Develop Bugs

Hands Free Carkit Set Up

I see alot of people looking for hands free set up in cars that don't have bluetooth. I have looked around for awhile and finally found something that works for me perfectly.
To hold the phone I am using the HTC OEM dash kit. I have used universal kits and wasn't satisfied. below are some pros and cons of the HTC OEM Kit.
Pro:
- No need to plug in a charger, just put in dock and you are ready to go
- Being able to go from portrait to landscape or vise versa without messing around with hinges or knobs.
- It feels sturdy and secure
Cons:
- Can't use a case with it. The phone fits the dock bare naked only. I use seidio active case and I just slip it in after I take the phone out of the dock.
- The back camera is blocked.
To me the pros out weigh the cons so I love this dock.
To play music through the stereo I used to connect an aux tape player cable. But that's one extra step plus the wire can get messy so I have been looking around till I came across the Satechi Bluetooth hands free fm transmitter. This has solved my problem. It has a 3.5 mm connection on the side where I connect the cable from the tape player to it. While the connection to an FM is superior compared to other fm transmitters in the market the sound of an aux connection is alot better than using the unit to transmit to fm station. So now audio and phone calls are transmitted from the phone to the unit using bluetooth and the unit transmits that audio to the car using the aux cable. As soon as I get in the car and turn it on now the phone is connected within a few seconds. The unit also has a built in microphone. it also has a USB cable connection to charge your phone. One con that I found is the unit has only three buttons, call button and two buttons to change the FM station. Therefore no buttons to change tracks. The call button can be used to play or pause but never got it to work properly. So I just use the on screen buttons on the phone.
I have attached a picture which shows the dock on the dash and the bluetooth unit in the cigarette lighter. I hope this helps for those that don't want to get a new head unit to play audio wireless and looking for a dash kit.

Thanks for the review.
Imma thank you .

sammyluva said:
It has a 3.5 mm connection on the side where I connect the cable from the tape player to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance of getting a picture of the "3.5 mm connection on the side" & and more detail on how the connection is made to the tape player? Does your tape player already have the port?
TIA!

Love the official car dock, need help extending mount length

So I have the official car dock:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/ECS-K1D9BEGSTA
And love the functionality of not having to plug in power or audio out all the time.
My only issue is that I want to be able to extend the arm length as it doesn't fit any where great in my car.
Has anyone seen a vent mount or extending arm accessory that is compatible with the official holster?
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. I'm sure I could get creative with a solution but didn't want to reinvent the wheel if there is something out there already.

Nice! Is that mount horizontal only, or can it rotate to hold the phone upright too?

Bazirker said:
Nice! Is that mount horizontal only, or can it rotate to hold the phone upright too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can fully rotate 360 degrees and pivot in any direction. The holster is attached to the arm via a ball and socket connection so you have virtually unlimited options of angle etc... and then you just turn a knob to 'lock in' the position you like. I definitely worship the dock, just need a longer arm : (

OK one other question....if you have a case on your phone, do you have to take it off to use the dock? It looks like you would.
I searched around to try and find a longer arm, and no luck

Bazirker said:
OK one other question....if you have a case on your phone, do you have to take it off to use the dock? It looks like you would.
I searched around to try and find a longer arm, and no luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for trying to help.
You definitely can't use a case.
The fit is meant to be 'perfect' so it's easy to lock in your phone with the microusb plug so power and audio work.
I love it!!! but no case would work.

Unless you can find a way to mount the flat circle to a longer arm and suction to that there isn't a viable arm extension. I have looked also. My maxima gives a long reach to the dock to where I like the mount to sit.

I bought the infuse dock but instead of using the arm that came with it I bought a proclip center console mount for my car. Looks nice and works great although it was expensive. Attached the infuse dock to proclip car mount and a proclip swivel mount.

I have the Infuse mount which I'm guessing has the same design as yours. Anyway, I found that the vent clip mount that I've been using for my Galaxy Tab mates perfectly to the Infuse mount. I can't be positive but this looks like the same vent mechanism.
Looks like I'm not allowed to post links so search for "Black Car Air Vent Holder With Clip For Nokia " on ebay and you should find it for $3.34.

Sorry to be off topic, but does the car dock have a cut out for the camera lens? I'm not sure from the pic.

Subiegsr said:
Sorry to be off topic, but does the car dock have a cut out for the camera lens? I'm not sure from the pic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep it does. So does the infuse dock. Its on the right hand side of the pic

Mikest1978 said:
yep it does. So does the infuse dock. Its on the right hand side of the pic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome thanks! Might have to pick this up then!

so, i have a meta question about this dock. it looks pretty cool, and it *might* work to put it vertically in the space in the center console of my '98 honda accord, hopefully putting it right at my fingertips. that part's a crap shoot however. what i don't understand though is the audio out jack. how the heck does that work?? the audio jack on the phone is at the top, but the audio jack on the dock is on the bottom next to the usb plug. i just don't get how they route the audio out there. this might be a stupid question.

anastrophe said:
so, i have a meta question about this dock. it looks pretty cool, and it *might* work to put it vertically in the space in the center console of my '98 honda accord, hopefully putting it right at my fingertips. that part's a crap shoot however. what i don't understand though is the audio out jack. how the heck does that work?? the audio jack on the phone is at the top, but the audio jack on the dock is on the bottom next to the usb plug. i just don't get how they route the audio out there. this might be a stupid question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone only needs to be plugged into the microusb port on the dock for both power and audio to be piped through. The actual headset jack on the phone is not used. So phone goes into dock (just microusb port) then the audio out on the dock will work.

tahlsr said:
The phone only needs to be plugged into the microusb port on the dock for both power and audio to be piped through. The actual headset jack on the phone is not used. So phone goes into dock (just microusb port) then the audio out on the dock will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The desk dock works the same way. Only USB plugs into the phone, but the audio jack on the back of the dock does route the sound to external speakers.

This dock and mount is way better than that one. Plus ball locking might fit yours.
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-universal-top-clamping-hook-cradle.html
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-cradle-plate-suction-mount-lite-rap-b-166-2u.html

Wow.. I'm glad you posted.. I just started to search to see if audio via the usb was possible and wasn't finding anything. Couple of questions..is there a usb/line out volume adjustment or is it fixed? Also.. I already have a micro usb hard wired in my car.. is it a micro usb on the end of the cigarette lighter adapter? Also are these available at any local stores.. just hoping I could pick one up instead of ordering.. I checked the local Sprint store and they just have the universal mount kits. thanks for any info!

tri0xinn said:
Wow.. I'm glad you posted.. I just started to search to see if audio via the usb was possible and wasn't finding anything. Couple of questions..is there a usb/line out volume adjustment or is it fixed? Also.. I already have a micro usb hard wired in my car.. is it a micro usb on the end of the cigarette lighter adapter? Also are these available at any local stores.. just hoping I could pick one up instead of ordering.. I checked the local Sprint store and they just have the universal mount kits. thanks for any info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the dock that's specifically for the E4G includes a cig lighter power adapter, but the infuse version does not. i have power going to the infuse from cig lighter, then a standard audio cable going from the back of the dock to my car radio. works well. the volume level adjustment has to be done in software. i'm currently evaluating CarHome Ultra, which has configurations so that when you put the phone in the dock, it sets media volume to whatever you desire, then when you remove the phone from the dock, it reverts back to what it was.
---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 AM ----------
one thing that kind of baffles me with the dock - when my phones in the dock, if i try to speak commands to it, it seems it can't hear me. the phone's microphone is covered by the adapter block you slide in to lock the phone and make usb connection. i have the infuse dock, but it looks identical to the E4G-specific dock.
does anyone else have trouble speaking commands when docked? it's frustrating, it makes it much less of a hands-free experience than what i was hoping for!

yang704 said:
This dock and mount is way better than that one. Plus ball locking might fit yours.
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-universal-top-clamping-hook-cradle.html
https://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-cradle-plate-suction-mount-lite-rap-b-166-2u.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How easy is it to snap the phone on there? I have a solution and an Idea I'd like to use and was looking for a dock that the back will screw into a mount I have, this looks perfect but I really want ease of snapping on/off.

tahlsr said:
So I have the official car dock:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/ECS-K1D9BEGSTA
And love the functionality of not having to plug in power or audio out all the time.
My only issue is that I want to be able to extend the arm length as it doesn't fit any where great in my car.
Has anyone seen a vent mount or extending arm accessory that is compatible with the official holster?
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions. I'm sure I could get creative with a solution but didn't want to reinvent the wheel if there is something out there already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up modding mine to fit the ProClip car mount I already had. Pics are in the original deal thread if you are interested.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

Seems like most people use some form of case (thicker than the zagg)
Does anyone know of a dock like this samsung dock but able to fit a phone with a case? Alternatives (docks that work with a case) dont seem to connect automatically to the micro usb. Just wondering if anyone knows of something that will do both? Shouldn't this exist? am I way off?

Samsung SGH-T989 Vehicle Mount

Anyone bought and have any reviews for this guy ?
Samsung ECS-K1F4BEGSTA T-Mobile SGH-T989 Vehicle Mount - Car Kit - Retail Packaging - Black
Listed for $33ish bucks on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-ECS-K1F4BEGSTA-T-Mobile-SGH-T989-Vehicle/dp/B005LGUCRE
Looks like a good buy just wana know if anyone had bought this and liked it?

Looks like the one I bought from Best Buy. I like it, the only thing that I would warn about is that the phone can be a little difficult to take out. It doesn't want to just snap out like it should.

I have one. It holds the phone very well, but only without a case; absolutely no worries about the phone coming loose, and the phone doesn't bounce or vibrate, so the image is always quite readable. The only possible downside is that you might find the arm a bit short if you're driving a vehicle where the windshield is far forward, but then there's the adhesive disc, although I wouldn't want to go sticking some disk permanently to the dash of *my* car.
Leaving the charger and audio cables connected to the dock is very handy.
The phone recognizes that it's in a dock right away. There are a number of car dock launchers available (I like CarHome Ultra) as well as a car-specific voice mode.
The auto-plug charger that comes with the dock seems OK, but if you're using Navigator plus Pandora, your run-down battery won't get charged. I have yet to experiment with other high-amperage car chargers; seems like all the ones I have don't have USB conductors 2 and 3 shorted together, so they're pretty useless for this until I crack 'em open and solder.
I keep mine in a Toyota MR2 MK2 (little car) mounted at the bottom left of the windshield, and it's basically perfect there.
Oh -

Have it on my crv I can't live without it. Its easy to put in. Audio and charges are usable with one push. If you go caseless and are going to keep the phone for a while the price Is definetly worth it. Third party ones make you manually plug in charger and headphone Jack this makes it way more convienent.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

It's pretty unfortunate that it doesn't work with any case though...too bad they didn't make a case combo that would fit that mount specifically.

for the price you can get other mounts that are so much better, look at Micro Center

For what it's worth, I have the Samsung OEM car dock as well and I absolutely love it. One thing I've found, though, is that the phone will occasionally go nuts thinking that I've pushed the button for voice recognition. It'll endless loop repeating "What would you like to do?" until I close out of the car launcher.
Not sure if this happens on the stock OS, I have Synergy+Bombardier loaded on it (rooted.)

I bought it. It's amazing, the dock mode syncs directly with my car stereo Bluetooth.
the only down side is you can not have a case on with it..
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

does it fit the phone with the Tmo D3O case on?

I'm definitely in the friction mount camp for car mounts. This one works great for me:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0060B38SY/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details
Bonus: works for your future phones and works with cases

AllGamer said:
does it fit the phone with the Tmo D3O case on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium

Are you guys able to get call audio through the car speakers with your docks?
If so, please post how. I cannot seem to get call audio to route through the car speakers. Media plays fine, but no call audio. Almost a deal breaker for me. Thats what I bought it for. ;-)
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

$2 on ebay :
item 251116471659
Slap it on you dash and put the phone on top.
Super Sticky.

Try "car mode" in the market...

How to disable car mode for T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S2 / SII T989 Hercules car dock
This is mostly useful if you use Bluetooth audio for your car stereo. This method renders your car dock's USB audio-out jack useless, and you would have to use the phone's headphone jack for an audio cable (untested, since I use Bluetooth audio). The only thing I want a dock to do is hold my phone and charge it. I automate the rest myself. Proceed at your own risk...
Car Mode Ultra is great for overriding your stock car mode, but I wanted to disable it entirely. I didn't like adding another layer of car modes and letting them wrestle for control.
Anyway, since I couldn't find a way to 100% disable the stock car mode software, I did it in the hardware (in the car dock itself).
On the back of the sliding part of the dock, take off the two small stickers and remove the screws under them. Carefully pry the slide apart at the seam to reveal the circuit board inside. Remove the tiny resistor between pads D- and ID. No more car mode!
Apparently, no more charging, either. Or at least not enough current to keep up. Maybe the car mode resistor tells the phone to charge at a higher rate, I'm not sure. Either way, the next step gets the charging to work again, but first, there's a warning:
If you don't want to burn your car down, make sure you have at least a 1 amp (1000ma) rated charger for this next part, otherwise, don't do it. This step increases you charge rate from 500ma to about 800ma (some people with custom ROMs go even higher). If you do this, and your charger isn't powerful enough, it could fry your charger. I have no idea what your charger will do if it fries. Maybe nothing, maybe light your car on fire. If you're not sure about it, don't do it.
On the side of the printed circuit board opposite the audio jack, there are two pads labeled A/R and AL/D. Shorting them to each other will put your phone into "AC charge mode", which means higher charge rate, no USB data, and no USB audio out. Now reassemble the dock.
With Car Mode Ultra and NFC task launcher installed, you can do all kinds of cool stuff. I set Car Mode Ultra to activate upon connecting to the stereo's Bluetooth. This starts the program without activating stock car mode. I stuck an NFC tag on the back of my dock for even more automation. Bluetooth turns on Car Mode Ultra, which unlocks the screen, which enables NFC, which reads the tag, which toggles more settings, starts Pandora, etc. Pretty cool. Full automation.

Official Car Dock technical details

Hello, I'm looking to mod a car dock that does two of the primary functions of the official Samsung Galaxy Note car dock:
1.) It should take audio from the Note's USB port and play it through a car stereo system's AUX-in port
2.) It should put the car into driving mode
Does anybody know the pinouts for connecting audio to the micro-USB plug, and what resistors to use to make the Note detect it's in a car dock?
Thanks!

From what i´ve found the following should work on our Galaxy Note:
- Car-Dock is "detected" if you have a 619kOhm resistor between pins 4 and 5
- if Car-Dock is detected D+ and D- (pins 2 and 3) become your audio aux output

Thanks! I'll try that out once I've got all the materials.

Off topic - The only downside to any Samsung dock is that calls won't be directed through usb audio.
Galaxy Note @ mobile

I do find that weird. You have to either pick up the phone or use the phone loudspeaker to answer a docked call. How does it work while docked and connected to Bluetooth at the same time, though?

When docked and Bluetooth is connected (native/official car manufactures' Bluetooth connection to CAR Audio System) i have my fully functional hands-free-set operation, voice over car-speaker and car internal micro to Note.
The audio connection is seperate from this hands-free mode, at least with my car.

If connected to blue tooth the sound will come through the bluetooth
I was talking about a situation where u just use the card dock and the car dock audio is connected to the car speaker.
Galaxy Note @ mobile

I know this is a month old - it took that long for the materials to come in! - but I just wanted to update that putting a 619k between p4&5 does indeed work to make the Note detect Car Mode. I'm all set to continue modding a broken OtterBox defender holster into a usable car dock! Will post pics once that's done.
BTW the thread I followed step-by-step to get this done is here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1321491

jp.esteban said:
but I just wanted to update that putting a 619k between p4&5 does indeed work to make the Note detect Car Mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But 619k doesn't work with the Note 2!

[Q] Smart Dock on Note 8.0?

I'm wondering if anyone has tried using the smart dock with the Note 8.0
Note II is really similar, so I would hope that the Note 8.0 will work
The Samsung site says Note II and Galaxy IV so now I'm a little iffy.
The MHL and OTG adapters are pretty universal, but I can only use one at a time
2 usb ports plus the HDMI would be great for me at the office since I can plug in the tab and have it running on my 2nd monitor (along with KB and mouse)
Has anyone tried yet?

kisaten said:
I'm wondering if anyone has tried using the smart dock with the Note 8.0
Note II is really similar, so I would hope that the Note 8.0 will work
The Samsung site says Note II and Galaxy IV so now I'm a little iffy.
The MHL and OTG adapters are pretty universal, but I can only use one at a time
2 usb ports plus the HDMI would be great for me at the office since I can plug in the tab and have it running on my 2nd monitor (along with KB and mouse)
Has anyone tried yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works great. I tried it with mine, and I have seen reports of other users using theirs.

robyr said:
It works great. I tried it with mine, and I have seen reports of other users using theirs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to put the Note 8.0 into landscape when using the Smart Dock? Also, is the device stable enough to be written upon with S-pen while docked?
BTW, is there any other way to get USB- OTG and HDMI functionality simultaneously? (sans the Smart Dock)

I have the Smart Dock for my Note II and it works well. I haven't received my Int'l 3G Note 8.0 yet to test it, but it's good to hear that others have it working.
Since the Smart Dock holds both devices in Portrait orientation, it will not automatically put the display in Landscape mode unless you are playing a video. You would have to use a 3rd party app such as "Orientation Control".
I doubt you could write on the Note 8.0's screen successfully while in the dock. The dock is roughly 3" square and is not heavy enough to stabilize the tab for anything but very light screen taps or swipes. The device is not secured in the dock other than the by microUSB connector. The device just rests in the dock under its own weight, vertically.
The Smart Dock is not made to hold the device physically in a Landscape orientation. I'm not sure if a microUSB-to-microUSB extension cable would work to retain the functions and allow a separate landscape "holder" or case/cover to be used without the actual Smart Dock attached? Hmmm...
Oh, AFAIK, and I've researched fairly thoroughly, I couldn't find any other way to achieve HDMI, Audio, and USB OTG simultaneously. You might be able to use the Allcast Media Hub for wireless HDMI & Audio, and then connect a USB OTG adapter to the Note 8.0's microUSB/MHL port, but I haven't tested that.
Hope this helps.

bbfoto said:
I have the Smart Dock for my Note II and it works well. I haven't received my Int'l 3G Note 8.0 yet to test it, but it's good to hear that others have it working.
Since the Smart Dock holds both devices in Portrait orientation, it will not automatically put the display in Landscape mode unless you are playing a video. You would have to use a 3rd party app such as "Orientation Control".
I doubt you could write on the Note 8.0's screen successfully while in the dock. The dock is roughly 3" square and is not heavy enough to stabilize the tab for anything but very light screen taps or swipes. The device is not secured in the dock other than the by microUSB connector. The device just rests in the dock under its own weight, vertically.
The Smart Dock is not made to hold the device physically in a Landscape orientation. I'm not sure if a microUSB-to-microUSB extension cable would work to retain the functions and allow a separate landscape "holder" or case/cover to be used without the actual Smart Dock attached? Hmmm...
Oh, AFAIK, and I've researched fairly thoroughly, I couldn't find any other way to achieve HDMI, Audio, and USB OTG simultaneously. You might be able to use the Allcast Media Hub for wireless HDMI & Audio, and then connect a USB OTG adapter to the Note 8.0's microUSB/MHL port, but I haven't tested that.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, it was very helpful. I was thinking of getting the Smart Dock in lieu of the HDMI adapter. USB-OTG + HDMI at same time isn't much of a necessity for me. HDMI is still primary for me. Audio, when required could be used from the 3.5 mm jack.
Guess, it would be better to go for the HDMI adapter.
BTW, do you have any experience on HDMI to VGA converters?Do they work well? Actually I need to hook up the Note 8.0 to a VGA projector?

^No worries.
I don't have a ton of experience with HDMI-to-VGA adapters, but I would trust the people at the following link to steer you in the right direction...
http://www.comprehensivecable.com/
Click on the "Adapters" tab, have a look, then shoot them an email. They're very helpful and knowledgeable.
You might also try http://www.monoprice.com
VGA doesn't carry Audio signals, so you would most likely need a unit that would extract the audio from the HDMI as well as the Video signal, and then route the Audio to a separate connector/cable. I have seen some VGA cables that also have a 3.5mm Stereo audio plug at each end, so you can hook up the audio output from your PC's sound card and plug it into the 3.5mm audio Jack on most video projectors. You can find these at http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=180-285
Good luck.

bbfoto said:
^No worries.
I don't have a ton of experience with HDMI-to-VGA adapters, but I would trust the people at the following link to steer you in the right direction...
http://www.comprehensivecable.com/
Click on the "Adapters" tab, have a look, then shoot them an email. They're very helpful and knowledgeable.
You might also try http://www.monoprice.com
VGA doesn't carry Audio signals, so you would most likely need a unit that would extract the audio from the HDMI as well as the Video signal, and then route the Audio to a separate connector/cable. I have seen some VGA cables that also have a 3.5mm Stereo audio plug at each end, so you can hook up the audio output from your PC's sound card and plug it into the 3.5mm audio Jack on most video projectors. You can find these at http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=180-285
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have seen some which can extract audio from the HDMI feed.
There are a number of listings on eBay in my country. I would love to get it from a reliable website, but most of them are overseas and the customs department in India makes it a lot of hassle.
I ordered a display adapter from dx.com once. No problems with website or the product, but it was held up for a month at the customs office and finally I had to pay a 50% duty as well.
Sent from my Spice Mi-310 using XDA

I picked up a smart dock today and I am playing with it right now.
Some issues, having to repower up the dock for usb to work after tablet is inserted.
And I am not having any sound come out of the 3.5 jack on the back of the dock.
Also it I am using a HDMI to DVI adaptor for my moniter and I am using an orentation control app with it.
Wish it worked with my Galaxy s3.

Ravanous said:
I picked up a smart dock today and I am playing with it right now.
Some issues, having to repower up the dock for usb to work after tablet is inserted.
And I am not having any sound come out of the 3.5 jack on the back of the dock.
Also it I am using a HDMI to DVI adaptor for my moniter and I am using an orentation control app with it.
Wish it worked with my Galaxy s3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is your Note 8.0 battery level above 80% when you put it in the dock? If not, the tablet will draw too much power from the power adapter just to CHARGE the tablet, and the USB ports do not have sufficient power. If your tablet or phone battery is over 80%, this isn't a problem and you shouldn't have to "re-Dock" it to get the USB ports to work. Samsung should have made the power adapter more powerful (3 or 4 amps).
To get audio output from the 3.5mm rear Jack, you need to go into SETTINGS > ACCESSORY > AUDIO OUTPUT MODE, and Check the box for "Use External Speakers when device is Docked".

Ravanous said:
I picked up a smart dock today and I am playing with it right now.
Some issues, having to repower up the dock for usb to work after tablet is inserted.
And I am not having any sound come out of the 3.5 jack on the back of the dock.
Also it I am using a HDMI to DVI adaptor for my moniter and I am using an orentation control app with it.
Wish it worked with my Galaxy s3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to be clear, are you able to Use the S-Pen when docked, any way to keep the tablet physically in a landscape position?
Sent from my Spice Mi-310 using XDA

agambhandari said:
Just to be clear, are you able to Use the S-Pen when docked, any way to keep the tablet physically in a landscape position?
Sent from my Spice Mi-310 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I had answered your Portrait/Landscape question in paragraphs 3 & 4 of Post #4? Read through it again. The smart dock does not hold the tablet in a Landscape (horizontal) orientation at all. You could possibly use a case or cover on the Note 8.0 that would hold it in landscape, or use Samsung's Note 8.0 Car Mount and then connect the tablet to the Smart Dock with a 11-pin Male-to-Female micro-USB extension cable.
Hope this helps.

bbfoto said:
I thought I had answered your Portrait/Landscape question in paragraphs 3 & 4 of Post #4? Read through it again. The smart dock does not hold the tablet in a Landscape (horizontal) orientation at all. You could possibly use a case or cover on the Note 8.0 that would hold it in landscape, or use Samsung's Note 8.0 Car Mount and then connect the tablet to the Smart Dock with a 11-pin Male-to-Female micro-USB extension cable.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I had already read your post.
But the other member claimed to have already used it with the Note8, whereas you told me that you were still expecting your note 8, so I was keen to know more about the actual experience of a user.
BTW, Do you know if 11 pin USB extension cables are available?
Sent from my Spice Mi-310 using XDA

Take a look at a picture of the smart dock, or look at nztechfreak's YouTube review of it. Just from its physical size and design there is no way that the Smart Dock can support or hold a tablet in a Landscape or horizontal position when on a desk/flat surface...or any surface.
For reference, I just tried my Note II in the Smart Dock with the phone and dock laying on its side. The dock will hold the Note II in landscape position, but the phone is at a perfect 90° angle to the table's surface, which makes it hard to use the touchscreen, and it will easily become undocked, as there is no pressure or weight to secure the device. And there is nothing directly behind the phone to keep it from moving or sliding back when you press the screen. Also, at least one USB port will be inaccessible because it or they will be against the table's surface when the dock is laying on its side. This dock was simply made to only hold a PHONE (either the Note II, SGS3, or SGS4) in a vertical Portrait position. It's obvious from the design that it was not made for landscape use whatsoever. It just happens to hold the Note II on its side because the dock is the same width as the phone.
I don't believe that Samsung will ever make a LANDSCAPE Desk dock for the Note 8.0. It is clear from its general design that Samsung intended this tablet to be used as a "Notepad" in a Portrait (vertical) orientation. The only odd exception is the position of the IR Blaster on the side (the SGS4 IR Blaster is on the top). I would definitely like a landscape desk dock as well, but I'm not convinced that it would be practical for this particular tablet. However, there is a car/windshield mount listed on Samsung's web site that looks like it will hold the tablet in landscape mode.
I'm searching for the extension cables now and will post here if & when I find them.
Thanks.

I never tried the S-Pen while in the dock. Also I tried the settings mentioned above to get the 3.5 sound to work, but no luck.
I took it back, I'll wait for a proper one to come out, or try with the wifi all share hub and build somthing that way.

Got one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/23108138465...769&_trkparms=ga1m=T1&ga2m=T0&ga3m=T1&ga4m=T2
If I hook up USB+charger and THEN the HDMI, it works. For some reason (lack of power???) it won't accept a flash drive if I plug a hub in and the flash drive into that. (I use a Bluetooth keyboard and a USB mouse.)
Haven't bit the bullet on the official smart dock yet though :'(.