MountGuys Blog

January 27, 2012

Mounts for Vertical Vents

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 4:34 pm

We must get a few questions weekly asking about mounts that will fit on vertical vents.  Most cars have vent slots that go across versus up and down and 99% of all vent mounts are made primarily for horizontal vents.

Finally, a solution is available for vertical vents from a company called Tetrax.  Based in Italy, they have developed a mount that combines a very small vice with a magnetic attachment for your smartphone, GPS or anything that weighs less than 300 grams (10.5 ounces).  For information on these unique magnetic mounts, see our blog post written in late 2011.

So Tetrax has two kinds of mounts.  Some attach to your dash, others attach to the vent.  Since this post is titled “Mounts for Vertical Vents”, we’re going to take a bit more about the vent mounts.  These mounts are attached to your vent using a small vice with rubber grips.  They tighten and loosen using a small dial built into the mount.  Extremely easy to attach and detach.  We have found that the profile is so small that they aren’t even noticed when you remove your device, so we leave ours in the car after we remove our device.  But the neat part is that if you travel, it’s very easy to take with you.  Just don’t leave it in the rental!

The Tetrax XWAY and GEO lines are the vent mounts.  The XWAY is a heavier duty mount and recommended for GPS units and SmartPhones.  The GEO is best for SmartPhones and devices weighing 150 grams (5.25 ounces) or less.  The GEO works great with our iPhone 4 in a Tetrax XCASE.  We offer some picture below.

Tetrax Geo - See the Vice?

Tetrax Geo - See the Vice?

Tetrax XWAY with a TomTom

Tetrax XWAY with a TomTom

Tetrax XWAY

Tetrax XWAY

Tetrax Geo with an iPhone in an XCASE

Tetrax Geo with an iPhone in a case

Tetrax Geo

Tetrax Geo

November 12, 2011

Tetrax Mounts: A Little Magnet Goes a Long Way

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , , , — mountguys @ 1:14 am

Tetrax introduces a new concept in car mounts.  Pairing strong small magnets with corresponding adhesive chips, these mounts provide a strong grasp of your device and the magnets are completely shielded by the metal chips.  We were impressed with the holding capability of the XWAY mount as it held our TomTom XXL in place with no problem.  The mounting kits include the mount and adhesive chip for the back of your device.  We like the simple approach to attaching the device then removing it.  Much less effort than practically anything else on the market.  Manufactured in Italy, these are nice quality mounts.

There are a few different lines from Tetrax:

  • XWAY – for heavier items such as GPS devices up 300 grams (10.5 ounces).  This would include most units that have a 3.5, 4.3 and 5 inch screen size.  These also make excellent smartphone mounts.  This fits on your car air vent
  • FIXWAY – also for heavier devices up to 300 grams.  These use 3M adhesive disks for your car dash.
  • FIX – a lighter weight version for devices up to 150 grams (5.25 ounces).  These are for smartphones, iPhones, iPod, Nano, etc.  This is the dash version.
  • EGO – also for lighter devices.  This is the vent version of the FIX.
  • XCASE – a nice idea.  Incorporates the metal chip into a custom case.  These are available for the iPhone only.
Tetrax FIX Dash Mount

Tetrax FIX Dash Mount

Tetrax XWAY Dash Mount

Tetrax XWAY Dash Mount

Tetrax Fixway Dash Mount

Tetrax Fixway Dash Mount

October 5, 2011

Car and Motorcycle Mount Solutions for the Apple iPhone 4S

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 12:29 pm

The much anticipated Apple iPhone 4S was just announced.  Faster processor, better camera, some new connectivity options.  An iPhone 4 on steroids.

The form factor for the iPhone 4S is quite similar to its older brother, the iPhone 4:

Height: 4.5 inches (115.2 mm)

Width: 2.31 inches (58.6 mm)

Depth: 0.37 inch (9.3 mm)

Weight: 4.9 ounces (140 grams – that’s a bit heavier than the iPhone 4)

What about your mounting options?  The good news is that if you have a mount for an iPhone 4, it will likely fit your iPhone 4S.  Since the form factor is similar, most custom cradles should fit just fine.  However, our opinion is that the new features while nice, are similar tot he iPhone 4 and in addition the announcement comes approximately one year after the iPhone 4.  This means upgrades may consist of many iPhone 3 and iphone 3G users.  It’s worth the upgrade for the improvements in performance.

So for those diving into the iPhone 4S world, we present some mounting options for you.

 

Weatherproof Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Weatherproof Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Motorcycle Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Powered Lighter Mount for iPhone 4S

Powered Lighter Mount for iPhone 4S

Car Vent Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Car Vent Mount for Apple iPhone 4S

Handlebar Mount for iPhone 4S

Handlebar Mount for iPhone 4S

 

August 24, 2011

Watching Movies While on a Plane with Your iPhone, iPod or Any Smartphone

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , — mountguys @ 12:14 am

Airline movies, for the most part, suck.  It’s much better to rent a movie, download a podcast or even listen to music on your portable device.  The problem I have found is that after about twenty minutes of holding your device, your arm gets tired.  Also, try to fall asleep with the iPod on your lap.  Maybe you will get lucky and it won’t roll off your leg under the wheels on the darn drink cart.  The flight attendants drive those things like Indy Racers down the aisle.  Your iPod is no match for a crazed flight attendant behind one of those carts.

It sure would be nice if there was a way to attach it to something, anything so that you can watch videos without having the feeling that your arm is about to fall off.  Well, it’s off to the labs we have gone to uncover a pretty nice solution.  Clip it to the snack tray in front of you.  Ever taste airline food?  You aren’t going to want to eat that slop!  Might as well use the tray table for something useful, like mounting your MP3 player, smartphone, iPhone, whatever!

Scope these pictures out.  We’re sure these will work out better that your lap.  These mounts are spring loaded and expand from 3.77 to 5 inches so it will accept devices in a case or skin as well as without.

Samsung Infuse with Otterbox 30,000 feet above sea level

Samsung Infuse with Otterbox 30,000 feet above sea level

Apple iPod Nano 4G on Continental Flight 577

Apple iPod Nano 4G on Continental Flight 577

 

July 17, 2011

The New Mobile Grip Cradle

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , — mountguys @ 12:07 pm

Our friends at Arkon recently released their new Mobile Grip cradles.  We like these a lot because they are simple and inexpensive.  The expandable size fits most smartphones including those in an Otterbox or case.  The spring loaded cradle expands from 2.06 to 2.81 inches.  Unlike most of Arkon’s other cradles, these do not use the dual T pattern, instead they attach directly to a 17mm ball.  If this size sounds familiar, it is the same exact size that Garmin uses.  This means that if you have a spare Garmin mount, you can use this cradle.  It snaps onto the ball just like your Garmin cradle does.  It also fits a variety of Arkon mounts as they also have begun to gravitate towards a more standard mounting line that deploys the 17mm ball.

Mobile Grip Gooseneck Mount

Mobile Grip Gooseneck Mount

Powered Mobile Grip Mount

Powered Mobile Grip Mount

Windshield / Dash Mobile Grip Mount

Windshield / Dash Mobile Grip Mount

Mobile Grip Cup Holder Mount

Mobile Grip Cup Holder Mount

Arkon's Mobile Grip Cradle

Arkon's Mobile Grip Cradle

June 14, 2011

Using the Car Headrest for Something Other than your Head

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 3:55 pm

We have found the headrest makes a great mounting point for a lot of stuff.  Especially useful for keeping backseat passengers entertained with your iPad or any tablet PC like the Samsung Galaxy Tab.  The posts to the headrest is typically the place where you would attach the mount.  It also makes a good mount point for some other purposes.  One of our suppliers recently snapped some nice pictures of using the headrest to mount a camera within the car.  Seemed kind of strange at first, but we took a look at the video shot while on the headrest and it was pretty darn good.  We also have a number of people who like to place their iPhone on the headrest and play music with the sound coming in from just behind the drivers head.  We tried that as well and while we prefer the stereo in the car, it does work.

SmartPhone Headrest Mount

SmartPhone Headrest Mount

Headrest Camera Mount

Headrest Camera Mount

Tablet Headrest Mount

Tablet Headrest Mount

October 4, 2010

Jogging and Biking with your Droid iPhone or Any Smartphone

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 2:49 pm

Smartphones are rapidly taking the place of your favorite MP3 player.  They also are introducing many exercise apps.  It’s difficult running while holding your Droid or iPhone.  What to do?

Well if jogging, the best place to attach your Droid, iPhone or any smartphone is probably your arm.  As long as the fitting is snug around the device and your arm, you will be in excellent shape.

iPhone Armband

iPhone Armband

Armband for Droid

Armband for Droid

Like to bike?  Whether stationary or moving, there are several excellent options for your handlebar.  These fit handlebars on both motorcycles and bicycles.  They also fit stationary bikes.  Anything with a round bar to attach to up to an inch in diameter.

iPhone handlebar mount

iPhone handlebar mount

Bike Mount for Smartphones

Bike Mount for Smartphones

September 28, 2010

Car and Motorcycle Mounts for iPhones Droids and Smartphones using an Otterbox

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , — mountguys @ 11:29 pm

We love the Otterbox.  Best cases made.  They are available for the iPhone, Blackberry, Droid and many Smartphones.  These cases deliver the best protection for your device but at the expense of bulk.  They will definitely add weight and size to your device.  it will feel bulky at first but you will quickly get used to it.  One additional benefit is the phone will no longer just slide out of your pocket on its own.  That is because the Otterbox has an exterior made of non slip rubber.  And don’t forget the greatest benefit of all.  Your phone will not break if you drop it.

As we mentioned, the Otterbox provides superior protection as the expense of size.  Most car and motorcycle mounts are custom made to contour to the size of your unprotected bare device.  So what to do if you want to use it in your car or motorcycle?  You will need an expandable cradle.  We like the cradles that expand at the sides at the push of a button.  These cradles paired with suction, vent, lighter and cup holder mounts will grip your device firmly and place it at an excellent location for using your phone as a GPS or MP3 player.

Motorcycle Cradle Mount

Motorcycle Cradle Mount

Some serious cup holder action

Some serious cup holder action

Windshield Dash Combo Mount

Windshield Dash Combo Mount

Micro USB Lighter Mount

Micro USB Lighter Mount

September 17, 2010

Using a Garmin Nuvi Mount with an iPhone, Droid or Any Cell Phone

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories, Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , — mountguys @ 6:05 pm

Our readers and customers always give us great ideas for new products.  We were recently asked how to use a car mount used for a GPS in the car.  Why would you want to do this?  A few good reasons.  As we all know, smartphones including the Droid and iPhone have excellent GPS capabilities and can replace traditional GPS units.  You might have an old Garmin mount stuck to your dash and would prefer not to take it off or add another.  In some cases, Garmin made some nice mounts, and you may want to leverage it.

In any case, we figured it out and offer a few excellent options for using your Garmin mount for your new device.  Both solutions include a custom fitting to connect the cradle with the 17mm Nuvi ball mount.

Custom iPhone Cradle with Nuvi attachment

Custom iPhone Cradle with Nuvi attachment

Cell phone cradle with Nuvi attachment

Cell phone cradle with Nuvi attachment

September 8, 2009

My Apple iPhone Keeps Falling Off My Lap

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , , — mountguys @ 11:39 pm

Seems like everyone lucky enough to be within an ATT calling area has or wants an iPhone.  The iPhone might be the single most influential device to hit the mobile market ever.  It has completely changed the way people work and live.  But wait, Houston, we have a problem!

The problem is when in your car or on a motorcycle, where can you put it?  Sure, you can balance it on your lap, hope that it doesn’t slide off (let alone crashing your car while looking down at your thigh).  But that’s neither safe nor effective.  Not to worry, we’re the Mount Guys!

The iPhone comes in three models:  Classic, 3G and 3G S.  The 3G and 3G S are the same exact size, where the older Classic is a little larger.  Solutions are available for all three models.  Car solutions include the vent, windshield, floor, visor, dash, cup holder and the lighter.  Motorcycle locations are the handlebar, clutch,  and mirror.

Now that golf GPS apps are available in the App Store, there are even Golf Cart Mounts for the iPhone.

The most popular car mount for the iPhone is the vent mount.  Inexpensive, somewhat hidden form bad guys, and near eye level, it makes a great location for your device in GPS mode.  The second most popular is the floor / seat bolt.  This is great for using your iPhone for music as it places it close to where your radio is located.  There are lots of other options, our favorite is the dash.

iPhone Vent Mount

iPhone Air Vent Mount

iPhone Floor & Seat Bolt Mount

iPhone Floor & Seat Bolt Mount

The motorcycle options are just as plentiful.  By far the most popular is the mount for the handlebar.  We sell two different types.  First is an economy model constructed of heavy plastic.  It’s a great mount and quite sturdy, not to mention a great value.  The second type is made by a company called RAM Mounts and is constructed of marine grade aluminum.  We think RAM Mounts are the highest quality sold.  RAM has mounts to go almost anywhere on your motorcycle.

iPhone Motorcycle Mount

iPhone Motorcycle Mount

RAM Motorcycle iPhone Mount

RAM Motorcycle iPhone Mount

Lastly, it seemed a bit strange when we first saw it, but thigh mounts make a lot of sense on airplane and even driving.  Your arm gets pretty tired when holding the iPhone (or iPod) for a 2-hour movie.  Take a look at the ThiPhone.

ThiPhone for iPhone, Touch and iPod

ThiPhone for iPhone, Touch and iPod

ThiPhone for iPhone, Touch and iPod

ThiPhone for iPhone, Touch and iPod

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