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

[Duke Slater]

Close. That tablet would require a Windows version of the Slate app.

Gentac's two Android offering apparently cost well over $1,000 and run Android 13 from 2022, which I expect will reach end-of-life Real Soon Now.

Yeah, just wanted to throw that out there as a starting suggestion. There’s probably plenty of options out there that are beefier and more heat resistant than an iPad.

 

[AZFox]

Instead I just use a windshield sun blind and it’s just as effective without the loss of range.

Lucky you. That would be beyond wishful thinking here in the Desert Southwest.

Right now it's 133°F in my car... and that's with the windows cracked and a light breeze blowing.

 

[AZFox]

Yeah, just wanted to throw that out there as a starting suggestion. There’s probably plenty of options out there that are beefier and more heat resistant than an iPad.

Much appreciated. That helped me find other rugged Android tablets, but none that claim to handle extreme heat. (One claimed to handle extreme cold.)

I'm above-average at finding suitable technical products because that has been my profession. So far, nothing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Duke Slater]

Much appreciated. That helped me find other rugged Android tablets, but none that claim to handle extreme heat. (One claimed to handle extreme cold.)

I'm above-average at finding suitable technical products because that has been my profession. So far, nothing. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Well we have time to keep looking. Plan B would be get a pop-up car port to keep it in the shade, hand-crack the windows until the sun goes down, or just take the thing out everyday. That defeats the purpose though so I’m either going to find a tablet that can handle the task or just stick to the phone.

 

[AZFox]

I was surprised not to find a ruggedized CarPlay / Android Auto screen. Virtually everyone would leave that in the car, wouldn't they?

 

[sodamo]

Wonder if sufficient room to slide under the seat? That would only take seconds.

 

[KevinRS]

Lucky you. That would be beyond wishful thinking here in the Desert Southwest.

Right now it's 133°F in my car... and that's with the windows cracked and a light breeze blowing.

I once recorded 150, on a spring day, with a cheaper thermometer that wouldn't display higher, with window shades up.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

The gates of Hell (SW USA) are pretty hot! I don’t think the Carpuride that I was using on my old GX would last a week in that heat!

 

[Luxrage]

The heat in cars can be extreme in the summer, I do a lot of junkyard parts picking and there's nothing worse than having to pull some parts on a 105* cloud-free day. Really puts the dangers of leaving babies and pets in the car for even 10 minutes into perspective, those cars will COOK you.

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.

I'll be sparse on the details but I work in semiconductor and our automotive products (as in the chips themselves) would be tested for accuracy/functionality at upwards of 150*C to ensure they'd still be functional roasting in a car dashboard. Definitely have a more stringent temperature requirement for them compared to the more 'consumer' chips.

I'm still on team "They'd better have a double din hole so I can slap an android-auto capable car radio in there and be done with all of this tablet stuff"

 

[skidoofast]

Wonder if sufficient room to slide under the seat? That would only take seconds.

my thoughts exactly, low in the interior, out of direct sunlight

either that or in a center console

but for 99% of my driving it would just be my phone and that goes with me

road trips to where I haven't been before if I did any would be a tablet on the dash, but removed if parked

 

[KevinRS]

The heat in cars can be extreme in the summer, I do a lot of junkyard parts picking and there's nothing worse than having to pull some parts on a 105* cloud-free day. Really puts the dangers of leaving babies and pets in the car for even 10 minutes into perspective, those cars will COOK you.



I'll be sparse on the details but I work in semiconductor and our automotive products (as in the chips themselves) would be tested for accuracy/functionality at upwards of 150*C to ensure they'd still be functional roasting in a car dashboard. Definitely have a more stringent temperature requirement for them compared to the more 'consumer' chips.

I'm still on team "They'd better have a double din hole so I can slap an android-auto capable car radio in there and be done with all of this tablet stuff"

It's going to be the batteries and screens that are probably the main issue. Phone may shut down to protect battery if in sun with screen on for navigation, unless positioned at a vent. Screens, even OEM radio monochrome LCDs can fail due to heat, batteries in a phone can be worse.
In a car, might be better to find some kind of tablet that doesn't have a battery, or has a tiny one with different construction for backup if while in use it's going to have external power anyway.

 

[Daemoch]

Look for Marine (boat) grade units. They can handle a lot more environmental abuse. Anything with Mil specs is likely to be viable as well, especially once you know which codes spec for what environments. The Slate's dash I'd read was spec'd for a double DIN, so most standard car stereos will fit.

We get cold enough in WI that leaving your phone, tablet, or laptop in the car can freeze them to death. Theres just some limits to what you can expect your specific BYOD to put up with. Its on YOU to make the appropriate choices. It's the same as living in a high crime area and leaving your laptop on the seat in plain view.... you expected what now?

I dont want to see the price on a Slate go 'up! up! up!' because eveyone wants their particular unique problems solved for them. Thats counter to the whole 'basic truck' and DIY ethos and why they (Slate) even exists. You want Dog Mode built in? Buy the Tesla. Youll pay for it. I dont need Dog Mode. Don't make me pay for it. But you could buy a slate and then add your own Dog Mode. In trade, I wont make you pay for seat warmers, rear defrosters, and AWD on yours.

 

[Trace26]

Things like "dog mode" would be completely software based and not something an average individual could add.
I can't speak for everyone but most people on here asking for this or that aren't expecting it to be on the blank slate but are hoping that it will be an accessory or be a feature on the app, which will probably cost money to use those extra features.

I dont want to see the price on a Slate go 'up! up! up!' because eveyone wants their particular unique problems solved for them. Thats counter to the whole 'basic truck' and DIY ethos and why they (Slate) even exists. You want Dog Mode built in? Buy the Tesla. Youll pay for it. I dont need Dog Mode. Don't make me pay for it. But you could buy a slate and then add your own Dog Mode. In trade, I wont make you pay for seat warmers, rear defrosters, and AWD on yours.

 

[Daemoch]

Things like "dog mode" would be completely software based and not something an average individual could add.
I can't speak for everyone but most people on here asking for this or that aren't expecting it to be on the blank slate but are hoping that it will be an accessory or be a feature on the app, which will probably cost money to use those extra features.

Depends on what you think average is. I'll give it 24 hours before someone has one honking out the opening tune for Mario Bros when the horn is pressed.

Why ask them to spend R&D $ working on one at all? Its a problem that already has a solution. If its a DIY based car (given), and the code is already going to be provided (stated), then let DIY happen.

This is like asking Apple or Google to make more apps for their phones. Theres no money in it for them. They opened up the ability to make stuff to the public. Want a camera app? There's a basic one on your phone. Want a better one? Hit the app store. I expect we will see a LOT of aftermarket websites with custom code and hacks spring up. Teslas are hacked, and they were supposed to be a Black Box. Slate is designed to be modded. Don't worry, you'll get your Dog Mode, and likely for free.

 

[Daemoch]

I once recorded 150, on a spring day, with a cheaper thermometer that wouldn't display higher, with window shades up.

I fried an egg in Sacramento, CA on the street one August. My brother bet me it was a myth. Nope, actually fried. (flipping it was a lost cause.) Summer heat is no joke!

Ive also melted the soles of my shoes and tipped over my motorcycle because the asphalt was so soft the kick stand sunk in like mud while I was in the grocery store....which is where the egg story comes in. lol