http://www.kogan.com...tv-hdmi-dongle/
Why Android
- Quick booting.
- Compact and quiet (no fans or large pc components to hide)
- Heaps of Apps like music players, wifi sync etc.
- A lot more customisable than apple ios, which is what a car pc is all about
Why this dongle?
Its obviously not designed for a car but i think it could easily be adapted.
- Its powered by 5V dc though micro USB.
- USB input for mouse, extra storage (touchscreen overlay?)
- latest version of android.
- 4gb internal memory expandable with up to 32gb microSD card.
- Built in wifi N (it could automatically update music library when at home with a android sync app)
Screen Options
Because its not a complete tablet you could choose your own screen size although im not sure if car screens are available with HDMI yet? if not a HDMI to RCA converters are available on ebay. to be honest i havent looked into screens a lot mainly because i haven't decided what size i want yet. probably the standard 7"
Most screens also have at-least 2 inputs so the second input could be connected to a reversing camera unlike using a stand alone tablet
Control Options
- It comes with a IR remote, because the unit would normally be hidden behind a tv i assume it must come with a IR receiver, in the first picture in the above link you can see a little connection on the side that says IR above it.
- Im not sure if they are supported by android but a touchscreen with a USB connection?
- I would be looking at using factory buttons on the dash and wiring them to the supplied remote switches, mainly to control the basic skip and maybe directional buttons
- This wireless keyboard is also compatible with it http://www.kogan.com...board-trackpad/
Audio Output
Im just going to connect the audio out from the HDMI to RCA converter to my alpine heading unit on AUX.
Android Options
i assume its running a slightly custom version of android leaning toward smart tv features. this is probably a negative unless it could be flashed with a generic version.
AND its only $99 :-)
Thoughts appreciated...
Cheers Cam
Edited by fourl6, 20 June 2012 - 10:53 PM.
