$100.00, ebay or used, Android tablet as headrest screen?

**RipplingHurst** · 11-09-2010, 05:25 PM

So I was looking for 4 headrest monitors for my Sequoia. Going for a reasonably quality new screen can be very expensive, specially if the resolution is good (800x480 or 640x480). Most headrest screens are like 480x234...

So I was thinking of buying cheap Tablets to run on the headrests. At about $100.00 as on the previous link. Maybe they could be removed, maybe not. But I want to stream video via wi-fi to them (via carputer). *maybe* people could use the browser to check on tweeter or mail, but what's essential is to be able to turn off (or at least the video off) when their main power supply is turned off when the carputer is off, and also auto turn on remotely (say, in case it is to display video for a baby who can't press anything).

I saw on the other thread that most of the ebay variants are useless, but maybe they mean useless as a carputer/nav device, but what about as a screen only?

I know most of them do not have the Android App store, but I heard it's easy to add that. Even if that is not true, does not mean you can't install anything, right? I mean I don't think the google store is essential as long as you can install at least ONE app for the headrest function and another for power control? I don't have an android currently, so please help.

Now is there anything like that on the Android App store, specially for power management/display on/off control?

I know it sounds like a crazy idea, but who knows?

**Kosti** · 11-11-2010, 08:11 PM

i like the idea, i was simply going to buy those all in one headrest screens with wireless headphones, game console and dvd drive built into them, but this is a great idea if you can get it off the ground

**RipplingHurst** · 11-11-2010, 10:42 PM

I was thinking of buying one of those multi units too, certainly less of a headache. If you find one with a decent screen (Most are 480x234, that's why there's no VGA input) let me know. I think a 7" (or more) can display 800x480 and you would see the benefit.

I was also hoping some Android user could chip in and give me some pointers, like an app or two. Alas, I'll first buy one Android device and if it works with one, than I'll buy others.

**RipplingHurst** · 11-16-2010, 12:29 AM

How is this for a front end - for the passengers? The Dell Stage!

On a 4" (I think) HTC Evo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NnvL...layer_embedded

On a 5" Dell Streak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Hje...layer_embedded

I'm loving this! Made for widescreen, bit buttons, what's not to like? The bigger the screen, the better it will work.

What do you guys think? Would this run on an el cheapo $100.00 Android (new or used)? I think rooting it, it should work?

**Punky** · 11-16-2010, 07:36 AM

How are you planning to autostart these devices? I dont know any other way to start them other than hacking the power. Are you mounting them?
They might me dangerous items to be sitting in the car.
The IU is pretty nice though.

**ddomit** · 01-24-2011, 03:25 PM

Hi there,

I think its a great idea and in the near future every car will have something like this.

I just want it now! were you able to figure it out?

**adolfo** · 02-09-2011, 05:11 AM

Android tablet 7 Inch with reslution 800 x 480 sell at $99.25 on my friend's shop. While it really a creazy idea to use android tablet as headrest screen. First you will meet installtion problem. Besides, android tablet is more functional than headrest monitor or DVD and it is portable

**RipplingHurst** · 02-09-2011, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by ddomit

Hi there,

I think its a great idea and in the near future every car will have something like this.

I just want it now! were you able to figure it out?

No, not yet. Autostart/off is the biggest issue. I would have to find a way to start these with at least a front mount button, since they would be securely mounted in the headrest. The kid/passenger would have just one button to press.

I would have wifi broadcast in the car so it could stream music (Pandora, last.fm) or videos from a carputer "server". Add an SD card/internal memory for movies and cartoons. Plus an adult passenger could remove it from the mount if needed and use it to browse the internet (check restaurant, movies, wikipedia, email) etc.

Originally Posted by adolfo

Android tablet 7 Inch with reslution 800 x 480 sell at $99.25 on my friend's shop. While it really a creazy idea to use android tablet as headrest screen. First you will meet installtion problem. Besides, android tablet is more functional than headrest monitor or DVD and it is portable

Physical installation is not really a problem I think. The problem is how to control it.

Now what's your other point? If it does more, it should do less too, no? Say, you have headrest for sale ($300/pair at least) with 400x234 resolution and no touch or internet. Or you can have two $99.00 tablets with a better screen and more options. What would you choose? Which is the more interesting one for the hobbyist?

**RipplingHurst** · 02-16-2011, 05:54 PM

Okay, just found this today on Endgaget:

That's right, that little green blob in the upper left hand corner of that built-in touchscreen is indeed the Android logo, and that display does indeed belong to a tablet of unknown origin, currently riding around on the back of a headrest on a bus somewhere in India. We're not entirely sure who's funding this project or which bus line the tablets can be found on, but the login screen you see here does give us a little bit of insight: "As per government policy, we need to record details of the person using the Internet on this device." The service is apparently free and unlimited, and if this is a government program, it would be right in line with India's democratic outlook on technology. Sure, Indian college students are still awaiting the storied $35 tablets, but we suppose if they have enough scratch to ride the bus all day, these headrest slates could do in a pinch. For a look at what Android tablets look like on public transit, check out the video after the jump.

So yes, that's an Android tablet in the headrest! Very cool if you ask me. There's also a video on the Endgadget link.

Now how is this possible? How does it turn on and off? Edit: a bit more info here: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/...icle841152.ece

**RipplingHurst** · 03-03-2011, 01:52 PM

Heh.

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Really digging this S8. The trick I think is to make it look permanent, or else it's 100% to just shove the screen/tablet inside the headrest.

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I really like all the screens popping up like that. Double din mounts are things of the past. The future is to show off the screens, no?

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This, MB iPad integration

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OEM screens on 2010 GL450

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One idea would be perhaps using a bracket like this, and painting the screen, cheap tablet in a way that matches the car's interior (like I did with the Xenarc on the FX).