[BOUGHT] good smartphone mount - for GPS and streaming radio

[alanbrenton]

I have a Nexus S (not the latest Galaxy Nexus) which I'd like to use as a GPS. I've grown tired of the suction mounts on my Garmin GPS which depending on the temperature of and moisture on the windshield, would suddenly fall off. I regularly wipe the suction clean with water and let it dry but still it will come off. Maybe it's the age but I rarely leave it mounted on the windshield especially when it's extremely hot.

Came across two products but was wondering if anyone know better one. I guess the more universal the mount, the better so I can possibly use it for my older Garmin GPS (755T) and a Galaxy Nexus in the household

No longer available:
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Dashboard-Friction-Amplified-Cradle/dp/B0031U1AUA/ref=sr_1_5?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1344308563&sr=1-5&keywords=kensington+friction+mount

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Friction-Dashboard-Travel-Windshield/dp/B0042FZ9K0/ref=sr_1_2?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1344308563&sr=1-2&keywords=kensington+friction+mount


I've also read about Proclip but then it gets quite expensive to buy the car-specific mount and the phone contraption.

Thanks.

[a in yul]

^FYI; the 2nd one is available; only 5 left though!

[jimmy-j]

i have an exo mount after reading about it on gizmodo. it's amazing and can mount pretty much on any flat surface. got it on ebay for like $20.

[alanbrenton]

i have an exo mount after reading about it on gizmodo. it's amazing and can mount pretty much on any flat surface. got it on ebay for like $20.

Thanks. Is this the one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exomount-Exo-Mount-Universal-Car-Windshield-Samsung-Galaxy-S-S3-Note-Nexus-i9300-/190679148652?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item2c655ce86c

or this dash friction mount?

(http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/76443819/file.html)

[coriolis]

I have an Exomount as well. It's pretty decent, the suction grip is very good. I actually stuck it on the inside B pillar(where its textured plastic) and it held my phone there just fine.


The only problem I have with it. is that the ball joint that connects the 'claws' and the suction mount is basically smooth hard plastic, not so good as it will start to lose its hold pretty quickly. I haven't had mines for a month and even when the ring lock is at its tightest, you can still move the ball joint without much effort.

I tried using the Exomount with my GNexus as a dash cam using DailyRoads, I had to stop pretty abruptly and the mounted phone moved, basically the joint couldn't hold it in place. Also the loose joint meant a pretty shaky dashcam video.


I'm looking for a small piece of thin felt that has adhesive backing, stick it where the ball is held, maybe the extra friction will help it hold.

[enhanced]

I've been using this Arkon mount for my past 3 phones (Captivate, Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus).

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Mount-Bundle-Most-Smartphones/dp/B003WJB3SE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344448924&sr=8-5&keywords=arkon

It works fine mostly but I do experience the suction failing when the temperature is too hot like you said. However, it's easily to mount back on and stays there when the car cools down again. Very very rarely has the suction just fell off during the course of a normal drive under normal conditions. What has kept me with this mount for so long, however, is that I actually mount this vertically in my car, meaning that the force of gravity and the weight of the phone itself is pushing down on the mount and it works like I described above -- it's reliable.

As such, I'll say the Arkon brand is fairly good suction wise. The Exomount does look interesting though. I'd probably try that if my Arkon ever fails but it's been going strong for 2 years.

[alanbrenton]

I've been using this Arkon mount for my past 3 phones (Captivate, Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus).

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Mount-Bundle-Most-Smartphones/dp/B003WJB3SE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344448924&sr=8-5&keywords=arkon

It works fine mostly but I do experience the suction failing when the temperature is too hot like you said. However, it's easily to mount back on and stays there when the car cools down again. Very very rarely has the suction just fell off during the course of a normal drive under normal conditions. What has kept me with this mount for so long, however, is that I actually mount this vertically in my car, meaning that the force of gravity and the weight of the phone itself is pushing down on the mount and it works like I described above -- it's reliable.

As such, I'll say the Arkon brand is fairly good suction wise. The Exomount does look interesting though. I'd probably try that if my Arkon ever fails but it's been going strong for 2 years.

Thanks. When you say vertically, is it like what is depicted in the amazon.com image? Would positioning the phones horizontally work as well too with one side not being as secure?

[jimmy-j]

Thanks. Is this the one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exomount-Exo-Mount-Universal-Car-Windshield-Samsung-Galaxy-S-S3-Note-Nexus-i9300-/190679148652?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item2c655ce86c

or this dash friction mount?

(http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/76443819/file.html)

i have the one in the ebay link. i've had it for a few months and it's been good to me.

i actually mount it to the top of an ashtray/coincup that fits in the cup holder. so it's not right up on the dash and easily moved around and accessed.

like this one:
http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/accessories/images/ashtray_1.jpg

[jimmy-j]

I have an Exomount as well. It's pretty decent, the suction grip is very good. I actually stuck it on the inside B pillar(where its textured plastic) and it held my phone there just fine.


The only problem I have with it. is that the ball joint that connects the 'claws' and the suction mount is basically smooth hard plastic, not so good as it will start to lose its hold pretty quickly. I haven't had mines for a month and even when the ring lock is at its tightest, you can still move the ball joint without much effort.

I tried using the Exomount with my GNexus as a dash cam using DailyRoads, I had to stop pretty abruptly and the mounted phone moved, basically the joint couldn't hold it in place. Also the loose joint meant a pretty shaky dashcam video.


I'm looking for a small piece of thin felt that has adhesive backing, stick it where the ball is held, maybe the extra friction will help it hold.

yeah i don't see it being good to hold a phone or bloggie for dashcam but it does the job well for just holding a phone/ipod/gps/407 or whatever in place.

shoot an email over to exogear to see if they can do anything for you.

[Supercooled]

I've been using this Arkon mount for my past 3 phones (Captivate, Nexus S, Galaxy Nexus).

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Mount-Bundle-Most-Smartphones/dp/B003WJB3SE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1344448924&sr=8-5&keywords=arkon

It works fine mostly but I do experience the suction failing when the temperature is too hot like you said. However, it's easily to mount back on and stays there when the car cools down again. Very very rarely has the suction just fell off during the course of a normal drive under normal conditions. What has kept me with this mount for so long, however, is that I actually mount this vertically in my car, meaning that the force of gravity and the weight of the phone itself is pushing down on the mount and it works like I described above -- it's reliable.

As such, I'll say the Arkon brand is fairly good suction wise. The Exomount does look interesting though. I'd probably try that if my Arkon ever fails but it's been going strong for 2 years.

I'm looking at that one on eBay right now and was searching. Is that the merchant you purchased it from? The eBay sellers charge $16 and shipping. Might order from the one in your link.

Do you know if it will fit the S2X? Isn't the Nexus a larger phone than the S2X?

EDIT: doesn't look like they will let me ship it to Canada.

[ippon]

i use a magnetic vent mount;
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/3/GPSCompass/GPSAccessories/PRD~0352601P/Tetrax+Magnetic+GPS+Vent+Mount.jsp?locale=en

[alanbrenton]

Sounds like the airvent solution is also something I should consider.

http://www.mountek.com/

Glad I hadn't purchased one yet as the support personnel wasn't sure if it can accommodate Galaxy Nexus/Otterbox Commuter Case. Didn't realize there is a newer model coming.

Mountek MT6000!

[Mr Nobody]

I hate universal claw type holders. I liked www.clingo.com when I first saw them. Found an ebayer that was selling debranded/knockoff versions for $7.

I use it with a cheap case that way the green part is always permanently attached to the case (since there's reports that it loses its stickiness overtime with repetitive removal) and I take my phone out of the case when not using the mount (cause I don't normally use a case).

Unfortunately I just checked and the ebayer is no longer selling it.

[alanbrenton]

I hate universal claw type holders. I liked www.clingo.com when I first saw them. Found an ebayer that was selling debranded/knockoff versions for $7.

I use it with a cheap case that way the green part is always permanently attached to the case (since there's reports that it loses its stickiness overtime with repetitive removal) and I take my phone out of the case when not using the mount (cause I don't normally use a case).

Unfortunately I just checked and the ebayer is no longer selling it.

Thanks for sharing. It's going to be pain to keep removing the otterbox case though but then I don't want part of that green adhesive stuck to the case. Will look at the product when I get home tonight.

I asked 407etr for those velcro adhesives but they have a limit as to how many I can order. LOL.

[crazdefool]

I have the exomount with a galaxy s3 and otterbox commuter and I'm pretty happy with it. It does shake but it uses a 17mm ball you could use with a better mount.

Its available at staples by the name dash crab

[jimmy-j]

Thanks for sharing. It's going to be pain to keep removing the otterbox case though but then I don't want part of that green adhesive stuck to the case. Will look at the product when I get home tonight.

I asked 407etr for those velcro adhesives but they have a limit as to how many I can order. LOL.


they see those velcro adhesives at the service ontario office by my house for $2. they have them in a gumball machine so you insert a toonie and turn the knob.

[Mr Nobody]

Thanks for sharing. It's going to be pain to keep removing the otterbox case though but then I don't want part of that green adhesive stuck to the case. Will look at the product when I get home tonight.

I asked 407etr for those velcro adhesives but they have a limit as to how many I can order. LOL.

The green stuff won't break off and stick to your case. The fear is that it loses it stickiness over time, even though you can wash it.

If you're looking for some good adhesive material for some DIY. Check out the 3M stuff that looks like grey plasticine. Its not really tacky/sticky when you touch it, but for some magical reason, its really holds well (suction/vaccumn principle?) and doesn't really leave a residue when removed.

I believe this is it, but can't really tell without seeing it in person, as I've never had to buy it before so not familiar with the retail packaging. Sister used to get some when she worked in the automotive industry.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/HomeRepairMaintenance/TapeGlueSealants/PRD~0676065P/3M+Exterior+Mounting+Tape.jsp?locale=en

[alanbrenton]

they see those velcro adhesives at the service ontario office by my house for $2. they have them in a gumball machine so you insert a toonie and turn the knob.

Those velcros from the original 407etr transponder (2004) are still in place on my windshield! They are really heavy duty.

Hmmm. Why are these adhesives available at Service Ontario? :)

[jimmy-j]

Those velcros from the original 407etr transponder (2004) are still in place on my windshield! They are really heavy duty.

Hmmm. Why are these adhesives available at Service Ontario? :)

sorry i mean the plate renewal office.

[dnyc]

I think i found a good solution from http://store.magskin.com/

i normally used carbon stickers on the back of phone anyway but this provides a magnetic backing to stick on metal surfaces. you can also buy the magdock for 2.99 so that you can stick on your car somewhere. seems like the perfect solution. since im going to be buying the iphone 5, i'm going to wait. Wonder if the magnetic backing would cause any damage to the phone though.

[jimmy-j]

i wonder if the magskin would cause any issues with reception or wifi. it's a great idea though.

[dnyc]

i wonder if the magskin would cause any issues with reception or wifi. it's a great idea though.

Yeah for sure, maybe wait for reviews.. if its weak, then it defeats the purpose, if it's too strong then it might cause issues.

[alanbrenton]

Seems like the best mount (for me at least) would be one with a balljoint for positioning and some sort of dash mount (that doesn't slide) combination. A couple of those velcros from 407etr (free) and what Jimmy-J had suggested will probably get any dash mount to stick to the dashmount but it will be an eyesore for many. I don't mind since I drive a beater car. :)

Even the Mountek cd slot seems like a no go because it will either block the center aircon vents or the radio, and it's not going to be in the line of my sight when keeping my eyes on the road. I usually place my older Garmin very near the dash and at the bottom center of the windshield.

I want to use my smartphone instead so I can use the GPS and take advantage of Tunein radio and other streaming apps so I can listen to radio stations halfway across the world. Maybe it will be cool to pick up some VOIP calls too while on the go. :)


I was at Bestbuy in Buffalo and was looking at the Bracketron smartphone mount. It was also employing a suction cup (likely a no-no for extreme cold or heat) and the arms were too lengthy that it seems placement will have to be several inches above the dashboard, blocking some of the view.

http://www.bracketron.com/products/universal-grip-it-windshield-mount

EDIT:

Arkon Weighted Friction Dash Mount
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=arkon+friction+dash+mount+smartphone&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aarkon+friction+dash+mount+smartph one

Now I realize that I will need the Mountek cd slot mount if I need to change channels on the Tunein Radio app . :(

Can't have it both ways (GPS and smartphone radio) I guess.

[alanbrenton]

One of the reviews from the Amazon bean bag mount got me thinking, yet again:

product link:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Dashboard-Magellan-Portable-Navigators/dp/B0051FWA7U/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

review:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1K268QQ186J0I/ref=cm_cr_pr_cmt?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0051FWA7U&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=#wasThisHelpful
If the mount slips around on the dash I would not want it. Could be a distraction to driver. Why not have velcro attached to dashboard with adhesive the size of round disk and round area on bottom of mount with attaching velcro. Should keep mount securely in place. I would buy this product at once.


I really may just need a good smartphone mount that can grip my phone well (Galaxy Nexus with Otterbox Commuter Casing) with an extended arm (for positioning) and whose end can accommodate a few of those 407etr velcro strips. The other side of the velcro strips can then be attached directly to my dashboard. It will look kind of hideous but will make for a fairly strong attachment.

Would love to hear about suggested mounts that can grip smartphones well and have an end that I can attach velcro strips on. :)

Seems like this can do well with velcros attached. :)

http://www.meritline.com/exogear-universal-car-mount---p-68064.aspx?source=s2010

or this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-IPM515-Windshield-Dashboard-Holder-Compatible/product-reviews/B003Z4L68S/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

[trixstar]

I bought this one yesterday for my galaxy s3 yesterday. I'll report back on quality when i recieve it

[alanbrenton]

Just waiting for my ebay bucks and will settle for this. If it can handle a Galaxy Note, I'm sure it will be able to accommodate my Galaxy Nexus with the Otterbox Commuter Case just fine.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/350580850686?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Shipping is expensive for one so anyone interested in a group buy do let me know as I've sent the seller an email about group purchases and item valuation.

[alanbrenton]

i have an exo mount after reading about it on gizmodo. it's amazing and can mount pretty much on any flat surface. got it on ebay for like $20.

I was deciding between iOttie and exomount and it seems the exomount will be the better choice of the two, also with the $4 shipping to Canada as oppose to $8 for iOttie from ebay listings. Just had the chance to watch the video and the exomount can be used in reverse wherein the clips are used to attach to the air vents.

I wonder why it took me so long to decide when you and a few other heap praises on the exomount. :)

[adelfoxy]

Thanks. Is this the one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exomount-Exo-Mount-Universal-Car-Windshield-Samsung-Galaxy-S-S3-Note-Nexus-i9300-/190679148652?pt=Other_MP3_Player_Accessories&hash=item2c655ce86c

or this dash friction mount?

(http://www12.zippyshare.com/v/76443819/file.html)

Both are looking pretty good.I think these would be perfect for you.

[alanbrenton]

Both are looking pretty good.I think these would be perfect for you.

I ordered the exomount exogear since it seems to have more favorable reviews. My car is old so the dashboard surface should be smoother.