Looking for decent car dock - Xperia Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Sony's car dock is a joke - it's a generic dock for all their phones, may as well just buy some equally crappy thing off ebay for a pittance.
I'm looking for a proper dock with charging and audio-out built in. Having to plug and unplug USB and headphone jacks every time you dock and undock your phone is ridiculous. In fact, I don't know if I can commit to buying the Xperia Z without one.

Yes I am with you need a car dock with charger.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2

Wonder if you could take the desktop cradle, glue it onto your dash, then re solder some wires to get the car plug 12v... Seriously, it might be a way if Sony doesn't release one

I've considered modding the desk dock, would also require adding some sort of clip to hold it through bumps/whatever. Far from ideal though, and a fair bit of effort I'd prefer not to go to... :-/

spoidar said:
Sony's car dock is a joke - it's a generic dock for all their phones, may as well just buy some equally crappy thing off ebay for a pittance.
I'm looking for a proper dock with charging and audio-out built in. Having to plug and unplug USB and headphone jacks every time you dock and undock your phone is ridiculous. In fact, I don't know if I can commit to buying the Xperia Z without one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me to

Not cheap but very good car docks, only Xperia Z not yet available:
http://www.brodit.com

Maikel205 said:
Not cheap but very good car docks, only Xperia Z not yet available:
http://www.brodit.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, they're better than nothing I guess, but they always seem to use power cords that are moulded into the unit, and none of their stuff supports audio out.
Take a look at Samsung's car docks for their flagship phones as an example of how to do it right - microUSB input for charging (means you can take your power from whatever source you like, useful for eliminating ground loops), and a 3.5mm phono socket in case you want to connect to an AUX port on your head unit (because BT sucks).
EDIT: Oh, and particularly for the Xperia Z, a car mount that uses the dock connector - rather than USB - is extremely useful, because otherwise you've got to fiddle around opening the USB socket cover to connect a charger.

spoidar said:
Sony's car dock is a joke - it's a generic dock for all their phones, may as well just buy some equally crappy thing off ebay for a pittance.
I'm looking for a proper dock with charging and audio-out built in. Having to plug and unplug USB and headphone jacks every time you dock and undock your phone is ridiculous. In fact, I don't know if I can commit to buying the Xperia Z without one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good

Guys, car mounts are a real pita to find. Just sayin

spoidar said:
Take a look at Samsung's car docks for their flagship phones as an example of how to do it right - microUSB input for charging (means you can take your power from whatever source you like, useful for eliminating ground loops), and a 3.5mm phono socket in case you want to connect to an AUX port on your head unit (because BT sucks)..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They seem to be stopping their good work though, all they seem to have for the s3/note 2 is a universal passive dock. The way they did it for the galaxy s 2 (i9100 version at least) was how all manufacturers should, best car dock I've owned by far.

I have a Motorola Atrix and the official car dock. It work like a charm and you can even remove a bracket to fit a cased phone in it. Now my Atrix is dead so yeah ...
Wondering why manufacturers don't all just release official docks.

any news here? Still no official dock, afaik, so has anyone heard of a third party dock for the z?

Bump
Sent from my LG-E610 using Tapatalk 2

The idea of modding a normal dock could be a good idea if a oem one doesn't surface.

From the pictures I've seen the desk dock takes a Micro USB input so wouldn't be that difficult to mod.
Brodit bracket to fix it to the car interior, NFC tag on the dock to toggle BT, screen brightness, volume up etc. Not sure quite how you'd get the phone to stay in the dock though, particularly portrait.
Hi-tech elastic band?

I suppose Brodit will release a holder for the Xperia Z similar to the one for the Xperia V. It will use the dock power connectors on the side.
I just wished they allow any micro-USB cable to the holder, not having their own soldered cable.

"Hi
I can gladly inform you that we are going to make holders for this Sony (XPERIA Z).
We are waiting for the unit to arrive, then we probably need a couple of*weeks before launching.
Best Regard
Lars
Brodit AB"
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium

orenxda said:
"Hi
I can gladly inform you that we are going to make holders for this Sony (XPERIA Z).
We are waiting for the unit to arrive, then we probably need a couple of*weeks before launching.
Best Regard
Lars
Brodit AB"
Sent from my GT-P6800 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds great. Would it be only for landscape.. or portrait as well?

MasK said:
Sounds great. Would it be only for landscape.. or portrait as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They swivel, you can put them in landscape, although they're most comfortable in landscape usually.

As others have said though, it's a shame they use soldered/molded cables, rather than allowing microusb.

Related

Best car kit

What do you guys think is the best car kit for the HD2.
Looking for the best quality one with a charger and the option to rotate the hd2 to be vertical or horizontal which keeps sucked to whatever I suck it too.
Might want to search. there are quite a few threads about car kits or car holders.
personally i use a brodit which has a nice fit.
best i dont know but happy with mine
After searching for hours I came across a device called the dash genie which I think is brilliant! I currently use it in my ford fiesta and it sticks to the dash no matter what the surface and it looks nice with my HD2
If you have a modern ford fiesta you will know that the dash is spongy, but this cradle sticks with no problem. You can easily remove the cradle when your not using it and no marks are left.
You can also use other devices such as ipods so your not restricted...a one for all solution I personally recommend.
im intreagued as to how the dash genie works, there doesnt seem much to hold the device in place if you hit a bump or something.
just watchd a video of it, looks good might have to get one myself
has anyone tried this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280496736994&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
djchubbs said:
im intreagued as to how the dash genie works, there doesnt seem much to hold the device in place if you hit a bump or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same before I purchased the dash genie, but trust me It holds the phone in place. I have to drive down a dirt track road every morning from my house and the road is full of pot holes. The poor car is boucing allover but the phone stays nice and snug
If you look at the dash genie you will see a red circle which is a sticky material, once the phone is placed on this it sticks like glue but does not leave any residue behind.
bry4ntt said:
has anyone tried this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280496736994&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks pretty smart, depends where your cigarette lighter/power outlet is in the car though - Wouldn't be good for mine as this is located next to the gear stick on the central console.
What I'm using is the Dash Genie then a small device that plugs into the cigarette/power outlet which changes it into a usb power socket where I just plug the power cable in which you get with the phone.
I also have a 3.5mm jack cable that plugs into the aux socket on my head unit so calls, copilot and music come through the car speakers.
Dash Genie Link
I can finally post links...
Here is the link where you can buy the Dash Genie for £14.99
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/dash-genie-in-car-holder-p23796.htm
When using the dash genie is the earphone jack covered at the bottom of the device?
aLlamaWithARifle said:
When using the dash genie is the earphone jack covered at the bottom of the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with the HD2 as the jack is at the top of the device. Not sure about other phones...
shutty2k3 said:
Not with the HD2 as the jack is at the top of the device. Not sure about other phones...
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Click to collapse
The earphone jack is on the BOTTOM of an HD2.
If you're looking for a solidly built holder that is well worth the additional money, then i'd suggest getting a Brodit version - Kit comes in 2 parts, a mount adapter specific to your car, and a holder for the phone... Adapter allows you to rotate the device for Landscape/Portrait usage, and allows access to the Headphone socket
The Brodit HD2 Active Adapter with a Cigarette adapter is a shade over £30... But as I said, well worth the money.
The HTC CU S400 car kit is AWESOME. Very high build quality and looks great. Not as good as the earlier prototype though but... The only downside is price, but then your HD2 is not exactly cheap either
ebeam said:
The earphone jack is on the BOTTOM of an HD2.
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Click to collapse
Sorry I stand to be corrected....I meant the HTC HD/Blackstone
The best car kit I tested so far is the standard Ford Focus Sony System bluetooth.
I simply connected it to the car and boom! Works perfectly.
Moreover I can charge the phone via USB while listening to the music I got in the storage card.
Simply perfect!
I'm considering getting this one and using the cradle part to replace the factory fitted Nokia cradle in the arm-rest of my Audi:
http://www.netimes.com/shop/car-mount-cradle-for-htc-hd2-t8585-htc-leo-p-2535.html?cPath=80_731
I bought this one: Tetrax Xway Universal Neodymium Car Holder
Using it with two devices, it's great! Only a magnet that holds the device firmly.
Here's a link to their website: http://www.tetrax.us/
I have a silicon case, made a small hole in it, glued the small metal knob on my device.
The HD2 still lays flat on the table with the knob and is firmly attached in my car without turning/spinning around (That is why I took the holder with the large X)
Bright.Light said:
I bought this one: Tetrax Xway Universal Neodymium Car Holder
Using it with two devices, it's great! Only a magnet that holds the device firmly.
Here's a link to their website: http://www.tetrax.us/
I have a silicon case, made a small hole in it, glued the small metal knob on my device.
The HD2 still lays flat on the table with the knob and is firmly attached in my car without turning/spinning around (That is why I took the holder with the large X)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Bright.Light
Just ordered one myself of Ebay worldwide. It seems to be the best system I have seen so far. Here is a YouTube video of one in use http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLbABhSWvw&feature=related
R12SRW said:
Thanks Bright.Light
Just ordered one myself of Ebay worldwide. It seems to be the best system I have seen so far. Here is a YouTube video of one in use http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLbABhSWvw&feature=related
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice video!
The only negative of this product is the small part which holds onto the fan blade. When it gets warm or cold it gets softer/harder so it won't hold as tight as usual. This means that pulling the device off means you're pulling the blade off too.
So, it would be best when the clip is somewhat larger.

HD2 Car holder with audio connection?

I have searched and Googled, but I still haven't found what I'm looking for:
A car holder for HD2 with charger and audio connector.
I used my TD2 this way, connected audio to my car's AUX, and then used the TD2 for both navigation and music.
Today I have a passive holder, but I really don't like the hassle with connecting/disconnecting two cables each time.
Like this Brodit holder, but with a 3,5 mm connector as well:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/popups/gallery.php?product_id=22480
..or like this desktop cradle - but for car use:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/popups/gallery.php?product_id=22701&view_img=3.jpg
You get the point..
Any tips?
I think it is not necessary, because without this fixed connectors you can connect your charger or audio connector directly to your phone.
dlamhn said:
I think it is not necessary, because without this fixed connectors you can connect your charger or audio connector directly to your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply, but I don't understand what you mean.
I want a holder with fixed connectors.
As far as i have seen they are not available on the market.
but i have seen a thread with pictures where a fellow member has glued an audio connector in i think it was the active brodit holder.
read through the treads for car holders.
This is almost exactly what I want. I have an iphone and used the Griffin Autopilot. I connected to the car via 3.5mm (I dont want/need an FM transmitter). It also plugged in to the cigarette lighter and charged it (AND had nice FWD/REWIND/PAUSE/PLAY buttons on top.
Anything out there...?
Stor-Anders said:
I have searched and Googled, but I still haven't found what I'm looking for:
A car holder for HD2 with charger and audio connector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been looking for a while also. I did see someone on XDA mod a Brodit active holder by gluing a 3.5mm jack at the base of the holder. But as the Brodit holder is already a bit pricey I kept looking.
I have found a device that looks like it is sold under three different brand names although they all look to be the same. The one thing I am unsure of is if the 2.5mm jack will output the audio for music, GPS and voice calls or if it is just restricted to phone related audio.
I have ordered the active car kit below and will post back with my findings once it arrives.
http://www.netimes.com/shop/car-mou...tc-hd2-t8585-htc-leo-p-2536.html?cPath=80_731
I ordered the car kit linked below from neTimes:
http://www.netimes.com/shop/car-mou...tc-hd2-t8585-htc-leo-p-2536.html?cPath=80_731
I have not used it extensively but here are my impressions so far:
The device is made from a very 'light' plastic not from metal as I had optimistically hopes for. The build quality is pretty good!
Inserting the phone into the device for the first time was a frightening experience. It is a very snug fit, and I was more than a little concerned about the pressure required to seat the HD2 over the 3.5mm jack and the microUSB, thankfully no damage was made to either jack on the HD2 and the alignment of said ports appears to be very good.
The 2.5mm headset jack that is on the speaker/car charger part does indeed pass the audio (in stereo) to a car head unit. So it will pass all audio when plugged in. Exactly what I wanted.
The pickup answer button on the speaker/car charger worked somewhat intermittently for me. I will have to play around with it a bit more to see that the behavior was not due to operator error as I suspect. But it is not a crucial part as it is easier to reach the HD2 than this tiny button.
The suction mount sticks well to the windscreen, but the actual 'neck' of the mount is very short with minimal adjustment. I am now looking for a way to fix it to a Brodit vent or dash mount for something a bit more robust and unobtrusive. The curly cord is also on the large side and it is captive so can not easily be replaced
The holder does NOT swivel into landscape orientation. If it were connected to a swivel mount the HD2 would most likely fall out as it is high up over the center point of the mount and the is nothing other than the tight fit holding it there. But I have not really investigated this yet. Maybe I will test it out when I get a swivel Brodit mount. eXpansys list it as being compatible with the Herbert Richter Gooseneck Suction Mount so hopefully we have some other mount options.
There appear to be a number of stores selling what appears to be the same device under different branding like Kidigi and eXpansys have versions also. My advice is to buy the cheapest from the store that you trust the most to honor any warranty issues. I have never purchased from newTimes before so apart from the shipping in a good timeframe, I have no grounds to recommend them over other stores that sell this dock, like eXpansys.
All in all it is great value but I still have some concern about the long term affects on the microUSB port. I really do wish that Microsoft had specified a standard dock connector for Windows Phone 7. This is one area Apple has it over Windows Phone.

Car Dock

I really hope they make a good car dock for the nexus s. My nexus one car dock was amazing!
I love having the N1 car dock, but the lack of audio output on that thing really sucks. Several times a day I get to dock my phone *and* plug in an audio cable. I could use BT stereo, but the quality is bad. (And since N1 lacks a dock connector, even if the car dock had stereo output, it would use BT.)
That said, doesn't the NS have a real dock connector on it?
I'm keeping my N1 and upgraded my wife's G1 to the NS. The availability of a car dock is the only consideration in whether I upgrade my own phone or not.
Bicster_ said:
That said, doesn't the NS have a real dock connector on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No dock connector. The only charge point is through the micro USB port.
car dock
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!
If you're with tmobile they sale an universal car MOD EDIT that charges your phone. An extra step yes but lets be real, its worth out to do video calling on the road. that's the only reason I want one.
Sent from Rodney's Nexus S
rodneygoff said:
If you're with tmobile they sale an universal car that charges your phone. An extra step yes but lets be real, its worth out to do video calling on the road. that's the only reason I want one.
Sent from Rodney's Nexus S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting autocorrect typo (or choice of words).
I haven't yet seen a universal dock I liked. I hope something decent comes along. One handed operation is a big plus!
Bicster_ said:
Interesting autocorrect typo (or choice of words)
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Click to collapse
Lol, I thought it was just me being tired. Apparently not.
I've read good things with Arkon car docks. Probably gonna get myself one if I don't see an official one for the S soon.
I miss my N1 desktop doc already
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
What universal car docks are you using for your NS now?
They could easily use NFC to launch the dock app, and it would be possible to make an inductive charging back like they had on the palm pre.
No dock port so I have to settle with something more generic. I use this Arkon dock currently in my car. It's the most compact looking one I can find.
I've ordered a Vlingo that will attach to the vent, just until I can get a Brodit...
I could really do with a decent univerals dock though, as I change phones every 3 months
BruceCLin said:
No dock port so I have to settle with something more generic. I use this Arkon dock currently in my car. It's the most compact looking one I can find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How's it hold? Mini-review please. I'll be looking to pick up a car dock/charger in the next few weeks.
BruceCLin said:
No dock port so I have to settle with something more generic. I use this Arkon dock currently in my car. It's the most compact looking one I can find.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks much better than the one I'm using right now. For $12 I'm going to give it a shot.
Eh, I wouldn't recommend that Arkon dock. It's a tight fit for the phone. I bought one when I had the Vibrant and I didn't like how tight of a fit it was. If I was ever in a hurry, I'd be afraid that I would break that dock. It's great for the iPhone because the size is smaller, but for the 4" phones, I would not recommend (especially when you're using a case). But that's just from my experience.
I'm currently using this universal dock. It might not fit your needs since it uses one of those "patented" sticky technologies.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Platinu...1414202&skuId=1199257&st=mobiledock&cp=1&lp=1
Got a free $20 rewards certificate from Best Buy so I used it on that dock. It's actually a very good dock. I haven't used it with any cases though, so that might be a 50/50 thing. You can look up "bracketron" on youtube to see a clip of it. It's worth the $5 I paid for, perhaps not $24 though.
DKYang said:
Eh, I wouldn't recommend that Arkon dock. It's a tight fit for the phone. I bought one when I had the Vibrant and I didn't like how tight of a fit it was. If I was ever in a hurry, I'd be afraid that I would break that dock. It's great for the iPhone because the size is smaller, but for the 4" phones, I would not recommend (especially when you're using a case). But that's just from my experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you might be thinking of the original iphone 4 version. They came out with the universal one later, which is specifically made for larger phones.
unremarked said:
How's it hold? Mini-review please. I'll be looking to pick up a car dock/charger in the next few weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides the custom one for vibrant, it's the best looking universal holder I've ever had. I have the another Arkon universal holder that squeeze from the sides, which works well but a bit large and ugly IMO. This has only 4 little legs that can be seen from the front. The legs are angled in, so they hold the phone really well. Due to the position of the legs being on top/bottom, I wouldn't recommend use it side way. It holds the phone vertically perfectly well. On the topic of size, unlike the original iphone 4 version of the same dock, its body at the lower part can be extended to accommodate larger phone. As for the back of the holder, it's the same as the other universal one I own, one hinge at the suction cup and one ball joint at the holder, both adjustable. I'd still get this one if given a chance to go back in time. Everything said is my own personal opinion of course.
BruceCLin said:
Besides the custom one for vibrant, it's the best looking universal holder I've ever had. I have the another Arkon universal holder that squeeze from the sides, which works well but a bit large and ugly IMO. This has only 4 little legs that can be seen from the front. The legs are angled in, so they hold the phone really well. Due to the position of the legs being on top/bottom, I wouldn't recommend use it side way. It holds the phone vertically perfectly well. On the topic of size, unlike the original iphone 4 version of the same dock, its body at the lower part can be extended to accommodate larger phone. As for the back of the holder, it's the same as the other universal one I own, one hinge at the suction cup and one ball joint at the holder, both adjustable. I'd still get this one if given a chance to go back in time. Everything said is my own personal opinion of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thank you for the write-up. One more question, in portrait mode, is the microUSB port obscured? I want to make sure the port isn't blocked for a car charger.
It's unfortunate that you don't recommend using this in landscape mode, but I suppose at $12 that's something I could live with. College budget ftl. >_>
unremarked said:
Awesome, thank you for the write-up. One more question, in portrait mode, is the microUSB port obscured? I want to make sure the port isn't blocked for a car charger.
It's unfortunate that you don't recommend using this in landscape mode, but I suppose at $12 that's something I could live with. College budget ftl. >_>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The USB port I'd not block at all. The right bottom leg can be adjusted to avoid audio port also.
BruceCLin said:
I think you might be thinking of the original iphone 4 version. They came out with the universal one later, which is specifically made for larger phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well damn, I never saw the other version. I guess at the time Amazon wasn't selling it or never did. I still wouldn't recommend it though because of the way it works, but that's just me.
blueforce4116 said:
They could easily use NFC to launch the dock app, and it would be possible to make an inductive charging back like they had on the palm pre.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that too... I don't know how well inductive charging like a power mat would work with the NFC antenna. I also don't know that you can use the NFC to launch an app... isn't it link driven? Maybe that's something you could do with intents, I haven't given it too much thought. I think the inductive charging is the bigger issue.
Does anyone know if the NS has the magnetic switch to detect a dock?

Motorola Car Dock

Is anyone using the Moto Car Dock? I was looking at getting one for my wife but after reading a few reviews I'm a little confused about something. I see it comes with a 3.5mm cable but do you have to use it? One reviewer said when the phone was in the dock they could not get any sound out of the built in speaker. That doesn't sound right to me but I was hoping someone could confirm or deny that bit of info.
Thanks,
Kurt
I just got my Moto Navigation Dock yesterday and am loving it. I can confirm that the dock itself does not change your audio output. It is the special usb/audio cable that changes that. If you use a normal USB cable instead of the hybrid one, the speaker on the Droid 4 still sounds.
I just went out to my car and tried this with my Droid 2 charger and the Droid 4 dock.
Also, beware because the Verizon branded Navigation Dock kit does not include any USB cable or vehicle charger. The Motorola branded one does include the hybrid cable and the dual port vehicle charger.
On a side note, my only disappointment with the dock is that the clip at the top is engaged the screen is secured from flipping open. This is unlike all the previous Moto Droid chargers, which all allowed access to the physical keyboard while docked.
If you have any other questions or want me to try out any combinations, let me know!
Thanks for the reply. What you said about the cable makes sense. That's exactly the information I needed.
Thank You.
Kurt
Can you use the camera with this dock, or is it obscured by the plastic?
Lum_UK said:
Can you use the camera with this dock, or is it obscured by the plastic?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera works fine with this dock.

Xperia Z1 Car Dock?

Anyone heard anything about an official car dock?
First Sony phone for ages and I'm not sure if Sony tend to sell phone car docks. Suspect the magnetic charging pins are for power only - my old Galaxy Nexus had 3 pins, one of which is for data.
Sony has actually produced a fair few accessories this time around (some being universal, which is also a good thing).
However the car holder is just that - a holder. To me that seems rather stupid, as if you were going to use it as a SatNav (with the screen on) then you're going to either kill the battery while driving, or soon after.
Why couldn't Sony produce a holder that could charge via the pogo pins? Imagine how good that would be! Then include a smart tag (NFC) so that once you put the phone in the dock, it would connect to your car radio via Bluetooth and/or load up your SatNav software/Spotify or whatever.
And charging £40 is also a bit of a liberty if you ask me!
I hope we get a third party holder that does the above, and costs a bit less too.
jonmorris said:
Sony has actually produced a fair few accessories this time around (some being universal, which is also a good thing).
However the car holder is just that - a holder. To me that seems rather stupid, as if you were going to use it as a SatNav (with the screen on) then you're going to either kill the battery while driving, or soon after.
Why couldn't Sony produce a holder that could charge via the pogo pins? Imagine how good that would be! Then include a smart tag (NFC) so that once you put the phone in the dock, it would connect to your car radio via Bluetooth and/or load up your SatNav software/Spotify or whatever.
And charging £40 is also a bit of a liberty if you ask me!
I hope we get a third party holder that does the above, and costs a bit less too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree thats a bit expensive for a holder, I just bought one on amazon for £14, which I'll modify to charge as well
Brodit
a couple of days ago I've contacted brodit if they could tell me a date when the holder for the Z1 would be available.
They told me it would take a couple of days.
gstadt said:
Anyone heard anything about an official car dock?
First Sony phone for ages and I'm not sure if Sony tend to sell phone car docks. Suspect the magnetic charging pins are for power only - my old Galaxy Nexus had 3 pins, one of which is for data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is the official one...but it just holds it. I really want one that has a charge attached, I can deal with a cable down for the headphone jack, but I can't live without power. Sony really missed a trick on that one.
Especially with the magnetic charger port, and the fact they're even selling the cable separate to the dock in some regions. How hard to rig up this very lead to a car holder?
well I did not find any sony manufactured genuine car dock for Z1 at Amazon..there are some on ebay but not find one for Z1 and they are bit expensive too....and also found some from other vendors at Fommy...they have variety of docks with reasonable prices...
ilovemyZ1 said:
I found this genuine Sony car dock for the Z1. Looks pretty basic and personally I don't think it's worth the premium in price. Plenty of other generic ones out there unless you really must get the Sony one. Link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the one I was talking about earlier. It doesn't charge, which seems rather silly as I've regularly driven for 6-7 hours in a day (albeit with breaks) using satellite navigation, and there's no way the Z1 would cope with that and not die part way through.
I really did expect it would have been a dock with an integral magentic charger. Of course, you can presumably rig up a separate cable of your own - but you'd expect to buy something that looks sleek and designed for the phone.
Of all the Sony accessories, this has to be the worst.
Just ordered on if these: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/ultra-desktop-dock-for-sony-xperia-z1-p41456.htm
Will use some sticky tape and stick it on my dash. Been using a Galaxy Nexus the same way with the desktop dock, works great, just drop the phone in the dock when you get in the car.
Any hard breaking and your phone will fall out of the dock and either smash into your windshield or in your face. I'd not use those dock type of holders.
It's not perfect, but I plan on using my iBolt I have had for several phones now, and just ordered a couple magnetic usb cables from EBay. I'll just attach it to the back and leave it dangling. Then I can simply flick it in place when required. Should work! I just wish the Z1 had the analogue USB audio with charging the S4 has......only thing I miss so far!
How many phones do carry audio via USB? The Motorola Atrix did (very nice car kit) but I've not found a phone since.
I like the dock but price is a bit steep. The only problem I have with my universal dock is that since all buttons are locked on one side its very hard to place without hitting the volume of camera button. I'm sure soon we will see some aftermarket copy cats that sell it a at a reasonable cost .
Brodit has a Car holder ready! Not sure if it's a 2a or 1a charger and if there will be a passive charger.
http://brodit.se/productList.html?brand=Sony&model=Xperia+Z1&pn=prod
I got answer from Brodit.
The charger on the active dock is a 2a charger.
There will be an passive holder.
RobbieTr said:
Brodit has a Car holder ready! Not sure if it's a 2a or 1a charger and if there will be a passive charger.
I got answer from Brodit.
The charger on the active dock is a 2a charger.
There will be an passive holder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brodit always look so tacky though.
Considering there is a charge point on the bottom someone could design a nice looking dock.
The deskdock would work if it had a slightly higher back and then a clip that could fold up and hold onto the top of the phone.
It needs to be a design that doesn't look like it has been made in metal shop by a 7 year old when the phone is not in there.
Yeah I believe this is definitely something Sony need to wake up about, because these sort of things will hold them back. Sony need to ask themselves a question what is going to be the thing that is going to piss people off the most. Obviously opening and closing flaps every day. Love the headphones jack with no opening and closing flaps .
For a flagship phone people expect lots of accessories for the phone, extra battery life, protective cases, docks, car kits... I purchased the Xperia Z outright, and then expecting some accessories for the phone to be released after, and finally pretty much nothing, what seriously hoping for a car kit to utilise the charge pins. As a consumer I feel abandoned by Sony .
They have made come some way with the Xperia Z1 offering quite a few accessories at launch date, but note most if not almost all of them are generic. It shouldn't be 100% other companies responsibility to provide accessories for a flagship phone, it is Sony's and who cares if other Companies may manufacturer accessories.
I now have the Xperia Z1 and happy with the phone, and now in the same situation as everyone in thread looking for a car kit again, a little bit better this time because there is a possibility that I don't have to keep on opening a flaps any more.
Due to this I am sure a lot of people are not buying Sony phones regardless of how good they are. Come on Sony I really think you will find that a huge percentage of people require car kits, as they use phones for an in car gps, in addition most countries will fine you if you are not using your phone hands free.
Check out this one at ebay....It luks nice one....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dedicated-A...5392?pt=US_Mounts_Holders&hash=item3a7b6e6460
RobbieTr said:
Brodit has a Car holder ready! Not sure if it's a 2a or 1a charger and if there will be a passive charger.
http://brodit.se/productList.html?brand=Sony&model=Xperia+Z1&pn=prod
I got answer from Brodit.
The charger on the active dock is a 2a charger.
There will be an passive holder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the passive holder from Brodit/ProClip. It makes sense for me since I already had the car mount from a previous phone. It works quite well but it is overpriced for a simple piece of plastic. I don't like their powered options so am just using a magnetic charging cable with it.
Jimmy2u said:
Check out this one at ebay....It luks nice one....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dedicated-A...5392?pt=US_Mounts_Holders&hash=item3a7b6e6460
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had something similar before not nice in my hot climate blocking the aircon.
Z1 case and car holder 2in1 (DIY)
Hi , I found solution which works for me so I decided to share with you.
Bought Wallet Stand Case for 4.95 on ebay and adapt my old, unused car mount for nokia 5800.
I cut off some corners of holder cradle to get flat surface and glued it to the back of the case. There are some pics..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2395943&stc=1&d=1384627505
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2395944&stc=1&d=1384627505
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2395945&stc=1&d=1384627505
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2395946&stc=1&d=1384627505
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2395949&stc=1&d=1384627645
What I like in it is when I want to use my Z1 as sat nav the phone is still safe in its case with access to any buttons and no need to shift between case and car holder. Also you can use magnet charging cable as it easy access to magnet socket.

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