I was thinking it would be cool to buy something like a 7" tablet or something and install that where the radio should be. Build a dock so that it's removable too.

Something like the Nexus 7 has everything you'd need there, GPS, music, video, and much more? Anyone seen this done? Seem like a good idea at all?

 

Personally, I would think a modern double DIN navigation would be the way to go. The newer models have all the features you spoke of, and more. Definitely not as custom or unique, but likely more practical.

With a tablet for sound, you would need an external amplifier to drive the speakers. GPS would be effective, as well as music loading. The "docking" portion could be effective if done right. FD's don't give a lot of room between the shifter.

Just some thoughts.

 

I was thinking the same thing about the amp for music after I posted...
A normal radio with a screen IS probably easier.

I do like the uniqueness of the tablet thing and being able to take it out and keep using it and then just slide it back in. Would look pretty sweet!

Gotta get more info see if it's worth it... I guess I'd need a tablet with 3g/4g so I can use most of the features too...

This looks awesome...
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7...s-to-its-belt/

 

Definitely! I like the looks of that. You don't get the mobility of the unit, but if it's an Android OS, there is likely some good sync features available through the App base.

 

I just found this, kind of has everything, but I have no idea who these people are and how horrid it would be...

Wholesale Detachable Android GPS Car Stereo From China

 

I had the same idea awhile back. Started the project but put it on hold since I'm rebuilding my car from the chassis-up, at the moment.

I'm using a HTC Evo View 4G tablet running Android "Jellybean". It's 7", has a 720p screen, front facing camera, etc. (And it came out almost 2 years ago - chew on that, Apple...)

I ditched the factory headunit and Bose amps/speakers. I have a 4-channel amplifier mounted in the trunk under rear interior that powers door speakers and rear speakers (R1 brackets and grills):



I bought a spare dash panel and cut it slightly larger, then used "plastic weld" epoxy to mate a hard shell snap case:





The tablet snaps right in to the case:



And here's the new dash panel in the car. I had to cut some of the plastic behind the panel as well. Also, I still need to finish the new panel with some bondo and spray it to match my interior plastics:



Most importantly, I wanted to have a physical **** for volume control, so I'm using a 2-channel RCA gain/level control **** that will be mounted to the new dash panel as well: Axxess AALC Universal RCA Level Bass/Gain Controller

I already tested the system. After some tweaking on the amplifier I got the audio sounding really nice. I have it set so when the volume **** is all the way up, the sound is as loud as I would ever want it to get, so I don't have to worry about blowing speakers or anything.

As for power, I have a 2.3amp adapter that will keep the tablet charged.

That's as far as I've gotten so far, but I'll post the results when I get a chance to finish it up...

More photos can be found here:
Android-Powered Audio System

 

ANOTHER NOTE, if you have bluetooth on the tablet you can get an obd bluetooth dongle if you have a swap with obd2 and have the table display obd stuff

 

Very cool. This confirms what I want to do, So I'll go get me a nexus and make it work. Using the hard case is pretty clever. I'm gonna try to use a dock or make one with a case like that if I have too. I want it to be a snap in dock and forgot. no wires to hook up and such.

OBD? Is that telemetry stuff?

 

Remember --- if you have a Bose unit now then you will be needing to change lots more than the head unit.

Now if you could find a double din Bose setup with nav etc --- that would be the easy ticket.

 

If you weren't aware, the Nexus 7 can use pogo pins along the side which allow it to charge without plugging in any cables. If they follow the Galaxy Nexus, they also provide a line-out. If you want to build something that can be removed, pogo's are the way to go.

 

Yeah thats exactly why I want to go the nexus route. I have a galaxy Nexus and I figured the tablet was the same. I confirmed that with my co workers a few days ago.

It will make the whole thing super seamless and awesome. Simply slide the tablet into the "dock" and go. Very kick ***.

ppritchard, I do have the Bose tube nonsense in the car. I will gladly get rid of it when I start working on this aspect of the car.

 

Parrot - Parrot ASTEROID Smart

This looks interesting...

 

I found this when I was looking for an Android headunit about a year or two ago, but at that time it was only a single-DIN unit. I guess they are planning a double-DIN unit now. I really like all the inputs/outputs it has. Seems like it will support a reverse camera.

I like it a lot - it's a shame it's not out yet...

 

I posted about this above. It's coming out in November I think. Its gonna be my backup plan if I cant get the Nexus & to work out.

 

Theres a lot of people in the in-car audio part of customization that have put tablets to substitute their radio/stereo decks....


This is my favorite one tho.....

They first did this install with the iPad 1 on a Toyota X-Runner and it was able to slide out and take away, but I do like the integration with the 3......