Monday 31 May 2010

Navigation - dock, car mount


I didn't purchase this navigation mount from this seller.

I bought it from Verizon Store at the time of DROID 2 purchase (Extra discount on phone accessories that makes most of the genuine accessories much cheaper than anywhere else).



Anyhow, it is good to know that Motorola seem to redesigned their navigation mount this time around for DROID 2. Now, you can have your phone stably place on your navigation mount while keeping the case on!



I'm not sure if all the DROID 2 navigation dock comes in a package in a way that the "insert" is already tightly inserted onto its main dock. Well, mine did... and I hated it. I wished if I could have the navigation mount that is usable while keeping the case on.



It took me a while to figure this out...

I actually spent a good one month or so without knowing it and did take the case off every time I'm in my car. Yeah...It was a huge drag... (I still loved it's stability though)



Because of the hassle, I came to very close to just abandoning it and getting an universal navigation mount that would fit my DROID 2 while keeping its case on. And then I found out that Motorola DROID 2 A955 Multimedia Docking Station can be used while I keep the case on after removing the insert (please read my review for the product IF interested)...

And I thought, "Hmmm... so if things worked out with the multimedia docking station, shouldn't it work with the navigation mount too??"



So I tried to see if I could remove the insert from the main dock.

It didn't come off easily. This is because the gap between the main dock and the insert is practically none and I didn't want to damage the dock body. It was necessary to detach the main dock from the arm before I proceed to the next step.



I used two different kind of flat-head screwdrivers (i.e., one small, one medium) in order to separate the two. I first used the small flat-head to make a small gap between the insert and the dock. And then I inserted the bigger flat-head between the gap and pushed the insert further apart from the main dock). IT PROBABLY THE BEST IF YOU WORK ON THE BACK SIDE OF THE MOUNT SINCE THE SCRATCHES WON'T BE SO VISIBLE EVEN IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY DAMAGE THE BODY.



It took several attempts before they came apart.

It is a good thing that Motorola built the mount so steadily, but it takes a gentle, yet firm force to separate the two.





Pros:

- Compatibility (Fits DROID 2 with or without a case)

- Durability (This navigation mount does not shake or move once it's placed right).

I use suction cup to mount against the front glass and from the day one (it's been about a month),

it never came off. It's still attached to the glass as strong as the day one.

- Stability (This navigation mount is built very solid and won't come off nor shake the phone).

- You can adjust the angle in anyway you want.

- There is a charging output on the back of the mount. So you can just put the phone in its place and it starts charging as long as you keep the phone on the mount, which is crucial as battery drains while using Google Map Navigation.



Cons:

- It took a while to figure out how to set it up right (Had to use two screwdrivers...)

- Package doesn't include car charger

- Aux cable is no use if your vehicle doesn't have it's input or is not equipped with bluetooth system (just like my old car. I only have a cassette tape player and I would need to get something like this:Xm Auto Cassette Adapter in order to get a better sound.



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



Product Description:

- This customized car cradle and mount stays put while on the road, automatically triggers a

dashboard application that allows you to easily access your music, internet radio, Google Map

Navigation, and make hands-free calls or connect to your favorite widgets.

- The 3.5mm cable connects with your car's auxiliary port to play tour tunes on your car stereo.

- Includes an insert to allow use with DROID or DROID 2 by MOTOROLA.



Package Includes:

- Navigation/Music Vehicle Mount for DROID 2 by Motorola

- 3.5mm Aux Audio Cable

- Adapter insert for DROID by Motorola

- User Guide Motorola Car Mount for DROID 2 [Verizon Retail Packaging]

This mount works perfectly. It saves you from having to hold your phone while driving and it provides a great viewing angle. The adhesive sticks and stays there. I highly recommend this because it is from Motorola, it fits perfectly and it has the magnet to put it in the car dock mode. the only down side is that it doesn't come with a car charger, but I found that easy enough right on Amazon. Motorola P513 Vehicle Power Adapter MicroUSB Rapid Rate Charger

I recently purchased a Droid 2 and purchased the car dock on Amazon and I have to say I'm quite impressed. The dock comes with inserts so you can use this with the original Droid, the Droid 2 and the Droid 2 with the Motorola case.



I have the case on my phone so I removed the insert and the fit is perfect. I like that I can keep the car charger attached to the dock so all I need to do is put the phone in the dock and drive.



On receiving a phone call all I need to do is hit answer and hands free from there on in.

This does exactly what it's supposed to do. Puts the Droid 2 (Global in my case) phone into the car dock mode and allows me to charge the phone and use the navigation. Just note that the car charger cable does not come included with this dock. With this dock it eliminates the need to have a 2nd GPS device for navigation and since the battery life of the Droid 2 Global is so crappy it also helps keep the battery charged. - Dock - Car Mount - Droid Car Mount - Motorola Droid'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information