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Hello all
I have my Atrix for about 3 months now, and from the beginning was thinking on buying the lapdock aswell but held myself due to its over expensive price (500$ for a damn docking!!!). Personally I don't see any reason to buy a docking for just 1 device in over 150$.
I've got now a chance to buy a semi-used one for 210$ (with a spare charger) and I wanted some consolt about it:
1) Is it possible to write office docs such as word and excell on it?
2) Is it possible to connect USB storage devices to it?
Since my primery uses for it will be as a working tool for docs writing (Thesis, reports and stuff), that can replace my aging laptop and instead of buying a notebook. will it be enough for my uses?
Can I use a Ubuntu hack to make it work as a Linux laptop?
Does it worth the 210$? or should I remain assertive on my "not over 150$" policy?
Much 10xs for all
I have had mine for a month now and in my opinion is OK but very limited. First there is the WIFI only unless you get the tethering plan or can get the hack to work (I have not yet got it to work). I use mine for remotely connecting to my Windows server but use a paid app Pocketcloud which works fine with the full screen mode on the lapdock although sizing the screen is sometimes a problem.
In answer to your questions:
1 If there is an app for Office docs which there is the answer is Yes but all the lapdock is really is a large screen for your phone, if you can do it on the phone you can do it on the lapdock.
2. I believe you can but it needs a hack
In my opinion it is not really yet a substitute for a laptop but if the hacks for Ubantu, tethering, etc are refined it may be in time but it in all honesty does not appear the be there yet.
As far as price, probably worth $200.00 to me to throw in the car so that I have a larger screen to log into my server when I am on the road etc without wireless, but that is a decision you would have to make.
You can buy it cheaper online, refurbished. It comes in very good working condition. My first one had a dead pixel, but AT&T let me bring it in and they gave me a new refurb'd.
They're 175 + tax online.
It says that flash drives and mice are supported. But I'm not sure. Haven't tried.
There's also a Google Docs app if you don't want to mod your WebTop. You can get OpenOffice if you use WebTop2SD, or the Debian mod.
Hey
first 10x to you both
Second, did I understand you correct? in webtop mod I cant use 3G? whats the point then? shouldnt it supposed to be a "laptop" with all the capabilities of the Atrix?
anyway, Sinful, can you give me a link for this price?
Another question, Does anyone knows if there are 10 intch screens with HDMI inlet? It ca be a cheap replacement for the lapdock....
You CAN connect with 3G with the regular phone interface which can be full screen on the lapdock. What you cannot do without the ATT tethering plan is to use the "full" Firefox browser on the lapdock.
For the most part it works fine just using the phone interface with the phone's browser in full screen mode.
I bought a refurb from lapdock from att and have been pleased with it. I have done the debian hack and the tethering hack to get firefox to work with my data plan. In reguards to your second question, I have hooked up external usb drives without problem. It gets mounted just fine and I am able to copy files without problem. Open Office also works well.
O.K
Thanks for the clarification.
Thats quite ****ty! Why would they do that?
Anyhow, since i'm not an AT&T costumer, I obviesly dont have the 'AT&T tethering program', so I guess it will be problematic for me to use the 3G.
I dont see what the use of the lapdock if I cant use my 3G, and I really dont want to use the phone browser in full mode to be able to do so.
Well, we will have to wait for the 2.3.4 official AT&T rom, and maybe they will enable this, or just wait for a skillful dev that will do that...
Which tethering hack did you use? I could not get mine to work. Thanks
AT&T thinks that using an external display of ANY form is considered tethering, even though its technically the same "computing device", just the output/input being redirected. I had a major "phone fight" with AT&Ts support, and am in talks with my lawyer if this actually enforceable. But yes, if you want to use the standard 3G web connectivity on your webtop's Firefox browser, AT&T requires you to get the 45 USD dataplan.
Alternatively you can try FIREFOX from the app market, and run it "fullscreen" through your Android GUI-"window".
As for office application that does Microsoft's office 2010 documents, I swear by QUICK OFFICE PRO. It does excel, word, PowerPoint and adobe PDF to create/edit.
I use my ATRIX as a semi desktop on the go, via Bluetooth keyboard and the ATRIX plugged into any TV or monitor that has a DVI (with HDMI-2-DVI adapter) or HDMI jack, and use the ATRIX itself as a mouse, since the touchscreen turns into a laptop-style -mousepad
There are mods out there to run an (almost) full Ubuntu, but last time I checked they had massive storage constraints trying to make it work all the way. Not sure if they overcome them by now.
But since the bootlaoder can be now unlocked, we probably will see soon some cool ROMS that allow us to use the ATRIX in a full Ubuntu environment.
Just hoping :-D
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I have been using my atrix to do my general doc file typings. So far I am happy.
here are some stuff that you may need to know:
1. you can use an external drive as long as it is formatted FAT32.
2. you can use a cable mouse
3. look under development section and look up debian and ubuntu images for webtop. I found debian more reliable but ubuntu solution has more flexibility.
Using either solution you can install koffice or openoffice for your typing needs. If you simply want to type in text and do the formatting at a later time look up the "easy_v0.2.5-signed.zip" under debian solution. It will give you a on screen window for typing similar to notepad which is pretty nice.
There is also the webtop2sd project that is in beta. I suggest for it to come out of beta as it is not ready for general public yet.
I owned one , had hacked 3g tethering working and my opinion is NO not worth it unless you can get for 100-150 then its just OK
No. Id wait to see if there is any official webtop improvements....out of the box there is very little funvtionality.
Also, moto has said that there will be more accesories, and they have filed for a Tabdock....which may be much better if its basicly a xoom transformer. I think they released the lapdock first more as a webtop beta and to not have a tabdock compete with their zoom.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Ive got one, and the usb drive works fine, and i have a wireless mouse that seems to work just fine, it does what ever your phone does, and stores it on your phone, so... if you consider your phone your primary computer then this is for you.... i will be trading mine in on a laptop or at the very least a net book of some kind that will allow me to use financial software and other windows/mac essential software...
its a neat idea, but at this stage its gimmicky at best.
vonh
Sorry to dig this thread up, but I just got my Lapdock and in the last month it has matured a bit more, with lots of hacks to install several Linux distros allowing to install native Linux apps to the environment.
So far, I'm very pleased and glad to leave the 15.4" laptop at home.
This is what I use my Lapdock for:
1. Remote into my job Servers and Workstations through LogMeIn. I still don't jump into Cytrix yet.
2. Browse the web natively through full Firefox for research and entertainment.
3. Remotely manage my home's NAS
4. Download, display an manage files (.RAR, .ZIP, .APK, .DOC, .PPS, .XLS, .PDF, etc)
5. A few games here and there (like AngryBirds) but honestly, I prefer to play them on the phone itself due to multitouch.
6. I manage several personal and business websites and portals, and I can pretty much do all I need to accomplish this. (FTP, Edit, Upload, Download, Code, etc)
What's lacking on the Lapdock:
1. No front Webcam (no way to answer a video call from Google Voice, Skype, etc)
2. No fron Microphone (I constantly find myself yelling so people on the other side of the line can hear me, I now use a wired headset. Maybe a BT headset would be more comfortable though.)
3. No way to input international accented characters (I hope to find a way to hack a way to implement this.)
4. No accelerated video under Webtop?
My conclusion:
For me, I think that overall it's a great complement to my Atrix as long as you don't pay more than $200 for it.
Cheers!
Rayan
Hi all,
So I'm curious is there is a program that will work as a webtop for my Atrix. I have a Windows 7 PC and don't want to spring for the webtop hardware, but would love to be able to plug my phone into my laptop and use it like the webtop. Does such a thing exist? I've been through the webtop search results and haven't seen anything like it.
Thanks!
The webtop hardware is just a keyboard and monitor that you plug into your phone to make it look like a laptop. It runs Firefox off your phone so you can get the "full" web experience without lugging around a full sized laptop. So no, its not a software thing you can do. And why would you? if you have a laptop right there use that to browse the web.
Shikyo said:
The webtop hardware is just a keyboard and monitor that you plug into your phone to make it look like a laptop. It runs Firefox off your phone so you can get the "full" web experience without lugging around a full sized laptop. So no, its not a software thing you can do. And why would you? if you have a laptop right there use that to browse the web.
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True, but the phone features on the computer are kind of handy. It may not be the most practical thing to have, but if its out there, that would be nifty!
+1 for first response though
Sonicmax2k2 said:
True, but the phone features on the computer are kind of handy. It may not be the most practical thing to have, but if its out there, that would be nifty!
+1 for first response though
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the entire webtop OS is contained within your phone. the only way to enable it is to connect an external HDMI display to it, and no, your laptop is not an external HDMI display. you MUST use a monitor, TV or other device made to display HDMI input signals.
dLo GSR said:
the entire webtop OS is contained within your phone. the only way to enable it is to connect an external HDMI display to it, and no, your laptop is not an external HDMI display. you MUST use a monitor, TV or other device made to display HDMI input signals.
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Awesome, thank you!
I've just read that i can use Ubuntu on the Atrix (I'm running turls v8), but I am a little confused as to how I need to connect the phone to the laptop. Whats the minimum type of dock can I get away with?
thanks
Kam
the Motorola lapdock is enough...?
I don't understand...
ifalldownalot said:
the Motorola lapdock is enough...?
I don't understand...
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Thanks. I forgot to clarify. II bought the phone on ebay and I font have any type of dock at all. Thanks.
The phone doesn't come with it, you buy the lapdock separately.
CM7 and CM9 do not support webtop though. So the best you'll get on that rom right now is HDMI landscape mirroring of the phone display on the screen.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
we use Ubuntu on the atrix with our lapdocks.
ifalldownalot said:
we use Ubuntu on the atrix with our lapdocks.
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Click to collapse
Thansk. maybe I need to clarify more.
I only have an Atrix...no DOCK of any sort. I'm not worried about Webtop because i use CM9.
However, I knwo i can use the phone with ubuntu and i want to play around with that.
I know there are a few different types of Docks out there (Standard, HD, Laptop etc), so i need to know which one I can get away with without spending more than i need to! I don't want to have to fork out for the Lapdock if the standrd one will do.
So, whats the cheapest Dock I can get away with?
syanide1 said:
Thansk. maybe I need to clarify more.
I only have an Atrix...no DOCK of any sort. I'm not worried about Webtop because i use CM9.
However, I knwo i can use the phone with ubuntu and i want to play around with that.
I know there are a few different types of Docks out there (Standard, HD, Laptop etc), so i need to know which one I can get away with without spending more than i need to! I don't want to have to fork out for the Lapdock if the standrd one will do.
So, whats the cheapest Dock I can get away with?
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they all serve different purposes.
it seems you think all the docks are interchangeable.
and you can only run Ubuntu on the atrix/lapdock combination, I believe.
You can run Ubuntu (or webtop in this context, which is Ubutnu 9.10) with the lapdock and the HD Multimedia dock. You can also run webtop simply with the supplied HDMI cable (which I'm guessing you didn't get either) without any dock but your ROM must support webtop over HDMI. Webtop is only available with Blur roms, not CM7/9
If you are talking about the recent Canonical announcement about Ubuntu on Android, that is simply and updated webtop and made to run on any Android, not just Moto. It is not available to the general public.
There is a another way to run Ubuntu that I've heard works with CM7/9, but it is the type that uses VNC as a viewer and on the phone, not using one of the docks mentioned. I know nothing else about that setup.
I just saw this on Reddit; might be old news to some, but this is the first I've heard about it. Apparently there is a $1.38 (on Amazon.com) cable that allows you to connect various USB devices, and if the device supports USB OTG, you can run flash or powered hard (not portable) drives, keyboards, mice, or even a hub to use more than one. If the device doesn't, it can be added with root, or included in a ROM. I'm not a developer. I'm not even a programmer, so I don't have the first idea on how this could be done. But a Bluetooth keyboard is around $80, and this will allow a $10 keyboard to be used, or a $10 mouse, for a cost of about $12 for one, $22 for both, plus whatever a hub goes for. So having USB OTG could save some folks a lot of money. Plus if they want to use a USB controller for gaming, they can save the cost of a PS3 controller entirely (about $40).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1240082
Please use the search feature. This is not a development topic because support already exists. I detail everything necessary for USB OTG on the Photon in the link below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28552795&postcount=2
MODS: This is not a development topic. Please move to Q&A or Accessories. Thanks!
There is a report button. The message goes directly to the Moderator. I would like if someone else would do it too and not only me.
This one is reported already.
peetr_ said:
There is a report button. The message goes directly to the Moderator. I would like if someone else would do it too and not only me.
This one is reported already.
Click to expand...
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Done.
peetr_ said:
There is a report button. The message goes directly to the Moderator. I would like if someone else would do it too and not only me.
This one is reported already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
zansatsu said:
Done.
Click to expand...
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Also reported...
Do not spam him. One is enough.
Thanks for the information. Did not know the topic was off limits - noted for future reference. Cheers!
Sent from my MB855 using xda app-developers app
Dark Reality said:
Thanks for the information. Did not know the topic was off limits - noted for future reference. Cheers!
Sent from my MB855 using xda app-developers app
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After reading my response and the subsequent responses, I realize that it probably came off flame-ish. My apologies. It wasn't so much the topic as it was posted in the dev forum. They frown on that, unfortunately.
I am open to questions if you have any regarding USB OTG. I had to mess around with various USB configurations until I found the right connections. When it works, it just works. But figuring it out from a Youtube video in another language made me want to write a guide. I hope it helps.
Good luck!
Well, I have a USB OTG cable coming at some point in the next week. I only paid 90¢ for it on Amazon, so it's not a huge loss if it doesn't work. I will consult your guide when I get it, if it doesn't just work. Obviously I'm gonna hook it up and try it as soon as I get the package.
I have two devices intended for it -- a 10" mini keyboard I got on Newegg for $15 (shipped). If I can't get this to work at all (and I'm sure I will be able to), I can use the keyboard for our bedroom computer, which has a half-broken, dirty, unwieldy "ergonomic" keyboard hooked up to it (and toss that one). Also a wired Xbox 360 controller, for mobile gaming.
Dark Reality said:
Well, I have a USB OTG cable coming at some point in the next week. I only paid 90¢ for it on Amazon, so it's not a huge loss if it doesn't work. I will consult your guide when I get it, if it doesn't just work. Obviously I'm gonna hook it up and try it as soon as I get the package.
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Click to collapse
The Chainfire program should be able to step you through the diagnostics of it. The biggest trick is getting enough power supplied to the phone plus the devices.
Dark Reality said:
I have two devices intended for it -- a 10" mini keyboard I got on Newegg for $15 (shipped). If I can't get this to work at all (and I'm sure I will be able to), I can use the keyboard for our bedroom computer, which has a half-broken, dirty, unwieldy "ergonomic" keyboard hooked up to it (and toss that one). Also a wired Xbox 360 controller, for mobile gaming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any device that fully implements the standard USB HID protocol should just plug and play. A wired XBOX 360 controller should work, as well as the keyboard... as long as they don't require proprietary software/drivers to operate properly.
For my gaming solution, I went with the Sixaxis drivers for pairing with a PS3 controller through Bluetooth. That was pretty neat and it works. As far as keyboards, I have a wireless Logitech K400 with a touchpad which is fully functional. Using the one USB dongle which uses Logitech's 'Unifying' technology, I also have a Logitech M570 trackball mouse. So essentially, I carry a pocket-sized computer with me everywhere I go. Who needs a laptop?
Self-Powered USB Hubs work great with this setup, you can have multiple devices and Android (being based on Linux) will handle it as long as the kernel has the drivers built in. I've been having trouble trying to get external storage to work under CM7, but I also haven't been working to figure that out.
zansatsu said:
The Chainfire program should be able to step you through the diagnostics of it. The biggest trick is getting enough power supplied to the phone plus the devices.
Any device that fully implements the standard USB HID protocol should just plug and play. A wired XBOX 360 controller should work, as well as the keyboard... as long as they don't require proprietary software/drivers to operate properly.
For my gaming solution, I went with the Sixaxis drivers for pairing with a PS3 controller through Bluetooth. That was pretty neat and it works. As far as keyboards, I have a wireless Logitech K400 with a touchpad which is fully functional. Using the one USB dongle which uses Logitech's 'Unifying' technology, I also have a Logitech M570 trackball mouse. So essentially, I carry a pocket-sized computer with me everywhere I go. Who needs a laptop?
Self-Powered USB Hubs work great with this setup, you can have multiple devices and Android (being based on Linux) will handle it as long as the kernel has the drivers built in. I've been having trouble trying to get external storage to work under CM7, but I also haven't been working to figure that out.
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Click to collapse
Thanks
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Hello,
I bought an external keyboard that connects via the mini usb port. It didn't work, but found a suggestion:
When I first connected my adapter that came with my tablet to the keyboard adapter I was very disappointed that nothing happened. I tried several different browser pages, but nothing happened. I read reviews on here and noticed on about that someone mentioned they changed their USB settings and their keyboard finally started working. So, I immediately went to my Settings, Advanced Settings, and then USB BUS MODE and changed it from DEVICE mode to HOST mode and VOILA - the keyboard immediately started functioning
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I tried to find where to change the usb settings to host but couldn't find the area. Is there anywhere I can find this? I am using the AOPK Rom. Thanks for any help!
OTG not in any of the Nook Tablet yet
OTG is not implemented yet on the stock nor current cm10 roms based on what I have asked in this forum for Nook Tablet. I know you can do this with the new nooks that have monochrome display. May I ask where did you read this article?
bulsatar said:
Hello,
I bought an external keyboard that connects via the mini usb port. It didn't work, but found a suggestion:
I tried to find where to change the usb settings to host but couldn't find the area. Is there anywhere I can find this? I am using the AOPK Rom. Thanks for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, it was in a review of the product on amazon. here is a link to the product:look at couple reviews down. I am happy to wait just want to make sure that I will be able to use it soon
bulsatar said:
yep, it was in a review of the product on amazon. here is a link to the product:look at couple reviews down. I am happy to wait just want to make sure that I will be able to use it soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you reading the review for the Nook Color with working usb otg? It does work for that tablet, not the NT though.
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium
I wasn't looking specifically for how to get it working on the tablet, just looking in general for how to do it in android. Hopefully they implement the otg soon
I just downloaded the new cm10 (snappy and no more reboot/sdcard lost errors!!) but there wasn't anything about the type of usb connection in that one either...
Am I not going to be able to use this keyboard? Will I have to break down and buy a price blue tooth one????
bulsatar said:
I just downloaded the new cm10 (snappy and no more reboot/sdcard lost errors!!) but there wasn't anything about the type of usb connection in that one either...
Am I not going to be able to use this keyboard? Will I have to break down and buy a price blue tooth one????
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time the NT does not have usb otg on any ROM, it may in the future, but if and when is not known at this time. The NT will never have bluetooth, Never. It has been well documented why, do a search and read. So a BT keyboard will never work. Is it really that hard to type with your thumbs?
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium
It isn't really a matter of difficulty, it is a matter of duration. I didn't want a full laptop and I like the android os so wanted to try a tablet with a keyboard for my mobile computing needs. I am do a good amount of typing (chapters for novels and such) and prefer a keyboard. I was using my phone before and it was a lot slower than what I can do with a keyboard and got tiring after an hour or so. It isn't detrimental that I can't use a keyboard, just desired.
bulsatar said:
It isn't really a matter of difficulty, it is a matter of duration. I didn't want a full laptop and I like the android os so wanted to try a tablet with a keyboard for my mobile computing needs. I am do a good amount of typing (chapters for novels and such) and prefer a keyboard. I was using my phone before and it was a lot slower than what I can do with a keyboard and got tiring after an hour or so. It isn't detrimental that I can't use a keyboard, just desired.
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I bought a Toshiba Thrive 32gb off craigslist for $200. I am now running CM10. I bought it for those exact reasons. It has full sized usb, full sized hdmi, micro usb, full sized sd card expandable to 128 gb, bluetooth capable, gps, 10.1" screen. I use a mouse through usb, bluetooth keyboard, and I hook it up to my TV or
computer monitor and is performs really well as a portable computer with little cost involved.
Sent from my AT100 using xda premium
lol, after spending 150 on the tablet I think that I am going to skip buying another, however I have started looking at other virtual keyboard options and will be trying out a few to see if they can fill the gap until/if they activate the usb otg. Thanks for the info and I will reply if I find a keyboard that I like enough to be useable as a touch typer!!