[Q] A few questions?!? Help! - Eee Pad Transformer Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Just got the 16gb version but not sure if it's a keeper yet...
1. Can I connect and use an external portable 320gb drive to the transformer without the keyboard dock? There's no usb what do i do?
2. How do I access normal sites not the mobile versions? by rooting or should I dl a different browser?
Thank you guys!

Assume the hard drive is USB, you will need a USB port for simple connection Some people have investigated using the power connector will varying results.
If you have the latest update, you can select full site on some sites. Do a search on connecting hard drives.

For harddrive you need the keyboard dock or apparently there is so posed to be a usb dongle but i dont know the state of it
For browser go into the browser setting hit user-agent string and change it to desktop

Rumbleweed said:
Assume the hard drive is USB, you will need a USB port for simple connection Some people have investigated using the power connector will varying results.
If you have the latest update, you can select full site on some sites. Do a search on connecting hard drives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one: Western Digital WD Elements 320GB External USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive
mrevankyle said:
For harddrive you need the keyboard dock or apparently there is so posed to be a usb dongle but i dont know the state of it
For browser go into the browser setting hit user-agent string and change it to desktop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what this means
thanks guys

psixichka said:
This one: Western Digital WD Elements 320GB External USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive
Not sure what this means
thanks guys
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably referring to the god-awful trickle of optional add-ons for the TF from Asus. I've not seen it (have heard of it's existence though) of an adapter that would plug into the charge port of the TF turning the port into a USB host. Samsung has this for their tabs. Right now, using the keyboard dock will allow you to attach an external hd. I have attached a Toshiba 1TB USB drive this way with great success.
---------- Post added at 11:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 PM ----------
Did a bit more updated searching and found this!
Looks like that mythical USB adapter has appeared? lol

skeeterpro said:
Probably referring to the god-awful trickle of optional add-ons for the TF from Asus. I've not seen it (have heard of it's existence though) of an adapter that would plug into the charge port of the TF turning the port into a USB host. Samsung has this for their tabs. Right now, using the keyboard dock will allow you to attach an external hd. I have attached a Toshiba 1TB USB drive this way with great success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks Is there an actual name for it? I'd like to find it.
I have no need for the keyboard... I have a netbook I was looking to replace & was going to make the tablet my main "computer" ( hubby has a laptop if need be)
Wondering if it was the wrong choice of the tablet for me , wanted to get xoom( does it have a usb dock?) but found this one for $100 less & reviews made this sound the same & many stated that it did indeed had a usb port .

skeeterpro said:
Probably referring to the god-awful trickle of optional add-ons for the TF from Asus. I've not seen it (have heard of it's existence though) of an adapter that would plug into the charge port of the TF turning the port into a USB host. Samsung has this for their tabs. Right now, using the keyboard dock will allow you to attach an external hd. I have attached a Toshiba 1TB USB drive this way with great success.
---------- Post added at 11:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 PM ----------
Did a bit more updated searching and found this!
Looks like that mythical USB adapter has appeared? lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you!

psixichka said:
thanks Is there an actual name for it? I'd like to find it.
I have no need for the keyboard... I have a netbook I was looking to replace & was going to make the tablet my main "computer" ( hubby has a laptop if need be)
Wondering if it was the wrong choice of the tablet for me , wanted to get xoom( does it have a usb dock?) but found this one for $100 less & reviews made this sound the same & many stated that it did indeed had a usb port .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the link about in my updated post or search:
Asus Accessory 90-OK06CR00010 TF101 USB Kit Retail

Related

Does the Xoom support portable USB hard drives?

I've been searching all over and I cant find a definitive answer on this.
I have a Toshiba portable USB hard drive that gets its power from the USB connector (it does not have a separate power supply).
Can I hook this up to my Xoom and watch movies/tv shows from it? Does the Xoom support USB hard drives or thumb drives at all?
Sorry in advance if this has already been answered.
Thanks
Yes but you need a USB OTG cable. Not sure if the Xoom will power an external hard drive that runs off of USB only though, you might need to get one if those cables that splits off for power.
I can't get anything to work, even with a USB OTG cable, and I have 3.2 installed.
When I bought the cable it said this ...
This adapter allows you to plug a USB memory stick pen drive so you can play music, videos, backup & transfer files and view photos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Motorola forum says it can't be done, yet.
Others say you need to root the phone.
I'm sure you need to unlock and install tiamat rom I think?
I'm new to these forums as of today,
But i've read around the forums, and it seems to me that 3.2 doesn't support USBhost, and therefore PENdrives/USBHDD's cannot be used.
As Kippui stated, you will need to use a custom ROM with USBhost support, before you will be able to use the HDD at the very least
oRAirwolf said:
I've been searching all over and I cant find a definitive answer on this.
I have a Toshiba portable USB hard drive that gets its power from the USB connector (it does not have a separate power supply).
Can I hook this up to my Xoom and watch movies/tv shows from it? Does the Xoom support USB hard drives or thumb drives at all?
Sorry in advance if this has already been answered.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it has no separate power supply then no, the xoom doesn't put out enough power
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
my wd passport works fine.
I use a motorla host cable(cheap one ship from china a no go)
I'm rooted
use usb mass storage watcher app
I'm on moray rom
superchilpil said:
If it has no separate power supply then no, the xoom doesn't put out enough power
Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true about the newer Passports, for example. I have a 1st generation 250GB Passport that can only work if I use a powered hub, but my brand new USB3 650GB Passport works fine and is fully powered by the Xoom.
Please note, I am unlocked, rooted, and running a custom Rom/kernel that supports USB Host Mode.
Stock Honeycomb does not support USBOTG/host mode.
xoom 2 support usb otg with stock firmware
I would go on eBay and buy an Angled USB OTG cable. I got two of them on their for around $7-$8. It's better because you don't have a wire sticking out of your tablet.
I'm paranoid on breaking my ports.
mdcykkk9 said:
xoom 2 support usb otg with stock firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's something in it's favor, anyway.

A700 usb accept less portable Hard Drives because of voltage ?

Hello i own several portable HDD, these are 2'5 HDD drive with 1TB memory.
I own the classic WD usb2 but also two Verbatim, these one
http://www.verbatim-europe.co.uk/en...rtable-hard-drive-1tb_5276_0_28934__1534.html
These are usb2 or eSata, you have 3 ways to plug these : 1xusb2, 1xpoweredesata or Esata+SpecialUSbPowercable (that's because not all eSata plugs are powered)
I ran test with my A500 and my A700, the WD drives never had problems, but those special vertabim ones aren't working on A700 but are working on A500
Now i ran more tests, i discovered that A700 accept these with the help of the second usb2 cable (and of course another device) so clearly this is a power issue, because these drives aren't made to be used with the two USB2 cables
However, I was also a early owner of the A500 and first firmware didn't accept these drive too, so maybe ...
The A510 powered and worked with whatever I tried as far as USB portable drives. The A700 may require more power for the display, so you might be on a threshold for some slightly higher drives.
rushless said:
The A510 powered and worked with whatever I tried as far as USB portable drives. The A700 may require more power for the display, so you might be on a threshold for some slightly higher drives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah ? still the same speech since early a500, ppl like you claiming, it will accept anything, but it is absolutly not.
I admit the a700 accept on the first firmware, cameras, and ntfs, but i guess this was an issue back then with honeycomb, not usb.
But it refuses my two joypads, as A500 always did too, and i own two very common joypads: our national FreePad, and wireless xbox360, they both refuse to turn on when plugin, strange thing, they are both working perfectly using USB/BT center app. That include sending power for the leds, only when the app is on.
Also back then it rejected numberous sdcard usb adapters, i won't test them all again with a700.
As i said back then A500 refused my verbatim too, they added whatever support later, i'm disapointed to hear that you think they'll never fix it.
Does it always require 2nd usb cable to be plugged in or power adapter plugged in to the drive?
it a tablet so if doesn't have enough power to power external devices, wouldn't it be fairly normal?
fool2x said:
Does it always require 2nd usb cable to be plugged in or power adapter plugged in to the drive?
it a tablet so if doesn't have enough power to power external devices, wouldn't it be fairly normal?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it does not, of course, as it's a portable drive (that means self powered), and it works on a500.
The extra power feature is only there for old esata plugs.
Maybe a simple picture would be clearer (and proof)
As you can see the A700 turn on the verbatim led, but that's all
ninjaw said:
Yeah ? still the same speech since early a500, ppl like you claiming, it will accept anything, but it is absolutly not.
I admit the a700 accept on the first firmware, cameras, and ntfs, but i guess this was an issue back then with honeycomb, not usb.
But it refuses my two joypads, as A500 always did too, and i own two very common joypads: our national FreePad, and wireless xbox360, they both refuse to turn on when plugin, strange thing, they are both working perfectly using USB/BT center app. That include sending power for the leds, only when the app is on.
Also back then it rejected numberous sdcard usb adapters, i won't test them all again with a700.
As i said back then A500 refused my verbatim too, they added whatever support later, i'm disapointed to hear that you think they'll never fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The A510 is not the same. I found the A500 as bad for portable drives (only kept a few weeks) as it was for wifi reception. Not the same comparison at all. The A510 is a good tablet, but the right side getting hot started to annoy me and I returned it.
rushless said:
The A510 is not the same. I found the A500 as bad for portable drives (only kept a few weeks) as it was for wifi reception. Not the same comparison at all. The A510 is a good tablet, but the right side getting hot started to annoy me and I returned it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but later firmware changed it a lot (more compatibilty, cameras, ntfs, pads, mouse support added), and now as i say: actually A500 accept more devices than A510 !
ninjaw said:
it does not, of course, as it's a portable drive (that means self powered), and it works on a500.
The extra power feature is only there for old esata plugs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This could mean, that power is not distributed to the usb port in order to save power or it means the drive itself is "A power source" for example you'd charge the A700 through the usb port.
IF this is true then it is the drive itself having such a "Feature" therefore the tablet's behavior in this manner is indeed normal.
fool2x said:
This could mean, that power is not distributed to the usb port in order to save power or it means the drive itself is "A power source" for example you'd charge the A700 through the usb port.
IF this is true then it is the drive itself having such a "Feature" therefore the tablet's behavior in this manner is indeed normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
led is lit-> power is distributed
no, a portable drive isn't a power source
tablet's behavior over old model cannot in any way be normal
ninjaw said:
led is lit-> power is distributed
no, a portable drive isn't a power source
tablet's behavior over old model cannot in any way be normal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, A700 gets confused and thinks the drive is a power source.
Do you have any other problem using the drive with any other devices or pc?
fool2x said:
Yeah, A700 gets confused and thinks the drive is a power source.
Do you have any other problem using the drive with any other devices or pc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again, it works on A500, and at least 5 other players, pc or mac in both modes, and OF COURSE without the power cable, that's why i bought them.
ninjaw said:
again, it works on A500, and at least 5 other players, pc or mac in both modes, and OF COURSE without the power cable, that's why i bought them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try plugging the charger to the tablet and then connect the drive see if that helps.
In an example, sometimes in the scenario where a usb hub doesn't get enough current the devices plugged on the hub won't work.
So, maybe A700 can't output enough current to the usb for the particular usb device that you're trying to connect.
---------- Post added at 07:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:17 AM ----------
If that doesn't work you can still call them for support or return it under warranty.
https://customercare.acer-euro.com/CustomerCare/
It's also possible that the harddrive needs to much current. The USB 2.0 spec specifies a maximum of 500 mA, but some harddrives use more, especially at spinup. That's different between brands and versions.
Hi every1! I have a similar issue on my A510 using Samsung Spinpoint M8 1TB external hard drive. It works, but not for long What I'm experiencing really starts to annoy me. When, for example, I'm transferring my videos from a tablet, hard drive just "disconnects". A second after I get a new notification message that USB device has been plugged in, like I myself disconnected the cable and connected it again. That wouldn't be a big problem if my whole ntfs file system isn't f....d up and previous data lost! After that I need at least 15 minutes to correct the problem in my Windows environment, not saying I have a couple of gigabytes more free space after fixing that (lost data). Hard drive is almost new, doesn't behave like that when connected to a laptop or a desktop, so according to what all of you are saying, my tablet doesn't distribute (constant) 500mA, or hard drive doesn't meet USB 2.0 specification and requires more than 500mA, right? I first thought it's about Android's ntfs compatibility, but now after I've read this thread, I'm with you. However, my ntfs formated sd card and ntfs usb stick don't behave like that, so it's not about ntfs afterall. Hard drive indeed comes with 2 usb connectors merged into a microusb, but that's not helpful since I have a single usb port on my tablet. Also, I can't have my hard drive connected while recharging in order to give my tablet more "juice". Should I maybe lock the screen to conserve the power and have a more stable current flow when copying data to my hard drive? I might try just that. What do you guys think?
A workaround I was using when I really had to access a harddrive was to use a Y-USB-cable and a wall charger. The first USB plug of the Y cable went into the tablet, as this one usually has the data connection, the second one went into the wall charger. The wall charger supplies the extra current that is required by some hard disks for the spin-up phase.
Of course this is neither comfortable nor portable, but does the job...
mrzottel said:
A workaround I was using when I really had to access a harddrive was to use a Y-USB-cable and a wall charger. The first USB plug of the Y cable went into the tablet, as this one usually has the data connection, the second one went into the wall charger. The wall charger supplies the extra current that is required by some hard disks for the spin-up phase.
Of course this is neither comfortable nor portable, but does the job...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good ol' thread I'm trying to forget
Just wanted to say that problem sorted itself out after changing the motherboard lol (tablet was dead soon after post).
After that it didn't happend a single time. It's also possible that Android was more stable after updating from ics to jb, hard to tell.
Anyways, I got rid of the tablet. Not that is was bad or something, just time to move on...
Yeah, sorry for necro-posting, but maybe some other person with a similar problem finds the thread or so.
Also I am trying to get to 10 posts to be able to post my A701 port of CM10.2 in the dev boards, and it's hard to add some stuff with at least some value to other threads, as they all are pretty old =D
mrzottel said:
Yeah, sorry for necro-posting, but maybe some other person with a similar problem finds the thread or so.
Also I am trying to get to 10 posts to be able to post my A701 port of CM10.2 in the dev boards, and it's hard to add some stuff with at least some value to other threads, as they all are pretty old =D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem mate...
One up for me too
Or two, that is...
mrzottel said:
Yeah, sorry for necro-posting, but maybe some other person with a similar problem finds the thread or so.
Also I am trying to get to 10 posts to be able to post my A701 port of CM10.2 in the dev boards, and it's hard to add some stuff with at least some value to other threads, as they all are pretty old =D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had never problem with portable HDD with my A700
PS: also trying to have 10 posts to give feedback on CM11
---------- Post added at 03:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 PM ----------
Burs said:
No problem mate...
One up for me too
Or two, that is...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and for me too

USB on tablet possible without keyboard dock.

My friend has a USB internet stick which gives her internet access in remote areas.
We already have 40 pin usb to male usb with the tf700t.
Could I attach that male usb end to a female usb connection then to a male internet usb stick?
cheers.
I think that the USB stick requires software that might be not designed to run on the Android OS. Even if you can get the tab and the stick communicating, there's really very little likelihood they will work together. Many USB sticks have their own software in addition to the drivers needed for actually talking with the OS. Until it says "For Android" on the USB Stick's box, I think it's a no-go.
alienedd said:
I think that the USB stick requires software that might be not designed to run on the Android OS. Even if you can get the tab and the stick communicating, there's really very little likelihood they will work together. Many USB sticks have their own software in addition to the drivers needed for actually talking with the OS. Until it says "For Android" on the USB Stick's box, I think it's a no-go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Alienedd.
Syn010 said:
Thanks Alienedd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out the a500 forums. I dont remember specifics, but there are usb data sticks there that will work. This was one of the main tablets that had a build in USB host port.
phoenixbennu said:
Check out the a500 forums. I dont remember specifics, but there are usb data sticks there that will work. This was one of the main tablets that had a build in USB host port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call! Maybe try this thread?
While this does not address the use of a internet connection USB thumb drive it will address the topic of "USB on tablet possible without keyboard dock."
There is a Asus addon that plugs into the 40 pin connector to use it as a USB port. Amazon link - ASUS USB Kit for Eee Pad Transformer TF101, TF101G, TF201 & TF300 Tablets
In the reviews some say it is fully usable on the TF700.
Bohemian said:
While this does not address the use of a internet connection USB thumb drive it will address the topic of "USB on tablet possible without keyboard dock."
There is a Asus addon that plugs into the 40 pin connector to use it as a USB port. Amazon link - ASUS USB Kit for Eee Pad Transformer TF101, TF101G, TF201 & TF300 Tablets
In the reviews some say it is fully usable on the TF700.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I own one of these and use it with a hub to plug in a full size desktop keyboard and mouse. Also, they're cheaper at Microcenter.
MattZTexasu said:
I own one of these and use it with a hub to plug in a full size desktop keyboard and mouse. Also, they're cheaper at Microcenter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link?
Also, if you can get a cheap Charging cable from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007GJR7GS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00) anda cheap USB cable, can't you just make your own by splicing/soldering the wires and using some shrink tube?
It would be flexible and you can make it as long as you need it to be. I feel like having their adapter + a USB stick would stick out pretty badly from the bottom of the tablet
I was wondering the same thing - would be a lot less clunky if you could just attach a female to female usb adapter at the end of the charging cable to avoid having a big brick sitting on the side of the tablet.
Ozark_8125 said:
I was wondering the same thing - would be a lot less clunky if you could just attach a female to female usb adapter at the end of the charging cable to avoid having a big brick sitting on the side of the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too
Not for internet access just for a thumb drive or card reader.
I had the A700 that would see most stuff;
Wired or wireless mice
Keyboards
32 gig data stick
SDHC card reader
etc
I did try a TPLink wireless data stick in the ACER, yet it was not recognized by Andwoid ICS.
Asus does sell a "converter" to convert the docking port to a USB port - sounds like that would do the trick for reading thumb drives, etc...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
I'd like to buy the 40 pin thing for cheap, pop it open and see if there is a circuit interface inside.
I think it's big because of the female USB A plug built into it.
Wonder why Asus just doesn't offer the plug with a wired dongle?

Any Roms that support usb otg

Are there any Roms that support usb otg.
I'm on clean rom 2.5 and can't get it to work. Also the few Roms I have tried it hasn't worked.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
CleanRom 2.5 (and 2.1 before that) and it works fine for me. Higher-drain usb devices might need their own power source.
What kind of usb otg are you using maybe I have the wrong cord. Did you have to enable any options?
bsannes said:
What kind of usb otg are you using maybe I have the wrong cord. Did you have to enable any options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used what I thought was a non-OTG micro-usb-to-usb adapter, and then a cheapo OTG cable and both worked with a wired Xbox 360 controller. The cable also worked with a flash drive. I haven't really tried any other devices.
The ones I used were:
http://www.amazon.com/T-Flash-Adapt...UTF8&qid=1350406382&sr=8-1&keywords=otg+cable
and something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/SANOXY-Micro-Male-Female-Adapter/dp/B0027YYMU6/ref=pd_sim_cps_8
I didn't enable/disable anything when I did the tests -- it just worked. Possibly I had done something earlier, but I can't remember anything specific, and haven't done any specialized hacks for this.
Yeah I have the same cord odd. Oh well .
Thank you for taking the time to supply the links.
Is it possible to attach a powered hub to
A) Attach higher power-requirement devices that do not have external power
and/or
B) Attach multiple devices for simultaneous use (say, a keyboard and a mouse
??
(my USB OTG cables are in the mail)
crabapples said:
Is it possible to attach a powered hub to
A) Attach higher power-requirement devices that do not have external power
and/or
B) Attach multiple devices for simultaneous use (say, a keyboard and a mouse
??
(my USB OTG cables are in the mail)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I *believe* both answers are "yes". You can attach a usb hub. A powered one should give power to the devices, or you could try a "y" usb cable to provide power as well.
btw, here's a video showing off some of the capabilities (i believe this is the international version):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46IiRyigUH0
---------- Post added at 02:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:37 PM ----------
bsannes said:
Yeah I have the same cord odd. Oh well .
Thank you for taking the time to supply the links.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot. I guess I'm not sure what else to try so hopefully someone else can chime in. I haven't tested it out recently, but I'll let you know if I happen to discover anything.
Works fine for me...just plug the otg cable in (I had one from my old fascinate I got off Amazon for like 3 dollars...and I can either plug a single item like a mouse or flash drive straight into it or a hub that can be powered or not...if you plan on using an external hard drive is suggest plugging it in...I believe the phone holds up to like 6usb connections at once but don't quite me on the exact number...I have had a mouse, keyboard, flash drive, sd card reader, and second phone all plugged in at once...only think I've found is that not all usb hubs will work for some reason...I use a 30 dollar (at bestbuy) belkin 6 port hub and never had a problem...to have it powered though you have to plug the actual power cable on the hub into a power source and run a usb cable from the hub to otg cable...as far as I know every room should support this...I used liquid smooth which is an aosp rom and it works great, also works great on any tw Rom as the capability is built into the phone...hope this helps anyone with questions about this...only think I haven't tried is a hard drive mainly because I have no need to buy one but it should work...and if it means anything I use all 2.0 cables and accessories, no 3.0 or 1.0
Sent from my blackened liquid galaxy

Note 9 and Dex on Sentio Superbook

So, I recently bought a Sentio Superbook to play around with. It is essentially a dumbed-down laptop that connects to your phone via USB-C. Sentio has its own proprietary desktop experience software that runs on Android and then connects to your phone to present the Sentio Desktop on the Superbook via USB-C and DisplayLink. However, I wanted to use Dex as I find the Dex experience much better than the Sentio Desktop (or any other desktop experience software I have tried on Android). Plus i want to run Linux on Dex.
The problem is that I could not find a way to trigger Dex to run on my Note 9 unless it detects an HDMI connection, since that is the only way Dex will launch that i know of. Since the Superbook doesn't have an HDMI-in, only USB-C, Dex wouldn't fire off when connecting to the Superbook.
One night, after a few beers, I wondered if i could trick the Note 9 into thinking that there was an HDMI connection when there really wasn't one available. I already had a USB-C Hub with an HDMI port that i bought on Amazon. So, back to Amazon I went, where I ordered an HDMI Dummy Plug / Headless Display Emulator. These are used typically on headless (no monitor) remote servers, tricking the GPUs into thinking there is an external monitor connected via HDMI. So, i plugged the HDMI Emulator into the HDMI out port on the USB-C hub, then the USB-C hub into the phone, and Dex immediately launched. From there i connected the USB-C hub into the Superbook (via a USB-C to USB-C cable), and Dex was running on the Superbook.
If you look at the picture, you can see the Display Emulator sticking out of the USB-C hub, right at the corner of my phone. Sorry for the crappy picture, I took the photo with an old Nextbit Robin since the Note 9 was being used.
Close picture
keredini said:
So, I recently bought a Sentio Superbook to play around with. It is essentially a dumbed-down laptop that connects to your phone via USB-C. Sentio has its own proprietary desktop experience software that runs on Android and then connects to your phone to present the Sentio Desktop on the Superbook via USB-C and DisplayLink. However, I wanted to use Dex as I find the Dex experience much better than the Sentio Desktop (or any other desktop experience software I have tried on Android). Plus i want to run Linux on Dex.
The problem is that I could not find a way to trigger Dex to run on my Note 9 unless it detects an HDMI connection, since that is the only way Dex will launch that i know of. Since the Superbook doesn't have an HDMI-in, only USB-C, Dex wouldn't fire off when connecting to the Superbook.
One night, after a few beers, I wondered if i could trick the Note 9 into thinking that there was an HDMI connection when there really wasn't one available. I already had a USB-C Hub with an HDMI port that i bought on Amazon. So, back to Amazon I went, where I ordered an HDMI Dummy Plug / Headless Display Emulator. These are used typically on headless (no monitor) remote servers, tricking the GPUs into thinking there is an external monitor connected via HDMI. So, i plugged the HDMI Emulator into the HDMI out port on the USB-C hub, then the USB-C hub into the phone, and Dex immediately launched. From there i connected the USB-C hub into the Superbook (via a USB-C to USB-C cable), and Dex was running on the Superbook.
If you look at the picture, you can see the Display Emulator sticking out of the USB-C hub, right at the corner of my phone. Sorry for the crappy picture, I took the photo with an old Nextbit Robin since the Note 9 was being used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks great, but i still dont understand hpw u connect the SB to the HDMI adapter, can i ask you for more pictures?
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
OK i found out about the HDMI dummy plug. I have another question then, do you need to give power to your type C hub?
Cinnarello said:
That looks great, but i still dont understand hpw u connect the SB to the HDMI adapter, can i ask you for more pictures?
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
OK i found out about the HDMI dummy plug. I have another question then, do you need to give power to your type C hub?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the image for how i have everything setup ... The main USB-C wire from the hub goes to the phone (top right corner of image), and then obviously I put the dummy HDMI plug into the HDMI port. Finally, where the image shows 'DC IN' is actually just another USB-C connection, so I run a USB-C to USB-C wire from here to the USB-C port on the Superbook.
The hub does not require additional power, it didn't need it when i used the hub to connect to a standard HDMI monitor, and it doesn't require it in this configuration either.
I made it
keredini said:
See the image for how i have everything setup ... The main USB-C wire from the hub goes to the phone (top right corner of image), and then obviously I put the dummy HDMI plug into the HDMI port. Finally, where the image shows 'DC IN' is actually just another USB-C connection, so I run a USB-C to USB-C wire from here to the USB-C port on the Superbook.
The hub does not require additional power, it didn't need it when i used the hub to connect to a standard HDMI monitor, and it doesn't require it in this configuration either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i managed to do it, while im waiting for the dummy to arrive, i used an HDMI cable connected to a turned off monitor.
My type C hub needs power to function, it does also when i use DEX on monitor, so I had the hub powered on, the type-c connected to Note9, the usb-c to usb-c cable from SB to the hub and it worked. The only trick i had to use is to install and run the Display link presenter app, without that, it doesnt start.
How does it all work? Does it feel responsive? Touchpad works well?
Would love to get more details on the overall usability.
Very responsive
TheSeanTeam said:
How does it all work? Does it feel responsive? Touchpad works well?
Would love to get more details on the overall usability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say its pretty much as using Dex on a monitor, I use a bluetooth mouse because the trackpad of the superbook is still not very responsive.
For the rest of the usage i can say no lag at all.
Im going to use Dex Max to watch netflix full screen and then i will be set.
Update on the setup
I just finished building this case for the dongle i created, as you can see in the picture, its still an early build but its a start.
Since im not a developer nor a engineer i had to use cables and adapters, and since my type-c hub needs power im giving it power form the usb of the superbook, while the type c get the video into the SB. I will later on create space for the USBs, or at least one of them.
Im open to ideas and/or help and suggestions.
Latest update on SBDX setup
Ok, i have made some changes and some updates on the external setup to have it as much portable as possible.
Pictures here
I've got a 1080p superbook coming this week along with a hub and HDMI dummy plug. I'll report back after I had a play. The whole set up cost about £115. Not including my 512gb Note9 that is!
Cinnarello said:
Ok, i have made some changes and some updates on the external setup to have it as much portable as possible.
Pictures here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Cinnarello, which hub are you using. I had one that triggered DeX fine but without a PD port I couldn't charge it. I got another that had PD and a USB C but this time (despite being advertised as DeX compatible) it gave me a message "Ensure HDMI is connected properly" and I get no out put. I tried it with different cables and my wife's S9+ but it made no difference.
---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
keredini said:
See the image for how i have everything setup ... The main USB-C wire from the hub goes to the phone (top right corner of image), and then obviously I put the dummy HDMI plug into the HDMI port. Finally, where the image shows 'DC IN' is actually just another USB-C connection, so I run a USB-C to USB-C wire from here to the USB-C port on the Superbook.
The hub does not require additional power, it didn't need it when i used the hub to connect to a standard HDMI monitor, and it doesn't require it in this configuration either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which hub have you got keredini?
finbaar said:
Hi Cinnarello, which hub are you using. I had one that triggered DeX fine but without a PD port I couldn't charge it. I got another that had PD and a USB C but this time (despite being advertised as DeX compatible) it gave me a message "Ensure HDMI is connected properly" and I get no out put. I tried it with different cables and my wife's S9+ but it made no difference.
---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
Which hub have you got keredini?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07FRZCLGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cinnarello said:
Hi,
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07FRZCLGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, just ordered one. I wonder why that item isn't available in the UK? Luckily I am still a citizen of the EU, at least for the the next couple of weeks, so I could order from amazon.it. Grazie.
Got the dock and connected it all up and everything works. I'm replying on the Superbook! It came just in time as I had to pass my laptop to my son last night as his bust.
I got the same setup, however the touchpad doesn't work at all.
Also keyboard is being a pain. The "l" key keeps firing off randomly.
Il will lintllentilonallyl nlolt lcolrrlect this selntlenclel to slholwll what I lmlean.
l
Yeah, that. Will need to test if it's my SB that's screwed up or not by running the Sentio App, OR using a USB keyboard.
Item question
Hello Cinnarello,
Can you tell where you bought the item that attaches your smartphone to the Superbook ?
Thanks.
Have a nice day.
Cinnarello said:
Ok, i have made some changes and some updates on the external setup to have it as much portable as possible.
Pictures here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ad4xda said:
Hello Cinnarello,
Can you tell where you bought the item that attaches your smartphone to the Superbook ?
Thanks.
Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the item he links to in post #11. I got the same one and it works great.
Hi
Thx for answer.
I'm not talking about the Hub but about the plastic item located between screen edge and smartphone, plastic item that holds both of them.
Thx. Cheers.
Cinnarello said:
Hi,
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07FRZCLGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grazie! I bought a really small hub that I was happy to find, but only upon arrival did I find out that the usb-c on the hub was only for power. I ordered one like yours now :cyclops:
Just a fair bit of warning about this company:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/...er-shipping-75-of-phone-to-laptop-pre-orders/
Connectsolve said:
Hi,
Easier to make one using a Pi-Top V2 and a few components off of Amazon or buy one of these when they are available.
Pi-Top: https://blog.pi-top.com/2018/10/29/turn-your-android-phone-into-a-laptop-with-a-pi-top/
DeX laptop dock: https://twitter.com/allaboutsmartp1/status/1121052594988883968?s=19
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DeX laptop dock you mention actually is a Sentio Superbook. Somehow his works without using a USB-C dock?

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