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
Related
I am getting my new car - a 2004 Mazda 6 with a bluetooth parrot installed so that part should be taken care of...
However when i need to use the satnav on the phone i need a holder that FITS the MAzda 6 dash..
I have had a look at the Brodit holders - either they block the info screen of the Mazda or they cover the air vents - both of which is a great big 'no' from my point of view.
Has anyone inhere got a Mazda 6 and have a cradle they would recommend that doesent look like cheap crap or something out of a horror movie ?
It it ok that it is a universal holder as the missus got a Wildfire - so if it could hold that as well - that would give me wife points so a passive holder is probably what i am looking for.
So - anyonme with actual experience with anything that looks good ?
I use a Clingo Universal Car Phone Mount in my Lexus IS250. It doesn't look too bad. It holds the wife's DHD in a silicone case. It says it won't work on silicone based cases but it does. And I use mine without a case and it works perfect.
Also should the "pad" lose it's stickiness just run under hot water and rub with your finger, dry it and it's as good as new.
This is definately one to consider!
I was looking for something more permanent though that could be installed somewhere on the dash. If that is not possible - then this is the one i will get...
Thank you for your reply
I was looking for exactly the same, this was purely an interim purchase. But It works very well and isn't limited to a particular handset model, so for me it's a keeper.
it's really nice thing
Ok it's ordered from ebay...lets see if it's as good as the video claims (never seems to be the case but lets try it anyways)
I think I got mine for about £16 off ebay.
I had similar issues with Brodit's ProClips in that the one they sold for my 2005 MG ZS didn't actually fit anywhere like what their installation diagrams suggested.
I found DashMount, however, who manufacture similar style mounts, but out of more solid metal sheeting and often in totally different locations to Brodit's mounting.
Have a look at this:
http://www.dashmount.co.uk/index.ph...applicable-with-dealer-fitted-CD-upgrade.html
Alright - so i recieved the Clingo universal hands-free mount - and what a load of ####!
It simply cannot hold the DHD if i have the cig plug charger plugged in it - it falls out of the holder within 2 minutes.
So that was 15£ wasted
Seriously?
Does it fall off the green pad? I've yet to have it fall off the pad. Sometimes it sticks that firmly I struggle getting it off. And is that with your case on?
It could be that the wife's case isn't silicone.
i dont have a silicone case on - it's just the bare phone and nothing more.
I have not yet tried with the wifes wildfire
3 seperate times the phone fell off the holder - and all 3 times it was when i had the charger plugged in. If i leave the charger out i think it can hold it - but then i dont have any more power left on the phone if/when i drive listening to music and using satnav etc
So i think im looking again for a holder that has some gripping arms of some sort - maybe an active holder - i dunno yet...
This clingo holder is not in the glove box - and it stays there...
Hello there,
I bought / use this holder. It perfectly fits the phone, sadly without any type of case. It can be rotated 360 degrees. It can also be found without the gooseneck holder, or with a fixed arm. It has holes for the camera, flash and speaker. The suctioncup is amazing, it is sticking on the windshield for almost a month now. The only anoying thing about the gooseneck is that it bounces around alot because of the weight of the phone. Probably the fixed arm is better but I had no choise.
Good Luck,
Ivan.
I have found an inexpensive and very reliable one that I have been using with my Nokia 6120 classic to my HTC Desire HD 40mm to 110mm adjustment.
http://factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=KR0005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox2m7tramdY
Now the one I have is exactly the same but I got it from Media Markt in Germany and it has been with me no less than 10 times across the pond. Thus far its been perfect BUT it is not wide enough for landscape mode unless I rotate the whole thing.
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.
Just to start out the Name of the case is the X-Grip Universal Bike Mount by RAM Mounts.
Here is the Amazon link where I bought it from: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EP84Q8/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Package contents Include the X grip mount, ball socket, and instruction booklet.
RAM seems to be a great company producing several mounts for serveral type of vehicles. The great thing about them is that their mounts are all
modular so if you need different type of mount sockets just go to their site and you will be able to find it.
Assembly
The instructions are clear on what to do. The only hassle as you will
read in the Amazon comments is that ball from the Xgrip is extremely
hard to get into its socket. What I ended up doing was putting the ball
part in the freezer and the socket in hot water for 10 minutes. After this
it went in smoothly. This was recommended in the comments on amazon.
Function
I decided to mount the Xgrip on my handlebars right next to my bell. It
holds on very well to the handle bar with the rubber lining creating good
friction.
On each corner of the Xgrip there are these very rubbery "fingers". When
the Nexus 4 is placed in these "fingers" hold the phone in place. It has a
very good firm grip and I haven't had a issue yet in which I've seen the
phone slip.
Criticisms
My only two concerners were the aforementioned hard assembly and during the
first week I noticed that during my rides the grip around the handlebar was loose
causing the whole thing to move forward slightly. I solved it by just always verifying
everything is nice and tight. Also an extra piece of rubber underneath the mount wouldn't
hurt.
Do you guys have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask. I'll try my best to answer.
Later this weekend I'll update the review with a video of me riding with the mount
mounted on the bike.
Here is a link to part of the ride. I look down several times and you can see how positioned the mount is. You get a shot around
the 1:10 mark. During this ride I did experience some movement on the bottom part of the mount sliding down. It still held the phone but the
mount to the handlebar slid. As one of the commenters said on this post : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=40325788&postcount=8
you can buy better bases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiWaxvFAfrs
Thanks for the review :thumbup:
I'm looking to buy a new phone bike mount and this one looks amazing.
Sent by my Kitteh he chews on muffins on my Sexy Nexi 4 using Tapatalk
I'm intrigued. I've always wanted to be able to put my phone up my bike when mountainbiking. Nonetheless, I fear that I might fall during a rough trip, while breaking my phone along the way. Do you do heavy sports or just racing on flat terrain?
I have this Ram Mount in my car. While it's great at holding the phone in place, the rubber grips come in contact with the side buttons (I've used multiple phones with this mount - same problem).
I'll be replacing it, unfortunately, as a car mount. YMMV, however. Still a great mount.
Get an old android for mountain biking or even a rugged one. I use an xperia active as cycling computer. I also used commtive z71 (cheap android) and motorola defy (not so rugged phone, it died)
Looking forward to the video review. This could come in handy for the commute to work
Thanks!
vindikleuk said:
I'm intrigued. I've always wanted to be able to put my phone up my bike when mountainbiking. Nonetheless, I fear that I might fall during a rough trip, while breaking my phone along the way. Do you do heavy sports or just racing on flat terrain?
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I don't race and no heavy sports. I use my bike everyday to commute between home and school/work. I shared your concern but In my experience in the couple of potholes that I've encountered the mount held the phone. During my first ride with it being loosely tightened on the handlebar the mount moved forward but the actual part holding the phone worked perfectly and held the phone. Keep asking questions if you have them. The video would be uploaded this weekend after a long ride from uptown manhattan to the ferry for staten island.
I am a big fan of the XGrip from RAM. But know that the cradle is available separately with a standard 1 inch ball. Then you can buy any base and arm in the 1-inch series you want. There are far more secure handlebar bases available then what comes with the all-in-one package the OP reviewed.
Buying the separate XGrip, base, and arm will cost a few dollars more, but will be more secure and versatile. I have two bases in my truck (one on the console and one on a visor), as well as ones for a golf cart and camera tripod. Love the RAM stuff. Check out gpscity.com for good pricing and even videos on many of the RAM components.
Solutions Etcetera said:
I am a big fan of the XGrip from RAM. But know that the cradle is available separately with a standard 1 inch ball. Then you can buy any base and arm in the 1-inch series you want. There are far more secure handlebar bases available then what comes with the all-in-one package the OP reviewed.
Buying the separate XGrip, base, and arm will cost a few dollars more, but will be more secure and versatile. I have two bases in my truck (one on the console and one on a visor), as well as ones for a golf cart and camera tripod. Love the RAM stuff. Check out gpscity.com for good pricing and even videos on many of the RAM components.
Click to expand...
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Thanks for the Info. I just added the video to the OP and noticed that the base on the handlebar tends to lose grip and move down. I will definitely look at other 1-inch bases maybe that can be screwed around the handlebar.
I've been a follower here for many years now and I want to give thanks for those who have helped me and now I hope to return the favor to all of you. I purchased this Pro Clip mount for my 2013 Honda Accord when I had my note 3. Now that I have the note 4 I was able to use the same mount.
This was used with the Spigen Armor Case...( I LOVE IT)
The mount is a Generic (Adjustable) by adjusting the (2) screws you can move the sides in or move them out and then tighten them according to the Width of your phone.
Here are the part numbers for the mount and Clip which had to be purchased separately from Pro Clip. All together this ran me $86.00 for both parts
854820 Pro Clip Center Mount (This will Vary by Vehicle This was the one for my 2013 Honda Accord)
246827 Large Universal Adjustable Holder for Devices with a Case (THIS IS THE PHONE HOLDER)
Pro's:
1. Keep's Your eyes on the Road for GPS Navigation.
2. Keeps Your Phone Secure (In case of hard braking your phone won't fly across the car or dash.
Cons: Expensive $86.00 Total
Clip Without Phone
Top Angle
Phone in Mount
Top View
Side View
Side View. (DOES NOT AFFECT TURN INDICATOR KNOB)
Part Numbers
http://www.proclipusa.com/
Hope this Helps Guys:angel:
Brian
thanks for posting but that really doesn't look factory and in my car would never fly.. it has to be stock looking, no wires, no side clips..
Great review @kg6bki!
I've used Pro Clip for years and love them, best I've seen so far!
Nice write up but this has got to be the most expensive mount ever made.
Verizon N4 : Thank me if I helped ya
J3ff said:
thanks for posting but that really doesn't look factory and in my car would never fly.. it has to be stock looking, no wires, no side clips..
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Good to know?
I thought about about Proclip, but the Kenu Airframe + has been working well for me. It's very small, unobtrusive, and holds my Note 4 with Spigen Slim Armor case. It's expensive for what it is (much less than Proclip), but I'm very happy with it. http://www.amazon.com/Kenu-Airframe-Car-Mount-Phablets/dp/B00LU5LWQK/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1414591766&sr=1-1&keywords=Kenu+Airframe%2B
I use the Mountek nGroove Snap that just has a magnet you can slip in your case that holds the phone like it's floating (I inserted the holder in the groove of my console but it'll also work with the cd slot. It has no issues holding my Note 4 with Slim Armor case: http://www.amazon.com/Mountek-nGroove-Magnetic-Smartphones-Tablets/dp/B00MNXAFQ6/?tag=server7070f-20
Nice to see so many fans.
If anyone is interested in saving some money, I've been a ProClip reseller since I designed holsters for them for Palm and Windows Mobile phones. Just migrated here from Sprint with the Note 4 and my old 87214 adjustable still works as long as I don't put a thick case on the Note.
All I can tell you here is I can save you 10% since they have MAP's in place. But if you send me a PM I can do a little better. And any questions you have, feel free to ask. I'm also on ebay as crogs571 (god if anyone remembers that handle from pdaphonehome.com days where it all started.) Haven't created an auction for the Note 4 yet (or even the iPhone 6...gotta get hopping.)
I have used my CraigsDocks car dock for a little over a month now and I could not be more pleased with it's functionality.
As I stated on another thread about car mounts what kind of mount you get is totally dependent on your vehicle's interior and where you want the phone. I don't want my phone on the top of the dash and I tried an Arkon vent mount with the N4 in my previous vehicle that didn't work because of the weight. It vibrated on rougher roads causing the screen to reflect.
The first thing I want to address is the cost which is $70-100 depending on which options you order. Mine has a custom made base plate to accommodate mounting it exactly where I wanted it and that additional cost is quoted after you've supplied measurements & pictures. It is dependent on the amount of custom fabrication necessary. I'm guessing most users won't need a custom fabricated base plate. This unit is hand made by Craig himself and is not a mass production product. It's probably the most expensive car mount/dock on the market however it is also the last one you will ever buy because it is universal for both the vehicle & the phone (with or w/o case and/or extended battery). There is nothing to wear out as there is no plastic or springs. The entire mount is hand milled aluminum and the adjustments are threaded with set screws. The quality is exactly what you would expect for the cost & IMO the design is as much modern industrial art as it is pure functionality.
Before purchase I was comparing it to a ProClip mount which was about $60 but the ProClip didn't have the dock functionality and it was both vehicle & phone specific. Considering I get a new phone every 2 years & a new vehicle every 3 years in a fairly short time span I'd have spent more for way less functionality if I'd purchased the ProClip instead.
This is not only a superb mount it is also a dock meaning that when I insert my phone the modified mini USB>USB cable automatically triggers the phone's native car dock app whether the cable is plugged in to my 12v car adapter or not. On my phone I have the Car Home Ultra (CHU) app installed which is automatically triggered by the phone's native car dock app so without any screen input from me I have Car Home Ultra open on the phone every time I insert it in the dock. The only time I have to use screen input is if the screen is locked and I use the fingerprint scanner. So instead of having to set up the phone every time I get in the car it has the screen always on with CHU and provided I've got the cable plugged in to the 12v adapter it's always fully charged/charging. To me this functionality is a phenomenal step up in the car. I know the CraigsDocks mount isn't the only one that has a dock feature but I think there are only a couple of others.
My mount has the ball mount tilt + swivel option and the combination of that and the custom fabricated base plate put the phone exactly where I wanted it. I think my interior is about as difficult as it gets to mount a phone the size of the N4 and have it no further away than my right steering column stalk controls without blocking other screens/controls/air vents. The location is so functional it is actually easier for me to use the CHU digital speedometer on the phone than to read the car's speedometer. Considering I use my phone primarily for business it's important for me to be able to see who's calling/make calls/conference calls looking away from the road as little as possible & I just don't like an on the top of the dash mount. The CraigsDocks mount/dock is available with a suction cup or windshield extension for those that prefer those locations.
So on a 1-10 scale I rate the CraigsDocks mount dock a clean 33!! I absolutely love it. To me it was money well spent because I don't know how I could make my phone any more functional in the car than it is & it's located exactly where I wanted it. On top of that I never have to buy another car mount. Thanks Craig!!
http://www.craigsdocks.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-s4-s5-note-3-4-car-dock/
BTW, I'm using an Otterbox Defender case. These pictures show it w/ the Otterbox plastic screen cover & an iCarez glass protector. Since they were taken I've removed the Otterbox protector & installed a Zagg HDX.
Other thing I want to mention is the CHU screen shown in the pictures is not my home CHU screen because that one has sensitive info on it. I highly recommend the Car Home Ultra app too. I have mine set to turn off Wi-Fi which I'm always forgetting to do and make the phone's home screen button default to my CHU homepage.