Huge difference to the proposed Ford* (other competitors are available) people miss.

[Cubicle23]

The Slate is focused on DIY and long term self support. If you buy the Ford, you will be locked to the dealer for almost all service to keep your warrantee valid, have to pay a subscription to use the App and or add cell service etc.. those costs and limitations are missing from all of the "Why not buy the Ford with a radio" arguments. The value of being able to self service or choose who * YOU* want to work on your vehicle is a huge value added benefit that no one is adding to their calculations. I also think the separation of the tech stack from the vehicle is a welcome approach. I have a 2025 Forrester and by far the worst part of it is the obnoxious control screen and its functions. I welcome a phone/tablet system that can be upgraded or omitted at my whim.

 

[SailorDan]

When the big control screen on my Cherokee goes out (it has, twice), the car does not work. The screen (or the computer running it) has to be replaced by a Jeep dealer. At their leisure. If the screen only malfunctions (not a completely blank screen but only illegible gibberish displayed), then the car runs, but none of the things controlled by the screen (climate, radio, rear view camera and so on) work. It reboots the next time you start the engine. So far.

Friends who had a BMW SUV they loved switched to Mazda because the service and the Service Manager at the local BMW dealer was impossibly bad. When you are stuck with one choice, it may be a bad one.

Our Jeep dealership is on the third owner since we bought it there, new, so the service department has gone through a few changes too, some good, some bad.

 

[EV Trek]

When the big control screen on my Cherokee goes out (it has, twice), the car does not work. The screen (or the computer running it) has to be replaced by a Jeep dealer. At their leisure. If the screen only malfunctions (not a completely blank screen but only illegible gibberish displayed), then the car runs, but none of the things controlled by the screen (climate, radio, rear view camera and so on) work. It reboots the next time you start the engine. So far.

Friends who had a BMW SUV they loved switched to Mazda because the service and the Service Manager at the local BMW dealer was impossibly bad. When you are stuck with one choice, it may be a bad one.

Our Jeep dealership is on the third owner since we bought it there, new, so the service department has gone through a few changes too, some good, some bad.

This has been my argument, if the screen goes out in most EV’s or newer ICE vehicles not only can you lose control of major systems, but you may have to wait months just to get parts to have it fixed, then the hassle of having to take it to a dealership to be repaired if not under warranty have to probably pay more than $1,000 to fix it, with the Slate you just drive to Wal-mart or Best Buy and get you a new Tablet, or go get you a new Cell phone, download the app and you are back in business.

 

[DinoLord]

I don't think anyone has "missed" this. It's been a major talking point since the beginning.

 

[Cubicle23]

I don't think anyone has "missed" this. It's been a major talking point since the beginning.

*citation needed*

 

[ScooterAsheville]

Um, you guys do realize the Slate has a driver's display panel that can fail, right? Oh wait, on the Slate it's magically repairable with a crescent wrench and a screwdriver. In 5 minutes. By your dog. Because Slate descended from automotive maintenance heaven, trailed by angels blowing trumpets.

 

[SailorDan]

And the Slate HVAC controls are KNOBS under the dash, not touchscreen commands like my Jeep. For instance.

Just how much is on the tiny Slate display anyway?

I did have a cat once who was smart enough to do car repairs. Only Japanese, though. It was the only language he could read.

 

[tubes]

And the Slate HVAC controls are KNOBS under the dash, not touchscreen commands like my Jeep. For instance.

Just how much is on the tiny Slate display anyway?

Nothing important, just speed, battery charge, current selected gear, etc.

Seriously, that is one of my "show stopper" concerns about Slate if they go bust. That and the computer system managing battery, etc.

However, those small displays are typically very durable and have had decades of automotive history. So, fingers crossed.

 

[SailorDan]

I wonder if the truck stops working if the display fails.

 

[tubes]

I wonder if the truck stops working if the display fails.

Let's hope it is so solid, we'll never find out.

 

[AZFox]

I hope the people creating the mobile app and vehicle software are more talented than the people who operate the website.

 

[SailorDan]

Oh boy.

Check out how well the Maker is working. This is a white roof wrap on the square-back SUV. Except it only goes back as far as the truck cab.

 

[Supernintendo Chalmers]

Um, you guys do realize the Slate has a driver's display panel that can fail, right? Oh wait, on the Slate it's magically repairable with a crescent wrench and a screwdriver. In 5 minutes. By your dog. Because Slate descended from automotive maintenance heaven, trailed by angels blowing trumpets.

So this is a great question for Slate: Will Slate provide repair documentation for self-replacement of the dash instruments and controls?

 

[SailorDan]

Great Question!
Although we haven't figured out how we are going to do this, we will be getting back to you with more information in the next few weeks. Thanks for your interest.

 

[tubes]

So this is a great question for Slate: Will Slate provide repair documentation for self-replacement of the dash instruments and controls?

Probably not unless the angels descend and blow their trumpets. Maybe the instructions will be found on silver scrolls buried in the dirt too. You never know.

But seriously, I think "Slate-U" is going to be a lot of what we saw with the demonstration video of replacing the headlight covers. Mostly simple stuff that fits with the accessories.

My opinion: I very much doubt this kind of depth will be covered. But we'll probably have a Slate-U on removing the dash parts to make access for the audio speakers. This may get you part way to opening things up to replace that unit. I've worked on these kind of replacements on my Subaru. Honestly, the hardest and most confusing part was removing the outer shell. Once you get that, the rest is just logically held in by a few bolts and simple electrical connectors.