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Ok, so here's my dilemma. I want a convertible tablet pc. Problem is though, I think all of the ones on the market are poop. They either run android (I don't see the point still) and iOS, or are clunky and rediculously expensive. But I had a extremley bright idea. Buy whatever laptop I like, slap a touchscreen on that *****, and be happy. Keep in mind that as a poor college student with no job, I will probably never be able to afford this
1. Take apart laptop completley, Rip out the green bullcrap.
2. Mod case to be suitable as a convertible...or just look cool.
3. Rverse USB port to face inside
4. Close USB off from the outside
5. Get a USB Touchscreen conversion kit, which im sure come in many different flavors (Capacitive, Multitouch, Resistive), or better yet use a connector designed for computer internals, making #3 and #4 useless.
6. Add 3rd party accelerometer for Poitrait/Landscape orientation
7. Find a suitable hinge (or make one) and replace it
8. Boot laptop, install drivers for touchscreen and accelerometer
9. Pat myself on the back for custom making a tablet PC?
In my opinion the hardest part would be modding the case to be suitable as a convertible tablet, which can't be too hard. I have access to MIG/TIG welders, sheet metal cutters, grinders, ect. and I know people who know how to use them, so working with metal shouldn't be too dificult. In fact, I probably could just build a case myself from scratch. I also have alot of experience with plastic, so that's not a problem although I'd prefer to use metal for structural parts.
Touchscreen conversion kits seem to be all over the internet with a quick google search, and it shouldn't be too hard to find high quality capacitive touchscreen panels.
Walcom Bamboo Stylus because I'm a G
Accelerometers that work with windows I don't know about, but it cant be too hard Amirite? You can find ANYTHING for sale on the internet.
If I do do this however it will probably be in the summer (when I have a job). The only probelm I might have is the internals, seeing as I've never handled computer internals before. My brother did build his computer though, and I have a friend who also builds computers. It dosen't seem too hard compared to the other stuff like modding the case. While the laptop is dissasembled I'd probably put the parts in ziplock bags to keep them away from dirt and debris while I'm not using them. As long as I'm careful I don't thinkim going to mess anything up.
Good idea or no?
Good idea. Just keep in mind that the whole thing would be much heavier than a regular tablet, so holding it in hand would be difficult.
I have seen an EEE PC modded with a touchscreen, but the keyboard part was still there.
Just get a transformer lol...
What is wrong with Android? What is it you need to do that it won't?
My other idea would be to tell you most android devices are capable of running linux too?
Sounds like alot of work..and there are suitable models on the market, but if you wanna do it?
By the time you get around to it I wonder where technology will be...
PS ziplock bags? NO! Get some static bags..ziplocs are crazy static-charged! Honestly though, sounds like you are a good deal away from being able to deconstruct and reconstruct a laptop..the integrated circuits are ridiculously small and fragile..
PPS The hardest part might be actually getting the accelerometer sensors to function..which is where android comes in..you have to actually write some code into your operating system that will recognize and react accordingly withing the right parameters in your code..devs on this sight have problems with accelerometers that otherwise worked on a stock rom on OEM machines, god knows what it would take to get one working on a machine that never intended to have one by design?
That is all
What's old is new again
It's funny we did something similar a few years ago to build PC's into cars and trucks. For that application and at that time it made sense. Today we essentially just make custom docks for COTS tablets so that they integrate with the car.
If you're opposed to Android and other mobile OS's my suggestion is to start looking around craigslist for convertible tablet/laptops like those from HP and Dell or look for a cheap HP slate. I've seen gently used Slates going for around $200-300 and they run windows 8 reasonably well. I've seen convertibles close to that price as well.
Unless you are just dead set on a fabrication project i'd strongly suggest taking advantage of off the shelf hardware and mass production pricing and spend your extra time and money learning how to get the most of of those components.
If you do go ahead with this then weight and cost will be your biggest issues. I think a better twist on this would be to figure out how to make a transformer type of dock for other popular tablets. If you can make them well and make them cheap then sell a few and buy what you really want.
The reason I don't like android is because It's not a desktop OS. I'll be building this tablet-y thing for graphics/image editing, word processing and a little bit of gaming in between and I'm not 100% sure about android graphics programs. I like to keep it simple and use MS Paint, then GIMP if i need a more powerful program. I'm also a windows fanboy and it's what I've been using ever since I was 2... I also like to build things.
I hate the transformer prime. I want a convertible tablet, not a tablet and a little dock thingy...won't serve my purposes.
I didn't know Ziplock bags are staticy by nature. Thanks for the tip.
As far as the accelerometer, I don't know much about them but if it's super difficult I'm probably not going to bother with it. I'll maybe install a switch?
It's hard to beat windows for functionality but you might check out paint.net as a free replacement for paint.
Over all though I get the idea that you're a little in over your head on this.
Sent from my HTC Flyer using XDA App
LexusFman said:
I hate the transformer prime. I want a convertible tablet, not a tablet and a little dock thingy...won't serve my purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you seen the Eee Pad Slider?
Also, Adobe photoshop for android = $10
https://market.android.com/details?id=air.com.adobe.pstouch&hl=en
LexusFman said:
The reason I don't like android is because It's not a desktop OS. I'll be building this tablet-y thing for graphics/image editing, word processing and a little bit of gaming in between and I'm not 100% sure about android graphics programs. I like to keep it simple and use MS Paint, then GIMP if i need a more powerful program. I'm also a windows fanboy and it's what I've been using ever since I was 2... I also like to build things.
I hate the transformer prime. I want a convertible tablet, not a tablet and a little dock thingy...won't serve my purposes.
I didn't know Ziplock bags are staticy by nature. Thanks for the tip.
As far as the accelerometer, I don't know much about them but if it's super difficult I'm probably not going to bother with it. I'll maybe install a switch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, I've got photoshop, an office suite, and tons of games, I'd never have to touch a PC again..I am a graphic designer by trade! I can even watch hulu (something not supposed to be capable of on android platforms), I've got a nice stylus and a full qwerty keyboard and mouse- I'm working on the OG transformer not the Prime, as far as I can tell the Prime was pushed too quickly and has issues with all of it's radios due to the metal shell..the TF101 does not have these issues, and the TF700 (basically the prime with the GPS and radios fixed and better resoultion) is available if you don't want to go for the OG transformer.
Seriously sounds like you're trying feverishly to open a can of worms to get a windows tablet when in reality there is no need and windows is given a run for it's money with the new ICS android on the way. Trying to unlock a windows phone after unlocking a whole bunch of Android devices would quickly turn you off of Microsoft as an OS IMO, that's what made me an Android fanboy (I was a windows guy previously, now I'm leaning more and more towards linux/android for their open source code user-friendly programability). But, if you are determined to do something the hard way = the expensive and labor/time-consuming way, no one is going to stop you
Just remember- in the world of technology things are done: Right, Cheap, and/or Fast. BUT, you can only choose two..
I've done this already with a eeePC 700.
1. The resistive touchscreen. You'll need a stylus for that.
2. Typing with a stylus is horrible.
3. It was heavy. Even when it was only 7inch screen. The battery made it heavy. (but I had 9hours of battery life)
4. You couldn't navigate the boot menu (without an external keyboard)
5. Resistive touchscreen is crap for drawing, because you still want to support your hand on the screen while drawing, which you couldn't do.
6. Moving Items around sucked (no drag and drop)
and many more.
I used it in my bed, for browsing. was good enough, until the touchscreen cable snapped. (I didn't have an external keyboard, so I had to open the tablet, connect the keyboard, and navigate the boot menu when I had to)
Hope this helped. Though it was fun to build it and use it, it's not what you would call an 'every day' tablet
romitkin said:
Good idea. Just keep in mind that the whole thing would be much heavier than a regular tablet, so holding it in hand would be difficult.
I have seen an EEE PC modded with a touchscreen, but the keyboard part was still there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it would be much heavier, in fact I think the idea is perfect for modification of a netbook. It would probably be cheapest. since so much case modding is required and so many enclosure fabrication resources are handy, to put together a frankenstein out of 2 or 3 broken netbooks. Find someone who smashed the screen of one netbook, another one who fried the board of theirs, find a total-loss broken tablet PC (like dropped in lake michigan level of total loss so it will cost pennies) and get the ribbon cable and swivel element from there. I think if this idea is applied to a netbook it would be excellent in size and weight as well as functionality. And with the x86 version of android's progress, it could even be running android like a tablet in screen out mode, and change to webtop mode when its swiveled. Put a netbook mobile broadband card in there, many netbooks have open card expansions under the screw-out panels underneath, if not you would have to choose between wifi or taking the wifi expansion out in favor of a mobile broadband card, and certainly make sure that the card is supported by your wireless provider if you choose to go the mobile broadband route. With verizon or sprint you will most likely have to acquire a mobile broadband card out of a netbook that was originally sold by the company, but be sure to check and make sure the MEID is clean before paying anything for one, if the seller defaulted on a contract they used to acquire it, you might as well flash the thing to cricket or metroPCS and use them as your mobile broadband carrier. With either wifi or mobile broadband, as well as bluetooth, don't forget the antenna! yeah that thing you have to unhook from the other side of the card to take it out, you need that. (oh yeah, bluetooths are included as expansion cards sometimes too, if so you could always remove this to make room for the mobile broadband if you don't use bluetooth. I sure don't and probably wont until they drop the rediculous prices of non-audio bluetooth interfaces to acceptable and competative levels.)
That project actually sounds pretty freakin cool, the type of thing I'd do if I wasn't already swamped with projects. Definetly keep us posted if you decide to go through with it, as I pointed out, if you build it from netbook parts it should be well within your budget, netbooks run much cheaper then notebooks already, but a netbook is comperable in power to most current android devices and thus is suitable to handle most things you'd use a tablet PC for, just not high powered stuff like compiling code or rendering animation or playing 3d online games.
Edit: I'd like to add and point out that as a regular user of an acer netbook running ubuntu, it is wise to refrain from excessive multitasking, the atom had to sacrifice a bit of things we've become accustomed to in notebooks to meet the low power consumption and operating temperature requirements, and a lot of those things are things that mostly benefit multitasking. You will not be happy if you try and run a jillion programs at the same time.
That being said ubuntu's new primary UI, I forget what it's called evolve or something like that, it is an excellent UI for netbooks, perfectly space-optimized, especially in the vertical range which gets filled quick on lil netbook screens. I'm not sold on it and prefer to go with gnome or xfce on desktops and normal-sized notebooks, but it is top-notch on a netbook. I'd also recommend not messing with the accelerometer at first and including it later as it may be a pain to implement correctly in comparison to the limited amount of functionality it brings to the table. I'd rather have something that works personally that I can make additions to then pull my hair out trying to throw everything in the first time right.
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Will_nonya said:
It's hard to beat windows for functionality but you might check out paint.net as a free replacement for paint.
Over all though I get the idea that you're a little in over your head on this.
Sent from my HTC Flyer using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to LMAO @ this comment. If users would ever actually push developers to release for the linux platform, especially hardware manufacturers (which is ridiculous since all they would have to do is release their code open source, or even just parts of their code and the community would do the rest. Doesn't matter much tho, it's mostly crappy chinese hardware that isn't supported by linux, and their HQs more then likely don't speak enough english to be able to request anything, beleive me I've tried to contact MSI before.... most hardware worth running is fully supported tho)
But point is, I feel like it is extremely cumbersome whenever I'm forced to use windows, apart from trying to use unsupported hardware or cross-platform software (although wine and mono have made GIGANTIC leaps in usability). I pretty much never have to deal with drivers, updates to all software happens automatically, it's become so self-maintaining that I'm ashamed of how lazy of a linux user I've become. When I actually do have to do something even remotely advanced I have to think for a minute about it. Usually the only thing that really requires a lot of getting under the hood that I ever have to do is when I set up my audio-production setups which is even a lot easier now that they have dedicated repositories for them, and when set up correctly the real time preemptable kernel will run circles around any windows or OSX setup latency-wise. I was pulling lower latency with computers recording with ardour, and sequencing/synthesizing/sampling with seq24 amSynth, and qsampler, 5 years older then any PC I would test it against running windows with Reason and Protools. the Jack audio drivers that allowed software to plug audio inbetween applications directly across the PCM was just icing on the cake.
Windows is good software, but linux has certainly surpassed it by leaps and bounds. Windows still rules for gaming because of directX and industry unwillingness to port to linux, but the period of time right after Microsoft declared it was removing directX support from XP on further releases saw linux catch up with windows for a little while as they rushed wine to support the newest directX making it actually possible to actually run new releases under windowsXP even. Curses microsoft, foiled again! And off topic, but furthermore, I can't believe people still pay so much money for that god damn talking paper clip, openoffice.org ftw!
As I said windows isn't bad software, I said before in these forums actually that if windows ran a microsoft controlled repository to distribute all software for windows through, like linux, it would have similarly non-existant problems with viruses. Having people go around the wild-west of the internet downloading and installing programs from there without even thinking about it is just asking for the malware and adware problems windows experiences. Windows is good software, linux is just much better software.
Too complicated...
On a second thought how about moding a cheap Tablet with better parts. Is it even possible like are the parts such as a processor, camera, or the radio chip available for tablets and phones.
Why dnt you get a transformer?
In my opinion, it would just be better to settle for an table, prices are gonna drop really soon. The market for Eee PC's alike has diminished since the release of the ipad.
This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone.
A lot of things to doo, better start with a simple tablet and try to upgrade it if possible... dont know if its possible btw.
I did something almost like this.
Took apart a dirt cheap acer aspire one with a small 8 GB SDD.
Small 280 Atom 1.6GHz cpu and cheap intel GMA gpu.
Inverted the screen
Added a extra 512MB ram and inserted a 16GB SD card.
My battery however did not stand up to the task so i ordered a 9 cell pack.
It ran quite stable with 6 days standby or 12hours of heavy usage.
The lack of a accelerometer however made it a pain for quite a few games.
But i did have a vague plan to get value's from it into the android OS using a AVR and a few other cheap parts.
Many manufacturers still produce cheap atom notebooks like these.
But hardware specs have gotten better and better, so you should be able to pick one up for cheap still.
http://www.axiotron.com
Soooo 2008...
I'm doing this with an old pentium 3 thinkbook. I know its not really that great of a computer but it at least redeems it as a usable device.
sounds interesting will looking forward for it....
Good Idea!
After trying several Android tablets, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
=====================
Thanks for you guys' attention. Eventually, products are coming:
mod edit - link removed
nonstop2050 said:
After trying several Android tablet, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a genious idea!! So you plan to integrate a standard Android tablet into a car so that the front passengers can listen to music, make play lists play movies, use Google Maps based GPS (obviously this would only work for SIM card enabled tablets). I cant think of any other uses unless you really wanted to make serious modifications to the car.
Seriously, if I were you I would delete this thread until your idea has a patent or two because this idea is gold dust.
Noobie Boobie said:
That is a genious idea!! So you plan to integrate a standard Android tablet into a car so that the front passengers can listen to music, make play lists play movies, use Google Maps based GPS (obviously this would only work for SIM card enabled tablets). I cant think of any other uses unless you really wanted to make serious modifications to the car.
Seriously, if I were you I would delete this thread until your idea has a patent or two because this idea is gold dust.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. That is what i want to do.
Basically, i developed a board and it works. Now, im thinking new features and going to complete the work. One day it may come as an open design for Android fans.
Internet on the way is possible as 3G connection(USB dongle) is ready. Google street view is an interesting app for driving.
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
I love the idea of android in the car. But don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel, essentially building a custom tablet that will surely be out of date(both in hardware and in software) long before the product makes it out the door.
Compared to technology, cars last forever. *The only way to keep car electronics from feeling dated by the time the car pulls out of the lot is to have a "Dumb" car which can seamlessly integrate with user-replaceable off-the-shelf electronics.
Focus your resources on creating a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car. Then all that is left is a one-size-fits all frame for the console that permits you to drop in any (or a wide range) tablet the user wants. Inside the frame you could provide either both power & data over USB or power over usb and data/control over Bluetooth. Spend all of your effort in making the interface compatible with as many makes / models of cars as possible and working out how to get as much data and control over the car as possible. Don't waste your time on anything else..
Make this data/control available via a openly published API and let other developers build apps to display/use/control things and let Samsung/Asus/Apple/whoever build the actual tablets.
This approach is best for everyone. Less work for you on so many levels. And for customers it is great because it is future proof. In a 5 years (or 5 months) all you have to do to upgrade to the latest and greatest hardware is stop by best buy and pick out a tablet.
cypho said:
I love the idea of android in the car. But don't waste your time re-inventing the wheel, essentially building a custom tablet that will surely be out of date(both in hardware and in software) long before the product makes it out the door.
Compared to technology, cars last forever. *The only way to keep car electronics from feeling dated by the time the car pulls out of the lot is to have a "Dumb" car which can seamlessly integrate with user-replaceable off-the-shelf electronics.
Focus your resources on creating a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car. Then all that is left is a one-size-fits all frame for the console that permits you to drop in any (or a wide range) tablet the user wants. Inside the frame you could provide either both power & data over USB or power over usb and data/control over Bluetooth. Spend all of your effort in making the interface compatible with as many makes / models of cars as possible and working out how to get as much data and control over the car as possible. Don't waste your time on anything else..
Make this data/control available via a openly published API and let other developers build apps to display/use/control things and let Samsung/Asus/Apple/whoever build the actual tablets.
This approach is best for everyone. Less work for you on so many levels. And for customers it is great because it is future proof. In a 5 years (or 5 months) all you have to do to upgrade to the latest and greatest hardware is stop by best buy and pick out a tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi, cypho
Thanks for your advice.
Due to variety of cars(and tablets), I guess most difficult part is "a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car". Beside audio, power ..interfaces fitting to tablet, mounting and installation are blocking issues to make this kind of device.
There is another interface which has been widely applied in after market car head unit: standard 2DIN/1DIN stereo. Unfortunately, we have to put tablet into 2DIN/1DIN shield by this way.
nonstop2050 said:
hi, cypho
Thanks for your advice.
Due to variety of cars(and tablets), I guess most difficult part is "a device that does nothing other than act as an interface between an off-the-shelf tablet and the car". Beside audio, power ..interfaces fitting to tablet, mounting and installation are blocking issues to make this kind of device.
There is another interface which has been widely applied in after market car head unit: standard 2DIN/1DIN stereo. Unfortunately, we have to put tablet into 2DIN/1DIN shield by this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that is the hard part. Unfortunately that hard part cannot be avoided, weather you use an off the shelf tablet or build your own - it still has to interface with the car.
Really the ones who should be providing that open interface is the car manufactures. But they will never do it. They want to charge you $10,000 for an upgraded electronics package and then rely on those electronics feeling dated after 3 years to persuade people into buying a whole new car. How can they do any of that if it was easy to upgrade/replace the built in electronics for the cost of a cheep tablet.
The good news for you is because of the overpriced nature of manufacturers options if done right(sufficient polish and access to sufficient data and control over the car) you should be able to sell your interface device for big $$$. If the manufactures electronics option costs $10,000 and people are willing to pay for that, why would they not be willing to forgo the manufactures package pay twice that much or more for an aftermarket one that will never get old. Or better yet, imagine how much it is worth to someone considering spending buying a whole new car because their current car feels old.
Guys look here.
this dude build his streak 7 into his car. Just a idea
user_error said:
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Media Sync is a killer application comparing current head unit. :laugh: WIFI is working easily on Android. As you mentioned, quality antenna is a must. Thanks for your information.
exebreez said:
Guys look here.
this dude build his streak 7 into his car. Just a idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats something i'd do if i had the time and money
nice idea
voice controls would be really nice and an option to let it read out mails/messages you are getting while driving
There are some good voice control apps in google play. Hardware should link to an internal or external mic for the apps.
Here I put an external one for better performance.
nonstop2050 said:
After trying several Android tablets, i am developing a board for DIY in-dash system which supports GPS, Music, Video, FM and maybe DVD... Any feature do you like if there is one Android system in your car?
Voice call?
Camera? :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
multiple cameras and external storage to store video streams from cameras
---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------
user_error said:
# feature is a quality wifi antenna.. reasoning being if its parked near my house it can connect and sync media, etc. External USB ports and Host mode.
Outside of that it all really falls on software I think. One would be the ability to mount MTP devices, and find media on them to play.
I have been thinking about this for years, and originally I was just going to use a browser based UI on top of a very minimalistic linux install. At this point just a tablet minus the form factor and some of the performance (has to be snappy but no need to play angry birds at 200fps), for a bit less $ could make a killer head unit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will stay in the car listening music instead of going back home to listen on our Sofa?
FocusVideo said:
multiple cameras and external storage to store video streams from cameras
USB camera and USB storage have been applied in the design.
USB camera can be standard PC web camera.
Full function samples will be done in several weeks. :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
JoelZracer said:
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hands free bluetooth profile would be good to have also.
Focus on fidelity
Your early adopters would definitely be those who are already putting in custom stereos. The main thing is that you want quality audio connections via RCA connectors, and avoid ground-loop noise like the plague. Even if what you created was just a a Bluetooth transceiver in the trunk...
-Charles
FoneFill
Boll*cks I had this idea the other day.... then seen this. Guess I'll leave it to you good luck lad. :thumbup:
Sent from the moon on the back of a Yamaha
You mean something like This ?
This would be great, if you could only make a dock for ANY tablet. The tablet that comes with this isnt probably too good. Having a nexus 7 in would make things MUNCH more intersting
Hello everybody. I am here to present my ideas about the Project Ara.
1) Going beyond the cellphone shape.
Being honest, the Ara is an awesome idea for a Smartphone. But we could do much more in the future: We could have Tablets (7 to 10.1 inch), Laptops (not a convertible one, let this wonder to the Tablets, 13 to 17 inch), Small Desktops (Something small, not big like the Windows/Linux desktops), All in Ones (A la HP Slate 21, 17 to 25 inch), Handheld Consoles (NVIDIA Shield-like and PS Vita Like), Table Consoles (from the size of a Ouya to the size of a PS4) and TV Boxes (We could convert our basic TV on a Smart TV with those boxes).
2) How about physical keyboards and joypads?
Something that would be perfect is that i should not be forced to use the touch for everything. We used to Have Xperia Pros and Motorola Milestones years ago. We also had Sony Ericsson Xperia Play and we have the obscure JXD Gaming Smartphones. How about we have an removable Slide Keyboards (Just like the bluetooth slide keyboards for iPhones i usually find for sale), Soft (like the MS Surface) Hard Keyboard Docks for Tablets (like the ASUS Transformer Pad family and HP Slatebook x2) and Gamepads for both Phones and Tablets (Xperia Play Style or a removable with the Archos gamepad Style). This would make things even more interesting. Because i would use the hard keyboard dock to put an additional battery, USB Ports, RJ-45 Port, LTE Port, SD Card Port, 2.5 inch HDD Port, Mini DP Port. Heck, i could build a Transformer Pad-like tab with this and when i don't need the keyboard dock, i could use the gamepad for gaming.
3) My device. My settings.
There are Smartphones with 4K resolution out there. In my opinion this is an overkill for small screens. In tablets, though, it is plausible. I would love to build a smartphone with the maximum res of 1366x768, i don't need more than this. Also, i also don't feel the need of having a camera with more than Full HD resolution. So, i'm okay with a 1920x1080 camera for pics and video? Also, i want to be able to block phone calls when sleeping. It is annoying to wake up thing something serious happened and actually it is a Drunk calling for me. Also, if doesn't bother Google, We could dual boot an Ara Tablet with Arch Linux.
4) Android Live USB Sticks.
Linux distros are able to be customized in favor of someone, so this person can put his important apps on a Live DVD without the need of downloading everytime. We could have Something similar on Android.
There are more suggestions i would like to give, but, i don't have right now. anyone else have?
Sent from my SHIELD using XDA Free mobile app
To 1:
If ARA is successful, those things will follow, logically. But I hope they'll keep the module size for tablets, but then they will have problems with space arrangement.
However, I'm happy about the ARA and will support the project (by buying one ).
To 2:
There is already a concept for a gamepad on here (just search for it). I dont know how it worked out if there would be module spaces on the back but the idea is interesting.
I'm sure there will be more than enough possibilities regarding keyboards and other additions as soon as manufacturers see the ARA sells.
I think root and custom firmwares are things we should worry about later... But Google would not want us to run sailfish or any Linux distribution in it. This is the only negative point I see about ARA... But probably Google is the only one that can afford such an experiment.
Regards
Gesendet von meinem Xperia ZL mit Tapatalk
My Core Question:
WHY do no Android tablets have video INPUTS on them, so they could also be used as portable HD screens?
(or better yet as portable HD, multi-touch screens)
Basic Idea: I want an Android Tablet that can ALSO do what the GeChic on-lap 1002 can do (even if that didn't include touch). The on-lap 1002 is a highly portable 10" 10-point touchscreen that plays video from any HDMI source (or vga with included adapter). It is powered by USB plugged into either a usb-charger style wall adapter or directly into a PC. The best part is that if it is plugged into a PC, it not only draws power there but also sends touch commands to the PC through the USB at the same time. Great for portable gaming or a second screen BUT they are about $250 for the 10" and about $400 for the 15.6" and they have no OS, or stand-alone capabilities at all. I want a tablet that is always useful as a stand-alone, but when the situation calls for it, can also do the on-lap's job! (If on-lap still isn't clear to you then here is a video of it's big brother the 15.6" version).
I realize that adding a feature can increase the price and/or size of a tablet, but MOST of the parts that they both use overlap, so I don't think that the increase in either would be all that big. An HD 10-point capacitive touch screen has to be the biggest part and single cost in both (so making one screen do both functions only makes sense for size and cost) and the same USB components could be used, same body, bezel, buttons, etc. Admittedly, some components would probably have to be modified like the screen control board. That might cost a bit more/be a little bigger as a combo item, but still shouldn't be anywhere near double sized or double cost... so go ahead and add a little bit of cost or a few millimeters of thickness if that's what it takes! I would gladly pay an extra $50-100 (and probably willingly pay a fair bit more) for a tablet to add this feature and that certainly SEEMS attainable.
I have done literally days worth of Googling and have read MANY threads (some in this forum) with people asking IF there are any tablets with an HDMI input. At this point I am 99.999% convinced there are NONE (but I would be VERY HAPPY to be proven wrong). In order to be 100% sure and let my brain rest... I just have to have some idea WHY doesn't it exist? I am hoping that some of the hardware experts and creative-minded modders that frequent this forum can help me understand what I'm missing or better yet help make it happen. THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ALL!!!
Some Clarification:
1.) I just want to re-enforce that I am asking about INPUTs, not outputs. You wouldn't believe how much confusion there was about the difference in a few of the threads I read on some DSLR sites
2.) HDMI seems like the logical choice, so I may use it in examples, but my question is really about ANY video input regardless of port-type.
3.) I know that video ports only serve as EITHER a video input or output, not both from the same port (Some day a single port that did both would be nice, but for now) couldn't a tab easily have 2 ports, one in and one out or am i missing something simple?
4.) There is one answer I DO NOT BUY. Which is that 'there is not enough demand for anyone to bother adding an input to a tablet'. I have read several threads that have asked if it exists since 2011 for everything from DSLR photographers, gamers, car-PC builders, RaspberryPi fanatics, techs that want a portable workstation to connect to servers etc etc etc. Whole product lines or even companies (like GeChic) are based on portable screens, so I don't accept the premise that there is no demand. Besides, even if there WERE small demand, that would explain why they DON'T ALL have it, not why NONE have it. All I can conclude is that I am missing something and it must be a much bigger hardware challenge than I realize.
That'd be SWEET!
duckdodger24th said:
I want an Android Tablet that can ALSO do what the GeChic on-lap 1002 can do
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Click to collapse
Well thanks... I want that Too... NOW! haha.
In fact, I might actually buy one of the "on-lap"s you talked about for traveling (thanks for culling me into them!). But it would be awesome if my Nexus could just do it! Or better yet, if they would put some droid guts and a battery in that 10inch on-lap (I have decided too late that I like 10" tabs way more than 7s)
Unfortunately, I don't have the chops to answer your question. In fact, I'm with you that it seems awesome and yet reasonable. But there are some brilliant modsters on here, so I hope you get some help because it's a great idea. Good Luck!
sizes itedqun
DigMyDroid said:
thanks for culling me into them!
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Your Welcome... Assuming that was meant to say "clueing" you in
I am thinking about doing an in-dash car install of a table. But I would LOVE it if it doubled as a monitor that I could also use for a more elaborate windows7 car-PC for a possible later project. That is what made me first want it. I think I have some work-around ideas to fit those specific needs... but once I thought about it I couldn't help but think of how versatile it would be and a whole laundry list of potential uses!
duckdodger24th said:
Your Welcome... Assuming that was meant to say "clueing" you in
I am thinking about doing an in-dash car install of a table. But I would LOVE it if it doubled as a monitor that I could also use for a more elaborate windows7 car-PC...
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HAHA yes! that WAS meant to saying "clueing"... But... Ya know... typos happen... Unless, of course, you actually ARE planning to install a "table" into your car's dash, rather than a "tablet"!
DigMyDroid said:
HAHA yes! that WAS meant to saying "clueing"... But... Ya know... typos happen... Unless, of course, you actually ARE planning to install a "table" into your car's dash, rather than a "tablet"!
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Click to collapse
Touché Sir!
Neptune, the company behind the Pine wearable phone, is coming back around, but their efforts are curious now. First, they boast the Neptune Duo, an idea of flipping the watch and phone to make the phone the companion and the watch the core.
The phone part is considered a peripheral. Replaceable, non-essential. The watch is where the magic happens.
But then they update their website. The ability to reserve or pledge for a Duo disappears. In its place, a teaser for their newest idea, one to truly make the personal computer...
It mentions the Hub, as a primary source. I have nothing but speculation and curiosity.
Neptune made a name for themselves when they proposed the idea of a smartwatch that could truly be your only device. The Pine didn't quite live up to those expectations. It fell flat as fast as it rose. But Neptune looks like they're far more professional about this, with plans to change the world through a model that merges two other models that most of us weren't aware of. They plan to balance the understanding of use cases, but make it work with one device? It's interesting, but impossible considering there are many kinds of people.
This isn't even the first time. Canonical built Ubuntu Touch with an intent on allowing you to make a dockable phone that would allow the phone to be a full-on computer for easy and simplified use. That is still in the works, and not even being seen yet from the Aquaris E4.5, the only phone with Ubuntu Touch currently.
What do you think? Can Neptune pull it off for real this time?
A good concept
I recently became the proud owner of a stand alone smart watch.
The main disadvantage of super small stand alone smartphone watches (with only 1.5 inch screen) is that typing sms-es or search criteria becomes a true challenge.
The usage of a companion screen that allows for a bigger interface (and thus a larger keyboard), only when needed, is the perfect solution.
Why is the protocol between the "hub" and the screen a propriatary thing?
I think there is a market for the Duo, if the price is right.
It's no longer the Duo, but the Suite. The protocol is not proprietary. It is actually WiGig, an advancement on existing Wi-Fi that takes form in the unused 60Ghz band, able to send 700mb/s wirelessly. The Hub is the center of the system with flagship specifications. The Pocket Screen is the most equivalent to a phone. The Tab screen is a 10-inch display, Keys for physical function, Earphones for sound and charging, and a dongle for TV use.
WiGig technology is simply not consumer-grade yet. Neptune Suite should change that.
The Hub uses a 2.4in display, and they're currently arguing the choice of OLED vs. E-Ink display. I personally think OLED is a better option. Since the WiGig technology is energy-efficient, the worry of OLED for energy consumption sort of gets canceled out due to streaming data to a completely different device.
Since you'll get the equivalent of a flagship phone in watch size, a phone, tablet, keyboard, headphones and dongle bundled, the price comes out to $900.
Interesting. Thanks for that information. Price seems high.
A nice spec Android smart watch phone: less than $200
A nice Android tablet : less than $200
If one has both already, what does it take to use te tablet as a second screen and keyboard? If tablet connects through the Phone hotspot, All I would need it for is to:
Surf: tablet
Sociale networks: tablet
Video: tablet
Phone: phone
Music: Phone or tablet
Edit contacts, type sms: both with tablet to help me for typing
I admit that it would require some user discipline to do all what the duo/suit can do,
....... for half the price of less
Well, to be fair, this is potentially the strongest smartwatch that will be available. It does more than the Samsung Gear S or Apple Watch, it runs Android, it has Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, 802.11b/g/n/ac + ad for WiGig.
The extra hardware doesn't even operate without the Hub. That seems bad, but it acts as a sort of security feature, and the Hub is the center of all the hardware, so you have the same data at your disposal whether you use the phone or the tablet. Your idea has that issue where data and apps would potentially be out of sync.
With 64GB, this is likely supposed to be the answer to the businessman on the go. Tired of carrying cables to sync data over, and doesn't care about the operating environment, someone who can use Android, iOS, OS X, or Windows. Carries his data on his wrist, never worries about leaving hardware because if it's a good enough product, he can just buy a new Pocket screen at a Wal-mart. Maybe wouldn't mind going out for a jog once in a while, and won't need to carry the Pocket screen because the Hub is a phone at the heart of it.
The price sort of makes sense. On the Indiegogo page, they offer the devices individually, and the Hub + wireless earphones came up for $400, which seems good for a watch of this magnitude. Likely, that's backer price, and it would be $500+ on its own. $900 seems worth it, of course, if you want to entrust the time between here and now, it's $649.
Extremely intrigued by the Neptune...
I'll admit, I'm a bit obsessed with the concept of a true standalone smartwatch, and am a big believer that delegating simple tasks like phone calls and sending/receiving texts and emails (made easier by voice) to a smartwatch while using a small tablet for heavier browsing/app usage is simply a more effective and efficient use of technology. For those reasons, I LOVE what Neptune is trying to do here (especially leveraging WiGig, which I didn't obviously know they were doing...) A few concerns I still have:
- How are app developers realistically supposed to design apps (both in terms of UI and functionality) for a platform that scales from 2.4" all the way up to potentially 60-80" TV's (using the dongle?)
- What's the point of having a hub "always on me" when the cuff is so darn thick that I can't possibly wear it comfortably during my workday, or fashionably outside of work?
That said, I love that they've made the necklace both a charging cord and a more attractive alternative to the standard Bluetooth necklace/headset. They've done a LOT of brilliant things with their new suite, but a few glaring holes still terminal in my mind.
Well, you have the passion for the idea like I do. Something about all that power in a pocketable form factor is always so intriguing, and we already carry phones with high specs, so a high-spec smartwatch would be impressive, as Neptune is going for.
Regarding your issues, I can see what you mean, but this is a fairly moot point. Let me explain...
Android devices of all shapes and sizes exist for all types of purposes. The core of the display driver is the resolution and the pixels per inch. Now, I don't know the PPI for the Hub itself, but it's certainly going to be high. Apps will probably display at their "full size" in the 2.4inch display, but that's like reading a microscope. My mother has an LG Optimus Fuel, and apps such as Pinterest are impossible to use on that thing, as they are sizing for large displays, while being on a very small display. So, yes, some apps won't be optimized to be viewed on that type of display.
As for stretching through the dongle, I'm sure it'll hit a limit and it'll perform like, say, the Amazon Fire TV. A fair size, almost like a tablet was blown up, but you'll have the keyboard at your disposal to manage it. I can't explain that bit, you'd just have to use a Fire TV and see what I mean.
Regarding the design, Neptune is working with Pearl Studios on that front. Pearl Studios focuses on design above all else, so the appearance of the device should be fittingly elegant, especially in workplaces with the suit and tie attire, the business-centric lifestyle. Ultimately, though, it's personal preference, and you probably need to know if you like a 36mm watch before you purchase this. They'll also offer sizes for various wrist sizes, so it won't quite be one-size-fits-all.
I do see what you mean, though. As someone who's mostly working in environments where your appearance should be presentable at minimum, as well as continuing his education, I am not certain how it will be to wear it in my every day life. It's going to be a waiting game from here to April.