Got my CAR-100 today

My Car-100 arrived today, so I've spent a decent amount of time playing
with it!

My impressions:

Good:
* Good body construction. Seems to be a pretty solid construction for
the chassis and body - doubt if it will fall apart too easily from the
normal bumps and knocks it gets while driving around (or off) a desk!
* Easy to configure. Bluetooth pairing was pretty logical
* Flashy Gadget. Wonderful gadget to have to show off with... friends
were quite impressed with a car you control from your phone!
* Bluetooth. The distance you can control it from is pretty good. Havn't
tried it outside yet though (just inside an office)
* Seems to run pretty well either on a flat surface or carpet.
* Funky styling.

Not so Good:
* Weird Charging. I'm a little worried about the connector on the back
of the car snapping off and staying in my phone, or just breaking and
not alowing you to charge it again. It's very robust so that probably
won't happen unless you seriously abuse it, but it's something to watch
out for.
* High Price. Was $120ish Australian. (I think thats $80US). While I
don't mind paying that for it, it is about the limit I would pay.
* Control using phone. Steering with the joystick (T610) gets a bit
tricky at times. The keypad gives you more control over it, but isn't as
logical as using the joystick. With the joystick, you press "up" and it
moves forward until you press the joystick in. With pressing "1" to move
by the keypad, it only moves forward while you have "1" held down.
* Speed Settings. Doesn't seem to be a huge difference between speeds
"1", "2" and "3".
* Steering can be hard. My wheels seem to have a slight right bias on
the front, and even though I adjusted it with the adjustment switch, it
didn't seem to make a difference. Still gotta revisit this and have
another look to see what I can do. The turning circle isn't as great as
I'd expect either for it's size (something like 30-40cm for the turning
circle).
* General Operation. A cpl of times, it seemed to lose the bluetooth
connection (within a few meteres of my phone) or the start button didn't
work as expected (There is a special technique to tell the car to talk
to your phone and I'm still getting used to the amount of time you need
to press the button for which might be my problem here).

Overall it makes a nice desk accessory and toy and maybe I'm a touch too
critical with my bad points above! Once I get more used to it and master
the driving skills needed, I think the bad points will reduce.

It's mainly for showcasing Bluetooth, not a rally spec remote control
car, so if you are looking for something similar -- I'd recommend that
maybe this isn't for you.

Anyone else got one and willing to comment?

---

› See More: Got my CAR-100 today

"Mal" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My Car-100 arrived today, so I've spent a decent amount of time playing
> with it!
>
> My impressions:
>
> Good:
> * Good body construction. Seems to be a pretty solid construction for
> the chassis and body - doubt if it will fall apart too easily from the
> normal bumps and knocks it gets while driving around (or off) a desk!
> * Easy to configure. Bluetooth pairing was pretty logical
> * Flashy Gadget. Wonderful gadget to have to show off with... friends
> were quite impressed with a car you control from your phone!
> * Bluetooth. The distance you can control it from is pretty good. Havn't
> tried it outside yet though (just inside an office)
> * Seems to run pretty well either on a flat surface or carpet.
> * Funky styling.
>
> Not so Good:
> * Weird Charging. I'm a little worried about the connector on the back
> of the car snapping off and staying in my phone, or just breaking and
> not alowing you to charge it again. It's very robust so that probably
> won't happen unless you seriously abuse it, but it's something to watch
> out for.
> * High Price. Was $120ish Australian. (I think thats $80US). While I
> don't mind paying that for it, it is about the limit I would pay.
> * Control using phone. Steering with the joystick (T610) gets a bit
> tricky at times. The keypad gives you more control over it, but isn't as
> logical as using the joystick. With the joystick, you press "up" and it
> moves forward until you press the joystick in. With pressing "1" to move
> by the keypad, it only moves forward while you have "1" held down.
> * Speed Settings. Doesn't seem to be a huge difference between speeds
> "1", "2" and "3".
> * Steering can be hard. My wheels seem to have a slight right bias on
> the front, and even though I adjusted it with the adjustment switch, it
> didn't seem to make a difference. Still gotta revisit this and have
> another look to see what I can do. The turning circle isn't as great as
> I'd expect either for it's size (something like 30-40cm for the turning
> circle).
> * General Operation. A cpl of times, it seemed to lose the bluetooth
> connection (within a few meteres of my phone) or the start button didn't
> work as expected (There is a special technique to tell the car to talk
> to your phone and I'm still getting used to the amount of time you need
> to press the button for which might be my problem here).
>
> Overall it makes a nice desk accessory and toy and maybe I'm a touch too
> critical with my bad points above! Once I get more used to it and master
> the driving skills needed, I think the bad points will reduce.
>
> It's mainly for showcasing Bluetooth, not a rally spec remote control
> car, so if you are looking for something similar -- I'd recommend that
> maybe this isn't for you.
>
> Anyone else got one and willing to comment?

I've ordered mine a couple of days ago - so will not be here until next week
or so. Anyway, I think it'll be trick to "drive" using my P800 - but I'm
sure the old trusty T39m is somewhere down here - oh, found it. I'm glad I
didn't sell this phone - now it's going to be the most expensive remote
control for an expensive remote control car

--
Mauricio Freitas
Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449

I also have one of these and although they are fantastic on t68i's (my
friends) they do not work whatsoever on a p800 it even says it on the SE
website ;(

surely there could be a app written for the p800 for this?

the closest ive got to it working it connecting via hyperterminal over
bluetooth and all i get it "car speed=2"

anyone got theres working?

Currently looking pretty on my desk! but may be off to ebay soon :S

Anyone got any ideas?

Andy...


"Mauricio Freitas" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Mal" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > My Car-100 arrived today, so I've spent a decent amount of time playing
> > with it!
> >
> > My impressions:
> >
> > Good:
> > * Good body construction. Seems to be a pretty solid construction for
> > the chassis and body - doubt if it will fall apart too easily from the
> > normal bumps and knocks it gets while driving around (or off) a desk!
> > * Easy to configure. Bluetooth pairing was pretty logical
> > * Flashy Gadget. Wonderful gadget to have to show off with... friends
> > were quite impressed with a car you control from your phone!
> > * Bluetooth. The distance you can control it from is pretty good. Havn't
> > tried it outside yet though (just inside an office)
> > * Seems to run pretty well either on a flat surface or carpet.
> > * Funky styling.
> >
> > Not so Good:
> > * Weird Charging. I'm a little worried about the connector on the back
> > of the car snapping off and staying in my phone, or just breaking and
> > not alowing you to charge it again. It's very robust so that probably
> > won't happen unless you seriously abuse it, but it's something to watch
> > out for.
> > * High Price. Was $120ish Australian. (I think thats $80US). While I
> > don't mind paying that for it, it is about the limit I would pay.
> > * Control using phone. Steering with the joystick (T610) gets a bit
> > tricky at times. The keypad gives you more control over it, but isn't as
> > logical as using the joystick. With the joystick, you press "up" and it
> > moves forward until you press the joystick in. With pressing "1" to move
> > by the keypad, it only moves forward while you have "1" held down.
> > * Speed Settings. Doesn't seem to be a huge difference between speeds
> > "1", "2" and "3".
> > * Steering can be hard. My wheels seem to have a slight right bias on
> > the front, and even though I adjusted it with the adjustment switch, it
> > didn't seem to make a difference. Still gotta revisit this and have
> > another look to see what I can do. The turning circle isn't as great as
> > I'd expect either for it's size (something like 30-40cm for the turning
> > circle).
> > * General Operation. A cpl of times, it seemed to lose the bluetooth
> > connection (within a few meteres of my phone) or the start button didn't
> > work as expected (There is a special technique to tell the car to talk
> > to your phone and I'm still getting used to the amount of time you need
> > to press the button for which might be my problem here).
> >
> > Overall it makes a nice desk accessory and toy and maybe I'm a touch too
> > critical with my bad points above! Once I get more used to it and master
> > the driving skills needed, I think the bad points will reduce.
> >
> > It's mainly for showcasing Bluetooth, not a rally spec remote control
> > car, so if you are looking for something similar -- I'd recommend that
> > maybe this isn't for you.
> >
> > Anyone else got one and willing to comment?
>
> I've ordered mine a couple of days ago - so will not be here until next
week
> or so. Anyway, I think it'll be trick to "drive" using my P800 - but I'm
> sure the old trusty T39m is somewhere down here - oh, found it. I'm glad I
> didn't sell this phone - now it's going to be the most expensive remote
> control for an expensive remote control car
>
> --
> Mauricio Freitas
> Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
> Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
>
>

I'm very interested, i don't know where i could buy it in Belgium.
I think i would work with my T610.
So, f you consider selling, and Belgium is not a problem, let me know.


"ZiPpY.." <[email protected]> schreef in bericht
news:[email protected]...
>
> I also have one of these and although they are fantastic on t68i's (my
> friends) they do not work whatsoever on a p800 it even says it on the
SE
> website ;(
>
> surely there could be a app written for the p800 for this?
>
> the closest ive got to it working it connecting via hyperterminal over
> bluetooth and all i get it "car speed=2"
>
> anyone got theres working?
>
> Currently looking pretty on my desk! but may be off to ebay soon :S
>
> Anyone got any ideas?
>
> Andy...
>
>
> "Mauricio Freitas" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Mal" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > My Car-100 arrived today, so I've spent a decent amount of time
playing
> > > with it!
> > >
> > > My impressions:
> > >
> > > Good:
> > > * Good body construction. Seems to be a pretty solid construction for
> > > the chassis and body - doubt if it will fall apart too easily from the
> > > normal bumps and knocks it gets while driving around (or off) a desk!
> > > * Easy to configure. Bluetooth pairing was pretty logical
> > > * Flashy Gadget. Wonderful gadget to have to show off with... friends
> > > were quite impressed with a car you control from your phone!
> > > * Bluetooth. The distance you can control it from is pretty good.
Havn't
> > > tried it outside yet though (just inside an office)
> > > * Seems to run pretty well either on a flat surface or carpet.
> > > * Funky styling.
> > >
> > > Not so Good:
> > > * Weird Charging. I'm a little worried about the connector on the back
> > > of the car snapping off and staying in my phone, or just breaking and
> > > not alowing you to charge it again. It's very robust so that probably
> > > won't happen unless you seriously abuse it, but it's something to
watch
> > > out for.
> > > * High Price. Was $120ish Australian. (I think thats $80US). While I
> > > don't mind paying that for it, it is about the limit I would pay.
> > > * Control using phone. Steering with the joystick (T610) gets a bit
> > > tricky at times. The keypad gives you more control over it, but isn't
as
> > > logical as using the joystick. With the joystick, you press "up" and
it
> > > moves forward until you press the joystick in. With pressing "1" to
move
> > > by the keypad, it only moves forward while you have "1" held down.
> > > * Speed Settings. Doesn't seem to be a huge difference between speeds
> > > "1", "2" and "3".
> > > * Steering can be hard. My wheels seem to have a slight right bias on
> > > the front, and even though I adjusted it with the adjustment switch,
it
> > > didn't seem to make a difference. Still gotta revisit this and have
> > > another look to see what I can do. The turning circle isn't as great
as
> > > I'd expect either for it's size (something like 30-40cm for the
turning
> > > circle).
> > > * General Operation. A cpl of times, it seemed to lose the bluetooth
> > > connection (within a few meteres of my phone) or the start button
didn't
> > > work as expected (There is a special technique to tell the car to talk
> > > to your phone and I'm still getting used to the amount of time you
need
> > > to press the button for which might be my problem here).
> > >
> > > Overall it makes a nice desk accessory and toy and maybe I'm a touch
too
> > > critical with my bad points above! Once I get more used to it and
master
> > > the driving skills needed, I think the bad points will reduce.
> > >
> > > It's mainly for showcasing Bluetooth, not a rally spec remote control
> > > car, so if you are looking for something similar -- I'd recommend that
> > > maybe this isn't for you.
> > >
> > > Anyone else got one and willing to comment?
> >
> > I've ordered mine a couple of days ago - so will not be here until next
> week
> > or so. Anyway, I think it'll be trick to "drive" using my P800 - but I'm
> > sure the old trusty T39m is somewhere down here - oh, found it. I'm glad
I
> > didn't sell this phone - now it's going to be the most expensive remote
> > control for an expensive remote control car
> >
> > --
> > Mauricio Freitas
> > Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
> > Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
> >
> >
>
>

"Mauricio Freitas" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Mal" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > My Car-100 arrived today, so I've spent a decent amount of time playing
> > with it!
> >
> > My impressions:
> >
> > Good:
> > * Good body construction. Seems to be a pretty solid construction for
> > the chassis and body - doubt if it will fall apart too easily from the
> > normal bumps and knocks it gets while driving around (or off) a desk!
> > * Easy to configure. Bluetooth pairing was pretty logical
> > * Flashy Gadget. Wonderful gadget to have to show off with... friends
> > were quite impressed with a car you control from your phone!
> > * Bluetooth. The distance you can control it from is pretty good. Havn't
> > tried it outside yet though (just inside an office)
> > * Seems to run pretty well either on a flat surface or carpet.
> > * Funky styling.
> >
> > Not so Good:
> > * Weird Charging. I'm a little worried about the connector on the back
> > of the car snapping off and staying in my phone, or just breaking and
> > not alowing you to charge it again. It's very robust so that probably
> > won't happen unless you seriously abuse it, but it's something to watch
> > out for.
> > * High Price. Was $120ish Australian. (I think thats $80US). While I
> > don't mind paying that for it, it is about the limit I would pay.
> > * Control using phone. Steering with the joystick (T610) gets a bit
> > tricky at times. The keypad gives you more control over it, but isn't as
> > logical as using the joystick. With the joystick, you press "up" and it
> > moves forward until you press the joystick in. With pressing "1" to move
> > by the keypad, it only moves forward while you have "1" held down.
> > * Speed Settings. Doesn't seem to be a huge difference between speeds
> > "1", "2" and "3".
> > * Steering can be hard. My wheels seem to have a slight right bias on
> > the front, and even though I adjusted it with the adjustment switch, it
> > didn't seem to make a difference. Still gotta revisit this and have
> > another look to see what I can do. The turning circle isn't as great as
> > I'd expect either for it's size (something like 30-40cm for the turning
> > circle).
> > * General Operation. A cpl of times, it seemed to lose the bluetooth
> > connection (within a few meteres of my phone) or the start button didn't
> > work as expected (There is a special technique to tell the car to talk
> > to your phone and I'm still getting used to the amount of time you need
> > to press the button for which might be my problem here).
> >
> > Overall it makes a nice desk accessory and toy and maybe I'm a touch too
> > critical with my bad points above! Once I get more used to it and master
> > the driving skills needed, I think the bad points will reduce.
> >
> > It's mainly for showcasing Bluetooth, not a rally spec remote control
> > car, so if you are looking for something similar -- I'd recommend that
> > maybe this isn't for you.
> >
> > Anyone else got one and willing to comment?
>
> I've ordered mine a couple of days ago - so will not be here until next
week
> or so. Anyway, I think it'll be trick to "drive" using my P800 - but I'm
> sure the old trusty T39m is somewhere down here - oh, found it. I'm glad I
> didn't sell this phone - now it's going to be the most expensive remote
> control for an expensive remote control car
>
> --
> Mauricio Freitas
> Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
> Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449
>

Mine arrived today, and I posted a review on Geekzone. I've also posted a
short Quicktime movie on this review...

"Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Car CAR-100 review":
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=1741

--
Mauricio Freitas
Handhelds, mobile: http://www.geekzone.co.nz
Bluetooth guides: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=449