I wavered a bit on the idea of an iPad mini, but I believe I have a good enough use case to start saving for one. I hate my stereo. It's dated, it's ugly, it's focused mostly around radio.

It *also* happens to be 5"x8", which is roughly the dimensions of the new iPad mini. It's just on the cusp of being affordable for replacing a stereo. I can sync things while in the garage (iTunes match, Spotify offline playlists, podcasts), or tether it while on the road for Pandora. I honestly think it could be a decently good in-car computer, like what I dreamed of when I was younger.

Anyway, anyone have any thoughts/criticism? What are some other use cases for basically an extremely portable computer that fits in a lot of places a laptop wouldn't?

Changing the volume would be a pain if he screen was covering it.

I was thinking of using it while out in the garage working.
The mini would be great for working out on stationary equipment at the gym. Like watching a movie, etc.

This is for your car right? I thought you were thinking of getting rid of it fairly soon?

Sunny: Yes, the gates plot against me. The functionality is compelling enough that I may be looking with that in mind, though.
Jake: With multitouch gestures, it's just a four or five finger swipe up to access volume. However, I was thinking of the volume controls on the steering wheel.

I love the idea to be honest. I always wanted to do that with my first iPhone. I think it'd not only look great but function well. One thing I would do is make sure you can remove the iPad so that if you park your car in a not-so-safe neighborhood, they won't break in and take it. Magnets would be a great way to make it detachable easily, as long as the iPad itself won't get damaged from it.

As for the remote, you could even get something like this, which functions off of BT:

satechi.net

I think you'd be better

glad the enter key works.

Anywho.

You still need some sort of head unit to act as an amp. There was a kickstarter that was a plain Jane head unit and a iPhone dock. Still awkward. And expensive for some reason.

kickstarter.com

They haven't even shipped yet like they originally wanted. Glad my $300 isn't in it.

Agreed on the amp. I'd either need that or a lightning/30-pin connector (which brings its own headaches) to the head unit to send the digital signal. Bluetooth audio is another option.

As far as attaching it, I like the idea of magnets, but I wonder how realistic that would be. Maybe attaching a Smart Cover on the inside and affixing it that way? I was just relying on the normal flip-down covers that are on some units for now.

It's vaguely a pipe dream for now. @shetan26 and I are still in discussions regarding keeping the car. It's possible having a kid in that car won't be as much pain as another loan.

Character limits. Sigh.

Jake: Did you/Are you preordering the iPad mini? I'll probably have a better idea after seeing it in person, and you're the only person who showed interest.

My thoughts on the magnets were to have some on the inside of the car dock, and have some on the back of your iPad. How to put them on each surface is something I haven't thought of. You can easily find some decently powerful magnets. You don't need anything too strong, just enough to "snap" the device in place and keep it there. \

Like I said, I had a bunch of ideas when I was debating this with my car and the iPhone 3G (I believe).

Finally, remember that if you want Bluetooth audio, your car has to support it. Just because your car has Bluetooth doesn't mean it has the audio profile.

I'm a bigger fan of the iPad front ends because they're designed to be used in landscape. It's very rare to find a portrait-only iPad app, whereas on the iPhone they're about one in four. Music apps? One in two.

Sunny: Good points. Remember that every iPad past the first one has magnets embedded on the left side, so that's taken care of. Just have to align them somehow in the dashboard.

I've been slowly talkin myself out of a mini. Rather wait till the Retina and my cash flow improves.

To clarify: the retina mini?

Yes. iPad mini w/retina. I know looking at a 3G/3GS my family has makes my eyes hurt.

Who knows, maybe they will update in 6mo again ;)

I don't have a lot to contribute. I'm not convinced there's a need for 7" tablets. Although I wasn't convinced there was a need for iPads until I really used one.

Having said that, it would be pretty sweet to have an iPad Junior in the car.

This may be of interest. I haven't watched the video yet, but I will later.

engadget.com