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Anyone using an iPad in their vehicle? The built-in maps and apps in my 2014 S63 leave a lot to be desired and I'm not upgrading to a 2018 just for CarPlay. However I realized an iPad mini fits perfectly in the center console cubby where the cupholders are hidden and gives all the benefits of CarPlay plus a lot more.
I found a good mount utilizing the DVD slot and the USB cable is hidden away nicely to get to the center console USB input as Media Interface 1 so I get full "iPod" functionality including album art and search as well as charging for the iPad (unlike Bluetooth).
An iPad mini with cellular means I don't have to manually tether it to my iPhone every time I get in the car (never found a way to make it automatically connect to my phone - let me know if anyone knows a way?).
Currently I have it all set up on an old white iPad mini but I have a black iPad mini 4 on its way which will have a better retina screen, run much faster and is capable of running iOS11 and 12 (old iPad mini maxes out at iOS9).
I'd be interested in comparing notes with anyone else doing this to find out how they have it configured and whether they have found any good apps for driving in addition to the obvious Waze, Spotify, Google Maps - I did see some interesting OBD apps like DashCommand that I might give a try ...
When stationary I sometimes put my iPad in that cubby hole and run it off the built in hotspot on my car. I’d be nervous to drive with it mounted there as I wonder about the legality of it at a traffic stop or if a video came on while driving at night and was observed by a law enforcement officer. The main issue I've had is the hotspot internet connection through MB sometimes works and other times does not, maybe it's just a temporary thing but lately it's been really bad and I've thought about dropping my MB entertain package.
Last edited by 2012 merc amg; Sep 1, 2018 at 08:31 AM.
I would love to see a photo mounted.. That dash commander looks cool. BTW when I get in my car it automatically connects to my iPhone.
Yes, that connection works fine. The automatic connection I need is iPad to iPhone so the mini is always online. Currently I have a cellular LTE plan for the iPad - only additional $10/month but it would be even better at $0/month extra.
I’ll post its photos this week when the black iPad arrives - looks a little goofy currently with the white one.
When stationary I sometimes put my iPad in that cubby hole and run it off the built in hotspot on my car. I’d be nervous to drive with it mounted there as I wonder about the legality of it at a traffic stop or if a video came on while driving at night and was observed by a law enforcement officer. The main issue I've had is the hotspot internet connection through MB sometimes works and other times does not, maybe it's just a temporary thing but lately it's been really bad and I've thought about dropping my MB entertain package.
Since I only use for navigation and/or music I’m thinking it’s the same as an iPhone (or CarPlay) - if a cop asks my answer is it’s a nav system.
The MB packages for apps and hotspot really didn’t do it for me so I don’t pay for those or for live traffic through Sirius. The built in MB maps are never as up to date as Google or Waze.
The iPad currently provides:-
- Waze and Google maps in addition to Apple Maps
- Siri (reading messages, input addresses, creating reminders)
- Spotify music (plus Apple Music or Pandora)
- My music stored on iPad
- TuneIn radio
- Find my Friends when meeting one of my kids from the bus for example
- Audible
- Podcasts
Since I only use for navigation and/or music I’m thinking it’s the same as an iPhone (or CarPlay) - if a cop asks my answer is it’s a nav system.
The MB packages for apps and hotspot really didn’t do it for me so I don’t pay for those or for live traffic through Sirius. The built in MB maps are never as up to date as Google or Waze.
The iPad currently provides:-
- Waze and Google maps in addition to Apple Maps
- Siri (reading messages, input addresses, creating reminders)
- Spotify music (plus Apple Music or Pandora)
- My music stored on iPad
- TuneIn radio
- Find my Friends when meeting one of my kids from the bus for example
- Audible
- Podcasts
Sorry, I meant photos of the Mount with the Ipad in your car
I have a 2014, the WiFi hot spot is 1 click above dial up..... All the apps the car had from the factory are no longer supported and no way to upgrade the old hotspot to LTE.
I read somewhere that possibly in Canada, you can pair your phone to the car so the factory apps (Rear Head Rest Internet etc.) will use your phones LTE instead of the factory 2G.
Last edited by Nice Ride; Sep 2, 2018 at 08:51 AM.
Photos of iPad Mini 2 and mount. With iPad Mini 4 you can use split screen too, I have one of those coming shortly since I think that's a worthwhile upgrade - also has anti-reflection coating and faster processor.
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