Great iphone3g mount for the car. Simple assembly, and once you get the clips firmly attached to an A/C vent, it is very reliable and steady. I use the Incipio feather case and even with the case on it still fits in this mount. Can't speak for other cases but certainly the bulky ones wouldn't fit. Arkon IPM129-ST Removable Air Vent Mount for Iphone 3G and Iphone
I bought this unit on a recommendation from Terry White, who has a technology blog relating to iPhones, etc. The unit is in two pieces. One piece hooks on to the louvers of the air conditioning vent while the second piece is the cradle for the iPhone. The challenge for buyers (which is difficult to know in advance) is whether the design is a great match for your particular vehicle.
My expectation is that it is probably at least adequate for all vehicles and probably outstanding for many. My particular vehicle, a Lexus 330, is somewhere in between. The piece that attaches to the louvers is two side by side prongs with an adjustable "leg" opposite that helps stabilize the unit on the vent. Where it may get tricky for some is that, depending on the distance between the louvers, the prongs will either line up optimally or you may have to adjust the spacing between the prongs. The unit permits adjustment of the spacing but it doesn't appear to be a strong design feature. For vents with two layers of louvers set at a 90 degree angle (the case in the Lexus 330) you need to place the prongs in such a way as to clip on one set of louvers without running into the other set.
The ball joint adjustment on the connection between the the prong piece and the cradle permits you to swivel the cradle in whatever direction you want once the prongs are seated on the vent. That is what makes it possible to be used with a wide variety of air vents. But there is no doubt that it's optimal use is with vents that have a single set of louvers.
This is much better than the DLO Vent Mount for the iPhone/iPhone 3G and it's cheaper. On top of that, this particular vent mount has a one of a kind holster that not only holds the newer iPhone 3G, but also the original iPhone. I have both so needless to say I have tested them both, and they both work well! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I like this holder. It attaches easily to a vent. The first time takes a little effort, you have to attach the two clips to the top louver of the vent. I don't remember seeing that in the instructions. It holds my Iphone securely. My only issue is that it will not accept the phone with its case, it has to have the case removed. The holder can be removed and repositioned easily and without tools.
I like the air vent attachment - goes on easy, holds well, puts the phone in a good viewing position for navigation, phone, and ipod use. But I have a case on my iPhone and it's not a bulky case at all. The iPhone clip is made to fit the naked iPhone perfectly but won't stretch enough for a case. Perhaps the SM329-SBH (also available on Amazon) is a better choice for me. Arkon Sm329-Sbh Universal Removable Air Vent Mount
When I bought this item, I thought it included the iPhone 4 in its description - I was wrong. So when it arrived it didn't originally fit my iPhone 4 -- a problem easily solved. I took a lighter, heated the top bracket a bit and bent it up to fit the taller ip4, let it cool and it was a perfect fit! The holder works pretty well - I drive a GMC Sierra and it doesn't have the same console as other vehicles I've owned had so wanted to find a place to put my phone in a more visible spot for when I'm using the GPS or listening to podcasts and internet radio. This does the trick - it keeps the phone securely in its holder. It's not easy to reach over and answer a text quick - but it pops off the mount pretty easily. Yes I know we're not supposed to do that while in a vehicle but face it, we all do it so making it more difficult to do it isn't a good thing. My vent tends to swing a bit with the weight of the phone/mount but not significantly. I tend to use it more for longer trips than my daily commute to work, or when folks are riding along so we can both see the GPS, etc. Overall a good value - I bought three more to give to family members for their phones.
Been using this with great success for 3 months (I have an '88 Camry).
Holds the phone very securely and keeps it well-positioned.
Only problem is the rubber boot on the top clip that holds the iphone has split, so the phone is now susceptible to scratches when inserting/removing. I'm going to see if I can get a replacement from Arkon or come up with a DIY fix....if not, this limits the useful life of this accessory. Four stars for now...
UPDATE:
I emailed Arkon through their website and they promptly sent me two of the rubber boots for the top piece, free of charge. Five stars!
I saw someone on here said it doesn't fit a Nissan Sentra, or Altima. I bought this anyway figuring I'd risk it, and it fits great in my Nissan Sentra. I don't know what year the other reviewer was talking about, but it does fit the newer ones. Holds my 3Gs great. Love the fact that you can turn it. Great little product! - Mount - Iphone - Iphone 3g Accessories - Automotive'
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