an external android auto/carplay screen is not a bad idea

I drive an older car with with no screen in it (unless you count the gas gauge which is a tiny LCD panel), and given I've been using Garmin GPSes for almost 20 years, that's the only screen I use in the car.

If I weren't using a Garmin DriveSmart 66 for navigation however, the alternative is actually not a bad idea at all...

...and that's the external android auto/carplay screen. These come in 7" and 9" flavor, and several of them are under 50 bucks.

They do exactly what you think they would. Wirelessly connect to your phone and display whatever Android Auto or Carplay app you want displayed there.

This for me would be a navigation app, such as Google Maps, HERE WeGo, Magic Earth, Organic Maps or whatever I'd choose to use.

The reason this is awesome is because:

1. It gives you a bigger screen without having to buy a bigger phone.
2. You decide where to mount the screen.
3. You don't have to manage two devices since the external screen is just that. No need to juggle multiple accounts or multiple phones or whatever.
4. It can be moved between vehicles if you own multiple cars.
5. You don't have to mess around with a phone mount. Mount the external screen in the spot you like and pretty much leave it there.

My only complaint...

...is that it doesn't come in a 6" flavor. The smallest appears to be 7".

What physical size is that? It's about the same dimensions as a standard double DIN car stereo (for width/height and not in depth since the screen is slim).

Still, the fact you can get one of these things for under 50 bucks now is nice.

I'd also imagine a screen like this is a great replacement for older cars with an infotainment screen that can't run modern apps. True, you'd have to come up with a creative way to mount the new screen over the old one, but for under 50 bucks, it's totally worth a go.

I'm glad this screen type exists and that the cost of entry is low. It's nice to have options.

Published 2024 Nov 28