FM Transmitter + Car Charger / Car Mount / Bluetooth - Galaxy Note II Accessories

I am currently using a Note II and want to play music through my car stereo (no AUX and build in Bluetooth) so I need to have a FM transmitter. However, it will be better if it include the feature for charging, car mount and Bluetooth. Is there any product that is recommended for this?

I too went through this, found it easier to just change stereos, but you say yoursb has bluetooth already, skip the fmn transmitter, and just stream through bt.

Interested to see the responses as I'm also looking for a FM Transmitter that will charge as I use for my Note 2.

mrbkkt1 said:
I too went through this, found it easier to just change stereos, but you say yoursb has bluetooth already, skip the fmn transmitter, and just stream through bt.
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Click to collapse
What I mean is that no AUX and (no) build in Bluetooth

I've found a couple. I can't tell you about quality or anything like that.
There's this that meets all your needs:
http://www.amazon.com/Esky-Wireless...05&sr=8-6&keywords=car+fm+transmitter+android
Or this that meets three of your needs:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-F8m117...&qid=1361219899&sr=8-6&keywords=belkin+car+fm

gaticaag said:
I've found a couple. I can't tell you about quality or anything like that.
There's this that meets all your needs:
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Or this that meets three of your needs:
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the product you search and they do exactly what I need. However, one of them is way too expensive and the other one is originally for Apple product where they just include a USB to microUSB for chaging the phone. And since they are design for Apple product, I doubt that it can fit the Note II as it is wider.
(I had to remove the link in order to post this before I reach 10 post )

http://www.amazon.com/FlexSMART-Tra...9557&sr=8-1&keywords=bluetooth+fm+transmitter
I've been using this FlexSMART since December. It's worked out pretty well. Little pricey at $50, but it works quite well and pairs easy.
Missed the part about the mount, but I don't think you'll have much luck finding an all in one including that.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085DZ5F4/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use this mount. It holds my Note 2 with an OtterBox Commuter securely.

sodomanaz said:
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I've been using this FlexSMART since December. It's worked out pretty well. Little pricey at $50, but it works quite well and pairs easy.
Missed the part about the mount, but I don't think you'll have much luck finding an all in one including that.
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Yes I do notice the FlexSMART on Amazon but not the mount you use. I have some question for you regarding these product.
About the FlexSMART:
I saw some review said that if connect with Bluetooth then will result in low music quality but is ok for the call quality. The music quality will be best if connect with AUX cable. Also, some people said their device breaks down after several month. Some said that they are having static while using. What do you think about the above problem? Do you mind to tell me how you use it normally? Also, can you explain about the 3 years warranty to me or how is it work?
About the Car Mount:
Can it be mount on the dash or just on the window? Is it feel tight and solid when mounting with the phone? How is the way it secure the phone? Is it convenience to put on and off the phone easily?
Lastly, can you re-post the review that you post on Amazon about these product at here? It will be easy for me to have an overview of how are these look like and the way they work. Thanks!!! :laugh:

I use my GN2 in my '12 Mustang without any problem. It is mounted on a Panavise metal mount bolted to car and it's quite secure. http://www.panavise.com/
I havi on the swivel adapter so I can rotate between portrait & landscape modes.

jackgan said:
Yes I do notice the FlexSMART on Amazon but not the mount you use. I have some question for you regarding these product.
About the FlexSMART:
I saw some review said that if connect with Bluetooth then will result in low music quality but is ok for the call quality. The music quality will be best if connect with AUX cable. Also, some people said their device breaks down after several month. Some said that they are having static while using. What do you think about the above problem? Do you mind to tell me how you use it normally? Also, can you explain about the 3 years warranty to me or how is it work?
About the Car Mount:
Can it be mount on the dash or just on the window? Is it feel tight and solid when mounting with the phone? How is the way it secure the phone? Is it convenience to put on and off the phone easily?
Lastly, can you re-post the review that you post on Amazon about these product at here? It will be easy for me to have an overview of how are these look like and the way they work. Thanks!!! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use it daily for music to and from work. If there are audio quality issues, it's not enough to bother me. I had some static at first, but a change of the frequency plus lowering volume on the FlexSMART and a couple notches on the BT sound setting on the Note 2 helped.
Warranty: Couldn't tell ya. I registered the product. If it breaks, I'll contact them. I'm hoping it doesn't. Keep in mind fuses don't last forever. You will have to replace it a few times a year.
It's worked well, and I like that it has a simple on/off switch rather than having to pull it out of the cigarette lighter. I also like the look and height as it sits well in the floor console of my Explorer and the buttons are easy to access and figure out without looking at it.
Now for the mount, mine came a little bit weird. I was expecting a suction cup deal with an option for window or dash. What I got was a suction cup with a foam bit glued to it with an adhesive sticker side to mount on another piece of round plastic which had an adhesive side to mount onto the dash. Anyway, I stuck it on the dash and it's held secure since I got it months ago. Holds my phone well. I figure I'll have to pull out the Goop Off to clean the dash when I'm finally sick of it.
To secure it to the phone it has one end that is spring loaded and you simply slide the phone in against that side. It holds pretty secure even with my Otterbox Commuter. The pads are getting a bit disfigured from constant use, but pads can be replaced (I mean, it's just a pad). It holds pretty damn tight and I've caught my finger in it once. It's pretty solid. Landscape or portrait, it feels pretty secure. For $10, it's not a huge gamble.
I haven't posted reviews on these on Amazon.

sodomanaz said:
I use it daily for music to and from work. If there are audio quality issues, it's not enough to bother me. I had some static at first, but a change of the frequency plus lowering volume on the FlexSMART and a couple notches on the BT sound setting on the Note 2 helped.
Warranty: Couldn't tell ya. I registered the product. If it breaks, I'll contact them. I'm hoping it doesn't. Keep in mind fuses don't last forever. You will have to replace it a few times a year.
It's worked well, and I like that it has a simple on/off switch rather than having to pull it out of the cigarette lighter. I also like the look and height as it sits well in the floor console of my Explorer and the buttons are easy to access and figure out without looking at it.
Now for the mount, mine came a little bit weird. I was expecting a suction cup deal with an option for window or dash. What I got was a suction cup with a foam bit glued to it with an adhesive sticker side to mount on another piece of round plastic which had an adhesive side to mount onto the dash. Anyway, I stuck it on the dash and it's held secure since I got it months ago. Holds my phone well. I figure I'll have to pull out the Goop Off to clean the dash when I'm finally sick of it.
To secure it to the phone it has one end that is spring loaded and you simply slide the phone in against that side. It holds pretty secure even with my Otterbox Commuter. The pads are getting a bit disfigured from constant use, but pads can be replaced (I mean, it's just a pad). It holds pretty damn tight and I've caught my finger in it once. It's pretty solid. Landscape or portrait, it feels pretty secure. For $10, it's not a huge gamble.
I haven't posted reviews on these on Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your valuable review for those product. For the transmitter, did you try using the usb port to charge anything? And who will you contact for the warranty of anything happen? Amazon or the manufacturer? For the mount, seems like it is easy to install and hold the phone tightly but hard to remove but I think it will not bother me as I will not frequently change the position of it. But is it easy to access all the button and port while it mounted? Thanks in advance!!! :laugh:

Jabra cruiser has been on my daily usage since a year now, it's a speaker, bluetooth +fm transmission combo with micro USB charging port (same as our phones)
Just google it, it's pretty awesome.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium

Gogroove flexsmart is the best transmitter ive ever come accross. Been using it for over a year in construction work trucks so its durable not to mention its powerful enough to drown out some of my local stations and one day a coworker 3 car lenths behind me said he found my station and listened to it for a chunk of our ride. It blows away anything u can buy in the storw for 50 bucks the automatic tune in for sation is awesome too.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 07:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:00 AM ----------
Almosy forgot the charger works fine but unfortunatly its only 500mv. Thats my only gripe about this product. It will keep up charge with pandora or something running but if ur watching a movie it might drain slowly. Also I just read the one guy said 50 was pricey I dissagree ive paid 99 bucks for a belkin that I wanted to throw out my window and run over (which I later did in an unrelated event lol) ohh and I think the quality is fine its not as good as with an aux cable but its good enough it shouldnt irritate u and call quality is good
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium

juvenile43 said:
Gogroove flexsmart is the best transmitter ive ever come accross. Been using it for over a year in construction work trucks so its durable not to mention its powerful enough to drown out some of my local stations and one day a coworker 3 car lenths behind me said he found my station and listened to it for a chunk of our ride. It blows away anything u can buy in the storw for 50 bucks the automatic tune in for sation is awesome too.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 07:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:00 AM ----------
Almosy forgot the charger works fine but unfortunatly its only 500mv. Thats my only gripe about this product. It will keep up charge with pandora or something running but if ur watching a movie it might drain slowly. Also I just read the one guy said 50 was pricey I dissagree ive paid 99 bucks for a belkin that I wanted to throw out my window and run over (which I later did in an unrelated event lol) ohh and I think the quality is fine its not as good as with an aux cable but its good enough it shouldnt irritate u and call quality is good
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your info. I just found a car mount by iBolt for the model xProDock and it looks pretty cool as it has mostly everything in it and it will be perfect if my car has USB port and AUX port =.=lll
So now I am thinking of a few combination as below:
--> GoGroove ($50) + Car Mount ($10) = $60++
--> xProDock ($45) + FM Transmitter ($6 or $15) + Bluetooth Headset ($20) = $71 or $80
--> FM Transmitter ($6 or $15) + Car Mount ($10) + Bluetooth Headset ($20) = $36 or $45
For the alternate FM Transmitter, I am referring to as below from Amazon.
--> Coby CA-745 Wireless FM Car Transmitter with Digital Display and DC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter ($15)
--> SD/MMC/USB/MP3 Wireless In Car FM Transmitter with Remote ($6)
The only downside for GoGroove set will be answer phone call through in car speaker and phone build-in mic. Also, seems like the cheapest option will only have a limited experience with it.

By the way, is anyone has any other product that has the feature like the xProDock???

I went with the gogroove x2 and it has worked fine for me.
Combine that with Tasker (app) and everytime I get in my car, it automatically connects to bluetooth, and plays my music

I use the Jabra SP700 + a separate car dock (for charging). Works ok. The only problem with this setup is that the FM transmitter is much weaker than the regular broadcast. So you need to really increase the volume on your car stereo to get a decent level from your speakers.
But I am now considering a slightly different setup. I found an Aux adapter for my stereo at (connects2.com) and will just use a stereo cable to connect an extra Sony Ericsson MW600 that I have. I think the sound quality will be much better.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app

I use this : http://www.newpotatotech.com/TUNELINK_ANDROID/tunelink_android.html since 2 years now. I love it because i can charge my phone with it (usb cable is not included though).

Related

Best car kit

What do you guys think is the best car kit for the HD2.
Looking for the best quality one with a charger and the option to rotate the hd2 to be vertical or horizontal which keeps sucked to whatever I suck it too.
Might want to search. there are quite a few threads about car kits or car holders.
personally i use a brodit which has a nice fit.
best i dont know but happy with mine
After searching for hours I came across a device called the dash genie which I think is brilliant! I currently use it in my ford fiesta and it sticks to the dash no matter what the surface and it looks nice with my HD2
If you have a modern ford fiesta you will know that the dash is spongy, but this cradle sticks with no problem. You can easily remove the cradle when your not using it and no marks are left.
You can also use other devices such as ipods so your not restricted...a one for all solution I personally recommend.
im intreagued as to how the dash genie works, there doesnt seem much to hold the device in place if you hit a bump or something.
just watchd a video of it, looks good might have to get one myself
has anyone tried this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280496736994&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
djchubbs said:
im intreagued as to how the dash genie works, there doesnt seem much to hold the device in place if you hit a bump or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same before I purchased the dash genie, but trust me It holds the phone in place. I have to drive down a dirt track road every morning from my house and the road is full of pot holes. The poor car is boucing allover but the phone stays nice and snug
If you look at the dash genie you will see a red circle which is a sticky material, once the phone is placed on this it sticks like glue but does not leave any residue behind.
bry4ntt said:
has anyone tried this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280496736994&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks pretty smart, depends where your cigarette lighter/power outlet is in the car though - Wouldn't be good for mine as this is located next to the gear stick on the central console.
What I'm using is the Dash Genie then a small device that plugs into the cigarette/power outlet which changes it into a usb power socket where I just plug the power cable in which you get with the phone.
I also have a 3.5mm jack cable that plugs into the aux socket on my head unit so calls, copilot and music come through the car speakers.
Dash Genie Link
I can finally post links...
Here is the link where you can buy the Dash Genie for £14.99
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/dash-genie-in-car-holder-p23796.htm
When using the dash genie is the earphone jack covered at the bottom of the device?
aLlamaWithARifle said:
When using the dash genie is the earphone jack covered at the bottom of the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with the HD2 as the jack is at the top of the device. Not sure about other phones...
shutty2k3 said:
Not with the HD2 as the jack is at the top of the device. Not sure about other phones...
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Click to collapse
The earphone jack is on the BOTTOM of an HD2.
If you're looking for a solidly built holder that is well worth the additional money, then i'd suggest getting a Brodit version - Kit comes in 2 parts, a mount adapter specific to your car, and a holder for the phone... Adapter allows you to rotate the device for Landscape/Portrait usage, and allows access to the Headphone socket
The Brodit HD2 Active Adapter with a Cigarette adapter is a shade over £30... But as I said, well worth the money.
The HTC CU S400 car kit is AWESOME. Very high build quality and looks great. Not as good as the earlier prototype though but... The only downside is price, but then your HD2 is not exactly cheap either
ebeam said:
The earphone jack is on the BOTTOM of an HD2.
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Sorry I stand to be corrected....I meant the HTC HD/Blackstone
The best car kit I tested so far is the standard Ford Focus Sony System bluetooth.
I simply connected it to the car and boom! Works perfectly.
Moreover I can charge the phone via USB while listening to the music I got in the storage card.
Simply perfect!
I'm considering getting this one and using the cradle part to replace the factory fitted Nokia cradle in the arm-rest of my Audi:
http://www.netimes.com/shop/car-mount-cradle-for-htc-hd2-t8585-htc-leo-p-2535.html?cPath=80_731
I bought this one: Tetrax Xway Universal Neodymium Car Holder
Using it with two devices, it's great! Only a magnet that holds the device firmly.
Here's a link to their website: http://www.tetrax.us/
I have a silicon case, made a small hole in it, glued the small metal knob on my device.
The HD2 still lays flat on the table with the knob and is firmly attached in my car without turning/spinning around (That is why I took the holder with the large X)
Bright.Light said:
I bought this one: Tetrax Xway Universal Neodymium Car Holder
Using it with two devices, it's great! Only a magnet that holds the device firmly.
Here's a link to their website: http://www.tetrax.us/
I have a silicon case, made a small hole in it, glued the small metal knob on my device.
The HD2 still lays flat on the table with the knob and is firmly attached in my car without turning/spinning around (That is why I took the holder with the large X)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Bright.Light
Just ordered one myself of Ebay worldwide. It seems to be the best system I have seen so far. Here is a YouTube video of one in use http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLbABhSWvw&feature=related
R12SRW said:
Thanks Bright.Light
Just ordered one myself of Ebay worldwide. It seems to be the best system I have seen so far. Here is a YouTube video of one in use http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkLbABhSWvw&feature=related
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice video!
The only negative of this product is the small part which holds onto the fan blade. When it gets warm or cold it gets softer/harder so it won't hold as tight as usual. This means that pulling the device off means you're pulling the blade off too.
So, it would be best when the clip is somewhat larger.

Custom Car Kit

Looks like the custom ones are starting to appear not a bad Price at £15.99
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FLEXIBLE-SUCT...K_AudioTVElectronics_PDAAccessories_PDAMounts
And £13.99 for the Vent kit
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SWIVEL-CAR-AI...K_AudioTVElectronics_PDAAccessories_PDAMounts
Hmm, Pre-order and the pictures are faked (charging lead plugging in the left hand side?). Best wait till after their September due date and check again, it looks like it will be a nice solution if it arrives.
I bought a universal car dock from ebay and whilst the phone fits (kind of) the streak is just so damn heavy it shakes about A LOT. It's usable, but very irritating.
Not sure what these 2 will be like though, but watch out for shaking
saving seller for future use.
Now they are on i am sure their will be more to follow ie China
ah, the chinese. good food, attractive women, cheaply made, cheaply priced inferior products we just cant resist. gotta love em
Yep that is all True and Yep We never Learn and we BUY BUY BUY dont we just love em
Considering the car docking kit from Dell is perfect, I don't see why anyone would consider a third party car station.
Muo said:
Considering the car docking kit from Dell is perfect, I don't see why anyone would consider a third party car station.
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Click to collapse
Sure... aside from the over-inflated price. I bought mine from a local Wireless Wave here in Toronto and it works just as well for $20 taxes in.
Dell car kit far from perfect
I bought the car kit from Dell, and no matter whether the device is hanging from the windshield or off the dash, the Streak bounces around like mad when I am driving. My car is nowhere NEAR that bad - it is a heavy device and an awkward mount.
I just ordered a GPS t-mount from ProClip that might work well. I will take the sleeve the Streak sits in on the gooseneck and mount that on the ProClip mount, then attach that to the vehicle mount made for my car. That should lock the device down.
It's an expensive solution, but I spend about an hour each way commuting daily, so it is really a necessity for me. My mount should be here on Wednesday, and if anyone is interested I will write it up and post a picture or two if it works.
pictures would be awesome.
Do you see anyway to have the adapter attached (jerry-rigged) to the mount so that it plugs in when you insert the Streak?
I am looking for a way, as plugging the cable in is extremely tempermental, and a pain, to be honest!!
I suppose you could do something on the bottom of the Dell sleeve to hold the cable. I will have my cable secured on the console and the mount, so it is no problem for me to plug it in the bottom of the phone when I put it in the stand.
The mount comes in tomorrow. Can't wait. Had to slam on the brakes on the way home today and it looked like my phone was on the business end of a trebuchet...
cue_32 said:
Sure... aside from the over-inflated price. I bought mine from a local Wireless Wave here in Toronto and it works just as well for $20 taxes in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the US it is only 39.99.... not too expensive if you ask me. Plus this car docking kit really is perfect for the Streak. The sides are flexible rubber that hold the Streak and on the back there are rubber pads so absolutely no plastic is touching the Streak resulting in no scratches. Plus you get a a cable with it.
Perfection is worth the 40 bucks. Although I would love to see images of the one you purchased and seem pleased with.
I have the Dell car kit and I like it. It seems reasonably priced at $40 since it comes with a cigar lighter-USB adapter and USB cable as separate items. One can never have too many charging cables or options. The mount does jiggle a bit however this can be cured by positioning the mount so the cradle rests on top of the dash rather than suspended in mid-air.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
I'm looking to use the dell case inners for a car holder. I have some garmin mounts that will allow me to fix to the dash.
The issue with the ones from ebay (original post) the holding part is covering the power pdmi connector.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Anyone thinking of making their own car mount should make clearance for the camera lens so it can be used as a dash-cam. Dell did not do this and it would require some cutting on their kit.
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
I acutally brought one of these:
http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/clingo-universal-in-car-holder-p25398.htm
The arm is solid but since it still sticks out a fair bit and the phone is kinda heavy, it does bounce a little (nothing compared to the flexi arms you find on most other phone holders). And since the Dell has a flat back, it sticks pretty well too (though I have had it drop once but I think that was cos my brother didn't put it on properly and due to the weight, it slowly peeled itself off). The pad only covers a small area of the back of the phone so you can use the camera, and there's also no clamps that would obscure the charging port or the buttons on top.
If the docking station was cheaper, I'd seriously consider getting another one for the car, that way I can easily put it on and take it off with super easy and I can leave the cable plugged in and just tuck it away (saves so much time when I do multiple deliveries and stuff).
da_ferreira said:
I bought the car kit from Dell, and no matter whether the device is hanging from the windshield or off the dash, the Streak bounces around like mad when I am driving. My car is nowhere NEAR that bad - it is a heavy device and an awkward mount.
I just ordered a GPS t-mount from ProClip that might work well. I will take the sleeve the Streak sits in on the gooseneck and mount that on the ProClip mount, then attach that to the vehicle mount made for my car. That should lock the device down.
It's an expensive solution, but I spend about an hour each way commuting daily, so it is really a necessity for me. My mount should be here on Wednesday, and if anyone is interested I will write it up and post a picture or two if it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
which t clip did you get i use brodit mounts all the time and am just about to buy a streak .... am gonna get the car kit cos there is £25 off it when you buy both from dell direct .... but i hate mounts that sit on the window ..... so the t clip sounds good solution ,.,, which one did you buy and where from ???
ta
I've seen the Dell car mount kit, and it seems to have a snugg fit to the dell.
my question is... can you use it with a case over the Dell, something like the form fit case from Dell.
Keethos said:
I acutally brought one of these:
link: mobileFun
How good is it really? does it pad really grip the device. I'ts an interesting concept, but does it hold onto the Dell through a long journey.
would you recommned it?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Accessories for Droid 4

This is a placeholder
The universal moto dock is overpriced, and also crappy. I loved the D1/D2/X2 docks. This universal one they're doing now annoys me.
Sent from my DROID4 using XDA App
Was debating getting one but I'd figure I'd try it out first. Do they have these in the Verizon showrooms?
verizonwireless.com has the D4 car mount which I already ordered and will give an update as to its quality and functionality when it arrives. They have it for $39.99 which is actually cheaper than past docks so I am pretty content with that.
Also, Best Buy is carrying the Zagg screen shields for about $20 which is not bad if you want something really pro to protect that gorilla glass. It fits well and is the only one I have seen that is specifically designed for the D4 as of right now.
As far as the dock goes it seems pretty solid I bought it on release day. pure gear also has has some accessories for the D4. I ordered the case/holster and the screen sheild
.PURETEK™ ROLL-ON SCREEN SHIELD KIT FOR MOTOROLA DROID 4KICKSTAND CASE + HOLSTER FOR MOTOROLA DROID 4
http://www.pure-gear.com/shop-by-device/motorola.html?p=2
zombie673 said:
verizonwireless.com has the D4 car mount which I already ordered and will give an update as to its quality and functionality when it arrives. They have it for $39.99 which is actually cheaper than past docks so I am pretty content with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would not recommend the $40 VZW D4 car mount. I bought it yesterday thinking it was the same as the $60 mount in the Motorola Store/Amazon (it's not) and returned it today. The VZW mount does not come with a power cable/charger and the 3.5mm jack needs to be plugged in every time you dock your phone to get audio from your car speakers, whereas the $60 mount has a 2-in-1 cable that connects both power and audio via USB. Definitely worth the extra 20 bucks IMHO.
VZW car dock: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...ryDetails&archetypeId=12989&accessoryId=50275
Motorola car dock: http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/U...ries/Car-Mounts/Vehicle-Dock-for-DROID4-US-EN
I bought the Power and protection package, the vehicle navigation dock, the HD Station, and the Lapdock 500 when I got the droid 4 - so I can answer questions on these items, if anyone has any.
Otter Box
The otterrbox case is now available on Ebay and probably all over by next week
Skinomi has their techskin available for the D4. I was much happier than the ZAGG, one the warranty is great, they replace for a nominal fee regardless of reason, two) cheaper for the same quality, three) I like the feel of the tech skin better.
I also bought the lapdock100 and love it. Nice quality and really gives me laptop light functionality. It can't/won't replace a laptop or desktop but makes things easier when trying to pump out some work emails or just general browsing.
i bought the holster clip from verizon for the phone, but it's too bulky, anyone see a smaller one, similar to the OG droid's?
anyone found just a simple charging cradle/dock yet? i really have no need for the HD dock bedside.
The $60 moto dock would be worthwhile if my car had a USB connection in the head unit but it doesn't so using my old car charger to plug it in doesn't really make a big difference to me.
I can say that I had a few connection issues with it, though. I think it was the CLA>USB adapter that I was using. I switched to a regular CLA with a micro USB built in and it seems to be working fine now.
I don't really have any issues with the quality of the dock but as previously stated, it doesn't come with a power cord which is a bit of a rip-off.
SGMD1 said:
I would not recommend the $40 VZW D4 car mount. I bought it yesterday thinking it was the same as the $60 mount in the Motorola Store/Amazon (it's not) and returned it today. The VZW mount does not come with a power cable/charger and the 3.5mm jack needs to be plugged in every time you dock your phone to get audio from your car speakers, whereas the $60 mount has a 2-in-1 cable that connects both power and audio via USB. Definitely worth the extra 20 bucks IMHO.
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Considering the MOTO car dock, even though it would be a $30 difference because of my company discount. Are you able to run other apps while in car dock mode? I'm thinking mainly of Trapster, since I have a few long road trips coming up this spring/summer...
Fuddster said:
Are you able to run other apps while in car dock mode? I'm thinking mainly of Trapster, since I have a few long road trips coming up this spring/summer...
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Yes and no. The Car Home app does have a place for you to add a custom shortcut to an app, but only two or three I think. I rooted my phone and froze the Car Home app so the phone stays on the normal home screen and retains its full functionality when docked...so I'd recommend doing that.
I'm surprisingly happy with the Motorola dock and car mount for the Droid 4. I got both from Amazon.
Motorola HD Dock: Really impressed how it can be used for phones, tables, and has an adjustable insert if you have a protective case on the phone. This particular "version" of the dock did come with a power cord, something I see complained about heavily, and now I've got a spare charger. When docking, you can put it into a special bedside mode (clock, alarm, weather, time, etc), an office mode (messaging, calls, etc), or just charge. The connections on the bottom, as well as the backplate, are completely adjustable making usable for many different models. I haven't tried any of the HDMI out stuff yet because I don't have a cable.
Motorola Vehicle Mount: Very solid construction, mountable on either your window or dash. Also has an insert to allow for the phone to fit with or without a protective case. This "version" came with the charging/audio cable (not all do, apparently) and the plug has 2 USB connections for charging 2 things at once. The phone goes into a Car Mode while in the dock (large buttons, you can see it in the picture). You can Menu > Exit out of that to get to your normal home screens, but hitting the home button takes you back to the car mode interface.
Even though these are not the cheapest options out there, for the first time I feel like I'm getting something of value for the price, as opposed to OEM crap.
Hm, I had the option to buy a few of these with the phone and I skipped them. But now I find that the phone doesn't charge with my current DC-USB adapter and I have to buy a new adapter anyway. So annoying. Even with "standardized" USB ports they're still screwing this up.
On a side note, I'm also looking for screen protectors. Any recommendations on anti-glare vs other choices?
Thanks. I should have the Moto Vehicle Dock by Wednesday. Looking forward to trying it out.
highlandsun said:
Hm, I had the option to buy a few of these with the phone and I skipped them. But now I find that the phone doesn't charge with my current DC-USB adapter and I have to buy a new adapter anyway. So annoying. Even with "standardized" USB ports they're still screwing this up.
On a side note, I'm also looking for screen protectors. Any recommendations on anti-glare vs other choices?
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the power adapter not working is probably a voltage issue, what does your DC-USB adapter put out? if its lower than what the D4 consumes, its not going to charge it.
as for screen protectors... i personally do not see the point. never had one on my OG or my DX and neither have any scratches on them.
No, not a voltage issue. Just that the old adapter was too dumb. (Dumb ones simply provide +5V on the USB power lines. Lots of devices these days require an actual USB protocol handshake before they will turn on their charge circuits. My Motorola KRZR was the first phone I had like this. My Sony MiniDisc too.)
I bought a couple of new ones, they work fine. http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=228256702&sellerid=14803920
I now have the LapDock500 too, my work paid for that. Haven't played with it much. It feels quite heavy for a 14" laptop. And I need to write a custom rule for Droidwall, to allow the webtop software to have network access. Right now with Droidwall enabled I can't make it do much at all.
I use an exogear generic mount in the car with an old motorola droid 1 charging cord. I froze motorola's horrible excuse for a car home and replaced it with the stock one. When I get in the car, I just clip my phone in, connect the charger, and click the car home icon. I have it set up with exactly the apps I want, including a screen with Pandora, Grooveshark, and my equalizer app, and another screen with short cuts to navigate to my apartment and home.
Sent from my DROID4 using XDA

"Custom" Nexus 7 Car Mount (Using Miscellaneous Parts)

So I had a burning desire to mount my Nexus 7 in my car (2008 Dodge Charger) for some time. But all of the docks/mounts out right now either use suction cups, are bulky, or block significant portions of the head unit in the vehicle already.
This has been a bit of an obsession, trying to find something that would work the way I wanted it to. I had a vehicle specific bracket that I used for my Sirius radio a few years ago. It has holes drilled for the AMPS universal mounting pattern. This is what I decided to utilize at this time. Just a few pics and links for now until I get some better pictures later.
AMPS T-Bracket
Arkon Slim Grip. I actually used the one that came with my ARKON Windshield mount, but I'm pretty sure they're the same thing.
This vehicle specific bracket was from Bracketron, however, it was purchased 3 or 4 years ago, so I don't believe it is made any longer. I couldn't find it on their website. However, a few other companies make vehicle specific brackets, and Panavise was on the ones I found with a quick search. I like the AMPS mounting system because it's fairly modular. Stay away from the RAM mounts, even though they make some very excellent products, they generally use proprietary accessories for their mounts.
LINKS
Arkon Slim-Grip Holder (I purchased the Windshield mount, but it's the same holder, I believe)
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Slim-Gr...ckaging/dp/tech-data/B0056G142G/ref=de_a_smtd
Arkon VSM AMPS adapter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BA503Y/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I also use the Belkin BT adapter for playback of music. It's pretty much awful for anything besides phone calls.
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Blueto...&keywords=belkin+bluetooth+car+hands-free+kit
I'll update later on.
nice
it is nice what you have done.
I have the exact same car dodge charger 2008 SE and I would like to know how I can remove the factory stereo that comes with the car ( same as the one you have in the pictures) and put the nexus 7 in its place.
if anyone had done this kind of project please send me the details on how to do it
Very cool and nice setup you have there although it seems like if you have a passenger in the car with you their view of the screen wouldn't be so good since it's on an angle.
One thing I'd like to know is though, is that bracket permanently attached to the car or is it just a matter of sliding in and sliding out that bracket that is between the crack there?
jonnyg1097 said:
Very cool and nice setup you have there although it seems like if you have a passenger in the car with you their view of the screen wouldn't be so good since it's on an angle.
One thing I'd like to know is though, is that bracket permanently attached to the car or is it just a matter of sliding in and sliding out that bracket that is between the crack there?
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Thank you. I do have passengers that ride with me, but 90% of the time it's just me traveling for work. I didn't do this with them in mind. lol. However one modification I'll likely be doing to it is adding tilt/swivel adjust. Had it originally planned, but haven't found my solution yet.
The bracket is affixed to the car with the screws in the radio bezel. This makes it much more sturdy.
This isn't the same exact bracket as mine, but it's a similar one from Panavise. It uses the same screws.

Wireless car charging setup

I wanted a wireless charging setup for my Samsung S6 edge, and this is what I came up with using the following parts.
The clamps to hold phone work perfect for holding the wireless pad, and the phone snaps in and out easily.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H9B7ALK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F0IQTE8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PK1D7E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I use this for mine;
http://www.theairdock.com/
I don't like using sticky pads, and I didn't want it on my dashboard, out of reach.
And it's $100
Question:
WHile using GPS navigation with wireless charging, how fast goes the battery charge? Or does it charge at all or discharge instead?
That looks pretty neat. Do you have any pics to share of how it works with the cup holder? My only concern about that set up is that my cup holder is right next to me, and I'm not sure how ackward the reach woud be considering the phone might be almost too close...if that makes any sense.
While using waze and playing music, it charges. Not fast, but it does charge. I'll get some more pictures.
Nice ingenuity! Thanks for sharing! I was considering picking one of these up to see if they would work:
(Can't post URLs yet so copy/paste it)
Code:
http://www.amazon.com/Forrader%C2%AE-C3-Wireless-Blackberry-Qi-Enabled/dp/B00JXECBA6/ref=sr_1_7?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1429584358&sr=1-7&keywords=QI+car+charger
Another pic as promised.
I'm planning to combine a Qi charging pad with my Neutron S magnetic mount.. hopefully it works, haven't tested it.
Here's the Neutron S: http://www.bungajungle.com/collections/all/products/neutron-s?variant=994256488
I was going to get the Anker Qi charging pad especially because its 6mm, very close to the Neutron S's 6.35mm height. Add on some double sided tape and it'll probably sit right up against the back of the phone when mounted.
Sadly, reviews say the Anker Qi pad doesnt work with reliably with our phones for some damn reason o_o
i bought this one :
Qifull
but it constantly disconnected and reconnected to the point of making it useless and i tried all kinds of things but no chance it can be reliable. i went looking for a better solution but REALLY liked everything about it other than charging issue.
sadly there were a few more like CHOE Upgraded Qi and the Qi-infinity but if you look closely they are the same thing from different sellers.
i havent found a simple purchase option yet and looking.
the problem seems to be the placement of the 3 coils in relation to where the phone sits on the charging pad.
i do own this CHOE Stadium and it works great and have looked at other standard docks to see how i could incorporate into something but nothing has met my qualifications yet.
All I know is that the setup I posted works flawlessly even with a case.
Henchman said:
All I know is that the setup I posted works flawlessly even with a case.
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in my Ram Truck that doesnt work well for me though and a suction cup holder and i had the perfect setup with my Note 3 with this iBolt Dock
i looked at ways to add a qi pad inside it but not going to work with that one.
i will probably end up buying items and building something and your cup holder idea is nice just not for me.

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