MountGuys Blog

November 7, 2010

Otterbox, iPhones, Droids, Smartphones and Motorcycles Living in Harmony

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , — mountguys @ 2:55 pm

Otterbox.  Best case you can buy.  I have dropped my iPhone on a cement floor with an Otterbox and not a scratch.  They are not cheap, but well worth the added expense in avoiding damage to your new $400 device.  Otterbox has been in business for a long time making custom cases for expensive devices.  The recommended model uses a plastic case covered with a rubber skin.  It comes with a screen protector and don’t worry, your iPhone or Droid will work with the screen protector.

Now the problem with Otterbox is that normal custom mounts will not work with the larger case surrounding your device.  A spring loaded cradle can be used to tightly (and we mean tightly) grasp your iPhone or Droid and keep it in place while riding.  As we all know, GPS capabilities are excellent on smartphones and somehow makes us feel so much better about plunking all that money down for that new expensive phone!

Otterbox and Motorcycle Mount

Otterbox and Motorcycle Mount

Otterbox Defender and iPhone 4

Otterbox Defender and iPhone 4

 

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

June 20, 2010

iPhone 4 Car and Motorcycle Mount Options

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , — mountguys @ 1:58 pm

Here comes the new iPhone 4!  And here comes all the iPhone 4 mounting questions!  We figured it was a good time for a new blog posting on the iPhone 4.  When it comes to the iPhone 4, Apple describes it best so check this link out for technical specs.  When it comes to mounting options, there are a lot of options.  Most people will be using the iPhone 4 with a skin or case (Otterbox makes great cases).  If it’s like the iPhone 3G, you will see the cases a few weeks after the availability dates.

There are excellent options to mount the iPhone 4 almost anyplace you want.

First we start with a motorcycle.  There are two types of options.  The first involves an expandable cradle, and they fit the iPhone 4 with or with a case / skin.  The second is a waterproof type.  We find that a lot of people might ride in the rain once in a while, and these are great to keep your device dry and secure.

iPhone 4 Handlebar Mount

iPhone 4 Handlebar Mount

Motorcycle Weatherproof Mount for iPhone 4

Motorcycle Weatherproof Mount for iPhone 4

Within your car, the mounting options are endless.  We fine that a lot of people buy car mounts for two reasons.  First, nobody like their iPhone floating around on their passenger seat.  Second, you can use the iPhone 4 as a GPS.  We find the cup holder and vent mounts make excellent choices.  We like the vent mount best for GPS users.

iPhone 4 Car Vent Mount

iPhone 4 Car Vent Mount

iPhone 4 Cup Holder Mount

iPhone 4 Cup Holder Mount

Need some power for your iPhone 4.  There are a few unique options.  First is a hardwire that a lot of people will use on motorcycles.  It uses any car iPhone charger.  There is also an adapter that permits you to use your charger at home.

Home car charger adapter

Home car charger adapter

iPhone Hardwire Cable

iPhone Hardwire Cable

September 10, 2009

Waterproof GPS and iPhone Mounts for Motorcycles

Filed under: GPS Mounts and Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — mountguys @ 11:09 pm

Looking for a sealed waterproof enclosure for your device on a motorcycle?  There’s not a lot of choices out there.  One excellent choice is to select the waterproof Garmin Zumo GPS series.  These are excellent GPS units, but let’s face it, $700 is a lot for a GPS.  The functionality of a Zumo is on par with many GPS models from Garmin, TomTom and Magellan in the $150 range.

Why worry about waterproof?  This is important for those that wish to leave the GPS attached to the bike overnight, or ride in the rain.  If you don’t do any of this, read a different post on our blog (we have lots of good information).

But what if you don’t feel like spending $700 on the waterproof models?  Consider a waterproof bike mount.  These combine a standard mount with a weatherproof case.  RAM Mount makes an excellent high quality line of waterproof cases called the Aqua Box.

RAM Mount Aqua Boxes provides excellent waterproof protection.  Featuring a clear, touch through screen so that you may view your electronics as well as use their function keys while in place.  There is even a place for a small lock to serve as a theft deterrent.  Ideally suited to Motorcycles and ATVs, these keep your portable devices safe, dry, and accessible.

There are multiple sizes available.  Most popular are the Medium Wide models (RAM-HOL-AQ6u) suitable for most GPS models made by Garmin, TomTom, Magellan and Navigon.  A very popular size is the Medium model (RAM-HOL-AQ2u) which suits the Apple iPod, iPhone, Microsoft Zune, Dell DJ and many other MP3 players.  Each case comes with padding within to ensure that slim units sit flush against the lens.  The rear of each box has a punch-out to provide access for cables and wires.

Both of these cases are available coupled with a motorcycle mount, windshield mount and marine mount.  These combinations provide the best value if you need a mount as well as the case.  The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty on their products.

 

Cell Phone and MP3 Player Aquabox Medium Case

Cell Phone and MP3 Player Aquabox Medium Case

Aquabox Medium Wide Case for GPS Units up to 5" Diag Screen

Aquabox Medium Wide Case for GPS Units up to 5" Diag Screen

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

September 1, 2009

Where do I put my SkyCaddie?

Filed under: Other Mounts & Accessories — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — mountguys @ 11:12 pm

Playing that par-5 18th hole.  Second shot is 200 yards away over a slope.  Can’t see the flag on the large green.  What now?  Take out your trusty Golf GPS and scope out the distance to the green and exact location of the cup.

The major brands of Golf GPS units include SkyGolf with their SkyCaddie line, Garmin with the Golflogix, iGolf, Bushnell, and Golf Buddy.  The most popular are Skycaddie and Golflogix.  Each has multiple models.  If looking at Skycaddie, they have the SG1, SG2, SG2.5, SG3, SG4 and SG5.  The newest is the SG5 but the older models are great values and can be purchased on ebay for less than $200.

These units have come a long way since the initial black and white models.  The new SkyCaddie SG5 is color, maps out 40 targets per hole, shows the aerial view of each hole.  Heck it even keeps score for you.

A constant complaint of golfers is the belt mount.  It’s tough enough to hit a golf ball.  Having a GPS tethered to your waist makes it even more difficult.  So in we come with a complete mount selection for your Golf GPS.

Most units have a rear button on the back and we use that as the mounting point on most of our holders.  For GPS units without the button, we offer cradle mounts.

Our most popular is the cup holder mount.  Today’s electric carts all have at least two cup holders.  Why not use one for your GPS?

SkyCaddie SG4 in a cup holder mount

SkyCaddie SG4 in a cup holder mount

Playing nine-holes on the executive course with a walking cart?  No cup holder in your golf cart?  No problem.  We have walking cart mounts as well.

SkyCaddie Walking Cart Mount

SkyCaddie Walking Cart Mount

Lastly we don’t want to forget to tell about the new iPhone application from GolfLogix.  They have come out with an app that works just like one of these $400 GPS units.  The cost?  $40.  Although we haven’t tried it yet, reports are that it hit the top 10 in the iPhone store in less than a week!

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