Few cars boast good music and a multimedia system. Established devices, especially budget models, are more like props than a full-fledged and modern gadget. The reason for this is the desire of manufacturers to save on functions that are not related to the main characteristics of the vehicle. There is logic in this, because there are many options for independently installing a system with a sufficient set of functions. One of them is the use of a conventional tablet for these purposes.

Why is it necessary

The answer to the question lies on the surface. Using a tablet, you can create a complete multimedia system in your car. And there are a lot of options for its use. In addition to listening to music and radio, you can use the gadget as a GPS navigator, display the readings of the on-board computer, DVR, rear view camera. Additionally, you can fully use the Internet capabilities of the device, including receiving real-time information about traffic jams, repair work, and so on.

In addition, it will not be a problem to organize a speakerphone. In traffic or for passengers, you can watch clips, movies and any other videos. And the use of specialized applications will even allow you to diagnose a car.

Advantages and disadvantages

In addition to the described functionality, using a tablet as a car multimedia system has a number of additional advantages:

  1. The cost of the device itself, the amplifier and the wires is incomparably less than the cost comparable in the capabilities of the head unit. Even Chinese counterparts come out at a cost several times more expensive.
  2. Installing a tablet is not necessary in place of the radio. You can consider the option of placement in a more convenient place.
  3. You can use your old gadget, for example, with a charged battery.
  4. The tablet's performance is higher than that of specialized systems, so the work will be more stable.

The main disadvantage is the difficulty to carefully enter the device into the interior of the car, so that when looking at the upgrade there is no feeling of a “collective farm”.

Which tablet is right

Any tablet is suitable for use as a radio. But for full use, it is advisable to choose a gadget that has the following functions:

  • GPS module;
  • capacitive screen;
  • various communication capabilities (wi-fi, Bluetooth, SIM card);
  • radio module.
In addition, it is advisable to choose a device with wide viewing angles and a frame around the screen. The latter is necessary for a more convenient placement of the tablet in the body of the created radio. Otherwise, you can close part of the display pixels.

How to install

Before installing the tablet as a radio, it is advisable to prepare the necessary tools and materials in advance. These include:

  • the device itself;
  • a sheet of plastic to which the gadget will be attached;
  • electric drill or screwdriver with equipment;
  • 2-3 Phillips screwdrivers;
  • amplifier;
  • wires
  • glue or epoxy.

After that, you need to get the head unit. Remove battery power for the tablet and amplifier. In the niche freed from the radio, fix the plastic, having previously sized it. Power wires extend through a hole in the plastic. At the end, the device itself and the amplifier are powered, after which it needs to be hidden, and the tablet attached to the plastic.

Of course, in practice, not everything is as smooth as in theory. To independently make a high-quality multimedia system from a tablet will require certain skills and qualifications. But, as they say, eyes are afraid, and hands do. The main thing is not to rush and be careful.