The All Singing, All Dancing, All-Everything-Doing Arkon Powered GPS Mount

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.davespda.com/reviews/other/arkongps.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.davespda.com/reviews/other/arkongps.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The idea of having a GPS is always one I have always liked. I never wanted a standalone GPS unit because what was the fun of that. I am a PDA guy, it needs to be connected to my device. There were some CF cards and then Bluetooth receivers, but for some reason they did not seem right. My buddy Matt over at thePDAmart told me about a new GPS unit Arkon was releasing, and it caught my eye. Unlike a CF, SD, or Bluetooth GPS which would still require you to buy and additional mount for using your device in the car, the Arkon Powered GPS unit is an all-in-one device that puts all the features you need and more into one unit."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041007_arkon.jpg" /> <br /><br />I actually had an earlier model of this - basically the same thing but without the GPS. According to the [very good] article, the GPS chipset is SiRF Xtrac V2, which is top notch. This unit has a speaker and can power several devices at the same time. If you're in the market for a GPS unit for vehicle navigation, I highly recommend that you give this article a read.

[Darius Wey]

Man...that thing looks like something out of Back To The Future!

[dean_shan]

You'd think the suction-cup would buckle under that kind of stress. :wink:

[Pat Logsdon]

You'd think the suction-cup would buckle under that kind of stress. :wink:
In my case, the suction cup held up fine, but the plastic "cup" directly over it slowly pulled away, leading to severe drooping, constant arm adjustment to compensate, etc. In all fairness, I may have had a bad part, or maybe they've updated it.

[Dave Conger]

In my case, the suction cup held up fine, but the plastic "cup" directly over it slowly pulled away, leading to severe drooping, constant arm adjustment to compensate, etc. In all fairness, I may have had a bad part, or maybe they've updated it.

In the new model, I believe this has been fixed. There is now a locking mechnism over the suction cup for increased security.

PS. Thanks for the post Pat.

[Rolrbl8der]

buckle under the stress? Not the Arkon windshield pedestal... this thing is strong!

[griph]

My humble opinions!

The problem with using a PPC nav system (and I speak from experience with a 3870 + Navman 3000) is the small screen and visibility in a car during daylight hours. You can see that from the Dell PPC in this image.

http://www.davespda.com/images/reviews/arkon/gps01.jpg

With such a small screen - seeing it may be a problem - spoken instructions via the built in speaker on the Arkon will help - but its probably a good idea to get the Nav system as part of the car accessories.

I dont like all the leads - speaker connection, serial/usb connector, power cord. It doesn't make for quick insertion and removal. I like the Bluetooth alternatives for a cleaner appearance.

I've not had good experiences of screen sucker mounts! I'd prefer the kit to have a fixed mount - either dash mounted or clipped onto an air vent.

[Dave Conger]

... the small screen and visibility in a car during daylight hours. You can see that from the Dell PPC in this image.

Well, some of that is just the picture. You are right, it can be hard to see during the day time, though I will say much of that depends on your device. For instance my iPAQ 3600 is terrible in the car, but the Axim is alright. Some of the newer devices are better. Also, a good screen protector can really help.

I dont like all the leads...It doesn't make for quick insertion and removal...

True, but a Bluetooth solution is also more expensive...so it just really depends on what is important to you. Personally, inplugging 2 or 3 cables isn't that big a deal to me, but it of course depends on the user.

I've not had good experiences of screen sucker mounts! I'd prefer the kit to have a fixed mount - either dash mounted or clipped onto an air vent.

I have always prefered the fixed mounts as well. For me, I liked where it put the device better, but for this application, I think the windsheild mount is good and I do have to say that I was impressed with the strength of the connection.

[mrkablooey]

You'd think the suction-cup would buckle under that kind of stress. :wink:
In my case, the suction cup held up fine, but the plastic "cup" directly over it slowly pulled away, leading to severe drooping, constant arm adjustment to compensate, etc. In all fairness, I may have had a bad part, or maybe they've updated it.

I have a similar mount and it did the same thing. Now I just use it to hold my phone from time to time, not an expensive PDA. :?