Pretty cool - and cheap - car dock - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I wasn't happy with the crap-tastic Verizion car dock, so I decided to steal an idea from another forum her and try a GPS mount. I found a really nice series at Best Buy from Bracketron - their Grip-iT Mobile Device Holders come is a variety of mounting configurations, including the vent mount I got. It's a pretty common design, but seems pretty well-built for $19.99.
The arms don't spread wide enough for the phone to fit in a landscape orientation, but you put it in portrait and then rotate the whole dock. There is enough pressure for it to stay securely on its side (my kid loves to watch Netflix on the way to school).
Anyhoo, I don't have enough posts to share a link from Best Buy, but it's easy to find on their site. Staples carries it as well.

Wow... now that's ugly.

To be honest, I think much of that is due to trying to take a flash photo in a dimly lit car inside a dark garage. It's certainly not a work of art, but it's not as bad as the photo would indicate. It's actually very black - even the pads. You might want to google it for a better view, unless you were just hatin' for no apparent reason. In which case, I'd say, well played, sir.

Better view.

Dammmn i realy like it, does it rotate?
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using XDA App

As the OP said, it does rotate. I've had one in my car for years. Though I ditched its mount and affixed it to a ProClip (didn't like it hanging on my vent, the Volkswagen louvres are individual and can easily break). I've been pretty happy with it as it holds most anything i can throw at it as long as its not something small like an iPod nano.

I have pretty much that same dock, though probably a Chinese knock off (paid around $4 for it). Been using it for the last year and it works great. I like just being able to slide my phone in and out of it rather than clip it into a dock. I also eventually upgraded it to attach to my dash with one of these.

Also using this same car dock. Had it for about a year or so.
Mine is made by "Scosche" and I picked it up at the local Walmart.

wow, talk about old school looking!

It's junk, I had two of them.
Bought them from Best Buy.
1st one lasted 3 weeks before it would no longer open.
2nd one lasted 2 month before it would no long stay closed

Related

sleek car mount (universal)

I am pretty picky when it comes to car mounts. I typically hate universal mounts because they are so bulky. So as i wait for for a sweet made-for-evo sexy solution, this is the next best thing that i have found. This thing folds up on itself when not in use. This video describes it way better than i can.
thanks to a nice member of the slickdeals forum, the coupon code WOOT brings the total to $5 per set (up to 3) plus $5 flat rate for shipping. Each set comes with one mounting arm and 2 buttons (for 2 devices i guess)
I have no clue how long the coupon lasts for but i snagged two, one for me and one for the wifes car so we can swap back and forth. The few reviews seem good and i figure its not that great of a risk for 15 bucks. I am going to stick on the little buttons to a case, not directly to the evo. If anyone is interested, i can post pics and stuff when it comes in.
Edit: I don't have enough posts to post links...
hmm, now i cant edit either. i am not trying to spam, just trying to share.
if you go to google and search "soundgate m2 wired for less" you will find the links to discussions of the deal on multiple sites. maybe a kind soul could post a link here too?
pretty slick...I do not like how ever that a "disc" is required that attaches it to the actual device. I wouldnt be putting it on my phone. So I would have to pick up another snap case and mod it...
But not a bad price and not a bad looking product.
It is interesting...I need something...and you can't beat $10
https://www.wiredforless.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SOUNDM2
exactly what i was thinking! i kinda wish i bought an extra one so i could have a little nerd dock at my desk.
I have these...and I use them for my iPad...yep! It works with the iPad. I am VERY happy with these. They came pretty fast too across the country. I recommend these very much. To be honest, I am NOT a fan of putting a disc on the back...but I have a skin on my iPad so if the skin comes off so does the disc so that made me feel better about it leaving marks...weird..I know...and it comes with extra discs.... the owner is a nice guy too. Very helpful.
Just my opinion...
pretty cool you can just put that disk on another case and slip your phone into that one when your in the car if you dont want to put it on the actual phone...
hey ken987,
How thick would you say those little disk thingies are? I already ordered it but i am a little curious if these things will be low profile enough to still slide in my pocket. I am planning on sticking it to the back of an innocase ii
Wow for 10 bucks this is a great find. Thanks
Cool find and great coupon code, thank you! I already have a mount for my phone, but I will use this for my girlfriend's car. I went ahead and ordered three.... just need to figure out what to do with the other two, maybe buy a tablet?
I would say as thick as a quarter......I don't think it would be a bother. I have 2 on the back of my ipad so I can do landscape or portrait and I barely notice them when I hold the iPad in the house.
blackshin0bi said:
no longer working with the coupon code of "WOOT" ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still works, I just tested it.
also if you put 1 button on the back of a phone case, can you choose if you want it in portrait or landscape after the install? In other words i am wondering if it only seats properly 1 way and you have to stick it on right or if you can swivel your phone back and forth. perhaps portrait for music time and landscape for gps?
I bought one and the spare disk kit. I was looking for a kit and this is not bulky will be out of the way but accessible. I thought about the extra re-installation kit. I will go to home depot for that if I ever need it but that disc for the device...you never know.
The video shows that you can rotate the base 90 degrees to put your device in landscape / portrait w/o having to use a different disc.
This is a great find. $40 off with the coupon code??? I ordered two as well. Thanks for sharing OP. I'll share my experiences with it when it comes in.
Thanks just ordered one too... Great!
Got this installed last night, works quite well. For those planning on using it mostly in landscape orientation I recommend putting the disc in the middle of the EVO, not higher up as they recommend. I put the disc right over the HTC logo and it tends to hang a bit crooked in landscape because it is out of balance.
This is a pretty decent car mount option though, the disc on the back is only mildly annoying. It's pretty easy to mount and unmount, although I still wish there was a custom mount option.
Thanks to the OP for the post and the coupon!
There is an issue with the Evo as it has a textured finish to the case. The disc has a tendency to fall off when turning to lock it.
Love the mount, this is top quality stuff and very small form factor. The disk is not noticeable on the phone (yet protects the camera)
Thanks for sharing it with us, for only $5 I figured I would get two and check 'em out. I don't want to put anything on my phone though, so I think I'll find a cheap case and use it that way. You really can't beat the price though!

New MT4G Dock released EDIT: DOES NOT USE SIDE CONTACTS

Just read this- I can't find it anywhere online yet, but it might be available in store at T-mo.
Link:
http://www.tmonews.com/2010/12/the-mytouch4g-dock-has-arrived/
EDIT: Changed title so as not to get anybodies hopes up.
(OPINION- UNDERWHELMING)
Its does NOT use the dock pins. It uses the microusb port thus does not launch the dock app. Just FYI before we get 10,000 "does it use the pins?" questions. Source.
FYI, there are links in the tmo forum that I linked where you can purchase it but EVERYWHERE is sold out already.
EDIT: Fixed source.
Awesome, thanks for the info...and the save! Lol
Sent from mytouch 4G using Tapatalk
I guess if they did have the pins, it wouldn't be able to rotate the device into the upright position. This would be more secure. When I had the N1 dock, one little nudge and the device would fall to the floor
@Kid Poker, man that's crap,o don't know if it would be practical, buy it would be nice if they make the mt4g dock in a way that it would use the micro usb and the pins, so it would stay in place better than just sitting on a few contacts.
Sent from mytouch 4G using Tapatalk
Sorry I don't have pics, but had some hands on time with the dock. It does use the usb connector and swivels, and has bluetooth. $50 in a T-Mobile store, but buy 2 $3.99 straps with it and you get 30% off. It is a snug fit. I imagine a body skin will still fit, but no case will work with it.
kitsunisan said:
Sorry I don't have pics, but had some hands on time with the dock. It does use the usb connector and swivels, and has bluetooth. $50 in a T-Mobile store, but buy 2 $3.99 straps with it and you get 30% off. It is a snug fit. I imagine a body skin will still fit, but no case will work with it.
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lol Oh tmobile, I will never understand your pricing structure- but it's awesome! As far as a snug fit- thats what I kinda figured, I bought a Zagg full skin and a SS realook for the display (a little excessive I know- but hey that 50% off black friday deal from Zagg was awesome) instead of a case, so I could use the docks when they come out. Appreciate the info... but, do you work for t-mo, how did you manage to get access to the dock already???
Why would the dock not use the pins? Can we assume other docks will come out in the future that do use them?
mountainboy said:
Appreciate the info... but, do you work for t-mo, how did you manage to get access to the dock already???
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Just walked in the store, the downtown Minneapolis store has two of them. If I had been able to split it up on my bill I would have gotten it, but my credit is burned up with the MT4G. I'll have cash on me tomorrow, I'll pick one up and play with it for a while if they're still in stock. I'll post some pics tomorrow night.
wow $50 for a dock that uses the micro usb port, i wonder if you could do better with ebay knock offs. I'm sure you can probably not as nice but it'll cost 1/5th of the price.
What is the point of having a dock like this that DOESN'T utilize the pins on the phone? That doesn't make much sense at all to me.
You missed the "bluetooth" part, I see. Still, should be at least $10 cheaper imo.
kitsunisan said:
Just walked in the store, the downtown Minneapolis store has two of them. If I had been able to split it up on my bill I would have gotten it, but my credit is burned up with the MT4G. I'll have cash on me tomorrow, I'll pick one up and play with it for a while if they're still in stock. I'll post some pics tomorrow night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I'll keep an eye out. The pics make it look a little top heavy with the phone in it- I wonder how it balances out- wonder if the base is weighted...
greenstuffs said:
wow $50 for a dock that uses the micro usb port, i wonder if you could do better with ebay knock offs. I'm sure you can probably not as nice but it'll cost 1/5th of the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah $50 is steep- the other links are showing $38 though- that seems more of a fair price if it's a legit product. I'm thinking I would buy this for use in my office, and wait for the one that makes use of the contacts to use at home.
I'm using it right now. Got it at T-Mo retail. It looks like every store only got two in-stock for some reason? I guess I could take pics, but it would be with my crappy old iPhone 2G camera, which would be really low-res and pointless. :/
So, the quick-n-dirty 'review', for those of you who are as nerdy as me:
Synapsis: Don't bother!
myTouch 4G Swivel Dock
Pros:
Nice, weighted base (where the BT antenna is housed, along with micro USB intput and 3.5mm audio out). It is definitely weighted and nice feeling.
Looks fairly sleek, despite the cheesy 'my' logo on the front of the dock.
Bottom of the 'weight' is rubberized, so it doesn't slide around.
The back of the swivel stand has the same, soft, rubberized material so the back of the phone does not scratch on the plastic.
It serves the purpose of securely (emphasis on this) docking your device. That thing isn't coming out without some force.
No Bluetooth PIN is required to pair (simply pair in BT settings).
Allows you to charge and sync over USB (think 'iPod / iPhone dock')
Streams audio from the phone to the dock, via BT.
Cons:
Does not come with an extra USB cable.
No solution to use the FM Radio without just dangling your headset off of the side (in fact, the 3.5mm from the phone is blocked by the cradle). So, so, so, very lame. I realize I could just buy a cheap FM Alarm Clock, but what's the point of having all of this cool tech in my phone if there's no practical way to use it? Wasted opportunity, if you ask me.
Getting the phone in there at first, you feel like it might be really easy to damage the USB port.
A small amount of 'rattle' to the swivel mechanism, but otherwise, sturdy.
It is somewhat difficult and awkward to seat the device into the dock; this is a really snug fit.
BT audio kind of sucks biggity balls. Highs crack and there is a general layer of compression running through everything. Basically, there's no point in playing files that are encoded at anything above 64KBPS. Listening to music on high-end speakers kind of sounds like ass. So, yeah. Not sure why they didn't just route the audio through the USB port, iPhone-style? It's not terrible, but if you're an audiophile, you will cringe a little bit. Directly inputting to the phone sounds 200x better.
There doesn't appear to be a way to pair the dock with your computer, to try and re-route the audio stream (super nerdy stuff on my part).
T-Mo, in all their wisdom, left out support for landscape viewing throughout most of the OS. Really bone-headed and stupid (same complaint I have with using the phone as a GPS device -- sideways contacts / phone = stupid).
The docking pins are not used in any way, shape, or form (no automatic 'desk mode' / no automatic alarm clock). Lame. So lame. I'm so disappointed by this, because the docking pins were one of the main reasons I went with this phone (assuming super-fancy docks would be coming out).
The 3.5mm audio cables you plug in can very easily be unseated / pulled out from a bump. I don't know if this is because I'm using super-professional-grade cables that have a hefty weight / insulation to them? But if the cable applies any pressure to the dock's input, I get the infamous analog 'BUZZZZZZ!' sound. It's not cheap, I just think the cables are too heavy-duty.
The Dock wraps over the volume and lockscreen keys. Kinda dumb, but I understand why this has to be. I imagine the BT audio normalizes anyway.
They really should've thought out how to integrate their docks with the OS a bit more.
It's not terrible, but it's not mind-blowing. I got it for 20% off, and was able to use credit from a returned accessory. I got it for about $30, and I think that's probably a more reasonable price for what amounts to nothing more than a fancy USB port with lousy Audio Out capabilities. It's a solid and safe way to charge your phone at night, basically. I'll probably keep it, but it is a bit of a letdown, if you were expecting to drop your phone into it and have it automatically launch some kind of cool interface. I think they should've routed the 3.5mm stream from the USB input, and that they should've found a way to include an FM antenna into the device to make use of the super nice FM radio app. The fact that it doesn't automatically go into Desk Dock Mode is infinitely disappointing to me.
Basically, if your only other solution was to have it nervously balance on the edge of your table, sitting on your laptop, with your cat / dog or a child running around the house? This is a much better and safer solution.
If they just built landscape support into Sense, this would be pretty sweet. But I guess that's why they have it 'swivel', right? Lame.
Feel free to ask me any more questions, if you've got 'em.
@Jon C Wow, I'm impressed! Kudos man, I have a hard time typing out a whole paragraph. Excellent review! So, is the bluetooh in the cradle just for you to be able to plug in headphones at the base of the unit, or is there a built in speaker? I like their attention to detail with the rubberized parts you mentioned. So, with the phone being such a snug fit in the cradle via the micro usb- do you think that could cause any issues with the phone potentially being docked and undocked several times daily? I was pretty bummed when I noticed that the volume rocker is covered as while I'm @ work sitting at my desk, I like to put on Pandora with the ability to adjust the volume when I have to make phone calls. I'm thinking I will just continue using my business card holder for my phone stand- it seems to have more of the functionality I'm looking for lol.
@Jon C. Thanks for the write up! I really only want the dock to prolong the live of my micro usb port and for the auto clock function (I use it on my night stand) so I will NOT be purchasing this one. I really hope they come up with something else, total waiste to have the dock pins and not use them.
Man I miss my Nexus dock!
I updated the review a little bit. Not only does the dock block the volume keys, but it blocks the lock button and the 3.5mm out.
To answer your question: No, there is no speaker on the dock, simply a 3.5mm out.
Also, I need to stress how annoyingly difficult it is to actually seat the phone. The dock feels like it was engineered back when the phone was called the 'myTouch HD', and probably had slightly different dimensions (much like the gel cases, which do not fit exactly).
I really have to jam the phone hard against the back of the dock, to line up the USB port. I could easily see the USB port getting damaged from repeated 'misses'. The stupid little USB connector actually put a nice little dent into the side of my soft-touch paint.
Man, how the **** do you mess this up? What a letdown.
Sadly, guys, I don't think we're going to get anything better. That said, I'm really thinking about taking this thing back, based on how impossibly hard it is to even get the phone in there to begin with.
Jeez! Yeah I would take that thing back for sure. That really sucks that the stupid thing dented the side of your phone! They should give you something cool for free ;p...I'm just sayin...
Sent from mytouch 4G using Tapatalk
Normally, my OCD would require that I swap out my current phone for another one. However, with all of the bull**** with the variances in screen quality and so forth, I'd rather not push my luck. Plus, the reps at all of the T-Mo stores around here are kind of pushy / annoying and get angry when you want to swap out phones.
Still, I am pissed. Super lame, T-Mo and HTC. What the hell were you idiots thinking?
I hope a third-party makes a dock with pin support. Odds of that happening? Slim-to-none.
Yeah, I can understand the ocd thing lol! You do have a very sad but true point about a new hit or miss phone. Just to clarify though, who is the manufacturer of the dock- HTC or tmo? You would think that they would come out with some kind of dock to utilize those contacts on the side of the phone.
Sent from myTouch 4G using XDA app

Car Dock Kit

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns/Accessories/AccessoryDetailPopUp.aspx?accessory=916075f6-938d-4ce1-a6d3-69a685769d1a&inCart=True&catCode=22
I travel alot and one of the main reasons I bought the GS2 was for the big screen to use with Nav. Just ordered this today. Will post pics and review
REVIEW:
Got the dock today. Gotta say, not too bad. Although I don’t really think it’s worth more than about $25 tops. The build quality is ok. Everything is plastic, but it feels kind of light (the suction holder). Guess that’s a good thing if it’s being mounted to the windshield.
What’s included: Phone Dock, Suction Holder, Car Charger, Sticky suction pad (to use on your dash)
Suction Holder
There are 3 main components to this. The suction it pretty heavy duty. Probably better than my Garmin windshield mount. Once positioned on the glass, there’s a lever you push down drawing the air out making for a pretty good and strong contact. To release it from the windshield is just as easy. Just pull the same lever up to release.
The holder allows for full 360 rotation of the phone. Loosen the round knob to position and tighten. Once tightened, it’s pretty snug.
Where the phone dock connects, the suction holder has a little spring loaded push lever that’s used to clamp the phone dock to the holder. Same method is used to release the phone dock.
Phone Dock
Again, it’s pretty light. I wouldn’t say it’s feels cheap but just really light. The phone fits in pretty sung. It’s definitely not going anywhere. The dock also has a cut out for the camera, which is nice if you want to take pics of the road or maybe even a video of the guy in front of you with a lowered Silverado with a mural of his trunk on his tailgate 
Once the phone is in, the bottom end of the phone dock slides in and out making the usb contact. On the back of the dock, you have a micro usb port for charging and a 3.5mm line out jack. My only concern is with time, this portion will get loose. Seems like there’s 2 positions this click into as you slide it one way or the other.
Car Charger
It’s a micro usb car charger. Nothing more to say. Always good to have a spare one.
The dock definitely DOES NOT accept the phone with any cases. Don’t know about skins though. It’s a pretty sung fit with. Going to head over to TMO sometime this week and pick up the a ZAGG Dry application skin and see.
Figured it would, but as soon as you slide the plug from the dock into the phone, it goes into car mode right away, even without it being plugged into a power source. This can be deactivated by going into notifications and clicking Deactivate Car mode.
All in all, I’d have to say I’m pretty pleased with it. Not really pleased about how much it costs, but hey…It would have been nice for them to include an audio cable with the package. I bought this to replace my older Garmin Nav. Figure it’s much easier having this than traveling with the Garmin.
Update: Looks like this is going back. The line-out doesn't work. Getting no sound
smellmyfingers said:
http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/AddOns/Accessories/AccessoryDetailPopUp.aspx?accessory=916075f6-938d-4ce1-a6d3-69a685769d1a&inCart=True&catCode=22
I travel alot and one of the main reasons I bought the GS2 was for the big screen to use with Nav. Just ordered this today. Will post pics and review
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does anyone else find it interesting that all of these same accessories cost $29.95 with the Vibrant and now cost $44.95 with the SGSII?
Thinking of picking this up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Exogear-Exo...ccessories&hash=item588ef6bfb4#ht_4693wt_1270
Seems like a decent quality holder that will work no matter any case I use.
luckyduck69 said:
does anyone else find it interesting that all of these same accessories cost $29.95 with the Vibrant and now cost $44.95 with the SGSII?
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Click to collapse
Nope. Makes sense, T-Mobile just released the phone so they hiked up all prices on "new" accessories. It's all naming/branding my man.
Looks nice...if u get it post some pics please.
I have one but makes too much noise when the car moves.
Tmo Galaxy S2
http://www.amazon.com/MSW-Exogear-E...ZLOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319143393&sr=8-6
It is cheaper on Amazon. I am searching for a few other universals and I will make a decision in a day or two.
Was feeling frisky so picked it up at the store with the phone. Works great but the phone is held rather tightly and requires two hands to remove it when getting out of your car. Might loosen a bit over time, but a PITA for now. Phone also recognizes that this is a car dock (as opposed to desktop dock) and kicks on the VoiceTalk app automatically. Kind of nice.
-- edit --
Used a universal on my last phone... have to say that having the charger plug into the mount directly is hands-down worth the extra money. I hated having to find the dangling end of the usb cord every time I got in my truck... especially in the dark. With the made-for-it mount, you sit the phone in the mount and then slide the bottom part up which engages the charge and locks in the phone. All with one hand.
-GP
Dsmwookie said:
http://www.amazon.com/MSW-Exogear-E...ZLOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1319143393&sr=8-6
It is cheaper on Amazon. I am searching for a few other universals and I will make a decision in a day or two.
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Click to collapse
Have one and the best part about this mount is that it sticks to almost part in my car. Aside from the really curved parts.
Bought my first car dock for my old Vibrant few months ago, now have to get it again for my new SGS2. Like before I am getting OEM directly from Samsung website. Not sure what TM sells but the one I saw in their store looks pretty crappy from some 3rd party vendor.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
The car dock... excuse me, "vehicle navigation mount" I got at the t-mo store two days ago is a Samsung-branded accessory. Guy had to actually open the box that UPS delivered that morning. Perhaps your store didn't have them yet?
Good for you! I guess the TM store I had a pleasure to visit had different model on display. Looked really ugly comparing to oem model.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 8.9 using XDA Premium
esdwa said:
Good for you! I guess the TM store I had a pleasure to visit had different model on display. Looked really ugly comparing to oem model.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab 8.9 using XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they should start getting them in. There OEM it should be in green and white box with samsung all over it
$64,000 question: will it work with a case?
What do you think of these Herbert Richter German made windshield mount? The mount is used in a Pioneer AVIC-F500BT GPS which is quite heavy.
ctkatz said:
$64,000 question: will it work with a case?
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Click to collapse
Probably not as it is made to fit the device snugly. This is why I use a pouch belt clip as I use my phone all the time for navigation and can't be taking a case on and off every time.
My Exogear mint will be here tomorrow. I'll let you know how it is. Cost $18 shipped off Amazon.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Some quick shots of my Exogear mount. Sticks to just about any surface and holds most phones in a case. Video is uploading as we speak.
---------- Post added at 06:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------
http://youtu.be/PApQgF4Q8Lk
cheap but nice mount
Just rec this mount ordered 2 one for my s2 and one fr my wifes vibrant really pleased with them ordered one more {ebay}Samsung Galaxy S II T989 Heavy Duty Windshield Premium Car Mount Phone Holder
Bummer. I need one that works with cases and has a longer arm to position the unit closer to the dash from the deeply set window. I really liked my previous one that I got from Amazon, but the bearing wore out or something and it won't stay in any position other than limply hanging down now...
Thanks for the review!
Splaktar said:
Bummer. I need one that works with cases and has a longer arm to position the unit closer to the dash from the deeply set window. I really liked my previous one that I got from Amazon, but the bearing wore out or something and it won't stay in any position other than limply hanging down now...
Thanks for the review!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you referring to mine? It works with a case on.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using Tapatalk

Headrest Mounts - Grip Daddy or other?

I decided that I'd go ahead and get a tablet so I went with this device. I primarily got this so my daughter could watch movies on car trips and my wife can dub around the net at home. Most all the mounting discussion seems to be front-seat mounts but I'm looking to mount for the back seat, prefereable on a driver's side headrest. I was looking at the Grip Daddy (http://gripdaddymounts.com/) mounts, and debating between the two they offer but I havne't been able to find too much about them.
I was wondering if anyone had any feedback or experience with them, or alternatives they'd prefer? I'm looking for rear-headrest mounting and would prefer the ability to position it near the middlle, but directly behind the driver's headrest is also fine. ('08 Dodge Caravan)
Thanks for any suggestions, or even tips in general about mounting this thing.
Wouldn't something like this work as well for a fraction?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320731033899?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Thanks for the response, I didn't articulate that clearly enough, but that's the reason I'm asking. I see a lot of mounts that are around that price, but I didn't know if there was something about the Grip Daddy and it's $60 price tag that actually made it worth it, or if the inexpensive non OEM ebay/amazon items are as good as OEM. (That's what I usually buy for my cell phones)
I haven't seen any discussion about headrest mounts at all so I was just kind of throwing it out there in case there was someone else who had experience with this type of mount. I'll just end up getting the cheap one and posting something about it.
The Grip Daddy defenitivly looks more robust, but is it worth it?
I don't know if the eBay / Chineese stuff is sturdy or loose, but usually it's "decent enough". And for the price, well, even if it's a worthless peace of junk, it's 10$ so you will still be able to put food on the table!
I will most likely buy one in the next month or so, I'll let you know if you didn't got one by then!
NOTE: The Grip Daddy is installed on the "upper" part of the headrest, that might be a problem if it's used by kids (mostly)
Well, my daughter is young so she wont be interacting with it unsupervised. We're basically only going to use it as a television for longer car trips so with her strapped in her car seat, this will be just the right distance away.
I went ahead and ordered this one. I didn't want to buy from overseas, as well as wait for the overseas shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360394774751
I'll post back, with some pix about how it goes.
Spovik said:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360394774751
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So I got this in today and I set it up. I can't say I'm too impressed. It's probably fine, unless you hit a bump. It's flimsy and cheap. I initially mounted it with the support holding the tablet upward, but that was way too flimsy. I opted to mount it going down rather than up and I figure if I can put some sort of support behind it to make it secure, but overall it will get the job done.
If you're looking for a headrest mount and plan on using it relatively regularly, I'd spend a little extra for a more rugged mount.
I'm in my third cheap headrest mount. They all broke on the same spot, the pivot joint, different brands bought on amazon and eBay...enough. the grip daddy seems interesting and cheaper than the pad holder...can't decide yet.
Oh yeah, what broke them was my 7 year old daughter
Leaving the car with the backpack, other times, the 2nd row seat laying on it for passengers coming in and out of the 3rd row.
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I totally agree with you.
Mine has not broken in over a year of operation, but it makes noise. it is always creaking if it is holding a tablet. I am looking from something more robust as well and had not seen that one that you found. There was another brand out there that looked promising for a $30 price range, but I cannot think of the name right now. (Arkon? http://www.arkon.com/tablet-accessories/universal-tablet-headrest-mount.html).
Anywho, If anyone tries out the Gripdaddy, I would love to know how it works. That creaking is driving me insane!!!
I ended up buying the proclip mount. No ball joints, it's aespherical joint hold together by a screw. Can't easily break this. Expensive, but versatile, since i already have a coupke of device holders.
Proclipusa.com
do you already have it, or are you waiting for it?
I noticed that they did not list the GT 10.1 in the drop down box...
crashmw said:
do you already have it, or are you waiting for it?
I noticed that they did not list the GT 10.1 in the drop down box...
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I'm waiting for it. After i got just the headrest support bits, I ordered the 10.1 holders from the main page, they're suppose to be compatible with any device holder they sell.
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Okay, got it, installed one, going to install the other later today.
BEST HEADREST MOUNT EVER. Solid as a rock, at least as solid as your seat/headrest poles. It can stay as close to the back of the seat/headrest as you want, so if any removable case [edit: holder] could be slick, this is it. The other ones I bought on ebay/Amazon (4 in total, all broken by kids/3rd row seat reclining) were big, and they would leave the tablet in the way (say when the kids need to go through one door only). Not this one.
As a bonus, since I bought the slide mounts (male/female) so that the tablet mount is removable, it can leave virtually no trace there's a mount there, quick and easy in/out.
Very expensive for what it is, but you're not paying for the material, but for the engineering. At least that's what I told myself after forking close to $250.00 for it...grr.
Thanks for the follow up,but $250 is not worth it to me. We don't spend enough time in the car at this point to justify me spending that much money on a mount.
If you're happy with it, that's what counts.
anyone else find any lower priced successful options?
Go with Gripdaddy
Although Gripdaddy is a bit more pricey ($60 instead of $10), yes, there is a reason. Unlike the other cheaper models, Gripdaddy does not just break. I've had mine for several months, and it has yet to fail me. It's not made out of cheap plastic - it LASTS! I don't see the shaking either. Instead of spending tons of money replacing the cheap, plastic headrest mounts - I suggest buying the Gripdaddy once and not worrying about future problems.

DIY(sorta) Car Dock

In case anyone is interested. I have a MilestoneX (DroidX variant) with an Otterbox case on it. I really wanted a dock for my truck but obviously the Motorola one doesn't work with an Otterbox without modification. In searching for the perfect mount I came across the almost perfect solution at http://www.slipgripcarmounts.com The mounts run right around $25 but of course they don't trigger the Car Dock app like the Motorola one. I did some searching on the web to find out what tells the phone that it's on a multimedia/car dock and turns out it's a magnet. After playing with the magnets from a restaurant name tag I discovered that one polarity activates the multimedia dock and the other activates the car dock A little super glue and some drying time later and I have a car dock that mimics the Moto dock with Otterbox intact and it was a good bit cheaper too!
Yeah those guys do make the best docks besides the OEM stuff, still sucks that you have to plug in a cord every time you dock it though and a second 3.5mm jack for audio out unless using bluetooth... I just used a rocketfish case and a little time with a dremel to make the Moto dock work with a case and it is by far the slickest setup I've ever had with a car accessory. I do wish I had known about these guys when I was using my Epic 4G though, I had a Seidio ActiveX case on that and my god I HATE the clamp style universal mounts. I'm sorry but those things are trash and look like crap too.
I just wish more manufacturers (looking straight at you HTC), would realize that the majority of people out there (or at least people I know) use cases and don't like the fact that they can't use the good docks with their case. I mean seriously, deductibles are often $80+ up to $99 for some people even if you do have phone insurance. Not having a case=1 "oh chit" and there goes $100 down the drain and no phone for 2 days while they ship you a new one. Every time I see someone with a naked phone, especially an iCrap, I just shake my head.
That's awesome! Ill have to look into one of these, I use an old Life Hacker binder clip mount I made about a year ago, works well but I have been thinking about getting something nicer.
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Thanks for the info.
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