Cases for car-holders, or car-holders for cases!

[BigKuri]

Hi,
Ordered my Orbit, and looking forward to it - may have finally got an XDA that I'll keep long term. Have had II, IIi, S, mini, Exec, so it would be nice if so!

My first post for a while - as usually the info I want I can find in a search. Except this one!

I'd really like a case for the Orbit - either a skin-type, or the alum' one. However I also need a car holder for it, with tough UK no-mobile-phones in cars rules insisting on this. Ideally one with a power speaker & mic, like the up-coming Seidio.

The question - does anyone know of a case/car holder combo that works together without having to remove the PDA from the case? I know you can get the cases with a magnetic back and corresponding holder, however would rather avoid this approach if possible.

Oh - and just to clarify, the case needs to still be pocket sized, so the usual large clip things sticking out the back will be no good. Maybe someone has "invented" their own solution? I figure the alum' one is modifiable, so am thinking that may be the best bet - just need some ideas for mounting! (esp' bearing in mind would like a active powered holder).

Thanks all!

[mikealder]

I think you will struggle to find an active mount with speaker due to the audio output being part of the mini USB connector on these devices.

Take a look at Brodit 848714 for a passive holder or Brodit 968714 for an active version (charging only). These are just the holders, you will need a Pro-Clip to suit your vehicle, I also recommend a "Move it" clip between the Pro-Clip and the holder, it makes removal quick and efficiant, leaving just the small pro-clip in the vehicle (less chance of some low-life breaking in because a mount is on show). - These are quality holders, not the cheapest, but then do you want your new toy flying around the car due to a crappy mount?

For the audio output you could use Bluetooth - I have had my Artemis connected via BT and playing through the car stereo, a little low in volume but the quality was very good - Mike

[BigKuri]

Cheers Mike,

I've already got the brodit system - used it with both the IIi and S, so have the bracket etc. The brodit holders will not allow for any type of case (skin, alum, etc) - and I cannot see how to modify them to suit. The brodit bracket itself is just a platform, so have used with many other holders.

The Seidio case I refered to is (yet to be released):
http://www.handnav-hosting.co.uk/product_details.php?id=2373

I guess what I'm hoping for is a brand that makes a case, plus a compatible car holder that supplies at least power.

Worse case I'll most likely get alum pdair case, stick a magnet to the back, and just plug in a charge cable each time (and use bluetooth car-kit).

Thanks,

[TangerineTractor]

I have a siemens hcw600 bluetooth car kit - works superbly if you install jetware and the address book swap. DId this on my Mini S and now on my new Orbit...

I also got a standatd multi-way pda adapter off eby... if you get one with adjustable feet on the bottom, put the Orbit in, connect the usb, then slide the feet tight up to the usb... then add a few strategic drops of superglue to the feet and usb, and you have a fixed connector... this also works if the unit is i a case - just make sure its in the case and positioned before you clue the usb to the holder....

[BigKuri]

Great sounding tip - may give that a go! I did notice that the Orbit is now thin (width) enough to fit lots of mobile phone holders on their widest setting.
Going to review one of these new PDAHut mounts in the mean time.... Will let you know what it's like.