Thought About the Laptop Dock - Atrix 4G Accessories

I was thinking about this yesterday and I don't see why this wouldn't be possible.
According to Motorola all the Laptop Dock is, is a screen keyboard and mouse. In the interest of saving money, why not just take an old netbook, take out the internals and convert it? I'm not exactly skilled with electronics but I don't see why this wouldn't be possible, you would need to either keep the DC board (if it is separate) or remove it from the motherboard itself. Then it would just be a matter of converting the LCD to HDMI Input and linking the USB's to the Atrix. At which point you just plug your phone via 2 cables and voila, it would work. Granted you would clearly need to change the connectors for the Keyboard and trackpad, but strip down an HDMI Multimedia dock and I could easily see this being done and saving money. (easily being subjective)

That might be challenging. Adding an HDMI input to a screen that wasn't designed with it is very difficult and potentially expensive. Most netbooks are using analog inputs and HDMI is digital.
The main way to go from analog to digital is a video capture device that encodes the analog signal. Those tend to have a fair bit of latency and are neither small nor cheap.
If you started with a display that supported HDMI input you could build a home brew laptop from that. Power might be an issue at that point though.
From what I have seen the Webtop is merely a feature of pluggin in the HDMI cable and selecting the appliction. The HDMI dock is not going to add much value other than be a convient and nice form factor.
I have considered doing somthing like you are suggesting but I am struggling with the HDMI issue. Currently the only option seems to be taking a display that supports HDMI and converting it into a homebrew laptop. At this time I can't find a digital display that is smaller that 20". An 11-15 inch screen that supports HDMI doesn't seem to exist.

I have thought of the same thing. The sticking point in my mind is the HDMI connection to the screen. The keyboard and mouse are likely just regular usb devices.
The next problem is that my Frankenstein device may cost $100+ to create and will likely look like crap.
The next problem is that the webtop appears to be locked down unless you have a tethering plan.
My conclusion from all of this is that it is cheaper and cleaner to buy a netbook and either add tethering only when necessary or root the device and add barnacle wifi.

If I'm not mistaken though, a netbook with an 11.6 inch display probably isn't only analog. I have a Toshiba T215-S1150 as well as an Asus EeePC that I'm looking into doing such with.
Granted off the top of my head a Pixel Qi display may accomplish such but I'm not sure if that is a Digital Input display.
I could be wrong though but I thought that in the end it's an LCD panel, the inputs are sodered on as to how you want to allow a Video Input.

You say the laptop dock is locked down without a tethering plan, one thing I did notice is you can buy the HDMI dock and it doesn't require it. You can use it with webtop also, I don't see how AT&T can determine if you are using Webtop on a Laptop or on a Desktop. Especially since from what I can tell, plugging in an HDMI cable will bring up the option for webtop also.
I don't see how the Frankenstein device is going to look bad especially since you will be removing most of the internals, you just remove a VGA port or plug an HDMI cable into the HDMI out. Then you use the USB as it was intended to connect the device to the rest of the internals. I know I'm not an electrical engineer or anything, but I know enough of the basics to see how this could work.
krkeegan said:
I have thought of the same thing. The sticking point in my mind is the HDMI connection to the screen. The keyboard and mouse are likely just regular usb devices.
The next problem is that my Frankenstein device may cost $100+ to create and will likely look like crap.
The next problem is that the webtop appears to be locked down unless you have a tethering plan.
My conclusion from all of this is that it is cheaper and cleaner to buy a netbook and either add tethering only when necessary or root the device and add barnacle wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

In regards to the tethering plan:
As I understand it the only requirement to have the tethering plan is to get the subsidy on the Laptop dock.
If you purchase the laptop dock outside a subsidized bundle then there is no need for a tethering plan.
As naturefreak85 said. The dock will allow webtop to launch as will a basic HDMI cable.
There is a video on you tube of a guy doing a demo where he plugs in an HDMI cable and webtop gives an option to launch.
AT&T is merely foisting the tethering plan on people who get the laptop dock on the $500 bundle. If you want to drop $500 on teh dock seperatly there is no requirement.
Mod's and Homebrew can look good. Thats up to the artist. For me its not about circumventing the $500 dock. Its about building somthing cool.
In regards to the HDMI/netbook thing... I did a little more thinking on how that works.
The motherboard has an LCD controller on it which sits between the video adapter on the MB and the LCD.
It goes:
Motherboard->Video Adapter (on silicon)->LCD controller->ribbon cable->LCD
There is also a LCD backlight and inverter involved.
If you just try to plug into the ribbon cable you loose the controller (and backlight inverter)
The contorller is the missing link and they are difficult to purchase on their own in any cost effective manner.
That is where canabalizing a monitor would workas it has a controller with it. The netbook/laptop has thecontroller embeded or loosely couple with the MB.
The hunt goes on.

I'll have to do some research on the schematics of my 1000HA and see the connection the display has to the motherboard. I figure it could be done in terms of converting the display to HDMI, just a matter of figuring out the right pinout and still supplying the right amount of power.
I would love to bring this to fruition because I've never done too much modding, but always been interested in such. I envision the ability to lift up the keyboard and plug the phone in, then lay the keyboard right back down. To the average viewer, it's a laptop but you are keeping your phone nicely protected/connected in it especially nice on an airplane. Much harder to leave a laptop behind vs a phone.

emoose said:
As I understand it the only requirement to have the tethering plan is to get the subsidy on the Laptop dock.
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Click to collapse
We will likely found out the answer to this on Monday, but the ATT page seems to say that tethering is required for use of firefox in the webtop mode.
The Atrix page on ATT's website states:
Code:
Full Firefox® browser use with AT&T Mobile Broadband requires DataPro 4GB Personal plan.
** Although, on second thought, that may be an "ATT Requirement" but it doesn't necessarily mean that the browser won't work.

Right as I read that it means, in order to use Webtop on 3G you need the tethering plan, but at the same time, I'm not sure how they can differentiate between desktop firefox if you change the ID tag of it. Plus they don't restrict it if used on WiFi.
krkeegan said:
We will likely found out the answer to this on Monday, but the ATT page seems to say that tethering is required for use of firefox in the webtop mode.
The Atrix page on ATT's website states:
Code:
Full Firefox® browser use with AT&T Mobile Broadband requires DataPro 4GB Personal plan.
** Although, on second thought, that may be an "ATT Requirement" but it doesn't necessarily mean that the browser won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

naturefreak85 said:
I'll have to do some research on the schematics of my 1000HA and see the connection the display has to the motherboard. I figure it could be done in terms of converting the display to HDMI, just a matter of figuring out the right pinout and still supplying the right amount of power.
I would love to bring this to fruition because I've never done too much modding, but always been interested in such. I envision the ability to lift up the keyboard and plug the phone in, then lay the keyboard right back down. To the average viewer, it's a laptop but you are keeping your phone nicely protected/connected in it especially nice on an airplane. Much harder to leave a laptop behind vs a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The issue is laptop displays typically use LVDS, which is very incompatible with DVI/HDMI signals. You basically need a DVI>LVDS board, which will run into the hundreds of dollars to buy like that.
Unless your laptop uses DisplayPort for it's display connection (unlikely on a netbook,) in which case it would basically be a matter of including a 'cheap' DVI>Displayport converter then pin-matching it to the screen.
I'm actively working on a way to achieve it, too, though (with my Asus Eee 1215T.)

Sjael said:
The issue is laptop displays typically use LVDS, which is very incompatible with DVI/HDMI signals. You basically need a DVI>LVDS board, which will run into the hundreds of dollars to buy like that.
Unless your laptop uses DisplayPort for it's display connection (unlikely on a netbook,) in which case it would basically be a matter of including a 'cheap' DVI>Displayport converter then pin-matching it to the screen.
I'm actively working on a way to achieve it, too, though (with my Asus Eee 1215T.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing a little bit more research and we have a possible solution, it may require splicing out the HDMI cable to get audio off the connector but this could work.....and it's $29
http://www.google.com/products/cata...og_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCAQ8wIwAA#

naturefreak85 said:
Doing a little bit more research and we have a possible solution, it may require splicing out the HDMI cable to get audio off the connector but this could work.....and it's $29
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a board designed for a specific miniITX motherboard - it takes whatever the mobo puts out and turns it into DVI and LVDS. If you could figure out what signals you need to provide to that board, then make those out of an HDMI signal, you might have a way in. Not sure just what functions that board actually provides, and it would be a rather extensive project to find out. I'm guessing that since it has a fair bit of circuitry behind the DVI port, it's not a natively DVI/HDMI-compatible signal.
That means a bit of reverse-engineering though, which I'm not *too* keen on doing. My current line of thought involves using some form of portable media player with a decent screen, since they typically accept some form of video input, haxxed into a case with a USB keyboard and (maybe) touchpad. The hard part is finding a usable screen that is actually better than the one on the Atrix.
That, or find a broken (not the screen! ) modern, high-end laptop that uses Displayport for it's display..

Related

HD Multimedia Dock 59$ / Standard Dock 49$ ?

http://androidandme.com/2011/01/pho...motorola-atrix-4g-could-retail-for-around-59/
Sounds good to me. So far, all price leaks regarding the Atrix have been really interesting (150$ for the laptop, 150$ for the phone with 2 yr contract in US, probably similar with 3yr in Canada, and now these reasonably priced docks).
i wonder if you HAVE to use the docking station with a screen, or does that just give you the remote control capability?
Surely I will just be able to plug in via HDMI and play movies, music, pictures etc? Seems odd that you need a special box for it. Possibly more comfortable, thats all.
Maybe someone will invent a wifi based remote control...?
Its logical, that if you have miniHDMI port, you dont need anything else (also check this thread someone said about video output).
I think that the Standart Dock is just for charging and easier connecting Atrix to TV (normal HDMI port) and with HD Dock you can also connect some USB devices like mouse or keyboard.
And most important you get nice stand for your Motorola
If there's only a $10 difference I may just get two multimedia docks. One to keep connected to my TV and the other next to my bed.
that hd dock looks great, I really want one for my Atrix ( when I will buy it ). And that other dock, it doesn't have remote control, right?
latest word is the dock is going to cost upwards of $500.
AT&T has announced pricing for the Android smartphone, which will run $199.99 when you sign up for a 2-year contract, but it will cost $499.99 to purchase the docking station that effectively turns the phone into a laptop computer. That means the docking station will be about twice as expensive as we’d been hearing… and it will cost even more if you don’t buy the Webtop at the same time as the phone. Oh yeah, you’ll also have to pay for a tethering add-on in addition to your smartphone data plan.
The dock will run $499.99 if purchased separately.
http://liliputing.com/2011/02/att-t...ontract-500-with-laptop-dock.html#dsq-content
That's the laptop dock. The HD Multimedia Dock will be "only" $189 with a keyboard, mouse, and remote.
Rastor said:
That's the laptop dock. The HD Multimedia Dock will be "only" $189 with a keyboard, mouse, and remote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love the "only"... That has to be a crazy keyboard and mouse...
HD dock is $130 or so. Screw that. Just run the HDMI cable straight to the TV from the phone, and use a bluetooth keyboard/mouse, no need for the USB port.
I ordered the multimedia dock bundle because I get 40% off accessories through the at&t premier website. $117 isn't so bad for everything you get. The laptop dock was not fiscountable but the price of that was not worth discount or none IMO. If I don't like the multimedia dock I have 14 days to return it... so here's hoping I like it.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
[email protected] said:
Its logical, that if you have miniHDMI port, you dont need anything else (also check this thread someone said about video output).
I think that the Standart Dock is just for charging and easier connecting Atrix to TV (normal HDMI port) and with HD Dock you can also connect some USB devices like mouse or keyboard.
And most important you get nice stand for your Motorola
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to this video on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8sN3DnKaKM if you only plug in the HDMI cable there is no Webtop button. The guy says when you plug in just an HDMI cable there are two modes "Entertainment mode, and the do nothing mode"
So I guess they figured out a way for the phone to identify when it is using one of the docks.
I would like a standard dock that just holds the phone and maybe allows for charging; im definitely thinkinng of the standard dock though.
Using this in class to take notes is something taht is really excitint; im using an ipad right now and i love it, but sometimes I dont want to throw at ithe bag and set it up just to take a few notes.

[Q] Atrix Laptop dock work with HTC EVO?

From what I can tell, the placement of the connectors is about right (width), but I think one of the connectors is upside down if you compare the EVO USB/HDMI and the Atrix USB/HDMI, so I am not sure that it would fit.
Next step in my brainstorm would be to use extension cables to compensate for the twisted connector, and rig up a jig/adapter plate to securely hold the EVO onto the laptop dock.
Once the hardware could be connected, we have to deal with software, firmware, kernels and the like. I've seen that HDMI mirroring is mostly done, and I imagine that the Motorola webtop software will be hacked/ported or cloned at some point. Although, even just running the EVO on the main screen would be sweet enough for me (for now).
I would declare it cooler than sliced bread if I could use my EVO with the Atrix laptop dock, or had something similar for my EVO. (if I could just get HDMI in, I'd use an old laptop as a shell).
Thoughts and ideas?
i seriously doubt it will work. although the microusb and hdmi might be the same, there is a lot on the software side that has to be done in order for the evo to work. its probably proprietary code, which wouldnt be a huge deal, but there wont be enough interest due to the fact the dock is 200 dollars. so it may be possible, but i wouldnt have my hopes up
I'm pretty stingy in general, although more liberal when it comes to technology and gadgets, and I don't feel that $200 would be wasted or expensive (more than that would quickly get too expensive though) on something like that. Maybe just because I have dreamed of doing something similar ever since I got my Sony u7 50p a few years back, but I still think it would be awesome!
USB host and full HDMI out are mostly driver module issues and would be covered by GPL. As far as the UI,a launcher switch triggered by "Dock Mode" is already in place, it would just need an options pop-up to select which mode you wanted to use like the USB does when you connect to a PC. Something like And-Win home screen would work as a desktop UI to start. The only issue I see would be if there's a validation check from the lapdock or media dock.
Last I looked (a while ago) I could not find any mention of people using/turning on USB host support on an EVO. Do you know anything about that? I'm not sure what the GPL is though...
You woulld be much better off (and cheaper) to buy a 13inch monitor, connect hdmi from evo to monitor, and use the FullHDMI app, with a bluetooth keyboard of course.
AllanonMage said:
From what I can tell, the placement of the connectors is about right (width), but I think one of the connectors is upside down if you compare the EVO USB/HDMI and the Atrix USB/HDMI, so I am not sure that it would fit.
Next step in my brainstorm would be to use extension cables to compensate for the twisted connector, and rig up a jig/adapter plate to securely hold the EVO onto the laptop dock.
Once the hardware could be connected, we have to deal with software, firmware, kernels and the like. I've seen that HDMI mirroring is mostly done, and I imagine that the Motorola webtop software will be hacked/ported or cloned at some point. Although, even just running the EVO on the main screen would be sweet enough for me (for now).
I would declare it cooler than sliced bread if I could use my EVO with the Atrix laptop dock, or had something similar for my EVO. (if I could just get HDMI in, I'd use an old laptop as a shell).
Thoughts and ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The connectors aren't even CLOSE.
The motorola webtop stuff is actually a full linux environment, and when it boots up it uses a whole core of the tegra.
Keep in mind the atrix is still "running" android on the other core.
Even if this WAS possible, it would be so entirely laggy it would not be worth it at all. (And having tried the dock for the atrix, it's a complete waste of money in my honest opinion. _ANY_ netbook priced at ~$250 USD outperforms it.)
Hate to break it to you, but no, you'll never see it "ported."
As far as I can see, the best you're going to get is hdmi out (to a regular screen) and maybe once someone gets around to enabling the proper USB option host based devices. (keyboard, etc. But enjoy hacking your cables up to make a proper adaptor)
I don't suppose you have a lead on anyone (or thread) working on USB host for the EVO do you?
While you may be able to mirror on the laptops screen and have it charge. The only thing thats seemingly impossible is to make use of the touchpad through a hardwired connection. You're better off to trying to jerry rig a bluetooth keyboard w/ integrated track pad, a tiny HDMI enabled screen, and a battery source.
AllanonMage said:
I don't suppose you have a lead on anyone (or thread) working on USB host for the EVO do you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The closest thing I've found was a "needs testing" driver for the HD2 port of the Evo ROM. There doesn't seem to be much interest from the devs.
Sounds like a plan. You should pick one up asap.
ryohei47 said:
i seriously doubt it will work. although the microusb and hdmi might be the same, there is a lot on the software side that has to be done in order for the evo to work. its probably proprietary code, which wouldnt be a huge deal, but there wont be enough interest due to the fact the dock is 200 dollars. so it may be possible, but i wouldnt have my hopes up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally have the lapdock AND the OG EVO works with it (using AnthraX) although I had to twist the HDMI cable it does so on screen...
It works in Landscape as well as Portrait but the USB's do NOT work with it...
any idea on how to get it working?
je2854 said:
I personally have the lapdock AND the OG EVO works with it (using AnthraX) although I had to twist the HDMI cable it does so on screen...
It works in Landscape as well as Portrait but the USB's do NOT work with it...
any idea on how to get it working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reviving an ancient request. Anyone has this working? I tried like above and got the hdmi and charging working, but not usbs...
fflakes said:
Reviving an ancient request. Anyone has this working? I tried like above and got the hdmi and charging working, but not usbs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry buddy I have switched company's but I believe it is just a matter of drivers needed to be installed

[Q] Galaxy Tab 10.1 VGA Adapter

I'm waiting for Galaxy Tab 10.1 to be released in order to buy one, but I need to know is there any idea if there is a VGA adapter to connect it to TV via VGA and display presentations on TV. I know that there is HDMI Adapter, but for iPAD2 there is a VGA adapter.
I really appreciates your help
AlienGhost said:
I know that there is HDMI Adapter
I really appreciates your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could get an HDMI > DVI adaptor then use a DVI > VGA adaptor.
RaindancerAU said:
You could get an HDMI > DVI adaptor then use a DVI > VGA adaptor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure that would work.
There are (at least) 2 specs for DVI - DVI-A (Analogue) and DVI-D (Digital) .
HDMI > DVI-D is possible, but AFAIK, HDMI > DVI-A is not, since the output device (your Tab) would need to support analogue signals. For the same reason, you wouldn't be able use a HDMI > VGA adapter.
Im almost certain that the tab does not support analogue timings but you never know.
If it's for work and you're not spending your own money, see if they will buy a converter box for "all those people" who need to use it That's the only way to be sure it will work.
bcmobile said:
Im almost certain that the tab does not support analogue timings but you never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There already exists a cable that plugs into the Samsung proprietary port that outputs an analogue signal through a composite video connector (and stereo RCA plugs for audio). Samsung reps have confirmed that this cable, released for the original Galaxy Tab, will work 100% with the 10.1v and 10.1 (by implication probably the 8.9 too).
Composite to VGA won't work as it has different timings.
Best you can do is something that converts HDMI to VGA by some integrated solution, e.g., HDfury - HDMI to VGA cable, see their forum. Unfortunately you need another extra adaptor to fit the propriatory Galaxy connector. Plus extra power supply for the HDfury (and probably for the Galaxy Tab as well).
This is a deal breaker for all teachers and students that often have to show their content over VGA beamer. Bummer.
@pibach -> thanks for your input, clear, concise and accurate.
I'm on the market for a 10"/HC tablet that has "native" VGA output capability (as in dock connector<->VGA) that would not require an external/powered adapter.
Anyone knows of such rarity?
I have a tattoo/Click, Desire, Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab, so I'm totally addicted to Android. But failing this basic pre-requisite for Corporate environment is a fail in my book and would force me to put my money on the iPad2 despite the shortcomings(including the no-jailbreak current status). Don't get me wrong, I have no trolling intention: I have simple business needs that must be met...
So if you know of any such HC tablet, please let us know.
Cheers,
hal said:
@pibach -> thanks for your input, clear, concise and accurate.
I'm on the market for a 10"/HC tablet that has "native" VGA output capability (as in dock connector<->VGA) that would not require an external/powered adapter.
Anyone knows of such rarity?
I have a tattoo/Click, Desire, Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab, so I'm totally addicted to Android. But failing this basic pre-requisite for Corporate environment is a fail in my book and would force me to put my money on the iPad2 despite the shortcomings(including the no-jailbreak current status). Don't get me wrong, I have no trolling intention: I have simple business needs that must be met...
So if you know of any such HC tablet, please let us know.
Cheers,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you are not the only one. I'm getting 10.1v tomorrow, and hoping that there will be VGA adapter available one day. But for time being HDMI will do.
I just bought one too and I'm really pissed off there's no way to use it for work
even the ipad can output vga :S
i was able to get "something" using HP's hdmi -> vga adapter
Unfortunately, green was missing. Could have been the cable provided locally. If someone is successful in connecting to a VGA projector, let me know.
[Even with proper colors, the need for two dongles and AC power make the GT unsuitable for presentations.]
Anyone knows if Samsung or a 3rd party is working on something?
i'd really like to know that too...
hdmi to vga adaptors
check out HDFURY, expensive but probably good quality
I ended up taking a risk buying a $40 one from chinabuye @ chinabuye.com/hdmi-to-vga-and-3-5mm-audio-converter
works fine, been using it to connect my media player to a comp monitor.
hi guys,
can anyone confirm that there is no official/unofficial available vga adapter for the gtab 10.1?
options that I have seen are those that typically require a separate power supply, which defeats the purpose of having a tablet for mobility purposes.
appreciate any advice!!
unfortunately no, and it doesn't seem samsung is working on it :/
ceminino said:
unfortunately no, and it doesn't seem samsung is working on it :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow.....that sucks.....
this really eliminates the Gtab 10.1 as a useful work/office companion since most enterprises still use vga projectors.....
thanks for the help...cheers.
exactly, I was planning to use it for presentations :/
Did anyone tried this adapter?
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/computer/categories/cables/1/accessories/NP031AA%23ABA
It seems it doesnt have a power source, it would be portable enough if it was the case
Yes. I could get something on the projector. Colors were off. I didn't have the time to check all connections. But even if it were working, having to rely on AC to power the HDMI dongle makes little sense.
In a pinch, you may want to use http://app.mightymeeting.com/index.html . You'll need a local machine and decent internet connectivity, but you gain mobility in the room and might score wow-points. They have an android app but it doesn't work on honeycomb. You have to start the meeting through their website.
In real life it remains a risky proposition. I could get away with it (I teach. Easy to switch to local machine if something goes wrong), but would never rely on such setup for a conference or other high stakes presentation. I now routinely use mightymeeting with an iPad. MM can save a local version of the presentation file. Never failed. Extremely convenient.

Possible to make "shell" to turn it into a netbook?

(Apologies if this has been asked before or if it's mind-bogglingly retarded.)
What we have with the SGS2 is remarkable - it's as powerful as a netbook, with video-out and USB host functionality.
It seems to me that carrying such a super-phone alongside a netbook would be a waste of money and effort, when the processor in the SGS2 is more than up to scratch.
So what would be the obstacles in making a "shell" that provided a laptop-like keyboard, mouse and screen, with an SGS2 where the processor, RAM and so on would normally be housed? (The SGS2 would be removable, of course.)
These are the ones I can think of:
USB/Bluetooth keyboard support - may have to be Bluetooth keyboard.
Touch input? (May have to be Bluetooth mouse, but mouse input is possible in Android)
Connecting a monitor and USB device through the same USB port (not necessary if keyboard/mouse are Bluetooth)
Battery life - just make the shell house a fat battery!
So let's say we could piece all that together - a keyboard, mouse, battery and screen in one shell. It could come out considerably cheaper and lighter than a netbook, with all the SGS2's media playback abilities, internet without having to tether, and no need to change apps when going from netbook to phone.
There's probably something I haven't thought of, but I couldn't resist posting.
Thoughts?
I would love to see something like this happen. The SGS2 will be my first Android phone, coming from WinMo, so I've no idea what is available or is possible with the OS. One reason I bought this phone was because I wanted to connect a Bluetooth keyboard (and mouse?) to it and keep it mounted on a dock or stand right below my two monitors at work, serving as an internet/chat/email computer, instead of taking my phone AND laptop to work every day.
Now I may be mistaken, but MHL doesn't support simultaneous USB and HDMI out, so if you wanted to connect input devices AND have monitor out, I'd guess the keyboard and mouse would have to be Bluetooth, as you've mentioned. One thing that interests me is something the Wiki entry mentions:
"The HDTV remote will control the connected device with guaranteed mixed manufacturer interoperability."
So perhaps one day we might see some SGS2 "lapdock" like the Atrix?
Check out what the guy says at 8:50 in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtwTcnR0hqA
He says, basically, that he can connect the device to a tv through MHL, connect a BT keyboard and mouse, then sit back on his couch and use his device like a living room PC.
Bump...
Any news?
I put it in the top lid of my logitech dinovo mini with some rubber bands.
Looks like sh*t, but works really well!
//Gunnar
You won't be able to do a full netbook, because the microUSB connector on the SGS2 can be used either as microUSB or MHL (HDMI video out + charger input); the two functions of the connector are mutually exclusive. So, if you're piping the SGS2's video out to the shell's display, you have no USB, and if you're using the USB, there's no external video.
You might be able to use some kind of remoting software to work around this & use the USB functionality of the SGS2; the shell would have something like a VNC client installed, then connect to server software on the SGS2 (over WiFi or BT networking).
Hm, are you 100% sure about them being mutually exclusive?
GunnarKarlsson said:
I put it in the top lid of my logitech dinovo mini with some rubber bands.
Looks like sh*t, but works really well!
//Gunnar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, but I would still prefer a full size keyboard.
How is it connected? USB? BT?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
3waygeek said:
You might be able to use some kind of remoting software to work around this & use the USB functionality of the SGS2; the shell would have something like a VNC client installed, then connect to server software on the SGS2 (over WiFi or BT networking).
Click to expand...
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No idea how this can be realized. Afaik, there is a VNC client installed, but no server.
Guess it is easier to try what is mentioned above :
Use NHL to get the monitor working and BT for the keyboard. Would be good to have some profile, which enables the BT keyboard when NHL is plugged, maybe through locale or so.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
I know this thread is kinda old now, but some recent tech news brought this idea back to memory for me. ICE Computer showed a docking tablet they call Trinity at Computex 2011, which apparently can be made to dock with nearly any phone or even a PC module. I didn't find too much info that wasn't regurgitated between sites, but it sounds like they won't be selling it themselves, rather they'll sell it to other companies who want one for their device.
My hope is they'll sell some kind of universal version that takes different phones and maybe just requires a different-shaped module for different phones. Here's a link to the Engadget post, but there are other pages that describe what it does and when it should be available.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/ice-computer-shows-off-trinity-modular-tablet-concept-aims-for/
Add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, perhaps a stand, and voila!
Need a solution like this
1) MHL output to a tv/ monitor
2) Bluetooth keyboard and mouse work over HID profile
3) Remote Desktop software that allows use of external keyboard and mouse and which can output native resolution rather than just mirroring the screen.

[Q] AV output?

I need to find a way to output video to AV input so i can connect my note 2, to my stereo in my car any clue how i can do this?
Just use a Left Right channel to 3.5mm wire...
EDIT: Oh... For video I think we only support HDMI but there might be a dongle you could buy..
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
You'll need to output hdmi via mhl, then use a hdmi > AV adapter to connect to the radio.
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
What Evil said ^^^^
Sent from my SPH-L900
Thanks for the help all the hdmi > AV adapters i cant find have to be powered anyone know of any that dont need power or i can power from a usb maybe? thanks.
vwgti18 said:
Thanks for the help all the hdmi > AV adapters i cant find have to be powered anyone know of any that dont need power or i can power from a usb maybe? thanks.
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Best thing to do is buy an AC> DC power inverter for your vehicle. I use one to charge my note 2. They turn the 12v cigg lighter into a 120v wall outlet.
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
This is one thing that sucks on newer devices. I remember on my HTC Touch Pro and TP2 you could just plug into your deck using the rca inputs. It was nice to be able to play stuff off your phone directly to the monitor.
Plus because I kept the cables in my car, it was easy to take in a house and plug in and play videos and pictures. I did this all the time for my Grams, to show her my little ones. She was never into newer HD tv's lol. Oh well, I'm sure HDMI connections will be really available on decks before you know it.
Sent from my Mackafied Sprint Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium.
KB112 said:
This is one thing that sucks on newer devices. I remember on my HTC Touch Pro and TP2 you could just plug into your deck using the rca inputs. It was nice to be able to play stuff off your phone directly to the monitor.
Plus because I kept the cables in my car, it was easy to take in a house and plug in and play videos and pictures. I did this all the time for my Grams, to show her my little ones. She was never into newer HD tv's lol. Oh well, I'm sure HDMI connections will be really available on decks before you know it.
Sent from my Mackafied Sprint Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium.
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A lot of the new decks already have hdmi pigtails in the back or hdmi ports in the front.
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
-EViL-KoNCEPTz- said:
A lot of the new decks already have hdmi pigtails in the back or hdmi ports in the front.
☆SoA: Son's of Android™☆
I like to break stuff!
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Yeah I have seen some, but I mean it's not quite mainstream yet. At least not enough for me to switch out decks! Lol
Sent from my Mackafied Sprint Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium.
vwgti18 said:
I need to find a way to output video to AV input so i can connect my note 2, to my stereo in my car any clue how i can do this?
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Click to collapse
You can find plenty of HDMI to RCA adapters on the internet. The problem is that HDMI is a digital signal, and RCA is analog. And from your picture, your device is looking for an analog signal. Hence, you need to get something to convert the HDMI signal into an Analog one. They exist, but are not cheap. The cheap ones, not used, are $200. Require a power source. And we haven't even touched is the phone's video output going to be accepted by the stereo's video input. If the video output doesn't match--resolution and refresh rate--you're not going to have a picture. On PCs, you can these settings in the video control center or use special applications. For Android, I don't think they exists because the TVs with HDMI are new enough that a designed to accept the video phones are putting out; the phone are also designed to output video HDTV will accept.
Never mind you'll still need some kind of car charger to power the HML adapter. In my experience, using your phone and HML, will drain your battery, although slower because it doesn't need all the 2.0mha the charger puts out, but doesn't give the phone enough power to maintain it's current charge status.
The other issue, it's hard to find converters for HDMI to composite RCA. Not many people are in demand for them since a lot of the old TVs that only had those inputs are gone. They exists though.
That all said, my question would be exactly what applicaitons or tasks are you trying to don on your GN2 though your car deck? If it's just play music or audio into it, If so, then just get a 3.5mm to RCA cable. They can be purchased for a couple dollars. Here's a link for Monoprice.com: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218. Just make sure you get a male to male version. There are options as well, depending your car deck. If it has a casette deck, you can get 3.5mm caasette adapter. If you want more robust, you can get a 3.5mm FM car cigarette transmitter such as Coby CA 745; the problem is you need to have a clear FM station, which can change depending on your geographical location. I like that model because you can change FM to be used, and has cigarette charge port. The benefit, you're not dependent on the car having any kind of audio output ports, or cassette player.
If you're wanting to play video, ie use the mirroring function of the phone, I'm thinking you be much better served with a newer car deck that can support HDMI video in. Heck, depending on the screensize of you deck, it may be better just to get a car dock for the GN2 and just send the audio through your car stereo. Another alternative, use the Wifi hotspot function of the GN2 and use a tablet. I'm not saying I've ever used the GN2 to use Google Navigation and my 10" tablet to have NHL Center Ice going while driving to a meeting an hour away, but you can see how it can be done:
I've seen some pretty creative mounting methods use with the Nexus 7.
Hopefully this was helpful
lovekeiiy said:
You can find plenty of HDMI to RCA adapters on the internet. The problem is that HDMI is a digital signal, and RCA is analog. And from your picture, your device is looking for an analog signal. Hence, you need to get something to convert the HDMI signal into an Analog one. They exist, but are not cheap. The cheap ones, not used, are $200. Require a power source. And we haven't even touched is the phone's video output going to be accepted by the stereo's video input. If the video output doesn't match--resolution and refresh rate--you're not going to have a picture. On PCs, you can these settings in the video control center or use special applications. For Android, I don't think they exists because the TVs with HDMI are new enough that a designed to accept the video phones are putting out; the phone are also designed to output video HDTV will accept.
Never mind you'll still need some kind of car charger to power the HML adapter. In my experience, using your phone and HML, will drain your battery, although slower because it doesn't need all the 2.0mha the charger puts out, but doesn't give the phone enough power to maintain it's current charge status.
The other issue, it's hard to find converters for HDMI to composite RCA. Not many people are in demand for them since a lot of the old TVs that only had those inputs are gone. They exists though.
That all said, my question would be exactly what applicaitons or tasks are you trying to don on your GN2 though your car deck? If it's just play music or audio into it, If so, then just get a 3.5mm to RCA cable. They can be purchased for a couple dollars. Here's a link for Monoprice.com: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218. Just make sure you get a male to male version. There are options as well, depending your car deck. If it has a casette deck, you can get 3.5mm caasette adapter. If you want more robust, you can get a 3.5mm FM car cigarette transmitter such as Coby CA 745; the problem is you need to have a clear FM station, which can change depending on your geographical location. I like that model because you can change FM to be used, and has cigarette charge port. The benefit, you're not dependent on the car having any kind of audio output ports, or cassette player.
If you're wanting to play video, ie use the mirroring function of the phone, I'm thinking you be much better served with a newer car deck that can support HDMI video in. Heck, depending on the screensize of you deck, it may be better just to get a car dock for the GN2 and just send the audio through your car stereo. Another alternative, use the Wifi hotspot function of the GN2 and use a tablet. I'm not saying I've ever used the GN2 to use Google Navigation and my 10" tablet to have NHL Center Ice going while driving to a meeting an hour away, but you can see how it can be done:
I've seen some pretty creative mounting methods use with the Nexus 7.
Hopefully this was helpful
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Yea thanks for your input. I was just about to order this http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...l?ie=UTF8&colid=&coliid=&me=&qid=&seller=&sr=
and this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A9H30LU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and see if i can get it to work but after u said all that idk if i really want to risk spending the $50 what do u think?
As for buying a new deck thats out of the question i just got the new late 2012 model JVC.
I already do music. I wanted video so i can play movies and play youtube but mostly wanted my google maps to show on the big screen so i could just tuck my phone away.
The HML cable is a decent price. You may it to be useful for showing off pictures or videos at home or at friends' on the TV rather than the phone. I see the cable still being useful if what your propose doesn't work out.
I can't so for certain if it's going work. It looks promising. I like the Eleckcity has 60 positive reviews (4 or 5 stars) out of 78. Fifty dollars isn't a bad cost. I would just check the return the policy. I would write Eleckcity and ask about returns if they product doesn't work or as expected. Also, there is a review who used it in a similar manner that you're trying to do. I would definity write that person to find out more details on the headunit and so forth.
The only thing I would be weary about is powering the Eleckcity. Since it doesn't have it's own powersouce, it's going to draw it's power from the USB. I don't know for certain, but I don't believe the USB power on the GN2 sends out power. If it does, I don't think it's much. It's only used the OTG USB cable with items that had their power. And the MHL has as power supply. If it doesn't power it, I think a simple USB powerhub could do the trick. I'm sure there is probably some kind of cigarette car adapter usb hub that could found or the like.
I understand the goal. I don't know how much effect and cost is worth it for you to how often you would use the maps and video features on your deck's screen. In looking at some of the JVC multimedia head units, screen size isn't very larger since they range 6.1" to 7". So I put eh screen size as negligible factor, by my standards. Obviously, use the headunit's screen would be more elegant look, espically compared to having three windowshield/dashboard car docks, a 150W USB cigarette car power inverter, and cables hanging in from of the dash; one is the for the satellite radio. Then again, I only need that stuff about once every six months. So, maybe a simple dock such as iOttie or Clingo may work well with a car charger for phone if you only plan to use it say, once a month or less. T
The last paragraph is just proposed plan B and C, and so forth.

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