Ca-Fi Dashlinq4 Android 4.1.1 Car Stereo - WHOA BABY!

[Namuna]

The "sticky" point for me with this Ca-Fi HU is the $533 pricetag.

A Nexus7 (2013 model) tablet with a FAR SUPERIOR (quad-core 1.5GHz, vs the single-core 1GHz of the Ca-Fi) processor and thereby inherently an also FAR SUPERIOR GPU (Adreno 320, vs. whatever's in the Ca-Fi), 2x more RAM, 8x more ROM, 1900x1200 screen (vs. 1024x600 Ca-Fi) can be had for $230 (or less).

Don't get me wrong, I get it...It's not about just the hardware specs. The Ca-Fi offers an entire "package" that seems to be pretty much plug-n-play, and I have watched some of the videos and it does seem responsive. Still, to me, $533 for something with hardware specs that read like a cheapo, no-name, fly-by-night Chinese brand tablet, just isn't right.

With the listed hardware specs, if this thing were more in the $350 (or less) range, I'd probably be having a case of itchy trigger finger...But not at $533.

[Rican_D]

Originally Posted by Namuna

The "sticky" point for me with this Ca-Fi HU is the $533 pricetag.

A Nexus7 (2013 model) tablet with a FAR SUPERIOR (quad-core 1.5GHz, vs the single-core 1GHz of the Ca-Fi) processor and thereby inherently an also FAR SUPERIOR GPU (Adreno 320, vs. whatever's in the Ca-Fi), 2x more RAM, 8x more ROM, 1900x1200 screen (vs. 1024x600 Ca-Fi) can be had for $230 (or less).

Don't get me wrong, I get it...It's not about just the hardware specs. The Ca-Fi offers an entire "package" that seems to be pretty much plug-n-play, and I have watched some of the videos and it does seem responsive. Still, to me, $533 for something with hardware specs that read like a cheapo, no-name, fly-by-night Chinese brand tablet, just isn't right.

With the listed hardware specs, if this thing were more in the $350 (or less) range, I'd probably be having a case of itchy trigger finger...But not at $533.

I agree on the point about the specs and price tag. Need more high end internals to justify it.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[AdamBomb518]

I'm 50/50 on the price point. It's in between a full on new gen android tablet and a good quality head unit.

You also have to figure, this is a plug and play unit with nothing else needed. No tablet out there is a plug and play unit. You have to get some sort of other smaller single din head unit to stuff behind there, do a LOT more wiring, do molding of the dash (if you want it to look clean), and still run into issues.

I think the price is easy justifiable with that in mind. I wish they described more of the internal specs as far as the audio is concerned and the processing they use for the audio. I use my head units 90% for audio and navigation. The torque part and Android stuff would be great for when I boost the car next year. It's all a matter of what's more important to the individual.

[dawnst3ar]

Can this system accept an external camera?

[SHIFTER]

Originally Posted by BagOfArms

Thanks for the incredibly detailed review! Do you know if the unit supports SDXC cars? I could fit all of my music on a 64GB card (like this one), and never have to worry about internet access again.

I'm not certain about 64gb cards - but I have a 32gb card in it right now without issues.

Don't forget, it supports usb thumb drives and full size drives too... so yeah, you could put all your music on SOMETHING and it would all be there.

[SHIFTER]

Originally Posted by Prog

How fast does this thing boot? Have you timed it yet?

edit: Nevermind, was still watching videos when I posted. Looks like it's about 30 seconds from cold boot...but that quick start thing is nice. But if it has a battery in it...isn't that bad for heat? Are there any operating specs for temperature listed in the manual or anything?

Still looking through your videos to see exactly what that Disp/Seek knob does...

edit #2: Unless I missed it, I can't find any info on that knob. Can you use the disp/seek knob for going through music? Also, how's it work with your phone?

Yeah about 30 seconds cold boot. with battery settings on - instant.

No need for worrying about heat - it has a fan if it needs it, but i have never heard it, nor even sure if its kicked on. My car sits in the sun most days and gets blistering hot and i've never had an issue. I live in south florida - so its not going to get much worse than what I've put it through

[Norkoastal]

Back up cam and color of buttons at night are my two questioneez..

[SHIFTER]

Originally Posted by AdamBomb518

Do you have any pictures of the back of the head unit?

Do you know if the harness will automatically connect/function with the factory bluetooth microphone?

Does it have any features for HPF/LPF, time alignment, subwoofer control/filters, etc.?

It said it has the USB Dongle for WLAN, but does this have built in wireless?

Sorry for all the questions, but their website is very vague so I couldn't find anything there. I'd ultimately use my iPhone 5 as a WiFi hot spot and connect to that (no cords) if possible. I've always had Pioneers and Kenwoods, and before dishing double the price on one, I'd highly consider this. Thanks!

Unfortunately, no the stock mic does not work with it. BUT it has a built in mic, which in my testing is as good as the stock one anyways. All other stock functionality works (aux in, usb port, etc)

It has wifi through the use of a provided Wifi dongle on a specific usb port of the unit. Works just like if it built in - so yes you could tether. I assume they went external like this to avoid issues with the amp or even just for cost sake since android supports usb wifi devices.

[SHIFTER]

Originally Posted by dawnst3ar

Can this system accept an external camera?

yep

[Prog]

Still kinda worried about a battery in the heat. Those things can explode, and if the car is off, a fan won't kick on.

Anyway, what about that seek knob? Can you scroll through music with it? And do the physical next/previous buttons fast forward/rewind if you hold them down.

Edit: I emailed Ca-Fi about the battery, and apparently I misunderstood.

"There is no battery inside the Dashlinq4 units. The fast boot gets the power from the car, when the ACC is cut, the power+ is still on, and there will be about 5MA current for the CPU. User can set the fast boot time long as 2 days via the system.

The operating temp. -20 degree c ~70 degree c"

Sweet!

[encity5]

thanks for the write up and share!

i havent watched through all your walkthrough videos yet so forgive me if this is addressed, but how is the GPS? what maps are they running?

[ducks]

FYI:

Thanks for your enquiry very much. This is Will from Innotrends support team.

The warranty is 6 months.

Regarding the BlueTooth OBD2 adapter, currently, the CA-FI Dashlinq4 unit only supports the model that we supplied.

For any other query, please feel free to contact us.

[jonzhuxD]

Maybe I missed something but, does the Bluetooth OBD2 adapter come with this?

[bfsnail]

Originally Posted by jonzhuxD

Maybe I missed something but, does the Bluetooth OBD2 adapter come with this?

No, its a 50 dollar add on.