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I'm thinking about making a Droid Eris video out app...Need Help

Hi all. Bear with me as I'm new to the dev community for the Android OS.
Basically the story so far is I've got a Droid Eris. I saw that there is a cable available called the Act100 Video Cable by HTC. This cable plugs into the mini usb port of the phone and outputs a composite video and left and right audio signal, yellow red white cables. I have a TV in my car that accepts composite input.
Through some research I've found that the Eris does not support this video out function. A supported phone for example is listed as the HTC Touch Pro 2 on sites where you can buy the cable. I've read in forums where people have mailed HTC about eris video out compatibility and HTC said that it isn't in the software by default but to try and search for an app that enables it. Therefore, the hardware supports it but it simply isn't an option in the software. So I want to make an app that simply enables the feature on the Droid Eris.
This is where my questions start. I've had only limited C++ programming experience so I'm prepared for any learning curve. How difficult do you think it would be to make an app like this? I know of some begginer guides but beyond that where should I begin?

How do you find out that the hardware does, in fact, support this? I would think if this were possible it would have been made by now, but I'd love to be wrong.

I'm not 100% sure the hardware supports it. I just made a guess because in the post I read HTC support tells the guy to look for an app that enables it becuase it isn't in the software by default. It sounds like it might just have to be coded in. At leat I'm really hoping it can be.

Sounds fishy to me. Every portable device I've ever used with a TV out function required a hardware decoder specifically for a TV. This can be done in software I'm sure but the other issue I find is pushing it out over the USB jack. Analog video source pushed out through a USB chipset doesn't sound like it can be done. I'm not all that knowledgeable about the Eris' hardware specifics so don't quote me.
As far as a pure software app that will do it, that raises red flags as well. As far as I know apps on a stock ROM run in a Dalvik VM I believe. They're separated from the system itself, and it's the system that controls the hardware. It might be able to be done but I doubt it.
The Touch Pro 2 might have the ability to do it maybe through hardware, but as far as I know the Eris doesn't have any of that.
I'll let somebody with more hardware knowledge come in.

Thanks for the ideas so far. Well since the touch pro 2 can output video over usb it's obviously possible to push the signal over any other USB. It would just be a matter of, as you said, the Eris having the hardware. I guess I was under the impression that the hardwares were very similar. I'm really trying to investigate this as much as possible and no one even answered me on other forums. Please keep this thread alive!

I don't know for sure if this can work, but here are my thoughts. PDANet sends data over the USB port to enable wired tethering, so an app can send data over the USB port.
So since we know we can send/receive data over the USB port, we must address the issue of video output. I don't know if this will be easy because of the way USB->Composite converters probably work (read output of the USB pins into each of the Red, White, Yellow pins). What would potentially make this difficult would be that with Dalvik I don't know if we can control what pins we are outputting our data to.
If someone wants to post more information on how the video cable works it would be easier to determine if it is possible.

Check this out. The Droid Incredible does it over microUSB. I wonder if all we need is the right cable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJyt463AoOA

I would love to see you make an app for this if its possible. Is there an option on stock incredible for this or is it an app?

Nindoja: Yea I agree pin control is probably going to be important for something like this. I would prefer not to, but would rooting allow us to get around the Dalvik restriction you mentioned if it ends up being a problem?
ihtfp69 and conap: I did see that the incredible does the tv out over usb. I'm not sure wether it is an option or an app though... I also read that the incredible's files were leaked, including one called tvout.apk. I think I read that just trying to install it on the eris doesn't work but I'm really not sure. In the least having that file to work with might be a great start.
I haven't been able to find that file yet unfortunately. How similar are the Incredible and Eris hardware? If they are similar it could be good news for a software solution.
Thanks for the replys so far! Any other thoughts?

Has there been any development on this?

nope, none public at least

Bumpity bump bump. this needs to happen!
Sent from my Eris using XDA App

Theoretically couldnt One figure out what app and supporting files the incredible uses and then Just Port those files to the eris. Just like people have done with the gallery Candy genie apps?
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

Izeltokatl said:
Theoretically couldnt One figure out what app and supporting files the incredible uses and then Just Port those files to the eris. Just like people have done with the gallery Candy genie apps?
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the thread at all? The problem isn't only software.... the apps the incredible (and other phones that have video out) use make extensive use of dedicated hardware to output the video stream.
We don't have that on the eris, so that would be really hard, and very slow, to emulate in software. That's assuming it could even be done over our USB port.

shouldnt be that hard, the same thing has been done for PSP...although its USB video out to PC.
its probably a step in the correct direction.
goto youtube.com and search for 'remotejoylite' one word, should be second video down, shows it in action via usb cable.

nindoja said:
That's assuming it could even be done over our USB port.
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Click to collapse
Am I missing something, but haven;t at least three comments made before this one confirmed, several phones have video out, via USB. I think the assuming iot is possible part is over. The real question that no one has answered is if the Eris has the hardware to support this option. I don't have an answer, but wanted to point out that the possibility of video over USB has been answered.

If you look on Google you can find the tvout.apk and tvout.odex from the Incredible dump. Might be able to do something with it.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

Here is TVout.apk and TVout.odex
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=319214&d=1272756479
I think with the right cable and the right software we can get this to work.
We might also need system/lib/libTVOUT.so
From what I can tell, on a stock ROM the TV out functionality is provided by system/app/TVOUT.apk and a system/lib/libTVOUT.so
here is a link to a forum about the MyTouch and the tvout.apk and cable:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=454333

mjgdroid said:
Here is TVout.apk and TVout.odex
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=319214&d=1272756479
I think with the right cable and the right software we can get this to work.
We might also need system/lib/libTVOUT.so
From what I can tell, on a stock ROM the TV out functionality is provided by system/app/TVOUT.apk and a system/lib/libTVOUT.so
here is a link to a forum about the MyTouch and the tvout.apk and cable:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=454333
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question.
Has anyone seen this work?
How do you make it work?
Do you select it from the launcher?
Is it in settings?
Because we would have to find a work around if it is.
Or just add it to the menu.
Ha.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App

KHancock321 said:
the Incredible dump.
Sent from my ERIS using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my nonsensikal froyo using XDA App

[Q] Tv Out?

Has anyone figured out if tv-out is disabled by software or just not possible? and if it is a software lock out, has anyone figured out how to re-enable this feature?
thank you in advance guys

I too would love to know if this would be possible! thanks!

The same cord.for the evo works on the epic also can use the headphone jack
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

epic4gman said:
The same cord.for the evo works on the epic also can use the headphone jack
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you are joking since the Evo uses microHDMI for TV out. That's a port that does not exist on the Epic.

Bro, go to cellup.com look up hdmi cables samsung epic n guess what you will find..... don't speak before you know
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

epic4gman said:
Bro, go to cellup.com look up hdmi cables samsung epic n guess what you will find..... don't speak before you know
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, yeah, that would be a microUSB to hdmi and DOESN'T currently work on the Epic. The Evo's cable is microHDMI to HDMI. Please read before posting things you clearly don't know about. The feature of video out was disabled by Sprint.

That bites I was told by the guy I bought my epic.that that cord would work good thing I hhavnt bought it yet
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Now that we're on the tv out issues... I wanted know, the allshare application does not find my tv. Now, I have a Sony XBR9so this cannot be my tv, I'm already equipped for hulu plus! Aside from the not finding, I am pretty impressed still how the tv finds the device and can play songs and picture from it, just not videos? Hmm... I wonder what this all may be about. I don't mind, as I could simply place it on the usb stick and plug it to the tv, but, I actually wanted to do it off the device, anyone else have this same issue?
Sent From The Moon...

epic4gman said:
That bites I was told by the guy I bought my epic.that that cord would work good thing I hhavnt bought it yet
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that "guy" was a Sales Rep., they'd tell you anything to close a sale. A lot like car sale's men.
[Q] Tv Out?
Has anyone figured out if tv-out is disabled by software or just not possible? and if it is a software lock out, has anyone figured out how to re-enable this feature?
thank you in advance guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guy claims TV-OUT on Epic's hardware is disabled. Dunno how reliable of a source he is, but I guess we'll be closer to knowing for sure once we get froyo 2.2 on our Epics.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=132687&page=2 (post #16)

ghostrid3r said:
This guy claims TV-OUT on Epic's hardware is disabled. Dunno how reliable of a source he is, but I guess we'll be closer to knowing for sure once we get froyo 2.2 on our Epics.
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Click to collapse
Okay, if the Verizon Fascinate has Tv-out his argument will be invalid. I guess we'll just have to wait for that or froyo to learn more unless someone else has anything to offer.
I've also heard that the epic has a different 3.5mm controller, so that may be one clue

PlankLongBeard said:
Now that we're on the tv out issues... I wanted know, the allshare application does not find my tv. Now, I have a Sony XBR9so this cannot be my tv, I'm already equipped for hulu plus! Aside from the not finding, I am pretty impressed still how the tv finds the device and can play songs and picture from it, just not videos? Hmm... I wonder what this all may be about. I don't mind, as I could simply place it on the usb stick and plug it to the tv, but, I actually wanted to do it off the device, anyone else have this same issue?
Sent From The Moon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What video format is on the phone? Your TV might not have the right codec.

PlankLongBeard said:
Now that we're on the tv out issues... I wanted know, the allshare application does not find my tv. Now, I have a Sony XBR9so this cannot be my tv, I'm already equipped for hulu plus! Aside from the not finding, I am pretty impressed still how the tv finds the device and can play songs and picture from it, just not videos? Hmm... I wonder what this all may be about. I don't mind, as I could simply place it on the usb stick and plug it to the tv, but, I actually wanted to do it off the device, anyone else have this same issue?
Sent From The Moon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know my new sharp aquos quattron or whatever it is has a similar issue. i can play files via usb. i can send the tv pics/music.. but no video. ive decided to just have it link up with my ps3 instead as it can handle video streaming.

Verizon's Fascinate does not currently support TV out either.

Just for kicks.. has anyone tried hooking it up and see if the option appears?? i dont have a cable to test with

I got one on ebay and tried so without another compatible device, I'm not sure if I just got a bad cable or not. I even tried using white and red as the video just in case cable was funky, but didn't work. I swear I read somewhere that the option would appear after plugged in, but no tv out option appeared in sound/ display settings.
Sent from my Epic 4G using XDA App
Edit: read in a bunch of different places today that an update killed TV-out... People had the option and then it was gone after update. This gives me hope that some of the pros here can give it back

There is a cable that is made by cygnet, that has the epic usb to hdmi, works with epic. Retails for $24.99, you can find them at Fry's Electronics.

spf2722 said:
There is a cable that is made by cygnet, that has the epic usb to hdmi, works with epic. Retails for $24.99, you can find them at Fry's Electronics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried it yourself to see if it works?
Sent from the future...

I have tried working cables from my captivate and the epic tv out did not work. I looked in the 3.5 mm jack and the design looks different. I think it has different hardware but I am not 100% sure.

[$$$] Bluetooth HID Drivers for Verizon GT

I will pay for the development if someone can get bluetooth HID drivers working for the Verizon version of the GT. I have an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard I desperately need to work with the Tab. This can be my lightweight emergency station to handle different servers if I had a keyboard to type with.
Thanks!

TekSoft (BlueInput) has been talking about adding a fuller Bluetooth stack to thier keyboard driver to help all of the android devices that don't include the full HID (Droid incredible, VZW Samsung Galaxy Tab). It sounds like they are trying to have something in February. teksoftco.com
r

Great! Though I still need something a bit more definite and sooner.
Any reason why taking the drivers from a Tmo one and putting them on a Verizon one wouldnt work?
Do they use different bluetooth chipsets?

I saw a tear down of a tab somewhere online I need to find again but a lot of wireless chipsets these days are integrated. Cdma wifi gps and bluetooth are often found in the same piece of hardware. This means we may have very different hardware from our gsm friends. This is to handle issues such as TDMA between bluetooth and wifi and other interferences.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

Dang. No coders up for this challenge?
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

I believe on Tab in Samsung's ROM the Bluetooth keyboard support is in IME app.
For my CM6 build i had to enable BT HID in the kernel. Maybe if someone is building VZW tab kernels+initram fs they can try enabling BT HID in the kernel.

I'll check it out if I have some time this week. It *shouldn't* be hard to enable. No promises or anything though.

Boushh said:
I'll check it out if I have some time this week. It *shouldn't* be hard to enable. No promises or anything though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man. This is a big deal to making this device a great laptop replacement while traveling light.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

I'm willing to donate to get HID working on the VZW tab.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

kingharrison said:
Thanks man. This is a big deal to making this device a great laptop replacement while traveling light.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For sure. I would much ratherhave my options on BT keyboards over the silly Samsung dock.

there is a keyboard that works with the Tab but it's not BT. I picked it up from the Verizon store and love it. Can even hook up speakers if I want.

I compiled the kernel with bluetooth HID included, no idea how to installbit though and am afraid to make a brick.
Any suggestions.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

robinsmy1 said:
I compiled the kernel with bluetooth HID included, no idea how to installbit though and am afraid to make a brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't brick it by just replacing the kernel. Worst case scenario you'd need to reflash the rom.

I am still running stock.
How would I go about replacing the kernel?
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

Did anybody get anywhere with this? I am still willing to donate to get these to work!

I still have the compile kernel, but no Idea how to flash it, I have not found anything on how to flash just a kernel to only the boot partition. I do not want to touch the recovery partition just in case it does not work.
I have no problem with programming stuff, I am just very new to the rom area and want to be safe

It needs to be a zImage, then flash it through Heimdall

I have a zimage....can you give me a little tutorial on Heimdall....never used it. If you will, i will try my kernal....otherwise, I would be happy to upload the kernel here and let someone who knows how try it on thiers
Also, what about signing....does the zimage need signing or do I need some change to allow it to run unsigned?

Amazing to see that people are working on this HORRIFIC issue. I am also willing to donate a bit of cash to get this one working

Thanks for working on this guys! This is HUGE for us wanting to replace their laptop with the Verizon GT.

Where should I begin with a new droid x ?

In a few days, a shiny new droid x arrives at my door. I want to root and rom, take it from bloatware verizon locked efuse moto blur to as close as I can get it to pure android. I've taken a locked stock dell streak and got it where I want it, but where do I begin with a droid x? I am still pretty new to this. Please suggest.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app

marculous said:
In a few days, a shiny new droid x arrives at my door. I want to root and rom, take it from bloatware verizon locked efuse moto blur to as close as I can get it to pure android. I've taken a locked stock dell streak and got it where I want it, but where do I begin with a droid x? I am still pretty new to this. Please suggest.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
read system-x's Noob guide Plenty of great information there

marculous said:
In a few days, a shiny new droid x arrives at my door. I want to root and rom, take it from bloatware verizon locked efuse moto blur to as close as I can get it to pure android. I've taken a locked stock dell streak and got it where I want it, but where do I begin with a droid x? I am still pretty new to this. Please suggest.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out my thread for basics on getting started:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=940986
I havent covered all the roms, but highly suggest liberty 1.5 with the crystal X theme...
If you want a true (or as close to possible rom) try cobalt under droid x android development. Matt4542 built it from google source, not Moto's and he has some cool "extras" in it as well...
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

Thanks, I will start with those.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app

LauncherPro.
LauncherPro.
LauncherPro.
And......
LauncherPro.
Then check out Miren Browser, Car Home, Rock Player, Nesoid, Gmote, Multicon and PowerAmp.

After accidently bricking my phone and bringing it back to life, i'd recommend that you download
RSD lite
Motorola PC drivers for the Droid X
2.3.340 sbf (original verizon image or rom)
use the above programs should you accidently brick your phone.
Others would mention that you download the android SDK, i've personally never had a need for it.
download z4root, droid x boot strapper, and finally titanium backup.
Then from there read the many available guides and have fun trying the roms till you find one that you like the best.

Yes I plan on using launcher pro and rock player , I really like them on the steak, don't care much for the mirren browser. I also plan on downloading all the tools and drivers, and backing up the stock version straight out of the box before I start jacking with the x.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app

Fission Rom is a good "as close to stock as possible" vanilla rom.

That looks nice, I hope its compatible with the phone. I'm going to have to do some more reading and find out what software my x ships with. I'm going to try to get it the way I want before I start putting any info on it or using it for you know, my phone. I currently use a blackberry as my phone and have had a dell streak with no carrier service, just wifi since october. So I'm hoping to take the x out of the box, root and rom, then start trying to make it my phone. Instead of the other way around. Mod first, contacts and email setup later.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app

I'd recommend just enjoying your phone for a full week. Get used to all the blur stuff and see if you really hate it. If you decide its not for you, then I'd suggest z4root, bootstrap recovery and then Liberty 1.5. Theres so many configurations and other things going on in that rom that to me it is by far superior. Others are good, but to me, its just a complete package. Good Luck and welcome to the X Club!!

marculous said:
That looks nice, I hope its compatible with the phone. I'm going to have to do some more reading and find out what software my x ships with. I'm going to try to get it the way I want before I start putting any info on it or using it for you know, my phone. I currently use a blackberry as my phone and have had a dell streak with no carrier service, just wifi since october. So I'm hoping to take the x out of the box, root and rom, then start trying to make it my phone. Instead of the other way around. Mod first, contacts and email setup later.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As others have said in the thread... It's great that you want to start modding right away... but here is some advice for jumping in:
1) Your phone will come with either 2.3.15 OTA (old) or 2.3.34 OTA (latest). It just depends on whether the phone was update before being shipped out. I would recommend getting the phone, and go into Settings--> About phone --> System Updates and make sure you on are the latest update.
2) Use z4root to root the phone.
3) Install droid X bootstrap and take a backup IMMEDIATELY. So many people just jump into things and forget to take a backup and have no recovery plan in the event that they break the phone of their own accord, accidentally make a mistake, or an install fails for a ROM/theme.
If you follow these basics you should be good to go as far as jumping in head first. Good luck. Check my thread if you are looking for some pointers:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=940986
if the question you have isn't answered in there..post a question in the thread and I will get back to you with an answer.
Good luck, and enjoy

Ya' ll are awesome, thank you.
Streak Droid v1.7.0 using xda app

Wow! I rooted and put launcher pro on the shiny new droid x and now I'm wondering if I still want to rom. My quadrant score varies from 900 to 1300 so far. Did put a few apps on and transferring pix and vids now. Probably look at rom this weekend, I think I still want to.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

marculous said:
Wow! I rooted and put launcher pro on the shiny new droid x and now I'm wondering if I still want to rom. My quadrant score varies from 900 to 1300 so far. Did put a few apps on and transferring pix and vids now. Probably look at rom this weekend, I think I still want to.
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a bit of advice, make sure to take a nandroid backup before installing a custom ROM. Then you have "restore point" so to speak. I would recommend liberty 1.5 personally... And check out the Crystal X theme by Bignadad =)
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App

New Droid X
Hello all,
I'm in the same boat here, with a 'new' Droid X which I plan on rooting and flashing over to Cricket.
My question has to do with installing the diag mode drivers under Win7 64-bit. The 32-bit drivers don't seem to work.
Thanks for any help.
fritzel67

I was able to do it without the computer, the rooting and flashing. I don't know what cricket is, but you can root, recover and rom with just the x. I've had mine 3 days and just messed with it off and on. Read a lot on this forum and looked up some things on the internet. I will try and help if I can but I really don't know that much about it yet.
liberated droid x

[Q] would you rather the lapdock or a tablet?

so i've had the lapdock for a while, great accessory for the atrix.
i've recently been wanting to get a tablet. so i figure if i get the tablet, then i really wouldn't have any use for the lapdock. i've been looking into getting a nook color or something that simple. i wouldn't use the tablet for much, just like i currently don't use the lapdock for much. just internet browsing, videos, and typing up document on occasion.
so, i ask you all, would you prefer a tablet... or the lapdock for our phones?
thanks, all.

Very good question. I guess it would depend on the person and situations they would need either device for. I ended up getting a tablet (ipad2). Is the lap dock smooth and lag free? Never used one.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

andrew.cambridge said:
Very good question. I guess it would depend on the person and situations they would need either device for. I ended up getting a tablet (ipad2). Is the lap dock smooth and lag free? Never used one.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
may I ask about your specific usage that made you get a tablet instead? or what made you get a tablet?

I have a Lapdock and a blackberry Playbook and both are awesome, but I use the Playbook more at home since it's easier to access than the Lapdock. But I use the Lapdock when I am not at home for doing work. So I personally use both. I actually wish I could use the Lapdock more. Lol
Sent from my ATRIX using the Premium XDA App

Voelker45 said:
I have a Lapdock and a blackberry Playbook and both are awesome, but I use the Playbook more at home since it's easier to access than the Lapdock. But I use the Lapdock when I am not at home for doing work. So I personally use both. I actually wish I could use the Lapdock more. Lol
Sent from my ATRIX using the Premium XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do you use it for work, if you don't mind my asking.

ifalldownalot said:
may I ask about your specific usage that made you get a tablet instead? or what made you get a tablet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not going to have the Atrix for as long as I would have the iPad. Me and my wife use it everyday. Everything we would do on the laptop we do on the ipad, minus word documents and typing because its just silly typing papers on the iPad. So Netflix, web browsing, catching up on Conan, Amazon, just normal stuff. And depending on the tablet, it would see more software support/ be supported for longer.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

andrew.cambridge said:
I'm not going to have the Atrix for as long as I would have the iPad. Me and my wife use it everyday. Everything we would do on the laptop we do on the ipad, minus word documents and typing because its just silly typing papers on the iPad. So Netflix, web browsing, catching up on Conan, Amazon, just normal stuff. And depending on the tablet, it would see more software support/ be supported for longer.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually if you get one of those bluetooth keyboard cases, typing documents on an iPad is nice. Sold mine for Note Accessory money though
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium

Sinful Animosity said:
Actually if you get one of those bluetooth keyboard cases, typing documents on an iPad is nice. Sold mine for Note Accessory money though
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep. I was planning on using the tablet (if I purchased one) with a bluetooth keyboard and using it that way.

ifalldownalot said:
how do you use it for work, if you don't mind my asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant school work, surfing the web, documents, or work out on the go.
Sent from my ATRIX using the Premium XDA App

Well, I do use my lapdock for "real" work. Various development in mainly C, some assembly, C# and C++.
Most is simply vpn'd back to the office. 80% of my actual work is text based development, and that I do with a terminal ssh'd home.
For the small amount of stuff that requires me to use a windoes system, I can RDE back in. Not great, but not nearly as bad as one might suspect.
Occasionally I actually do local coding. But in this case I am really just editing and using gcc as a syntax checker.
To be honest, the biggest issue I have is the STUPID KEYBOARD LAYOUT (I hope moto is reading). There was plenty of room to have a standard'iish layout.
If one does not expect to do a lot of typing though, I would think a "paddock" would be a good idea for Moto.

to be honest, I've got lapdock and I have a XOOM2 for a test.
Iwont chane my Lapdock to any talbet. why?
after mod I have a fully Ubuntu, so why I have to change? so, if you wanna to get fully useable OS than I recommend to you Lapdock. If you wanna to see how it works, please visit my youtube profile

Lapdock is way too slow for anything.
Maybe after the ICS update it might be worth a look, however I would go for a tablet with a stand such as the archos g9 and a bt keyboard for productivity.
The lapdock is a great piece of hardware that's simply no utilized well enough to be worth it.

I agree completely with alexsupreme. Lapdock is just too slow to be usable. Mine was new from AT&T in December and I bet I've used it all of 2 hours. My tablet on the other hand has many, many hours of use logged since Christmas.

$53 for the lapdock at the time sounded good, but in retrospect that was still more than it's worth.

rickwood said:
$53 for the lapdock at the time sounded good, but in retrospect that was still more than it's worth.
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Ouch! That's like an icey-hot cold pack: so cold, and yet it burns.
I bought an iconia a500, and it has almost completely displaced my laptop. Only serious typing, graphics editing are still done on my laptop (and the pr0ns work better when I don't have to hold the screen up). I was looking at getting a lapdock next time they were on sale, but your scathing analysis is probably correct.

Actually, the new webtop 3.0 shows quite a bit of promise.
Sure it's not touch operational but you get a smooth speedy interface and access to tablet apps and browser.
The lapdock might actually be useful, especially with the variety of office apps and nice tablet games and emulators that might just be more playable with a keyboard and a mouse