Hey folks, I’m looking for a dash mount for my ND as I’m just not that happy with the built-in sat nav and would prefer just to use my phone.
I found this Brodit dash mount, but by the time I specify the phone attachment it’s ~£40 . I don’t mind paying that if it’s definitely the best option, but are there alternatives I should look at first?
I also don’t think the phone holder will work with a phone cover on, which is a bit of a hassle removing it all the time and will probably slacken the cover fit.
This one is good as having a case isn’t an issue and its easy to just drop the phone in one handed.
Although slightly off piste I’m interested why you don’t like the Sat-Nav seems ok to me other than my whole system has randomly reset a couple of times.
I’ve tried the Brodit route in the past on an Ipod years ago. Worked OK but the cost was eye watering. These days I use a magnetic mount (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HZYM2XM/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE) It works very well (far better than the Brodit) but you do need a flat smooth surface to mount the magnet. There are many out there that will fit into an air vent and that may suit better. But if going the magnetic route, read the reviews and get one that works well for others. Some are a complete waste of time and your phone will forever be falling off.
I’ve been looking for a better solution but this Avantek will do the job if you want something cheap to be going on with. It fits on the centre vent but the lower ‘prop’ which is designed to sit on a slat actually lands on the dash padding because the vent is so narrow. It leaves a small indentation (it came out overnight, but I have a small piece of foam under it now to prevent that).
You’re right about the case, the ‘wallet’ case I used has been retired but the clamp fits on a bumper case.
So I suppose that is a lukewarm recommendation!
I’ve been eyeing up the Brodit and also this 3D printed one that fits the cup holder, but apart from being more expensive I don’t think that will work well with a passenger so I have ordered the Brodit and one of the two universal swivel mounts - 75-89mm (511479) - there’s one for 62-77mm (511666).
MX5 parts seem to be as cheap as anywhere for the mounting plate. Amazon price for the 75-89 is £27.62, so you’re right it’s over £40. I’d rather go for the universal mount than the dedicated one - those are to fit the bare phone, and phones tend to get changed anyway.
Despite having the navigation, I still use Google maps as it is more up to date and better at traffic. Data use is minimal with all the maps downloaded for offline use. Shame the car one doesn’t do screen mirroring (or if it does I haven’t noticed).
I have the Brodit one in my ND - it is miles ahead of anything else I found and is worth every penny in my opinion. I tried a Fix2car one which wobbled all over the place - Brodit one is solid as a rock.
Tip: Try to get second hand phone mounts on eBay, MX5parts were the cheapest place for the bracket I found.
I use one of these magnetic mounts which clips on the central air vent. http://amzn.eu/gmuEbF5
Should be the MPOW Air Vent phone mount. Comes with metal plate to put in your phone case or stick on, works fine with mine so far (Moto G5), you can rotate the phone round to landscape mode for Sat Nav which is nice. I agree, onboard sat nav in the ND is abysmal.
Lots of options for me to consider, I’ll have a look through and see what’s going to be right for me. With the cheaper ones it might just be a case of suck it and see and see, so I might put one or two on my Christmas list and if it doesn’t work out I’ll plump for the Brodit long-term
Hey folks, thought I should update for the benefit of anyone else looking. Before going the expensive Brodit route I thought I’d give a couple of the cheaper options a go… and put them on my Amazon Christmas wishlist
Magnetic vent holder ++ Really discreet with no phone present. Barely noticeable when attached to the centre horizontal air vent + Easy and quick to remove from the vent if you want to hide it away if you only use occasionally (like me) - It means having a flat metal pad stuck to the back of the phone, prob a no-go unless you have a thin case like me - it can be stuck inside that ----- I wasn’t able to angle it very much either upward or sideways towards my face, which meant I wasn’t able to easily and safely glance at it while driving
Cradle holder +++ I was able to angle this straight at me so I can quickly and safely glance at the screen when necessary. It also allows me to position it higher up on the dash – Unfortunately looks a bit bare and messy with no phone in it Pic below – Bit fiddly to adjust and not sure how long the mechanism would last if being removed and mounted regularly
Conclusion Although I do try to rely on the audio updates as much as possible, it’s sometimes necessary to glance at the screen for confirmation when the instructions aren’t clear or it’s a complex set of junctions, so ultimately being able to see the screen safely means the cradle holder could be the only winner.
Because it’s only for occasional use when I drive somewhere new, I’ve decided not to bother with the expensive Brodit solution for now. If I used GPS regularly, though, I wouldn’t hesitate.
Ah, that’s a Bubba flask-cup thing I bought in ASDA. I just keep cold water in it. Had it for years and don’t think I’ve found a car it doesn’t fit in!
I like that it’s just a flip cap so it can be opened one-handed, but it will slowly leak out if knocked over though, even if the lid is closed.
Pic below