Home made Stylus for Nook - Nook Color Accessories

I've been waiting for week to get my materials to make the home made stylus, finally the most important piece arrived. This took hours to get it to work right. It was a lot easier to get a working stylus for an iPod Touch, but after some tinkering, screaming, sweating and fails I got a pretty good working one. Check out my youtube video (sorry for the bad quality, did on a digital kodak camera very baaad):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujdsEt5zX8I

http://lifehacker.com/5836870/build...n-the-cheap-with-a-ballpoint-pen-and-a-sponge
Here one I read about, don't know if it would work or not though.

I just use a chop stick. Must be hundreds of them floating around my house of different styles, materials, points. Same at work just not so many. I hang on to one for a while, lose/misplace it and it'll take me a day or two to settle on another. No muss no fuss.

Quick question, can you please tell me where you got all the materials?

EverythingNook said:
Quick question, can you please tell me where you got all the materials?
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Click to collapse
The most important piece, the conductive foam, I got it from ebay. Just search conductive foam, I got a 4" x 4" still have more than half left. I'm thinking that the wire and metal casing are unnecessary, so any pen or pencil casing should do. What I have discovered so far is that the Nook stylus I made requires a large surface, like you see in the video. I wanted it to be really thin at the beginning that's why it didn't work, since the NC screen isn't as responsive as we would all want.
Anyways, the wire I used, I got it from an old coaxial cable (TV cable). Also, I got the idea from this video, which is a lot more instructive than mine...I just wanted to test it in the NC:
http://youtu.be/4YE8rGuLCtU

I think im going to try a sponge before i get conductive foam.

Very nice! Did you tried to slim the tip of conductive foam?
What is the notebook software are you using on the video?

Harlley Sathler said:
Very nice! Did you tried to slim the tip of conductive foam?
What is the notebook software are you using on the video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At first I was trying to get the tip to be the thinnest possible, so it would mimic a ball point pen, but apparently the LCD in the NC need a bigger surface to respond to touches. I was able to get a thin version working on an iPod Touch 3G no problem. I'm going to try to make a new following the video that inspired me, I just need a more flexible wire to make it. Anyways, the app I used is called Handrite

I'm not sure why you'd go to the trouble when you can get a stylus for a couple of bucks on Amazon...

Because of curiosity and creativity and inventively spirit?
These are what moves us, geeks, ahead. I did some styli myself and be proud of this.

Crwly said:
I'm not sure why you'd go to the trouble when you can get a stylus for a couple of bucks on Amazon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of them dont work very well with the nook.

Crwly said:
I'm not sure why you'd go to the trouble when you can get a stylus for a couple of bucks on Amazon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This experiment cost me less than 2 bucks, since I used everyday materials around the house. The only thing I had to buy was the foam, which I still have more than half left, maybe for making more or using them for other stuff like transporting cpus xD
Edit: Oh and you might find the foam in everyday electronics too, like HDD casings, tv remotes, etc. So you could get a working (proven to work on NC) stylus for free.

jgaf said:
This experiment cost me less than 2 bucks, since I used everyday materials around the house. The only thing I had to buy was the foam, which I still have more than half left, maybe for making more or using them for other stuff like transporting cpus xD
Edit: Oh and you might find the foam in everyday electronics too, like HDD casings, tv remotes, etc. So you could get a working (proven to work on NC) stylus for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where exactly in remotes, like where the battery goes?

EverythingNook said:
Where exactly in remotes, like where the battery goes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite sure I remember reading it somewhere. I have seen some in an external hdd casing, it helps to reduce static
Sent from my NookColor using Tapatalk

mgs526 said:
http://lifehacker.com/5836870/build...n-the-cheap-with-a-ballpoint-pen-and-a-sponge
Here one I read about, don't know if it would work or not though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it works and it was really easy to make

Yesterday I had my Nook sitting open on my desk, and plugged in my phone.
The cord dragged over the screen of the Nook, and the keyboard happened to be open. Everywhere the cord touched it tapped a letter.
I tried it again with the cord plugged in to AC, but not the phone...and nothing.
Plugged the phone back in, and was able to tap keys again using the cord.
Maybe we could get a battery-operated stylus that just runs power down to the tip .
I'm thinking triple-a battery, small insulated wire down to, then acting as, the tip, and simply return up to the other end of the battery.
No clue if this would be bad for the screen or not, but as long as it's a low level of power, can't see why it would be.
We have some very creative people here who have the skills to not only make something like this happen, but regulate the flow of power through the wire from the battery.
My thought is that since the screen isn't so great for a stylus on the Nook, maybe enhancing the tapping power of the stylus would help.
For anyone who has no clue what they are doing but wants to try anyways, DO NOT use exposed wire, and in any event i'm not responsible for what happens with the use/misuse/abuse of this information.
Any thoughts on this?
ETA:
Maybe a small triple-a flashlight would make a good starting base for this project, a lot of them go real cheap anymore. Just do away with the light itself, and replace it with a wire. You get a switch already built in and all that way.

Blue6IX said:
Text...
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That was interesting, but I must ask, will a powered stylus perform any better than bought ones or homemade foam ones?

I tried it again with the cord plugged in to AC, but not the phone...and nothing.
Plugged the phone back in, and was able to tap keys again using the cord.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Without the phone, there is no current flow on the cable, and no magnetic field around it, and so, no capacitance distortion.

Harlley Sathler said:
Without the phone, there is no current flow on the cable, and no magnetic field around it, and so, no capacitance distortion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, this I didn't know until I found out by accident. I had always just assumed there was, but now know that unless something is drawing power it's in a static state.
GuTsaV said:
That was interesting, but I must ask, will a powered stylus perform any better than bought ones or homemade foam ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the question that I posed. If no one else is curious enough to find out, i'll get around to this eventually.
I have a handful of pen-light flashlights floating around here, it would be a simple matter to replace the led with a wire and find out.
When I find time to solder one in i'll let you know how it goes. My job is taking up way more time then i'd like in my life at the moment, so who knows when that'll be.

Blue6IX said:
I have a handful of pen-light flashlights floating around here, it would be a simple matter to replace the led with a wire and find out.
When I find time to solder one in i'll let you know how it goes. My job is taking up way more time then i'd like in my life at the moment, so who knows when that'll be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you replace the LED by a wire, you will get a short-circuit on the batteries, what means that even if it works as a stylus, you will get your batteries hot and discharged very quickly.
Not to say that is dangerous if the batteries get hot!
Another way would be apply the Ohm's Law and calculate a resistor to replace the LED, but I don't know if this idea (a powered stylus) would be an energy efficient circuit...

Related

Cradle / Dock for CDMA Hero

Hey everyone,
I've had my Sprint Hero for about 2 months now and am loving it - I haven't even felt the need to root it yet.
But having bought Mobitobi's awesome sleep/alarm apps from the Market, I'm now searching for a good cradle for my Hero to sit on my nightstand and act as my alarm clock.
I've only found a couple options out there. The best looking one (includes 3.5 stereo out) is here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290372582892, but I received it yesterday and realized after many angry emails back and forth to the seller that this dock is actually not specialized for a Hero, but is actually a TP2 dock that the seller claims "some buyers say it works with their Hero too so that's why I listed it that way." Bummer, I know. Why anyone would talk about how awesome this dock is when the phone footprint slot is so huge compared to your phone and is so obviously not stable is beyond me.
The other option that's widely available is this: http://www.wirelessground.com/sherocradle2nd.html?productid=sherocradle2nd&channelid=FROOG, but after this first debacle I'm hesitant to buy.
Have any of you gotten a cradle/dock for your CDMA Hero, and if so, which one, where did you get it, and how well does it work for you? I'm not even interested in a second battery charger, or 3.5 stereo out, but I need something that will keep my phone stable enough to be able to withstand forceful touches of the snooze button on my screen without toppling over!
tduck said:
Hey everyone,
I've had my Sprint Hero for about 2 months now and am loving it - I haven't even felt the need to root it yet.
But having bought Mobitobi's awesome sleep/alarm apps from the Market, I'm now searching for a good cradle for my Hero to sit on my nightstand and act as my alarm clock.
I've only found a couple options out there. The best looking one (includes 3.5 stereo out) is here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290372582892, but I received it yesterday and realized after many angry emails back and forth to the seller that this dock is actually not specialized for a Hero, but is actually a TP2 dock that the seller claims "some buyers say it works with their Hero too so that's why I listed it that way." Bummer, I know. Why anyone would talk about how awesome this dock is when the phone footprint slot is so huge compared to your phone and is so obviously not stable is beyond me.
The other option that's widely available is this: http://www.wirelessground.com/sherocradle2nd.html?productid=sherocradle2nd&channelid=FROOG, but after this first debacle I'm hesitant to buy.
Have any of you gotten a cradle/dock for your CDMA Hero, and if so, which one, where did you get it, and how well does it work for you? I'm not even interested in a second battery charger, or 3.5 stereo out, but I need something that will keep my phone stable enough to be able to withstand forceful touches of the snooze button on my screen without toppling over!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use this one
http://www.all4cellular.com/my-touch-3g-docking-station-black-1.html
702DROID said:
i use this one
http://www.all4cellular.com/my-touch-3g-docking-station-black-1.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! I've been searching for this too, but I need a 3.5 mm jack as well. This looks like it fits the bill, and even matches my car stereo (where this will be going).
Up to this point I've been using a dock made for my old htc touch that I hacked by moving the usb jack to the center and flipping it 180 deg.
katmandu421 said:
Nice! I've been searching for this too, but I need a 3.5 mm jack as well. This looks like it fits the bill, and even matches my car stereo (where this will be going).
Up to this point I've been using a dock made for my old htc touch that I hacked by moving the usb jack to the center and flipping it 180 deg.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it has a 3.5 jack in the back ...mine does
702DROID said:
i use this one
http://www.all4cellular.com/my-touch-3g-docking-station-black-1.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats a great price and seems to have free shipping.
I would like to find one that is horizontal, esp for apps like slacker/pandora and desktop clocks etc, the vertical ones are nice... but not exactly what I'm looking for
deos it fit with the Siedio 3500MHa battery backing?
702DROID said:
i use this one
http://www.all4cellular.com/my-touch-3g-docking-station-black-1.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very pretty and a nice price, but the only thing holding it upright is the miniusb connector. That's just not secure enough for me personally. Has anyone else used something different?
I notice they have it in black too, when I followed the link above it takes you to the white for some reason...
Anyone have any pictures of the phone in the doc? Just curious about the fit.
lugose said:
I notice they have it in black too, when I followed the link above it takes you to the white for some reason...
Anyone have any pictures of the phone in the doc? Just curious about the fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the black one on my nightstand at home, if I remember I'll take a pic tonight with it mounted. I was gonna order one online, but found it at BestBuy when I was buying my new bluetooth. I think it was $12
I will re-ask johnsongrantr's question. Are there any horizontal cradles? I currently use my wallet to prop the phone up horizontally at work It actually works well and makes it easier to use things like youtube.
flexgrip said:
I will re-ask johnsongrantr's question. Are there any horizontal cradles? I currently use my wallet to prop the phone up horizontally at work It actually works well and makes it easier to use things like youtube.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Nevermind. It was the GSM version.
that last one says not compatible with Sprint Hero
Since I have yet to find a good cradle, here is what I use in the interim. Albeit it does not provide charging capabilities, or the fact that I have to flip the phone upside down or lay it side ways to charge it, it gets the job done while at work lol
http://androidforums.com/sprint-htc-hero/17311-lol-hero-stand.html
do any cradles allow the use of a case? I have the snap case from the sprint store and wanted a cradle.
I went the Michael's, the craft store and picked up some black modeling clay that hardens in the oven.
I then molded a bunch of the clay together into a horizontal stand, adding a square hole on one side for the charging cable.
Heat fired it in the oven, inserted the cable and added a little hot glue, and viola! I've got my horizontal night stand for my clock applications. Total cost of about $9 I believe in clay.
I've still got to sand it, but because it works and I don't really care if it's smooth, I'm not going to get to sanding anytime soon.
Just an idea. This way, you can make it look however you want.
I am wondering if this one would work:
http://www.thepocketsolution.com/PSI-43943/HTC+Kaiser+Horizontal+Powered+USB+Cradle.html
It has a very similar mini-usb port.
Sirchuk said:
I went the Michael's, the craft store and picked up some black modeling clay that hardens in the oven.
I then molded a bunch of the clay together into a horizontal stand, adding a square hole on one side for the charging cable.
Heat fired it in the oven, inserted the cable and added a little hot glue, and viola! I've got my horizontal night stand for my clock applications. Total cost of about $9 I believe in clay.
I've still got to sand it, but because it works and I don't really care if it's smooth, I'm not going to get to sanding anytime soon.
Just an idea. This way, you can make it look however you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually a really interesting idea. Could you maybe take pictures? I'm curious what it turned out like
Can't post URLs because I'm new but Goto BoxWave.com... 'Sprint Hero' down the right hand side, Cradle's & Mounts..
$53.00 for the one with the spare battery charging slot...
I'm considering it.

[HARDWARE] Dinc Seamless Wireless Charger stock battery (NO USB STICKING OUT)

>>>>>><<<<<< PDF With All Steps And Images Added For Your Viewing/Downloading Pleasure >>>>>><<<<<<
***If this does not belong here I appologize, and feel free to move this if necessary. I just figured the development community is most likely to take this "upgrade" on***
After seeing that someone used Palm's wireless charger on their non-palm phone; I decided to put one on my Droid Incredible.
***This was done to a completely stock Dinc. I did not use any special back, and the stock back gets to stay on (unlike in the other video that I saw)
Wireless Charging the Droid Incredible
**Disclaimer: This will void your warranty, and if you solder something wrong will probably break your phone. With that said I can in no way be held accountable for anything that occurs while performing this “upgrade” to your phone.
>>>>If anyone knows where I can buy that little void sticker that you will see in a picture below, please let me know! If we can get that sticker then our warranty is not voided by doing this.
Supplies:
1.Palm touchstone charger http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/handheld/categories/palm/4/accessories/FB300AA%23AC3
2.Palm touchstone phone back http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/FB306AA%23AC3?
3.Micro USB cable
4.Soldering Iron (the finer the tip on this the better)
5.Torx T6 screw driver
6.Safe pry tool (or a small flat head screwdriver)
7.Very tiny insulated wires (I just pulled mine out of a USB cable that I cut up)
8.Electrical Tape
9.[Optional] Multimeter to test that you actually made a good connection
How To (Images are of a higher quality (12mp) so I had to stick them in zip files to get them on here):
1.The palm touchstone phone back has a sticker inside of it that encases the wireless charging receiver, so you need to peel this off. Once it is peeled off it will look like this (without the wires soldered onto it):
(Images can be seen in: Palm Receiver.7z)
2.Remove the battery cover and the battery then unscrew the back from your phone (please view a tare down video for details, there are plenty of them on you tube that I used for a reference.)
1.All you need is a torx t6 screwdriver and a safe pry tool, I used a small flat head screwdriver and it worked just fine. Unscrew the 4 screws around the sides and then carefully pry off every place that the battery cover clips on, as they also hold on the red back.
(Images can be seen in: Dinc Inside.7z)
3.Solder on some wires to the USB connector as shown in the below image without soldering onto the pins next to them. This is difficult and takes some time and patience, since these connectors are very small and close (note the polarity in the image, notated in red).
A.Also it is necessary to place a piece of electrical tape over the components right next to the connector (Green box in the image) as they will short out the power and make it impossible to charge your phone if you do not (I found that out the hard way and went back and fixed it).
B.One final note here is that I had to melt down the red phone backing inside to allow the cables to get past the case. See the green rectangle in the image above for where I had to do that. I just used my soldering iron and melted it down, it makes a pretty nice indention for the wires to fit through.
(Images can be seen in: Dinc USB.7z)
4.Now push out the rubber plug in the red phone backing next to the USB cover (this is encircled in Green in the image from step 2).
A.Run the cables that you just solder on through that so that they are sticking through to the battery compartment on your phone.
B.You can also stick on the palm receiver to the inside of your phone cover (note the direction and placement, as this is necessary to close your cover).
3.Note that I placed electrical tape over the wires. This was necessary to keep them from breaking off of the USB connector since the solder points are so small.
(Images can be seen in: Almost Done.7z)
5.Solder on the wires to the palm charger receiver and you are done. Now you just need to carefully place the wires towards the middle of the phone so that you can close the back of your phone entirely (this is another reason why the wires need to be small).
A.Note the polarity of the connection.
B.Also I put a piece of electrical tape over the connections on the palm charger receiver to protect them (not shown in the image).
(Images can be seen in: Wireless Charger.7z)
Here is a video of the end product and how it works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOMVJ-vmWpg
Also I just verified that my compass is working without any problems.
This could be truly amazing. I can't wait to see more.
ThugEsquire said:
This could be truly amazing. I can't wait to see more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its been done with the Evo, but don't know anyone who did it with the Inc.
http://www.goodandevo.net/2010/06/h...rk-with-palm-touchstone-wireless-charger.html
Sounds really nice. Not gonna try it with mine because I'm too scared
Though shouldn't this be in accessories or general?
What are you doing to align the coils? My biggest concern that's kept me from this is the magnets also would mess up the compass sensors readings which I for one actually value.
Wow, you managed to bring me out of my months of silence in posting...
I feel honored that I can get you out of your months of silence
The coil alignment is handled by the magnets inside of the palm touchstone charger itself (the base unit that plugs into the wall). The metal objects that you can see in the "Palm Receiver.7z" file are actually not magnets, but small circular pieces of metal that get pulled towards the charger base when you get them close to each other. So when you have the phone off of the charger, there are no magnets to mess with anything
Also you will notice that there is a piece of metal behind the coil, and that seems to block the inductive signal all together (because I tried to put it on backwards to no avail). Therefore your phone is mostly protected from the inductive transmission.
The only thing that I noticed, is that the touchscreen on the phone is a little weird when it is on the charger, but I see the same side effects when plugging the phone into a "non-htc" charger (before performing this "upgrade"). **I also saw this on my Moto Droid when connecting it to a 1 amp charger, and I have seen this with multiple other touchscreen devices so I think it just has something to do with the frequency of the charger.
Also in case of any concerns: MY PHONE HAS IN NO WAY BEEN DAMAGED BY THIS "UPGRADE"
pianoplayer said:
Sounds really nice. Not gonna try it with mine because I'm too scared
Though shouldn't this be in accessories or general?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah, it probably should be, and may get moved (which is perfectly fine by me). I put it in here because I am a developer and much more likely to do this, so I figured the development community would be more interested.
ThugEsquire said:
This could be truly amazing. I can't wait to see more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mentioned that you can't wait to see more....?
What more would you like to see? I am happy to add to the posts, but just not sure what further details you would like to see.
nevetsvsx said:
Also in case of any concerns: MY PHONE HAS IN NO WAY BEEN DAMAGED BY THIS "UPGRADE"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I trust your method, I just don't trust my shaky hands
BTW there is a multi quote button so you dont have to do a separate post for each reply
I have a rubber case on my Dinc... would I need to remove it for charging?
___________________________________
Yup.... The ones yoe momma told ya about.... Bad Seed Customs!!
I think you will be ok if it is one of those thin (about 1mm thick) rubber cases. Anything thicker than that and you would probably have to install the wireless receiver on the case itself and remove your battery cover all together.
I tested a thin rubber case that I have (no more than 1mm thick I think) that fits a Droid Eris and it charges as long as its flush to the back of my phone.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Wow, this is amazing, very well done. I think this is the first hard mod I've heard of for an Android. I guess gold cards were a sorta gray area.
I've had my Incredible modded to work with a Touchstone since around June of last year. It works great, but I must caution anyone thinking of doing this to be VERY careful. Experience with soldering and a steady hand is a must. One could fairly easily mess up their phone attempting to do this.
Could you do this with a powermat if you wanted to? I have a few laying around I could use.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Paul600k5 said:
Could you do this with a powermat if you wanted to? I have a few laying around I could use.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, if you wanna take apart one of those generic receivers and try to fit it inside your phone!
nevetsvsx said:
You mentioned that you can't wait to see more....?
What more would you like to see? I am happy to add to the posts, but just not sure what further details you would like to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I originally meant was pictures. But now that you've added them and I've seen the glory, this mod is really quite impressive and I'm thrilled you shared it with us. But now that I think about it, could this also do USB wirelessly? That would be pretty amazing.
ThugEsquire said:
What I originally meant was pictures. But now that you've added them and I've seen the glory, this mod is really quite impressive and I'm thrilled you shared it with us. But now that I think about it, could this also do USB wirelessly? That would be pretty amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the transmission of data wirelessly is achieved through modulated EM waves. This is simple inductance: a changing electric field creates a magnetic field, a changing magnetic field generates an electric field, so a current carrying loop placed near another loop of wire will induce current in the other loop. The receiver in the phone is engineered to "create" the "proper" amount current to charge your battery when combined with the base. In theory yes, but not with this equipment.
How does the phone treat a USB cable being plugged in - will it charge ok, and have your data transfer rates been adversely effected? I wouldn't think so, since you're only touching the power...
Mr. Spontaneous said:
How does the phone treat a USB cable being plugged in - will it charge ok, and have your data transfer rates been adversely effected? I wouldn't think so, since you're only touching the power...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used the USB charger and data transfer cables without any problems at all. Also I have copied some files off of my phone to my PC since the "upgrade" and did not notice any extended times or anything that would remotely make me think something was wrong.
I did not run a speed test before and after to see if anything slowed down, but as you said we are only touching the power pins, so I highly doubt anything has changed.

[Q] Netbook-style keyboard/case combo that fits NC?

Now that USBhost works with cm7, we have more options. So, I'm hunting for a case/keyboard/trackpad (or mouse) combo that will turn the NC into a 7" netbook -- using Bluetooth and/or USB.
Does anyone know of any accessory that would handle this pretty well?
Has anyone seen/used this one?
http://www.ankaka.com/tablet-holder...ini-keyboard-for-7-inch-tablet-pc_p47823.html
I should check the 7" GalaxyTab accessories forum. While I've found a few 7" cases for sale around the net, I havent heard/seen any of them mention Nook specifically.
Has anyone had any luck with something like this?
That's totally cool! If you decide to get something like this please post how it works out. I would be in the market for something like that. In fact the low price on the one you linked is tempting me right now.
Yes, that's an excellent find! Should I decide to move to the Iconia Tab A100 in fall, or stick with the Nook Color, I will probably snatch one of those up.
That relies on the keyboard being connected by usb, which the nookcolor doesnt have. Im not sure if an adapter can be used? If it can i'd be quite interested in one myself.
marcboy said:
That relies on the keyboard being connected by usb, which the nookcolor doesnt have. Im not sure if an adapter can be used? If it can i'd be quite interested in one myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB Host support is current being worked on, and keyboards are working provided you pick up an adapter. The question becomes, however, will this work without having to go through a USB powered hub.
Haha, that guy above me didn't know about USB Host support we now have
All kidding aside, you guys know the NC is longer and skinnier than the GTab, right? As in, I'm sot sure that top clasp will bend down enough...maybe with the top and bottom ones bent...
wow that looks kick ass.
lets keep this thread updated with options
ace7196 said:
Haha, that guy above me didn't know about USB Host support we now have
All kidding aside, you guys know the NC is longer and skinnier than the GTab, right? As in, I'm sot sure that top clasp will bend down enough...maybe with the top and bottom ones bent...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's my primary concern -- making sure the darn NC fits. Of course, my other concern is that the keyboard works in USB host mode without a powered hub.
I'm very close to testing one of these out... maybe a father's day gift to myself? lol
If it does work, I'll probably need to mod it to hold the nook somehow...hmmm...
A thought:
So...maybe get the case, then get a very small hub (smallest ever!), and you can cram the hub between the NC and one of the supports?
Like this? http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mini-usb-4-ports-hub-black-787
If the g/f ends up getting on that (I'm pretty sure is the same minus the dimensions) for her GTab, I'll toss the NC on it. I don't see why a "normal" usb keyboard wouldn't work. The cheapo ones that used to (still do?) come with dells worked without any hub on my NC. My illuminated keyboard and wireless mouse needed the unpowered hub to work for the NC.
Options:
USB:
http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Tablet-Stand-USB-Keyboard/dp/B004OB0EBQ/
http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Tablet-Stand-USB-Keyboard/dp/B004OB0EBQ/
http://www.amazon.com/Digistore-tablet-Protective-leather-Keyboard/dp/B004TJJPG8/
Bluetooth:
http://solidlineproducts.com/galaxy_tab/bluetooth_keyboard_case_galaxy/
http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Housing-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Samsung/dp/B004QE4S7C/
http://www.amazon.com/Portfolio-Built-QWERTY-Keyboard-Samsung/dp/B004OEW8S0/
... I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on one or two of these for testing purposes...
Just received the HDE 7 w keyboard from amazon.
I didn't receive the micro usb adapter yet to test it with the nook. I did hook it the keyboard to my desktop to do some quick typing tests. However a quick take on it.
Firstly my hands are a bit big, I found the keyboard cramped. I was expecting this to a degree. But am finding it rather easy to click the other buttons. Not much better than the onscreen one, I like the tactical feedback, but my accuracy seems to have declined even further. The feel of the keyboard is good like a laptop keyboard, keys are bit shallow but overall good. I also hadn't noticed but it has the three lock leds for num. caps. and scroll.
The case, it feels good, like leather,and seems relatively padded. The clips to hold the nook in. The bottom two are good. The top is a bit away from the top, and even folding it down didn't help hold it. The clips only cover up the power button, and it's still relatively accessible. Turning it on it's side the nook slid out rather easily. I am thinking of Velcro on the back of the nook to help hold it in place. Once close besides the lack of side clips it feels sturdy and protected.
The magnetic strap that closes the case needs to be pushed behind the cover, by defaults it's in the way of viewing the screen. The back stand seemed to slide very easily and didn't hold it up to well. It kept falling back.
Portability is pretty much gone with this, It makes it about the size of a good hardback. It is not pocket able now, i think it's more due to added thickness.
It's seems like a good case, if your hands aren't overly large, and with a few modifications. The lack of side clips are somewhat problematic. The included stylus as probably know is for resistive screens, but it seems cheap. I will take and post pics later.
^^^ excellent info! Have any updates on how its working out with the nook itself?
I'm gonna try and get the pingtab one, but I can't find an adapter for the weird (hopefully not propriatary?) USB connector the Nook has. Anybody know where to get one?
Hmm, actually, do I need to be looking for a powered hub?
Requia said:
I'm gonna try and get the pingtab one, but I can't find an adapter for the weird (hopefully not propriatary?) USB connector the Nook has. Anybody know where to get one?
Hmm, actually, do I need to be looking for a powered hub?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lots of great info regarding USB host mode here, including info on the required adapters:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1105497
Ok, I have the mentioned keyboard/case combo*, though not the adapter (a twitchy one click finger made me buy the wrong one**), so I can't test the case just yet. It does however, kit the Nook perfectly. Unfortunately, it wasn't designed to hold a tablet in place when you hold the case like a book, only when it's used as a netbook. This also means the nook might not stay inside the case when carrying the case around without careful handling, so it's velcro time despite being the exact right size.
The USB cord could stand to be a tad longer, but I think I'll be happier in the long run using an extension cable when I want to hold the nook outside the case while typing.
The bulky standard USB tip gets in the way of closing the case with the nook inside, which means I'm going to have to let the cord hang out.
I suspect that the keyboard has a watch battery or similar inside, as the USB seems too thin to have a full 4 wires. This might be a problem in terms of long term durability, as I won't be able to get to the battery without unstitching or cutting the case, but it was 20$, so if it lasts 2 years and dies it'll still be a great value.
Edit1: The stylus is not a capacitive stylus, so no good with the nook, not terribly surprised.
All in all, this is highly usable and should work well with the nook (after I get the adapter), but it'd be 10x nicer with minor tweaks (a microUSB instead of a full sized, and a couple extra tabs so the tablet is held in 4 directions).
*I still can't post links, but paleh0rse posted it above, its the Digistore-tablet-Protective-leather-Keyboard one.
**Anybody know any national chain stores that might have the right adapter and aren't Radio Shack?
Anyone get one working?
@soulnothing just received the same (HDE 7" off Amazon)
and used it with a u -> USB adapter. No joy. Anyone else had any luck with this? Would assume it required a powered hub. Dang, so much for compact....

Inexpensive charging dock from Smartphonepedia

Just received this dock and have been using it for a couple of days.
Only $10 -- a cheap alternative so some of the 40-50$ options.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Data-Sy...531363?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f1de5aea3
It's small, feels like a decent quality piece. It's glossy black with rubber feet on the bottom so it doesn't slide around. It keeps the Note 2 supported nicely when it's dropped in. It's got a floppy rubbery insert that you can take out if you have a case.
One con is that a few times when I've yanked my phone out, the rubber piece has either partially or completely come out. My advice would be to decide on a case of not and, if you leave the rubber insert in, put a drop of hot glue or something to keep the insert in place.
See pics below. Let me know if you have questions.
Does it work with the slimmer cases?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app
This is basically a glorified charger. No USB no HDMI no speak out. Does it even charge a spare battery? Whats the point?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
What voltage and amperes does it deliver?
Beamed from Jupiter on my Galaxy Note II
I think it's cool man, it's just a simple charging dock. Great to keep at the office or your bedside.
So the only difference then my stock cable is my phone will be standing upward?...Lol...
blane73 said:
Does it work with the slimmer cases?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it works with a slim case for me without even taking the rubber insert out. When you take the rubber insert out, there's a good 0.5-0.75cm around it, particularly the edges. A case with a big beefy back probably would not fit.
AjunNg said:
What voltage and amperes does it deliver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't come with a cable -- you use your phone's provided cable or anything else, so whatever those deliver. I just have a usb-to-microusb running from my computer to it and it works fine.
wish777 said:
So the only difference then my stock cable is my phone will be standing upward?...Lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shook187 said:
This is basically a glorified charger. No USB no HDMI no speak out. Does it even charge a spare battery? Whats the point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sheesh guys. Think a little more outside your own world.
I have this dock connected to my computer at work. I walk in from a meeting, drop the phone in the charger (instead of setting it down, picking up the cable, jamming it in, etc) and it's immediately mounted as a drive on my computer and is charging anytime I'm at my desk. Need to run to a meeting? You just pick it up...no fussing with cables.
Nope, no spare battery. Surprise, most people don't need one. I spend half my day working at my desk, meaning my phone is charging half the day. In fact, I don't even feel like I ever "charge". It's just sitting in its stand. I never need to plug it in at home.
Nope, no USB or HDMI. Surprise, 99% of the people that use this phone care about that, so why pay for a $100 for a dock with it (that's the wrong color, BTW).
20 bucks? Wow, they saw you coming a mile off.
It's the same dock as this, which is in black or white.
FloatingFatMan said:
20 bucks? Wow, they saw you coming a mile off.
It's the same dock as this, which is in black or white.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different dock and doesn't ship to the US. But yes, I see your point, there are cheaper alternatives on ebay. Thanks for trying to make me feel like an idiot, Baron. You are very thoughtful.
Here is the same dock for a better price for those of us in "the colonies"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Data-Sy...531363?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f1de5aea3
Roark1138 said:
Yes, it works with a slim case for me without even taking the rubber insert out. When you take the rubber insert out, there's a good 0.5-0.75cm around it, particularly the edges. A case with a big beefy back probably would not fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, that's the piece of info I needed. Ordered. I've got the Samsung TPU case, will report if it fits when the dock comes in. If it doesn't fit, I'll fix it up with some polymorph plastic.
Roark1138 said:
Just received this dock and have been using it for a couple of days.
Only $10 -- a cheap alternative so some of the 40-50$ options.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Data-Sy...531363?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f1de5aea3
It's small, feels like a decent quality piece. It's glossy black with rubber feet on the bottom so it doesn't slide around. It keeps the Note 2 supported nicely when it's dropped in. It's got a floppy rubbery insert that you can take out if you have a case.
One con is that a few times when I've yanked my phone out, the rubber piece has either partially or completely come out. My advice would be to decide on a case of not and, if you leave the rubber insert in, put a drop of hot glue or something to keep the insert in place.
See pics below. Let me know if you have questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just picked one up, and thanks for sharing man :good:
While their prices aren't always the best, I do like Smartphonepedia's video reviews on youtube (the full shows, not the 30 second blips) and the guys there are very pro-android and know their devices. I would throw business at them vs a random guy on ebay any day.
May be ordering one of these. Thanks for the tip!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just bought 2 of the $9.99 ones. I'll try to post my thoughts when received but it will be in a long time 14 to 30 days of expected delivery.
i'm thinking of getting this for my note http://www.mobilefun.de/36639-samsung-galaxy-note-2-dual-dockingstation.htm, this dock also charge an extra battery.
sorry for the german website, you can click flag above to change into uk/us site for mobilefun.
I got the dock in the OP this past Friday, and so far so good. Very nice looking, no cheap feel to it, and the Bodyglove case fits perfect on the dock. No complaints over here folks :good:
Nice find OP. Rough crowd lol.
wish777 said:
So the only difference then my stock cable is my phone will be standing upward?...Lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just plug the phone into the dock without having to pick up the charge cable and plug it into the phone. Same for removing it from the dock. Since we have to charge the phone everyday, I would say the dock has a value.

[Q] Smart Wireless Charging Phone Sleeve for Nexus 6

Guys, I'm going to be launching a wireless charging phone sleeve on Kickstarter (Novelsys ampere) in January for the Nexus 6. The unique selling point will be the Smart app that communicates with the sleeve.
I'm doing research for the launch now to determine what features to incorporate in this app:
Display estimated battery life in hrs of phone and ampere
Control when charging starts
find your phone or ampere when one is missing
notifications to recharge at time or location
What other features would you like to see? I've recently posted in the S5 and Nexus 5 forums too, and I've been told not to dilute the product, which I agree with heartily. These are the features I've narrowed it down to. What other things do you think we need to bake in? It will probably be open to developers post-Kickstarter.
I myself use a Nexus 4 with Qi built in but I haven't found a satisfactory wireless charging solution yet... that's kinda why I worked on my own.
See more about the product: http://kickstarter.novelsys.co
Just subscribed on your website
Okay so this is meant to protect the phone and charge it at the same time? Im assuming there is a battery inside the case as well as a qi transmitter?
That's right. Paired with an app. And higher build quality than from your typical Qi charger. What do you think about the idea?
Subscribed as well...if you need a beta tester let me know.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Looks excellent, but you need to figure out a solution to why sleeves suck, they either have no top and don't hold the phone well or are too tight.
As long as it comes in black so I can keep it on with my uniform!
I'll beta if I need to as well!
Would you like my wallet now, or later?
Seriously, I hope this will be as good as it sounds.
Yes its black, and the internal colour has been changed from orange to grey so its more suitable for corporate environments!
That's an interesting perspective on sleeves. Yes will take that into account when testing.
aiight, im jumping on the bandwagon too. :fingers-crossed:
just subb'ed and am following you cats on instagram...
I think I'm getting a QI enabled power bank for Christmas..... But a sleeve makes much more sense! I think its a great idea. Definitely more secure and will keep the QI aligned to ensure it stays charging.
Any info about the mah of the sleeve for the Nexus 6. Would need to be enough to charge the device at least twice in my opinion.
What about a using magnets to help secure the phone inside the sleeve instead of just tension?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Premium HD
honestly seems like a pretty good idea, the potential problems I see for this are targeting the correct consumer base. The phone is already big, this will make it huge, therefore its not going in anyones pocket. So, who carries phones around not in a pocket? People that have other places to put them, who has other places to put them?
1. Women (in their purse)
2. Older executives in a briefcase maybe?
3. College kids who might carry a backpack?
I may be wrong, but as much as I would like something like this, its just too inconvenient not to have my phone in my pocket. There's still some clip phone people out there, maybe adding a clip would help? Just my 2 cents, love the idea, just concerned its not being designed for the right demographic aesthetically.
The problem for me as others have mentioned is the bulkiness of the sleeve. When you add in the 3,000mah battery (assuming it would at least be this size) and coils for qi charging it's going to pretty thick. I'm Ok with that because this would be on my visor in my work truck, but wouldn't go great in pocket.
if you are taking the no idea is a bad idea approach, what if you incorporated this into a car mount with the display revealed, so every day I got into my car I could slide it in, and it would charge, then I could slide it out and take it with me, or if I KNEW i was going to need extra battery, I could detach the whole thing and clip it to a belt or throw it in a pack?
ejkeebler said:
if you are taking the no idea is a bad idea approach, what if you incorporated this into a car mount with the display revealed, so every day I got into my car I could slide it in, and it would charge, then I could slide it out and take it with me, or if I KNEW i was going to need extra battery, I could detach the whole thing and clip it to a belt or throw it in a pack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree with this idea!
I don't mean to intercept, but in the meantime and between time...
I've received this pouch/sleeve (handmade) and posted a bit about it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57285596&postcount=42
This pouch/sleeve has a front pocket and I slid in one of the Fone Qi Stone+ wireless portable chargers I use in that pouch and boom! Portable charging on the go.
Very cool idea man. I'll back that.
It looks promising, is there rough price range for the sleeve?
ejkeebler said:
if you are taking the no idea is a bad idea approach, what if you incorporated this into a car mount with the display revealed, so every day I got into my car I could slide it in, and it would charge, then I could slide it out and take it with me, or if I KNEW i was going to need extra battery, I could detach the whole thing and clip it to a belt or throw it in a pack?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pretty sweet idea! Maybe that could come as a stretch goal or in the next iteration of ampere. I originally included a pocket at the back of the sleeve for cards and cash but didn't like the aesthetics/ bulk of it. That could actually have been space for a belt clip. Hmm. I could find some way to hack around it maybe.... thanks for the brilliant idea.
marctronixx said:
I've received this pouch/sleeve (handmade) and posted a bit about it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=57285596&postcount=42
This pouch/sleeve has a front pocket and I slid in one of the Fone Qi Stone+ wireless portable chargers I use in that pouch and boom! Portable charging on the go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please, feel free to share. I've been searching tirelessly for potential competitors too so I can learn how to improve ampere's user experience.
You know what, that's where I got the idea for ampere too, but I think I've made ampere sufficiently sexy, slim, and seamless with alignment + smart charging app that you'll at least consider it over that? If you must know, that was what I put together for the MVP (prototype) to prove product validation. So I guess you can say you just recreated ampere v1.
Pilz said:
It looks promising, is there rough price range for the sleeve?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too soon to say. Saving the reveal for Kickstarter. Trust you understand
kkl0wn said:
I think I'm getting a QI enabled power bank for Christmas..... But a sleeve makes much more sense! I think its a great idea. Definitely more secure and will keep the QI aligned to ensure it stays charging.
Any info about the mah of the sleeve for the Nexus 6. Would need to be enough to charge the device at least twice in my opinion.
What about a using magnets to help secure the phone inside the sleeve instead of just tension?
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Premium HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about magnets too, but the sleeve itself helps with securing the phone and alignment. Magnets would make it harder to get the phone out of the sleeve, and would necessitate some kind of strap to lift the phone out, which in turn adds some to bulk.
tongrhj said:
Too soon to say. Saving the reveal for Kickstarter. Trust you understand
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely understand, either way it looks like a nice idea, and a convenient way to charge your phone.

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