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nputtick
Trending Lyricist I
Jul 30, 2015 9:37 AM UTC

Recommend a CR200 replacement please

I have 2 x CR200s and find them wonderfully easy to use, and so convenient as they just sit in their cradles. I have of course had a replacement unit due to touchscreen failure, and now the second one has developed a dead spot. Sonos will replace this for £70 which isn't too bad, but with the removal of so many functions in 5.4 (particularly EQ - what were they thinking?) I'm wondering about a different solution. I know you can dedicate an Android phone or small tablet to Sonos and even apparently connect it to Sonosnet rather than wifi. But what I really like is the ability to leave the controller in a charging cradle, and with the interface already open, so it's always ready to use. In other words, not having to leave it connected to a cable, and not having to open an app before you can use it. So here's my question, can anyone recommend a device that will work this way?
1. It needs a cradle/charging dock, not a cable.
2. Preferably small - a phone or tablet no bigger than 7" screen
3. How do I connect to Sonosnet rather than wifi?
4. How do I make it work immediately by having the Sonos app open and ready to use as soon as the device is picked up?

I suspect a lot of people with CR200s would like the same answers!

Thanks, Nigel
Connect, Connect Amp, Play 5, 2x CR200s and a mixture of legacy high end audio going back to the 70s!
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    39 replies

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    jovabo
    Lyricist I
    Dec 24, 2015 4:49 PM UTC
    I searched for an alternative for the Nexus 7 (since this tablet can not be bought any longer in the Netherlands), as a substitute for my CR200 which is almost done.
    I could not find anything.
    I even asked Asus and they suggested that the Asus Memo Pad 7 LTE (ME 375cl) would probably be suitable, but they can not tell where to buy this tablet.

    Does anyone have an idea where to buy a tablet with characteristics close to a CR200?

    Thanks in advance.
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      Barry CE
      Barry CE
      Retired Sonos Staff
      Dec 24, 2015 5:20 PM UTC
      Hey Jovabo.

      You don't need amazing specifications to run the Sonos application on Android.

      Although it won't support screen clipping, here is an example, but, the market is flooded with entry level, affordable, android tablets like this :

      http://www.mediamarkt.nl/nl/product/_lenovo-tab-2-a7-10-1394909.html

      I reckon that'd be more than sufficient for your Sonos app needs, however, with enough hunting online you could probably find something equally as good for less.
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      I work for Sonos but the views expressed here are provided at my own time and leisure.
      controlav
      controlav
      Lead Maestro
      Dec 27, 2015 4:30 PM UTC
      I use a Surface RT configured to automatically login and start my app on power-up, using "kiosk" mode. Starts up quicker than my CR-100s, and has a few more features too (ag multiple music account support).
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      Author of the leading independent Sonos apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows and Xbox.
      jovabo
      Lyricist I
      Dec 28, 2015 5:00 PM UTC
      Thanks ElesoteriC for your reply.

      I purchased a Asus Zenpad C 7.0 which allows for Android Lollipop.
      Although it works I still miss the advantages of the CR200.
      Which are:
      Waking up when picked up; no button needs to be pressed.
      Clearly visible how much the battery is still loaded.
      Easy to be stocked in a docking station.
      Small dimensions, only one hand needed to use the control.(like a smartphone)

      I wonder why it is so hard for Sonos to fabricate a controller with these desired features (which we have got used to), while there are so many smartphones and tablets available with some, but not all of these requirements.

      Not using a CR200 anymore feels like stepping back.

      Kind regards.
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        ericmotordu
        Lyricist III
        Jan 12, 2016 3:13 PM UTC
        Good afternoon,

        has one of you tried a Kindle Fire 7"?

        thank you
        Eric
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        dave77
        dave77
        Headliner I
        Jan 14, 2016 10:58 AM UTC
        Good afternoon,

        has one of you tried a Kindle Fire 7"?

        thank you
        Eric

        I'm sure it will be fine as a controller, I would check that it supports screen pinning though if you require it as it's not pure Android
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          nputtickAuthor
          Trending Lyricist I
          Feb 19, 2016 3:12 PM UTC
          Lots of good info above. But to bring it up to date, how about choosing an android tablet that has wireless charging also, obviating the need for a cradle? And is it possible to have a shake to wake function at the same time as app pinning?

          Any suggestions as to what tablet might provided all this at a reasonable price?

          Thanks
          Nigel
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          dave77
          dave77
          Headliner I
          Feb 19, 2016 3:22 PM UTC
          Lots of good info above. But to bring it up to date, how about choosing an android tablet that has wireless charging also, obviating the need for a cradle? And is it possible to have a shake to wake function at the same time as app pinning?

          Any suggestions as to what tablet might provided all this at a reasonable price?

          Thanks
          Nigel

          What's the reason for wanting wireless charging over a cradle, do you want it laying flat? The Nexus 7 (2012) had a stand accessory, like wireless charging you just rest the tablet on the stand

          http://www.expansys.com/google-nexus-7-2012-dock-285597/
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          jgatie
          jgatie
          Feb 19, 2016 3:36 PM UTC
          If you are going to keep it in a cradle/wireless charger, no need for shake to wake. Just enable the secret "Developer's Menu" (Google is your friend) and set the tablet to not sleep when charging. It will go into a low backlight mode, but still stay on when charging. This is great when you are listening and want to glance at the screen for a title/artist/etc. without picking it up.
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          jgatie
          jgatie
          Feb 19, 2016 3:41 PM UTC
          By the way, here is my main Controller and stand;

          http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Display-Wi-Fi-Previous-Generation/dp/B00D2KJDXA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1455896288&sr=8-5&keywords=fire+HDX

          http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-IPM-TAB1-AMZ-Adjustable-Tablet-Stand/dp/B006ZT4VA0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1455896314&sr=8-3&keywords=tablet+stand

          They sit on my end table, the tablet is always charging. That particular Fire tablet is the deluxe model, you can get a basic one for an almost disposable $50 now:

          http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TSUGXKE/ref=fs_ods_fs_tab_fd

          The only caveat is they are not eligible for beta testing. There is no Amazon app in beta, so I use other devices when I participate in betas.
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