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Hi all,
I am a newbie to this forum and have not yet bought my Universal. I am waiting for my next visit to the UK. Long story.
Anyway, the main point of this topic is that for me, one of the main things missing from the Universal is large mass storage capability (videos, photos, etc.).
I therefore intend to develop an interface to connect a hard drive to the Universal. I am a professional hardware and software developer BTW.
As far as I understand from this site, the current position is this;
The USB interface does not support host mode. (whether due to software or hardware...).
There is no expansion port as fitted to the XDAII etc. (if only, then this would be a no brainer).
The SDIO/MMC card socket is probably the most likely interface to use.
Can anyone confirm these assumptions?
I would like to develop this either as a docking station or a replacement back for the universal. However initially I suspect it will be connected by a cable.
If anyone has any more information, please let me know. I suspect that I will end up developing an MMC/SDIO to ATA/IDE or USB host interface. Alternatively I could just wait for CE-ATA drives and hopefully someone else will have written the drivers...
lkingscott said:
The USB interface does not support host mode. (whether due to software or hardware...).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just off the top of my head.
One USB host channel is used for the GSM/UMTS/GPS data transfer. The second one is
not used. The third is configured, but its purpose is unclear.
There is no expansion port as fitted to the XDAII etc. (if only, then this would be a no brainer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They didn't wire even the serial port, so what
expansion port are you taking about
The SDIO/MMC card socket is probably the most likely interface to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have no other choice. USB and SDIO.
I will end up developing an MMC/SDIO to ATA/IDE or USB host interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MMC/SDIO<->USB is the best, if you will solve the power problem.
If you read my post more carefully, you will see that is exactly what I say - I.e. the Exec/universal has NO expansion port as far as I am aware (unlike the XDAII which has one which can even support ATA style interface (Compactflash...))
USB2 host via SDIO/MMC will be unlikely as the MMC/SDIO interface is so slow and would probably require 2 separate interfaces plus micro although Atmel have some promising looking devices with integrated USB... However SDIO - ATA/IDE could be done relatively easily with a decent microcontroller.
Power is no big deal, as an external device it would have its own power - internal battery... but if I get as far as making it part of a docking station or replacenment back, then a bigger battery or even 2 batteries would be the way to go.
To bad this is all hot air. Time wise you don't have the time. What is the lifespan of the universal? 18 months to two years. No way in that window will you have time to develop a "Docking" station. Well not as commercial product anyway.
Pesimistic or what...
32G MMC & SD cards are supposed to be available next year.... Maybe that's why they didn't bother with expansion options...
I could confirm all of your assumptions. I have a Universal for a while now and one biggest thing I really wanted is, a Mass Storage, like an external HDD. I posted a while ago, my dream addition is a backpack/docking station that has extended battery, and a mass storage, or at least a USB host port or a CF slot.
Besides all interfaces you mentioned, don't forget the Universal also has wireless interface: BT and IrDA.
I read there is BT HDD outhere (4GB) but kind of expensive and not sure if its in production already.
If there is a way to hook up an external HDD, I will be among the first customers.
Btw, where did you hear about the 32GB SD Card?
Other thing I can think of, there is a device such as Cowon A2 that has a USB host function. It certainly can read from Universal SD Card if they are hooked up together, but Universal will not be able to access the Cowon A2 big harddrive. They mention that Cowon A2 can only read and copy from, and not copy to.
Since internal mass storage isn't an option, then external storage via wireless has to be a reasonable alternative. I don't know if bluetooth HDs exist, but there is certainly a wi-fi option from ASUS - see http://uk.asus.com/products2.aspx?l1=12&l2=44
This takes a standard laptop 2.5" HD and can connect wirelessly to an existing network or it can act as an access point for direct connection with another device. It's not the fastest device in the world, but it works fine on a home network as a basic back up file server as well as a store for mp3s which can then be played by any other device on the network. I hope to get my XDA next month and see if it also can wirelessly play mp3s in this way.
sjdigital said:
Since internal mass storage isn't an option, then external storage via wireless has to be a reasonable alternative. I don't know if bluetooth HDs exist, but there is certainly a wi-fi option from ASUS - see http://uk.asus.com/products2.aspx?l1=12&l2=44
This takes a standard laptop 2.5" HD and can connect wirelessly to an existing network or it can act as an access point for direct connection with another device. It's not the fastest device in the world, but it works fine on a home network as a basic back up file server as well as a store for mp3s which can then be played by any other device on the network. I hope to get my XDA next month and see if it also can wirelessly play mp3s in this way.
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Click to collapse
2kg!!!!! :shock:
Who wants to carry that "portable" device? :lol:
I don't know where you get "2 kg" from? The thing weighs 200g according to the specification in the instructions (although whether that includes the HD itself I can't say!). It's certainly portable, if not pocketable, but the original post was about mass storage for music, videos, etc. and this device provides that very conveniently.
I found the weight there:
http://www.techfever.co.uk/products.asp?partno=4721&source=tempriser
but you're right, on the other website it says 200g:
http://www.techbuy.com.au/products/....5_Hard_Drive_Case_-_802.11g_Ethernet_USB.asp
but anyway, you need to use an external power source so for me it's not portable...
Yes, I have one and for sure it's nowhere near 2kg! It's a bit smaller than a video cassette (remember them?) and really is very handy. But as I said, portable rather than pocketable. But given the wireless capability of the XDA, the ASUS device is a realistic option for a semi-fixed file server that is accessible wirelessly. And it even has a built in ftp server so you can hook it up to your home network and acess it via the internet using your XDA or whatever. As I write this I'm listening to my mp3s which are stored on my ASUS and played back via a wireless media player. Neat, huh? And it's that capabilty that I want from an XDA but I want to wait until it has A2DP so that I can stream the audio to my hi-fi via bluetooth!!!
ASUS HDD
I have just bought an Asus WL-HDD hard drive case. I was hoping that it would be smaller than it is, the case is the most inefficient I have ever seen. However, it should do what I am looking for.
With a 60G Maxtor hard drive it weighs 315 grammes. Note that you also need a 5 volt supply - more wires, not exactly portable, however it's a good start.
After loads of pain getting to work properly, I have been playing with video streaming and it seems OK, even from an external hard drive plugged into its USB 1.1 port. Not bad, a 40 quid device that has all that and a host USB port and they couldn't get the USB port right on an Exec costing 10 times that...!!!
Now I have got the Asus going, there's other things it can do, like being an Access point and there's loads of tweaks out there from the open source community. Have a look at http://wl500g.info , you can even write your own software for it if you want.
BT would be useless as the max data rate is crap. There is no way that you could reliably stream video without lots of compression...
So, while the Asus product is not perfect, it does mean that I will not be bothering with the XDA add on. I will certainly now be buying an Exec and I now have the bug to start playing with WiFi embedded servers... As a start I think I will recase the Asus, including some LiIon batteries and built in card reader (it just hangs off the USB port). Not really a major development, but it will save carrying a power brick and a load of cables.
80211B
I have just noticed that the WiFi interface is 802.11b.
When I tried video streaming with the Asus WL-HDD, 802.11g would work fine, but 802.11b was just too slow. However I was streaming relatively high quality video.
Ho Hum. I think I'll still get one and try it. I suppose lower quality video can be used, but then some of the advantages of the high quality display are lost. Anyway, for my particular requirement I am more interested in still image display.
Lisa
Without trying to hijack this thread, yes, the WL-HDD isn't the fastest device around! But 11b wireless isn't the problem, even hard wired to my router it doesn't manage anything like 11b speeds. But I can happily play mp3s, and video files that aren't too high quality, that are stored on it. It can, for example, happily cope with playing video files generated from a consumer video camera. But are you actually streaming, or simply playing files stored on the device?
You've already found the wl500g forum where lots of info is available, you could also try www.macsat.com.
802.11b/g
I don't know what goes on with 802.11b or g, but the sustained data rates don't seem to be anywhere near 11 or 54Mbps.
Assuming a reasonable quality 500M MP4 or Divx video 2 hours long. That's around 5Gbits in 15000 secs, i.e. 333kbits/sec.
I have tried dfferent combinations of adapters, routers and pc cards and the results are always similar. Yet file copying times would indicate data rates nearer to those quoted.
Ho hum...
I normally have my WL-HDD connected by ethernet cable but I've just tried it wirelessly and data transfer is just over 5 Mbps. A long way short of 11b never mind 11g speeds. I can play a 30 minute 300MB MPEG movie on my laptop from a file on the WL-HDD. That's a data rate of about 1.3 Mbps. But I tried a 57MB avi file which is only 16 seconds long and it simply wouldn't play properly - it just stuttered along. But the data rate required for that is about 28 Mbps, which is clearly well beyond what the WL-HDD can manage.
But it should be able to cope with anything up to 5 Mbps, i.e. a one hour video file of about 2.2 GB (I think I've got my bits and Bytes, and Mega and Giga, right!)
WiFi 802.11g on your HTC Universal & Wizard
Check this guys!
http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=5880
Salam!
Just tryed it, but my network is in the list as "Available" and I dont have a connection
Linksys WRT54GS in G-only mode...
Hi,
Engadget says Universal supports external HDD (read comments at http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/02/...l-questions-weve-got-htc-universal/1#comments )
Is there a way to get in touch with them?
I do not fully understand what everybody is trying to achieve here. I use Resco explorer and connect over Wifi to my home network. I get a shared drive and can use all the harddisk space in the world. Grant it will only work at home, but that is where I need the external space the most.
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..
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.
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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.
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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.
(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
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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...
Click to collapse
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.
I've been searching and I'm not finding any real answers which leads me to believe that it won't be possible without a digital converter box. I'm looking for some type of analog out adapter for my S3. I would like to hook it up to my car's in-dash head unit which does not support HDMI. Now a days a regular micro usb port on these phones seem to be used for every purpose. I do want video. Has anyone had any luck?
EDIT: This post started with 6 adapters and has dwindled down to just 3. I'm surprised to find the S3 VGA adapter but this is the digital to analog converter I need. The total cost is about $30. I pulled the trigger and will update you guys in a few weeks once it arrives.
Samsung Galaxy S3 S III i9300 MHL Micro USB 11p to VGA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sam-sung-Ga...372122?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3a7a349f1a
VGA to Composite
http://ebay.com/itm/PC-VGA-to-TV-S-...=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item337c25cbe6
3.5mm to Composite
http://ebay.com/itm/3-5MM-Male-Audi...=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item45faa58acf
Edit: Wow I feel dumb... You can't convert from VGA to Composite without a converter box. What a waste. I was focusing on the conversion from digital to analog and didn't consider the encoding is different... The VGA out does however work with my HDTV. It's not great though. The output is fixed at the 720p resolution which means it uses about 1/3th of my 1080p screen. The screen flickers occasionally too. Sometimes it won't even work without a minute of messing with the cables. The screen is just staticy until I get it right. It has however gotten better so maybe it needed to break in or something. Either way, I guess I'm going to buy an HDMI to Composite converter box instead.
Moved to first post.
Heck, a raspberry pi is cheaper than these converter boxes and it's a full computer.
Moved to first post.
I'd be I interested in one of these too. For the same reason
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Anyone ever used one of these? I'm curious if the micro usb port will both charge my phone and power the converter.
Use this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271014996085?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Got good reviews on amazon, im planing to buy one soon
0mega007 said:
Use this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271014996085?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Got good reviews on amazon, im planing to buy one soon
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Click to collapse
Seems nice! Waiting for feedback...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080KN18K/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1
Here are the reviews on amazon
0mega007 said:
Use this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271014996085?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Got good reviews on amazon, im planing to buy one soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the guy I was looking at first but you have to buy a 5 to 11 pin adapter, an MHL HDMI cable, and then the converter. That's around $50. The VGA adapter will only run you $30.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sam-sung-Ga...jectors-Adapter-/251158372122?#ht_5213wt_1163
Wow I feel dumb... You can't convert from VGA to Composite without a converter box. What a waste. I was focusing on the conversion from digital to analog and didn't consider the encoding is different... The VGA out does however work with my HDTV. It's not great though. The output is fixed at the 720p resolution which means it uses about 1/3th of my 1080p screen. The screen flickers occasionally too. Sometimes it won't even work without a minute of messing with the cables. The screen is just staticy until I get it right. It has however gotten better so maybe it needed to break in or something. Either way, I guess I'm going to buy an HDMI to Composite converter box instead.
Raspberry Pi
Hopefully people are still reading this... Someone had mentioned a Raspberry Pi... How would I go about using that to connect my phone to my car system to get video? any ideas anyone?
What car system do you have? What kind of input methods are available? What are you trying to achieve?
shamez23 said:
What car system do you have? What kind of input methods are available? What are you trying to achieve?
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Click to collapse
I have an Avic Z1 in my car. The video inputs are just RCA/Component cables... no high-def. I essentially just want to be able to play movies off my phone onto my screen/sound system in my car. I have a Raspberry Pi sitting around; I've never used it though, so no idea what to do with it. I'm hoping I can use that so I don't have to buy anything else. Any ideas?
Well, the Pi does have RCA output. So you could connect it to your Z1. The Pi is a little computer on its own. You could just use it instead of your phone and put your movies on a sd card or a thump drive. It is possible to use the Pi as a dlna device and your phone as a dlna server that transmits movies to the Pi which in turn outputs the video to your Z1. That however isn't the easiest of feats. It takes a lot more effort than a plug and play solution like a hdmi to RCA converter box would.
The Pi is linux based and I don't use Linux. So I don't know if Linux can work with the MPA or whatever that standard is named, that the S3 uses instead of the standard older phones are using which makes them appear on a computer like a harddrive when connected via USB. If Linux can work with the S3 you could just connect it and use it as a Harddrive, using the computer system of the Pi to navigate content on your phone. Would be a lot easier than streaming.
Anyway, there are a couple of ways you could use the Pi but none of them are easy out of the box solutions. The Pi is more of a developer device at least when you want to do more than what the Linux distributions that are available can offer. There are some that offer that DLNA feature I was talking about. Look for XBMC, there are Videos on Youtube. All those solutions aren't plug and play. If you like playing with computers and figuring out stuff, make it work, this should be fun for you. If not, you better think of something else to do with your time.
Edit:
Looked it up. It's called MHL, not MPA.
Plug and Play would be to use one of those:
http://www.amazon.com/Sanoxy-HDMI-Composite-S-Video-Converter/dp/B0047PDBP0
You'd also need a MHL Cable that turns your Micro USB out to a HDMI out, Plug it into the converter and said converter into your Z1. Once you've set that up with all the cables needed (quite a lot of cables going on there), it will be plug and play in the future.
Not cheap, so it depends on how often you are going to use it, if it's a worthwhile endeavor.
shamez23 said:
Well, the Pi does have RCA output. So you could connect it to your Z1. The Pi is a little computer on its own. You could just use it instead of your phone and put your movies on a sd card or a thump drive. It is possible to use the Pi as a dlna device and your phone as a dlna server that transmits movies to the Pi which in turn outputs the video to your Z1. That however isn't the easiest of feats. It takes a lot more effort than a plug and play solution like a hdmi to RCA converter box would.
The Pi is linux based and I don't use Linux. So I don't know if Linux can work with the MPA or whatever that standard is named, that the S3 uses instead of the standard older phones are using which makes them appear on a computer like a harddrive when connected via USB. If Linux can work with the S3 you could just connect it and use it as a Harddrive, using the computer system of the Pi to navigate content on your phone. Would be a lot easier than streaming.
Anyway, there are a couple of ways you could use the Pi but none of them are easy out of the box solutions. The Pi is more of a developer device at least when you want to do more than what the Linux distributions that are available can offer. There are some that offer that DLNA feature I was talking about. Look for XBMC, there are Videos on Youtube. All those solutions aren't plug and play. If you like playing with computers and figuring out stuff, make it work, this should be fun for you. If not, you better think of something else to do with your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting... I'll have to look into all that.. My only concern is then I'd have to keep a mouse and keyboard in my car at all times, correct? I was hoping I could just play something on my phone and it would appear on my car screen. I'll youtube the stuff you mentioned and see what works. Thanks a lot!
I was hoping I could just play something on my phone and it would appear on my car screen.
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Click to collapse
Well, the converter box would do that.
With the Pi being a real computer however, some kind of input device will be necessary. Using the Pi is kind of a long shot anyway. It's possible but it's not what the Pi is intended for. It usually is easier and more user-friendly using a dedicated system instead of something cobbled together.
shamez23 said:
Well, the converter box would do that.
With the Pi being a real computer however, some kind of input device will be necessary. Using the Pi is kind of a long shot anyway. It's possible but it's not what the Pi is intended for. It usually is easier and more user-friendly using a dedicated system instead of something cobbled together.
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Click to collapse
Haha.. that's what I figured. Thanks a lot!
I have the old tvout cable from s1....is it good?
But I can't find the tvout settings in the phone...
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S3 GT-i9300 using TapaTalk2
No. The S3 has it's own cable and it's different than the ones from the S1 or S2. There is an adapter available but that one usually costs nearly as much as a new cable from ebay.
Also, depending on your ROM, TV-out may not work at all. There is no TV-out on Cyanogenmod ROMs for example.