Any desktop dock recommendations? - Galaxy S 4 Accessories

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.

Related

Cheap Galaxy Tab Plus Accessories

I bought some cheap items off dx.com for my Galaxy Tab Plus (p6200)
These include:
Bluetooth headset
p6200 Case
OTG Cord
The bluetooth headset seems to work quite well, but it dosn't play music, etc. But it takes calls and voice quality is respectable.
Also works with vlingo.
I am quite impressed with the case (I got the black one, though they do have clear cases). The holes are in the right places and the case covers over the edges of the phone (so if you drop it face down, it won't land on the screen but rather the edges of the case. The photos look worse than the actual covers - I would say the covers are a bit stylish.
The USB OTG cable also seems to work quite well. I tested a USB device and a mouse and both worked (but the hub didn't - but cheap hub...)
So all in all I'm impressed - Hope someone gets benefit from this.
hi there,
how much time did it take for the package to get to you?
it came with the normal post services?

Uses for keyboard dock other than typing

Just curious as to what other people use their keyboard dock for other than typing. Like, can it be used with any games such as first person shooters in combination with a usb mouse? Ive gotten some emulators to work. Also, i have a modified original xbox controller that i spliced a usb cable on the end of the cord. It works great on my pc as a controller. Anyone know what games might be compatible with that besides emulators?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
It works really well for playing SNES games on the SuperGNES emulator (Play Store).
I'm not sure about your modified Xbox controller, but I have an original wired Xbox controller that works immediately when I plug it into the dock. Of course, some games weren't made to support the controller, but the ones that do work very well.
keyboard dock
ooonimrodooo said:
Just curious as to what other people use their keyboard dock for other than typing. Like, can it be used with any games such as first person shooters in combination with a usb mouse? Ive gotten some emulators to work. Also, i have a modified original xbox controller that i spliced a usb cable on the end of the cord. It works great on my pc as a controller. Anyone know what games might be compatible with that besides emulators?
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt buy the the dock because I wanted a tablet not a notebook! The only good things about the dock is that you get extra battery life and a USB and a sd card slot! For me I bought the USB adapter and a hard case that came with a bluetooth keyboard, tablet stand for $50 plus a 6ft hdmi and a bluetooth mouse total cost for all was $80. And I also already had a xbox wired controller that hooks up to the usb adapter that i bought works without a hitch.
mrroguesr said:
I didnt buy the the dock because I wanted a tablet not a notebook! The only good things about the dock is that you get extra battery life and a USB and a sd card slot! For me I bought the USB adapter and a hard case that came with a bluetooth keyboard, tablet stand for $50 plus a 6ft hdmi and a bluetooth mouse total cost for all was $80. And I also already had a xbox wired controller that hooks up to the usb adapter that i bought works without a hitch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just wanted a tablet and not a notebook, why did you bother to get a case with a bluetooth keyboard?
Just because you have a keyboard dock, doesn't mean that you can't use the device as a tablet (that "reason" makes no sense, especially when you buy a bluetooth keyboard/case to use with the tablet!). It literally takes 2 seconds to un-dock it and use it as a "normal" tablet (much quicker than than getting a bluetooth keyboard connected).
Plus, it also acts as a case, a stand, an SD card reader, a USB hub, a trackpad and an extra battery! The keyboard dock is single best accessory that I've purchased for *any* device! It's a bargain @ $150, in my opinion.
Personally, if I wasn't interested in the keyboard dock, I probably would have purchased a different tablet alltogether... After all, that is one of the primary features of the Transformer series (and why they are named as such)!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
jtrosky said:
If you just wanted a tablet and not a notebook, why did you bother to get a case with a bluetooth keyboard?
Just because you have a keyboard dock, doesn't mean that you can't use the device as a tablet (that "reason" makes no sense, especially when you buy a bluetooth keyboard/case to use with the tablet!). It literally takes 2 seconds to un-dock it and use it as a "normal" tablet (much quicker than than getting a bluetooth keyboard connected).
Plus, it also acts as a case, a stand, an SD card reader, a USB hub, a trackpad and an extra battery! The keyboard dock is single best accessory that I've purchased for *any* device! It's a bargain @ $150, in my opinion.
Personally, if I wasn't interested in the keyboard dock, I probably would have purchased a different tablet alltogether... After all, that is one of the primary features of the Transformer series (and why they are named as such)!
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the case for travel and the keyboard and stand were part of it! It just sweetened the deal when I bought the case! And IMO the dock is no way worth $150 smackers and if you drop it on concrete you just dont ruin the tablet you probably screwed up the dock as well. And the bluetooth mouse can be used anywhere not just on the tab! And being tech savvy like yourself there really should be any reason for you to need a SD reader you probably have a few of those laying around. I know I do. And with the bluetooth keyboard ya just flip the power on and it connects its a little thing bout the size of the docks keyboard bout a 1/8 inch thick. Maybe if the dock wasnt so expensive I might of bought 1 but seeing how the case came with bluetooth enabled keyboard that can be used with other gadgets and not just for the tab seemed the smarter way for me! And by the way what other tablet would you have bought?
I purchased the dock, and the transformer because I wanted to be able to use the single item that I carry with me, for everything.
The TF700, which started out with the TF201 for me, is an amazing tablet in it's own right. Plenty of power, a crystal clear screen, and no excess crap thrown into it as a skin.
The dock, which is the same one from my TF201, is the best accessory in the world. It gives me extra battery life, which means that since the day I've purchased it, I haven't ever had to charge it mid-day. The extra SD card slot lets me put another 128gb of storage onto it, which using the keyboard dock as a stand, is perfect for watching movies, and the Pinky & The Brain episodes that I've put on it. If I ever need to take notes, work on a project, or use splashtop to remote into my computer, I have the full function of a keyboard, without anything missing.
I didn't purchase this in place of a netbook, instead I purchased it as a compliment to my laptop. But I've found that since I had the Transformer, I haven't used my laptop at all on the road. So I've given up, started carrying a smaller bag, and am perfectly content with my TF700 and dock.
I started my tablet career out with the Motorola Xoom. A tablet which I loved dearly. I purchased many accessories for it, but none compared to the functionality of the Transformer series dock. I haven't bothered to root my TF700, and with Volume+ working on it perfectly fine, I don't need any extra speakers to go with it at all.
Oh, and the full USB port? Yeah, that works perfectly with my external hard drive. I wasn't sure it would have enough juice to power it, but it works so amazingly! I'm still waiting on my friend for a PS3 controller to go with it all.
mrroguesr said:
I bought the case for travel and the keyboard and stand were part of it! It just sweetened the deal when I bought the case! And IMO the dock is no way worth $150 smackers and if you drop it on concrete you just dont ruin the tablet you probably screwed up the dock as well. And the bluetooth mouse can be used anywhere not just on the tab! And being tech savvy like yourself there really should be any reason for you to need a SD reader you probably have a few of those laying around. I know I do. And with the bluetooth keyboard ya just flip the power on and it connects its a little thing bout the size of the docks keyboard bout a 1/8 inch thick. Maybe if the dock wasnt so expensive I might of bought 1 but seeing how the case came with bluetooth enabled keyboard that can be used with other gadgets and not just for the tab seemed the smarter way for me! And by the way what other tablet would you have bought?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May not have been worth $150, but it was worth every penny of the $99
If you travel thd Dock is totally worth it. The battery on flights is a lifesaver. And you could get a bunch of accessories (external battery, USB adapter, BT mouse, etc etc etc. But then you have a bunch of things to keep track of and lose (I guess you COULD be responsible though )
Fat Finger prevention
When I am on websites that don't have large buttons the touchpad is good for clicking tiny things, saving be the zoom in click zoom out cycle

Gameklip...for easy gaming with a PS3 controller

If your phone is rooted, it's really easy to use the sixaxis app in the market to connect a PS3 controller to the phone using bluetooth.
Problem is, this phone has to be connected with sixaxis's "method 2" which means you can't also use another bluetooth device at the same time. Most wouldn't need to, but if you use bluetooth headphones this is a factor...you'll get audio from the emulator and music just fine, but you'll need to connect your headphones through the headphone jack instead.
Anyways, the other problem is you need to set your phone down in order to use the controller.
Enter the gameklip! Yeah I'm totally giving them a free plug, and it's not exactly new, but the current version of it is new, and since it's been improved a little and not mentioned here, I figured I'd make a post.
Just got mine in the mail today, works like a charm, even with my phone that is *NOT* rooted. Since my phone is not currently rooted I bought the wired version (same klip, just that it also includes the appropriate cable to connect the phone to a ps3 controller, it's basically a USB to go cable with the end being the 5pin mini instead of what other USB to go cables are.
It's worth noting the actual klip itself is identical from wireless to wired versions.
Since there is not a klip specifically for our phone (and I wouldn't think it would be likely for there to be one in the future, we buy the case mount version...basically the klip attaches to a case with that 3m adhesive. Sturdy enough, but don't use it as a weapon or anything!
Anyways, it works great in Snesoid and Nesoid without any rooting, and with *NO* other software requirement. All you have to do is go into the key settings for Snesoid, select the appropriate button you want to change, and press the button you want to do the action on your controller. All buttons works, and yes, even the analog sticks will.
Works great! It's a bit large to carry around since it's the size of a PS3 controller + a phone case on top of it, but I plan to just leave it at my desk at work as that's the only place I'd use it.
Anyways, if you sometimes get the craving for some old style games and don't want to spend all the cash for a PSP or something, I can say this works wonderfully. I am especially impressed with how durable the cable seems and the robustness of the packaging.
The one thing I will say is I'd really recommend getting a TPU style case....most of the hard plastic ones are too difficult to remove the phone from the case, and I'd be willing to bet the softer silicone style cases might be adhesive resistant.
http://buy.thegameklip.com/
They even take paypal, which I find amusing

Need Car Dock Suggestions

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.

Z5 compact dock?

Given the Z5 doesn't have the magnetic charging option (as far as I can see), will there be a dock? Looking to upgrade from a Z3 compact and would really miss the dock if there isn't one.
Charging port was at the bottom, so i would imagine that there could be similar dock as iphones have
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
ewans said:
Given the Z5 doesn't have the magnetic charging option (as far as I can see), will there be a dock? Looking to upgrade from a Z3 compact and would really miss the dock if there isn't one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure you can now use a generic Belkin MicroUSB dock. I had one for my Galaxy S4 that I kept around.
http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/products/accessories/micro-usb-charging-dock-dk52/
Thanks. Both look ok although guess the Sony one will be expensive. Still would prefer if it could let the phone rest on its side like the Z3C.
that's a real shame, I really like the horizontal dock, and also using magnetic cables to charge in the car that easily disconnect...
Bumper case compatible DIY desktop charging dock made of LEGO
https://goo.gl/photos/K9HXdm279W5i9fSk9
The sony dock sucks, it's no better then any of it's cheap rip-offs.
i use my laotop's mini stand for my z5c sometimes
The DK52 from Sony is a competent, albeit unexciting dock.
I think poor sales and/or cost cutting made Sony scale back significantly on docking options (e.g. speaker, MHL out, etc.). The good news is that the DK52 seems to work with more phones than just one as in the past and hopefully newer releases as well.
I use the same KiDiGi dock that I used for my nexus 4. It also works if you have a bumper case on too.
Excellent desktop dock
@bofis - horizontal dock
I too have grown used to the z3c, its horizontal magnetic dock with the Sony deskclock. Stability, readability, bedside night mode. And of course that damn alarm.
As a workaround:
Sony Smart Connect in conjunction with that Sony deskclock (SemcClock.apk, available in some of the ROM's here) and the Nova launcher.
When connected to a cable between the hours of x and x it starts shortcut Activities (from Nova launcher), Sony clock (white background, black needles), then .icsdeskclock.iCSDeskClock (black background, blue needles).
Then set it down horizontally. It works.
Immediate future: I will build horizontal holder out of wood or with Sugru.
Further future: I will adapt or build something horizontal with the plug built in. (like the brilliant Lego posting here but horizontal)
I charge mine beside a water bottle for optimal cooling. haha~ Really hate the heat of phone when under regular to heavy loads. :'(

Categories

Resources