Anyone looking to retrofit an older vehicle with CarPlay and who has sufficient space in the cockpit will find the Lamtto Car Infotainment System to be a solution featuring a large screen, flexible audio output and, as a bonus, a back camera.
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$139.99
When CarPlay was first released, I wasn’t interested, partly because of its limited availability. It was only found in newer cars from more exotic brands. That has changed; many new cars offer CarPlay connectivity, though there are some car companies that aren’t offering it.
Ever since I tried out CarPlay in my second car, I’ve come to view CarPlay more favorably. In fact, I’d hardly want to be without it now. However, my 2008 Renault Kangoo was made before CarPlay became a thing in 2014. The car was retrofitted with a Bluetooth receiver that uses the unused interface of the CD changer (the car really is old!). I’ve been able to listen to music from my iPhone through the car’s impressive sound system.
This is where the Lamtto RC37 Car Infotainment System comes into its own. Unlike other retrofit systems, it connects to the car’s stereo via Aux, FM, or Bluetooth. My car doesn’t have a 3.5-mm jack input, and FM transmitters only work locally at best, where you can still find a free frequency at the edges of the bands and they’re usually useless when on the move, requiring readjustment of the frequency for every transmission area.
The Lamtto comes with three further interesting features: a rear car camera (something my old car wouldn’t even have dared to dream of), a high-resolution 11-inch screen, and pre-installed entertainment apps.
You can stick the 11-inch display onto the dashboard or attach it to the windscreen using a suction cup. I opt for the suction cup, which makes the solution more flexible, as it’s removable, but it does obstruct the field of vision slightly–some may be able to quite literally, look past it. If I tilt the screen significantly lower or mount it on the shelf in front of the radio, I’ll lose sight of it. Sticking the stand on the passenger side is a bad idea because of the airbag. I’ll eventually find the right spot for it.
Setup is absolutely straightforward: switch it on, connect it to the iPhone, launch CarPlay, and you’re done. The Lamtto has a plug that fits into the cigarette lighter socket. This socket also features a USB-A port, which can be used to change and iPhone.
When operating the touchscreen, I found that the suction-cup mounting is less than ideal. The screen always gives way too much when touched. A stand would be the better solution, but then you have to consider a proper mounting area that is accessible and doesn’t block your windshield. That’s more of a problem with the car and not with the Lamtto kit. At least, thanks to the Bluetooth connection, you can adjust the volume from the steering wheel. And, of course, the connected iPhone responds to Siri.
The system has TikTok, YouTune, and Netflix. They’re off-limits while driving, even if it’s the front passenger using them. Drivers can use them when the car is parked, but this is only of interest to anyone who takes longer driving breaks and whose car battery has sufficient charge.
The screen is a nice size, but it can be a bit of a nuisance in your field of vision.
Macwelt
The Lamtto’s rear camera is a feature that take it to a whole new level. This isn’t connected wirelessly, but via a cable to the Lamtto display. The manufacturer recommends mounting the camera on or above the license plate–a central position, close to the ground. You’ll need to figure out how to thread the camera’s cable through your car without it getting in the way of your windows or your doors.
The camera switches on automatically when the car is put into reverse. For this to happen you need to attach an additional cable to the positive terminal of the reverse lights of your car. When this lights up, the display receives a signal and shows the camera’s image. That setup is a bit too fiddly for me to do and I’d rather leave it to a professional, who’ll also help me position the display correctly in the car.
Within a very short time of turning on the ignition, the Lamtto device is ready to go, has launched CarPlay, found the iPhone, and resumed the music from where I last left off. Exactly how it should be.
The Lamtto Car Entertainment System retrofits older vehicles with CarPlay and also offers a rear camera. The bright 11-inch display can also a disadvantage if you can’t find the right spot to mount it. If you have an 11-inch iPad, you can experiment with it in your car to see if the display would fit and where it wouldn’t get in the way.
Fitting the device in the car and setting it up is completely straightforward once you’ve chosen the right spot. Installing the rear camera requires a steady hand, the sort that car mechanics have.
The pre-installed entertainment apps such as YouTube, Netflix, TikTok and YouTube Music are of interest to those who take longer breaks (such as overnight) in a car park. Even in a traffic jam, and even if the screen is directed only at the front passenger or those in the back seats, watching videos in the car is strongly discouraged.
