check out my review. just in case you were in the market for one. i highly recommend it
Samsung announced a few accessories when they launched their Galaxy Tab. I finally had the chance to pick up the Vehicle Mount (aka Car Dock) and take it for a spin. Check out my unboxing and initial impressions of this car dock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl2Ktb9Skac&feature=player_embedded
Summary:
When I bought the official HTC car dock for my Nexus One I thought to myself, “this is how a car dock should be!”. When I sold it, and started using the Galaxy Tab as my primary device, I new I had to find a car dock with the same precision and quality that the dock for my Nexus One had. I was quite surprised at the exceptional build quality of this car dock. The dock contours to meet the curvature of the Galaxy Tab and it just fits perfectly. The 3.5 mm headphone jack as well as the mic, volume rockers and power buttons are all accessible when docked. The bottom of the dock has the proprietary 30 pin connector that, not only helps secure the device but, allow you to charge it too. Being able to charge the device with the included car charger is a true bonus; one less thing you have to pay for. Once docked, the Tab will automatically go into car mode (not working in the video) and gives you access to quick functions like making a call or doing a quick search. This car dock retails for $69.99 but you can find it as cheap as $45.99 from mobilecityonline.com and its worth every penny. I must say, Samsung really came through with this product and I am excited to try out the rest of the accessories for the Galaxy Tab. Okay enough reading, GO BUY IT NOW! You won’t regret it.
Nice review, thanks! Going to order one ASAP.
I ordered one from the Amazon Marketplace for about 56 w/shipping. Some guy has them listed at full retail on eBay with or best offer. So I typed in a note and a link saying I'd do it for that same price if he could match, only response with no note back was a counter offer for $67... LOL. I guess it's not worth doing business with someone who doesn't even bother to notice what you wrote to them.
I just wish that it was possible to make these in a way that would allow a proper case to be used with the Tab. I have what I think is a very protective case, but because of it, this would not work for me.
Hey, is there enough room with the connector part slid back to insert another connector?
Reason I ask is that this thing would make a nice desktop dock when it wasn't in the car if you could still use the standard USB to 20 pin connector.
I guess you could use that USB to coax cable with the regular AC charger indoors to keep it powered up, but it would be nice to have USB connectivity as well (file transfers, flashing, etc).
Croak: Will have to check but by memory there is not enough room. I will try too look at it when I get back home tognight, the dock is in gf's car.
Really like this car dock by the way !
After looking at it there is def no place to put another connector there
so-6 said:
After looking at it there is def no place to put another connector there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simple solution, just mount it the opposite direction it supposed to be mounted.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Tab
specmac said:
Simple solution, just mount it the opposite direction it supposed to be mounted.
Sent from Samsung Galaxy Tab
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
/slaps forehead.
Any chance we will see a combo cable that would allow charging via usb/and also provide audio out? Id like to run a charging cable behind the dashboard of my car for docking in a cradle, and also have audio out for the auxiliary input to the headunit without having to run a second wire.
Not that running a second wire would be much of a hassle, but would prefer a cleaner look when docked and one less wire when not in the dock
I wish Samsung had put some thought into their car dock. Id be happy to buy the official dock if they hadn't dropped the ball on this one.
It was easy to convert the car dock so it has audio as well.
If You seek on my posts You will find a how to.
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I couldn't find the howto. I would like to mod the OWM car dock to allow audio output, and I'd appreciate any help in such direction.
Ernesto de Bernardis
N900 - Galaxy Tab 7"
i have this one
but u can find even cheaper on that site
hey, quick question: does it work only for video? or power point as well? thank you
it does
its a good alternative to the dock even if its not HD
Do I get my music through this cable? Or does it work with combined video audio files only?
Dieter
4exess said:
i have this one
but u can find even cheaper on that site
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it look's nice, how is the quality?
zeb crs said:
It was easy to convert the car dock so it has audio as well.
If You seek on my posts You will find a how to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i searched through a ton of your posts and didn't see anything besides the pinout. my question is how do you take apart the plug to get to the connector, and are all the pins available to solder to?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=9985704#post9985704
well here is the post where the gentleman posts to replace a resistor to get it to output audio to the dock. the only question left is how to take the thing apart, whether it comes apart nicely or i have to break out the dremel...
Not sure if you need the same as I do, but my idea was also to have a USB charging plug and an audio-out jack. It wasn't easy, but I found this:
http://www.ebay.es/itm/300574404789...XX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649#ht_1470wt_972
I got one off Amazon, some off brand but it gives a terrible hum in the audio and the tab doesn't see it as a dock.....still looking for a solution
Sent from my EVO 4G Supersonic
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/30/gear4-speaker-dock-supports-usb-audio-for-jelly-bean-at-google-i/
This should bring us a lot of new accessories in the long run. I could see manufacturers coming out with adapters to fit micro-usb and apple 30-pin dock connectors on the same device.
Seems more future proof than iPhone docks and accessories. Especially if Apple moves to a smaller dock connector as rumored. Micro USB will be around for a while.
Brigaid said:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/30/gear4-speaker-dock-supports-usb-audio-for-jelly-bean-at-google-i/
This should bring us a lot of new accessories in the long run. I could see manufacturers coming out with adapters to fit micro-usb and apple 30-pin dock connectors on the same device.
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Click to collapse
Never understood the point docks unless as a bedside alarm or similar especially those who then control the phone via a remote - why??? I use bluetooth to stream because then you have all the controls at your fingertips ie the phone!
well if the new phones start to use this then we call can just hook up our phones to our car aux ports. I have my ipod like this now. I use a digital out to aux that also has usb power so I can charge the ipod. If we can get this for android, I would love to change over to a android player for my car.
Justdoit2u said:
why??? I use bluetooth to stream because then you have all the controls at your fingertips ie the phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why? I guess for battery purpose ;-)
Lapdock+Wii == Gametrix
So I have a spare Nintendo Wii and a lapdock (hopefully pick some more up if there are still any at Radioshack) and I am going to disassemble the Wii, reconfigure it to fit on the back "panel" of the Lapdock, and get the needed cords to create a Gametrix[/]
My initial goal is to connect a Nintendo Wii to my Atrix Lapdock by... (with modifications)
1) a. Having the Lapdock’s Male Mini-HDMI plugged into a Female Mini-HDMI TO M / F Fullsized-HDMI converter. Thus allowing a direct HDMI connection from there.
This takes care of ½ of connections for both the Lapdock and the Wii.
2) a. Ideally I am looking to hook the Wii’s power supply directly to the Lapdock’s Male Micro-USB port, via a Female Micro-USB TO M / F Fullsized-USB. From there I’d need a USB to Female Wall Outlet (3 prong?) this would entail finding(unlikely...) / building one.
This takes care of power needs, (if it works) leaving only the unlikely usability of the Lapdocks built in keyboard and mouse / USB ports.
2) b. if number 2 section a (above) doesn’t work because of lack of volts traveling through the USB to the Wii, then I’d be left with connecting an external battery to the Wii and just taking advantage of the screen.
Hopefully if I have to result to section b then I’d at least be able to use the keyboard and mouse?
I will update with a Diagram of my plan “a” and “b” tomorrow after school.
Here are average power draw for the Wii. @17 Watts http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2007/02/next-gen_console_power_lg.jpg
And here for Gamecube. @23 Watts http://www.tpcdb.com/product.php?id=1615
Lapdock voltage output. ??? I think I'd have to replace the battery because it's only supposed to charge a phone/run an OS...
Lapdock insternal battery mAh ???
Please guys I know it's a lot but any input is great input
sounds fun. good luck dude.
Use a wii its better and supports a HDMI converter.
The gamecube already has a battery pack accessory and a screen accessory so its easy been done
Sent from Moto Atrix 4g on Neutrino 2.91
I have decided to go with the Wii, I am trying to find info on how many amps the Wii draws and if the Lapdock is capable of powering it...
I think I would try seeing how they both look on the screen before diving in much further, but it does sound like it could be a fun project.
Other thoughts:
how useful the project will be specifically to you? For many of us, due to the limited availability of the lapdocks, there's a limited number of people that will be able to try this themselves.
do you plan on strictly playing games, or are you going a bit further by using Linux on the device? I imagine there is a way you could use the keyboard as some type of input device, although you may have to create some translator device from a programmable Microcontroller.
is the screen big enough for enjoying using the device or is it more of a challenge than it's worth. The screen may be plenty big enough for a handheld device, but for something like using a Wii controller where you are at a distance from the screen, is it big enough?
Budget This is something we all overlook far to often. Something starts off small and simple, but before you know it, you end up spending way more than you had anticipated.
I have 2 Wii's and a Lapdock, so budget is covered.
I'm not going to use the motion bar, just gamecube games.
My main concern is if the Lapdock can power it.
jeffreygtab said:
I have 2 Wii's and a Lapdock, so budget is covered.
I'm not going to use the motion bar, just gamecube games.
My main concern is if the Lapdock can power it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power will probably be an issue through USB as USB does have a specification for max current of 500–900 mA (general); 5 A (charging devices). After that the port should shutdown to prevent burning out the controller.
Edit: I was looking at your figures above, did some digging, and I think you have a couple hurdles.
To start with, for power consumption, you want to look more at peak then you do at min and give yourself a bit of cushion, mainly because running at max power all the time will tax components. Second, and this is a big one, the Wii power pack apparently is 12V 3.7A (44.4W). USB is only 5 volts, and at 900mA you're peaking at 4.5W. However, if you could somehow manage to trick it into charge mode, you might be able to squeeze 25W. That's if it works like a standard USB port. If you can do that, you can step up the voltage with a charge pump, but I'm not quite sure how close to max that will put you due to efficiency losses. You may be able to go the other way and use the Wii to power the lapdock, or you may have to power them independently.
All that said, I think it's still important to just try to see what it looks like on the screen before digging in too far.
I plan on charging it through the Micro USB which you said supplies up to 23W+ Which is apparently plenty for the Wii. I'm going to order the necessary cords to attempt this, this weekend. So next week I'll know how much, if any, I have to modify to power it.....
I'll continue to research, and thanks for your help!
EDIT: screen size isn't an issue, as I'm have it right in from of me like a laptop, Playing Super Smash Bros Melee and the like.
BIG Message to everyone who's reading this. THIS IS MY FIRST HARDWARE MOD (as if that wasn't obvious?)
Anyways I'm gonna pick up a soldering iron as well, because I'm not finding a way to charge the Wii (assuming the Lapdock is capable...) There are no real ways to convert the micro usb to the 3 prong standard outlet that the Wii uses... So I may need to make my own? Will this work? http://www.sybausa.com/productInfo.php?iid=1274 Although I can't find where to buy it.
jeffreygtab said:
BIG Message to everyone who's reading this. THIS IS MY FIRST HARDWARE MOD (as if that wasn't obvious?)
Anyways I'm gonna pick up a soldering iron as well, because I'm not finding a way to charge the Wii (assuming the Lapdock is capable...) There are no real ways to convert the micro usb to the 3 prong standard outlet that the Wii uses... So I may need to make my own? Will this work? http://www.sybausa.com/productInfo.php?iid=1274 Although I can't find where to buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean you want to convert 5V DC to 120V AC and then downconvert to 12V? Better to just go from 5V to 12V, but the reality is that it's much easier to go down than up. What does the lapdock itself have for a power supply?
Edit: Looks like the Wii has some type of USB keyboard support. Not sure if you want to try getting that to work, but it might come in handy.
I know but isn't the Wii's power cord a standard 120v 3 prong wall charger? I'd have to convert the 3 prong format to a Micro USB.
The lapdocks power supply is the battery if that's what you were asking...
Thanks for helping on my first project btw.
Check out about halfway down the page on this link if you want to see what the Wii looks like on the lapdock screen:
http://www.robpol86.com/index.php/Atrix_Lapdock_Other_Uses
jeffreygtab said:
I know but isn't the Wii's power cord a standard 120v 3 prong wall charger? I'd have to convert the 3 prong format to a Micro USB.
The lapdocks power supply is the battery if that's what you were asking...
Thanks for helping on my first project btw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad to share my limited knowledge. Anyway, Really, I'm unsure if you can pull 25W out of the USB or not, but even if you could, you'd lose a good chunk of that in going from 5V to 125V AC, because at this point, a charge pump is no longer an option but instead you would need a power inverter, and since most of the commercially available ones are designed to go from 12V DC to 120V AC, you would likely end up building one yourself. The charge pump (buck–boost converter) is much easier to build, but I'm not sure about how much power you can get out of it.
Here's one I built from modifying a schematic I found online somewhere:
I hate to be the party pooper here, but I think no USB port will ever be able to deliver that much power. We're talking about several ampers here. Neither the USB port nor a great majority of USB cords are built to withstand that. Most USB hardware is designed to carry at most 1A. And then, even if you manage to get sufficient power flowing and power the contraption up, I wouldn't expect too much autonomy out of it since it is after all battery-powered. I would expect a lot of heat from the batteries too.
ravilov said:
I hate yo be the party pooper here, but I think no USB port will ever be able to deliver that much power. We're talking about several ampers here. Neither the USB port nor a great majority of USB cords are built to withstand that. Most USB hardware is designed to carry at most 1A. And then, even if you manage to get sufficient power flowing and power the contraption up, I wouldn't expect too much autonomy out of it since it is after all battery-powered. I would expect a lot of heat from the batteries too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Battery Charging Specification 1.2:[14] Released in December 2010.
Several changes and increasing limits including allowing 1.5A on charging ports for unconfigured devices, allowing High Speed communication while having a current up to 1.5A and allowing a maximum current of 5A.
But as I said, I don't know if you can get that much power out of this particular device. 20W @12V is 1.6A, but in order to power that from 5V, you would need at least 4 Amps, which puts it close to max, but not over it. The actual port connector is rated much higher than that.
Edit: I do have to agree on one point though, running on battery power will be pretty limiting, especially when you consider what the batteries were intended for in the first place.
So you're saying that there's basically no way to power the Wii with the Lapdock's setup? Ughhh I assumed this would be a major issue but decided I'd leave the verdict to those more knowledgeable than myself... So you're sure there's no way? Well anyways I hope at the very least to connect an external Battery (recommendations?) and hopefully get the Wii to recognize the trackpad and keyboard esp. for linux use... I'll keep researching and keep you guys posted.
edit:
ravilov said:
I hate yo be the party pooper here, but I think no USB port will ever be able to deliver that much power. We're talking about several ampers here. Neither the USB port nor a great majority of USB cords are built to withstand that. Most USB hardware is designed to carry at most 1A. And then, even if you manage to get sufficient power flowing and power the contraption up, I wouldn't expect too much autonomy out of it since it is after all battery-powered. I would expect a lot of heat from the batteries too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lehjr said:
Battery Charging Specification 1.2:[14] Released in December 2010.
Several changes and increasing limits including allowing 1.5A on charging ports for unconfigured devices, allowing High Speed communication while having a current up to 1.5A and allowing a maximum current of 5A.
But as I said, I don't know if you can get that much power out of this particular device. 20W @12V is 1.6A, but in order to power that from 5V, you would need at least 4 Amps, which puts it close to max, but not over it. The actual port connector is rated much higher than that.
Edit: I do have to agree on one point though, running on battery power will be pretty limiting, especially when you consider what the batteries were intended for in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't read your reply Lehjr before posting mine, sorry about that. Anyways I'm still confused about whether or not the Lapdock is capable of powering the Wii? Anyways here is where I'm getting my very limited information on basic electronics. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/question501.htm I will keep studying though don't worry:laugh:
I'm going to post this on BenHeck Forums too for additional input. Again thank you guys.
lehjr said:
Battery Charging Specification 1.2:[14] Released in December 2010.
Several changes and increasing limits including allowing 1.5A on charging ports for unconfigured devices, allowing High Speed communication while having a current up to 1.5A and allowing a maximum current of 5A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, interesting. I don't know, I'd say even if the USB hardware might be able to withhold such high currents, it's only for a short while, not for continuous use. I'm talking about all the USB hardware now, not just the plugs and cords.
Anyway, while 5A might indeed be the theoretical maximum, I have yet to see an USB device that actually delivers anywhere close to that. Even most commercial "high-speed" chargers deliver only up to about 2A.
ravilov said:
Hm, interesting. I don't know, I'd say even if the USB hardware might be able to withhold such high currents, it's only for a short while, not for continuous use. I'm talking about all the USB hardware now, not just the plugs and cords.
Anyway, while 5A might indeed be the theoretical maximum, I have yet to see an USB device that actually delivers anywhere close to that. Even most commercial "high-speed" chargers deliver only up to about 2A.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, running that close to maximum is likely going to be short lived, and that's if it can be coaxed to go there in the first place. I'm not sure what the portability thing is about anyway. The Wii may be small, but it's heavy.
---------- Post added at 09:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 PM ----------
jeffreygtab said:
So you're saying that there's basically no way to power the Wii with the Lapdock's setup? Ughhh I assumed this would be a major issue but decided I'd leave the verdict to those more knowledgeable than myself... So you're sure there's no way? Well anyways I hope at the very least to connect an external Battery (recommendations?) and hopefully get the Wii to recognize the trackpad and keyboard esp. for linux use... I'll keep researching and keep you guys posted.
edit:
Didn't read your reply Lehjr before posting mine, sorry about that. Anyways I'm still confused about whether or not the Lapdock is capable of powering the Wii? Anyways here is where I'm getting my very limited information on basic electronics. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/question501.htm I will keep studying though don't worry:laugh:
I'm going to post this on BenHeck Forums too for additional input. Again thank you guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly capable, very slim chance, but doing so would be running very close to max the entire time the Wii is powered. You would also have to build a device to convert 5V to 12V, again, not impossible, but you do lose some power do to conversion inefficiencies. Is there any particular reason you want the device to be portable? IMHO, in order to run the Wii for any length of time, you would need a decent set of batteries. A few amps plugged in is one thing, on battery power that's something else. I could easily see you using something like a couple Power Wheels 6V batteries and a 12V charger or some similar setup, maybe some lithium cells if you're a big spender. Anything more than that and you're wheeling this thing around on a cart with a deep cycle marine/RV battery.
Haha a definitive answer would be welcomed as to whether it's theoretically capable or not, but if you can't provide that, I completely understand! Anyways It just needs to be temporarily portable, like 1 hour battery life is plenty. Thanks... Btw I can't actually thank you guys anymore as I'm out of thanks.
Are there any basic charging docks for the Xperia T? I have serached everywhere I can thing and can not find a single one. I know we have the TV dock but this is a little over priced and all the functions are no required by myself. All I require is a dock for it to charge the device and maybe allow synchronising on my PC. Simple plastic mould with a usb cable stuffed inside. Would have thought chinese manufactuers would be all over stuff like that simple to pump out volumes and simple to adjust machines for different devices.
Wobba-Lee said:
Are there any basic charging docks for the Xperia T? I have serached everywhere I can thing and can not find a single one. I know we have the TV dock but this is a little over priced and all the functions are no required by myself. All I require is a dock for it to charge the device and maybe allow synchronising on my PC. Simple plastic mould with a usb cable stuffed inside. Would have thought chinese manufactuers would be all over stuff like that simple to pump out volumes and simple to adjust machines for different devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk but I'd like to know this too. I need a dock for that but not the TV features. Plus no sense in shelling out 55 USD for features that I may not use.
This is so sad. I've been searching left and right high and low and cannot find a basic dock for a TL. I came from Motorola and you have all the accessories available there and cheap too. At least next time, I know what phone to get next.
LastQuark said:
This is so sad. I've been searching left and right high and low and cannot find a basic dock for a TL. I came from Motorola and you have all the accessories available there and cheap too. At least next time, I know what phone to get next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? I don't buy my pfone for the assesoires but for the phone