[tjacob]

I had evaluated Tablet vs Pioneer touch screen head unit, but choose the latter

Though I'm a fan of the Pioneer AVH and the recent SPH series HUs, the fact they don't have the flexibility of Android based HUs is a huge turn off, at least for a tinkerer like me. I prefer the Parrot Asteroid Smart over the Pio which is a good option for those without budget constraints. Its not Google approved meaning it doesn't have a Play Store but comes with Parrot's own app store but any .apk files of any android app can be copied and executed on this HU. It's as good as fixing an android tablet. Also, you don't have to worry about hooking up backup cameras.

• You cannot control any of the tablet functionality via the steering controls. So using a tablet in car while driving is high risk, especially given Bangalore's traffic conditions

You can configure and control your car's steering wheel knobs using the Joycon EXR Steering control interface. Here is a video of how its done, takes a bit of work because it needs to be configured using a PC.

There are also apps in Play Store with will further ease the accessibility options on a tablet. For instance, I forgot the name but a particular app allows you swipe across the home screen to change tracks and also swipe up or down to lower or increase the volume. It doesn't get easier than I suppose.

• A tablet cannot be directly connected to an Amp or the car speakers, you need purchase additional hardware which makes the whole investment very expensive.

It can be connected using a 3.5mm stereo to dual RCA cable. The quality of which is questionable only to your preferred music listening choice.

• You cannot hook a reverse camera to your tablet either. They don't have a video-in port. I don't believe there is any off the shelf device that allows you to add that functionality as well.

Timur's ROM for the Nexus 7 does have an app which supports rear backup cameras but I don't know how many people have been successful hooking it up to a camera. Most people I've seen across forums are happy using USB cameras.

so yeah, the limitations are fading away one thing at a time since more people are opting to get tabs in their cars. All this is not possible on an iPad or Win 8 tablets, even on jail-broken ones.

[tjacob]

Originally Posted by samarth.bhatia

Correct me where I'm wrong, please.
Also, I'm a little unclear about the external HD connection.

It depends on the tab you're going buy, if its a Nexus 7 then Timur's USB ROM has worked well for many people. There may be one such ROM for the Galaxy as well but I'm not aware of any.

Just a suggestion for those considering getting Tabs installed in your cars, consider getting a custom floating mount. Another well made mount There are magnet strips inside the fiberglass mold which holds the tabs in place. Its easier to remove the Tab just in case if you run into problems or upload media or even use it while streaming music via Bluetooth.

[SirAlec]

Originally Posted by abishek2222

Not really , this was done after a lot of research over the net based on a lot of installs done abroad. As mentioned earlier a lot of people who have car pc installs are moving over to android tablet installs now.

Here are some examples of a pure indash install which I could not do since the GPS signal would be completely blocked. Images are from google



Attachment 1107345



Attachment 1107346

Thats a very good job done. They guys who worked upon has very good skills and vision.

My question in above links is if they install a tab. how do they put it on, as most have their switched at side. they have to come up with some way to, make it instant on without the default soft switch.

Your install is removable so will solve the above above mentioned issue.

[abishek2222]

Originally Posted by bharatbs

• You cannot control any of the tablet functionality via the steering controls
  
• A tablet cannot be directly connected to an Amp or the car speakers, you need purchase additional hardware which makes the whole investment very expensive
  
  
• You cannot hook a reverse camera to your tablet either. They don't have a video-in port. I don't believe there is any off the shelf device that allows you to add that functionality as well.

Originally Posted by shomshree

I have one doubt to clear from the picture - have you cut the top of dashboard plastic, or is it an additional fitting in the place of the glove box's sliding shutter.

The glove box has been removed and this has been fixed in its location.

Originally Posted by Utopian

1 Ques: For connecting to laptop, is the USB connection easily available?

simple really the tab can be removed and taken out.See the pics below

Originally Posted by samarth.bhatia

Excellent install there!

I have been considering getting a 3G enabled iPad mini or a Galaxy Tab for a similar install. Only problem is, no space left on my dashboard :P

As far as my understanding of the install goes,

1. It is mounted on the special mount imported from the UK

Originally Posted by SirAlec

My question in above links is if they install a tab. how do they put it on, as most have their switched at side. they have to come up with some way to, make it instant on without the default soft switch.

As mentioned earlier there is a software hack for the samsung tab which causes it to turn on/boot when its is off when the charger is plugged in.So if the tab battery is drained just start the car the tab will boot in 2 mins by itself.

Originally Posted by tjacob

There are magnet strips inside the fiberglass mold which holds the tabs in place.

tried out magnetic strips to keep the front panel in place but found it was interfering with the compass and navigation.

[tjacob]

tried out magnetic strips to keep the front panel in place but found it was interfering with the compass and navigation.

yes it does, magnets works only for iPad 2 and above installs because the Apple tabs unlike the Android tabs have a row of regular two-pole magnets on both the left and right sides of the device which helps in forming a magnet-to-magnet bond with the iPad's magnetic smart covers sold by Apple. The ICE installers in the video just managed to put those magnets to better use, keeps the device in place, prevents it from falling in case of a sudden halt, potholes, speed breakers, etc.

[W.A.G.7]

A clean install, for the normal human eye, it won't be possible to tell it apart from a factory job. My question here is that in future, if you decide to upgrade to a better tab, then do you need to do it all over again using a new holder for the new tab, or just remove this tab and insert a new one in this place? Great job indeed, the installer has really good skills about the fit and finish.

[nitrosarit]

Very innovative idea indeed. One has to appreciate the build quality and the finish that is done immaculately.Such ingenuity is an inspiration to many car owners i really hope to do so soon.I-drive does prove of great help en-route to new places and cities.Fine write up and follow-up images.Keep us updated on further modifications :-)

[abishek2222]

Originally Posted by W.A.G.7

My question here is that in future, if you decide to upgrade to a better tab, then do you need to do it all over again using a new holder for the new tab.

I just have to replace the holder / cradle, and probably have to change the power or charger cable to that of the brand being replaced. On the whole the work would be minor and doable in half and hour.

[johy]

Excellent install. Reminds me of the telly program, Custom made for Vir Sanghvi. You can get anything custom made in India, for much less and with great fit and finish.

[Ace F355]

Awesome install. The guy who worked upon your car has quite some skills, I must say. I have seen people screwing up the dashboard while doing simple headunit swap!

Enjoy the entertainment on the move now!

[VBoss]

Indeed an awesome mod. Looks amazing. If you want to improve on your audio output i would suggest an app called Viper4Andriod. You can check it out on XDA. I have been using it for the last couple of months and even with Samsungs basic headphones, gives real good output. Not Sure how the output would chage in your setup but i would highly recommend it. I guess is worth a try.

[abishek2222]

Originally Posted by VBoss

If you want to improve on your audio output

Yes will give the app a try,if this was a nexus tab there was the possibility of adding a USB DAC. Can't be done on the Samsung tab.

Originally Posted by Ace F355

The guy who worked upon your car has quite some skills

Definitely yes undoubtedly but still had to sit with him for the whole time to avoid any untoward incident.

[dinu2506]

Excellent job. I know Anwar can deliver the works. My earlier Civic install was done by him. I too have an X1 now and this is really tempting me. Some questions
1) How was the fibreglass enclosure fixed to the dash after removing the sliding box - was it screwed on to the dash - was extra drilling required?
2) Do you really need a vehicle docking kit, or can it be done without that
3) In your picture, what have you connected to the USB in of the car - the white wire - does it go to the tab?

[abishek2222]

Originally Posted by dinu2506

Excellent job. Some questions

1. Yes its held in place by two screws ,which when removed removes the glovebox. he wanted to add additional screws into the dash i said a flat no, since once the glove box is removed the area behind is the a/c air ducts.
   
2. He put in a metal clamp which was tightened into the same place where the glove box was earlier, in other words i can have this removed and refix the glovebox when i sell the car.
   
3. You don't need a dock, i used a dock since i already bought it, you could use a cover like the white one i have uploaded before instead.
   
4. Sorry about that unrelated, USB goes into my external hard disk nothing to do with the tablet.
   
   
5. If You are seriously thinking of getting this done i suggest you get a google nexus 7 inch tab because it enables you to charge and use an external usb pen drive where you can store MP3/Flac.if your adventurous with android you even add a external DAC.Niaz at anwars place is whom you need to talk to if you want to get it done.Anything more your welcome to PM me.

On another note ,there are chinese aftermarket units which are made for the X1 available on alibaba for about 600USD but require wiring into the car added a pic for you below in case you want to go that way.This was the actual reference for me for my tablet idea.

[pranxter]

@abishek2222 Thanks for sharing this. Something I was hoping somewhere someone had done I was planning to put an old SGS for this instead of selling it.

Originally Posted by tjacob

There are also apps in Play Store with will further ease the accessibility options on a tablet. For instance, I forgot the name but a particular app allows you swipe across the home screen to change tracks and also swipe up or down to lower or increase the volume. It doesn't get easier than I suppose.

Apart from apps, All CM ROMs support changing tracks via volume up/down button. One of handy features no matter if you are lying on a couch listening to music or driving/riding and incidentally one of my favorite features too