radio? I can't see how an android tab takes radio antenna signal. I would have been a deal breaker for me to install one :(
Thanks.

No more radio. Of course if you can tether your cell phone or if the tablet has cellular capabilities then you can stream any number of radio stations. :smile:

[mf4361]

No more radio. Of course if you can tether your cell phone or if the tablet has cellular capabilities then you can stream any number of radio stations. :smile:

Thanks for the quick reply.

Just another thought, we know some headphones have built-in antenna so that they can be used as FM radio antenna for some phones. Does any 7" tablet able to do that?

Because if this is possible, that means the tab can 'understand' FM signal (sort of replacing the headphone's antenna with the car's). The remaining question is converting FM antenna jack into 3.5mm jack interface.

If not, there's no point going further then.

Maybe crazy idea though. Anyone can comment the possibility?

[mf4361]

double post

[fnkngrv]

^ afaik Android tablets currently do not do that, but the best place to find out would be the xda forums. Personally I would not find it being a big loss losing the antenna unless there was a cataclysmic weather event or zombie apocalypse.

[tk-421]

I just found something that nexus 7 users might be interested in for their car builds. Pure ninja geeky awesomeness right here: http://www.blog.zapro.dk/?p=309

Now only if I could get a certain someone to build me one for Xmas... :wink:

[tk-421]

This is the best custom car dock for the N7 so far IMO...

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35581694&postcount=230

It has a POGO connection which charges the tablet and provides an audio out connection at the same time. :headbang:

So basically that nfc module from my previous post and this dock should provide complete N7/car integration.

[techdetects]

Good job on this article! I really like how you presented your facts and how you made it interesting and easy to understand. Thank you.