Arkon Powered Multimedia Mount Reviewed

[Brad Adrian]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=279' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?...=reviews&id=279</a><br /><br /></div>"The best use for GPS is in the car, right? So, ok, you take your nifty little combo into the car and you're having a ball with it, driving all over the place, mapping routes, and thrilling to the fact that your Pocket PC knows exactly where you are, every minute! Only problem is, you are now officially a reckless driver."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/arkon.jpg" /><br /><br />...And so begins PocketNow's terrific review of the Arkon Powered Multimedia Mount kit. This is a bit like those kits for mounting your Pocket PC/GPS/mobile phone to the dashboard of your car, but it is MUCH more flexible and useful than the others. This article has no fewer than 32 photos and pages of text that describe in detail how well the Arkon kit works. If you use your Pocket PC or GPS in your automobile at all, you owe it to yourself to read this review.

[kel_cheng]

Hello. New to this forum.
I'm wondering which GPS solution (CF / SDIO) is verified to be compatible with WinMobile 2003? Anyone has experience with these? 8)

[PeterLake]

Velcro on dash + velcro on expansion pack = the cheapest, least obtrusive, easiest to install, and easiest to mount/dismount kit in the world.

[gpspassion]

This Arkon is a great all-round solution, but it's nothing short of a monster in terms of volume and weight, not to mention a thief-magnet :-(
Still if your speaker is lacking (54xx, etc...) then it's the only game in town...with the Seidio mount http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BD-SMK1 , its "siamese" brother!

[Cortex]

i like the subtle way it seamlessly blends with the asthetics of the car 8O

[Jacob]

Doesn't this just make you a less reckless driver? :?

It is a HUGE improvement over fumbling for your PDA on the seat next to you - but anything that takes your eyes off the road is a hazzard.

[Thinkingmandavid]

I think it is good and useful to have obviously, but taking your eyes off of the road is always a bad thing. Postitioning is key to having one of these. It is ok for quick glanses, but be prepared ahead of time, stay on the right lane, and be prepared to pull over. It is better injuring someone else or yourself.

[Jacob]

It is better injuring someone else or yourself.

I know this was not intentional.. but that sentence just doesn't sound good. :lol:

[erussell]

I had the Arkon windshield mount (non powered) for my Dell/Holux GPS combo. I replaced it with a ProClip. ProClip holds the PDA much more secure and the mount itself doesn't take up much room as compared to the Arkon.

[bollar]

Another vote for the ProClip (http://www.proclipusa.com)! They've got a huge variety of custom fit devices for almost anywhere in the car and have custom holders for almost any PDA including iPAQs with or without expansion packs.

I'm very impressed with the system and highly recommend it.

[BeaSStMaster]

I bought this for my iPAQ h5455 primarily for the speaker since I could never hear the GPS turn instructions. Well, it's a great solution but ... I also found it extremely large and cumbersome. I was also very unhappy with the clamps that are designed to hold the PPC "firmly" ... they don't and are UGLY. My solution was to open the unit and remove the two arms and the related mechanism. I then used good old Velcro (after removing the rubberized backing) and I'm much happier. It holds better and without those ugly arms. I was also able to modify their vent mount so I'm now a happy camper.

For the guy asking about GPS solutions: TravRoute Pocket Co-Pilot 4.0 ALL THE WAY!!!!!

[CupertinoSlim]

Two things to know about the powered multimedia mount:

1. You end up with more wires, not less, and need more power outlets (One to power the MMM. one for the PDA).
2. The audio quality through the FM is marred by static and a high-pitched whine.

The good news is you can take off the bulky multimedia portion and just use the mount and sleeve or PDA holder, whichever model you bought. I now use a CoPilot GPS sleeve with its 12V power adapter to power both it and my iPAQ, and a cassette adapter to feed audio from the iPAQ's headphone jack to my car's stereo. MUCH better sound than the FM tuner and it doesn't drift or get interference from other FM stations as you drive. Fewer wires, and only takes one power adapter. And the Arkon holds the sleeve just fine.

[KevinK]

You only need 1 power outlet for the multimedia mount - it then powers your iPAQ through another cord. And I experienced absolutely NO high pitched whine, static, or interference from the radio on my speaker. I expected to , but it was loud and clear on my unit. Big? Yes. Ugly? Certainly. Handy? Most definitely.

[mashtim]

Anyone using the suction cup mount?

If so, do you know how to tighten the swivel? Mine is WAY too loose after only a week or two.

[erussell]

I returned my Akron mount and replaced it with a ProClip which is smaller and much more secure.