Thread: Mp3Car's Sean Clark on 'Why Tablets?'

Glad to see this thread blew up. I really just posted it so I had a link to the newsletter about to go out.

Now this comment

Originally Posted by freudie1

Even more argument to stick with a traditional carputer and "upgrade" to a real monitor (when/soon) they come out. I can't imagine how craptastic the audio would be with a tablet/ipad type device.

Some people say "it sounds good enough". Me? I'd say if you are going through the PITA to 'glass in a mount, fabricate, etc AND have to add external amplifiers you should be willing to go that one next step. If you aren't I see no reason not to simply spend $600-$800 on one of the many aftermarket screen/nav/dvd/radio units and be done with it. This whole blog post is truly aimed at the following:

People who can not fabricate

People who can not handle 12v electronics/wiring

Frustration with current 7" touchscreens

People who think Windows is a foreign concept (try Linux sometimes and then come back telling me about "frustrating").

People who think their stock audio system sounds awesome/killer.

For the rest of us who actually have the aforementioned skills and alternate tastes I can't for the life of me see anyone choosing the tablet route.

I'm gonna have to change these a bit
1) you still need to fabricate with a tablet. As I explain at AFKfest tablet installs are hard because you generally need more 2d space in your dash than a trad. 7 inch screen

2) 12v electronics are not hard, esp if you have google. But unless you are specifically a car+computer nerd - (not just audio, not just computer, not just car) then you don't want to spend the time wiring 50 components. And then having to check 50 components when 1 thing doesn't work.

3) Windows just sucks if you have to do anything more than launch a program. And don't forget there are many types of people on this site, personally I'm a computer nerd, not a car nerd. So
linux is one of the best OSes out there for me. Its fast, it never crashes, never has any problems, and its 100 fold faster to navigate than any other OS out there. And thats all from the command line with no GUI. Your argument will be the amount of software that is out there, but linux is not about media and entertainment gui based software. Its amazing at server technologies. Windows is more frustrating.

4) I'm not going to claim to know audio at all. I don't. But iPad can get optical audio out, which could go to another hardware source to control your tablet audio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhj8S7bhquk
And almost every android tablet has digital audio out through HDMI, so you have the potential there to get your digital audio signal to a hardware source to control it however you want. Again, i may not be correct in thinking that the digital audio signal is what you are looking for. But if you had 256 bit audio out digitally, and then to your amp, or other source, wouldn't that be just as good as your PC's digital or optical output?

5) time, time, time oh and time. A tablet install can be done in a weekend. With breaks for lunch. Assuming you solved your fabrication issue. A car pc - good luck doing that in any good amount of time before your wife or girlfriend gets mad at you for neglecting the dog so much.

Originally Posted by optikalefx

............ A car pc - good luck doing that in any good amount of time before your wife or girlfriend gets mad at you for neglecting the dog so much.

Bit harsh calling your girlfriend/wife a dog.

haha, well I currently don't have a gf so she wont be too upset

I figured maybe it was time for another real world experience installing an iPad without altering the car permanently.

I have a Toyota Matrix, which apparently has a 2" diameter pipe behind the dash, I assume for crumple zones or some rigidity of the frame. So I bought a few Ram Mount parts:
http://www.ram-mount.com/

And with a little customizing of the mount to the pipe, this thing is solid as a rock.

Basically, where the radio went is now a couple of ball arms twisted and tightened for the right angle towards the driver and passengerl on the end of the arms is an iPad holder.

And using http://isimplesolutions.com/iPad-tablets.aspx

I have a connector that sort of hangs off to the side of the iPad holder when its not attached. Getting power and audio to/from the iPad.

When I park someplace and know ill be a bit OR its very hot outside, I just take the iPad and put it under the seat. Nothing to see here folks...

And when I get home, I take it inside with me.

Works like a charm so far. Compared to the MacMini + Xenarc I used to have...its worlds apart and much better. Is it a full fledge carputer...hell no. But neither was the mac mini.

LMFAO...... Now why wouldnt you have GF, your so cute!

Anyways, thankfully my Ex loved electronics too, so the time wasnt an issue. As far as the dogs, they sit there with me. Mind you at some point they get upset and bark at anything that walks by, but that only when it hits the 5 hour mark.

Originally Posted by HiJackZX1

LMFAO...... Now why wouldnt you have GF, your so cute!

Anyways, thankfully my Ex loved electronics too, so the time wasnt an issue. As far as the dogs, they sit there with me. Mind you at some point they get upset and bark at anything that walks by, but that only when it hits the 5 hour mark.

I'm not sure how to respond to that.

Originally Posted by optikalefx

I'm not sure how to respond to that.

Get your coat, it looks like you've pulled.

Originally Posted by optikalefx

I'm not sure how to respond to that.

You dont respond. You just get flattered that the great HiJackZX1 said your cute, HAHAHAHA.

Originally Posted by Enforcer

Get your coat, it looks like you've pulled.

Heh.