Rear-seat entertainment system absolutely necessary?

[WhiteKnight]

I agree entertainment is necessary but I also agree that iPads (and Kindle Fires) are becoming so common that those can be better options.

So maybe Tesla should provide a USB port and an iPad / Kinde Fire mount with each headrest - that would be cool!

We know they can't put USB ports in the doors .

Looks like Mercedes is selling an iPad Docking Station for their R-class 7 seat crossover:
Mercedes-Benz USA - R350 4MATIC Crossover

Here is an article on it:
Innovative holder featuring Mercedes-Benz quality: Apple iPad always ready for use | Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Here is an article on it:
Innovative holder featuring Mercedes-Benz quality: Apple iPad always ready for use | Mercedes-Benz Passion eBlog

For a sec, I thought the lady there was looking at a picture of the Model X :smile:

 

[NigelM]

For a sec, I thought the lady there was looking at a picture of the Model X :smile:

SLS AMG Coupe:

 

[RSFTes]

Has anyone found a good mount for ipad on back of front seats or any other place to allow hands free viewing by small children. Apologies if this has been addressed in another thread but I could not find it or much on google. Thank you

 

[Clprenz]

I would think tesla would make a cool RES with 3g and a cool intuitive system. Just guessing, I mean look at the dash...
Plus elon has kids so it would be top notch, prob. a $1,500 option as with everything else

 

[Rodolfo Paiz]

Another option is a large, fold-down screen that stows in the roof. I don't know how that will work with the falcon doors though.

I've had two cars with those, and they seriously reduce my visibility to the rear. I hate them, they're a bit of a safety risk IMHO. Something in the back of the headrests if it's going to be built in is much better. However, my initial thought is that I'd prefer to have four Samsung Galaxy Tab 10 tablets with four independent wireless headsets, and then everyone can see a movie, play a game, or do whatever they prefer.

 

[fengshui]

For the $1800 that Toyota charges for two headset TVs, I could buy 2 tablets every 2 years for over 8 years. Those tablets would improve as the tech improves, are more versatile than the quickly out-of-date DVD systems you see in cars, and allow for interaction with the user. I agree with those who think built-in car entertainment systems will slowly disappear from the market.

My 3 year old happily held an iPad in her lap on our last trip. Even if she ends up breaking one, I'd still save tons of money with tablets over built-in entertainment.

 

[EchoDelta]

Make it an option. Some of us do not need it as our kids are older.

Some of us adamantly don't want it regardless of the age of the kids, and we could be inclined to cancel the reservation if there's no option to *not* have them.

 

[jtkrpm]

A popcorn machine built in is nessasary. Haha. I do not think built in displays are nessasary. Defenetly no Aftermarket ones!

 

[Kaivball]

Some of us adamantly don't want it regardless of the age of the kids, and we could be inclined to cancel the reservation if there's no option to *not* have them.

Really?

Wow, another single issue buyer...

That's your whole determining factor? If the screens come standard you won't buy the car?

Now that's seriously funny

 

[EchoDelta]

Now that's seriously funny

Good! I strive to be of entertainment value.

If you look at our house, other than a few embedded devices (thermostat, music controls) there are no screens at all, and none around for "entertainment". An option is fine, and if they come for everyone I'll gladly buy the car, promptly grab a screwdriver, and share with this fine forum how to get them removed or covered with some cheesy fabric.

I'm quite screen averse esp. in the formation of infant minds. And then I go use a google glass while biking. That's even more funny.

 

[SwedishAdvocate]

Here’s a solution available as an option in the Ferrari FF:

Ferrari and Apple deepening ties, FF gains Siri integration and standard iPad Minis - Autoblog

Image Credit: Unknown.

Image Credit: Unknown.

 

[gjunky]

With Wifi in the car one could use their own mobile devices. All media could be severed by allowing plex to run as a server app giving everyone in the car access to content on their own devices. These can be phones or tablet and then if Tesla or a 3rd part could provide some tablet mounts, you would be all set. Plug in some storage device and off you go. Nothing much to upgrade if the technology changes and Plex convert video to lower resolutions on the fly. Really a fantastic piece of software.

 

[Rodolfo Paiz]

For the $1800 that Toyota charges for two headset TVs, I could buy 2 tablets every 2 years for over 8 years. Those tablets would improve as the tech improves, are more versatile than the quickly out-of-date DVD systems you see in cars, and allow for interaction with the user. I agree with those who think built-in car entertainment systems will slowly disappear from the market.

This. Every member of the family already has a personal tablet in their preferred flavor of iOS or Android. Tablets improve very quickly, and each one carries his/her own games/media/whatever with them. I have no use for a rear-seat entertainment system that's hardwired into the car and stupidly expensive. I especially hate flip-down screens installed in the roof as they totally destroy visibility toward the rear. And since we have both iOS and Android users in the family, I most certainly do not want Tesla making deals with Apple (or anyone else) that limit my freedom to use my preferred tools and toys regardless of brand.

I would, however, ask for a high-power USB charging port (2 amps each) for each and every seat. On long trips, somebody's gonna run out of juice.

 

[Al Sherman]

We just want the space, and the AWD. Entertainment system is totally unnecessary for us. We bought a 2005 Tahoe in 2004 off the dealers lot. It had a flip down video player. When we sold it in 2009 the buyer asked if the dvd player worked. I didn't know. It had never even been flipped down, or turned on, and it still had the plastic film covering on the screen.

 

[manitou820]

This. Every member of the family already has a personal tablet in their preferred flavor of iOS or Android. Tablets improve very quickly, and each one carries his/her own games/media/whatever with them. I have no use for a rear-seat entertainment system that's hardwired into the car and stupidly expensive. I especially hate flip-down screens installed in the roof as they totally destroy visibility toward the rear. And since we have both iOS and Android users in the family, I most certainly do not want Tesla making deals with Apple (or anyone else) that limit my freedom to use my preferred tools and toys regardless of brand.

I would, however, ask for a high-power USB charging port (2 amps each) for each and every seat. On long trips, somebody's gonna run out of juice.

We paid about $2000 extra for the entertainment system in our Nissan Quest. We thought our kids we love it for sure. Instead, every road trip they used their Ipads instead of the built in system.

 

[JohnQ]

With Wifi in the car one could use their own mobile devices. All media could be severed by allowing plex to run as a server app giving everyone in the car access to content on their own devices. These can be phones or tablet and then if Tesla or a 3rd part could provide some tablet mounts, you would be all set. Plug in some storage device and off you go. Nothing much to upgrade if the technology changes and Plex convert video to lower resolutions on the fly. Really a fantastic piece of software.

Yes, Plex is great. Need the server piece, though. I wouldn't want to stream from my home machine, so need to drop something in the car. If you have ideas on what would be a good server for the content, let me know. Would prefer not drop in an old Mac Mini as it requires an inverter, etc.

 

[de704]

I don't know if this has been mentioned but....

I don't think built in screens is the way to go because that technology will quickly become outdated.

But, more importantly I think Tesla will not do built in screens because they have mentioned several times that you will be able to lay the seats down flat (hence the durable/plastic-like seat backs in the X). Loading heavy stuff into your CUV and computer screens don't mix.

 

[D_McAllister]

Agreed, my kids prefer to just use their iPads than the built in system we have in our Cayenne.

 

[gjunky]

Yes, Plex is great. Need the server piece, though. I wouldn't want to stream from my home machine, so need to drop something in the car. If you have ideas on what would be a good server for the content, let me know. Would prefer not drop in an old Mac Mini as it requires an inverter, etc.

Yes, I meant the server version of plex media. There is plenty of hardware this could run on and Tesla could easily roll their own as well.