Accessories Car Dock Discussion Thread

gobluejd · May 9, 2010

Doc_Stew said:
I don't think the heat should affect it that much. Plus, usually the heat comes out the bottom vents, not the top ones, so you should be just fine

Now, which one of the Tetrax to choose...that is the question...

I am looking at the XWAY so I can rotate for GPS. However I just bought a 2010 CX9 and the dash is pretty slanted and not sure with the vents angled down to be parallel/level if the "vent opening" will be enough to accommodate the "grips". Maybe the FLEX so I can mount anywhere.....hmmm may wait to see how I will like the M2, which I have a perfect location for.

Decisions decisions.....

CaseyKees · May 9, 2010

I just bought a vent mount. 15 bucks at staples. The brackerton one. I love it except for 1 thing. My vents swivel left and right and the weight of the phone makes it move. Either I installed it wrong or I will have to wedge some paper along the edge to keep it from moving. Did anyone with a vent mount have this problem?

gobluejd · May 9, 2010

kilofox said:
Agreed... the phone mounting disk barely adds to the case, so the phone still stays pocketable. It only remains to be seen how durable the mount stays. I do recommend supporting the M2 when you mount the phone, especially if the M2 is extended away from your dash as in my pictured mount.

Just curious if you can mount the disk in the center of the phone and use in landscape mode as well as portrait. Will it attach in both ways?

AlexNC · May 9, 2010

This isn't a car dock, but figured I would post it here anyways. If you are looking for a cheap (free) night stand for your Incredible, you can simply use a coat hanger and bend it into a shape that will support it. Just make sure to leave an opening for the USB cable for charging at night. See the images below to get an idea of what is possible. I went a little over board since I was bored today. I ended up adding a wooden rod at the bottom as an accent and stripped a wire and used it as rubber feet for grip/protection.

If you look at the all wire picture (3rd picture), I ended up clipping those curved ends where the bottom of the incredible rests so I could put the wood accent. I clipped the ends, drilled two holes in the wooded rod, and slid it on. Not only did this make it look a little more professional, it also helped stiffen the dock up a bit.

If you want a bedside dock, think about making your own instead buying one. Take some time to look around your house and tool shed for supplies. You will be surprised what you can make with all the old electronics and junk you have been collecting. It'll save you a few dollars, and plus, it's fun and fulfilling to make your own stuff!!

A

ylexot · May 9, 2010

Mahalo said:
when he was testing the grip it looked like he was testing by pulling straight out where the magnet will have its strongest attraction. Bumping over roads and speed bumps will likely send your phone sliding onto the floor boards every few miles if your streets are anything like they are here.

The magnet and disk are not flat. It can handle vertical and lateral loads.

murdoc158 · May 9, 2010

Buckwild said:
Hi murdoc,

Thanks for the reply. I saw the promotional video for it and one youtube video. According to the youtube video, the person mentioned how strong the magnetic connection was which is great.

Ideally, I would like to get the regular EGO or GEO line (can't tell what the difference is between them besides color and price) if possible. I would go with the Xway but the big rubber X pieces kind of detract from the overall aesthetics of things. So if magnets themselves hold the edges (like the home, back, and menu buttons) securely when I need press them, then I'll go with EGO or GEO instead. I know you have the Xway, but do you think the EGO or GEO will suffice?

I wish there were more reviews on youtube or someplace locally where I can check it out.

ps: Do you mind if I ask what car you drive? I'd like to take a look at your dash to see if it's similar to mine. The dash and vents on my Lexus GS slopes back towards the front of the car so it's not completely vertical. I'm worried once the unit is attached, that the phone will sit squarely facing me but will be angled upwards.

Thanks again.

You could probably get away with using the EGO or GEO versus the Xway depending on how you setup everything. The magnet that stays on the dash/vent is small, about the size of a dime. This is the only point supporting the phone without help from the dash. If you could get the dash/vent to support the top, bottom, sides of the phone I'd say try it.

The Xway provides this support and the "arms" I've actually got extra supported by the vent providing double support for the phone. My vents are similar to yours (check out 2002 - 2007 Subaru WRX). The thing is, if you have the vents completely horizontal while you install the Xway, the Xway fits tight enough that the vent will not move once installed. I've got mine angled slightly upward for better airflow, and the phone sits perpendicular to the vent itself (not the slope of the vent mind you). I've found this to be the best position for me to still have usable vents and still be able to read, see, and use the phone clearly in all lighting conditions.

If your dash/vents are black I'd say go for the Xway without question. If you have the tan/beige they had back in the late 90's to mid 00's the Xway will be more noticeable while not being used. If you can get past that it's up to you. Personally, as soon as I get into my car, the phone goes onto the mount anyway so I see the mount for all of 5 seconds a day.

Buckwild · May 9, 2010

murdoc158 said:
You could probably get away with using the EGO or GEO versus the Xway depending on how you setup everything. The magnet that stays on the dash/vent is small, about the size of a dime. This is the only point supporting the phone without help from the dash. If you could get the dash/vent to support the top, bottom, sides of the phone I'd say try it.

The Xway provides this support and the "arms" I've actually got extra supported by the vent providing double support for the phone. My vents are similar to yours (check out 2002 - 2007 Subaru WRX). The thing is, if you have the vents completely horizontal while you install the Xway, the Xway fits tight enough that the vent will not move once installed. I've got mine angled slightly upward for better airflow, and the phone sits perpendicular to the vent itself (not the slope of the vent mind you). I've found this to be the best position for me to still have usable vents and still be able to read, see, and use the phone clearly in all lighting conditions.

If your dash/vents are black I'd say go for the Xway without question. If you have the tan/beige they had back in the late 90's to mid 00's the Xway will be more noticeable while not being used. If you can get past that it's up to you. Personally, as soon as I get into my car, the phone goes onto the mount anyway so I see the mount for all of 5 seconds a day.

Very good points thank you very much for your responses. Looks like I'll be getting 2 Xways then. Wish they weren't so expensive though.

If you have the time, I'd love to see some pics of the XWAY and phone mounted in your car.

mrk1984 · May 9, 2010

Has anyone ever used a dock like this one:

Newegg.com - bracketron IPM-197-BL Universal USB Power Dock

it mounts in the power point, I drive a mustang and the power point is just below the middle AC vents above the radio (perfect position to mount a phone or gps). I love the design especially for my application, but i'm concerned of how stable it would be in the plug. I can't find any reviews for it but did find a video:

Bracketron Announces New USB Mobile Device Car Charger - Worldnews.com

4th one down.
What do you all think?

belash · May 9, 2010

mrk1984 said:
Has anyone ever used a dock like this one:

Newegg.com - bracketron IPM-197-BL Universal USB Power Dock

I tried a similiar Bracketron, the UFM-200-BL. I think you would run into the same problem I had with it. The micro usb port is blocked :mad:

I then bought the M2 Soundgate. After a failed attempt mounting with the Bodyglove case, I successfully mounted it with the Verizon silicone case. Very happy with the results so far.

mrk1984 · May 9, 2010

Yeah the usb port being blocked might be a concern but it looks like the sides adjust, and i could just mount landscape if it works.

highflyguy0824 · May 9, 2010

I bought a universal window mount to use my Incredible's GPS for a trip. it was around 75-80 degrees outside and my phone immediately overheated after about 15 minutes. I noticed this because the indicator light flashed Orange and green. also the battery app I use said the phone was overheated. Needless to say I will never put this phone on a window mount ever again. I ended up getting a vent mount which seems to eliminate the temperature problem but I would prefer a window mount.

LandLockedPH · May 9, 2010

Just noticed one of the settings options in the Car Panel says, "Auto launch NaviPanel in car kit mode". Maybe a custom dock (similar to the Nexus One dock) is coming?

cmantelope · May 10, 2010

mrk1984 said:
Has anyone ever used a dock like this one:

Newegg.com - bracketron IPM-197-BL Universal USB Power Dock

it mounts in the power point, I drive a mustang and the power point is just below the middle AC vents above the radio (perfect position to mount a phone or gps). I love the design especially for my application, but i'm concerned of how stable it would be in the plug. I can't find any reviews for it but did find a video:

Bracketron Announces New USB Mobile Device Car Charger - Worldnews.com

4th one down.
What do you all think?

Yes, installed it about a week ago....I like the versatility of it - but, my car is a 1993 Camry, - so maybe the cig lighter is just loose, but I find the phone shakes quite a bit while driving - also, although other power supplies work just fine in my cig lighter - the Bracketron is so loose, that I constantly have to "reshove" it into place to accomodate charging...not ideal - but again, my car is falling apart, so not sure how it would perform in a new vehicle - think I will try the Soundgate, looks sturdier - but does not look like you can go landscape - however, that is not a dealbreaker for me

CM

jbdan · May 10, 2010

LandLockedPH said:
Just noticed one of the settings options in the Car Panel says, "Auto launch NaviPanel in car kit mode". Maybe a custom dock (similar to the Nexus One dock) is coming?

Would be really nice ehh

Topshelf · May 10, 2010

So I just received and installed my M2 this afternoon. So far I'm pretty happy with it. It's much smaller than I expected it to be, which is good...I think. Install was simple, but I do wish I could have gotten the phone up just a bit higher. I was pretty limited with location though because I've seen this particular dash get damaged from adhesive mounts. It took a few minutes to get used to inserting the phone into the mount, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. I'll be on the road for a while tomorrow, so I'll get a good chance to test out stability and what not.

Here's a few quick pics of it installed.

jbdan · May 10, 2010

Topshelf said:
So I just received and installed my M2 this afternoon. So far I'm pretty happy with it. It's much smaller than I expected it to be, which is good...I think. Install was simple, but I do wish I could have gotten the phone up just a bit higher. I was pretty limited with location though because I've seen this particular dash get damaged from adhesive mounts. It took a few minutes to get used to inserting the phone into the mount, but it's easy once you get the hang of it. I'll be on the road for a while tomorrow, so I'll get a good chance to test out stability and what not.

Here's a few quick pics of it installed.

Hey that looks really sharp...I went to Veriz today and bought their car mount for the Inc....returned it 5 minutes later. Out of all the mounts I have seen for the Inc whether OEM or 3rd party this M2 looks by far the cleanest. I know within weeks there will be many more options, but I might have to bite on the M2 for a temporary solution. What I am really looking for (yea I like to dream

) is something like the HTC CU-S400 car cradle kit.

I'm so anal I guess, I don't want wires sticking out everywhere. Looks great topshelf! enjoy it and be safe on the road. Give us an update when you can on it's stability

gobluejd · May 10, 2010

I as well received my M2 today. Just finished install. I am happy, but I just can't get that Tetrax Vent mount out of my mind, may buy to try that as well.

I have the Black Gel Case from VZW and I had no problem with disk sticking to the case.

Here are some pics of my install as well.

[/URL] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

jbdan · May 10, 2010

gobluejd said:
I as well received my M2 today. Just finished install. I am happy, but I just can't get that Tetrax Vent mount out of my mind, may buy to try that as well.

I have the Black Gel Case from VZW and I had no problem with disk sticking to the case.

Here are some pics of my install as well.

Looking nice goblue! Let us know how you like it after usage

Topshelf · May 10, 2010

jbdan said:
Hey that looks really sharp...I went to Veriz today and bought their car mount for the Inc....returned it 5 minutes later. Out of all the mounts I have seen for the Inc whether OEM or 3rd party this M2 looks by far the cleanest. I know within weeks there will be many more options, but I might have to bite on the M2 for a temporary solution. What I am really looking for (yea I like to dream ) is something like the HTC CU-S400 car cradle kit.

I'm so anal I guess, I don't want wires sticking out everywhere. Looks great topshelf! enjoy it and be safe on the road. Give us an update when you can on it's stability

Thanks. I'll update when I get home tomorrow with an updated opinion. But yeah, that CU-S400 is, well, Incredible!

I e-mailed them last week to see if there was a mount like that coming out for us. So far no luck. And don't even get me started on being too anal. I ripped half my car apart today trying to hide wires. All I need to do now is hard wire the power line and I'll be happy.

goblue, is that stable in landscape? I didn't even think about trying that out, though to be honest I have my cables so tight I can't rotate it if plugged in.

jbdan · May 10, 2010

Topshelf said:
Thanks. I'll update when I get home tomorrow with an updated opinion. But yeah, that CU-S400 is, well, Incredible! I e-mailed them last week to see if there was a mount like that coming out for us. So far no luck. And don't even get me started on being too anal. I ripped half my car apart today trying to hide wires. All I need to do now is hard wire the power line and I'll be happy.

goblue, is that stable in landscape? I didn't even think about trying that out, though to be honest I have my cables so tight I can't rotate it if plugged in.

lol well it looks delightful job well done :cool:

gobluejd · May 10, 2010

Topshelf said:
goblue, is that stable in landscape? I didn't even think about trying that out, though to be honest I have my cables so tight I can't rotate it if plugged in.

I literally just posted pics right after my install, so I have been gentle. From what I can tell yes. However if you mean to make selections on the touch screen, not sure, plus it's a little to far away. But I will head out and try in after dinner.

GOBLUE

Buckwild · May 10, 2010

gobluejd said:
I as well received my M2 today. Just finished install. I am happy, but I just can't get that Tetrax Vent mount out of my mind, may buy to try that as well.

I have the Black Gel Case from VZW and I had no problem with disk sticking to the case.

Looks good gobluejd. I noticed you said that you might end up buying the Tetrax as well. I was in a similar predicament and decided to go with the Tetrax. They're not readily available in the States so it looks like it might take awhile for both of mine to ship over to California.

One thing I noticed though is that they both use their own unique attachment piece that you have to adhere to the phone. So you can't mix and match them. Ideally I would have liked to use the Tetrax on my truck and the M2 on my sedan. Alas, I had to choose one. Hopefully I made the right choice.

gobluejd · May 10, 2010

Buckwild said:
Looks good gobluejd. I noticed you said that you might end up buying the Tetrax as well. I was in a similar predicament and decided to go with the Tetrax. They're not readily available in the States so it looks like it might take awhile for both of mine to ship over to California.

One thing I noticed though is that they both use their own unique attachment piece that you have to adhere to the phone. So you can't mix and match them. Ideally I would have liked to use the Tetrax on my truck and the M2 on my sedan. Alas, I had to choose one. Hopefully I made the right choice.

The only thing that prevented me from going the Tetrax way was the fact that it would sit directly in front of the vent, no big deal in summer, but when the winter hits, I was worried about the direct heat.

Also my dash (see pics) on my 2010 Mazda CX-9 the vents are sloped and I am worried when installed it will be on too much of an angle.

Which Textrax did you buy? I am going to be going to bed. Tired from too much MW2, when your old like me (38) you can only play so long.

belash · May 11, 2010

I need help finding a quality 3.5mm aux cable. I use the Verizon silicone case. I have tried a total of four cables so far and only one has provided semi-serviceable audio quality. Here is what I have tried so far...

1. Cheap Radio Shack cable. I had problems with it crackling, going to voice dial and skipping past songs on Pandora.

2. For only $1.61 each when QTY 50+ purchased - PREMIUM 3FT 3.5mm Stereo Male to 3.5mm Stereo Male 22AWG Cable - Gold Plated | 3.5mm Audio M/M Cables This cable does not "seat" well with the silicone case on. The Incredible constantly went from internal speaker to headphone icon.

3. For only $2.46 each when QTY 50+ purchased - PREMIUM 6FT 3.5mm Stereo Male to 3.5mm Stereo Male 22AWG Cable - Gold Plated | 3.5mm Audio M/M Cables Same problem as #2

4. For only $0.82 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 3.5mm Stereo Plug/Plug M/M Retractable Cable (Black) | 3.5mm Audio M/M Cables The best so far. However, it too suffers the problems that #2 & #3 suffer from, only to a lesser degree.

Any suggestions for my dilemma? Ideally I would like one with the right angle jack; I think I can angle it towards the back of the incredible so the cable doesn't end up running in the way in front of the Incredible.

Thanks

ylexot · May 11, 2010

belash said:
I need help finding a quality 3.5mm aux cable. I use the Verizon silicone case. I have tried a total of four cables so far and only one has provided semi-serviceable audio quality. Here is what I have tried so far...

1. Cheap Radio Shack cable. I had problems with it crackling, going to voice dial and skipping past songs on Pandora.

2. For only $1.61 each when QTY 50+ purchased - PREMIUM 3FT 3.5mm Stereo Male to 3.5mm Stereo Male 22AWG Cable - Gold Plated | 3.5mm Audio M/M Cables This cable does not "seat" well with the silicone case on. The Incredible constantly went from internal speaker to headphone icon.

3. For only $2.46 each when QTY 50+ purchased - PREMIUM 6FT 3.5mm Stereo Male to 3.5mm Stereo Male 22AWG Cable - Gold Plated | 3.5mm Audio M/M Cables Same problem as #2

4. For only $0.82 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 3.5mm Stereo Plug/Plug M/M Retractable Cable (Black) | 3.5mm Audio M/M Cables The best so far. However, it too suffers the problems that #2 & #3 suffer from, only to a lesser degree.

Any suggestions for my dilemma? Ideally I would like one with the right angle jack; I think I can angle it towards the back of the incredible so the cable doesn't end up running in the way in front of the Incredible.

Thanks

Is it because the silicone case prevents the plug from going all the way in? If so, just cut some material from the case so that doesn't happen. It's really easy to cut silicone.

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