Develop Bugs

Cases for car-holders, or car-holders for cases!

Hi,
Ordered my Orbit, and looking forward to it - may have finally got an XDA that I'll keep long term. Have had II, IIi, S, mini, Exec, so it would be nice if so!
My first post for a while - as usually the info I want I can find in a search. Except this one!
I'd really like a case for the Orbit - either a skin-type, or the alum' one. However I also need a car holder for it, with tough UK no-mobile-phones in cars rules insisting on this. Ideally one with a power speaker & mic, like the up-coming Seidio.
The question - does anyone know of a case/car holder combo that works together without having to remove the PDA from the case? I know you can get the cases with a magnetic back and corresponding holder, however would rather avoid this approach if possible.
Oh - and just to clarify, the case needs to still be pocket sized, so the usual large clip things sticking out the back will be no good. Maybe someone has "invented" their own solution? I figure the alum' one is modifiable, so am thinking that may be the best bet - just need some ideas for mounting! (esp' bearing in mind would like a active powered holder).
Thanks all!

I think you will struggle to find an active mount with speaker due to the audio output being part of the mini USB connector on these devices.
Take a look at Brodit 848714 for a passive holder or Brodit 968714 for an active version (charging only). These are just the holders, you will need a Pro-Clip to suit your vehicle, I also recommend a "Move it" clip between the Pro-Clip and the holder, it makes removal quick and efficiant, leaving just the small pro-clip in the vehicle (less chance of some low-life breaking in because a mount is on show). - These are quality holders, not the cheapest, but then do you want your new toy flying around the car due to a crappy mount?
For the audio output you could use Bluetooth - I have had my Artemis connected via BT and playing through the car stereo, a little low in volume but the quality was very good - Mike

Cheers Mike,
I've already got the brodit system - used it with both the IIi and S, so have the bracket etc. The brodit holders will not allow for any type of case (skin, alum, etc) - and I cannot see how to modify them to suit. The brodit bracket itself is just a platform, so have used with many other holders.
The Seidio case I refered to is (yet to be released):
http://www.handnav-hosting.co.uk/product_details.php?id=2373
I guess what I'm hoping for is a brand that makes a case, plus a compatible car holder that supplies at least power.
Worse case I'll most likely get alum pdair case, stick a magnet to the back, and just plug in a charge cable each time (and use bluetooth car-kit).
Thanks,

My solution
I have a siemens hcw600 bluetooth car kit - works superbly if you install jetware and the address book swap. DId this on my Mini S and now on my new Orbit...
I also got a standatd multi-way pda adapter off eby... if you get one with adjustable feet on the bottom, put the Orbit in, connect the usb, then slide the feet tight up to the usb... then add a few strategic drops of superglue to the feet and usb, and you have a fixed connector... this also works if the unit is i a case - just make sure its in the case and positioned before you clue the usb to the holder....

Great sounding tip - may give that a go! I did notice that the Orbit is now thin (width) enough to fit lots of mobile phone holders on their widest setting.
Going to review one of these new PDAHut mounts in the mean time.... Will let you know what it's like.

Car dock

Anyone know of a good car dock for the Aria that sits on the dashboard for navigation.

demo_guy69 said:
Anyone know of a good car dock for the Aria that sits on the dashboard for navigation.
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Click to collapse
I am not affiliated to the suggested company but have bought from them on multiple occasions.
They should have what you are looking for. Very good build quality as well.
proclipusa.com

From ProClip: for HTC Aria and HTC HD Mini
proclipusa<DOT>com/brodit-device-holder/at&t-htc-aria/charging-holder-with-tilt-swivel-and-straight-power-cord-for-fixed-installation-513142-18221<DOT>aspx
Kind of expensive though.

helluvamatt said:
Kind of expensive though.
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Yeah, that's pretty much Proclip's deal. They do make phenomenal products, but they charge phenomenal prices too.
One saving grace is that they sell the car mount portion separate from the device grip, so you can buy the car side once and just swap the device side out as you move from phone to phone.
I love the mount I have, but I'm not 100% sure as to whether I think it was worth the cost. If it was maybe 2/3rds to 3/4s the price, I don't think I'd have the same reservations, but at this price point, I'd do some serious looking at universal mounts before dropping the change on a ProClip rig.

I found a Car Mount on eBay for $7. eBay item #: 400148176134 (Enter the number in eBay search, I'm a new member so I can't post links). The eBay merchant (sak.gaming) is based in Hong Kong and it probably is going to take two weeks for the thing to get here (I live in Edmond, Oklahoma, US), but it seems like a good deal. It says the mount is for the HTC Aria/Liberty (We know the Liberty is HTC's code name for the Aria), yet the picture shows the HD Mini. It has been confirmed that the HTC HD Mini and Aria are basically the exact same phone, just one has WinMo and the other is Android. The plus side to the mount I found is that it could also be used as a desk mount, I will report back when I receive the mount. (Ordered on 8/28, could take two weeks)

Aria / HD Mini Accessories
The HTC Aria/Liberty/Intruder/A6366 is the exact same form factor as the HD Mini (and the hardware specs seem identical - only difference is the OS). Anyway, I found this distributer's site that has car mounts, desk docks, adapters, etc.
www<dot>netimes<dot>com/shop/htc-dopod-htc-hd-mini-c-80_754.html?page=1&sort=20a
Desk docks on the first page and car mounts on the second. I haven't ordered any nor have I ever ordered from the distributer, but their prices are pretty cheap (have not checked on shipping).
Now if only the Aria had audio outs through its usb port, but I don't think that is the case since HTC got so much negative feedback on their extUSB jack that was also used for a headphone out.
Let me know about the quality if anyone orders from here.

demo_guy69 said:
Anyone know of a good car dock for the Aria that sits on the dashboard for navigation.
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Click to collapse
I'm using an Arkon vent clip mount... $15 shipped from Amazon, and is a lot more solid than I imagined.
Let me know if you want pictures.

What is the model number of the Arkon you bought at Amazon?

The Arkon car mounts that I found are universal phone mounts. One product holds just about any device. The Arkon website lists most of their products for $20 and that is what I paid for one from Best Buy. I ended up returning it because the vent clips were cheap plastic and they broke off inside the vents. That one was not Arkon, but was very similar. Hopefully yours is more substantial.

helluvamatt said:
The Arkon car mounts that I found are universal phone mounts. One product holds just about any device. The Arkon website lists most of their products for $20 and that is what I paid for one from Best Buy. I ended up returning it because the vent clips were cheap plastic and they broke off inside the vents. That one was not Arkon, but was very similar. Hopefully yours is more substantial.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine seems to hold up fairly well.
SM429-SBH is the model of the one I purchased... but there are many on the market and I chose a vent mount as I drive an older compact car... (2000 Subaru Impreza)
I took pics for one member and will post them shortly, after dinner.

I guess a thank you is in order. A wee bit off topic, but Arkon is the only company I've found that makes a mount specific for the TomTom XL, called the easy port. I've had mine for at least a year and have broken the flimsy POS suction ring mount TomTom gives you. Arkon makes a pretty substantial looking EasyPort mount. Amazon has it for $9.99. I ordered it; if it is worth a darn, then it says something about the rest of their products. So thank you ioft for pointing my curiosity in the right direction, so that I stumble upon the solution to a problem I've had for a few months ($119 decent GPS unit I can't use).

helluvamatt said:
I guess a thank you is in order. A wee bit off topic, but Arkon is the only company I've found that makes a mount specific for the TomTom XL, called the easy port. I've had mine for at least a year and have broken the flimsy POS suction ring mount TomTom gives you. Arkon makes a pretty substantial looking EasyPort mount. Amazon has it for $9.99. I ordered it; if it is worth a darn, then it says something about the rest of their products. So thank you ioft for pointing my curiosity in the right direction, so that I stumble upon the solution to a problem I've had for a few months ($119 decent GPS unit I can't use).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NP! I hope it works out for you.

Pics! Excuse the messy car. The mount is adjustable in terms of phone fitment and swivel. The bottom "feet" can also be slid out of the way of the charge, microphone, and lanyard ports. The side "grips" and bottom "feet" also have cushions on them to prevent scratches and such. I've also included a video showing that the phone is secure in the mount, and the "creaky" sound you hear is my vent... car is old -- it's a 2000 lol.
Taken from my old N82.

Where is the magnet detect on the aria that senses the dock? If there is indeed such a thing.
Sent from my (liberated) HTC Liberty using XDA App

duckredbeard said:
Where is the magnet detect on the aria that senses the dock? If there is indeed such a thing.
Sent from my (liberated) HTC Liberty using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one I own ("dock") isn't a true dock in the sense of connectivity & screen control. It just holds the phone. Navigation/Maps app keeps the screen on.

I ordered the arkon SM429-SBH, directly from manufacturer for $21.95, never received. I attempted contact several times, and will likely have to file a payment dispute.
I did however purchase the same unit from Amazon, $14.88 when I combined other items (from filleritem.com), to get to 25$ for free shipping. The dock seems somewhat wobbly at first, but when you finally get it situated, gravity and the click grip thing work very nicely together. I have an audio input cable for my head unit that I wired up around the top to plug into it, and my power cable wraps around the audio cable (curly cord), so that it hangs nicely below where the phone sits. I may post pictures if anyone is interested.
Please do not try to order this product directly from Arkon.

[Q] Vibrant Car Dock Help

Just purchased the Vibrant, and I am desperately looking for a car mount for it. I have no problems finding one on ebay and wherever else...
My problem is that I use this phone for GPS/Phone/Mp3 player, I need a car dock that will mount to the windshield (or dash) and is able to be rotated from horizontal to vertical, "WITHOUT" having to loosen a knob, and re-tighten it...looking for one i can flip on the fly... I listen to long mp3 pod casts (with commercials in between (to skip through) and for whatever reason, this phone..when flipped horizontally switches to a screen to flip through songs and gives you play and pause controls...no Fast Forward / Rewind buttons....what the hell!!!??? anyways, so while docked, when the podcast gets to a commercial, i need to be able to flip the phone vertical to get my FF/RW buttons, get back into the program and flip back to horizontal to get back to navi...
Anyone know of a good mount to do this??? Vibrant is somewhat new, so it does not necessarily have to be made specifically for it, but if you know of a good universal one that will fit vibrant's dimensions, let me know..

There are tons of mounts, both galaxy specific and universal, available on ebay. Don't have time to find one for you at the moment but if I go looking later I'll post back for ya.There's also atleast one thread here with tons of car mounts. That might be the best place for you to start looking as theres a bunch of pictures, reviews, and links. Good luck.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8046869&postcount=101
This one is mounted using a ball joint, that tightens with a ring. I find that you can tighten the ring as such that it is both firm enough to hold the orientation of the dock during driving, but loose enough that you can still easily rotate it.
The rest of the thread also has many examples of other car docks, mostly universal ones. Read through them and I'm sure you'll get an idea of which ones can rotate or not, or perhaps ask some of them there if its not clear. There a few of these posts here and also in the i9000 accessories forum, so seriously do some searching and digging, the threads are not that old.

Better Car Mount or Holder for LG Nitro HD

After trying several car mount, I almost give up
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Qu...BEV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332967645&sr=8-1
This is the one I am currently using. However, the lower part of the holder always touches the power down button, which mutes the GPS!
What car mount do you use?

ssoonngg123 said:
After trying several car mount, I almost give up
http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Qu...BEV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332967645&sr=8-1
This is the one I am currently using. However, the lower part of the holder always touches the power down button, which mutes the GPS!
What car mount do you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use a big binder clip. It's super cheap and works better than any holder I've tried from eBay.
http://lifehacker.com/5747897/how-to-build-a-car-mount-for-your-cellphone-from-office-supplies

I use the Samsung Car Dock for the GS2/Infuse 4G. I've removed the little cover for the micro USB port and the Samsung dock works perfectly; charges and keeps my Nitro HD secure.

SolusCado said:
I use the Samsung Car Dock for the GS2/Infuse 4G. I've removed the little cover for the micro USB port and the Samsung dock works perfectly; charges and keeps my Nitro HD secure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the hint! I am going to get one.
LG phone with Samsung Dock

996gt2 said:
Just use a big binder clip. It's super cheap and works better than any holder I've tried from eBay.
http://lifehacker.com/5747897/how-to-build-a-car-mount-for-your-cellphone-from-office-supplies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is our Nitro HD too heavy to be hold by the "thin" holder?

ssoonngg123 said:
Is our Nitro HD too heavy to be hold by the "thin" holder?
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Click to collapse
Nope, my Nitro HD + TPU case works fine with a 2" binder clip in a Honda Accord. I've used it as a GPS on 4 hour drives and it was much more stable than a windshield-mounted holder with a flexible arm.

ssoonngg123 said:
Thanks for the hint! I am going to get one.
LG phone with Samsung Dock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know; who'd have thought?

This isnt the exact same one i purchased, but it looks extremely similar to it. The padded arms that hold the sides or the top and bottom (you can rotate it while its mounted) are individually adjustable so its easy to position them out of the way of buttons while leaving the buttons fully accessible, and the phone secured perfectly.
It comes with two attachments, one allows you to hook it to your heater vents and the other is the window mount.
The window mount is not very long, but very sturdy! This is what i currently use in my car. The vent mount is very nice and sturdy, but it seems its meant to permanently attach to the vents. I first tried to use it since it keeps it out of my window area, but because of the way my vents are setup in my car, it pointed the phone in a bad direction and there's no left-right adjustments that you can do other than the normal movement from the room available from the clips, so upon trying to correct it, the two mounting clips broke and its no longer usable.
Either way, it works out perfect! But again, the one listed is only close to the one i purchased. I picked that one to list though because its from radio shack, where i purchased mine. I went out to the car and there's not a single branding label on it anywhere! crazy..
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3386930#

996gt2 said:
Just use a big binder clip. It's super cheap and works better than any holder I've tried from eBay.
http://lifehacker.com/5747897/how-to-build-a-car-mount-for-your-cellphone-from-office-supplies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just ghetto...Ghetto FABULOUS!!
Just so happens the big binders and strong rubber bands are items available at my work supply closet! The only thing better than a DIY project is a DIY project with parts you can get for free!

996gt2 said:
Nope, my Nitro HD + TPU case works fine with a 2" binder clip in a Honda Accord. I've used it as a GPS on 4 hour drives and it was much more stable than a windshield-mounted holder with a flexible arm.
Click to expand...
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Namuna said:
That's just ghetto...Ghetto FABULOUS!!
Just so happens the big binders and strong rubber bands are items available at my work supply closet! The only thing better than a DIY project is a DIY project with parts you can get for free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Namuna, have u or anybody else here tried the modified binder clip? I'm currently trying to make one, but I realize that the "arms" seem to be a bit too short to hold it in place. Either it will slip of the top arm or the bottom one every now and then. I've curved them slightly more upwards to give it more of a hold, but it doesn't seem to wanna hold. I wonder if we replace the body of the binder clip with a smaller one and just use the longer arms whether it will work better?
996gt2, would you mind posting a pic or two to show how it looks with yours? Mine just seems to barely hold it, and constantly slips off the arms.

I've found that the Garmin Nuvi 200 mounts like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Windscr...ers_Mounts&hash=item3a6b7428f1#ht_1996wt_1163 work great with no modification with my body glove dimensions case on, easy to slip the phone in and out of it.
I've also used this same mount on my previous phones with slight modifications (Motorola Photon 4g and Samsung Captivate) which involves using a lighter to melt the sides to the right size.
Also this one looks like it would do the trick http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-ORI...ers_Mounts&hash=item1c2690c51d#ht_11995wt_905

0mfgroflmao said:
I've found that the Garmin Nuvi 200 mounts like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Windscr...ers_Mounts&hash=item3a6b7428f1#ht_1996wt_1163 work great with no modification with my body glove dimensions case on, easy to slip the phone in and out of it.
I've also used this same mount on my previous phones with slight modifications (Motorola Photon 4g and Samsung Captivate) which involves using a lighter to melt the sides to the right size.
Also this one looks like it would do the trick http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-ORI...ers_Mounts&hash=item1c2690c51d#ht_11995wt_905
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So r u currently using that very Garmin nuvi mount? And it holds the phone nicely and stably? I find that sometimes these mounts lean sideways when I have both power n 3.5mm jack plugged in. If u r using the mount pls take a pic of the phone in the mount so I can see how well it holds it. For that price, if it works well, I'd rather go with that. I'm spending way more already with the DIY mount clip lol.
Sent from my LG-P930 using xda app-developers app

Pro clips for HTC ONE

So I have a pro clip (http://www.proclipusa.com/) and have been using it for a few years now (since my iPhone 3GS) and every time I swap out the Holder for my new phone (obviously).
I really like their style because it's pretty minimalist and doesn't involve suction cups. HOWEVER, the latest one I have been using for my iphone 4s (with bumper) was less than stellar (This: http://www.proclipusa.com/?sectionp...r=false&have_mount=true&p_pageid=16488&dtype= )
They started using a 'one size fits all' type of product where you basically size your devise and screw in the adjustable sides. The sides ALWAYS slip and I have to re-tighten them. It's really a pain.
It also appears that they don't have support YET for the HTC One (another bummer).
I want to keep Vehicle mount and I am wondering if there is a way to hybridize the custom vehicle mount with something like this: http://www.amazon.com/GreatShield-Windshield-Dashboard-Universal-Holster/dp/B0090SB1CE/
Again, trying to stay away from the window suction cups which seems nearly unavoidable.
Anyone find a good solution to the proclips problem? Really unfortunate that they chose to skimp on quality and haven't updated for the ONE...

I've been checking the proclip website for an HTC One mount as well. As you said, no such luck so far.
One possible (but not very elegant) solution involves the HTC One official car dock (D160 or whatever the model number is). HTC dock uses a suction cup and comes with a flat plastic disc with a sticky pad on one side. The normal use for that disc is to stick it on your dashboard to create the flat and glossy surface ideal for the suction cup at the bottom of the actual dock. It should be possible to stick this disc to the proclip vehicle mount and suction-mount the official HTC car dock on top of it.
As I said, not very elegant, but it is one way to convert your proclip vehicle mount to a suction mount point. And you can probably go back to a proclip device docks by removing the sticky disk in the future.

ardabey said:
I've been checking the proclip website for an HTC One mount as well. As you said, no such luck so far.
One possible (but not very elegant) solution involves the HTC One official car dock (D160 or whatever the model number is). HTC dock uses a suction cup and comes with a flat plastic disc with a sticky pad on one side. The normal use for that disc is to stick it on your dashboard to create the flat and glossy surface ideal for the suction cup at the bottom of the actual dock. It should be possible to stick this disc to the proclip vehicle mount and suction-mount the official HTC car dock on top of it.
As I said, not very elegant, but it is one way to convert your proclip vehicle mount to a suction mount point. And you can probably go back to a proclip device docks by removing the sticky disk in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, that may be something to look into. At least for the time being until ProClip comes out with something...
Wonder how long it takes for them to announce a new device mount...

Grumpy Bob said:
Hmm, that may be something to look into. At least for the time being until ProClip comes out with something...
Wonder how long it takes for them to announce a new device mount...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I haven't been too impressed with ProClip in the last few years. The holder they had for the Galaxy S3 was really expensive. Too expensive for what it was...
I'm happy that we have an official car dock from HTC.

The ProClip holders for the HTC One are in production. Within 1-2 weeks they will have them in stock. Just send them an email to get on the notification list. [email protected]
Attached is an image of their HTC One holder with a USB/Car charger. The other standard ones they will have as well.

Proclip sells a suction cup disc: http://www.proclipusa.com/brodit-de.../suction-cup-dashboard-disc-710643-14367.aspx
I'm not sure if it just uses two-sided tape to attach or if there are screw holes so you can attach it properly. Unfortunately the link for the install instructions is broken so I can't really tell.
EDIT: Just sent an email to Proclip to see if it uses adhesive or a screw.
EDIT 2: Got a response, there is adhesive on the back so it's no better than any other disc out there.