Slate’s BYO Infotainment and the possible issue of Temperatures.

[SlateShift]

While i for one love the idea i can swap whatever tablet i want, whenever i want. However, there is a major concern i have with this idea. I for one live in the Dry Hot state of AZ and our cars tend to go far beyond 130 degrees Fahrenheit. So with that in mind having a tablet not designed to be in the heat… like automotive infotainment systems usually would be. This in turn could be a fire hazard or at least mean the destruction of said tablet if left in the Slate. That being said one could say id have to take my “infotainment” with me whenever i leave the to avoid such risk. This adds a bit of inconvenience to the experience, and i am sure for those in colder climates might also have a similar issue.

Input your thoughts and ideas down below.

 

[1yeliab_sufur1]

Well I’m going to use my iPhone so it’s a non-issue for me but yah I get that. I live in az to but I’ve left tablets and other electronics in my truck before with no real issue beside it being hot to the touch. I’d recommend you get the center console add-on and put it in there when you leave the truck for a extended amount of time because I think it would be safer and will also prevent anyone who sees it and try’s to steal it door lock and all that is good but glass is glass.

 

[cadblu]

You are raising an excellent point on real world conditions that have yet to be revealed until Slate makes its debut. The operating temperature range on most iPhones and iPads is 32-95F and performance outside that range becomes highly unstable to non usable. I’ve received high temperature warnings where the device exhibits erratic operation and then just shuts down, except for SOS emergency calls. Which means leaving your device inside the vehicle when parked is not advisable. Most people will obviously take their phones with them when parked, but the tablet will likely stay in place or removed from sight.

OEM in-car electronics and infotainment systems are much better designed for extreme temperature as many have thermostatic integrated cooling fans. The good news is you don’t need the device to drive the Slate, but app controls, range, music, etc. will likely be unavailable in extreme conditions.

Regarding the vehicle at large, I’m sure there will be other surprises that develop after exposure to real world conditions that cannot easily be replicated in development testing. Usually it’s a combination of environmental stresses e.g. temperature cycles, shock, vibration, humidity, etc. that may lead to premature failures on vehicle components. I’m sure that Slate will source components from proven suppliers which will lower their risk to potential defects and warranty claims.

 

[E90400K]

Some EV, like Tesla's, have a "Dog Mode", which keeps the AC on while one's pup is in the parked car. Sounds like Slate needs a "BYOD Mode" to keep your tablet cool while parked...

 

[SichuanHot]

Having lived in a hot climate, I've experienced thermal throttling and shutdowns with almost any mobile device or tablet. Since Slate claims the BYOD isn't mandatory to operate the car, it shouldn't matter. If you absolutely need a nav screen though then a purpose built infotainment device is most likely the answer like those single din android devices.