NOTE: I'll be using this with the GT-I9505G (Google Play Edition)
With my previous S2, I had a simple desktop dock that acted as a charger and didn't require me to remove the case. Something like that would be more than adequate. But, I also plan to get the MHL cable, so something that can function as both would be nice as well. So here's a few that I'm looking at. Please comment and/or add your own suggestions.
Samsung Galaxy Smart Dock Multimedia Hub - $80-$100
This, designed for the Note II and now the S4, seems like a solid choice, if not a bit expensive. It will fit the phone with most slim cases. It will also work as an HDMI-out, and even has 3 extra USB ports for peripherals such as a hard drive, keyboard, and mouse. More than I need in most cases. Also, the cost doesn't seem too unrealistic when you consider what you're getting. The MHL adapter is $40 alone, a basic dock that doesn't suck is $20, and this comes with an extra charging brick/cable. So $100 is a bit much, but $80 is a fair deal if you need all of those things.
The downside? No landscape support, which is an issue for some apps via MHL (uses a fraction of the HDTV). I'll have to see if my emulators will allow for a forced landscape mode. At least there seems to be a few apps that act as a workaround.
Sinjimoru Sync Docks - $15-$25
These come in a multitude of colors, and two materials; plastic ($15-$20) and aluminum ($20-$25). They support both portrait and landscape orientations. The dock comes with a charging cable (but no AC adapter, so you'll need to use the one that came with the phone or buy another). In portrait mode, the cable clips into the base and holds the phone in place, though it's dubious if a slim case will work. In landscape mode, it's dubious if the phone will stay in place (and you have to unclip the cord or use another). These are simple, elegant, and inexpensive, and if I knew for a fact that it would work with a case in portrait mode, it would be a frontrunner.
Ppyple Swivel Sync and Charge Dock - $20-$25
Looks like a mix between the Nexus 4 wireless charging dock, and a Jetsons recliner. Swivels between portrait and landscape orientations and seems to support most slim cases. Comes in black or white. So, downsides? Doesn't act as MHL, so the landscape orientation doesn't help me too much (I could find a use for it, though).
The Sinjimoru was a waste. It doesn't support the S4 with a case, but it's not advertised as such. However, the iPhone knock-off cable barely penetrates the S4 even without a case. You have to jam it into the S4, and even then, you'll get occasional disconnects/reconnects (evident by the screen turning on). Elegant looking and made of quality material, this dock is pretty much useless in terms of functionality. Also very unstable. The phone is very loose even when docked, and the dock slips around the desk easily. The back has a slippery rubber foot, while the front has no rubber foot.
I ended up getting the Samsung Multimedia dock/hub. It supports MHL via HDMI as well as 3xUSB inputs (USB OTG). While it initially doesn't force landscape, plugging in some USB keyboards forces landscape. Pretty cool.
The major downside is that it does not support MHL 2.0. 1080p is limited to 30hz, and it will not function without a power adapter plugged in.
I've been considering getting this dock. From what I could gather the OTG and MHL functionality don't work simultaneously, unlike in the Samsung dock.
The audio output on the back doesn't seem to work. Not sure if this is a limitation of the GPe variant, or if the dock is broken. I'll see if I can get a friend with a Touchwiz variant to help me test it.
Not a deal breaker, as you can plug an audio plug into the top of the phone. But it's more of an "it should work if I paid for it" issue.
http://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics®-P...&keywords=taotronics+bluetooth#productDetails
I've tried lots of portable speakers. Mostly of the "budget" category. Never bought beats, jambox or bose but usually went with the cheaper products. I have to say I was quite surprised by this speaker however.
*Build Quality*
It has a very rugged design that looks like an "egg". Holding it hand it has a good weight to it and feels rock solid. It looks like it could take some abuse from day to day use. Not once did I find anything flimsy or loose. It comes in two colors red and black.
All it comes with is a micro-usb charge cable. Which is fine with me.
*Performance*
Just like the build quality the sound quality is top notch. I was pleasantly surprised by it. A lot of the cheaper bluetooth speakers of similar size sound thin and starts to distort when the volume is raised too high. The Taotronic has a very nice full sound with more bass than I was expecting. I don't think its been noticed but there seems to be two speakers in the unit! EDIT - conformed via Taotronics support. There is 2 speakers! One for highs and one for bass!
One at the bottom facing up for the bass and a top speaker facing down for the highs. Please check the photos. I'll contact taotronics and find out.
It has a built-in rechargeable battery. So far I've used it for about 5 hours and its still going strong on a relatively high volume.
Connecting was breeze. Each subsequent connection is easy.
I did try to use the phone mic feature and while it was good when speaking with 3ft; anything past that and its pretty useless.
There is a aux 3.5mm jack if using an older mp3 player with no bluetooth.
There is a toggle switch that has multiple uses. It can play the next song, previous song, stop and play. Holding it to the left will lower volume while holding it right will raise the volume.
*Conclusion*
The sound quality can not be beaten in the price range IMO. It will surprise you I believe. Don't expect it to outdo the larger bluetooth speakers that are 10 times the price.
Note- I have been given a sample for a fair, unbiased review.
Jam Plus HMDX HX-P240 speakers I bought for £19 each
I bought two Jam Plus HMDX HX-P240 speakers. They are AWESOME. Great amazon reviews, each can work independently, about 4h battery life, comes in a jam jar case and color coded usb charging cable, works via bluetooth and aux in, can be paired with another jam plus to make it stereo speakers, volume is LOOOUUUD, no distortion, bass is good for a tiny speakers, they come in many different colours. Bought damaged box item from ebay for 19£ each from outlet stores. Only lid of jar was dented, speakers was as new and works great.
See my review on youtube working fine with the samsung galaxy S5 www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLjM_IPckHw very pleased with my purchase of £19 each as they work great alone or in pairs. Everyone at work who listened to them was asking me where i got them and how much and several were trying to buy them within a few minutes of listening to mine. People were borrowing it to take around to show their friends at work!
Please note that the old model is P230 and looks almost the same, but it cant be used in pairs, so if you want the pairing function and the new model is louder, then be careful which version you buy.
I'm looking for a car mount dock built for my Galaxy Note 4 that will:
Support Charging and audio streaming
Not be in the way of the volume and power buttons on the Galaxy Note 4
Positioning - Will hold my Note 4 in Landscape mode
I'm currently using an IBolt, which is a little difficult to set in. After playing with it, it sets in, "OK" if I change the USB port so it plugs in on the left side, fs the right. However, that makes my Home/Back keys on the left side as well, a bit awkward when driving. I had it pointed the other way, but the mount would hit my volume buttons. One thing I miss dearly about my old DROID RAZR MAXX is the car mount which was built to fit the device. I wish something similar existed for the Note 4.
JOSHSKORN said:
I'm looking for a car mount for my Note 4. I see other threads on car mounts but I'm not quite convinced on those, yet.
Anyway, looking for a car mount that is basically built for the Galaxy Note 4 that will:
Support Charging and audio streaming
Not be in the way of the volume and power buttons on the Galaxy Note 4
Positioning - I've been using a Landscape view but I suppose portrait is OK as well.
I'm currently using an IBolt, which is a little difficult to set in. One thing I miss dearly about my old DROID RAZR MAXX is the car mount which was built to fit the device. I wish something similar existed for the Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iBolt xProDock
the IOttie for the Note 2. It'll be more about how you position the phone than anything else. Although, I don't think it's what you're wanting.
I got the iottie one touch 2 and it is by far the best universal mount I've had.
Since I don't use my CD player/slot, I purchased this one a couple of years ago for my Galaxy Nexus. Now I am using it for my Note 4, which fits perfectly, and holds it securely in place.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G1L52Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: Just read the OP's post a little closer, and my suggestion may not be what he's looking for. But I'll leave it here, in case someone else might want to get one. =)
Bmerz said:
Since I don't use my CD player/slot, I purchased this one a couple of years ago for my Galaxy Nexus. Now I am using it for my Note 4, which fits perfectly, and holds it securely in place.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G1L52Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: Just read the OP's post a little closer, and my suggestion may not be what he's looking for. But I'll leave it here, in case someone else might want to get one. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you like it? I have this one.
Yeah none of those are ones that interest me. So far, the only one that I see that I partially like, is the one I currently have, the iBolt cardock. Again, it's got a built-in Micro USB connector. It's not really "built-in", but I think "connected" is more of the word. The USB "splits" into your AUX port and then your USB, effectively making the USB port serve as a dual functioning port: charging and streaming music. I use my phone for Pandora and Navigation. Unfortunately, the Note 4 doesn't seem to currently support USB audio streaming, so I'm stuck right now with plugging a separate 3.5mm into the top of my phone. Not very convenient, as it takes me another half a minute to hook up. As it is, it basically takes me 2 1/2 minutes to snap my Note 4 into my current iBolt dock, then plug in both the USB and the 3.5mm audio cord. With my old phone, the car mount was a rigid plate with a single usb port built-in, it literally took me about 8 seconds to dock, in comparison. Plus, I only had one cord to deal with. Right now, I've got two.
If I was as impressed with the DROID ULTRA as I am with the Note 4, I would've stuck with it, in hopes of the same kinds of docks, BUT, I can't do without a Micro USB and I wanted the bigger screen size. For those reasons, I don't regret my decision to get a Note 4.
Edit: I was thinking about it and I'm thinking I should've said "car dock" instead of "car mount", if that makes more sense to some people.
Pedro2NR said:
How do you like it? I have this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works well for me, as I've been using it for a few years now. I don't care for the dash or windshield mounts, as I am always worried the mount (along with my phone) is going to fall off! Plus in my car, my dash is small, and has no flat area - so there's really no place to put a phone mount. Which is why I was happy to find the CD mount, as it works well and doesn't block my view.
JOSHSKORN said:
Unfortunately, the Note 4 doesn't seem to currently support USB audio streaming, so I'm stuck right now with plugging a separate 3.5mm into the top of my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also been looking around for a good car docking solution as my Note 4 is due to be delivered on Tues. I was hoping to use it in-car for both nagivation and music and considering a standard universal dash mount, with the iBolt Dock n Play cable, however I assume from the above quote this will not work?
Cable - http://www.amazon.co.uk/iBolt-Micro...?ie=UTF8&qid=1414950162&sr=8-6&keywords=ibolt
If so, I have to also assume the iBolt xProDock won't work too, which is a pity as it's on sale on Amazon. I'm also weary of using a 12V USB adapter as I've read numerous reviews of branded versions such as Belkin catching fire...
iottie XL
foo25 said:
I've also been looking around for a good car docking solution as my Note 4 is due to be delivered on Tues. I was hoping to use it in-car for both nagivation and music and considering a standard universal dash mount, with the iBolt Dock n Play cable, however I assume from the above quote this will not work?
Cable - http://www.amazon.co.uk/iBolt-Micro...?ie=UTF8&qid=1414950162&sr=8-6&keywords=ibolt
If so, I have to also assume the iBolt xProDock won't work too, which is a pity as it's on sale on Amazon. I'm also weary of using a 12V USB adapter as I've read numerous reviews of branded versions such as Belkin catching fire...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I have.
http://www.amazon.com/iBOLT-xProDoc...?ie=UTF8&qid=1414967903&sr=8-1&keywords=ibolt
It does not come with a charger, so I bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G5VQIMM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This didn't work with my old DROID RAZR MAXX but it appears to work with my Note 4. I see the lightning bolt in the notifications area, indicating that it's charging.
Again, the iBolt DOES NOT work to stream audio through the cable to your AUX port on your radio. I think this is just a feature that Android does not currently support, but I hear it will in Android L. It's weird, though because my old DROID RAZR MAXX was able to stream audio via USB, and I had a car dock for it. The cable for it looked similar to the cable you posted, the one that came with the iBolt looks a bit different, it plugs into a box which serves as a splitter, which makes me think that it's the cable itself that could be just incompatible, I don't know, to be honest. With my old car dock, the cable started getting shorted out, which is why I bought the iBolt, figuring it would work just fine w/ whatever phone I got next, since my MAXX was approaching its end of life. Maybe I will just take a shot in the dark and purchase that same cable, but from a US link if I can find it.
Bmerz said:
It works well for me, as I've been using it for a few years now. I don't care for the dash or windshield mounts, as I am always worried the mount (along with my phone) is going to fall off! Plus in my car, my dash is small, and has no flat area - so there's really no place to put a phone mount. Which is why I was happy to find the CD mount, as it works well and doesn't block my view.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iOttie XL will never come off the glass accidentally.... Have 2 and those suckers stick. You won't be disappointed.
It will even stick to the dash. Trust me.
This one has good reviews and looks simple. Anyone have one?
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Windshield-Smartphone-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00I58VAZS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Vancelot said:
This one has good reviews and looks simple. Anyone have one?
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Windshield-Smartphone-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00I58VAZS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got this one. Seems great so far. It sticks really well, and hold the phone securely. The arms length is nice, because you can extend it.
I like how it doesn't obstruct the camera. I plan on using it for a dash cam along with navigation.
clintonroche said:
The iOttie XL will never come off the glass accidentally.... Have 2 and those suckers stick. You won't be disappointed.
It will even stick to the dash. Trust me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, as I had not heard of the iOttie XL before. I checked it out on Amazon just now, as well as read through some of the reviews (looking for Note 4 reviews). So as soon as my current one breaks (if it does), I'll look into this one as a replacement. =)
Just thought I'd chime in here as finding a good car dock has been high on my priority list as well. First thing I'll say is yes, I can confirm that at this point the Note 4 DOES NOT currently support audio out over USB without the use of an OTG cable and DAC. It is possible to do it, but you need the extra hardware. This issue has been discussed in several threads, so just do a little searching and you should be able to find out the whole story. However, it has been confirmed that Lollipop is including audio out over USB as a standard feature, although I haven't been able to find a complete answer as to whether that just means every device will be able to use an OTG cable and DAC or that we'll be able to use usb/audio splitter cables like the iDock. The Lollipop features page DOES say that it will support all kinds of USB audio devices such as speakers and stereos, so I'm very hopeful, but we'll just have to wait and see.
As for actual dock options, I got totally hooked on using a magnetic dock back with my GS4. I originally picked up the Logitech magnetic car dock which worked fantastic with the s4, but with the added weight and size of the Note 4 it started to have some trouble. I ended up replacing it with the Bracketron Si dash mount, and it's been working perfectly. It has a very strong magnet, which I definitely need as I use an S-View cover which adds bulk to the back of the phone. The way these work is you get a few metal plates with the mount that give the magnet something to grab onto, and you can either stick it to the back of your phone with the double-sided tape on it or you can put it under the battery cover so that you don't have a big square piece of metal stuck to your device The Bracketron's magnet is strong enough to hold the phone with the metal plate under the battery cover AND with the S-View flap flipped around behind it, which is pretty impressive and certainly beats any other magnetic mount I've tried. There's also two little feet that flip out under the magnet to provide a little extra support, which is a nice bonus with this whale of a phone. It even has a clip for cable management.
So far I've been super happy with this, I do still have to manually plug the phone in but it's really nice to be able to just drop the phone in the mount and not have to fiddle with arms or clamps or anything. I'm lucky enough to have bluetooth in my car, so I still only have the one cable to connect as well.
I bought mine at Best Buy, but here's the link to Bracketron's page so you know what I'm talking about: http://www.bracketron.com/products/si-dash-mount#.VFeVJvnF92s
I've been looking into completely wireless solutions for the car and home, and I'm on the fence about whether to go with Qi or wait for one of the newer magnetic charging options to become available for the Note 4, but until wireless charging becomes possible I'm totally satisfied with the Bracketron.
That Bracketron looks pretty cool, but would interfere with my Qi chargers....
Well yah, like I said, UNTIL I find a suitable wireless charging solution I'm satisfied with the bracketron. There are magnetic docks that also do Qi charging, not many though. I think Airdock is the only one that is currently out that works with any device and doesn't need it's own proprietary case http://www.theairdock.com/ Looks decent, but I worry about whether it'll be able to hold up the Note 4 and also whether it'll work with my S-View case on. It does come with a magnetic sticker that supposedly helps, may try it at some point. What I REALLY think I'd like though would be something like this: http://www.revocharge.com/ or REALLY this: http://www.patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=6&catid=100&prodgroupid=291&id=8253&type=37
The Fuel iON for the s4 looks amazing, I love that the case includes s-view and that there's direct magnetic connection to the docks, looks like it'd charge faster and more reliably than Qi as well. Just hope they decide to make a case for the Note 4 :/
Bracketron looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, I just bought one of those UAG cases, that should arrive in a couple of days. I doubt I could use that case instead of the one that comes with the Bracketron. I'm hoping that I like the UAG case, at least. I just wanted to add width to my phone. I'll look into the AIR case as well.
Too bad there isn't a company that makes customized car docks based on your phone and case using 3D printing, that'd be pretty awesome.
I was sent a Choetech VR headset to review, I'd never tried Google cardboard or any other VR apps before but I've got to say I'm impressed. Here's a copy of my review:
My first try of VR and all I can say is wow.
The quality of these glasses is very good for there low price, they come in a well presented box with easy to follow instructions.
The device I'm using with them right now is my nexus 6p, the device only just fits but that was what I expected as the 6p is one of the largest smartphones out there and hardly any VR headsets are compatible. The fit is snug but secure using the headsets spring clip, you have to make sure to put the buttons on the side of the phone at the bottom of the headset to avoid the phone turning itself off, a problem I've had with many car mounts due to the poor placement of the buttons by Huawei.
One the device is securely fitted you can adjust the lens placement using the provided dials which is something not many other headsets offer.
The headset is very comfy and I'm able to wear if for long periods of time.
I tried this with numerous apps and even though some other reviews said that lack of a physical button was a problem on this device I found I didn't need one and if needed a Bluetooth mouse could be used to help navigate.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone considering a VR headset.
Hope this review helped someone else.
faybarn said:
I was sent a Choetech VR headset to review, I'd never tried Google cardboard or any other VR apps before but I've got to say I'm impressed. Here's a copy of my review:
My first try of VR and all I can say is wow.
The quality of these glasses is very good for there low price, they come in a well presented box with easy to follow instructions.
The device I'm using with them right now is my nexus 6p, the device only just fits but that was what I expected as the 6p is one of the largest smartphones out there and hardly any VR headsets are compatible. The fit is snug but secure using the headsets spring clip, you have to make sure to put the buttons on the side of the phone at the bottom of the headset to avoid the phone turning itself off, a problem I've had with many car mounts due to the poor placement of the buttons by Huawei.
One the device is securely fitted you can adjust the lens placement using the provided dials which is something not many other headsets offer.
The headset is very comfy and I'm able to wear if for long periods of time.
I tried this with numerous apps and even though some other reviews said that lack of a physical button was a problem on this device I found I didn't need one and if needed a Bluetooth mouse could be used to help navigate.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone considering a VR headset.
Hope this review helped someone else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My V20 is slightly larger than my 6p. You say that it barely fit...... Have you tried the V20?
Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk
Sorry no I don't know anyone with a V20 I could try either
Just to give you an idea how tight it is I had to remove my case so my 6p would fit.
Same headset
This same headset is sold in India by Irusu . Its called Irusu Monster. Exactly same product (ie. ripoff).
faybarn said:
I was sent a Choetech VR headset to review, I'd never tried Google cardboard or any other VR apps before but I've got to say I'm impressed. Here's a copy of my review:
My first try of VR and all I can say is wow.
The quality of these glasses is very good for there low price, they come in a well presented box with easy to follow instructions.
The device I'm using with them right now is my nexus 6p, the device only just fits but that was what I expected as the 6p is one of the largest smartphones out there and hardly any VR headsets are compatible. The fit is snug but secure using the headsets spring clip, you have to make sure to put the buttons on the side of the phone at the bottom of the headset to avoid the phone turning itself off, a problem I've had with many car mounts due to the poor placement of the buttons by Huawei.
One the device is securely fitted you can adjust the lens placement using the provided dials which is something not many other headsets offer.
The headset is very comfy and I'm able to wear if for long periods of time.
I tried this with numerous apps and even though some other reviews said that lack of a physical button was a problem on this device I found I didn't need one and if needed a Bluetooth mouse could be used to help navigate.
I would definitely recommend this product to anyone considering a VR headset.
Hope this review helped someone else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes,it's really helpful! thank you!:good: