I ordered, by mistake, both this dash holder as well as the Kensington model and I'm glad I made the mistake! Although the Kensington model works well enough, this Arkon has the GREAT benefit of a spring loaded system that, once grasping your phone with cushioned legs, will not let go when you do not wish it to. Honestly, this did not happen very often with the Kensington but it happened a couple times and that really is enough if I know there is something else out there that will NOT drop my iPhone. I wrote this review because, basically, if I had the choice between the two models, knowing what I know of both, I'd pick the Arkon and thought that insight might help someone deciding between the two. Well worth the money. Arkon IPM512 Mini Friction Dashboard Mount with Travel Mount Deluxe Mini Windshield Pedestal for iPhone 4
I bought this really cheap from Amazon.com for $20 including S&H. The product is high quality to my surprise. Perfect for my iPhone 4.
The base has good velvety bottom and heavy enough to stay onto the dashboard without any need for an anchor/hook such as the one that is included in this kit. No problem for abrupt braking or quick acceleration.
The suction detaches easily if you want the phone holder to be placed on to the windshield (which is illegal by the way in California).
Phone holder fits any phone's width as it is adjustable, wide or slim such as the iPhone 4, and with a quick release knob.
The product's image is slightly different from the one I got from the vendor (which is better actually). The Amazon product image, which I ordered, has it on top and bottom. The one that was shipped to me has the holder positioned on the sides which I actually prefer. I guess the vendor did a complementary gesture for me for being patient and waiting a day or two until they finally got it in stock.
This is a perfect accessory for my iPhone 4.
I haven't tested it though to see if it will stand heat as I hide it when not in use to be discreet.
I'm very impressed with this item. I did quite a bit of research to find a holder for my iPhone 4 (with case). I first tried Griffin GC17093 TuneFlex AUX Hands-free for iPhone and iPod since I had a similar Griffen product for my iPod Touch. The Griffin was terrible so I returned it. (Check out my review on that product, if interested.)
When this product arrived, I was pleasantly surprised.
Pros:
> Sturdy and well made
> Highly adjustable
> Looks good -- not cheap
> Includes a safety hook (I was rear ended last year and my Garmin friction mount flew to the back of my van.)
> Solid base is heavy so it stays put
> Works for any device
> Arms are adjustable so can be set to avoid headset jacks and chargers.
> Includes two extra, longer arms
Cons:
> The extra, longer arms cam in their own package with no instructions. Took me a few minutes but eventually I figured out I needed them for my iPhone.
I highly recommend this product if you need a friction mount. With that said, I've changed my mind on mine. I'm still using my Garmin so two friction mounts on my dash is a bit much. In addition, in my car, the friction mount puts the iPhone just a bit far from my fingers so it makes it a little tough to accurately hit the mutitouch screen. (With my Garmin, I set and forget. With the iPhone, I find myself changing playlists, and updating the Wave navigation app when I'm stopped.) However, I'll keep this for occasional use in one of the other cars instead of returning. (I only return bad products. This one is worth keeping.) I'm hoping to find a vent mount for the Arkon.
Extras, I bought two other products that work well with this mount. You might want to check them out. Kensington K33497US PowerBolt Duo Car Charger, iPhone 4 Compatible provides a USB charging cable and two USB charging slots for the accessory power. This is great. I also bought Scosche motorMOUTH Plug and Play Bluetooth Handsfree and Streaming Audio Car Kit. This device is great for getting the audio from the iPhone to the stereo in the car (assuming you have an aux input on the stereo. I'm still not convinced about the microphone for phone calls but the bluetooth alone made it worthwhile.
I have always preferred the friction mounts for our various GPS systems but needed new ones for our cars as we switched the GPS services to our iPhones.
I ordered this model as well as the Arkon SM412ARKON SM412 MINI FRICTION DASHBOARD MOUNT WITH WINDSHIELD MOUNT OPTION & MEGA-GRIP SMARTPHONE HOLD. Both mounts are absolutely identical but the holders that you clip the phone into works quite differently.
This mount uses pressure created by some spring mechanism that you do not see through the dark plastic. You have to pull the bottom two clips down, slide your phone into the holder and let the clips snap back up. It is cumbersome to use as the clips that hold the iPhone 4 in place constantly either cover the audio out, the on/off switch (top) or the power plug and microphones (bottom). A few times, the clips slid out of the holder and had to get reassembled. I was wondering when I unpacked the unit, why it came with 2 spare clips. I wonder no more as I am sure at some point soon one will either fly into the great abyss or just snap off. To make a long story short, I am returning this model today and will switch to the generic holder Arkon SM412 (linked above).
That model should work for any smart phone so when you are ready to dump your iPhone for a smart phone with actual phone reception, I do not have to buy a new mount. That may never happen as I enjoy all other non-call related iPhone options for many years now. - Ipod Car Mount - Iphone Stand - Iphone'
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