Car PDA Holder?

[maikii]

I'm surprised that there isn't a forum specifically about accessories, but since there isn't, I will post this and another accessory question to this forum (as I have an IPAQ 2210), although these two questions are about general accessories, not just concerning IPAQs.

Any good PDA holders for cars, to hold it on the dashboard reliably?

[dwildone]

Check out www.arkon.com . I just got a powered mount for my 2210 (I purchased the one for the 3800, 3900 series) and it works great!

[Skitals]

I have a $4 ultra clip vent mount and it works great if you have a case with a ultra clip tab (piel frama, vaja, etc). The thing seems like it was designed for my cars vent... it holds it in place and dosnt budge. Im never afraid of my ipaq falling, and I drive pretty hard. Another benefit is I dont even need to take my ipaq out of its case. I unclip it from my belt, and onto the vent mount :) It doesnt block your A/C either... it holds the ipaq about an inch away.

for those who have trouble with the vent mount... dont clip it onto the top slot! This was my problem at first. Putting the hooks on the second platic slot thing works perfectly.

oh, and universal systems are great. My phone uses the same tabs, so when Im not carrying my ipaq I slid my phone onto the vent mount.

[makic]

I love the suction mount from http://www.rammount.com/. I have this one: http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/0980.4.9026948658919195948/ramb148co1.html

But the full list is here:
http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/0980.3.13469947169219195948/ipaqmounts.html.

[bmhome1]

Another vote for the vent clip system, couldn't be simpler, cheaper or more secure.

http://www.theclip.com/mall/mounts.asp

[ctmagnus]

Those clips are awesome. They're the same kind that so many holster-type-case manufacturers use. I've seen cell phone and GPS cases that have the button for the clips, and Piel Frama and Vaja both have them as options.

[makic]

I am not fond of the vent mounts.

1st: I don't want to put any adhesive products on my ipaq.
2nd: The manufacturer indicates that it is a "semi-permanent" mount. They recommend that you DO NOT remove it once you put it in your vent. Unless you are very careful, you will get cracked vent louvres.
3rd: For GPS use, I would prefer having my ipaq in line of sight of the road, so I do not have to look away in order to see when my next turn is (yes, I know about voice prompts). Changing MP3's and stuff is also nice on the window, as you don't have to take your eyes off the road.
4th: If you live in a cold area, you will be blowing hot air onto your ipaq. If you live in a hot area, you are blocking your AC. I live in a hot place, and like to feel the air on my face, not having it diverted by my ipaq.

In favor of the vent mount, you will save some money. But at what (non-monetary) cost?

BTW, be careful about the window mount you get as not all suction cups are as good as others. Also, keep your window clean.

[ctmagnus]

don't want to put any adhesive products on my ipaq.

A lot of cases have the option of shipping with a little button the back. The purpose of the button is to slip into a notch on a lot of these mounts, so there is no adhesive required.

In favor of the vent mount, you will save some money. But at what (non-monetary) cost?

All newer vehicles I've been in have multiple vents at the middle of the dash, so this is probably a non-issue for a lot of people.

BTW, be careful about the window mount you get as not all suction cups are as good as others. Also, keep your window clean.

Yes, I've heard horror stories about this. Better do a good job of cleaning the window first, otherwise your Pocket PC will likely hit the floor. I heard of one situation where the PPC hit the gearshft screen-first, rendering the PPC completely useless. Destroyed the screen and iirc some of the circuitry also.

[maikii]

How about the magnetic mounts, like the following:

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=320721

Anyone tried one of these, or something similar? Will the metal PDA hold good to a magnet? Does the magnet stay well on the car dashboard?