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[–] 1 point 2 months ago (2 children)

I’m not making any recommendations, but 7” Linux head units are available on certain online markets.

I’m not testing or reviewing units so if you buy this one and are disappointed in the performance, I accept no liability.

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOkTGKj

The thing you need to look for is a high-quality DAC and if you are using CarPlay/Android Auto wirelessly, fast Bluetooth.

7” screen units will fit into most vehicles with a Double-DIN aperture and are adequate for CarPlay or Android Auto. Wired CP/AA is usually more reliable than Wireless, as long as you have a good cable and your phone doesn’t draw too much power.

There may be lag in the Wireless interface, but at least your phone won’t go flat.

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  • [–] 2 points 2 months ago (1 child)

    Is it actually open, or is it Tivoized (i.e. DRM'd)? Is the vendor compliant with the GPL? Is it actually a named distro (whether a normal desktop one or a specialized one like Tizen), or some weird half-proprietary thing? Is there community support for it?

    The questions I have about these sorts of things usually have nothing to do with hardware specs or features and everything to do with aspects of the system that aren't ever mentioned in the product listing. Frankly, I'm surprised that the product even mentions the words "Linux system" at all, rather than leaving it completely ambiguous about what OS it uses. Last time I was shopping around, which I'm now realizing was a few years ago at this point, it seemed like half the stuff might've even been running some kind of embedded Windows -- that's how unclear it was.

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  • [–] 1 point 2 months ago

    It is difficult to find exactly what you want, most of the aftermarket Headunits run some Android-based system.

    Unless you buy a higher-end brand, they will have a cheap DAC and woeful Bluetooth. A second-hand mainstream brand headunit, like an Alpine ILX702 (or ILX207, depending on your market) may be a smarter choice, if you can get one.

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