Car holder/dock - cheap+reliable alternative - Google Pixel XL Accessories

Thought I would share my experience with car docks for those who dont want to shell out a fortune AND have something reliable/rock solid.. I have spent a fortune over the years trying out all kinds of docks/stands/holders over the years. You name it - I've bought it.
While looking for another one for my Pixel a month ago (and whilst still using my 6p) - I came across a whole raft (on ebay/aliexpress) of el-cheapo cd player phone holders. Bought it as a stop gap.
Was very skeptical for something that costs about $3 at first but amazingly it works and is rock solid/stable and the location is perfect - at least on my Honda HRV. I never use the CD player in my car so might as well use that slot
I have this one but there are variations to the design on ebay...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-C...ne-Car-Auto-Mount-Holder-Cradle-/331886418871

I have one just like this. I like it better than any other dock I've used.

I have something similar, but instead of a holder, mine is just magnetic - so its even easier to attach the phone. I'll try and find a link

CayenneGTS said:
I have something similar, but instead of a holder, mine is just magnetic - so its even easier to attach the phone. I'll try and find a link
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Sounds even better.. Please do share the link.

I use an air vent mount for mine, it cost me £5 and does the job nicely, also it doesn't move around at all and can swivel and twist 360 degrees.

I had a bad experience with my last CD slot mount from Ppyple. It broke at the ball joint end.
I use to have a magnet mount with the Nexus 5 (love the built in magnets) but can't with the Pixel. I don't do cases.
I have attached images of the broken Ppyple CD mount

Pedro2NR said:
I had a bad experience with my last CD slot mount from Ppyple. It broke at the ball joint end.
I use to have a magnet mount with the Nexus 5 (love the built in magnets) but can't with the Pixel. I don't do cases.
I have attached images of the broken Ppyple CD mount
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - I saw that version and decided not to buy because of the joint. The one Im currently using is just fine. And cheap - I've got 2 in case it breaks.
Perfect with Android Auto now on the pixel.

tripleacs said:
Yes - I saw that version and decided not to buy because of the joint. The one Im currently using is just fine. And cheap - I've got 2 in case it breaks.
Perfect with Android Auto now on the pixel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed the link you provided had a different joint.
Good to know it works, It is very inexpensive than the one I purchase. I'll give it a try even though shipping states an ETA of Nov 25 - Jan 2

Pedro2NR said:
I noticed the link you provided had a different joint.
Good to know it works, It is very inexpensive than the one I purchase. I'll give it a try even though shipping states an ETA of Nov 25 - Jan 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of other sellers on ebay + aliexpress. I'd just use whichever one has this cheapest

I've used ProClip for quite a while now and they have just released their car mount for the Pixel Phones.
http://www.proclipusa.com/phone-holders/device/google/pixel-xl.cmsv
The one with the built in chargers have to be used without a case are a little more expensive. Oh, and I am guessing that it is just a USB A to USB C without any type of Quick Charge or PD etc.
I'm going to be getting one when my XL comes in.
-J

I bought this car vent and it works great. Holds the pixel Xl well in a spigen case and does not interfere with volume buttons, plus you can access fingerprint sensor.
EDIT - too new to post a link But check out this one from amazon: Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip Car Vent Mount for Smartphones & Garmin GPS

clusterpuck said:
I bought this car vent and it works great. Holds the pixel Xl well in a spigen case and does not interfere with volume buttons, plus you can access fingerprint sensor.
EDIT - too new to post a link But check out this one from amazon: Square Jellyfish Jelly Grip Car Vent Mount for Smartphones & Garmin GPS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of my existing car mounts interfere with the volume buttons :crying:
Sent from my Pixel XL using XDA Labs

how about the magnet vent mounts?

Related

Arkon Dash Mounts

Has anyone tried either one of these yet?
http://www.arkon.com/mobile-grip/htc-sensation-flexible-car-mount.html
http://www.arkon.com/htc-sensation-car-mount.html
I had the Arkon car mount for my G2 and it was great. It was great, especially considering the price. It looks like the official dock has the USB port built in, but I only use the dock on longer trips or when I am using GPS to get to point B.
I'm thinking that the flexible one might be interesting because you could take videos while driving, but it also looks a little less stable to me.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk
I've actually purchased this one a while ago:
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-SM410-U...OOZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312564862&sr=8-1
I only use the windshield mount, though. I was also considering the second one you mentioned when I was deciding on my purchase, but thought that it didn't hold the phone securely enough. No complaints about the one I bought.

OEM Car Window Mount $28.95 Shipped

I just got one of these. Cheapest i could find new or refurb... $28.95
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ETQ45I
Only 1 left in stock it looks like. So hopefully someone here gets the last one.
I really need one of these.. i hate putting it in my damn cup holder especially when i go through the drive through.
justinaz said:
I just got one of these. Cheapest i could find new or refurb... $28.95
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ETQ45I
Only 1 left in stock it looks like. So hopefully someone here gets the last one.
I really need one of these.. i hate putting it in my damn cup holder especially when i go through the drive through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's already a thread about this. But good find on the price.
I bought it. The only thing I don't like is the Car Mode and the audio isn't coming from the audio port of the phone so it doesn't sound as great if you were to connect the audio directly. Oh yeah and the charger always seem to make my phone overheat. So I ended up using my other car charger. But other than that it's a nice piece.
I love how the images show the phone in the dock upside down. If you look at all three of the images you'll notice 1 is not like the others. The OEM box at T-mobile has the same error in it's picture.
LoL, i did not even notice that. Got to love Photoshop!
I got mine at a t-mobile store and they had it in their system for $20 even though it was tagged at $40. I was happy with it all the way up until I flashed GB and now its just a nice place to put my phone and look at it. Line out no longer works right.
Beefvvl - there are other car mode launchers. I happen to like Car Home Ultra a lot. It's not free, but I don't see $1.99 as much of a barrier (there's a trial mode).
There's also a free app to switch car mode app to the USB (so it comes out in the car holder mount). Google "SGS Dock Speaker" (can't remember where I got it).
Also, Tasker can do this (as well as a myriad of other things). I haven't found time to start setting it up, so I'm still using the app above, though.
I'm still looking for a decent dual-USB high output car charger. The one that comes with the car mount seems to charge OK, but it's putting noise on my mount audio output (intermittent high wine). I put a Q about it on the Q&A forum...

Car Docking Station

So I was wondering if anyone was using a cardock with their mt4gs and if so which one they are using.....
I am looking for one particularly made for the device but I am open to universal suggestions as well
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using Tapatalk 2
There is an official windshield mount. It's expensive but solid. I bought it at about $50 but that was last year.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using XDA Premium App
Any way you could direct me to a website or something?
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
It's on the T-Mobile website under accessories.
Go to www.t-mobile.com
Shop for accessories...MyTouch...Chargers
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
http://www.bracketron.com/ has some neat stuff as well. I use one of their vent mounts.
As above, on T-Mobile.com Shop Accessories.
Select HTC or T-Mobile from the Manufacturer list, then pick the myTouch 4G Slide (black or Khaki). It will be list under Chargers as myTouch 4G Slide Car Dock for $59.99. Mine arrived within 2 days of my order.
As for my experiences, it only manages a useable angle of view if mounted on the dash of my car. Really, no matter where I put it on the windshield and how I angle it, the phone was not easy to access (or would fall out because it was upside down and the top latch is not that secure).
That said, being on the dash has made it very convenient for navigation!
I have FM wireless transmitter (originally battery-operated but it is powered and concealed under the dashboard) all you can see is the wire and 3.5mm plug that ends on the dashboard where I have sticky "dashboard-mate" to hold devices in front of me. I did this few years ago and the only problem were few HTC models with the dreadful "mult-purpose" USB port (without standard 3.5mm) for which I had to buy adapter.
Took me less than an hour of work, $10 transmitter from radioshack, $2 dashmate and it works with each and every device I had so far, including my "passenger's guest" devices too - such as any of the iCraps (and why it wouldn't since it's a standard 3.5mm).
In case you wonder about mic and voicecalls: when my dashboard 3.5mm plug is detected (as headphones) all models use the phone's built-in microphone, and phone laying down on the dashboard in front of me always has great reception, even if I place it with mic towards windshield.
I had only 1 phone that didn't work this way, for which I bought short adapter with built-in mic. But that was long time ago, and I haven't got phone that would need the adapter with external mic since.
This simple hookup beats the built-in bluetooth in my car. Voicecalls are heard louder and clearer than using BT, same goes for music. I don't know what how it works over BT, but nice and crispy FLAC files sound like MP3s over BT, while the same over FM transmitter sound better.
edit:
Last year I had to replace dash-mate with new one, because it lost it's "stickyness", so add another couple bucks to the cost (I actually haven't bought new dash-mate because I couldn't find it, I have used an old "dashboard place mat" I had from my old iRiver portable player. However, this mat being just a flat piece of rubber mesh is not as good as the "dash-mate" which is foldable block of gel-alike material)
MT4GS said:
I have FM wireless transmitter (originally battery-operated but it is powered and concealed under the dashboard) all you can see is the wire and 3.5mm plug that ends on the dashboard where I have sticky "dashboard-mate" to hold devices in front of me. I did this few years ago and the only problem were few HTC models with the dreadful "mult-purpose" USB port (without standard 3.5mm) for which I had to buy adapter.
Took me less than an hour of work, $10 transmitter from radioshack, $2 dashmate and it works with each and every device I had so far, including my "passenger's guest" devices too - such as any of the iCraps (and why it wouldn't since it's a standard 3.5mm).
In case you wonder about mic and voicecalls: when my dashboard 3.5mm plug is detected (as headphones) all models use the phone's built-in microphone, and phone laying down on the dashboard in front of me always has great reception, even if I place it with mic towards windshield.
I had only 1 phone that didn't work this way, for which I bought short adapter with built-in mic. But that was long time ago, and I haven't got phone that would need the adapter with external mic since.
This simple hookup beats the built-in bluetooth in my car. Voicecalls are heard louder and clearer than using BT, same goes for music. I don't know what how it works over BT, but nice and crispy FLAC files sound like MP3s over BT, while the same over FM transmitter sound better.
edit:
Last year I had to replace dash-mate with new one, because it lost it's "stickyness", so add another couple bucks to the cost (I actually haven't bought new dash-mate because I couldn't find it, I have used an old "dashboard place mat" I had from my old iRiver portable player. However, this mat being just a flat piece of rubber mesh is not as good as the "dash-mate" which is foldable block of gel-alike material)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a bluetooth to FM transmitter, but may have to try your idea... it is annoying that my transmitter loses power (and thus bluetooth connection) when the car is starting. A hacked-in 3.5 mm input would be awesome.
Did you put it inside your dash and drill a hole for the cable?
qayshp said:
I use a bluetooth to FM transmitter, but may have to try your idea... it is annoying that my transmitter loses power (and thus bluetooth connection) when the car is starting. A hacked-in 3.5 mm input would be awesome.
Did you put it inside your dash and drill a hole for the cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about drilling hole, but I didn't in the end. When you will sell your car most likely no one will like that
I have the wire with 3.5 plug "squeezed" through the opening where the windshield vent is (not through the vent but along). The transmitter itself is behind the center vent because that's the only place where I could reach with the wire without removing dashboard (which at first I tried but failed, couldn't find all the screws holding it in place). From there the power wire goes to opening under the steering wheel where I have the makeshift "fuse box" and from there the wire goes to cigarette lighter.
If you too will route power for transmitetr from cigarette lighter make sure to select the one that is always on (in my car there is only one like that, all other "cigarette lighter holes" loose power when you turn off key).
edit - I forgot important detail: my transmitter originally run on 9V batteries, I was worried 12V might kill it, so I test it first for few days before I decided to install it under dashboard (but it works already for good few years). Nowadays there are plenty transmitters designed specially for car 12V, so go with one like that.
Also don't forget to remove or short the "on/off" button in the transmitter before you hide it under dash
qayshp said:
As for my experiences, it only manages a useable angle of view if mounted on the dash of my car. Really, no matter where I put it on the windshield and how I angle it, the phone was not easy to access (or would fall out because it was upside down and the top latch is not that secure).
That said, being on the dash has made it very convenient for navigation!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dock should rotate at the base enough for you mount it correctly to a window. The data cable takes two full turns around the base before routing up the mount. But, I'll caution you to be careful, as I ended up breaking the ground wire on mine. Fortunately it wasn't too hard to fix.
GoPadge said:
The dock should rotate at the base enough for you mount it correctly to a window. The data cable takes two full turns around the base before routing up the mount. But, I'll caution you to be careful, as I ended up breaking the ground wire on mine. Fortunately it wasn't too hard to fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it fit on your windshield? I have tried every possible combination of rotations multiple times in my car. Maybe the angle of my '98 Civic front is just odd.
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda app-developers app
Yep, it fits just fine on the windshield of my '97 Jetta, though the suction cup doesn't seem to stick well...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gopadge/7677316156/
GoPadge said:
Yep, it fits just fine on the windshield of my '97 Jetta, though the suction cup doesn't seem to stick well...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gopadge/7677316156/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine sticks just fine; you just need a bit of liquid or saliva and need to twist the mount tight. It's tricky to get the right angle with the twisting and locking but the mount is solid when done right.
Sent from my HTC MyTouch 4G Slide using xda premium
Sorry, I meant the suction cup on the wire, as seen unstuck in my picture....
Mine works perfectly on the windshield on of my 94 camaro. I didn't think it would work given the extreme angle of the windshield but it actuall works great. It falls off the windshield every few months but that's probably due to weird weather patterns. Thank you florida .
The only downside to the htc windshield mount I've found is the difficulty of working the usb connector into the phone while trying to attach the device to the mount.
Does anybody know why the usb port on the windshield mount slides?
Sent from my myTouch_4G_Slide using xda premium
Just FYI...
I happened to be browsing eBay for a new digitizer and ran across a US seller with more than 10 OEM car docks in stock for $20 and free shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HTC-myTouch-4G-SLIDE-CAR-AUTO-GPS-HOLDER-MOUNT-KIT-DOCK-CHARGER-USB-CABLE-/150832272437
Oh thanks!
Sent from my MyTouch 4G Slide
Yes girls know about XDA
you can thank a girl on here
Anyone interested in a used official car dock?

New car mount

Got my S4 at the end of June, and after putting a case on it, (Seidio surface) Had to find a car mount case that fit with the case on. Of course I could have used an adustable arm case, but I haven't seen many of those that I like. I found slipgripcarmounts.com - they make custom phone mounts for either the bare phone, or with one of many different cases. I'll try and snap a pic tomorrow when it's light out, but here's the link http://www.slipgripcarmounts.com/Galaxy-S4_c_28044.html there's lots of different cases covered, and many different mounting types. check it out!
Hey, friend.
I've bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/Foldable-Un...or-Samsung-Galaxy-S-IV-S4-i9500-/390581355255 this one 2 days ago and I think it's a great deal! Cheap price and good quallity. I will post my feedback when I got it too. :good:
Get a imagnet car mount 25$ on amazon, the cleanest solution in car mounts.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4
I just have this mount I got at Walmart. I just put in snug and don't have to hit the release. Had it for months and even with Ohio's bad roads never had the phone fall out.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
donkito said:
Hey, friend.
I've bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/Foldable-Un...or-Samsung-Galaxy-S-IV-S4-i9500-/390581355255 this one 2 days ago and I think it's a great deal! Cheap price and good quallity. I will post my feedback when I got it too. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sweets55 said:
I just have this mount I got at Walmart. I just put in snug and don't have to hit the release. Had it for months and even with Ohio's bad roads never had the phone fall out.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
problem is, I hate universal mounts!
ToastyZ71 said:
problem is, I hate universal mounts!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried so many mounts I got tired of it. lol The one I got just works the best for me. I like that I can put it in my other car and it will work with any phone so I don't have to buy another one. I hate the suction cup ones.
so funciona em carro?
quero saber se pode usar emc as tbm
updated the first post, sorry for the sideways attached pics!
Check out IBolt cases
I got an Ibolt case for my S4, it's really nice, especially for anyone that commutes or does a lot of driving.
In Amazon just use search terms ibolt and s4.
Works perfectly. Supports all functions of phone, charge, sound by bluetooth or aux. One quirk of phone, not the dock is that it does transmit phone calls through USB (then through 3.5mm stereo out). The iBolt company brings this information out right away, which is nice. They also explain you will need a bluetooth solution to hear calls through your car stereo speakers due to the phone, and not the dock. I've also contacted customer service and they are top notch. This dock also fits the Note 2 and S3 and S4 with any case. Great engineering and build quality. Top notch.
Just got this phone
I ordered a rammount should be here friday I'll post pics
Found this at Samsung.com. http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/ECS-K200BEGSTA
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy S4 Running BeanStalk 1.3 And JellyBean 4.2.2
donkito said:
Hey, friend.
I've bought http://www.ebay.com/itm/Foldable-Un...or-Samsung-Galaxy-S-IV-S4-i9500-/390581355255 this one 2 days ago and I think it's a great deal! Cheap price and good quallity. I will post my feedback when I got it too. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've just recieved it and I'm more than satisfied! It works amazing and looks that way! For this prize, this is STEAL!
Sent from my great and powerful GT-I9505

Need Car Dock Suggestions

I'm looking for a car mount dock built for my Galaxy Note 4 that will:
Support Charging and audio streaming
Not be in the way of the volume and power buttons on the Galaxy Note 4
Positioning - Will hold my Note 4 in Landscape mode
I'm currently using an IBolt, which is a little difficult to set in. After playing with it, it sets in, "OK" if I change the USB port so it plugs in on the left side, fs the right. However, that makes my Home/Back keys on the left side as well, a bit awkward when driving. I had it pointed the other way, but the mount would hit my volume buttons. One thing I miss dearly about my old DROID RAZR MAXX is the car mount which was built to fit the device. I wish something similar existed for the Note 4.
JOSHSKORN said:
I'm looking for a car mount for my Note 4. I see other threads on car mounts but I'm not quite convinced on those, yet.
Anyway, looking for a car mount that is basically built for the Galaxy Note 4 that will:
Support Charging and audio streaming
Not be in the way of the volume and power buttons on the Galaxy Note 4
Positioning - I've been using a Landscape view but I suppose portrait is OK as well.
I'm currently using an IBolt, which is a little difficult to set in. One thing I miss dearly about my old DROID RAZR MAXX is the car mount which was built to fit the device. I wish something similar existed for the Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iBolt xProDock
the IOttie for the Note 2. It'll be more about how you position the phone than anything else. Although, I don't think it's what you're wanting.
I got the iottie one touch 2 and it is by far the best universal mount I've had.
Since I don't use my CD player/slot, I purchased this one a couple of years ago for my Galaxy Nexus. Now I am using it for my Note 4, which fits perfectly, and holds it securely in place.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G1L52Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: Just read the OP's post a little closer, and my suggestion may not be what he's looking for. But I'll leave it here, in case someone else might want to get one. =)
Bmerz said:
Since I don't use my CD player/slot, I purchased this one a couple of years ago for my Galaxy Nexus. Now I am using it for my Note 4, which fits perfectly, and holds it securely in place.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004G1L52Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
EDIT: Just read the OP's post a little closer, and my suggestion may not be what he's looking for. But I'll leave it here, in case someone else might want to get one. =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you like it? I have this one.
Yeah none of those are ones that interest me. So far, the only one that I see that I partially like, is the one I currently have, the iBolt cardock. Again, it's got a built-in Micro USB connector. It's not really "built-in", but I think "connected" is more of the word. The USB "splits" into your AUX port and then your USB, effectively making the USB port serve as a dual functioning port: charging and streaming music. I use my phone for Pandora and Navigation. Unfortunately, the Note 4 doesn't seem to currently support USB audio streaming, so I'm stuck right now with plugging a separate 3.5mm into the top of my phone. Not very convenient, as it takes me another half a minute to hook up. As it is, it basically takes me 2 1/2 minutes to snap my Note 4 into my current iBolt dock, then plug in both the USB and the 3.5mm audio cord. With my old phone, the car mount was a rigid plate with a single usb port built-in, it literally took me about 8 seconds to dock, in comparison. Plus, I only had one cord to deal with. Right now, I've got two.
If I was as impressed with the DROID ULTRA as I am with the Note 4, I would've stuck with it, in hopes of the same kinds of docks, BUT, I can't do without a Micro USB and I wanted the bigger screen size. For those reasons, I don't regret my decision to get a Note 4.
Edit: I was thinking about it and I'm thinking I should've said "car dock" instead of "car mount", if that makes more sense to some people.
Pedro2NR said:
How do you like it? I have this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works well for me, as I've been using it for a few years now. I don't care for the dash or windshield mounts, as I am always worried the mount (along with my phone) is going to fall off! Plus in my car, my dash is small, and has no flat area - so there's really no place to put a phone mount. Which is why I was happy to find the CD mount, as it works well and doesn't block my view.
JOSHSKORN said:
Unfortunately, the Note 4 doesn't seem to currently support USB audio streaming, so I'm stuck right now with plugging a separate 3.5mm into the top of my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also been looking around for a good car docking solution as my Note 4 is due to be delivered on Tues. I was hoping to use it in-car for both nagivation and music and considering a standard universal dash mount, with the iBolt Dock n Play cable, however I assume from the above quote this will not work?
Cable - http://www.amazon.co.uk/iBolt-Micro...?ie=UTF8&qid=1414950162&sr=8-6&keywords=ibolt
If so, I have to also assume the iBolt xProDock won't work too, which is a pity as it's on sale on Amazon. I'm also weary of using a 12V USB adapter as I've read numerous reviews of branded versions such as Belkin catching fire...
iottie XL
foo25 said:
I've also been looking around for a good car docking solution as my Note 4 is due to be delivered on Tues. I was hoping to use it in-car for both nagivation and music and considering a standard universal dash mount, with the iBolt Dock n Play cable, however I assume from the above quote this will not work?
Cable - http://www.amazon.co.uk/iBolt-Micro...?ie=UTF8&qid=1414950162&sr=8-6&keywords=ibolt
If so, I have to also assume the iBolt xProDock won't work too, which is a pity as it's on sale on Amazon. I'm also weary of using a 12V USB adapter as I've read numerous reviews of branded versions such as Belkin catching fire...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I have.
http://www.amazon.com/iBOLT-xProDoc...?ie=UTF8&qid=1414967903&sr=8-1&keywords=ibolt
It does not come with a charger, so I bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G5VQIMM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This didn't work with my old DROID RAZR MAXX but it appears to work with my Note 4. I see the lightning bolt in the notifications area, indicating that it's charging.
Again, the iBolt DOES NOT work to stream audio through the cable to your AUX port on your radio. I think this is just a feature that Android does not currently support, but I hear it will in Android L. It's weird, though because my old DROID RAZR MAXX was able to stream audio via USB, and I had a car dock for it. The cable for it looked similar to the cable you posted, the one that came with the iBolt looks a bit different, it plugs into a box which serves as a splitter, which makes me think that it's the cable itself that could be just incompatible, I don't know, to be honest. With my old car dock, the cable started getting shorted out, which is why I bought the iBolt, figuring it would work just fine w/ whatever phone I got next, since my MAXX was approaching its end of life. Maybe I will just take a shot in the dark and purchase that same cable, but from a US link if I can find it.
Bmerz said:
It works well for me, as I've been using it for a few years now. I don't care for the dash or windshield mounts, as I am always worried the mount (along with my phone) is going to fall off! Plus in my car, my dash is small, and has no flat area - so there's really no place to put a phone mount. Which is why I was happy to find the CD mount, as it works well and doesn't block my view.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iOttie XL will never come off the glass accidentally.... Have 2 and those suckers stick. You won't be disappointed.
It will even stick to the dash. Trust me.
This one has good reviews and looks simple. Anyone have one?
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Windshield-Smartphone-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00I58VAZS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Vancelot said:
This one has good reviews and looks simple. Anyone have one?
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Windshield-Smartphone-iPhone-Samsung/dp/B00I58VAZS/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just got this one. Seems great so far. It sticks really well, and hold the phone securely. The arms length is nice, because you can extend it.
I like how it doesn't obstruct the camera. I plan on using it for a dash cam along with navigation.
clintonroche said:
The iOttie XL will never come off the glass accidentally.... Have 2 and those suckers stick. You won't be disappointed.
It will even stick to the dash. Trust me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion, as I had not heard of the iOttie XL before. I checked it out on Amazon just now, as well as read through some of the reviews (looking for Note 4 reviews). So as soon as my current one breaks (if it does), I'll look into this one as a replacement. =)
Just thought I'd chime in here as finding a good car dock has been high on my priority list as well. First thing I'll say is yes, I can confirm that at this point the Note 4 DOES NOT currently support audio out over USB without the use of an OTG cable and DAC. It is possible to do it, but you need the extra hardware. This issue has been discussed in several threads, so just do a little searching and you should be able to find out the whole story. However, it has been confirmed that Lollipop is including audio out over USB as a standard feature, although I haven't been able to find a complete answer as to whether that just means every device will be able to use an OTG cable and DAC or that we'll be able to use usb/audio splitter cables like the iDock. The Lollipop features page DOES say that it will support all kinds of USB audio devices such as speakers and stereos, so I'm very hopeful, but we'll just have to wait and see.
As for actual dock options, I got totally hooked on using a magnetic dock back with my GS4. I originally picked up the Logitech magnetic car dock which worked fantastic with the s4, but with the added weight and size of the Note 4 it started to have some trouble. I ended up replacing it with the Bracketron Si dash mount, and it's been working perfectly. It has a very strong magnet, which I definitely need as I use an S-View cover which adds bulk to the back of the phone. The way these work is you get a few metal plates with the mount that give the magnet something to grab onto, and you can either stick it to the back of your phone with the double-sided tape on it or you can put it under the battery cover so that you don't have a big square piece of metal stuck to your device The Bracketron's magnet is strong enough to hold the phone with the metal plate under the battery cover AND with the S-View flap flipped around behind it, which is pretty impressive and certainly beats any other magnetic mount I've tried. There's also two little feet that flip out under the magnet to provide a little extra support, which is a nice bonus with this whale of a phone. It even has a clip for cable management.
So far I've been super happy with this, I do still have to manually plug the phone in but it's really nice to be able to just drop the phone in the mount and not have to fiddle with arms or clamps or anything. I'm lucky enough to have bluetooth in my car, so I still only have the one cable to connect as well.
I bought mine at Best Buy, but here's the link to Bracketron's page so you know what I'm talking about: http://www.bracketron.com/products/si-dash-mount#.VFeVJvnF92s
I've been looking into completely wireless solutions for the car and home, and I'm on the fence about whether to go with Qi or wait for one of the newer magnetic charging options to become available for the Note 4, but until wireless charging becomes possible I'm totally satisfied with the Bracketron.
That Bracketron looks pretty cool, but would interfere with my Qi chargers....
Well yah, like I said, UNTIL I find a suitable wireless charging solution I'm satisfied with the bracketron. There are magnetic docks that also do Qi charging, not many though. I think Airdock is the only one that is currently out that works with any device and doesn't need it's own proprietary case http://www.theairdock.com/ Looks decent, but I worry about whether it'll be able to hold up the Note 4 and also whether it'll work with my S-View case on. It does come with a magnetic sticker that supposedly helps, may try it at some point. What I REALLY think I'd like though would be something like this: http://www.revocharge.com/ or REALLY this: http://www.patriotmemory.com/product/detail.jsp?prodline=6&catid=100&prodgroupid=291&id=8253&type=37
The Fuel iON for the s4 looks amazing, I love that the case includes s-view and that there's direct magnetic connection to the docks, looks like it'd charge faster and more reliably than Qi as well. Just hope they decide to make a case for the Note 4 :/
Bracketron looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, I just bought one of those UAG cases, that should arrive in a couple of days. I doubt I could use that case instead of the one that comes with the Bracketron. I'm hoping that I like the UAG case, at least. I just wanted to add width to my phone. I'll look into the AIR case as well.
Too bad there isn't a company that makes customized car docks based on your phone and case using 3D printing, that'd be pretty awesome.

Categories

Resources