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So it's time to find a car mount for the SGS2.
For the HD2 I used an air vent mount (this). I don't like the windscreen suction mounts (just my preference, even though they tend to be more flexible in terms of positioning the device), and the positioning of the air vent mount is almost perfect in my car. The only thing that is a little annoying is that the fixed one obviously don't allow any turning at all, which can be annoying when it's sunny as I'd prefer to have the screen point more directly at me.
Therefore I'm looking for an air vent mount that has some sort of swivel included - basically something similar to this for, or perhaps something more generic like this or this.
Has anyone used any of these (or the windscreen suction mount equivalents) from either Ultimate Addons or Arkon? How well made and durable are they? How well do they hold their position?
Are there other ones I've missed that I should consider?
Thanks in advance for any input!
I'm looking for the same thing, preferably specific to the S2 (much better to slip it into a custom holder, rather than placing it in a generic one then tighten the grips etc).
Something like this (no link allowed.. see gripmount on mobilefun) on the air vent would be great.
I also like vent holders! I just buy a cheap generic one and modify it to fit my needs.
Obviously this involves taking apart my vent and drilling holes in the phone holder, put you get just the thing you need! Plus its also wayyyy more stable as you use cable ties to get it solidly in place.
The mounts that usually come with the vent holder are flimsy and usually end up falling off!
The gripmount on mobilefun looks great, but I can't see how it manages to fit the SGS2 both with and without a case! I'm using a silicone skin with mine and would rather have something that will work without me having to take it on and off. Is the mount slightly bendy so the phone just clips in? Anyone got any experience of these?
I've decided to just hold fire until the official Samsung mount comes out - it looks pretty good on their website and I can order the desktop dock at the same time.
Breffo multi-fuctional Car-dock/Cradle
I saw this product last year and thought this might be interesting?! My apologies for not yet have those for review, didn't need it yet. But when i have a car this i would definitely buy.
The brand is Breffo and the product is Spiderpodium, there website is www.breffo.com
Interesting idea . . . on fleabay for £13 (item 200603319280)
Might pick one up and see how it works as a vent holder . . .
Edit: The reviews are great, so ordered a black one off ebay. There are white ones for just £8 on Amazon if you're not fussed about colour! Will return and let y'all know how well it works . . .
Spiderpodium looks superb, definitely getting one of those. One of the ebay sellers is only around the corner from me, so I've contacted to ask if I can collect. Will report back once I've got hold of one.
I've made my own:
robbiekhan that looks awesome, good work. How much would you charge to make more had to ask lol
It's simple case (hah!!) of sticking and cutting a few bits together really so i couldn't charge to do such a thing as you'd be much better off doing it lol, plus it's fun, something you've made and it can be a conversation piece
My HTC Desire mount DIY article can be found on LifeHacker, method is exactly the same, just omit anything Desire for Galaxy S II
http://lifehacker.com/5593245/build-a-custom-phone-car-mount-for-under-10
Looks so cool! What case did you use - the one from ebay you mentioned in the other tread?
Just bought this: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/car-windshield-mini-holder-swivel-mount-for-cell-phone-5-0-7-5cm-41529
It's just under 4€ :O So you can't go wrong whit it.
http://youtu.be/ZR5oWIzW_Ns
EDIT: Also this might be interesting too: Mini Car Cigarette Powered 1000mA USB Adapter/Charger
Yup same case!
Yufina said:
Just bought this: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/car-windshield-mini-holder-swivel-mount-for-cell-phone-5-0-7-5cm-41529
It's just under 4€ :O So you can't go wrong whit it.
http://youtu.be/ZR5oWIzW_Ns
EDIT: Also this might be interesting too: Mini Car Cigarette Powered 1000mA USB Adapter/Charger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks very good actually! Going to buy! If anything it means I don't need to take my phone out of the case
I'm going to pick up a Griffin Windowseat I think, as I need something compatible with other phones too.
I have got one one the magic mounts (aka Dash Genie), but due to the textured back the SGS2 doesn't stick
If you wanted universal vent mount, have a look at this by Herbert Richter. If you however want a device specific, and if you want a small project, than I see that Brodit holder for Samsung Galaxy S II seems to be listed, you can covert this into a vent mount or windscreen suction mount using this adaptor plate.
Nice - thanks. For now I decided to take a punt on the £8 white Spiderpodium for its uniqueness - when it arrives I'll see how well made and durable it is, and if that doesn't work out I think a custom/self-made solution might well be the way to go.
Yufina said:
Just bought this: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/car-windshield-mini-holder-swivel-mount-for-cell-phone-5-0-7-5cm-41529
It's just under 4€ :O So you can't go wrong whit it.
http://youtu.be/ZR5oWIzW_Ns
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good and cheap enough!
Mine arrived this morning, check out a quick review and a couple of pics here
Summary: great! Will probably get another one, in fact
robbiekhan said:
I've made my own:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks very good!
Let's see if I can make one myself
Yufina said:
Just bought this: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/car-windshield-mini-holder-swivel-mount-for-cell-phone-5-0-7-5cm-41529
It's just under 4€ :O So you can't go wrong whit it.
http://youtu.be/ZR5oWIzW_Ns
EDIT: Also this might be interesting too: Mini Car Cigarette Powered 1000mA USB Adapter/Charger
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if this will work if you attatch it to the windshield...
On the left of the SGS2 there are the volume buttons. And the miniholder, is really, ehhhh, mini... So I think the phone will hit the window, or if you place it in the holder in a way the phone does not hit the window the volume buttons will be pressed all the time...
Hi, just wanted to give a quick impression of 2 windshield mounts I ordered.
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-Univers..._1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1305654075&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-IPM515-...Holder-Compatible/dp/B003Z4L68S/ref=pd_cp_e_2
Overall they both work OK. I much prefer the "Universal Mount" just because of how the Slim Grip opens/closes. The Universal is a squeeze style close with a button release. The Slim Grip you have to push the lower part down to open it, and the same to get your phone out. Kind of a pain.
Plus, even though the Slim Grip seems to be OK in Landscape...it still scares me not having a physical piece there to hold it up in case the spring force isnt enough.
I am using the Slim Grip as a vent mount (using the vent mount supplied with the Universal) and the Universal as a Windshield mount. So far the suction cup on the Universal seems very strong and I have not worried about it coming down.
One thing I noticed on the Universal that is a bit annoying, when the unit is fully opened and you are driving it rattles. This is remedied by simply closing it 1 or 2 clicks (which still allows you to put your phone into it without opening it back up).
I have the same Universal mount but with the frictionless pad. How do you like the Vent mount though in the terms of removing it? I got scared away from it because the reviews had that the two clips to hold it in place easily break.
Ordered the Universal yesterday, should have it tomorrow. I'm curious to see how well it works with the extended battery, but I like the idea of mounting it to the vent. Can't wait to get it regardless though, since the other one I have will only work with the stock battery.. Grrr..
I had a mount similar to the universal mount here (different brand) that I grew to loathe quite a bit because it rattled with no device in it. I didn't put my phone in it every time I got in the car and this bothered me greatly. I'm glad I avoided that universal mount because I would not tolerate that at this point.
The second mount (that you have to push down on the lower part to insert device) is the one I use now. It doesn't bother me how it functions and it is quiet. It grips well enough that you shouldn't worry about it slipping, and the extended clips make it work great for this phone without needing a huge stretch on the cradle to insert the phone.
I got the universal mount yesterday. Love it so far. Haven't noticed any rattling, but I may not either unless I switch vehicles. Keeps the phone secure though, and it works nicely with the extended battery in place (no case yet).
I do kinda like the looks of that other one too. Maybe I might order it for the wife and try it out. Not sure how often she'd use something like that though...
frankspin said:
I have the same Universal mount but with the frictionless pad. How do you like the Vent mount though in the terms of removing it? I got scared away from it because the reviews had that the two clips to hold it in place easily break.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I do not have much experience with this yet as this mount is in my wife's car.
The vent mount clips do seem a bit flimsy...especially since I am using it on the "slim" mount. With the universal I wouldnt worry too much because of the button release, squeeze in. You arent putting much if any pressure on the clips.
But with the slim mount...I have a feeling these could break on me down the road.
Those clips are definitely flimsy. Solved the problem though: rather than use the clips, I pulled that other piece off and cable tied it to my vent. Solid, and not moving.
Obviously, it does no good if you switch vehicles, but for that I will use windshield mount then.
Sent from my ADR6350 using XDA App
Just wanted to update on my "hack" for the vent mount. Been very solid so far. I have some concern over the longevity of the cable ties, but honestly, it's a very minor concern. Very little movement of the phone, great location being on the air vent (especially in the summertime, keeps it cool).
I can post pics if anyone wants to see, but I'm glad I went that route. Leaves the windshield mount available for when I'm in a company vehicle or my wifes car.
Do any of these after-market mounts activate the car panel app? I've seen how you can find and run it through the HTC universal search but is there any other way to activate it (like with a magnet on the OG Droid)?
jesand83 said:
Do any of these after-market mounts activate the car panel app? I've seen how you can find and run it through the HTC universal search but is there any other way to activate it (like with a magnet on the OG Droid)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with a magnet. My gut is that a resistor or something is what's required. Check this thread:
http://androidforums.com/htc-droid-incredible-2/350066-there-anyway-trick-dinc2-into-car-mode.html
I'd prefer something windshield mounted. If I'm not getting the 3-pin version, I don't see why I should have to remove my case for the car dock, so I'd like one of those generic car mounts.
I have no experience with them though. What's the best one? Any recommendations?
check out Ram Mounts. google it
They are the most sturdy, but can be expensive.
i use the X mount one with my gnex and its awesome.
FYI I saw someone mention using the standard Garmin nuvi suction cup mount, with a GN in a case it does seem to fit.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
i have the european dock (3 pins present) and very firm. Little tight but other than that holds it very well
Javillanueva67 said:
i have the european dock (3 pins present) and very firm. Little tight but other than that holds it very well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is about the verizon nexus. You say you have the european samsung dock with the pogo pins and the verizon phone fits in it?
If so, do the pins line up and work to put in in car mode?
I ordered the VZW/LTE specific version of the car dock from mycellworld.com. its supposedly legit in that it has the 3 pins and is definitely for the LTE handset. its on back order, supposed to ship next week. will review as soon as it shows up.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
p.s. I have the extended OEM battery and I also have the generic car dock (no 3 pins) and it fits no problem.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
I know you said you prefer windshield mounted but I just bought the Tetrax FIXWAY mount and I love it. There is a large thread on it with lots of pics/videos. That thread is one of the reasons I bought it.
I too was looking for a car mount to be used with a case and an extended battery. I was just going to use a generic one off of amazon that was like a clamp style. Even though the Tetrax doesn't suction cup to the windshield, I think it is worth you looking at if you haven't already.
I mounted mine onto my dash and think it works perfectly. It doesn't obstruct my view at all and its is just a quick glance down to check navigation/music.
The phone is really quick to just 'snap' it in place. The only downside to me is that you have to manually plug in the power and aux cords but I don't even see this as a true downside since you will have to do this with any generic mount you would need in order to keep the case on.
If you are interested and would like me to take any additional pictures for you just let me know and I would be happy to do what I can
ProClip adjustable width mount is what I'd recommend
bpowder1966 said:
check out Ram Mounts. google it
They are the most sturdy, but can be expensive.
i use the X mount one with my gnex and its awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered the X-grip mount with a medium size arm and the adhesive rubber ball base(I plan on keeping my car until its run into the ground) on January 11th.
Soon after ordering they informed me that the base wasn't in stock but it would ship out in 1-2 weeks. 2 weeks past with no word, then he said it would ship out at the end of the week. Still no shipping
I figured CS people would know not to give unrealistic ETA dates(especially when ram-mount makes the damn things themselves), especially over and over again, stringing the customer along...
rickt said:
I ordered the VZW/LTE specific version of the car dock from mycellworld.com. its supposedly legit in that it has the 3 pins and is definitely for the LTE handset. its on back order, supposed to ship next week. will review as soon as it shows up.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know when you get it because I read a lot on the thread about the 3-pin that some people got burned by claims of the docks having 3 pin connection when they actually didn't. Keep us updated!
bpowder1966 said:
check out Ram Mounts. google it
They are the most sturdy, but can be expensive.
i use the X mount one with my gnex and its awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can it swivel to horizontal mode? Currently, this one seems to be the best.
jcwarren217 said:
I know you said you prefer windshield mounted but I just bought the Tetrax FIXWAY mount and I love it. There is a large thread on it with lots of pics/videos. That thread is one of the reasons I bought it.
I too was looking for a car mount to be used with a case and an extended battery. I was just going to use a generic one off of amazon that was like a clamp style. Even though the Tetrax doesn't suction cup to the windshield, I think it is worth you looking at if you haven't already.
I mounted mine onto my dash and think it works perfectly. It doesn't obstruct my view at all and its is just a quick glance down to check navigation/music.
The phone is really quick to just 'snap' it in place. The only downside to me is that you have to manually plug in the power and aux cords but I don't even see this as a true downside since you will have to do this with any generic mount you would need in order to keep the case on.
If you are interested and would like me to take any additional pictures for you just let me know and I would be happy to do what I can
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm really tempted. Both options above are expensive. I was worried that the attachment thing might look like ****, but from the pictures in that thread, it doesn't look too bad. Same question though, can I turn it to landscape for Navigation? Also, how sturdy is the connection? Will it fall off as my car hits a bump or something?
acr89 said:
ProClip adjustable width mount is what I'd recommend
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 to ProClip! They have a mount that can adjust with different cases, and it's very sturdy. The one I have mounts to my vent though (I prefer this anyway since my windshield is so...sloped). They are kinda pricey also, but they don't look too bulky and are specifically made for your car model. I love mine.
Would like to bump this thread to see if anyone else had suggestions for good universal car mounts/docks that will work with a GNEX in a case.
Samcobra said:
I'd prefer something windshield mounted. If I'm not getting the 3-pin version, I don't see why I should have to remove my case for the car dock, so I'd like one of those generic car mounts.
I have no experience with them though. What's the best one? Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try the iBolt pro dock alumina... this car dock works with just about any phone, and especially works great with the galaxy nexus.... this cardock allows you to place it on either the windshield, dashboard, or air vent since extra pins are supplied to place the dock there and theres no need to remove your case from your phone... which is a god send.. it only cost me about $35 on amazon, so i cant argue with the price... i have excellent photos of it, that i'll share as soon as i reach the 10 post mark, that allows me to attach files and externals link...
SNNTEC said:
i have excellent photos of it, that i'll share as soon as i reach the 10 post mark, that allows me to attach files and externals link...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're past 10 posts, pics please!
Hey folks,
Not sure if you're familiar with monoprice, but if you aren't...you should be. I've been buying things like tv mounts and audio cables from them for a LONG time now...since back when HD TVs first came out and people would want $200 for a wall mount and another $100 for an HDMI cable.
Anyway, I was looking for some filler the other day, when I bought a new tv mount and needed to hit a certain point to use a coupon and wandered past their cell phone car mount. I had been kicking around the idea of getting the official Motorola unit for a while now, but the price always threw me off.
Well, the Monoprice unit is $7.05. And it works AWESOME! Fits the phone like a glove.
Universal Windshield Mount for iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy S®, and most Mobile Phones - Black - Monoprice.com
Anyway, just wanted to share. I've been through some universal docks in my day, and they usually suck after a while. And then my wife and I share a car, but my phone is caseless and hers has a case, so the official one was kind of up in the air.
Looks nice, thought i would share the one i am using right now
http://www.shopandroid.com/aduro-u-grip-universal-car-mount/3AA14505.htm
I found it locally, but for the same price.
I love this thing, it grips the device great, and the suction cup will go almost anywhere you want. I have mind suctioned to the top of my dash of my 08 dodge caliber. Even tho the dashboard is textured with some pretty deep ridges it sticks great!
Only con i would give it is that the grip is a little too tight, making one hand operation difficult. you can remove the device from the mount with one hand, however installing the phone into it usually requires use of your second hand to open the drip far enough. However it is a comfort knowing that it moto x isn't going to fall out.
SubliminalME said:
the phone like a glove.
Universal Windshield Mount for iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy S®, and most Mobile Phones - Black - Monoprice.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Do you think it would fit with a rugged case, like Otterbox Defender or Seidio Dilex?
Teksu said:
Looks nice, thought i would share the one i am using right now
http://www.shopandroid.com/aduro-u-grip-universal-car-mount/3AA14505.htm
I found it locally, but for the same price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My local Costco was selling a 2 pack of mounts that looked identical to this for $25 (after $5 instant savings) about 2 months ago. I'm not sure if they still have them, but of they do they aren't prominently displayed.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
I think it would fit, actually.
Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk
Has it fallen off on you?
SubliminalME said:
Hey folks,
Not sure if you're familiar with monoprice, but if you aren't...you should be. I've been buying things like tv mounts and audio cables from them for a LONG time now...since back when HD TVs first came out and people would want $200 for a wall mount and another $100 for an HDMI cable.
Anyway, I was looking for some filler the other day, when I bought a new tv mount and needed to hit a certain point to use a coupon and wandered past their cell phone car mount. I had been kicking around the idea of getting the official Motorola unit for a while now, but the price always threw me off.
Well, the Monoprice unit is $7.05. And it works AWESOME! Fits the phone like a glove.
Universal Windshield Mount for iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy S®, and most Mobile Phones - Black - Monoprice.com
Anyway, just wanted to share. I've been through some universal docks in my day, and they usually suck after a while. And then my wife and I share a car, but my phone is caseless and hers has a case, so the official one was kind of up in the air.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SubliminalME said:
Well, the Monoprice unit is $7.05. And it works AWESOME! Fits the phone like a glove.
Universal Windshield Mount for iPhone®, Samsung Galaxy S®, and most Mobile Phones - Black - Monoprice.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey @SubliminalME, I recently picked one of these up, it does fit very well. Problem is that it either blocks the headphone jack or the charging port, depending on which way you put the phone in the mount. Have you found a way around this?
i bet you could drill a hole in the single mount pretty easily.
the better question (for me) is whether the phone can be positioned in the mount without blocking the camera. a windshield mount is only useful to me if i can use the camera. otherwise, it's going in a cupholder.
The Monoprice one is showing out of stock!! :/
UncleMike said:
Thanks. Do you think it would fit with a rugged case, like Otterbox Defender or Seidio Dilex?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SubliminalME said:
I think it would fit, actually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered two of these and they came in the other day. Surprisingly, it fits well with the Seidio Dilex case. My concern was that there wouldn't be room for the integrated kickstand on the back of the case, bit there's just enough room for it.
I have an adhesive mounted Garmin-compatible ball (~17mm) on my dash that works perfectly with it.
i've got mine, but haven't taken it out of the box yet!
In for one
Thanks for the heads-up! Always have loved Monoprice and I can't bring myself to go the imagnet route (ie pop off the back) on the X. This should be a nice cheap compromise, especially since I already have the garmin ball installed in both my cars.
The best that I've ever used is the Tetrax Xway. PRevents the phone from overheating by clipping in front of the A/C, and works with nearly every phone/case combo. I've used it through my Droid Incredible, Galaxy S2, and Galaxy S4 GPE with numerous cases.
http://www.tetrax.com/us/products/iphone-ipod/tetrax-xway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awh6QP8-BBE
I'm looking to get a car mount for my Nexus 5, but I'm not sure which style to go with. My dad has the Aduro u-grip and likes it, but he says it has fallen off his dash a couple times. He doesn't use the 3M tape though, so I imagine that could stick it more permanently.
http://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Univers...GLF8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405607983&sr=8-2
I've also seen options that fit on your vent.
http://www.amazon.com/Kenu-Airframe...1B4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405608084&sr=8-1
The vents in my car are fairly close together, so I'm a little concerned about that fitting.
I haven't really seen many of the traditional windshield mount options, but I never had much success with those sticking well anyway.
Any thoughts on the two I posted plus other possibilities?
raptir said:
I'm looking to get a car mount for my Nexus 5, but I'm not sure which style to go with. My dad has the Aduro u-grip and likes it, but he says it has fallen off his dash a couple times. He doesn't use the 3M tape though, so I imagine that could stick it more permanently.
http://www.amazon.com/Aduro-Univers...GLF8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405607983&sr=8-2
I've also seen options that fit on your vent.
http://www.amazon.com/Kenu-Airframe...1B4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405608084&sr=8-1
The vents in my car are fairly close together, so I'm a little concerned about that fitting.
I haven't really seen many of the traditional windshield mount options, but I never had much success with those sticking well anyway.
Any thoughts on the two I posted plus other possibilities?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
The one that your dad has is awful, it won't stick even with the 3M tape/disk. As for the second one, I used with a smaller phone and it worked fine, but I think it might be a tight fit for the N5, especially if you use a case.
I currently have these two:
http://www.amazon.com/iOttie-Windsh...ie=UTF8&qid=1405608590&sr=8-5&keywords=iottie
http://www.amazon.com/iOttie-Univer...ie=UTF8&qid=1405608655&sr=8-7&keywords=iottie
The first one is in my car, the other one in my wife's. I particularly like mine, as it is easier to get the phone in and out. Also, you won't need the 3M tape. iOttie uses an special type of suction cup that attaches to virtually anything. I will also like to mention that both mounts have fallen a couple of times, during the winter time, but I am talking about really cold temperatures. You can put them in the windshield as well as in the dashboard, but I don't like to put them in the windshield, because I mostly listen to music through my phone and it is kind of far away to use for me.
Regarding the vent mounts, I have used them in the past with other phones, and there is just one major benefit in my opinion. When you are using the navigation app, the phone tends to get really hot and if you are listening to music is even worse. With your phone in the vent, that won't be an issue, even during the winter. The only con I can think of is that some of those vent mounts won't have a strong hold in your phone, so if you hit a big bump in the road the phone might come out.
I hope this helps.
cgjjaf said:
Regarding the vent mounts, I have used them in the past with other phones, and there is just one major benefit in my opinion. When you are using the navigation app, the phone tends to get really hot and if you are listening to music is even worse. With your phone in the vent, that won't be an issue, even during the winter. The only con I can think of is that some of those vent mounts won't have a strong hold in your phone, so if you hit a big bump in the road the phone might come out.
I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's why I was looking at vent mounts. My old HTC Incredible would overheat if I didn't position my one vent in such a way as to blow cold air on it. Unfortunately in my new car the vents can't angle to blow cold air on where the phone would be in a window or dash mount.
I have a Kenu Airframe and am a huge fan. I've had it for a little over a year. Excellent product.
atoy74 said:
I have a Kenu Airframe and am a huge fan. I've had it for a little over a year. Excellent product.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on the Kenu, but I used it with the Nexus5 Qi charger. See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/goo...es/kenu-airframe-n5-wireless-charger-t2573184
It's very convenient to have the N5 magnetically mounted. I tried without the magnetic charger, it's a bit hard to insert/remove the phone from the Kenu mount.
I use a vent clip one I picked up from Wally-World. It worked fine for the last three phones I've had. $15.