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Stable car charging dock

Okay, I know what you guys are thinking, "not another dock thread!!!"
BUT, I've searched for a very long time on XDA and google with no luck so I'm posting this as my absolute last resort.
Heres my situation: I need a dock much like this one:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
BUT, the only reason that one wouldn't work for me is because it doesn't look stable enough. By that, I mean there's really no support holding the phone in place other than the micro USB connection.
My main concern is that when I shift gears, I tend to shift hard (I can't help it)
and I'm afraid that if i get that dock, the force that comes along after i shift will knock the phone right out of the cradle. SO i'm looking for something that has that same exact design BUT with more support (like clips on the side or something).
My car has a compartment in the dash where i will be mounting it which looks like this:
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
I cannot get a windshield mount because mounting anything on the windshield in Minnesota is considered illegal.
So PLEASE, if anyone has seen anything that fits my description online, please let me know! I would really appreciate it!
Thanks!!!!!

So no one has any suggestions huh? Guess I'm SOL

I can't recall if they have exactly what you're looking for but try Arkon. Just google their name as they have every style imaginable I think and everyone I've ever had is stable. I'm actually using their cig lighter mount now and couldn't be happier, and it's completely stable.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA app and black magic.

Panavise sells a mount that looks like it attaches under the center-right a/c vent. With Panavise you buy the custom mount, then you get a clamp for whatever device you want to attach. I have one with a suction cup mount on it - essentially a smooth plastic disc - from my old GPS. I can attach any suction cup mount to it and change it quickly or remove it altogether. I just used 3m foam double-face tape to attach it and it is pretty solid.
They might have other mounting points (i just did a quick search on le goog) for your car also. They have one for just about every car made and they're all custom fit. Mine was originally from my Jetta and I hammered it flat and redrilled the holes for my Volvo when I changed cars.

ProClip (brodit) makes a custom-fit HTC Vision (G2/Desire Z) dock which can fit a variety of their car mounts (window, dash, vent, etc):
http://www.proclipusa.com/?pageid=15484&usermode=_dualselect

My car mount solution!

I know this has probably been posted over at other forums but I'll make a short review here.
I recently purchased Exogear's Exomount through Amazon ($19.99 and free 2-day shipping with Prime) and I'm absolutely amazed by the product's versatility/performance. The suction cup is made out of silicone and feels a bit sticky to the touch. It adheres to the windshield (or almost any flat surface, including dry-wall) effortlessly and that's even before applying the lock mechanism. The neck can pivot 360 degrees which means you can set your phone in portrait or landscape mode quickly.
The main selling point for me was that instead of using a cradle, it's simply an oversized 5" clip with polyurethane grippers on each of the clip ends to provide a firm non-abrasive grip on the device it's holding which is "EXCELLENT" for people who don't really like taking the phone case off everytime mounting is needed. IT WORKS GREAT WITH ANY CASE ATTACHED!. Just make sure the clip isn't gripping the volume rocker and you're good to go. The mount is not as clunky as most of the universal cradels sold online that look ridiculously oversized. I have attached and tested my girlfriend's iPhone 4 with and without a case, a garmin nuvi GPS, my Inspire 4G with and without a case and my old iPod video without any detachments from the suction cup or the clip itself. It leaves enough clearance for the camera to be free of any obstacles in case anyone wants to record video while driving. The website and some youtube videos also show it being used as a car mount for iPads and a lot of other tablets.
Bottom line: Great mount for anyone who wants to use a simple universal design compared to numerous propietary ones and attach many devices to it, even ones with protective cases/skins attached.

Thanks! Hadn't seen it before. I've always done just fine with my phone on my leg while using GPS, and didn't see the need to throw money at some clunky bulky phone holder, or an expensive one that I'd only be using for this phone..
That youtube video sold me. So versatile in what it can hold and where it can mount... I just ordered one and signed up for that month trial thing for the free shipping.
Thanks for posting about this!

GTIVRon said:
Thanks! Hadn't seen it before. I've always done just fine with my phone on my leg while using GPS, and didn't see the need to throw money at some clunky bulky phone holder, or an expensive one that I'd only be using for this phone..
That youtube video sold me. So versatile in what it can hold and where it can mount... I just ordered one and signed up for that month trial thing for the free shipping.
Thanks for posting about this!
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Glad I was able to help, dude =D
Yeah, I'm loving this mounting kit. I actually ordered another one for my girlfriend's car 'cause her gps mount keeps on popping off. Let us know how you like it when you get a chance to have a hands-on test.

It will get delivered wednesday. I'll mount it up on my commute to work thursday morning. Some harsh roads and my car is pretty damn stiff suspension. If it holds up to that one roads beatings I'll be damn impressed.

This is pretty awesome! I may see if I can return the mount I just bought (I saved the reciept....the GPS mounts that hold the phones always loose tension in the springs) and get this one!

I use a mount by Mountek, really a superb product that mounts in a CD slot. Let us know how you like the exomount!

Exomount - Day 4
Today would be the 4th day I've used the Exomount. The clip works adequately and holds the phone in place even with the cover on. The suction cup has yet to fail me even in high temperature weather with the sun beating on it and I even used it on my girfriend's car for around 8 hours, and back on my car it stuck in place like it was just used for the first time. There's some vibration when recording video while driving but that's cruising at 60MPH over somewhat bumpy roads. I didn't expect this mount to be a tripod or anything like that, especially for the price I paid. It works as it should and beyond and I'm more than pleased with its performance thus far.

I have the GoPro Hero cam for recording out the window so I won't need this mount for that. Just want it to hold my phone in view. I tend to forget it's on my lap a lot and get out of the car and bam. (CaseMate Tough is awesome though)
My car's down, again, right now. I'll be picking up parts after work today and hopefully get the car back together tonight though. Mount is suposed to be delivered today so I'll post my opinion on it tomorrow hopefully.

OK.
So the mount is awesome! I love the fact that I can mount this on my MK4 GTI's dash!. Anybody with a MK4 VW knows what the surface of the dashboard looks/feels like.. it's pretty textured, but the mount holds on it!
With my cars very stiff suspension and the ****ty roads of texas, the phone does shake/vibrate a good bit, but what I need to see is legible in navigation. But I won't be able to read a text msg on it. The elbow is flexible enough to move with one hand, but holds strong enough to stay how you set it, which is awesome (It doesn't start "rotating" forward/down). And the fact I can keep my phone in it's case and easily just twist to make it portrait or landscape is great.

son_of_nel said:
I use a mount by Mountek, really a superb product that mounts in a CD slot. Let us know how you like the exomount!
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I got that one too, I love it. Also got a 6 inch audio cable with 90s on both ends and a 12 inch usb cable and flush usb charger for the cigarette lighter. clean installation with no long cables hangin in the floorboards or tangled around stuff.

I am using a mount called The Clingo. It is awesome and works with anything. Just picked it up a month ago.

I've been using an Arkon mount since around Christmas; no problems at all! Good suction, quick release works well. Only issue I've seen is if I hit the charger cable with the stick shift it will tend to trigger the quick release and pop the phone out. That's more an issue of the power cable not having a quick release than a knock to the mount though.
It also came with a dashboard vent mount, but I've not used that since trying the windshield mount. Either my vents aren't very sturdy, or the mount+phone weigh too much, but it would just slide down and then fall out. The clips are adjustable, but I couldn't make them work with my vents.
This model I have is the Arkon SM410 Universal Mount.

Magnetic Case LG Nexus 4 [MOD]

I originally bought this case to be able to use the galaxy nexus in the car as a gps. The case offered a convenient solution. There is a magnet under the pattern. Then when I got the N4 and i missed being able to mount it in the car. Still having the case i decided to modify it in order to use it on the N4.
PARTS
-Galaxy nexus Wallee case from http://goo.gl/Vs7uJ 30$
-Car mount http://goo.gl/C2jxI 35$
-Cheap case for the N4, this is the one I used, goo.gl/yY9Bi 10$
Step 1
-Drill a hole in the center of the X, this is important for the next step
Step 2
-Cut a circular hole around the X shape with a dril. This part may be hard to find, my dad is carpenter so he had one handy.
Step 3
-Use sand paper or a file to clean up the edges of the disc
Step 4
-Use super glue, or any strong glue to join the X shape to the cheap case
And there you have it, it may be a bit pricy to buy the case and the car mount, in my case, i already had them, so all i spent is 10$ on a cheap case. But its such a convenient mechanism in the car.
Also, the dash mount is really high quality, the phone doesn't shake when you drive like most cheap ones.
Give me some feedback
LINK TO MY ORIGINAL POST ON G+ http://goo.gl/9SpIL

Some pictures, they can all be viewed on the google+ post also goo.gl/9SpIL

chrisMBP said:
Some pictures, they can all be viewed on the google+ post also goo.gl/9SpIL
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Nicely done!

Cheaper option....
http://www.amazon.com/Cradle-less-Quick-snap-Technology-Smartphone-Windshield/dp/B008IOQ3K6
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

looks really good, does the magnets have any effect on 3g or gps signals?

neotekz said:
looks really good, does the magnets have any effect on 3g or gps signals?
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I have a magnet on the back of my phone for my Steelie. GPS/Signal/compass etc. you name it, is not affected by a magnet. I have a neodymium earth magnet on mine and no harm no foul.

The metal plate that sits underneath the case kills NFC. Read review (by nexus 4 user) on amazon with 3 star rating.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Cell Phone MOunts for your Car

I hve been searching for the best mount for my phone in my car - but I had some very specific requirements:
1) Cannot get in the way of seeing out the windshield
2) Cannot block the Air Conditioning Vents
3) Be conveniently located to allow for each answering while driving
4) cannot get in the way of the onboard computer/Navigation screen
It seems simple enough but believe me, it took a ton of searching.
I finally found a very cool holder from Pro Clips USA
They offer several different styles for different types of automobile or truck interiors - I picked up what they called their 6 inch Pedestal (they have a flexible 6 or 10 inch Pedastal in addition to a number of other "CLIPS" for different types of interior set ups - I attached it in a very conveniently located 'cup" that is at the front end of the center console between the two front seats - directly in front of the shifter.
So there are two pieces I had to buy - the Pedestal itself and the piece that holds the phone. The holder is adjustable so it can be adapted to fit our phone with or without a case. once positioned properly, the phone simply slides in to place or slides out when you leave.
Total Cost about $50 bucks. Same as the price Samsung sells their Windshield mount for.
I am extremely pleased with how it looks and even more with how it works.
I drive a 328IX and I just did not want the phone to get in the way of my view out the front or in front of the dashboard computer or air-conditioning - and this worked out exceptionally well for me.
The pedestal can even be "positioned" slightly - bending it one way or another for the optimum position - and the Pro Clip attachment that actually holds the phone - also swivels and rotates. t
If you are looking for a really "Custom Install" - this just might work for you too. I attached some photos - as I was using my phone to take photos, I put the case in the holder so you can get an idea of how it looks when the phone is I in place.

Try an iottie... It works for many models of phones...
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Tetrax is my favorite. You can choose X-Way or Fixway. Fixway will suit your conditions better, as it can be mounted anywhere as opposed to covering the vents.
I prefer the XWay though. I use my phone as a GPS often, in addition to having it plugged in charging on a long roadtrip. This is a good way to burn up the phone. Having it on a vent keeps it cool. NOTE: Wouldn't do that with the Nexus 4 though. It will eventually shatter the rear glass, given what I've heard.
The benefit to Textrax over Proclip is that it works regardless of the phone's case. I've had the same Tetrax mount through several phones and three cars. All I've ever had to do was order another pack of adhesive-magnets for $8. They don't interfere with any signal that I've seen. I've never liked the adjustable mounts because they lose their grip and drop the phone too often.

I also like this

Best car mount setup with commuter

So i found that if you get the Sprint version of HTC evo LTE car mount and unscrew the pieces and remove the charger port on the mount as well as the grey piece as shown in the pictures. It fits amazing! highly recommended if you have a otterbox commuter on your phone!
Makes a great dash cam..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDgsHlY91mM&feature=share&list=UUYfRasme5t_BiD7RmX-JG5w
Pics in second post.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

How effective are the suction cups on your windshield when using this type of car mount? I feel like with all of that weight on it, the suction wouldn't hold very well, especially in hot weather...

Using this one on 3 cars.
http://www.amazon.com/Mountek-nGroo...e=UTF8&qid=1374163360&sr=8-1&keywords=mountek

Here's my mini review of the Scosche Power Mount:
I've always been a very picky user when it comes to car mounts. I generally hate the suction mount style because I think it'll fall off over time or the windshield glass is too far for my practical hand reach. I also hate the vent mounting system because... well... I want AC air flow. Then there's the cup holder mount... I like to use them for my actual drinks. Then there's the sticky pad mount... which I think gets dirty and loses its sticky pad property and that the dash is far from my reach.(I drive an SUV) So that leaves me with the cigarette lighter ports mount type, which has its own set of problems... Often times the mounting plug is round... so it will "spin slip" and sag your phone when set at an angle. Or that the plug offers such limited functionalities. So you can see my rationale in my picky-ness... lol
Then there's the flexible arm issue... sometimes the flexible arm is cheaply made and is too weak. The arm is too long/short/missing arm.
And... the holder cradle is bulky, non adjustable, no padding for phone, etc.....
But I have found this and am quite satisfied with it:
http://www.scosche.com/mounts/powermount-power-socket-mount-for-portable-devices
Let's go down my concerns and see how it addresses it.
- Plug has a triangular shape to help brace it against something to prevent "spin slip".
- Plug has 2 USB outputs PLUS the pass through cigarette lighter port. My friend can charge even if they bring their own fatty cigarette lighter plug charger.
- The flexible arm is made of tough bendable metal material and has the right length so the toughness can actually support the weight of the extended arm.
- The arm length is there but not super long. It's enough to extend phone to places around the dash from mounting port. I had to still crunch mine up (S curve) to fit because I didn't want it too far from the plug.
- The mounting cradle is a treat! It has a cool spring loaded mechanism to accommodate wide and narrow devices with click locking so it's actually secured.(squeeze in cradle arm to tighten on clicks. Push button in back to release and widen cradle arm.) The foam in the arms create the perfect soft squeeze to prevent slip. Well padded in all regions where your phone would come in contact with the cradle. It can spin 360 on a pre-determined clicks for portrait or landscape mounting. There are actually two little swivel "feet" that can either be hidden flush for landscape mode or extend to support phone when in portrait mode. (Tiny swivel feet are also soft padded!) The cradle is minimal in obstruction, so the common placements of ports on different phones are fully accessible.
I drive an Acura RDX so its a stiff ride and can feel the bumps of the road, which generally causes dangling items in the car such as the extended arm of a car mount to shake and rattle. I'm happy to say that I don't experience shakes on the car mount! Unless, of course, when I drive over large pot holes or go at high speed over speed bumps, which I would be more concerned about other things than my phone shaking in such instances. However, do note that my mounting arm is crunched up in an S shape and is not exactly dangling out like a fully extended mounting arm, so the shaking effect may have been reduced.
There are some drawbacks to this product though. (not everything is perfect)
- The USB ports only charge at 500mA per port, so it might be a tad low for some. However, in practical use, I find that it is enough to overcome the power drain of when I use Navigation and screen on all the time. So when I get out of the car, my phone had increased in charge %.
- It doesn't come with any cable, so you'll have to use your own. I find that the retractable cables work best for length adjustments.
I've been using this for over a year now. I used an iPhone 4 with it and now I'm using my Galaxy S4 with it.
I also bought one for my nephew as he had been complaining about his vent mounting cradle. He's very happy with it!
PS. I'm not in anyway affiliated with Scosche or benefit from advertising for them. I just feel that my search for a perfect car mount can satisfactory end with this device and I thought the OP of this post (or anyone in search of a car mount) could reap from the fruits of my... labor. lol

sprint_dobbs said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDgsHlY91mM&feature=share&list=UUYfRasme5t_BiD7RmX-JG5w
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Is that Lime Creek Road?

Don't have pictures right now but the basic Samsung car mount kit works really well. The mount is pretty sturdy and the phone is held very securely. No annoying shaking of the phone while you drive. Comes with a car charger overall pretty solid piece.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium

CZ Eddie said:
Is that Lime Creek Road?
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haha.. the road that goes to the Oasis(not sure of the name still kind of new to austin) then pulling on to 620.

dust. said:
How effective are the suction cups on your windshield when using this type of car mount? I feel like with all of that weight on it, the suction wouldn't hold very well, especially in hot weather...
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Its never fallen off!

sprint_dobbs said:
haha.. the road that goes to the Oasis(not sure of the name still kind of new to austin) then pulling on to 620.
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Yeah okay. I love those twisty roads down by the lake there.
Welcome to Austin! Please keep it weird. :good:

Just got my iottie xl in the mail today from amazon. Has an amazing grip and can put it in the dock and take it out with one hand. Very nice and study. (I have a commuter on it btw)
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

Here's what I did. I have used it with my Streak, Note, and S4 now. Anxiously waiting for an Otterbox to become available for the Active, but in the meantime maybe this will help. It is not the cheapest solution, but being universal, I've used it with 3 phones now over the course of something like 4 years. I no longer need to buy a new mount each time a new phone comes out. I have one in each Jeep, and none of the phones have never fallen out of them, and it is a very solid mount (almost no vibration). Some Jeeps I use a windshield suction cup mount, and some the Proclip as shown here.
The parts I used on this particular one are the following:
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...rtid/082065077045066045050048050/Default.aspx
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...65077045066045050048049085045065/Default.aspx
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...77045072079076045085078056066085/Default.aspx
http://www.proclipusa.com/dashboard...7-2001/proclip-center-mount-852459-13093.cmsv
On the ones with the windshield suction cup I use a longer arm
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...d/082065077045066045050048049085/Default.aspx
And of course the suction cup mount instead of the AMP screw down base and Proclip
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...82065077045066045050050052045049/Default.aspx
I modified the X-Grip by removing the rubber pads, cutting off the original bent arms, and then bending new ones slightly further in, then painting and reinstalling the rubber phone holding pads. When I started down this path, RAM didn't have an X-Grip that fit the Streak or the Note in an Otterbox Commuter or similar. The smaller phone X-Grip might work with the S4, but I don't know. I know that this works, and works well. Hope that helps.

CZ Eddie said:
Yeah okay. I love those twisty roads down by the lake there.
Welcome to Austin! Please keep it weird. :good:
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AUSTIN!! Fellow Texan.