I am looking into finding a minimalist device to run Torque. I don't have or want a smart phone, just thinking to get something used on eBay to dedicate to this purpose. Any suggestions?
Can't advise on specific models, but one way that you can save some decent money is to buy a phone with a bad ESN. Essentially, this means that the phone has been locked out of cell service by Verizon (or ATT, etc...) because the original owner defaulted on his/her account (EDIT: or because the phone was reported as lost or stolen to the carrier). The phone will never again work on a cell network (at least not until the bill is paid off), so they are worth much less on the second-hand market. Since you know you'll never want cell service on this phone it's not a problem for you. Everything else will work fine. I have an HTC Thunderbolt. It has a 4.3" screen and enough resources to run Torque without problem. It's a generation or 2 old at this point, and a quick search of ebay shows some with bad ESNs going for $130. I'm sure you could go either older or down market a bit to save more money and still get something functional.
there is no real drawback to doing what you propose. the app can be installed with wifi so cellular service is not needed but you are counteracting steps by the cellular provider to protect their business model. you may call it "receiving stolen goods" fraud, whatever. many reasons why these devices are disabled and you are not likely to find out why. either way, you run a big risk of supporting someone's ill gotten gains. a widespread adoption of what you are planning will only encourage them to go farther which may include many roads we do not want to travel.
I am running on Zio with 600 MHz. It is kind of slow but usable. I am not sure what's your minimal for the slowness. This 7" tablet with bluetooth and 1 GHz processor should runs good. Amazon.com: Ematic eGlide Pro 7" Capaciive Touch Screen Android 2.3 Tablet Micro SD Slot Up To 16GB with 1GHz Nvidia Tegra II Chip, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G Module: Camera & Photo
I found a used VitalASC for $79 bucks. 7 inch screen, cap touch, 1 gig processor ! I find a phone is way to small to be of any use, but a 7 inch tablet with Bluetooth and WiFi works out real nice
Ahhh. That sounds like the right idea. Thanks to all for the input. Perhaps the phones are really too small after all, given the costs, but then again small is easy to mount. Slow is OK, as I am not staring at the unit, just want to get the gauges of interest with the odd glance now and then.
If you don't mind waiting 2-3 weeks, Google just announced an 8GB quad-core 7" Android tablet running the latest OS version (jelly bean) for $199.00. That's the direction I'm going for Torque and general tablet usage. Here's the pre-order link at Google Play.
