The way to mount your Ameo in the car ?

[cudo]

hi,

been looking for some mounts to have it in my car as a sat nav but cannot find much. the only thing so far is http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=146553
have u ppl found sth else ??

cheers

links please

[dpbakker]

Hi,

I mailed Brodit last week about the availability of a Brodit Car Holder for the Ameo/Dopod U1000/ HTC Athena. BUd didn't get an answer yet. Keep you posted.

[dalelane]

I mailed Brodit last week about the availability of a Brodit Car Holder for the Ameo/Dopod U1000/ HTC Athena. BUd didn't get an answer yet. Keep you posted.

That'd be interesting - I used a Brodit car holder for my Universal (XDA Exec) and it was great.

The bit that fixes to the car comes separately from the bit that holds your PDA, so I'd even be able to reuse some of it.

[weebaldy]

HI Guys

Sorry for the Noob question but does anyone know if that Exapnsys holder will also fit the Advantage. I notice that they have these in stock but the specific advantage one is on Pre order.

I will be replacing my Hw6915 with the advantage and need a car holder as I am an heavy user of GPS.

Thanks for your advice

Ray G

[weebaldy]

Whoops ignore that last post, The advantage one is now in Stock at Expansys!!!

RG

[banyas]

http://www.expansys.com.hk/p.aspx?i=146553
you can find it here

[alanplum]

I wish their was one that had power like the Brodit mount

[a2b]

I'm upgrading from mda pro to the ameo next week. I've been looking for car mounts too and I just came across this one on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/T-Mobile-Ameo-Tower-Suction-Mount-Holder-Charger-UK_W0QQitemZ150111131954QQcategoryZ75447QQrdZ1QQss PageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem. There doesn't seem to be much available yet.

[wu5262]

I'm upgrading from mda pro to the ameo next week. I've been looking for car mounts too and I just came across this one on ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/T-Mobile-Ameo-Tower-Suction-Mount-Holder-Charger-UK_W0QQitemZ150111131954QQcategoryZ75447QQrdZ1QQss PageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem. There doesn't seem to be much available yet.

i will be receiving test sample of car mount from HTC this month :)

[jasonmoe]

i will be receiving test sample of car mount from HTC this month :)


And once you have tested it for me you can just send it my way :)

[wu5262]

And once you have tested it for me you can just send it my way :)

sorry i can't do that :) but i can place the order on them for you if you want.

p.s. i don't know the price yet, also i don't know exactly want is include in the box, so once i have test it, i will let you guys know.

[Slave1]

Just been on a business trip, about 350 miles each way.

My Ameo holder cost £3.99 and worked fantastically.

I used a JML "Grab Mat".

http://www.jmldirect.com/product.php?cid=4&pid=219&dc_id=grab%20mat|774098824&gclid=CLrIxPjv0IsCFQ3mlAodh2iwCg

[SITS]

Just been on a business trip, about 350 miles each way.

My Ameo holder cost £3.99 and worked fantastically.

I used a JML "Grab Mat".

http://www.jmldirect.com/product.php?cid=4&pid=219&dc_id=grab%20mat|774098824&gclid=CLrIxPjv0IsCFQ3mlAodh2iwCg

I can echo that! Well worth it for the price...

[banyas]

can anyone buy it for me and i will send you the money
beacuse the do not send items international
and i live in israel
http://www.jmldirect.com/product.php?cid=4&pid=219
Thank You

[TreoDumped]

I can also confirm it works fantastically, both with the Ameo in or out of the leather case.

It is also much more secure than a friction mount I paid £50 for for a Garmin GPS.

£4 for an effective mount: bargain!

Thanks

[apd]

I am looking to get an Ameo but want the Brodit system for my car. I asked Brodit when they would release one and the answer was:


Hi!

It’s under construction ready in a couple of weeks.

Best Regards
Marie
-Brodit AB-

[Slave1]

I am looking to get an Ameo but want the Brodit system for my car. I asked Brodit when they would release one and the answer was:


Hi!

It’s under construction ready in a couple of weeks.

Best Regards
Marie
-Brodit AB-

Get a Grab Mat, if you don't like it you've lost £4 if you do you've saved £££s. Plus less chance of some Chav breaking into your car coz they think you've got a sat nav.

I got mine from Boots.

[apd]

Get a Grab Mat, if you don't like it you've lost £4 if you do you've saved £££s. Plus less chance of some Chav breaking into your car coz they think you've got a sat nav.

I got mine from Boots.

Several reasons for the Brodit:

I use satnav - and the brodit is perfect for holding my unit (an XDA Exec at the mo) in position

I already have most of the Brodit system - just need a new front. Also, it holds the power lead in place.

Cheers for the idea, though!

[ltxda]

I am looking to get an Ameo but want the Brodit system for my car. I asked Brodit when they would release one and the answer was:


Hi!

It’s under construction ready in a couple of weeks.

Best Regards
Marie
-Brodit AB-


Please let us know. I'm interested in one myself. I've tried the mat thing in the past but since I drive fast and make sharp turns, my device seems to roll off, not slide off. LOL

[patrickl]

I saw someone suggest that you could use the magnetic lock of the Athena to hold it in place on a dashboard. Didn't anyone use that yet? Or will it not be strong enough?

[mackaby007]

I saw someone suggest that you could use the magnetic lock of the Athena to hold it in place on a dashboard. Didn't anyone use that yet? Or will it not be strong enough?

Errr...actually...I had a go at a temporary solution that seems to be working out well for the meantime until they make something that will hold the Athena with keyboard.

Pic 1: Electricity wall socket (metal - therefore works well with magnet)

Pic 2: Cover off an old Hard drive (similar size to Athena keyboard - slightly bigger alround...but not much.)

Pic 3: My makeshift mount with clothed makeshift HDD cover+E-socket made earlier and integrated with an unused part of the cars interior (trying to blend it in, :) ) Also made a metal support (also covered in cloth) to support the Athena & stop it from falling backwards when going over bumps & rough roads etc.

Pic 4: Same as befor but with magnetic keyboard firmly in place. Very hard to pize off the base (best to slide it off with some effort)

Pic 5: Ameo/Athen Mounted :)


It's actually very strongly attached; the makeshift mount & the Ameo and the support works extremely well. It cannot slide or drop off...believe me...I tried! lol.


Bottom line; it's not exactly beautiful, but it's certainly fit for purpose and easily removable as it is attached to the dashboard by only double sided velcro - though I tend to leave the contraption in the car.

Cost = £2.50 & a couple of hours work, but I drive anyhow I want with the confidence that it won't fall or slide off and is perfectly situated from driving position and does not detract from keeping ones eyes on the road.

Even the charger reaches comfortably from the cigarette lighter.

[findus]

Brilliant! Was thinking about making something like this, you know what they say about necessity being the mother of all invention!

[mackaby007]

.....you know what they say about necessity being the mother of all invention!

Don't you just know it. :)

[johnnykok]

Errr...actually...I had a go at a temporary solution that seems to be working out well for the meantime until they make something that will hold the Athena with keyboard.

Pic 1: Electricity wall socket (metal - therefore works well with magnet)

Pic 2: Cover off an old Hard drive (similar size to Athena keyboard - slightly bigger alround...but not much.)

Pic 3: My makeshift mount with clothed makeshift HDD cover+E-socket made earlier and integrated with an unused part of the cars interior (trying to blend it in, :) ) Also made a metal support (also covered in cloth) to support the Athena & stop it from falling backwards when going over bumps & rough roads etc.

Pic 4: Same as befor but with magnetic keyboard firmly in place. Very hard to pize off the base (best to slide it off with some effort)

Pic 5: Ameo/Athen Mounted :)


It's actually very strongly attached; the makeshift mount & the Ameo and the support works extremely well. It cannot slide or drop off...believe me...I tried! lol.


Bottom line; it's not exactly beautiful, but it's certainly fit for purpose and easily removable as it is attached to the dashboard by only double sided velcro - though I tend to leave the contraption in the car.

Cost = £2.50 & a couple of hours work, but I drive anyhow I want with the confidence that it won't fall or slide off and is perfectly situated from driving position and does not detract from keeping ones eyes on the road.

Even the charger reaches comfortably from the cigarette lighter.

Wow, very well done. Since my Dopod U1000 comes with car holder and charger, I do not need to DIY. But I did some DIY for my binder, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1238164#post1238164

[eagle 1]

Nice prototype mount. I am also going to have to make a temporary car mount.

I talked to ProClipUSA (Brodit's US distributor) a couple of weeks ago. Had to send them links to specs, etc.

They emailed me back a couple of days later and said they and Brodit will have them available in 2 to 4 weeks. 6 weeks at the most.

[patrickl]

That looks pretty good. Guess this is a nice PDA form some DIY work ;)

[Longkesh]

http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/more_images.php?id=8541&inum=1

[patrickl]

http://www.gpsforless.co.uk/more_images.php?id=8541&inum=1
That's the same one as posted by a2b a month ago

[Abram]

That's the same one as posted by a2b a month ago


I dug out my Arkon powered mount that was designed for tho XDA2 (seems like a lifetime ago. "sighs") Works well with the Ameo. I had to trim the foam to fit the Ameo. They were very thick anyway. Works OK! I tend to rest the flexible stem on the dash though to support the weight of the device. Works well in portrait as well! It has a powered outlet for 2 mini usb devices plus the specific xda2 outlet. It also has an amplified speaker (though I found the sound quality to be rubbish and never used it). Extra cable needed as well.

So if you had one of these (like me ), maybe it's time to dig them out.

[patrickl]

I dug out my Arkon powered mount that was designed for tho XDA2 (seems like a lifetime ago. "sighs") Works well with the Ameo...I had something like that and tried it for my Universal, but it kept falling out. Are you sure that grip is going to hold?

[lbarouf]

Only the Dopod has the magnetic keyboard?
The T-Mo and HTC branded ones don't/won't?

Wow, very well done. Since my Dopod U1000 comes with car holder and charger, I do not need to DIY. But I did some DIY for my binder, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1238164#post1238164

[wu5262]

Only the Dopod has the magnetic keyboard?
The T-Mo and HTC branded ones don't/won't?

what are you thinking? :) they are the same

[Longkesh]

Nice prototype mount. I am also going to have to make a temporary car mount.

I talked to ProClipUSA (Brodit's US distributor) a couple of weeks ago. Had to send them links to specs, etc.

They emailed me back a couple of days later and said they and Brodit will have them available in 2 to 4 weeks. 6 weeks at the most.

Brodit Proclip released

http://www.brodit.se/images/971739.jpg

[patrickl]

Hmm, a sleeve design. :(

[apd]

Brodit Proclip released

http://www.brodit.se/images/971739.jpg

But not on their website yet.

[apd]

Hmm, a sleeve design. :(

Don't be sad(!) - I tried a number of systems with my Uni and the Brodit was by far and away the best.

[Longkesh]

But not on their website yet.

Yes, it is. Search under PDA and HTC

http://www.brodit.com/?lang=E

[apd]

Yes, it is. Search under PDA and HTC

http://www.brodit.com/?lang=E

I checked at about 15.30 but only for ameo, advantage and athena - didn't notice x7500. why does this thing have so many bloody names!!!!!:D

[classicxda]

any waterproof case / mounting for above?
cheers

SteveW

[lbendlin]

Hmm, a sleeve design. :(

Of course! This is the only way to do it. Both the grab mat and the squezzie holder are inherent safety risks. They will not protect you from the device during a crash from behind.

[di2307]

I used Brodit active car mount for my Eten M600 and it is a great mount!
I am still waiting for my x7500, but called Brodit and ordered mount for it. Looks good for me, since I have a mount already in my Audi TT.
They accept preorder, waiting time 1-2 weeks for USA.
Dimitriy

[bryson]

Hi All!

We have been getting a lot of requests for the Brodit holders for the HTC X7500 / Athena / Advantage / Ameo so we are please to announce that the holders ready for pre ordering. Please follow the link below to view the 2 available holders - either charging via you cig lighter or hardwired to your vehicles power supply. Both holders fit onto a Proclip or suction mount as per the usual Brodit holder solution.

http://www.dsldevelopments.com/brodit/new_holder/HTC+X7500-Brodit-Holder.asp

The 1st stocks are due to the UK in approx. 7 working days.

Like I say we have had a lot of enquiries about these holders, so we anticipate significant demand on the first stocks, so if you order early that should get you a holder from the 1st stocks.

If you have any questions, please do drop me a reply,

Many Thanks again, hope this helps!

Bryson
DSL Developments

[patrickl]

Of course! This is the only way to do it. Both the grab mat and the squezzie holder are inherent safety risks. They will not protect you from the device during a crash from behind.Well I had hoped someone could do something with the magnets.

[jas_pik]

I've got HR car mount for my Ameo but I was wondering to find something for friend's Athena.
You can find a few different car mount easy adopt for Athena between mounts for PSP ( Thank to my son)

[haztoma]

hello guys, maybe some of you can help.

there is a guy on ebay advertising ORIGINAL Dopod U1000 HTC X7500 Ameo Car Mount / Charger. it looks great but he's charging way too much for it. i can't seem to find this on the htc website. do u know who else might be selling this car mount?

thax

[Rambler358]

I ordered the Brodit Advantage mount from ProClip USA, and received it already. I modified it for use with my RAM mount system on my motorcycle. I got this mount because I could use it for either my car or bike, and it optionally allows the use of the keyboard as well. Some pics of the modified mount:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip6.jpg

And it's working great!

[Rambler358]

Another pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip3.jpg

[haztoma]

Another pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip3.jpg

thanx for the reply. does ur mount come with a suction cup as well? also i noticed u have a garmin mobile xt never knew that existed!

did some reading about, it says u have to have a garmin gps for it work, is that true? are you using the built gps or are you connected to a bluetooth gps?

[Rambler358]

does ur mount come with a suction cup as well? also i noticed u have a garmin mobile xt never knew that existed!
RAM suction mounts are available, though I don't have it. You can see all kinds of RAM mounts here (http://www.ram-mount.com).

did some reading about, it says u have to have a garmin gps for it work, is that true? are you using the built gps or are you connected to a bluetooth gps?
Unfortunately, the Garmin Mobile XT software requires the Garmin GPS receiver. :( But I find the Garmin software better than TomTom Navigator 6 (which I also have), and it allows me to create routes and waypoints on my PC via Mapsource and then transfer them to the Garmin Mobile software - something I haven't found other PDA GPS software capable of doing.

[toyfreak]

Here is my solution: A RAM-B-101-224 (suction cup, arm, and round base with ball) bolted to the Brodit mount with stainless steel hardware. Drill four holes, tighten the screws, and you're done.

Thanks to Rambler358 for the tip...

BTW the Brodit mount is EXQUISITELY crafted (it starts out as a sheet of ABS which is NC profiled and machined to fit the Athena and then formed into a "u" shape. All edges which touch the PDA are relieved to prevent scratches (if ABS could scratch the Athena, I doubt it).

The RAM suction cup is tenacious and I have no doubt it will stay attached. The device with keyboard also looks really cool stuck to the inside of my windshield.

Here are some pictures of how it came out:

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149659823594018

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149668413528626

[mahjong]

Unfortunately, the Garmin Mobile XT software requires the Garmin GPS receiver. :( But I find the Garmin software better than TomTom Navigator 6 (which I also have), and it allows me to create routes and waypoints on my PC via Mapsource and then transfer them to the Garmin Mobile software - something I haven't found other PDA GPS software capable of doing.

I use Google Earth to generate routes and waypoints for my Tomtom. There is a program called Tomtom-Google to make the link.

Anyway I agree with you, I prefer Garmin Mobile XT... I hope someone find the way to use it with the internal GPS.

[Red_Toyol]

Hi guys,

I bought a new Dopod U1000 last week in Kuala Lumpur, and to my surprise, it also comes with a car mount + all accessories like car charger, etc. It sticks very well in my car, and the handling (accessibility, durability) is fantastic. I will post some pictures later on when I got some time to take photos.

Why didn't you guys get the same stock car mount?

-Red-

[eaglesteve]

Yes, car mount are part of the bonus package that seems to be part of all purchases made in Asian countries. Yes, it works extremely well, without damaging your dashboard. I most prefer landscape mount, as the usb cable comes out from the left. In portrait mount, the usb charging cable comes out from bottom, and it can fall out sometimes. I always use the charger in the car, as it keeps my device fully charged (although I'm aware that some find the charger giving net drain to the battery - a problem which I don't have with my Dopod U1000).

[Confucious]

Yes, car mount are part of the bonus package that seems to be part of all purchases made in Asian countries. Yes, it works extremely well, without damaging your dashboard. I most prefer landscape mount, as the usb cable comes out from the left. In portrait mount, the usb charging cable comes out from bottom, and it can fall out sometimes. I always use the charger in the car, as it keeps my device fully charged (although I'm aware that some find the charger giving net drain to the battery - a problem which I don't have with my Dopod U1000).

I use the Brodit mount with built in charger. Not cheep but IMHO the best. Chargers that have worked fine with all my other SmartPhones/PPCs don't have enough power for the Athena and the battery would drain using GPS s/ware - not a problem with the Brodit :)

[eaglesteve]

When I use my gps, a half charged device will become fully charged after a while,with gps running. I don't have a net drain issue. This is with full backlight .

[patrickl]

It depends on the car charger. Some are 200mA or something and others can be 1A. make sure you get a powerful one and you'll be fine. unfortunately they hardly ever mention the rating in the web specs of cheaper car chargers

[patrickl]

I got the brodit open holder and I cannot really get the PDA out of this holder. Especially when the keyboard is attached it's virtually impossible to remove.

Am I missing something?

[toyfreak]

I got the brodit open holder and I cannot really get the PDA out of this holder. Especially when the keyboard is attached it's virtually impossible to remove.

Am I missing something?

I don't think so... The PDA just slides straight up. It is more difficult to separate the PDA and keyboard when in the mount. They can be "peeled" apart when not in the mount.

[sumtingwong]

It depends on the car charger. Some are 200mA or something and others can be 1A. make sure you get a powerful one and you'll be fine. unfortunately they hardly ever mention the rating in the web specs of cheaper car chargers

I found that even the 5V/1A charger won't even *charge up* the Athena if you're using it with the basics turned on (bluetooth, HSDPA, GPS/GPS software, WM player playing in the background). It is merely enough to hold the charge so that it won't drop down below your original level. HTC should have provided us with a better charger. I still have the old charger from my XDA IIs that is a 5V/2A charger. My mini USB adapter is comming this Friday. I will be able to find out if the 5V/2A is strong enough to actually increase the charge while using the basic functions and will report it here. If someone already tried 5V/2A and it fried the Athena :D , please let me know. Many thanks.

[patrickl]

Yeah I noticed that a couple of times too. One time my Athena even ran out of power while connected to my 1A charger (Using a bright screen, Bluetooth, GPS and GPRS for traffic info).

What's funny is that navigating still worked when I switched off the Athena. I still got the spoken directions/traffic warnings and speed cam warnings. I guess it has some sor of half operative state.

I read in the manual already that you need to hold the power switch to really switch it off, but I didn't realize that meant that the machine basically remains operational when I switch it off with a simple short press.

It also happened to me that the Athena was not charging even though it was connected to the cable.

Where does one find a 5V/2A charger?

BTW, the 2A is just the max power it can deliver when called for. It's not like it flushes 2A through your system and fries it.

[eaglesteve]

Y GPRS for traffic info).

You get traffic info? What GPS navigation software are you using?

What's funny is that navigating still worked when I switched off the Athena. I still got the spoken directions/traffic warnings and speed cam warnings. I guess it has some sor of half operative state.

I read in the manual already that you need to hold the power switch to really switch it off, but I didn't realize that meant that the machine basically remains operational when I switch it off with a simple short press.

With some GPS such as iGO myway, it is a software setting that allows you to either continue to get GPS signal and spoken voice when the software is minimised.

In other GPS software, the only way to turn them off is to exit the GPS application itself.

Or are you using that even if you exit your GPS application (not just minimized), the orange light still blinks?

It also happened to me that the Athena was not charging even though it was connected to the cable.

Is your charger faulty perhaps? Or is your car key turned on?

[patrickl]

You get traffic info? What GPS navigation software are you using?Tom Tom with a subscription to their Plus Traffic info.

I also download current speed check locations (police ambushes)

With some GPS such as iGO myway, it is a software setting that allows you to either continue to get GPS signal and spoken voice when the software is minimised.

In other GPS software, the only way to turn them off is to exit the GPS application itself.Yeah, but with my Universal, when I switched the machine off it was really off and it stopped navigating. When I switch the Athena off, it apparently keeps running only with the screen switched to black.

Is your charger faulty perhaps? Or is your car key turned on?Could be that my car charger doesn't have the data lines grounded. Not sure. The Universal had the same problem with some chargers (ie I needed to switch it off to get the LED to go orange and start charging and then I could switch it back on and it would keep on charging. If left on it would never charge.) I bought a powered holder for the Uni though and that charger did work. I use a standard 5V @ 1A usb car charger for the Athena now.

[patrickl]

Here are some pictures of my setup. I got the Brodit holder and coupled that to my HR Richter suction cup with a piece a constructed from a HR Richter double holder

http://arcade.laweb.nl/Ameo/HR_double.jpg

I simply cut off the two sides and screwed the Brodit to the middle part that remained. I had this laying around, otherwise I probably would just have purchased the HR adapter plate.

You can see the extra block sittingbetween the brodit and the arm in the next picture.

http://arcade.laweb.nl/Ameo/PICT7323.jpg

Here it is in a Honda Civic:

http://arcade.laweb.nl/Ameo/PICT7320.jpg

http://arcade.laweb.nl/Ameo/PICT7321.jpg

I'm still looking for a better charger and I didn't feel like paying 30 euro for the Brodit active cable. Besides, I want to make the cable more hidden too (put it around the edge of the dash)

[mahjong]

The X7500 in my Jeep Wrangler TJ looks like this:

http://www.arrakis.es/~tejedor/x7500jeep.jpg

I'm using this:

http://i.expansys.com/i/b/b147173.jpg
http://www.expansys.es/p.aspx?i=147173

And this:

http://i.expansys.com/i/b/b146552.jpg
http://www.expansys.es/p.aspx?i=146552

[eaglesteve]

T
Yeah, but with my Universal, when I switched the machine off it was really off and it stopped navigating. When I switch the Athena off, it apparently keeps running only with the screen switched to black.



This mean that Athena is working as it should and Universal is not. It makes more sense to work the Athena way,and I personally use that feature. When I use my golf navigation software, I switch off my PDA toconserve power, but leaving the GPS workingso that at any moment I can switch it back on to tell me my distanc to the green, to water hazards, etc. It wouldbe useless if GPS does not stay alive, because that would mean I have to wait for the position update which takes time.

[sumtingwong]

I ordered the Brodit Advantage mount from ProClip USA, and received it already. I modified it for use with my RAM mount system on my motorcycle. I got this mount because I could use it for either my car or bike, and it optionally allows the use of the keyboard as well. Some pics of the modified mount:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v406/Rambler358/Misc/HTC%20Advantage%20Pics/ProClip%20Mount/proclip1.jpg






And it's working great!

Um... won't the screw heads showing up here scratch your Athena when you put it in?

I found the brodit holders are too clumsy. As if they put no thoughts into the designing process at all What's up with the screwing and the snaping... Haven't they heard of the standard suction cups, the standard T slot, the standard 4-prong ratcheting system?

If you love saving money by reusing old parts or if you love being able to mix and match parts from other makers like Arkon, etc... or if you love to be able to take your mounting system to your rental car when you travel, go for the Herbert Richter holder that comes with the standard 4-prong ratchetin system. I was able to use it with the 14-inch gooseneck system I bought from Arkon 7 years ago.

http://i.expansys.com/i/b/b146552.jpg

For US users buying from Mobile Planet, the Herbert Richter holder is sold together with a gooseneck for $50+. However, you can tell them you only want the holder and they will sell it to you for $40.

[patrickl]

I had several reasons to go for the Brodit holder:
- That HR Richter holder cost almost twice as much as the Brodit holder (at least in the shop where I bought it)
- The Brodit holder allows for the keyboard to be attached while the Athena is in the holder.
- The Brodit holder comes with a swivel head built in

The keyboard thing didn't work as well as I hoped (probably won't ever use it), but the swivel head is great.

BTW the Brodit holder keeps some free space at the back of the Athena (which is why the screw heads don't scratch). You can see this in my picture of the side. This in fact does also help cooling the Athena when in the holder. My last car holder had a closed back and it would practically cook my Universal.

[Rambler358]

Um... won't the screw heads showing up here scratch your Athena when you put it in?
Nope - there's about a 1/2" clearance from the back of the Advantage to the mount, so no problems. It's very sturdy and even does quite well on bumpy roads on my bike. :)

The only thing I need to do is Dremmel a little away from the mount area which covers the camera. This way I can take some videos while riding.

[mahjong]

I'm sorry but I consider the way I plug the X7500 in my car at least much elegant that with a suction cup. First off all there is nothing on the windshield so the view is perfect. And in my country when you left the car in the screen thiefs pay attention to the windshields in order to find marks left by the suction cups on it. So they open the cars where those marks are found since many people left the GPS inside de car. Even if you don't left the GPS inside you will get a window broken.

Another point for the air vent instalation is the the GPS is usualy closer to your hand so you can click on it.

And a final word on suction cups... they enventually drops due to temperature changes and moisture.

It's just my opinion but I'm very happy with the air vent mounting I got.

Best regards,
mahjong

[patrickl]

Suction cup, air vent mount or Brodit Pro clip is indeed another choice. I guess to each their own.

I had an air vent mount before and I didn't like it. When I had it I couldn't comfortably see the screen (too far forward and to much to the right made for an awkward angle) Basically it looked like in the Jeep picture. I cannot really read the map from that angle. I noticed that while navigating I had to actually move my head in front of the PDA to be able see what I had to do. Very dangerous since this especially happens in situations where the traffic is not clear already and you really need the navigating not to take up too much attention.

I had a similar mount and it actually broke my air vent. I didn't like it blocking the vent either. I need the vent to cool/heat my car and when it blows on the PDA it's annoying so I had to switch it off.

I wanted to get a Brodit pro-clip, but they usually go on spots where I don't like it either. Some you even need to put under the dash.

I have only had a suction cup come off in the early days (which is why I tried the air vent). The new suctions cups (with the lever) don't come off really. I never had my car broken in either (the mount sitting on the air vent would call for a break-in just as much so I don't see that point anyway).

I have been using suction cup mounting since the Palm Vx days. Back then mounts were pretty basic. I only used vent mounting for a few months before I replaced that mount with the strong suction cup I still use today. I do clean my window now and then and thus remount the suction cup a few times a year. It's actually quite a struggle to get it off.

My PDA rests on the dash, so it's not hanging in the air. I'd like it a bit lower, but as it is now it's not in the line of sight while I'm driving. I'd like it a bit more to the left too, but it would cover the AC/Radio/Clock display.

BTW The new Honda Civic is actually not an easy car to place a PDA. I'd say probably any new car with a modern dash and windshield seems to make this difficult. The dashboards are so deep and curved these days. They are covered with displays and the windshields (and air vents) are at such an angle that it's hard to attach things. The suction cup is hard to place already, but I couldn't really use an air vent mount even if I wanted too.

[toyfreak]

Here is my solution: A RAM-B-101-224 (suction cup, arm, and round base with ball) bolted to the Brodit mount with stainless steel hardware. Drill four holes, tighten the screws, and you're done.

Thanks to Rambler358 for the tip...

BTW the Brodit mount is EXQUISITELY crafted (it starts out as a sheet of ABS which is NC profiled and machined to fit the Athena and then formed into a "u" shape. All edges which touch the PDA are relieved to prevent scratches (if ABS could scratch the Athena, I doubt it).

The RAM suction cup is tenacious and I have no doubt it will stay attached. The device with keyboard also looks really cool stuck to the inside of my windshield.

Here are some pictures of how it came out:

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149659823594018

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149668413528626

Here is a follow-on to post #50:

The combination of RAM suction cup and arm with the Brodit passive holder has been 100% perfect for me. It also works great in the back seat (attached to a side window) when I am a passenger. I have never had any problems with the security of the suction cup. The whole setup is sturdy enough to type on with the hardware keyboard attached.

I also have a RAM yoke mount for aircraft use and weather permitting, I will be using it Wednesday 24 October in a Cessna 172. I will post pics of this setup then.

[toyfreak]

Here's the Bordit Passive Holder with a RAM yoke mount grafted onto it. My X7501 is running AnywhereMap, an aviation moving map navigation program. The wire hanging down over the instruments is from a headset lying on the glareshield above.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5127932854117845282

[inframan]

Someone was asking about doing it with magnets.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=1259346#post1259346

[patrickl]

That's both pretty cool.

BTW The Advantage looks huge on that yoke.

[toyfreak]

That's both pretty cool.

BTW The Advantage looks huge on that yoke.

It's the largest instrument display in the aircraft (including the Bendix/King GPS in the radio stack). I can also display a full complement of aviation weather data right on the moving map like NEXRAD, lightning, METARS, TAFs, etc. using the AT&T data connection to download (usually before departure but in-air if necessary and available).

Off-topic, I know but hopefully interesting to some...

[keithwwalker]

Was the RAM mount already drilled for the Proclip/Brodit hole pattern?

Here is my solution: A RAM-B-101-224 (suction cup, arm, and round base with ball) bolted to the Brodit mount with stainless steel hardware. Drill four holes, tighten the screws, and you're done.

Thanks to Rambler358 for the tip...

BTW the Brodit mount is EXQUISITELY crafted (it starts out as a sheet of ABS which is NC profiled and machined to fit the Athena and then formed into a "u" shape. All edges which touch the PDA are relieved to prevent scratches (if ABS could scratch the Athena, I doubt it).

The RAM suction cup is tenacious and I have no doubt it will stay attached. The device with keyboard also looks really cool stuck to the inside of my windshield.

Here are some pictures of how it came out:

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149659823594018 (http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149659823594018)

http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149668413528626 (http://picasaweb.google.com/cbhausen/X7501/photo?authkey=Hk5D-8QCduo#5115149668413528626)