Why did I buy the dock ? - Asus Transformer TF700

I have had my Infinity TF700 for few months and love it. It is perfect size, it is light and durable. I just got oh your the docking station for it today. Why did I buy this dock ? I see no real practical use out of it except make it heavier and look more like a cheap notebook PC. I do like the extra SD slot, and the usb port is nice, but I allready have the ASUS adapter to USB for the tab. Maybe I just need to get use to it ?? Are there any more good practical reasons for the dock that I am overlooking. ??
And one question: Since there are now 2 batteries (tablet battery and dock battery) if 1 of the batteries dies (goes to 0%) will it still run if the other battery has like 50% ?
Cheers !
Thibor

Thibor69 said:
I have had my Infinity TF700 for few months and love it. It is perfect size, it is light and durable. I just got oh your the docking station for it today. Why did I buy this dock ? I see no real practical use out of it except make it heavier and look more like a cheap notebook PC. I do like the extra SD slot, and the usb port is nice, but I allready have the ASUS adapter to USB for the tab. Maybe I just need to get use to it ?? Are there any more good practical reasons for the dock that I am overlooking. ??
And one question: Since there are now 2 batteries (tablet battery and dock battery) if 1 of the batteries dies (goes to 0%) will it still run if the other battery has like 50% ?
Cheers !
Thibor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once the tablet battery hits 70-80%, it varies per Rom it seems, It will stop pulling from the tablet and run the dock to 0 first, then continue to drain the battery in the tablet. The dock is good for a laptop replacement, it makes it a ton easier and quicker to type things rather than having to tap or swipe them, like typing up this on on xda but I am on desktop ATM. And yes the tablet should still run when the dock hits 0%.
Tylor

I suppose an appropriate answer to your question may be a question: why did you buy the dock?
I personally bought it so I could work on my papers or work docks away from the office or without my big lap top. I'd hate to write a paper on a touch screen.

Well, can't tell why YOU bought it But I did it primarily for the ease of typing. I'm using my Infinity for work, and with the keydock it's just perfect to capture meeting minutes, create mind maps and obviously to do the mail and calendar stuff. As a big GTD (getting things done) fanatic, I simply love it that whenever I have this great idea of something I should consider or act on, I just have to open the lid and type away.
Also the additional power is great, as I can't stress my Infinity hard enough to drain the complete batteries during one business day. Typically I charge over night, and -depending on how the day goes- there is more than enough power left to do browsing and reading at home.
My Infinity is relatively new, but soon I will have my first business trip where I want to try to leave without my notebook and just take the Infinity with me.

I find the dock useful for obvious tasks such as typing blocks of text. But there is definite room for improvement in its successor. I find that typing with the touchpad on can be quite tricky without accidentally moving the cursor mid-sentence. I have to exaggerate the arch of my hands over the touchpad area to avoid this issue. I haven't experienced this same problem on a similar sized netbook. I would like to see a keyboard with an even larger battery to make the keyboard heavy enough to make its center of gravity secure enough that the risk of tipping forward becomes neglible. Also, I am not certain why, but scrolling down a page with the arrow keys is not smooth like it is on a PC. Instead, it just moves the cursor from one box to another. Sometimes I would prefer to scroll the page with the arrow keys rather than with the two finger swipe gesture.

Thibor69 said:
Why did I buy this dock ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To type words, of course. As the non-dismissable notification permanently reminds you.
Thibor69 said:
I do like the extra SD slot, and the usb port is nice, but I allready have the ASUS adapter to USB for the tab.
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Click to collapse
It is amazing how much more usable this thing becomes for web browsing if you connect a mouse to the USB port.

_that said:
To type words, of course. As the non-dismissable notification permanently reminds you.
It is amazing how much more usable this thing becomes for web browsing if you connect a mouse to the USB port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Want to hear something funny. I took your advice and pluged in my usb dongle for the mouse and yes it is a nice addon. I also see my wireless keyboard works also, so I am typing on my PC keyboard and using my PC mouse through the Tablet Keyboard/Dock ... : ) Could have probably cut out the middle man (the dock) and just plugged my usb dongle into the tab.

For me, the main thing with the dock is that extra battery allowed me to watch movies and browse the internet longer, also a tablet holder so I can put it next to my labtop and watch movies while working on my laptop.

buhohitr said:
For me, the main thing with the dock is that extra battery allowed me to watch movies and browse the internet longer, also a tablet holder so I can put it next to my labtop and watch movies while working on my laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buho I thought your tab was skinned?
I wanted the dock but was worried because I put the Skinomi on the tablet.
Probably wouldn't use the dock a lot unless traveling for the extra not plugged in time.

Thats OK said:
Buho I thought your tab was skinned?
I wanted the dock but was worried because I put the Skinomi on the tablet.
Probably wouldn't use the dock a lot unless traveling for the extra not plugged in time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow you still remembered!, yes it skinned with Skinomi and it works fine with the dock, I even have the screen cover installed.

buhohitr said:
Wow you still remembered!, yes it skinned with Skinomi and it works fine with the dock, I even have the screen cover installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Groovy man...
Looks like I can do the dock now... it's only money
Have the same skin as you...

One thing I've noticed (at least on a stock rom). Is that if your dock is 100% charged and your tablet is at 0% you can charge the tablet off the dock. I've done that many times, quite nice

Besides the obvious upsides of easier typing, longer battery life, and more connectivity I bought the dock because along with a bluetooth mouse it turns the tf700 into a killer remote desktop machine. I am a web developer so instead of maintanining two development environments one on my fast desktop and one on a laptop I just use the tf700 with dock and bluetooth mouse + splashtop to work remotely on my desktop. It works absolutely great as a laptop replacement in this case if you have sharp enough eyes to work on a 1920x1080 windows desktop on a 10" screen.

buhohitr said:
Wow you still remembered!, yes it skinned with Skinomi and it works fine with the dock, I even have the screen cover installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks baller! I am gonna look into those Skinomis. I haven't used them on any of my devices yet, but I really dont want any gnarly looking scratches on the back of this thing.

Related

Is the desktop dock worth it?

I'm thinking of buying a dock for my Nexus One through a friend who's currently in the US. The official one costs $45 while Innodock Jr from Seido ( http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/crjhnx1-bkc.htm ) costs $29.95. There could be tax and shipping on top of those prices too.
I'm going to order a Case + Holster at http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/bd2-hlcsr3hnx1-bk.htm ) which costs as much as the case + dock combo ( http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/bd2-crjcsr3hnx1-bk.htm ). They cost US$49.95. Should I get the Case + Dock combo instead?
You think, in general, a dock is even worth spending for?
I like google's dock because I do not have to mate it with the USB port. So it is easier to just drop in and let it charge. If you want to be able to listen to music at your desk this is a good option.
OTOH the Innodock Jr. is set up to allow it to dock even if the phone is in a skin/case. The port is jointed to it moves back to rest against the dock but I would not call the mount firm. The benefit of the Innodock is it can be connected to your computer. This way the phone is upright while I am coding with it, which is easier than letting it lie on the desk.
I am hesitant to recommend the holster and case given the problems I have had with the bare phone holster. I seem to be the only one having the problem though so I would not let my experience dissuade you if protecting the phone with a case is a priority for you.
I would go with the google dock if you do not care about being plugged into your computer while docked. If you do want to be connected then I would go with the innodock jr. and an innocase, but no holster.
The Google Desktop is way better, i plugged it on my stereo and i have the Bluetooth on Nexus One Dock and i listen to my music or pandora without leaving my phone on the dock. i can change the songs with my N1 in my hand in 1 room and have it playing in the stereo in another. go with the dock, the bluetooth is worth it.
JanetPanic said:
I like google's dock because I do not have to mate it with the USB port. So it is easier to just drop in and let it charge. If you want to be able to listen to music at your desk this is a good option.
OTOH the Innodock Jr. is set up to allow it to dock even if the phone is in a skin/case. The port is jointed to it moves back to rest against the dock but I would not call the mount firm. The benefit of the Innodock is it can be connected to your computer. This way the phone is upright while I am coding with it, which is easier than letting it lie on the desk.
I am hesitant to recommend the holster and case given the problems I have had with the bare phone holster. I seem to be the only one having the problem though so I would not let my experience dissuade you if protecting the phone with a case is a priority for you.
I would go with the google dock if you do not care about being plugged into your computer while docked. If you do want to be connected then I would go with the innodock jr. and an innocase, but no holster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
What problem did you have with the holster?
laljr203 said:
The Google Desktop is way better, i plugged it on my stereo and i have the Bluetooth on Nexus One Dock and i listen to my music or pandora without leaving my phone on the dock. i can change the songs with my N1 in my hand in 1 room and have it playing in the stereo in another. go with the dock, the bluetooth is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a really cool feature I didn't know about
if the google dock did data x'fer then i'd buy it.
Huey85 said:
if the google dock did data x'fer then i'd buy it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not the only one that feels that way... but to be honest, how hard is it to plug into your computer with the usb cable and drag and drop files?
anthro said:
What problem did you have with the holster?
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Click to collapse
Every time I put the phone in the holster it turns the screen on. Again it is not something anyone else has reported though.
uansari1 said:
You're not the only one that feels that way... but to be honest, how hard is it to plug into your computer with the usb cable and drag and drop files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but is the ability to play music from your phone worth the additional cost? My computer already has all my music and I can kick up pandora on the computer as easily as on the N1. It is a nice feature I grant, but I still find myself wishing the dock had skipped the bluetooth and cost less.
The lack of USB connector on the Google dock makes sense if you think about it. Google sees the cloud as the place for synchronization. So the dock reflects the lack of need for connection to the computer as a principal activity.
JanetPanic said:
Every time I put the phone in the holster it turns the screen on. Again it is not something anyone else has reported though.
True, but is the ability to play music from your phone worth the additional cost? My computer already has all my music and I can kick up pandora on the computer as easily as on the N1. It is a nice feature I grant, but I still find myself wishing the dock had skipped the bluetooth and cost less.
The lack of USB connector on the Google dock makes sense if you think about it. Google sees the cloud as the place for synchronization. So the dock reflects the lack of need for connection to the computer as a principal activity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also a good point... I don't have cable, so I use an s-video into my bigscreen from my laptop, and my audio to my surround sound system. My primary interest in the dock was as a nightstand dock... similar to how the Droid's dock works. Their dock runs $30. I'd jump on a similar device for our phone in a second.
I wouldn't get the Seido dock for the simple reason that it only charges via usb. Remember, the Nexux One charges at 480mA from USB and at 980mA from the supplied charger. So this dock will take literally twice as long to charge your phone.
It all depends on what you wanna use it for, like for me, the Bluetooth is completely useless, I will never use my phone to listen to music in my room, its always through my computer which is connected to the surround sound. I only want a dock to use as a night stand and for the comfort of simply not connecting the usb cable everytime. So once someone (Our chinese friends )make a dock that only does that, I will buy it right away and it will probably cost like 10 Bucks only. So yea like someone else here mentioned, I wish they would have skipped the bluetooth option.
uansari1 said:
You're not the only one that feels that way... but to be honest, how hard is it to plug into your computer with the usb cable and drag and drop files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not hard. But to me, it's a matter of personal preference and convenience. I wouldn't be using the dock to BT audio.
For me, it'd be a more useful dock if it could charge and sync data. BT is just a bonus..
Huey85 said:
It's not hard. But to me, it's a matter of personal preference and convenience. I wouldn't be using the dock to BT audio.
For me, it'd be a more useful dock if it could charge and sync data. BT is just a bonus..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then it sounds like Seidio's dock is exactly what you're looking for.
I'm loving this little dock; it's very minimalist, shows off the phone nicely, charges quickly, and is integrated into the phone quite well.
I really like the options you have with the clock app; being able to drag the notifications bar down, shortcuts to music, gallery, home and alarms, super dim the screen, and weather.
When you leave it in the clock app for a bit, the screen turns to a digital clock, android green! I love that. A bit of a screen saver too. The hard buttons don't turn off though - not a big deal, just sort of hmm...strange?
I love listening to music on my computer's speakers via the bluetooth in the dock. The auto pairing is very neat, and happened flawlessly. You can still listen to music even if the phone is out of the dock, just manually connect to the dock in bluetooth settings. You can walk around with the phone in your hands, adjusting volume, changing songs, or even programs to play music.
My only real gripe is I wish the dock extended up behind the phone more, as if you tap the screen a little too hard, it has the propensity to fall out of the dock. Not a huge deal, since bluetooth is built in though.
All in all, I'm impressed, and quite content with my dock.
I would like to see the release of a dock that allows the phone to rest in landscape mode. This would be great since I prefer this view when viewing the clock and looks perfect on the night stand. Currently I just prop the N1 up against my lamp.
I do like the fact that Google's dock has BT which like others have stated is great for listening to music without leaving the phone docked. Not everyone's cup of tea, but if you have a good amount of music on your phone this is a plus. As for this docks lack of USB; it is a bit disappointing, but I've paired my N1 to my laptop and that's worked fine for now. Any real work I do to it is mostly at work via USB anyway.
Now I have seen an N1 dock somewhere that supports a spare battery ... lost the link so I can't share that. Though the battery life on the N1 has been great for me I wouldn't mind having a spare and being able to charge the device and an extra battery all at once.
Is it possible to do data transfer over bluetooth if your computer has bluetooth?
laztpn0i said:
Is it possible to do data transfer over bluetooth if your computer has bluetooth?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as u can mount your SD card, it should be possible.
Hi there,
can anybody tell me if the power adapter for the dock is 100 - 240V, please?
Thanks a lot
ditsch said:
Hi there,
can anybody tell me if the power adapter for the dock is 100 - 240V, please?
Thanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed it is.
A little late my answer, but thanks a lot
I have to be honest I am not impressed with the dock... sure it looks nice and the bluetooth streaming is cool but even if mine worked perfectly (It seems to be faulty as it won't charge unless I wiggle the phone around and then stops after 10 seconds)
- the phone slips out if I touch it anywhere - it must be the most unsafe dock ever. Forget using the phone in the dock. It won't stay in it if you press it....

[Q] Docking station?

Does anyone know if the HTC Desire Z support a proper docking station like the Motorola Milestone does?
I've bought some cheapo dock off Amazon, and it charges the phone fine, but there doesn't seem to be a special dock mode like the Milestone had (it used to know it was in the dock by rotating the screen and acting like a Desk Clock). Strangely, the desire Z has a desk clock app, but the app doesn't automatically start, nor does it use landscape mode unless you open the keyboard.
This could either be because its a cheapo dock or the desire Z just lacks the magnetic switch to tell the phone that it's in a dock. Anyone know?
Which dock did you purchase? I haven't been able to find any on Amazon specifically for the Desire Z (tried searching as the G2 also). I have seen a few different ones on Ebay but they all look cheap and are coming from overseas...
It's this one:
w w w . a m a z o n . c o . u k /gp/product/B004AH22NC/ref=oss_product
(sorry, newbies can't post proper links)
It has one captive USB cable that goes to your computer, then a micro-USB socket that connects to your charger. It looks pretty cheap and nasty and doesn't completely surround the side of the Desire Z, so you have to 'aim' it onto the USB connector that sticks out of the base.
It's ok, but not great.
That looks just like the ones that are being sold on Ebay. Price is about the same but they are shipping from Hong Kong...
Tbh, it's a bit rubbish. I just found out that if I have it plugged into both a computer (for syncing) and the charger (for charging when my computer is off at night), it will get confused and won't send any power to the phone (the amber/green LED isn't turned). It also causes my computers bios to hang for 10-15 seconds when it boots.
I wouldn't recommend getting it. Hopefully someone makes a better dock
Thanks for the heads up as I was considering ordering one for myself (would take 2-3 weeks to get here anyhow). I'm sure its only a matter of time until someone makes a more official one for the G2 or the Desire Z.
yesterday i recieved the docking station from Ebay
: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250725370529 :
Quality is awesome, long cable.. fits perfect on my desk.. if you search for a dockingstation i recomen this 1.
Ordered the one in Roachie's post.
Now waiting for it
some pics:
@sergioka: Are you satisfied with build quality and overall impression?
It has a good quality,
but it was a little bit hard to put the device on it, because of the usb connector.
You should put the docking station on a higher place to look on the display, the device looks only to one direction, to the front.
bye,
sergioka
here, with the Zee on it:
added info:
The LEDs are very bright
Got mine today and I'm satisfied with it, too. Looks good, usb fits nicely into the Z, no wiggle or shaking. I just wish stock sense would landscape the home screen without having to open the keyboard.
BlackMountainCow said:
Got mine today and I'm satisfied with it, too. Looks good, usb fits nicely into the Z, no wiggle or shaking. I just wish stock sense would landscape the home screen without having to open the keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there not an option in the setting menu when you click on display
(eg.
Settings>Display>Auto Rotation)
BlackMountainCow said:
Got mine today and I'm satisfied with it, too. Looks good, usb fits nicely into the Z, no wiggle or shaking. I just wish stock sense would landscape the home screen without having to open the keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem with stock rom. Now, with CM, there's no problem
MacaronyMax said:
is there not an option in the setting menu when you click on display
(eg. Settings>Display>Auto Rotation)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The option is there, but to no avail. If I uncheck it, Sense won't turn to landscape at all. If I turn to landscape first and then uncheck it, Sense will return to vertical as well. I just don't see why Sense doesn't landscape when all lists, menus and apps do so automatically.
@sergioka A few questions about the dock:
1) I noticed on the back there is a micro USB as well as the USB lead comming out the unit. To charge the G2/DZ can you just plug the USB into the plug adaptor or do you have to use the supplied plug?
2) I noticed the spare battery port on the back, do you have to have a battery in there for the unit to charge or can you leave that unused?
3) Do you have to have the device open with the keyboard on show or will be work in the closed position?
4) And my long shot question, Does it automaticly start the clock app when you plug it in? (I can dream!)
Sorry to ask so many questions, its just I'm after a dock to put beside my bed so that i can use my G2 as my alarm clock etc.
Thanks in advance
Here are my answers
KarlosTheJackal said:
@sergioka A few questions about the dock:
1) I noticed on the back there is a micro USB as well as the USB lead comming out the unit. To charge the G2/DZ can you just plug the USB into the plug adaptor or do you have to use the supplied plug?
1) I only use USB
2) I noticed the spare battery port on the back, do you have to have a battery in there for the unit to charge or can you leave that unused?
2)You can leave it unused
3) Do you have to have the device open with the keyboard on show or will be work in the closed position?
3) You can close it, I only opened it for marketing reasons
4) And my long shot question, Does it automaticly start the clock app when you plug it in? (I can dream!)
4) Hmm, is there a menu where I can config such a thing? At this moment : no
Sorry to ask so many questions, its just I'm after a dock to put beside my bed so that i can use my G2 as my alarm clock etc.
Thanks in advance
No Problem mate! Hope it helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sergioka said:
Here are my answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like I'm ordering one of these! Thank you so much
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
KarlosTheJackal said:
@sergioka A few questions about the dock:
4) And my long shot question, Does it automaticly start the clock app when you plug it in? (I can dream!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use "Kaloer clock" for this purpose. You can configure it to automatically start upon charge and much more:

USB charger needs extras?!?!

Coming from the Iconia Tab A500 I do have some mixed feelings about the Iconia A700. The display is great, and the heat doesnt concern me to much, but the sometimes unresponiveness bothers me lots. Tried to bring up the recently used apps, it stutters, going back to the home page, it stutters. And I disabled the virusscanner and the Acer Ring and am using the Apex launcher.....
But this isnt my biggest problem with the A700, as I will be using it mostly for reading and watching movies, which it handles well. My biggest disappointment is not being able to use USB storage when charging the A700. Is someone in the know of a solution for that? Arent there USB-thingies which fit in the A700, and have 2 USB connectors, one for the charger, one for a USB-stick/USB-HD or whatever?
Would it be possible to create a thingy like that, or do they exist already, and if the answer is yes, will it make it possible to charge and use or a USB-stick, or a USB-HD at the same time?
Please, your ideas/thoughts/solutions for this.
Fully charged it can play movies for about 10 hours. So why recharging it while watching? Just do it before or afterwards.
I know I can do that, but that wasnt what I asked
So please, are there possibilities to do what I asked in my first post?
I just wonder why you try to construct problems, that don't really exist.
But looking at the special connector acer developed, I think there will be no accessory that will fullfil your needs.
Who says it is not a problem? My experience with batteries is, that they work great for a few months, after that their charge cycle gets dramatically worse. And I just want to be able to use a USB-stick while charging at the same time!
And I wonder why ACER made this decision, while it worked perfectly on the A500, so ACER had the knowlege to keep it like in the A500, or would it add t much to the price??? I wonder......
Anyway, on the A500 whenever I used it i had an USB-stick plugged in, when charging or not... Which is impossible now.... So, I understand it's not a problem for you, but it is a problem for me... Otherwise i just as well could have chosen a new IPad..... I want connections, many!
I can understand you to a certain point. I myself asked me why Acer did not chose a more standarized plug-in (like the round one nearly every notebook and many other small devices with external powersupply uses). But anyway I knew the downside before I orded it and can live with it.
Why don't you change from sticks to micro-sdcards? They are also cheap, smaller, hide in the tablet and you free up the micro-usb for the charger (and nothing is dangling around on the bottom). And there exists readers for micro-sdcards that you can use as an usb-stick on your normal computer or other devices.
Think about it instead of infinitly waiting for an other solution.
I understand what you say, and ofcourse it is not a showstopper for me. But it is annoying, I choose - my mistake - blind for the A700 because I was satisfied with the A500, and couldnt imagine ACER would make such a stupid decision to use the micro-USB port for the charger as well. If I had done my homework, and as of now I will, I would have bought the ASUS A700 with dock, speedier Tegra 3 and thanks to the dock better expansion-possibilities.
The Asus dock for the TF700 is not well designed. Don't laugh but it's too light . One user in the TF700 put the tab on his lap in his dock in opened position. Because of the unbalanced weights of those both parts it fell backwards of his lab on the ground. Now he has to use his insurance (luckily for him he has one).
So if you want to watch videos with this combination you either have to hold it or put something behind to prevent it falling back. Acer is not perfect neither it is Asus.
An alternative to access external memory while charging is to us MicroSD cards instead. The A700 can handle up to 32GB (maybe more), and you can just buy a tiny mem card reader to interface with a regular PC USB port.

Observations: Photon Q Vehicle Dock

I had a hard time finding any info about the car dock before I purchased one. So, here are a few things that may be of use to someone:
The included power adapter is rated at 750ma
The dock has 2x USB outputs, but at 750ma it's only just enough power to maintain GPS, Bluetooth, Backlight and a data connection (with semi-weak signal). Charging 2 phones at once isn't recommended.
The dock has an identifier so the phone knows that it's a vehicle dock (as opposed to my old Photon 4G)
When you first drop the phone into the dock, it asks you what kind of dock you are using. The Home dock does the same thing. It remembers each dock via a dock ID of some sort.
The dock fits the phone extremely well, best one I've had so far.
Better than the Droid 2 and Photon 4G. The Photon Q drops in with little effort and holds in place VERY well.
N1XRR said:
When you first drop the phone into the dock, it asks you what kind of dock you are using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't do that with me....but then I only have (and have only used) the car dock. Maybe it requires docking with both docks before it prompts you?
PythonFanTN said:
It doesn't do that with me....but then I only have (and have only used) the car dock. Maybe it requires docking with both docks before it prompts you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Possibly. It's been a few weeks since I first dropped the phone into the dock...
But, putting the phone into a new dock of the same type (at least the Home dock) prompts to request what type of dock is connected.
Anyone have any tips on where to find one under $50? I'm really missing having a good dock, but getting impatient for the price to go down.
benofilis said:
Anyone have any tips on where to find one under $50? I'm really missing having a good dock, but getting impatient for the price to go down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.neobits.com/motorola_kpm5778q_vehicle_navigation_dock_for_p4013180.html?atc=gbs&gclid=CPmvoK3grLMCFRRbnAodbDEA9g
That's where I got mine. Not less than $50 but right at it counting shipping.
Looking at picking up the Costco deal on the Pho Q with free car dock after MIR, and wanted to confirm - I'm guessing that you can't use the dock with a case on the phone, correct? Looks like it wouldn't slide in properly.
Anyone try the dock with one of those Skinz "cases" which are really more like full body screen protector films?
I can't say from personal experience that you can use it with a case (mainly because I don't use cases nor have some little voice in my head compelling me that I absolutely must have one)....but I do know the dock comes with a little insert that you take out/don't use in the (no pun intended) 'case' of those who use cases.
cmags said:
Looking at picking up the Costco deal on the Pho Q with free car dock after MIR, and wanted to confirm - I'm guessing that you can't use the dock with a case on the phone, correct? Looks like it wouldn't slide in properly.
Anyone try the dock with one of those Skinz "cases" which are really more like full body screen protector films?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a plastic adapter that needs to be inserted in the dock for a "snug" fit. I suppose you could just leave the adapter off for a slightly looser fit and try it with the case on.
Thanks for the info. I've got mine ordered, and having not seen your replies, ordered one of those "full body screen protectors" to protect the sides of the phone so it would fit in the dock. But, if there's a removable insert to allow more room for a case, I may get an Otterbox. I'll have to see how much extra play room it comes with before committing to a case that may or may not fit.
Does the dock make the phone go in to vehicle mode? Is there a way to disable this so you can still fully operate the phone?
ericcire said:
Does the dock make the phone go in to vehicle mode? Is there a way to disable this so you can still fully operate the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does make it go into vehicle mode, but that doesn't change all that much. It just launches a custom launcher app with large horizontal icons and sets up bluetooth (if you want the app to do that) and audio-out to the dock. It also has a page of customizable launcher buttons, which is a big step up from other "Car Home" apps.
You can get back to the regular homescreen by just hitting the regular home button.
You could probably also use something like Tasker to customize what happens when you put it in the dock. (I use Tasker to explicitly launch the vehicle home app, because I want the audio out, *then* launch my audiobook app)
Has anyone tested mass storage access in the vehicle dock? Mine won´t work. The phone charges but the alpine headunit says no usb-device. With the same cable without the dock between the usb cable and the phone it works well.
....i have tested it on sony radio - it works, but on blaupunkt no - no media detected
I have had both the photon 4g and the lte with docks and i thought the old one was a bit better built but the new one does fit well. On mine whenever you hit the home button when in the dock it went to car home not your normal home screen but if you run a third party launcher you can change that. I noticed that the charger that comes with it doesnt always have enough juice to charge it if you are in an area of weak signal with gps running so i swapped the charger with a 2A one that i used for my tablet. Never have a problem now and my phone will go from 70% batter to almost full in my 30 min drive home from work.
Hope it helps.
I thought I might ask here before opening a new thread.... Anyone know what protective cases are compatible with the dock?
I (like many) prefer otterbox cases. But with my last phone the Otterbox case blocked the data connector to the vehicle dock.
Anyone tried the otterbox case with the dock? or any recommendations for other cases that ARE vehicle dock compatible?
pir8man said:
I thought I might ask here before opening a new thread.... Anyone know what protective cases are compatible with the dock?
I (like many) prefer otterbox cases. But with my last phone the Otterbox case blocked the data connector to the vehicle dock.
Anyone tried the otterbox case with the dock? or any recommendations for other cases that ARE vehicle dock compatible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ottorbox is very tight even without the adapter plate (taking it out allows for a fatter phone) and the rubber flap blocks the ports and you cant fold it back or it doesnt fit...
Sent from my XT897 using xda premium
Mordannon said:
On mine whenever you hit the home button when in the dock it went to car home not your normal home screen but if you run a third party launcher you can change that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the newest/JB build, there's actually 2 home buttons...the middle right one goes back to vehicle dock home, but you can press the one on the lower lefthand corner to go back to regular phone home.
I am thinking about getting this phone ,I saw I another thread that the droid 3 desk dock works well withthis phone ,so would the droid 3 car dock also work?
Sent from my Droid 3 using xda app-developers app
Can anyone tell me if this dock's ability to launch the "car mode" is available in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod? I.e. is there custom software needed to enable this functionality, or is it part of stock Android?
Speedraca said:
Can anyone tell me if this dock's ability to launch the "car mode" is available in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod? I.e. is there custom software needed to enable this functionality, or is it part of stock Android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ability is there, the car mode is detected and signalled properly in CM10.1, but there is no car home/launcher app installed as part of pure AOSP/CM jellybean system installation - you have to install some car home app from play market so it's launched automatically when the phone enters the car dock.

[Q] Noob here, Is the Keyboard necessary?

I just sent the Acer Iconia a700 back to Amazon because of the over heating issue. I am afraid of the long term effects on the internal components. I ordered the Infinity TF700 but not the mobile docking station (KB). The primary reason is the money I had to pay for the TF700 and the WOF (Wife Outrage Factor). The tab itself is $120.00 more than the Acer and could not justify a KB (another $120.00)at this time. I know the Dock offers more functionality to the tab ie;longer battery time, additional usb port, etc. but do I really need the KB to enjoy the TF700? I have never used a external KB with my other tabs only the virtual one. Thanks
lartomar2002 said:
I just sent the Acer Iconia a700 back to Amazon because of the over heating issue. I am afraid of the long term effects on the internal components. I ordered the Infinity TF700 but not the mobile docking station (KB). The primary reason is the money I had to pay for the TF700 and the WOF (Wife Outrage Factor). The tab itself is $120.00 more than the Acer and could not justify a KB (another $120.00)at this time. I know the Dock offers more functionality to the tab ie;longer battery time, additional usb port, etc. but do I really need the KB to enjoy the TF700? I have never used a external KB with my other tabs only the virtual one. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my opinion, the greatest advantage vs external keyboard is the extra battery and using it at a stand. The extra battery will give you a full day of usage with out charging. If most of the time you have a place to plug in your device and not mind to hold the tablet then an external keyboard should be fine. I personally think it worth it, specially I watch a lot of movies and enjoy the additional power from the dock keyboard.
lartomar2002 said:
I just sent the Acer Iconia a700 back to Amazon because of the over heating issue. I am afraid of the long term effects on the internal components. I ordered the Infinity TF700 but not the mobile docking station (KB). The primary reason is the money I had to pay for the TF700 and the WOF (Wife Outrage Factor). The tab itself is $120.00 more than the Acer and could not justify a KB (another $120.00)at this time. I know the Dock offers more functionality to the tab ie;longer battery time, additional usb port, etc. but do I really need the KB to enjoy the TF700? I have never used a external KB with my other tabs only the virtual one. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sent my A700 back for the overheat thing too...
I didn't get the keyboard dock mainly because I always hold the tab in portrait unless watching TV or forced into landscape by an app.
The dock would be a nice addition tho.
I have a dock. Is it necessary for me? Not at all. Do I use it? Maybe once a month but....
When travelling it's a life saver :laugh:
I love the keyboard. It's great when you want to extend your battery. It's also easier to use the device while the charger is plugged in.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW
The keyboard dock has a couple of advantages:
- Day extra battery charge (charges when the tablet is not in use, as well)
- USB (Main pro! Extra storage options!)
- SD slot
- Stand
- Keyboard can be used to control the apps (i.e. spacebar for pause)
- Screen protection during travel and storage (Closes like a laptop).
It depends on what you want to do with it.
Do you only browse websites?
Only play a few games like Angry Birds?
Watch a few photos?
Do you only use it at home?
Do you only read a few book son it every now and then?
Nothing more?
Don't get the dock, it's not worth it.
Do you play Games? The big ones? (The dock serves as a stand+extra battery, which is nice since you can connect a controller to the tab.)
Do you watch films and entire series?
Are you on the road a lot?
Do you intend to write entire documents?
Do you require more storage space/an USB port?
Do you need/want the extra protection whilst travelling?
Get the dock.

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