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Using a tablet in place of a head unit?; Ipad, Nexus, Samsung, etc?
Topic Started: Jun 23 2014, 08:56 PM (4,397 Views)
Cobb
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I was browsing an install site and noticed a whole series on installing tablets in place of radios in cars. I saw a range from ipads, ipad minis, nexus 7, samsung galaxy and even a microsoft surface. It seems for a Ford one with bluetooth will link right up with the sync system. Others you need to wire something in for audio to the speakers. One guy put a ipod compatible radio in the glove box and ran a cable over to it.

Ive inched closer to buying a dvd nav head unit, but I see you can get a refurbished ipad and these other tablets rather cheap too. :rocker
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faygoninja


True. You just run the headphones to a amp most like the little motorcycle ones. Run a splitter and do two and it would still be nice. I thought about it but ill stick with a radio for now.
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nerys
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Grr

got this WONDERFUL gizmo calls a himbox $35 amazon.com

its bluetooth usb powered. plug it into your stereo line in or use a fm modulator direct link in the back of the stereo (the transmitting ones suck trust me)

its aptx supported so if our device supports this MUCH higher quality wireless audio and it "auto connects" instantly if your phone is nearby when its powered up and it auto powers up when you apply power.

PERFECT. I ran two into a splitter one for the dedicated music/gps unit and one to my primary phone for calls and podcasts or audio books etc..

tap to pause/play has fwd/rwd buttons to skip forward back and if you press and hold it activates voice recognition (though this feature is hinky at best though I think its the phone side not the device that is the problem here)

WONDERFUL. absolutely wonderful.

want to keep a stock look and feel?

buy this for $25 install behind the stereo in the dash set to radio power so it turns on with the car (mount the switch if you wish)

then buy this

http://www.amazon.com/iClever-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-Convenient-Activation/dp/B00GJFGE3W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403585930&sr=8-1&keywords=himbox

run a 12v socket off the same power from the radio to power this. hide it behind the dash as well mount the unit wherever you want (side of the steering column is a nice place)

Here is where I mounted one in the minivan

Posted Image

here is where I plan to mount the one I will talk through (it has a mic) callers hear me the best from here it seems

Posted Image

My metro won't need the isimply since it has line in. if you need the isimply you will also need a stereo RCA to 3.5mm minijack and a double female minijack mating coupler.

until your ready to play it is 100% hands off and fully automatic.

as soon as it powers up it will connect to your phone/tablet all you then need to do is tap the main button to play/pause your music.
Edited by nerys, Jun 24 2014, 12:04 AM.
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Freeman
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The Family Man

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-ALYArl5S4

Doesn't seem too hard. A couple small adapters and such to wire it to the existing harness. I thought about it but decided to go for a more basic approach.
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Mythstae
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100% not what you're talking about, but why don't you get one of these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161097109291
:D
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Cobb
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:rocker I had purchased a 3 inch single din dvd player by ouku(SP?). It worked for 3 months then quit. I am on the fence of getting a single or double din dvd nav unit by best buy or crutchfield for less than 400 bucks. Jensen any good? Otherwise was considering the tablet. I had a nexus 7 and it was buggy, I have access to an ipad 2 and its wonderful. :cheers
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Mythstae
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I've never used Jensen, so I have no idea!

Here's a fun thought... :D
Imagine, if you will, a custom-made tablet cradle, with extra 12v socket, for charging.
Mini-amp (like for motorcycles) mounted to the back side, plug-and-play harness for a Metro.
Maybe evmetro could bash together a mount like that... :hmm
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Metromightymouse
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Powdercoat Wizard

Jensen is generally considered upper mid level quality.
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Cobb
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I was considering the single din so the screen is higher in my line of sight. I would mount this in the upper slot of my double din dash opening. They also make a double din for the same price if thats better than the single.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_110VX7010/Jensen-VX7010.html?tp=20212

double din

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_110VX7020/Jensen-VX7020.html?tp=20212

Most tablets are blue tooth, I was thinking of hacking up an apple air to an amp for sound output. :popcorn
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Freeman
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The Family Man

Posted Image

I have one of these, different brand. Bought it new on Crutchfield. What exactly do you want it for? Actually using it for GPS?

EDIT: The slide out units all suffer from the same flaws. The slide mechanism goes bad and the optimum viewing angle is often blocked by your dash (Not able to tilt back enough).
Edited by Freeman, Jun 26 2014, 09:53 AM.
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Mythstae
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...Holy crap!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281369743216
SO cheap!
Somebody should buy one! (I'm poor, I can't. :( )
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Mythstae
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Mythstae
Jun 25 2014, 04:57 PM
Here's a fun thought... :D
Imagine, if you will, a custom-made tablet cradle, with extra 12v socket, for charging.
Mini-amp (like for motorcycles) mounted to the back side, plug-and-play harness for a Metro.
Maybe evmetro could bash together a mount like that... :hmm
Expanding on my thoughts...

Stereo Delete Plate. So you have a flat panel to mount your stuff to.
Then one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251571325485
http://www.ebay.com/itm/321422337325
(Or something similar...)
Mounted to the delete plate, via some nice sturdy hardware.

Hole drilled in the plate, and an extra 12v socket (or two) installed. Maybe even constant power 12v sockets... :drool

Then, to the back, affix a mini amp...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161076538611

Drill another hole in the plate, and mount an AUX port:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271244870074

Or, find a mini-amp with Bluetooth...
:dunno

OR, that's an awful lot of work, so why not buy a cool stereo... :hmm
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Cobb
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:popcorn Dont sweat it. Its 60 bucks shipping and its droid 2.3

I think I am ok dash wise for the screen and will look for a refurbished jensen. The double din is the same price at crutchfield, so I just as well check it too.

Yeah, Im seeing the short comings of the tablet idea. I rather carry that inside with me or use it as a second screen in the car. :whistle
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Mythstae
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Cobb
Jun 26 2014, 07:58 PM
Don't sweat it.
?

Cobb
Jun 26 2014, 07:58 PM
It's 60 bucks shipping
Who cares? The "item" is only $5, combine the two to get a $65 Double-DIN Android DVD stereo... :drool CHEAP!

Cobb
Jun 26 2014, 07:58 PM
and its droid 2.3
Is this some kind of deal-breaker? :hmm

Cobb
Jun 26 2014, 07:58 PM
I think I am ok dash wise for the screen and will look for a refurbished jensen.
Let us know how you like it!
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doviatt
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Tablets are NOT known for quality audio output. They are know for inexpensive audio as they are portable computers and not sound systems.
Just throwing that out there. If you are happy with the sound of playback of compressed audio such as MP3 you might not notice.
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