Database Info

Hardware keyboard

I'm sure a lot of you have seen the Lenovo Lephone with it's attachable hardware keyboard/dock thing. If not check it out:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/lenovo-lephone-seen-again-os-cues-taken-from-skylight/
Essentially the phone snaps into this plastic cover that has a hardware keyboard and turns into a foldable phone (like an LG Voyager or something) with a hardware keyboard. Anyone think we'll be seeing anything like this come out for the nexus or other future/past android phones with no hardware keyboards? It's actually a great idea because it has an extended battery along with it i believe. What do you guys think? Would anyone support this type of attachment for android phones? (By using an accessory with an app or something) And would any android users buy something like this?

matt_stang said:
I'm sure a lot of you have seen the Lenovo Lephone with it's attachable hardware keyboard/dock thing. If not check it out:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/lenovo-lephone-seen-again-os-cues-taken-from-skylight/
Essentially the phone snaps into this plastic cover that has a hardware keyboard and turns into a foldable phone (like an LG Voyager or something) with a hardware keyboard. Anyone think we'll be seeing anything like this come out for the nexus or other future/past android phones with no hardware keyboards? It's actually a great idea because it has an extended battery along with it i believe. What do you guys think? Would anyone support this type of attachment for android phones? (By using an accessory with an app or something) And would any android users buy something like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would support something like that because I love gadgets. But then I think to myself why would I want something the size of a PlayStation Portable (PSP) in my pocket? But it does look nice. How would this thing work as far as answering incoming calls? Would you have to take it out of the case to answer calls? And if it extended the battery life on my phone that would always be a plus. Idk I would have to think if I would want to carry something so big just to use as a keyboard.

RussianSolja said:
I would support something like that because I love gadgets. But then I think to myself why would I want something the size of a PlayStation Portable (PSP) in my pocket? But it does look nice. How would this thing work as far as answering incoming calls? Would you have to take it out of the case to answer calls? And if it extended the battery life on my phone that would always be a plus. Idk I would have to think if I would want to carry something so big just to use as a keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well maybe it wouldn't be that big. Say it only made your phone twice as thick and maybe it could have an external mic for answering calls. And of course there's always headphones and speakerphone for phone calls.

H
matt_stang said:
Well maybe it wouldn't be that big. Say it only made your phone twice as thick and maybe it could have an external mic for answering calls. And of course there's always headphones and speakerphone for phone calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it would make my phone as big as lets per say the touch pro 2 then I wouldnt mind. Any bigger then that I think would be annoying to carry around. You would want something like that just to use as a keyboard? Is the keyboard on the N1 that bad? I like the whole on screen keyboard. It saves me time from cleaning my screen and keyboard if I had one. Plus hardware keyboards tend to get very greasey and after a while and it would have to take a while, the keys start sinking into the phone. My G1 for example, the keyboard looked nasty before I switched to the nexus. I couldn't even sell it to a stranger if I wanted to because the way the keyboard looked. Don't get me wrong I kept up with cleaning my keyboard but it just don't look the same as the first day I got the phone. I'm sure a lot of people will agree with that.

I know I would definitely be interested. I wouldn't have the phone in said 'keyboard dock' type thing all the time, I would only use it when I need it (either need the extended battery, or need to punch out a couple emails or the phone needs lots of use).
And I would probably also make use of it when wanting to play games/emulators, because then I'd have a hardware keyboard to map keys to.
I'd definitely buy one if it was <$125, it would probably just live in my messenger bag.

I actually was thinking the other day this would be great for the N1, I had not seen the LePhone before though.
It is feasible if the dock connector is capable or passing signal as well as power. I would use it upon occasion for certain. I can make due with the on screen keyboard but I definitely would like to have a HW one as well. With something like this you get the best of both worlds. Thin and light most of the time and a keyboard for when you need to do more typing than usual.
Of course if Android would just support HID I would be just as happy and carry a foldable BT keyboard around.

RussianSolja said:
H
If it would make my phone as big as lets per say the touch pro 2 then I wouldnt mind. Any bigger then that I think would be annoying to carry around. You would want something like that just to use as a keyboard? Is the keyboard on the N1 that bad? I like the whole on screen keyboard. It saves me time from cleaning my screen and keyboard if I had one. Plus hardware keyboards tend to get very greasey and after a while and it would have to take a while, the keys start sinking into the phone. My G1 for example, the keyboard looked nasty before I switched to the nexus. I couldn't even sell it to a stranger if I wanted to because the way the keyboard looked. Don't get me wrong I kept up with cleaning my keyboard but it just don't look the same as the first day I got the phone. I'm sure a lot of people will agree with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea what you do with your phone, but I text every day (alot
), and do other stuff - on my g1. And the keyboard does not look no where near "nasty" as you've sad, and I have had this for quite a while. It sounds as if you've destroyed the thing..

Eclair~ said:
I have no idea what you do with your phone, but I text every day (alot
), and do other stuff - on my g1. And the keyboard does not look no where near "nasty" as you've sad, and I have had this for quite a while. It sounds as if you've destroyed the thing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the g1 since day one it was announced. Pre-ordered and all. I've texted a lot. I was referring to moments like you would get done eating like some BBQ wings and then go text right after. Yes you would wipe or clean your hands but the sauce would still remain. I abused my g1 LOL.

RussianSolja said:
I've had the g1 since day one it was announced. Pre-ordered and all. I've texted a lot. I was referring to moments like you would get done eating like some BBQ wings and then go text right after. Yes you would wipe or clean your hands but the sauce would still remain. I abused my g1 LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wipe your hands before you use your phone. Seriously, I don't understand how on earth you ate wings and didn't wipe your hands before texting. I send 3k to 4k texts a month as well as a ton of email and I just sold my G1 for a nice price.
Yes, I would definitely be interested in something like this even if I had to attach it every time I needed it. There are times that I need to type a lot (taking notes, for example) and a HW keyboard is the way to go.

AndroidAppCritic said:
Wipe your hands before you use your phone. Seriously, I don't understand how on earth you ate wings and didn't wipe your hands before texting. I send 3k to 4k texts a month as well as a ton of email and I just sold my G1 for a nice price.
Yes, I would definitely be interested in something like this even if I had to attach it every time I needed it. There are times that I need to type a lot (taking notes, for example) and a HW keyboard is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using wings as an example. LOL my eating habits are perfectly fine. Thanks for asking.

Apple Wireless Keyboard with the N1
Anyone used an Apple Wireless Keyboard with the N1 successfully?
Phil

I'd definitely buy a stowaway keyboard for my N1

[Q] Who plans on not purchasing the dock?

Just wanted to know who plans on not purchasing the dock(since that was the main selling point.) How do you think you will do without a usb port?

For me personally if it wasnt for the dock (full keyboard, extra battery and full size usb ports) id have just gotten the Tab 10.1 in june instead. Although its too bad they're using tegra 2 and not their own chips for the tab but oh well.

I'm not planning on it as of right now. Once I have it in my hands and start messing with it, I can reassess the need for it from there.

personally i would like the dock however it all depends upon the price of it here in the UK !!

I do not plan on it...anything i need that would normally be synced through a USB can be put on the device with bluetooth or pulled off my wireless network. I honestly dont think I will mind not having one (besides needing to charge on that darned proprietary cable!)

Once there is any temp. price drop that makes keyboard dock for $90 or so I can get ..other wise....big NO

I don't think I'm getting the dock either. Firstly the price is too high, if it was less than $100 i would have considered it, i have 3 laptops already so I dont need it to do any work or typing. I actually may even get rid of the transformer depending on how the samsung is reviewed since its lighter and thinner. If i end up keeping it for the long term I may get the dock later but only if it comes down in price.

One of the main reasons that I'm getting the Transformer over any of the other Android tablets is the keyboard dock (which isn't sold in the US yet!).
So I definitely plan on getting on when they start being sold here.

kxs783kms said:
How do you think you will do without a usb port?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Supposedly there is an adaptor accessory that will provide a USB port.
Regards,
Dave

I most definitely WON'T buy the keyboard dock.
I simply don't need it - my house is already littered with computers (2 laptops, 2 desktops, 1 server).
I needed a lightweight, always-on, touch device, not another notebook

I don't plan on buying the dock anytime soon as mostly I will be using it to read books, browsing the internet and few other things which would not require dock. Moreover, the price of the dock is (errrmmm keyboard ) is just too much for me to come to terms with it. So, unless it drops down to like $79 bucks, it won't happen in next year or so.

One of my main uses for the Transformer is writing, and conducting the research for writing. I wanted a device that will last for a long, long time on a charge so that I can be ready to write in any situation. Also, I got tired of setting up my HP Envy notebook on the tray and hassling with the power cable every time I wanted to do some writing late at night in bed.
So, the dock is the entire point of buying the TF for me. A physical keyboard is necessary for long-form writing, of course. The extra battery means it'll last a full day of writing, so it'll always be available. And because there's also no heat and thus no fans, I don't have to mess with power cables and lap trays when I want to write at night. Just plop it right on top of the covers, no problem.
The dock will also serve as a cover (I imagine I'll pretty much carry it around with the dock most of the time, but I did buy a sleeve just in case) and a prop. Overall, I think the price is good enough for a 24.4Whr battery and portable charging station, with a hardwired keyboard (avoiding Bluetooth connectivity issues) and trackpad.
I know the thread was about people NOT buying it, but I thought I'd interject. Just 'cause I like talking about it, and need something to do until it arrives later today.

I will buy it, since I don't have a personal laptop (do have a work laptop, that's it) and only a high end desktop.
The long lasting battery and dual option (tablet and netbook) do it perfectly for me. Also, my 30" desktop monitor is IPS panel, so I won't go anything below that in picture quality.

Currently I have no interest. Not because I think it's a dumb idea, I just don't need it for a tablet, that's not how I'm using mine. I do appreciate the idea, though. If it cost less, I'd probably bite just to have the option handy, but $150 is too much for something I'd rarely use. I find that the on-screen keyboard is very good for the amount of typing I do on the Transformer (I do find myself hitting the keyboard minimize button by accident too much, I wish it wasn't underneath the shift key).

The dock should turn it into a Windows laptop, have the cpu etc in the dock.
I'd pay for that, but see no reason for a Honeycomb tablet dock unless it was $60 or so.

I'm not much interested in the keyboard dock. I've got a laptop with a 9 hr battery and bigger screen that weighs three pounds, I'd use that. I might be interested in the desktop dock thing that just charges it and holds it though, if the price was right and they ever became available.

If the dock without a keyboard has battery inside I might not buy the keyboard dock and go for the keyboardless dock.

i'm also torn between getting the dock or not. i do like the idea of extended battery and the ability to type with a physical keyboard. but then i already have my laptop for that. another thing is the price - $150 is kind of high. but then i already preordered it from amazon. lol. if anything it'll be a pure impulse buy or i end up forgetting that i preordered and then it ships. haha

Never intend of getting the keyboard in the first place, if I need a keyboard I will use my notebook.

The ASUS PadPhone clear picture

Looks freaking sweet.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/29/this-is-the-asus-padfone/#bXpulseX

That bulge in the back after docking is gonna feel weird.

i dont think so. i bet the phone gunna be light as a feather, but then again no one knows what ASUS has up there sleave untill tomorrow when they give a full preview on it

pics of the intire unit next to a transformer
http://androidcommunity.com/asus-padfone-press-photos-full-view-breaking-leak-20110529/

That looks odd. And heavy.

I think it's brilliant.

Hum, not really seeing the utility, should just get the phone you want, the tablet you want and then, invest in a good syncing apps? looks weird too...

I like the way it looks, I for one love this idea cause I'm always misplacing my phone and I'd rather have all my info and apps in 1 device, for instance if you're playing a game on the go, and you come home, you can plug it into the dock and play the same game, instead of having 2 different devices. I think it looks better than the TF. My only concern is price. Cause I don't really care about it being 1 mm thinner than an iPad or 1 mm thicker, unless its 2 inches thicker, I don't care, also don't care too much about weight as long as its under 2.5lbs. As long as it has a quality build, and the price isn't way out there than I am very interested in this.

eviltuna said:
I like the way it looks, I for one love this idea cause I'm always misplacing my phone and I'd rather have all my info and apps in 1 device, for instance if you're playing a game on the go, and you come home, you can plug it into the dock and play the same game, instead of having 2 different devices. I think it looks better than the TF. My only concern is price. Cause I don't really care about it being 1 mm thinner than an iPad or 1 mm thicker, unless its 2 inches thicker, I don't care, also don't care too much about weight as long as its under 2.5lbs. As long as it has a quality build, and the price isn't way out there than I am very interested in this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We dont know if the phone is going to be supplying the gpu and cpu just yet. I bet the tab will work with out the phone and cost 400$ and plugging in an optional phone will do sonething else to the tablet.

I'm also glad there focus is not all on how thin it is like samsung. Rather waist time on being diffrent than looking at apples notes and ideas to copy.

Perhaps the tablet works by itself, but popping in the phone provides 3G/4G connectivity and phone functionality (e.g., SMS, voicemail, taking calls through the tablet). If they went crazy and made it compatible with the Transformer dock, I'd be sold. Doesn't look like they did, however.
Very cool concept. Looks like Asus is working hard to be the real innovator in this new space.

There's no latching points on either of two longer sides, so no, it looks like it's not compatible with the Transformer's dock. That's a really pity, because I'd love a phone/tablet/netbook all-in-one. Having said that, I think something like that would be more suited to a Tegra 3 chip.

i think its a great look, use the phone for daily use pop in in a tab for leasure and movie watching and news reading. I mean come on no crazy latch on keyboard like the motorola atrix <--huge fail. If your gonna do a phone slash tab all in one this is the way to do it.

to bad the phone's not on the bottom of a keyboard dock for the TF

bill_d said:
to bad the phone's not on the bottom of a keyboard dock for the TF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't make much sence imo . Then your forced to carry everything to use the phone function

Not seeing a dock connector at the bottom. Shame. Bit of a waste. But I'd never buy a slate phone anyway regardless of its docking options.

Although I admire their innovation given that a lot of android devices end up the same, I think it looks dire. That bulge at the back sucks. The fact that your phone will be stuck in the tablet when you get a call sucks as well. Also I highly doubt this tablet is going to be running honeycomb, as it will almost certainly run from the phone's hardware, and that in itself is reason enough not to buy one if you ask me. I imagine it will end up being 2.2/2.3 with custom ui over the top like on the prototype transformer. Just my guess though.

cowballz69 said:
pics of the intire unit next to a transformer
http://androidcommunity.com/asus-padfone-press-photos-full-view-breaking-leak-20110529/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Entire The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.

case0 said:
Although I admire their innovation given that a lot of android devices end up the same, I think it looks dire. That bulge at the back sucks. The fact that your phone will be stuck in the tablet when you get a call sucks as well. Also I highly doubt this tablet is going to be running honeycomb, as it will almost certainly run from the phone's hardware, and that in itself is reason enough not to buy one if you ask me. I imagine it will end up being 2.2/2.3 with custom ui over the top like on the prototype transformer. Just my guess though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U won't know yet till tomorrow yep

I used to live in the bay area back before cell towers provided internet service and we had to use these cool custom radios that were about the size of a walki-talkie to get our mobile internet. Our solution for integrating the mobile internet to our laptops was this really sweet invention called Velcro... I'm thinking if the folks at Asus had seen my 2001 laptop they might have opted for Velcro too instead of adding a glove box to a tablet.

Lapdocks (100, 500, 500p, OG Atrix)

Figured given Motorola's recent announcement that they'd be eliminating and/or no longer support these docks, that it would be useful as a community to track and track down the best prices of these items and pass them onward. Don't know about the rest of you but the capability of docking the phone was a huge sell to me - I simply couldn't justify the additional cost of the dock at the time I bought the phone.
In reading around, I've heard that Radio Shack is or was selling the Bionic Lapdock for $20 - I don't know if that is still the case.
I know that I at least am willing to prop the case open and flip connectors around if need be to make the dock work correctly with my phone.
Anyone else seen any of these lapdocks around at reasonable prices of late?
Regards.

whats the 500p and whats the difference between the 500 ?

Hrm. I might have been misreading things - when I search on the Moto site, I'm only seeing a 500 Professional. So perhaps different sites were referring to that particular model different ways.
Either way, I've got alerts set on SlickDeals and am keeping my eyes peeled on eBay. Anyone checked out a local Radio Shack to see if they still have the Bionic dock?

the bionic docks go around $50 on ebay, though i got mine $70 becuz i needed int ship

$50-60 right now at http://bensoutlet.com/
This is part of the 1saleaday family of websites. It's where I got mine.
Turning around the plugs was super easy but I don't actually use it that often. I have an Otterbox Defender on mine I have to take it out of the case to use it. Working on putting together to adapters to make a Raspberry Lapdock.

ri4naire said:
$50-60 right now at http://bensoutlet.com/
This is part of the 1saleaday family of websites. It's where I got mine.
Turning around the plugs was super easy but I don't actually use it that often. I have an Otterbox Defender on mine I have to take it out of the case to use it. Working on putting together to adapters to make a Raspberry Lapdock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will that one for the 4G work with the A2 on ICS?

Ive been running my A2 w/OTA ICS... rooted for a few weeks now and just got the Droid Bionic lapdock for it. The A2 fits like a glove and it seems as long as im on wifi it doesnt run into an entitlement error. i found the lapdock on ebay new for 75 which compared to 300 when it first came out is still a pretty good deal. There was no need to change ports or anything since the ports for both the A2 and bionic are the same just sit in different spots on the side of the phones. The lapdock is lighter then my laptop and i pretty much use my phone for everything else so buying a lapdock to me was a good investment. i always have the HD dock station for music/movies for my tv. ICS webtop is much friendlier then GB and has more of the tablet interface feel to it...so ics is the way to go for the A2.
Hope this was helpful. :fingers-crossed:
Atrix 2 rooted w/ ICS
Samsung Captivate w/JB
Nook Color w/GB

http://1saleaday.com/flash/lapdock/
Have to sign up on their site if you're not a member, but it's free to join. Price for 24 hours only, and it appears to be an OG Atrix Lapdock

Ajfink said:
Will that one for the 4G work with the A2 on ICS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, did it with mine. You have to take it apart and make the holes in the plastic (for the connectors) a little bigger so that you can flip the connectors around and stick them in the right orientation for the atrix 2. If you don't make the holes big enough, the ports will be misaligned just enough so that it wont dock very easily, and it will go in crooked. If they are big enough the problem is eliminated. Reassemble everything and enjoy webtop 3.0!
If you don't already have an atrix 4G lapdock though, go for the Bionic one. It doesn't have to be modified, and it fits better (the bionic is closer in size to the atrix 2 than the atrix 4G is)

I picked up a Bionic one from the Ben's Outlet sale - as another member described, it fits perfectly, and functions perfectly as well. Didn't even need to swap any ports around though I was prepared to do so if necessary. AT&T hasn't tried to ding me for tethering yet either, but we'll see how long that takes.
I'd been looking towards a tablet/phablet for the future, but having the lapdock makes that a none issue now, I think, especially at the prices we all seem to be finding.
I've still got alerts set up on SlickDeals for the various Lapdocks, will definitely continue to share them in this thread in hope that others can get good deals.

Hm, looks like my extended battery would get in the way on the Bionic dock? It's really NBD, I'm thinking of getting the LG Nexus 4 when it comes out, but if decide to stick with the A2 for a while more, a lapdock would be nice.

My lapdock experience and also a question
I just recently bought the lapdock 100 off of amazon, and so far I thought it was okay, but the connector wouldn't fit if I had my otterbox commuter case on. I started to read any posts related to using the bionic dock instead, but was a bit confused on whether of not it would fit properly. Taking a gamble I went and purchased the bionic dock on thursday morning, and being in Connecticut It arrived today this afternoon, $50 refurbished with free shipping from New Jersey. So far I cannot leave the otterbox on but it works better than the 100 dock I got for $120, which I kinda consider a waste of my time, but not really because I wasn't sure how I would be using the dock everyday, and whether or not I would want to use it at all for web browsing, video, small document editing, and music using an external speaker ( I tried both of the docks' speakers, they both are really meh for me and my music listening. I prefer my logitech ue earbuds and jbl micro II speaker)
Long story short, go with the bionic lapdock,bigger screen, slimmer form facter, just careful with the hinge, it's a bit easier to close the screen, not much resistance compared to the 100 lapdock. At least the refurbished ones
Q: I can't seem to change the tap to click settings when using the bionic dock. also I don't get battery charge stats or settings either, I did have bootstrap to go to cm10, but restored to ics from a cm backup. Is there a way to re download the OTA 4.0.4 update and apply again? I just want to make sure that it's not the dock.

Lapdock 500 is one of eBay's daily steals today, not many in stock, but seems a very good price if you need that much lapdock.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-La...fepn=5335869999&campid=5335869999&PID=1225267
Also, same seller has the Lapdock 100
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-La...fepn=5335869999&campid=5335869999&PID=1225267

Other Uses for the Motorola Atrix Lapdock
http://www.robpol86.com/index.php/Atrix_Lapdock_Other_Uses

chicknlil said:
Lapdock 500 is one of eBay's daily steals today, not many in stock, but seems a very good price if you need that much lapdock.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-La...fepn=5335869999&campid=5335869999&PID=1225267
Also, same seller has the Lapdock 100
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-La...fepn=5335869999&campid=5335869999&PID=1225267
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just purchased the lap dock 100 can't wait to use it .. as long as Jim gets me a copy of his CM10...hint hint....
"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war"

Question to those who use the lapdock 100. I just received mine in the mail and I discovered a pretty bad defect. I'm a pretty fast typist, so I tend to press multiple keys at once. But I discovered when I attempt to type the word "know", I get this weird chain of letters that come out that looks like "knuowzo".
For those of you that use the lapdock 100, can you please try and see if you can replicate this problem? Try typing "know" really fast, or press multiple keys together.
Edit: I also discovered that typing "press" really fast ends up as "prewsps" or "prewss". It's quite irritating. I'm hoping it's just a defective unit, as I like this lapdock better than my other original bionic lapdock.

RoyVegasPinoy said:
Edit: I also discovered that typing "press" really fast ends up as "prewsps" or "prewss". It's quite irritating. I'm hoping it's just a defective unit, as I like this lapdock better than my other original bionic lapdock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the original lapdock produce the same ?

souljaboy said:
Does the original lapdock produce the same ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't. The original one works fine. I just prefer the 100 keyboard over the original... if the keys didn't have a mind of its own. Do you have the 100 dock?

RoyVegasPinoy said:
No it doesn't. The original one works fine. I just prefer the 100 keyboard over the original... if the keys didn't have a mind of its own. Do you have the 100 dock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the bionic dock, and the only time that happens is when i accidentally rest my hand on the touchpad, and the cursor moves into the middle of a word and garbles the text

RoyVegasPinoy said:
Question to those who use the lapdock 100. I just received mine in the mail and I discovered a pretty bad defect. I'm a pretty fast typist, so I tend to press multiple keys at once. But I discovered when I attempt to type the word "know", I get this weird chain of letters that come out that looks like "knuowzo".
For those of you that use the lapdock 100, can you please try and see if you can replicate this problem? Try typing "know" really fast, or press multiple keys together.
Edit: I also discovered that typing "press" really fast ends up as "prewsps" or "prewss". It's quite irritating. I'm hoping it's just a defective unit, as I like this lapdock better than my other original bionic lapdock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bump. Can anyone with a lapdock 100 please try to replicate the problem above, thanks.

Self-developed Nexus 4 Dock

Update:
Crowd funding campaign is online:
www.startnext.de/en/andock
Hello everyone,
Today I would like to ask you about your opinion on my self-developed Nexus 4 Dock. First, I wanted to develop the station just for me, because I couldn’t find a Nexus 4 docking station that really fits my needs. Now I’m thinking about starting my own crowd funding campaign with this station. I already got some positive feedback on the German website android-hilfe.de.
The features of my docking station are:
- SlimPort included
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
- Display in widescreen format unlike the usual docking stations
- NFC-Tag
- cube shape design
- Docking Station is weighted to provide more stability
I also created a website for this project: andock.com
What do you think? Would you be interested in such a station? Thank you for your opinion.
So here are some pictures:

1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.

snapper.fishes said:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.

Noc2 said:
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I like it!

Does it charge the phone fast enough to gain a charge when outputting it to a TV? How about with Bluetooth on also for controllers and the like?
I agree that it would be nice to have it adjustable to fit other phones (and cases/bumpers). This might be the only phone with a Slimport, but who's to say other phones won't have them soon?
I agree the whole thing does look a little old school, but as long as its functional.
I would also prefer no LED light, but I might in the minority. I hate how everything in my home has a glow to it LOL.
Ultimately the biggest determining factor for me in buying something like this would be price.

Noc2 said:
Hello everyone,
<snip>
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
<snip>
So here are some pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an N4 owner I'm excited to see any development of nice quality support h/w.
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.

mark398 said:
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can switch the fan on and off. Besides I got good results in tests with the fan on. If you run a lot of benchmarks in a row (especially while the Nexus 4 is charging and connected to a TV via bluetooth), you’ll experience a decrease of the benchmark score. The fan definitely reduces this issue. I will post some results in the next days.
I want to make the price as low as possible without any quality restrictions. It will be under 100 Euro.

Great to see people developing unique accessories for the Nexus 4, but for me this dock is just awkward.

The power switch should be replaced with something more modern, and the design should maybe better match the N4. Maybe a glossy black plastic and an led mounted under a more transparent plastic like the led on the N4 is mounted under the glass. Over all, I love the idea and would probably buy it even in its current state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app

I'd love it as a kit to put together myself and keep the cost down... already as an option.
100euros would be a bit steep imo. I can already get a dock for cheap.
Your slot should come with a way to accommodate cases too... atleast the bumper
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Your dock is interesting, but, unless you're a developer that needs a cable connection (in my opinion) it makes a lot more sense just to buy an Orb and be done with it. File transfers can be done with AirDroid (for example). Wireless charging on the Orb is just as fast as trough cable (I have one) and it doesn't have the hassle of connecting/disconnecting the cable itself.
For someone that really wants the cable connection, it's useful. The design, if you want to really produce it, I'd recommend you to make it in a way that you can plug-in most android phones with the usb dock on the bottom. Make it simpler, why leds, buttons and fan (sorry, but I really don't think you need a fan in it)? Otherwise, good work.

Hi, I don't own a nexus 4 but I'm intrigued with ur project. To me, the concept is nice: something minimalistic, able to cool down the phone and provide connectivity to another device (or computer). It'd be a good idea if u can make the cube have a glossy texture, like white or black because it will still look nice even if u don't want to smooth out the edges. Also, it would be nice if it can accommodate phones that have a screen size of 5" or more (perhaps a slightly bigger cube). Also, I think led is fine but the switch for the fan should be smaller, maybe something rounded like the buttons of the iPhone 5 or a power button of any android phone and can also disguise with the cube's color. I believe something like that would look really nice on any desk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Thank you for your feedback. I take it seriously.
Here is the promised article about the fan of my docking station:
http://www.andock.com/2013/04/the-temperature-of-google-nexus-4-with.html

The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.

I'm intrigued. If this went to market I would be very tempted to buy. Could set it on my desk, hook up sixaxis controller and jam out a few games easily.
Sent from one device or another.

this is awesome man, i hope you can built more and can sell to us or me

Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.

irishrally said:
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s SLS.
I really liked it because of the structure of the material. It’s not like the usual plastic or FDM.

threeclaws said:
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

pnnorth said:
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's beta/developer hardware right now, the retail stuff will have to be better (they are planning on selling at BB/Amazon.) The software on the other hand...I already went through that once with the boxee box (solid hardware + crap software.)