Gary Garland, Esq.
04-27-2003, 07:00 PM
The ProClip mounting system is a unique approach to mount your PDA, phone, or other desired accessory in your vehicle. It comes with a hefty price tag - is it worth it? Read on to find out...<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-proclipphoto.jpg" /> <br /> <!><i>Looking for a way to mount your Pocket PC, cellular phone, or other device/item in your vehicle? Chances are ProClip has a solution for your needs.</i><br /><br />The ProClip system is designed to be semi-permanently installed in your vehicle, but can be removed with “zero residual presence.” (Thank you, Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible 1.) The ProClip system originated in Sweden, with the idea that taxi owners could install and remove a system without damaging their vehicle’s interiors.<br /><br /><b><span>Just what are these things?</span></b><br />The ProClip (no “s,” thank you) system consists of two parts - the actual “clip,” called the dashboard mount, and the holder/cradle for your device.<br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-rearnonpowered.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 1: The ball and socket on a non-powered mount.</i><br /><br />The clip, as you may imagine, attaches to the dashboard or console within your vehicle - typically around a vent. Notice the operative word around - the ProClip is wedged between your vent frame and the vehicle’s interior, forming a very strong union. Contrast to other manufacturer’s vent mounts, which merely attach to wobbly insecure vent louvers.<br /><br />The other half of this union is the actual device holder - ProClip has a large array of holders to secure almost anything you can imagine.<br /><br /><b><span>Secrets?</b></span><br />The secret behind the ProClip system is a lot of hard work - engineers from ProClip work with auto manufacturers to accurately measure the strange sizes and shapes found in vehicular interiors. The installation instructions are a great model for other manufacturers to follow - instead of something generic, their black and white photographic instruction sheet shows your car’s interior and the exact steps to install the clip - installation is so simple, even a Gary can do it!<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-volvoclip.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: Notice the precision grooves on the clip.</i><br /><br /><b><span>Installation - Passat</b></span><br />The first ProClip installation I attempted was on a 2001.5 “New” Passat - yes, that’s how Volkswagen named this mid-year model. Anyway, the ProClip vent installation went without a hitch, even on a cold, snowy morning. I was fairly certain the cold would hamper installation - the clip might be less forgiving, the car’s vinyl dash would not be supple, etc. On the contrary, the clip installed in about 30 seconds - and that was while being careful and slow. Removal took a bit of elbow grease - far more force than the clip would encounter under normal conditions, but not so difficult as to be a gift to the next car’s owner.<br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-passatbeforeafter.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 3: Before installation? Actually, the ProClip was previously installed and removed - ZERO damage!</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-passatpartial.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 4: Naked clip partially installed</i><br /><br />The clever auxiliary mount for the Passat installed just about as easily. ProClip included a removal tool with the unit. I never realized the plastic dummy panel could be removed, but the removal tool made quick work of it and installation of the auxiliary mount was simple, with a perfect fit. A dull black sticker to cover the screw would have helped complete the overall appearance. The fit and finish were firm and looked OEM.<br /><br />ProClip includes the appropriate mounting screws and bolts to attach the device holders to the clips. Also, their device holders come with double sided tape. I opted not to remove the backing as I knew these clips would be returning to the manufacturer.<br /><br />I tried the two PDA holders ProClip sent - the first was an unpowered holder with a pivot ball. Installation was as simple as unscrewing the ball cup from the mount (about five seconds), securing the cup to the clip (10 seconds), and re-screwing the ball into the cup (another five seconds). (I had previously removed the clip from the vent to facilitate installation of the cup). The longest part of the installation was adjusting the screw tension so the iPAQ would not move while driving, but could be moved when desired to change position/reduce sun glare. My iPAQ 3975 fit snugly and securely. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-clipnballsocket.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 5: Ball socket attached to clip</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-mountnball.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 6: Device holder with ball</i><br /><br />I then repeated these tasks with the powered iPAQ cradle supplied. Installation went as above. As a curiosity, my lil’ buddy would not easily slide into power connecter when the cradle was not attached to the clip, but the iPAQ fit perfectly when the ball screw was tightened - weird - or perhaps the cradle is engineered to deform a bit when tightened?<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-poweredinstallpassat.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 7: Complete powered installation - took less than 2 minutes</i><br /><br />I was surprised ProClip had a holder for my rare (i.e. unpopular) Motorola 270c cell phone. The mount fit well when I used the regular back - however I have the even more unusual Bluetooth adapter, which bulks up the cell phone. It fit alright within the cradle, snug though not perfect because of the humpback created by the adapter. Still, quite serviceable, even while in the case (not recommended by ProClip).<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-passatpanelremover.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 8: The included tool makes quick work of the Passat's panel cover.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-passatpanelmount.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 9: Notice the odd shapes, and the wedge which expands the mount much like a wall anchor.</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-passatpanelinstalled.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 10: Perfect OEM fit - could use a decorative screw cover</i><br /> <br />I then removed the ProClip installation from the Passat, and replaced the small plastic panel. Net result? Zero damage to the vehicle, and zero evidence a ProClip mount was used. “Zero residual presence...”<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-passatpanelreplaced.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 11: Changed my mind! Panel replaced, no damage. Moisture/condensation on the cover - cold morning - brrrrr!.</i> <br /><br /><b><span>Installation - Volvo</b></span><br />The second installation involved a Volvo S60. The Swedish manufactured ProClip went into its Swedish-built relative as perfectly as it had in the little German. The vent mounting on the Volvo is strangely angled, therefore two similar vent styles exist - a mount with the size and angle to go closer to the steering wheel, or one to go in the center of the vents. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-volvodash.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 12: Odd angles abound</i><br /><br />This time there was no dummy plastic cover to remove on the center panel - instead a clever mount wedges between the panel and its vinyl, and secures with adhesive on the face of the panel. Words don’t adequately describe this elegant mounting solution. In this instance I did use the adhesive - the panel mount wobbled a bit otherwise, and besides, I have no intention of returning these clips! <br /> <br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-volvodryfit.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 13: Three clips dry-installed in five minutes.</i><br /><br />In use, I wondered how I would adapt from the custom windshield mount I used for GPS reviews, to using a vent mount - previously I didn’t like vent mounts. There was a small amount of adjustment necessary - my eye glances now have to go a bit lower rather than level across the windshield, however that adjustment was quickly made. The ball screw tension allows me to slap the iPAQ into the cradle where it aligns perfectly without moving the cradle, yet I can still move the cradle to avoid glare or show the screen to a passenger. The cell phone holder works perfectly. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/garyg-mar31-volvoequipped.jpg" /> <br /><i>Figure 14: Ready to hit the road! Note: ProClip does not recommend keeping your phone in its case.</i> <br /><br /><span><b>Check out your choices</span></b><br />If you go to <a href="http://www.proclipusa.com">ProClip USA</a> you can punch in your vehicle and device, and see what clever mounting solutions ProClip has designed for your needs. The brochure shows a Volvo with clips in every orifice - most of these were not available on the Web site - perhaps they are special order? Killing time, I checked out other cars on their site, and the mounting solutions are very different for other vehicles - check out the Honda Odyssey among others.<br /><br />As mentioned in the intro, these mounts are not cheap - in fact, they’re among the most expensive I’ve seen. However, if you remember that each mount is actually two systems, you may actually get more value than you thought - you can keep your PDA portion of the mount when you get a different vehicle, and then just get a $30 clip (approximately), or if you keep your vehicle but switch PDAs, you would just buy the PDA portion.<br /><br /><span><b>Costs</span></b><br />Each clip (which connects to your vehicle) is roughly $29.95. The business end which holds your device is also another $30 or so, except for the powered ones. The powered iPAQ cradle alone is a wallet hurting $89.95, for a combined powered iPAQ mount of $119.95 or so - ouch! However, if you factor how long you will have the combination of vehicle and PDA, this quickly becomes more bearable, and provides a far more secure feeling and looking installation than offered by other manufacturers. These clips are manufactured in Sweden and brought over to the US, although small quantities can be manufactured here if needed. You can also contact <a href="http://www.proclipusa.com">ProClip USA</a> to order clips for your foreign vehicle, or if you want clips shipped to another country.<br /><br /><span><b>Gotchas</span></b><br />The only gotcha would be the cost - but then again, aren’t premium items worth a premium?<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusion</span></b><br />The ProClip mounting solutions are among the most expensive vehicular mounting options available. They are also among the highest quality, and their replaceable/upgradable nature makes them a good value despite their price.