Update:
Crowd funding campaign is online:
www.startnext.de/en/andock
Hello everyone,
Today I would like to ask you about your opinion on my self-developed Nexus 4 Dock. First, I wanted to develop the station just for me, because I couldn’t find a Nexus 4 docking station that really fits my needs. Now I’m thinking about starting my own crowd funding campaign with this station. I already got some positive feedback on the German website android-hilfe.de.
The features of my docking station are:
- SlimPort included
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
- Display in widescreen format unlike the usual docking stations
- NFC-Tag
- cube shape design
- Docking Station is weighted to provide more stability
I also created a website for this project: andock.com
What do you think? Would you be interested in such a station? Thank you for your opinion.
So here are some pictures:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
snapper.fishes said:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Noc2 said:
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I like it!
Does it charge the phone fast enough to gain a charge when outputting it to a TV? How about with Bluetooth on also for controllers and the like?
I agree that it would be nice to have it adjustable to fit other phones (and cases/bumpers). This might be the only phone with a Slimport, but who's to say other phones won't have them soon?
I agree the whole thing does look a little old school, but as long as its functional.
I would also prefer no LED light, but I might in the minority. I hate how everything in my home has a glow to it LOL.
Ultimately the biggest determining factor for me in buying something like this would be price.
Noc2 said:
Hello everyone,
<snip>
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
<snip>
So here are some pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an N4 owner I'm excited to see any development of nice quality support h/w.
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
mark398 said:
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can switch the fan on and off. Besides I got good results in tests with the fan on. If you run a lot of benchmarks in a row (especially while the Nexus 4 is charging and connected to a TV via bluetooth), you’ll experience a decrease of the benchmark score. The fan definitely reduces this issue. I will post some results in the next days.
I want to make the price as low as possible without any quality restrictions. It will be under 100 Euro.
Great to see people developing unique accessories for the Nexus 4, but for me this dock is just awkward.
The power switch should be replaced with something more modern, and the design should maybe better match the N4. Maybe a glossy black plastic and an led mounted under a more transparent plastic like the led on the N4 is mounted under the glass. Over all, I love the idea and would probably buy it even in its current state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app
I'd love it as a kit to put together myself and keep the cost down... already as an option.
100euros would be a bit steep imo. I can already get a dock for cheap.
Your slot should come with a way to accommodate cases too... atleast the bumper
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Your dock is interesting, but, unless you're a developer that needs a cable connection (in my opinion) it makes a lot more sense just to buy an Orb and be done with it. File transfers can be done with AirDroid (for example). Wireless charging on the Orb is just as fast as trough cable (I have one) and it doesn't have the hassle of connecting/disconnecting the cable itself.
For someone that really wants the cable connection, it's useful. The design, if you want to really produce it, I'd recommend you to make it in a way that you can plug-in most android phones with the usb dock on the bottom. Make it simpler, why leds, buttons and fan (sorry, but I really don't think you need a fan in it)? Otherwise, good work.
Hi, I don't own a nexus 4 but I'm intrigued with ur project. To me, the concept is nice: something minimalistic, able to cool down the phone and provide connectivity to another device (or computer). It'd be a good idea if u can make the cube have a glossy texture, like white or black because it will still look nice even if u don't want to smooth out the edges. Also, it would be nice if it can accommodate phones that have a screen size of 5" or more (perhaps a slightly bigger cube). Also, I think led is fine but the switch for the fan should be smaller, maybe something rounded like the buttons of the iPhone 5 or a power button of any android phone and can also disguise with the cube's color. I believe something like that would look really nice on any desk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
Thank you for your feedback. I take it seriously.
Here is the promised article about the fan of my docking station:
http://www.andock.com/2013/04/the-temperature-of-google-nexus-4-with.html
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
I'm intrigued. If this went to market I would be very tempted to buy. Could set it on my desk, hook up sixaxis controller and jam out a few games easily.
Sent from one device or another.
this is awesome man, i hope you can built more and can sell to us or me
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
irishrally said:
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s SLS.
I really liked it because of the structure of the material. It’s not like the usual plastic or FDM.
threeclaws said:
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
pnnorth said:
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's beta/developer hardware right now, the retail stuff will have to be better (they are planning on selling at BB/Amazon.) The software on the other hand...I already went through that once with the boxee box (solid hardware + crap software.)
Related
Am I the only one who noticed the charging port is located below the kickstand on the opposite of the hinge side?
That means no charging when placed on a table in landscape mode, wow really HTC, how did that pass design? should have been placed on the bottom or on the hinge side of the kickstand. Now we can't charge our phone while watching a movie, etc. while using the kickstand.
They want you to buy the dock apparently. At least mine works with the stand going upside down. Not ideal, but it does stay up
Didn't think about using it upside down, I guess that will work, still bad design. But you are probably right, done to make us buy the dock. Thanks
You could also do what a guy in the store when i went to play with one, who noticed this with the floor models said... just have it on the edge of a table? Also not ideal, but would keep you from dropping $$ on the dock option. But if your seriously using your phone to watch movies in a place where you can charge it/use the stand you might want to consider getting the dock. I see the main benefit of the stand/phone for movies is when your on the go and likely can't plug it in anyway.
Then again if I use as you described wouldn't the video be upside down? I don't think it rotates to landscape that way, unless I am missing something
No offense, but you seriously didnt know what was an issue before buying the phone? Not trying to be a jerk, but it was pointed out in each and every review I read of the device starting back at CES. It is to accomodate charging while in the multimedia dock.
Same complaint here! Anyone know if L-shaped power pigtail connectors are available?
It seems to be designed for left-handed people, well except for the kickstand.
boingboingbilly said:
No offense, but you seriously didnt know what was an issue before buying the phone? Not trying to be a jerk, but it was pointed out in each and every review I read of the device starting back at CES. It is to accomodate charging while in the multimedia dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I overlooked it, wasn't concerned with the kickstand when looking at all the specs, bottom line is we should be able to view landscape with kickstand while charging. bad design.
Hurray for smart thinking
a right angle microusb cord...can be found on amazon for under $10
edit: wow i cant even post the link or pictures cause i need a minimum of eight posts....
whatever im sure you can search amazon also
Debating on disregarding everything awesome about this phone because you can't charge and use the kickstand at the same time? Wow.
Design flaw probably not, just a compromise. If you look at the hinge side of the kickstand it goes in deeper into the phone probably causing the design not to have enough space for the usb... maybe they could have put it on the bottom but i'm sure there was a reason. I work with designers and they are quite thoroughl. And from the HTC team video for the thunderbolt those guys look like they know what they are doing. You could return it and not have LTE or wait for a phone with LTE and no kickstand. Pick your flavor
rich12313 said:
Hurray for smart thinking
a right angle microusb cord...can be found on amazon for under $10
edit: wow i cant even post the link or pictures cause i need a minimum of eight posts....
whatever im sure you can search amazon also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a right angle will reduce the offset, but it will still cause the phone to not set horizontally properly. Still gonna need something to prop up the other side of the phone.
You can always post a link without the http:// part, people can paste that into their browser.
been searching everywhere. Need a usb with a bend like this.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10419&cs_id=1041913&p_id=3733&seq=1&format=2
then it will be flatter than the other 90 degree cables
If I was a betting man I would say it is verizons fault. It seems like all of there recent phones have been like this. But maybe im wrong.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
1454 said:
If I was a betting man I would say it is verizons fault. It seems like all of there recent phones have been like this. But maybe im wrong.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon has no say in that.
I didn't realize it would block the kickstand until I tried it, so it's annoying but whatever. Just another silly decision like putting the kickstand in front of the speak. Stuuuuupid.
If the port wasn't there the dock would be harder to make (you wouldn't be able to just set it in the dock without plugging anything in), and if it was on the volume rocker side you wouldn't have access to those buttons while docked. So it was a design compromise and a design that gives people an incentive to buy the dock, which is a win for the manufacturer. HTC makes phones and accessories to make money, not to give us a free standup movie player or alarm clock. I guess they could have put the port on the back of the phone somewhere but that would look silly and you wouldn't be able to lay it down and charge. I bought the dock for my OG droid and it was well worth the money, I'll surely be buying the dock for my bolt when it's available.
Chadwickity said:
If the port wasn't there the dock would be harder to make (you wouldn't be able to just set it in the dock without plugging anything in), and if it was on the volume rocker side you wouldn't have access to those buttons while docked. So it was a design compromise and a design that gives people an incentive to buy the dock, which is a win for the manufacturer. HTC makes phones and accessories to make money, not to give us a free standup movie player or alarm clock. I guess they could have put the port on the back of the phone somewhere but that would look silly and you wouldn't be able to lay it down and charge. I bought the dock for my OG droid and it was well worth the money, I'll surely be buying the dock for my bolt when it's available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that makes sense, but HTC knows how to do docks right...look at the Nexus 1 and its dock (I have 2 of the docks). Separate charger pins that don't use the usb port (which is also a charger). Similar would have been a nice compromise.
If a kickstand was my main reason for purchasing this device, then I might consider a return. Sure, maybe it's a design flaw, but so far, if that's the only evil we have to deal with..
I'ma let you finish, but HTC makes the best 4G phones of all time.
..of all time.
All these little nit picky things confuse me, is someone actually buying this device to use as something other than a phone? Sure, it browses the internet, has 4g, checks facebook, takes nice pictures, is really fast, but I am sure the **** not sending a video out to my tv, or streaming to videos or you tube to my tv , or trying to play "real" video games, that is why I have a laptop or home pc, it's a phone. I must be confused.
fillyo said:
All these little nit picky things confuse me, is someone actually buying this device to use as something other than a phone? Sure, it browses the internet, has 4g, checks facebook, takes nice pictures, is really fast, but I am sure the **** not sending a video out to my tv, or streaming to videos or you tube to my tv , or trying to play "real" video games, that is why I have a laptop or home pc, it's a phone. I must be confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Phone first everything else second. The kickstand isnt designed so you can watch full fledged movies. It is made for occassional use. If it really bothers you...buy the dock or return the TB and get Samsung Stealth which dont even have a kickstand.
Looks freaking sweet.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/29/this-is-the-asus-padfone/#bXpulseX
That bulge in the back after docking is gonna feel weird.
i dont think so. i bet the phone gunna be light as a feather, but then again no one knows what ASUS has up there sleave untill tomorrow when they give a full preview on it
pics of the intire unit next to a transformer
http://androidcommunity.com/asus-padfone-press-photos-full-view-breaking-leak-20110529/
That looks odd. And heavy.
I think it's brilliant.
Hum, not really seeing the utility, should just get the phone you want, the tablet you want and then, invest in a good syncing apps? looks weird too...
I like the way it looks, I for one love this idea cause I'm always misplacing my phone and I'd rather have all my info and apps in 1 device, for instance if you're playing a game on the go, and you come home, you can plug it into the dock and play the same game, instead of having 2 different devices. I think it looks better than the TF. My only concern is price. Cause I don't really care about it being 1 mm thinner than an iPad or 1 mm thicker, unless its 2 inches thicker, I don't care, also don't care too much about weight as long as its under 2.5lbs. As long as it has a quality build, and the price isn't way out there than I am very interested in this.
eviltuna said:
I like the way it looks, I for one love this idea cause I'm always misplacing my phone and I'd rather have all my info and apps in 1 device, for instance if you're playing a game on the go, and you come home, you can plug it into the dock and play the same game, instead of having 2 different devices. I think it looks better than the TF. My only concern is price. Cause I don't really care about it being 1 mm thinner than an iPad or 1 mm thicker, unless its 2 inches thicker, I don't care, also don't care too much about weight as long as its under 2.5lbs. As long as it has a quality build, and the price isn't way out there than I am very interested in this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We dont know if the phone is going to be supplying the gpu and cpu just yet. I bet the tab will work with out the phone and cost 400$ and plugging in an optional phone will do sonething else to the tablet.
I'm also glad there focus is not all on how thin it is like samsung. Rather waist time on being diffrent than looking at apples notes and ideas to copy.
Perhaps the tablet works by itself, but popping in the phone provides 3G/4G connectivity and phone functionality (e.g., SMS, voicemail, taking calls through the tablet). If they went crazy and made it compatible with the Transformer dock, I'd be sold. Doesn't look like they did, however.
Very cool concept. Looks like Asus is working hard to be the real innovator in this new space.
There's no latching points on either of two longer sides, so no, it looks like it's not compatible with the Transformer's dock. That's a really pity, because I'd love a phone/tablet/netbook all-in-one. Having said that, I think something like that would be more suited to a Tegra 3 chip.
i think its a great look, use the phone for daily use pop in in a tab for leasure and movie watching and news reading. I mean come on no crazy latch on keyboard like the motorola atrix <--huge fail. If your gonna do a phone slash tab all in one this is the way to do it.
to bad the phone's not on the bottom of a keyboard dock for the TF
bill_d said:
to bad the phone's not on the bottom of a keyboard dock for the TF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wouldn't make much sence imo . Then your forced to carry everything to use the phone function
Not seeing a dock connector at the bottom. Shame. Bit of a waste. But I'd never buy a slate phone anyway regardless of its docking options.
Although I admire their innovation given that a lot of android devices end up the same, I think it looks dire. That bulge at the back sucks. The fact that your phone will be stuck in the tablet when you get a call sucks as well. Also I highly doubt this tablet is going to be running honeycomb, as it will almost certainly run from the phone's hardware, and that in itself is reason enough not to buy one if you ask me. I imagine it will end up being 2.2/2.3 with custom ui over the top like on the prototype transformer. Just my guess though.
cowballz69 said:
pics of the intire unit next to a transformer
http://androidcommunity.com/asus-padfone-press-photos-full-view-breaking-leak-20110529/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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case0 said:
Although I admire their innovation given that a lot of android devices end up the same, I think it looks dire. That bulge at the back sucks. The fact that your phone will be stuck in the tablet when you get a call sucks as well. Also I highly doubt this tablet is going to be running honeycomb, as it will almost certainly run from the phone's hardware, and that in itself is reason enough not to buy one if you ask me. I imagine it will end up being 2.2/2.3 with custom ui over the top like on the prototype transformer. Just my guess though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U won't know yet till tomorrow yep
I used to live in the bay area back before cell towers provided internet service and we had to use these cool custom radios that were about the size of a walki-talkie to get our mobile internet. Our solution for integrating the mobile internet to our laptops was this really sweet invention called Velcro... I'm thinking if the folks at Asus had seen my 2001 laptop they might have opted for Velcro too instead of adding a glove box to a tablet.
Tf2 is rumored to release soon,
Will you upgrade?
If not what kind of price spec / dimension, thickness of the new tf would make you do it?
To me if they keep the same price, better camera, better speaker, as thin as galaxy tab 10.1 then SOLD
!!
i probably wouldn't, the next tablet i want to get would be a win8 tablet, not sure if i want an arm or x86 processor yet...
so, a TF2 that runs win8 would be something i would consider.
BUT, if i could sell my TF and get a TF2 for like ~$100 i would probably bite, ICS would have to be something FAR more cohesive and polished though.
only if they make a TF2 that supports the current docking.
I paid $170 for the docking, tax+shipping.
No way I would buy another Transformer if they make a new docking for every upgrade.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
myamex said:
only if they make a TF2 that supports the current docking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they already announced it would be compatible with the existing dock...which suggests it will have the same thickness as the current model in order to fit in the slot...or it will have a "bulge" in the back if it needs to be thicker to accommodate the new tech.
I've recently aquired a TF101-B1/32GB model as an upgrade/replacement to my 1015PE EeePC. Software wise the only stuff I could aim for improvements, can be done with OTA updates or ROMs. Hardware wise, unless the battery life goes up to like 4x, what improvements we can expect in terms of CPU/RAM/Storage are just not worth it to me.
So I'm sticking with my Andrea
My TF1 now is enough for me .
i would upgrade. Win 8 is going to support Kal El chipset. ICS + Win8 + awesome hardware? Yes please. The trusty TF will go to my wife and get her off my equipment
I will probably not upgrade. I love my TF, and the only thing I would want would be a dual boot with win8, so IF it supports the current dock, AND it gets a dual win8 boot then I would consider it. Otherwise I will probably wait for the next chipset and skip the kal-el.
ExploreMN said:
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they already announced it would be compatible with the existing dock...which suggests it will have the same thickness as the current model in order to fit in the slot...or it will have a "bulge" in the back if it needs to be thicker to accommodate the new tech.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am thinking they might come out with an adaptor,
but rumors are the TF2 is thinner/lighter than Ipad2.
Only if it had at least several of the following changes:
* Significantly faster while retaining similar battery life -or- similar speed with a significant improvement in battery life
* Equal or better screen with less glossy finish
* A better microphone and (less important to me) speakers
* FM radio receiver (it's already in the current chipset, just not enabled and I'm guessing not the correct antenna type to support it)
* Faster GPS lock, since Android seems to have to start over from scratch on the GPS lock every time you leave the GPS-aware app and reenter
* Better wi-fi range / less dropouts
* Support for dual-boot to some other more fully-featured OS (Windows, Linux, whatever)
Thinner is utterly unimportant to me. I wouldn't want to have to buy my dock all over again (well, I have two tablets and two docks, so twice all over again). I don't see them making an adapter as it'd be too kludgy, so the only way it'll be thinner is if it has an unsightly bulge for the dock, or requires an entirely new dock. Size and weight are already near-perfect for me.
I will in the interim, but looking forward to W8.
I believe the dock can be modified easily for a thinner tab. If you've ever looked at your dock, you'll notice the hinge is attached with screws, making switching to another hinge adapter very easy.
EMINENT1 said:
I will in the interim, but looking forward to W8.
I believe the dock can be modified easily for a thinner tab. If you've ever looked at your dock, you'll notice the hinge is attached with screws, making switching to another hinge adapter very easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is absolutely zero chance they're going to put out an adapter that requires customers to dissassemble the existing hinge section, even just by removing four screws. If there's an adapter of any kind, it will sit inside the existing hinge assembly.
That said, I would happily place a bet that there will be no such adapter at all. If Asus had intended to accomodate slimmer tablets with the same dock, they've have provisioned an adapter with some kind of easily-removable docking plate in the first place.
My guess is either the followup will be the same thickness, or it'll be incompatible with the existing accessories. (And given that other than the dock, basically none of the promised accessories are available even this long after launch, I'm tending towards the latter.)
Asus has so far failed to build up the ecosystem that Transformer owners were led to believe was on the way, and that suggests to me that they've pushed delivery of that ecosystem back to their second-gen product, if at all. The only reason to do that is if it's no longer compatible with the first generation.
Also, note that while you can remove the inner trim piece by removing four screws (and perhaps the two star-shaped screws in the outside of the hinge, although I'm guessing those mate into the combined latch mechanism / tablet jack assembly), this doesn't remove the hinge itself. Its outer dimensions are still dictated by the thickness of the current tablet. Hence, even if they offered an adapter of some kind, it would leave a large, unsightly bulge on the back of a thinner tablet when docked. (All of the slack has to be taken up behind the tablet, because the tablet itself has to be flush with the dock when closed, meaning that any reduction in thickness of the tablet will leave the hinge mechanism standing proud of the tablet's back surface by the same amount, beyond what it already does with the existing tablet.)
Sorry. With the newer Transformers locked down I have to believe the next gen will be as well. As much as I like my TF, I will be switching to a more open manufacturer. I'm not paying $500+ to be locked out of my own device.
Add another vote for Windows 8 instead. My TF1 will continue to do work as a dev test platform for Android.
Everything I do works just fine on my current TF. Unless there are things that the TF2 does that my current one cant, and it were things I would do, then yeah I would buy the TF2.
But if not, then I will keep my TF until it stops doing what I want it to do..
I'd buy it only with an unlocked bootloader. A stock machine is 50% useless.
knoxploration said:
There is absolutely zero chance they're going to put out an adapter that requires customers to dissassemble the existing hinge section, even just by removing four screws. If there's an adapter of any kind, it will sit inside the existing hinge assembly.
That said, I would happily place a bet that there will be no such adapter at all. If Asus had intended to accomodate slimmer tablets with the same dock, they've have provisioned an adapter with some kind of easily-removable docking plate in the first place.
My guess is either the followup will be the same thickness, or it'll be incompatible with the existing accessories. (And given that other than the dock, basically none of the promised accessories are available even this long after launch, I'm tending towards the latter.)
Asus has so far failed to build up the ecosystem that Transformer owners were led to believe was on the way, and that suggests to me that they've pushed delivery of that ecosystem back to their second-gen product, if at all. The only reason to do that is if it's no longer compatible with the first generation.
Also, note that while you can remove the inner trim piece by removing four screws (and perhaps the two star-shaped screws in the outside of the hinge, although I'm guessing those mate into the combined latch mechanism / tablet jack assembly), this doesn't remove the hinge itself. Its outer dimensions are still dictated by the thickness of the current tablet. Hence, even if they offered an adapter of some kind, it would leave a large, unsightly bulge on the back of a thinner tablet when docked. (All of the slack has to be taken up behind the tablet, because the tablet itself has to be flush with the dock when closed, meaning that any reduction in thickness of the tablet will leave the hinge mechanism standing proud of the tablet's back surface by the same amount, beyond what it already does with the existing tablet.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol! Such a long winded post. I merely stated how easy it is to take off the back part of the hinge and you're making it sound as impossible as time travel. 2 screws, and replace. Done.
Now, whether they choose this easy route, make the tab the same thickness (at least at the bottom) or go with a **** move by renigging on what they said about being compatible, is anyone's guess and pure speculation right now.
The fact is, I don't really care. I don't mind jumping ship if they don't make it compatible. I'm looking forward to the next greatest thing with W8.
Definitely planning to acquire TF2 with Android as a first tablet. No Microsoft [email protected] aka Windows8 for me plus it's immature and won't be ready until later in 2012.
Ill buy it porbably after 5 to6 months after release as i did it with the tf 1.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
kal-el seems to be over hyped :/ and now we get other quad's from qualcomm etc might as well wait and after the smoke clears re evaluate our options :/ prices will drop and specs will rise eventually
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cellinnovations/synergy-worlds-best-wireless-smartphone-charger
niccuany said:
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: ...
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This idea looks perfect !
I rly have trouble to buy car dock for my S4, before samsung, i was using htc sensation, with original car dock and its was pretty cool, just plug phone in dock and its going to automobile mode and charges? now i dont know what to do with S4 i havent seen any car dock like i have with HTC...
Synergy looks perfect solution of my problem, but price...
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
swieder711 said:
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
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Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
eortizr said:
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
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I don't think a magnet would be strong enough to hold the phone to the base. Someone said it was magnet + micro-suction. I thought $95 was only the kickstarter promotional price with full retail at $125.
At this point let's wait to hear first hand accounts from users. If it gets funded, has rave reviews and can hold the phone with an Otterbox or UAG case then I will get one.
9 days left with $120K still needed. That's over 1000 more backers needed!
I wonder if this project will get funded.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Update 16-10-13: Pictures of the new prototype
Hi,
I’d like to know your opinion about my current prototype of a Qi Charger. Your feedback would be helpful for me, before I spend more money and time on improving the station.
I started developing this along with my first dock AnDock, but I stopped because I wanted to focus on AnDock first.
The main features of this docking station are:
-Wireless charging
-made of steel, so it’s heavy and stable (More typical for a German engineer then 3d printing )
-Nano suction, so it grips the phone in every position
Thank you,
David
Gotta say: this looks really cool. I probably wouldn't end up buying it (unless its <30€), but not because there's something I dislike about it, but I'm just a poor student
I really like the idea though, and the design is nice and minimalistic as well. One large question from people would probably be if it works with a case, and if so, with which cases (I assume it would need a smooth back?)
Pretty nice... perhaps some type of rubber on the bottom, so it will not slide on slippery surfaces like glass.
jpde said:
Gotta say: this looks really cool. I probably wouldn't end up buying it (unless its <30€), but not because there's something I dislike about it, but I'm just a poor student
I really like the idea though, and the design is nice and minimalistic as well. One large question from people would probably be if it works with a case, and if so, with which cases (I assume it would need a smooth back?)
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Thank you.
It also works with cases and the case doesn't need to have a smooth back (see picture).
surtrafl said:
Pretty nice... perhaps some type of rubber on the bottom, so it will not slide on slippery surfaces like glass.
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At the moment I am using felt, but felt slides on slippery surfaces like glass.
After reading your response I instantly bought some rubber. I will try this in the next few days.
Thank you.
Hi there David!
I an really happy to see someone is trying to make a decent (actually, from the prototype photos, I would say more than decent) WiFi stand. I just wonder how easy/difficult is to put and remove the phone from the stand?
SacredAce said:
Hi there David!
I an really happy to see someone is trying to make a decent (actually, from the prototype photos, I would say more than decent) WiFi stand. I just wonder how easy/difficult is to put and remove the phone from the stand?
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The station is quite stable because it is made of steal and therefore a bit heavy. So it's really easy to put and remove the phone.
Noc2 said:
The station is quite stable because it is made of steal and therefore a bit heavy. So it's really easy to put and remove the phone.
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Thanks for the fast answer! Can you reveal any of the specs? Just how heavy is the base? Is it possible to take the phone off with one hand? Also, the micro suction material looks quite interesting, what is it?
I like that it is essentially a universal stand (works with all Qi compatible devices) and I hope the price will be good
SacredAce said:
Thanks for the fast answer! Can you reveal any of the specs? Just how heavy is the base? Is it possible to take the phone off with one hand? Also, the micro suction material looks quite interesting, what is it?
I like that it is essentially a universal stand (works with all Qi compatible devices) and I hope the price will be good
Click to expand...
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At the moment it's just a prototype. So I am still testing different materials and Qi-Chargers.
Depending on the final size the weight could be up to 1 kilo (probably less). This prototype weighs 300 gramm, but I think I make it a lit bit bigger so it will work with all kinds of tablets as well.
You can definitely take the phone off with one hand. The pad is similar to this one, but I am also still testing different materials. You can also take the pad off and wash it or change it.
So if you know a really nice nano suction pad, rubber or qi-charger just tell me about it
The Dock will be cheaper than the official Google charging orb (60 Euro).
Looks cool! I remember your andock project was pretty interesting too. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with. Best of luck!
Very Nice
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
any idea about prices, dates?
Seriously, that looks great. The only thing i would add would be like a brushed aluminum finish. Other than that, take my money!
Looks cool!
Beamed from my Maguro
Not sure if it would be possible, but I'd love to have an NFC tag built in so I can programme behaviours to be triggered...
Big_Lee said:
Not sure if it would be possible, but I'd love to have an NFC tag built in so I can programme behaviours to be triggered...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4
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It's not possible to place the nfc-tag directly on the qi charger but I will see what I can do. It's still an early prototype. I'm also thinking of making the station round and maybe with a kind of changeable mechanical hold. Those nano suction pads are still not perfect and you must clean them from time to time.
Noc2 said:
It's not possible to place the nfc-tag directly on the qi charger but I will see what I can do. It's still an early prototype. I'm also thinking of making the station round and maybe with a kind of changeable mechanical hold. Those nano suction pads are still not perfect and you must clean them from time to time.
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Why not? I put one right on my wireless charger.. also Big_Lee, thats something you could always do yourself afterwards, since NFC tags are only a couple of bucks anyways..
vikramkhalsa said:
Why not? I put one right on my wireless charger.. also Big_Lee, thats something you could always do yourself afterwards, since NFC tags are only a couple of bucks anyways..
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The nfc chip didn’t work properly for me, because of the electric field of the qi charger. What kind of nfc chips are you using on your wireless charger?
Hi,
Any news on this project ?
When should it be available (approximately ?).
What is the expected price tag ? 10-30 ? 30-50 ? 50-75 ? 75 and up ?
Hope to hear from you soon as I am looking for a Qi charger that works well and is nice... most of them do neither #1 nor #2 !
Regards.
NexusPenguin
I hope the end product won't be angled. Could cause problems with a case. Less looks superb! This is a look everyone will like.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app