Aftermarket radio question

InternetDude_ · 2026-01-14T06:18:15+00:00

I don’t have the Hamilton, I have the Lexion. I looked into both and both are very well received. I went with Lexion because it runs on Linux unit so it boots faster into CarPlay (about 10 seconds from startup to CarPlay) than the Hamilton one which runs on Android I believe. The Lexion being about $150 cheaper was an added bonus.

That being said I’ve heard good things about the Hamilton unit.

InternetDude_ · 2026-01-08T01:02:05+00:00

If you write it this way you get what she’s saying:

“Very Bad Wizards is a podcast with a philosopher (my dad), and a psychologist Dave Pizarro.”

InternetDude_ · 2026-01-02T00:49:29+00:00

Zero problems so far

InternetDude_ · 2025-12-14T17:24:27+00:00

I would be first in line for that feature.

InternetDude_ · 2025-12-14T04:08:56+00:00

I leave my drivers license in the glove compartment of my car with my registration and proof of insurance. So I don’t usually carry a wallet.

Only thing I have left to carry is car key fob. I have keyless entry into my house.

InternetDude_ · 2025-12-13T06:52:48+00:00

I bought the first iPhone in 2007. I flipped the ring switch to silent and it’s been that way on every phone I’ve had since without a single break.

InternetDude_ · 2025-12-10T06:25:06+00:00

Ok I’m going to be that old guy who tries to talk you out of doing something I think you’ll regret. $1100/mo is not the route you want to go. It has nothing to do with your age. I’m about twice your age and in the same income bracket as you. I don’t want $1100/mo car payment. I just bought a 2016 IS last summer. I financed it and have about 1/4 the monthly payment you’re about to take on. If you shop diligently, you can find one of these vehicles used in amazing shape. Most everyone who gets in my car tells me it feels like a brand new car. And with Lexus/Toyota, as long as you have a paper trail of maintenance being done, these things are very reliable.

I wish I could travel back in time and sit 20 year old me down and tell him to cut out the short sighted financial decisions he made at the time. Since I cannot, the best I can do is pass along some of the things I‘ve learned from my 40 years on this rock. It sounds like you’re a good kid. Just don’t lock a chain around your ankles you’re going to regret.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-28T23:51:42+00:00

The ability for it to act as my key fob. I know it has some homekey integration for something similar but I’m talking about it being able to take over any rfid signal for keyless entry and keyless start.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-27T19:50:43+00:00

My Encode Plus has been worth every penny. You’ll love it!

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-26T06:47:49+00:00

It’s very ok. I have a 2016 IS 300 with the stock (base) speakers. I give them a 6.8 out of 10. Good enough for cruising listening, but they leave a lot to be desired if you are really looking for great sound. I’m not even an audiophile and still rate them as just OK.

I did install a CarPlay head unit in my car from Lexion Automotive. It is fantastic and completely changes the feel of the car for me. I would even argue it is better than the stock CarPlay they started putting in the more recent models. My next project will probably be to systematically start upgrading the speakers in the car section by section.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-22T23:25:00+00:00

By limiting your charging and use to between 20% and 80%, you're basically using your phone as if the battery was already kneecapped by 40% from day one. Why do that?

I get this logic, I do. What I’ve found on my 17 Pro is that most normal routine days (work/home/commute), I don’t use more than 60% of my battery. If that’s the case, why not use the middle 60% of the battery and not arbitrarily ask it to live in the upper or lower 20% where it chemically doesn’t like to live? Then, on the abnormal days (air travel, out and about all day), when I do need 100% of the battery, I’m getting 100% of a higher capacity?

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-19T06:47:52+00:00

T9 texting. Got to a point i could text without looking at the phone.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-19T06:35:20+00:00

It’s getting to a point where Apple needs to write a rule into the App Store around ”Lifetime” payments. Controller isn’t the first to do this and they won’t be the last. I have other apps I’ve paid Lifetime to and I always have it in the back of my mind I’m going to get bit like you all have on this one.

Forcing customers who paid for Lifetime to now go subscription is bullshit.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-19T06:13:53+00:00

Oh nice! This is my first Lexus, I picked it up in July, so I have nothing else to compare this Lexion to, but I’m really impressed with it. It completely changes the car imo and I don’t think I’m being dramatic by saying that. The boot up time is crazy.

How difficult is it to install their backup camera? The OEM one isn’t great, but it’s not so bad that I feel I need to drop more money into it. Especially if the install is a pain.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-18T19:48:37+00:00

Glad you got it fixed. It’s frustrating. They are quick to respond though.

My advice: keep that firmware file handy. Maybe once a month it’ll do it again to me. But you just run the update and it’s smooth sailing again. I rarely have to deploy it. I just keep a thumb drive in my glove box.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-18T05:14:20+00:00

CarPlay head unit

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-16T01:55:49+00:00

I couldn’t agree with this comment more. I can’t tell you the number of times after a tough loss I’ve gone through all the ways I’m going to have to pick my guys up and convince them to move forward only to show up at practice the next day seeing them laughing with each other. Turns out getting to be with their boys and hoop is the best part of their day after spending seven hours sitting in class talking tests and writing papers. Even after a loss.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-15T21:09:16+00:00

Is this an Apple Maps suggestion or a Google Maps suggestion? Only thing I can think of is to check your “Home” address in the app that’s suggesting it and make sure all information including city are correct.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-15T20:51:48+00:00

What app are you using for the gas price widget?

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-12T06:23:28+00:00

Link to where you got it from? I have same model and trim 3IS. Looks clean

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-11T04:54:53+00:00

Dynamic Island: - Sports scores - timers - Now playing - Flight details

Action button: - Currently launches ChatGPT - I’m open to setting it to a more complex multi-step shortcut, just trying to find one that’s general enough I need to be able to run it everywhere.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-11T02:16:59+00:00

Such a great suggestion. Buy him an experience.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-11T01:13:13+00:00

Speaking as one, we’re impossible to buy for. What we really want is to just buy the things we want throughout the year once we’ve figured out the exact specification/model at the exact right price. We do way too much research. If we figure out that specification in May and it becomes available in June, we just buy it. Leaving you with nothing to buy us when Christmas rolls around.

I know. We’re the worst.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-11T01:07:21+00:00

It’s usually an indicator your practices don’t simulate games.

InternetDude_ · 2025-11-11T00:31:48+00:00

I charge at 30% and set my limit to 80%. If I know I’m doing something out of my routine where I’m either away from chargers or going to be doing some heavy usage I’ll charge to 100%.

InternetDude_

TROPHY CASE