Summary:
I wanted a wireless charger that's upright but I purchased my nexus wireless charger before any 3rd party options became available (the cheaper AirDock for example). I also don't have access to 3D printers, so I can't go that route. So I decided to go the frankenstein route, and this is what I came up with. This is a dead simple DIY project, but it turned out really nice, so I thought I'd share it.
Parts:
17mm to AMPs:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arkon-SP-SB...483?pt=GPS_Holders_Mounts&hash=item53eba42fdb
17mm ball mount:
http://www.amazon.com/ARKON-GN014-G...id=1390011213&sr=8-5&keywords=17mm+ball+mount
Optional Double Sided Tape:
http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Mounti...=1390011251&sr=8-4&keywords=double+sided+tape
I don't know if i've used up the stickiness of the nexus charger, but it wont stick on it's own. So I got some double sided tape and stuck them together that way.
I'm only using the magnets on the charger to keep the phone from sliding, and sadly, even extremely thin cases like diztronic interferes with the magnets too much.
There's a thread somewhere about the "thinest case" from China, and that one allows the magnets to work. I've also ordered some slickwraps skins, and I assume those would work as well.
i'm working on a similar project. I just ordered a SPIGEN Ultra Hybrid & dBrand skin (similar to slickwrap). I'm planning to remove the clear back panel to make it into a true bumper case and then apply the skin to protect the back. =) Might try a thin case if spigen case failed.
what an awesome idea. thanks for the info man.
Interesting project.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Related
So I have finally received all of the different accessories I ordered for the phone. I'm hoping this post will give that extra push to those that are double minded about purchasing one of these. All of the accessories except for one were recommended from this forum from various users. All items were shipped to Southern California.
Dual USB Port 1 Amp Car Charger
($1.97 + Free Shipping, 7 days for arrival)
Review: It works great. Went on a road trip recently and was able to keep my Vibrant and my wife's Nexus One charged up while only using only one cigarette lighter port.
Ebay Link
Window Car Mount
($10.94 + Free Shipping, 9 days for arrival)
Review: Unfortunately this didn't arrive in time for my road trip but I have been playing with it since I received it. It is a quality build and the suction is very strong. The suction cup comes with a lever. This is not a universal mount, it is made specifically for the international galaxy-s, which also fits the Vibrant perfectly. The phone will not fit in the mount if a gel case is being used. I used a deremel to punch out a hole where the camera is. I sit pretty far back when driving so sometimes I have trouble reaching the phone. It might be better for some to consider the vent mount version available from the same seller. I couldn't sacrifice my vent since the A/C in my car is pretty weak (Mazda 3 Hatchback). I'm currently looking for something to attach to my dash so I can suction this mount on to my dashboard. I've noticed that the suction cup latches pretty strongly to CD cases so I'll probably just modify one and use double sided tape to put on my dashboard.
Ebay Link
Black Gel Case
($0.99 + $1.99 Shipping, 5 days for arrival)
Review: This is a great case! It fits very snugly to the phone. All the cutouts are perfect. It can take a little getting used to since you have to press the power and volume buttons a little harder than usual. But once you've had it for a week or so, you don't notice it so much. It is not completely black, it is more like black smokey transparent. It's clear enough that you can see the "Galaxy S" thru the back.
Ebay Link
Realook Screen Protector
($9.89 w/coupon + Free Shipping, next day arrival)
Review: Just like all other accessories, screen protectors come down to personal preference. I absolutely cannot stand the 3M type screen protectors. I don't like the rubbery feeling and the fact that it doesn't really let the screen shine thru as good. That is why I went with realook. This is a dry application type that is made out of a hard plastic material. Application is very easy. You will probably end up with a very tiny air bubble next to the speaker but it's too small to be noticeable. This gives you the most natural feel on the screen glass and does not diminish the quality of the screen. After applying this screen protector, I felt that the buttons at the bottom were not as sensitive to touch as they were before. I don't really mind that since I have an extra layer of protection for the screen. If it is too bothersome, you can always cut that portion out, but then you wont have that homogeneous feeling.
Amazon Link
Nice contribution
Thanks for the review. I too have the reallook protectors on my nexus and vibrant and I love them. I will never buy anything else. I just ordered the case per your recommendation and I am thinking about the car dock. Thanks again
You could get one of the dash mount disks that comes with most garmins. Black plastic disk with adhesive that holds the garmin suction cups well. Would look better than the cd case.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Tpavey said:
You could get one of the dash mount disks that comes with most garmins. Black plastic disk with adhesive that holds the garmin suction cups well. Would look better than the cd case.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Thanks for that tip! I will look for that. I'm a sucker for DIY projects so I wanted to see what I can do with whatever is laying around the house or work. If that ends up looking bad, now I know I can always order that disc online somewhere.
Good review. And thanks for sharing.
+1
Great review, very handy info. Thanks!
Hi I just got my Evo 4G and I am looking for the best accessories that work well with each other. I am looking for the following:
Screen Protector: cant distort colors and it shouldn't make my swipes and stuff terrible and it must protect against minor scratches. Note that i care about the screen protector but I don't want the glass exposed.
Case: Looking for a hard case that doesn't add much bulk and provides protection against everyday scuffs and minor drops.
Car Dock: Looking for a car dock that will hold my Evo while in a Hard case and still be usable. I would like it to recharge the evo as well. Most car docks don't work in my car due to the dashboard shape [see attached picture] so I am interested in vent options and not window adhesives (i cant bear my baby being suspended midair lol)
Better USB Charger: I want one that charge faster (wall charger) and have longer cords and maybe a few more cords.that i can keep one at work and one at home and in the car.
Any ideas?
Here's a good place for cables: http://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-Cable-Micro-1-0m-Black/dp/B001QATRCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288623582&sr=8-1
as for charging, you're not going to find anything better then the stock A/C adapter.
screen protectors, i don't use them and my screen is doing just fine.
car docks: i keep my phone in it's holster cause i drive while in the car. just sayin'
good luck mate! i hope you find everything you're looking for
Well I am really looking for a screen protector ( i cant stand grease on my screen lol) and a car dock for GPS/Navigation purposes. But thank you for your response. I am checking out the amazon link now.
VictoryCrescent said:
Hi I just got my Evo 4G and I am looking for the best accessories that work well with each other. I am looking for the following:
Screen Protector: cant distort colors and it shouldn't make my swipes and stuff terrible and it must protect against minor scratches. Note that i care about the screen protector but I don't want the glass exposed.
Case: Looking for a hard case that doesn't add much bulk and provides protection against everyday scuffs and minor drops.
Car Dock: Looking for a car dock that will hold my Evo while in a Hard case and still be usable. I would like it to recharge the evo as well. Most car docks don't work in my car due to the dashboard shape [see attached picture] so I am interested in vent options and not window adhesives (i cant bear my baby being suspended midair lol)
Better USB Charger: I want one that charge faster (wall charger) and have longer cords and maybe a few more cords.that i can keep one at work and one at home and in the car.
Any ideas?
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I use cheap screen protectors. I can get the vinyl ones on discount and choose not to because I don't like the way they feel. The cheap ones that use static cling to stick to my screen work great and don't get scratched through. I have scratches on the protector, but not the screen. Make sure they have a cutout for the camera if you don't use the ones that are linked.
My otterbox commuter isn't too bulky, but if you want minor bulk go with the new Incipio case. I think it just started shipping.
Go with the Kensington Iphone mount. It comes with a dash mount and a windshield mount. It works with the Evo in an otterbox, so it will def work with any hard case you may get that is smaller. I got this based on feedback from a member here and they couldn't have been more correct. It will not charge the phone, but if you are using the vent mount get you a cheap car charger.
USB Cords are all the same charge wise, it is a limitation of the USB port, not the cable. but if you want a long one go here.
you asked for the best...i don't have the best, but it works pretty well...
i have the seidio rugged case, i got it from amazon for $40 for the hard case, rubber case to go over that, holster and the screen protector.
seidio's screen protector is pretty good in my opinion. i'm not "screen protector connoisseur" by any means but it seems to hold up well while having a very glassy feel. as long as my hands arent covered in some sort of cooking or forehead grease, it stays relatively clean. I'm happy with the screen protector.
the seidio hard is ok. i like it overall but mine has developed a crack ( i have dropped it a couple times) and i will be seeing if i can get some sort of replacement. overall, it didn't add to much bulk and i liked the feel. i also liked how it goes on the phone and feel it provides good protection. i use this case by it self most of the time. i use the rugged part of it when i go off-road or working outside...really anytime that being in my pocket wouldnt be a good idea.
i use the nuvi 205 car mount for my evo. just takes a couple of minutes over a stove with a pair of pliers to form it to fit the evo with case. i fitted to my rugged case and when i use just the hard case, i use a piece a memory foam to hold it in place. it works really well and i use it while i go off-road. if it getting really bumpy, it falls out eventually but while on road it holds very nicely using either case.
i got the vent one so that it could have moving air going over the phone cause i did notice if i had my 1A car charger going and running satnav and other track recording apps plus music it got pretty warm (+the Arizona sun) and would stop charging.
like i said, not the best but thought it might be worth telling my experience.
cheers
I buy all my cables from monoprice.com
mag921 said:
I buy all my cables from monoprice.com
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+1
And not just for phone / IT equipment - car stereo, home theatre, everything. They've got an amazing combination of price and quality.
mag921 said:
I buy all my cables from monoprice.com
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USB cable there (monoprice) was for $2.81, where i got my cable on ebay for $1.85.
What I have bought on ebay for my evo:
Extended battery 3500mAh for $9.99
Desktop slim cradle for $12.26
Amazon
Seidio spring holster $22
Ebay and Amazon should be on your list to find accessories.
Here's what I use:
Seidio Innocase™ II Surface Combo: The Innocase II Surface fits the Evo like a coat of paint and adds almost no bulk. People are frequently surprised to learn that I even have a case on my phone. Despite that, it protects the phone remarkably well. I work in the industrial maintenance trades and I'm not easy on my phones, but my Hero looked like new after a year in an Innocase Surface (after I removed the case) so I'm using the same thing on my Evo.
Seidio Ultimate Screen Guard - Crystal Clear: I actually use the Boxwave ClearTouch™ Anti-Glare screen protector on my phone but a lot of people don't like the matte finish and the Seidio Ultimate is a great choice if you like a crystal clear protector. Either one is durable and easy to apply, and I didn't detect any reduction in touch sensitivity for either one.
Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle: The perfect desktop cradle as far as I'm concerned. Use it with the wall wart which came with your Evo and it will charge at the maximum rate that the Evo will allow. Use it connected to a USB port on your computer and it will sync, but it will only charge at a reduced rate because a USB port can't deliver the power that a wall wart can. I keep my dock connected to the wall wart and use another cable (which I bought from monoprice.com) when I want to sync.
It may sound like I'm a Seidio dealer, but I'm not. They just make top quality stuff and I'm the kind of guy who appreciates that and sticks with what works. If you'd like some further reading which includes some before & after photos of my Hero and the Seidio Innocase II I used on it, you can visit the thread in Android Forums by CLICKING HERE. If you want to cut right to the chase you can read the first and last post in that thread, but there's some good stuff in between too.
Pete
So today I've got this nice surprise in my mailbox, wasn't expecting it so soon since I've ordered it a week ago and the case was shipped from Hon Kong to Europe (Slovenia).
It's a ROCK Texture Series Book Case for Note 10.1 2014. I've ordered it on eBay, pretty nice deal with a 23 € price tag and free shipping.
The case is what I've expected, leather style, is slim and looks elegant. Feels good and nice to hold it. It has no magnets - after reading many reports on magnets interfering with digitizer and pen, I've decided to go with elastic band.
Here are some pics attached for you to evaluate.
I'm using it at color brown. It's amazing cover.
How's the weight? I've bought 3 different covers, and they all pack more weight then the original samsung cover.
Can the elastic band double as a form of handstrap?
does the wake/sleep / daynote work with this cover?
BTW is this the same one?
http://www.casesinthebox.com/rock-t...-p600-p601-2014-edition-dark-grey_p15245.html
Note that in the description it says " Support intelligent magnetic sleeping & awakening function. "
I don't have the original Samsung case, so I can't compare regarding weight. To me it doesn't feel like it adds some notable weight to the tablet.
Elastic is indeed usable as a handstrap, to help you cary the tablet around safer.
Yes, it's the same cover as on your link and as it says it supports wake/sleep function.
Br.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
There is a case with a hand strap, forgot which one, and i didnt have a clue how this was supposed to work, the strap seemed misplaced.
I am using the Tucano Youngster universal case for my 7" tablet. By putting the sling attached to the zipper over your thumb, you can safely hold the tablet one-handed in portrait and landscape mode. With the 10“ version i finally got for the Note, only portrait works, or you have giant hands.
The best Note specific case seemed to be the hard to find Rock Excel, but w/o strap or sling, which is important to me.
this is the same one , right?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/22132752899...eName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
The Excel has a magnetic lock and no strap. Furthermore, it covers the usb port when closed. While basically sturdy, micro usb ports are sensitive to unwanted stuff inside(Which is difficult to see & even harder to remove) . Might block or damage it during insertion of the plug. And there's no alternative charging option on the note, like a charge jack or wireless charging.
lecorbusier said:
The Excel has a magnetic lock and no strap. Furthermore, it covers the usb port when closed. While basically sturdy, micro usb ports are sensitive to unwanted stuff inside(Which is difficult to see & even harder to remove) . Might block or damage it during insertion of the plug. And there's no alternative charging option on the note, like a charge jack or wireless charging.
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Is this the one?
milanche said:
Is this the one?
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LOL, forgot to c/p link: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Note10-1-...lePhonesCasesPouches&var=&hash=item417934bd3f
Anyone have any experience with mous.co?
$50 !!!!! https://www.mous.co/collections/pixel-5-case
$120 !!! https://www.mous.co/products/wireless-charger-for-car?variant=31852886687802
Sticker shock has me running for the hills but I can't find any other reputable options for magnetic mounting/charging.
Anyone other magnetic mount Qi chargers out there? Cheers.
This one works wonders for me. It's not magnetic but the self actuating arms are smooth and silent.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BRB124G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_K2SQ2J9P26C8T4VPDHHR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
jtlrwells said:
This one works wonders for me. It's not magnetic but the self actuating arms are smooth and silent.
Amazon
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from where can I get Google Accessories in Canada?
from where can I Get it in Canada?
I live in Canada and I dont want to purchase it online but want to purchase physically.
_aa_ said:
Anyone have any experience with mous.co?
$50 !!!!! https://www.mous.co/collections/pixel-5-case
$120 !!! https://www.mous.co/products/wireless-charger-for-car?variant=31852886687802
Sticker shock has me running for the hills but I can't find any other reputable options for magnetic mounting/charging.
Anyone other magnetic mount Qi chargers out there? Cheers.
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I have the limitless case for my Pixel 5. It's okay. I paid $34 for it on sale and even that feels overpriced. It's fairly large and bulky but protects the phone well. The buttons are sub-par and the fingerprint sensor is very recessed. I haven't tried any of their magnetic accessories so can't comment on that. If you do decide to pick one up, definitely wait for a sale.
araibbdami said:
from where can I get Google Accessories in Canada?
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Amazon would be your best bet. I got a case called the Dbrand Grip. You get to choose a skin to put on the back of the case and it's wireless charging compatible.
_aa_ said:
Anyone have any experience with mous.co?
$50 !!!!! https://www.mous.co/collections/pixel-5-case
$120 !!! https://www.mous.co/products/wireless-charger-for-car?variant=31852886687802
Sticker shock has me running for the hills but I can't find any other reputable options for magnetic mounting/charging.
Anyone other magnetic mount Qi chargers out there? Cheers.
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I'm using this case for my Pixel 5 and happy with it.
It has metal plate built in for magnetic mount.
I can wireless charge it without removing case.
Nimbus9 Cirrus 2 Dual Layer Protection Phone Case for Google Pixel 5 - Black (GOPX5N9CI2BK) | Visions Electronics Canada
www.visions.ca
I have both as well as the card holder.
I originally purchased the Aramid Fiber case, but that material proved to be a fingerprint/oil magnet. I then ordered the Speckled Fabric case and am quite pleased with it. It has a soft touch feel, doesn't attract dust or dirt, and cleans up very easily with a damp cloth. The case itself is not the slimmest, but it is also not what I would consider bulky, being just slightly smaller than the Spigen Tough Armor. The top and bottom edges have a slight lip to keep the screen from sitting flush when placed face down, with a screen level dip on the sides to facilitate edge swiping. Though it seems some may disagree, I feel that the edges are perfectly contoured, the buttons feel just right, and it has plenty of grip. Overall, in my opinion, it is a great case assuming you plan to take advantage of the Limitless 3.0 accessories.
The wireless charger mount is nearly perfect with one significant caveat: The vent clip is terrible. However, since the ball joint cup/tightening ring is on the mount and not the clip, if you already have another mount that has a 17mm ball joint, such as an iOttie dashboard or disc drive mount, you can easily swap in the Mous mount and it will fit and tighten easily and securely. As for the magnetic hold, it is very secure and does not have any alignment or slide/drift issues like most of the stick-on metal plate magnetic systems I've tried previously.
As for the card wallet, it too is nearly perfect, assuming you only need to carry a maximum of 3 cards and a couple of double or triple folded bills. It's a little stiff at first, but the leather-like material seems to have a little stretch to it, and will also return to form assuming you don't cram it too full. It also attaches securely and detaches easily.
At this point I've been using them for about a month, and I would say it's probably the closest thing to a MagSafe-like setup you can find for a very select range of Android phones.
All of the pieces also seem to be well constructed and are likely to last quite a while assuming you don't regularly put your phone through a lot of abuse.
My final piece of advice would be this:
Since their products are a bit pricey, buy the case first, try it for a few days to see if you like it. If you do, go back and use the 20% off code they give you with your first purchase to purchase the other accessories you want to add. If you don't, return it and you're only out the cost of return shipping.
bit of a late reply but yeah i have the limitless 3.0 case myself, i saw some people review it and they seemed quite positive about it so i bought it and i am happy with it, it still charges wirelessly just fine and NFC still works as well even tho its quite a chunky case which i rather have then a case which gives like no protection
I have a Mous limitless 3.0 case which is only half way compatible with my Anker 633 magnetic power bank. It's a slightly heavy battery and the magnet inside the case is definitely not enough. I need opinions on either a better case that's fully compatible with magsafe/magnetic batteries or a ring that's strong enough to hold it. Either inside the case between the phone and case or on the back of case itself. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can give me
I watched video's of these and don't think without opening phone it's really worth it. However, if you figure it out, keep me posted
I did buy this case I have a dome on to its pretty bulky and offers good protection I have the black and black and black and red version had a metal ring on the back to buy not sure if it's compatible with your charger
I'm using the ESR Halolock to stick my phone to a car wireless charger that I have mounted to the Elgato LP mic arm (DIY magsafe tripod to record from above through a ring light). Was using the simple ones before (just a circle) but my phone was spinning all the time.
I'm also using a popsocket magnetic base.
I've sticked the rings on a dbrand, rhinoshiled (which I've sold because I hated it) and spigen thin fit case.