New Navigon/Kensington windshield/car mount

[weezerr]

Hey gang,

So I have been looking into the various iphone car mount options, specifically the sexy looking one from Navigon:

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs227.snc1/7427_657394469052_125890_38233847_4749083_n.jpg

Yesterday on their facebook page they posted the following:

We can't wait for the Traffic Live feature to launch in the US as well! In terms of the mount, we are currently evaluating the options of launching it in the US. But we are also partnering with Kensington, and they are launching a sound amplifying iPhone mount in the US that has NAVIGON co branding. Check it out:

http://us.kensington.com/html/17546.html

http://images.acco.com/KENSINGTON/K66627US/K66627US-20443.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nJmWNi2CL._SS400_.jpg

-Amplifies iPhone speaker for twice the volume with no added battery drain
-Insert and remove your iPhone with one hand
-Provides a safe, secure mount on even the roughest roads
-Includes both windshield and vent mounts
-Cradle pivots for vertical or landscape modes
-Flexible arms securely hold your iPhone-even when in a case
-Includes 4 sets of rubber inserts to fit 2G/3G/3GS iPhones with and without a case
NOTE: Because the design of cases can vary from brand to brand, the acoustic amplifier may not perform as specified when a case is used

This baby looks like a winner, both windshield and vent mounts, works with or without a case, and provides sound amplification for those of us without bluetooth in the car. It is not as sexy looking as the other navigon one, and is a bit clunky, but looks like its gonna do the trick for me. Hopefully street prices will be $30 instead of the MRSP of $40

Edit: Found the press-release, which says early November, 2009 release date.

[CD3660]

Personally, I prefer the look of the first one.

Nice, very nice indeed! :)

[Gav2k]

ashame it's demod in a poxhall

[lemonademaker]

are either of those flexible enough for a case (otterbox defender)?

[weezerr]

It says right in the description, in bold, that it works with cases :) None in the wild yet, so not sure if it works with your specific one.

[BriGuy20]

I'd be interested in the first one if the price was right (~$40ish) and there was enough room for a cable passthrough.

[SooneratND]

I'd be interested in the first one if the price was right (~$40ish) and there was enough room for a cable passthrough.

That was my question too. I would expect a pass through to work. Wouldn't be very useful if it didn't, given the high rate of battery use in navigation otherwise.

[Veinticinco]

"In terms of the mount, we are currently evaluating the options of launching it in the US."

What about Europe then? :confused:

[weezerr]

"In terms of the mount, we are currently evaluating the options of launching it in the US."

What about Europe then? :confused:

They are a European company, it will for sure launch there. Atleast that was my impression.

[Veinticinco]

They are a European company, it will for sure launch there. Atleast that was my impression.
I hope so, yet still no news over here and we're pushing towards November.

[greengio]

Does anybody know when it will be available ?

[weezerr]

In stock at amazon now, debating pulling the trigger....

[weezerr]

Ordered from here:

http://www.provantage.com/kensington-k66627us~4KNS90HR.htm

Only $26 +$5 shipping, much cheaper than amazon, and was a retailer listed on the kensington website. Will let you know how it works :)

[forestplay]

In stock at amazon now, debating pulling the trigger....

After a bit of searching, here's the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKensington-K66627US-Windshield-Amplified-Cradle%2Fdp%2FB002R5ALW8%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dhome-garden%26qid%3D1256669857%26sr%3D8-1-catcorr&tag=boswesi-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

[GeneticFreak84]

How does this thing compare to the Tom-Tom car mount?

[weezerr]

How does this thing compare to the Tom-Tom car mount?

Other than being $100 cheaper? :)

It works with iphones in cases, and provides both a windshield and vent mount options.

It does not have an integrated GPS chip, or speaker. It is much less fancy basically, but the tomtom mount is overkill and overpriced IMO.

Amazon link when from being in stock, to order soon only 3 left, to shipping in 1-3 months. Not sure whats going on with them.

[eawmp1]

Uh, I bought almost the exact same Kensington mount in July 2009. It is adzustable with ratcheting side clips to hold phone in case. Worked like a charm in trip to Colorado. Yes, car charger plugged into it (can put the dock side of the phone in either direction)

[Cali3350]

Anyone know of a good charger/fm transmitter combo for use with this? I realize FMTransmitters are pants for quality but I like listening to my Ipod. Conversely, does anyone know if the built in speaker with this dock is good enough to listen to music with?

[eawmp1]

Anyone know of a good charger/fm transmitter combo for use with this? I realize FMTransmitters are pants for quality but I like listening to my Ipod. Conversely, does anyone know if the built in speaker with this dock is good enough to listen to music with?

It has no built in speaker, the shape of the cradle "amplifies" the sound.
You would be better served looking at aftermarket plug-in options for your car stereo - FM transmitters blow. Try these guys: http://www.usaspec.com/

[weezerr]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHT8JyhjBHs

Review:

http://www.iphonealley.com/reviews/products/kensingtons-sound-amplified-car-mount-for-iphone

mine still hasnt come yet :( Dont think they have hit the retail channel yet, its supposed to be shipped directly from the manufacturer I guess.

[dan5.5]

i like this mount, I am going to pick one up as soon I see one in person...

[weezerr]

new review:

http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/review/kensington_windshield_vent_car_mount_with_sound_amplified_cradle_for_iphone/?utm_campaign=shorturl

[mscofield]

I live in the Netherlands, own the Navigon since two days and am happy with it so far.

If you have the Kensington holder, you should put it in front of the vents for sure.
It's too big and ugly in my opinion to put it against the window.

[Veinticinco]

I live in the Netherlands, own the Navigon since two days and am happy with it so far.

Care to share a link or post where it's from?

Just I can't seem to find the Navigon branded mount anywhere for sale here in Europe. That Kensington one looks cheap, inelegant and bulky.

[0B1]

Care to share a link or post where it's from?

Just I can't seem to find the Navigon branded mount anywhere for sale here in Europe. That Kensington one looks cheap, inelegant and bulky.

You can buy them from the navigon website, look under accessories.

Personnally I would want to wait for some more reviews specifically on mounting options, as given its basic functionality it seems quite pricey, and dare i say it makes tom tom's offering look reasonable on price.

Anyone have one already and know if it can be monted onto the dash using a disc like the one whch comes with the tom tom?

[dread]

I just pre-ordered this. Its exactly what I was looking for. Thanks OP. I called kensington they said they will be shipping at the end of the month.

[weezerr]

No Problem :)

Mine shipped yesterday, so it looks like these are finally coming in stock.

I also have the official Navigon mount, so I will compare them and let you guys know which I like better

[Kashchei]

I'd love to buy the mount, but each time I try I'm told that my order can't be completed at this time. I've tried three times with different browsers. Is anyone else having the same problem? Do any solutions come to mind?

[dread]

Just found out that my kensington mount shipped. I will let you guys know how the quality is and if it actually amplifies the sound.

[acousticbiker]

Just got this on Friday. Good build quality. Sturdy as vent mount. Sound amplification is modest.

[weezerr]

Got mine. Sound amplification is very impressive imo. The sound is of course pretty shallow/"tinny", but the volume is much louder, which is great for GPS directions, podcasts, or listening to music if you dont care about the sound quality. This is inside of a plastic case, which is definitely one of my favorite parts, as you can just click it in without taking off the case.

Will update once I actually put it in my car.

[dread]

I finally got my kensington mount and I am using it with the vent attachment. Although it is stable it vibrates when the iphone is in landscape orientation, it is much more stable in portrait orientation. Watching a movie on it might make me sick to my stomach. My car has a really stiff suspension so I can't say I am surprised. My main complaint is that it is nearly impossible to get the thing off of the vent once its on. I was hoping I could remove it when not in use, so as to not attract thieves to my car. I end up just taking off the part that holds the phone which makes it less obvious. It does increase the volume, but it is no miracle worker. I am still pleased with the mount as it is exactly what I was looking for. It is well made and works as advertised. I would definately buy it again. Now I just have to run the wires to connect the iphone to my stereo.

[yearoftherat]

Purchased one from the applestore in my city and have been using it for a few days. Currently using the window mount in landscape mode and find that if there are any bumps on the road, it is obviously transmitted to the mount. Hasn't made me sick to my stomach...yet.
I didn't use the vent mount b/c I wasn't crazy about the back of the iphone being subjected to the heat coming from the vent especially on cold days. I had a vent mount from Scosche and it was a pita to remove and the one from Kensington is no different.
Sound is def louder but "tinny" as Weezerr described.
Since the Applestore in Canada still has no ETA on the TomTom kit, the Kensington car mount is a good alternative.

[bbwinkle]

This may be a dumb question but here it goes anyways:

Would this work with another Nav app? Or is it only recognized by certain ones?

[dread]

This may be a dumb question but here it goes anyways:

Would this work with another Nav app? Or is it only recognized by certain ones?

This has nothing to do with the nav app. Its just a mount that has a tube to amplify the sound. It does not plug into anything and does not amplify the gps. So yes it would work with any app.

[Gipper]

I finally got my kensington mount and I am using it with the vent attachment. Although it is stable it vibrates when the iphone is in landscape orientation, it is much more stable in portrait orientation. Watching a movie on it might make me sick to my stomach. My car has a really stiff suspension so I can't say I am surprised. My main complaint is that it is nearly impossible to get the thing off of the vent once its on. I was hoping I could remove it when not in use, so as to not attract thieves to my car. I end up just taking off the part that holds the phone which makes it less obvious. It does increase the volume, but it is no miracle worker. I am still pleased with the mount as it is exactly what I was looking for. It is well made and works as advertised. I would definately buy it again. Now I just have to run the wires to connect the iphone to my stereo.

The wife was paranoid that the car would be broken into by theives who look for suction cup marks on the windscreen. So i bought this holder and use the vent attachement. Very happy with the Attachment but agree that its a pain to get off the vent. I dont need it all the time so I will need to detach and re-attach it to the vent. Just wish it was easier to get off, then it would be absolutely perfect.

[GeneticFreak84]

I know this mount does not include a separate GPS chip in it to enhance the iPhone's GPS signal, has anyone had any problems with their iPhone's GPS signal while driving? Please state whether you have the 3G or 3GS. I want to get this mount + the Navigon app for my iPhone 3G but I'm concerned on whether or not the iPhone 3G's GPS chip is strong enough...

[UmichAg]

So, if you plug a FM transmitter into your phone, I assume that the audio would then be played through your speakers and not through the dock amplifier?

[dread]

I know this mount does not include a separate GPS chip in it to enhance the iPhone's GPS signal, has anyone had any problems with their iPhone's GPS signal while driving? Please state whether you have the 3G or 3GS. I want to get this mount + the Navigon app for my iPhone 3G but I'm concerned on whether or not the iPhone 3G's GPS chip is strong enough...

I am using a 3gs and it works perfect. However, this is my 6th iphone 3gs, 5 were replaced, and the one I have now seems to have an unusually strong gps signal. If your google maps can get a lock on your phone indoors then you should be good. You have to see the circle pinging or radiating to know you have a lock. Some of my other 3gs's were not nearly as good as the phone I have now and there is no way they would have worked well.

As for the fm transmitter I have no idea.

[navguy]

I know this mount does not include a separate GPS chip in it to enhance the iPhone's GPS signal, has anyone had any problems with their iPhone's GPS signal while driving? Please state whether you have the 3G or 3GS. I want to get this mount + the Navigon app for my iPhone 3G but I'm concerned on whether or not the iPhone 3G's GPS chip is strong enough...

i have had both 3G and 3GS ... in general the 3G is a little slower to acquire GPS signal, i assume due to the slow device not lesser GPS antennae ... while using Navigon, the 3GS acquires a signal w/in 8-12 seconds from icon tap to in app signal lock ... while the 3G boots up and acquires a signal in 20-30secs.

and while it shouldn't make much difference, if using a car mount w/o an enhanced GPS chip, i would suggest landscape with your volume button facing up - the GPS antennae is under the volumen buttons - might as well aim toward the sky

i've used Navigon originally on my 3G phone; now on my 3GS phone ... i will tell you that Navigon app runs sluggish on the 3G. if you plan to use the iPod controls, it laggs going between sub features w/in the app - big time. if you plan to primarily select a destination, then let it route you to that destination, it works pretty good - some quick multi-turns can lagg ...

keep your eyes on the next version release any day, v1.4 ... i understand that Navigon may have some performance improvements which will help while running on the 3G (and the iPod Touch devices)

and finally, i have to say that on the 3GS, Navigon runs like a dedicated GPS device ... no lag, no slug, no latency and a great overall satnav ... in my experience, it's dead on

if you are price sensitive, don't be tempted by the competition's lower pricing ... be patient Navigon will follow soon

Navigon :D:D

[ronen75]

A whole lot,
Please look at the following link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/iphone-car-holder-2G-3G-3GS-WINDSHIELD-cell-phone-NEW_W0QQitemZ160390220972QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20336QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3D LVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D63
I have this arm more than a year. Is suitable for 2G 3G and 3GS. She really, really comfortable and I once fell from the window of the vehicle.

Jack

[ronen75]

A whole lot,
Please look at the following link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/iphone-car-holder-2G-3G-3GS-WINDSHIELD-cell-phone-NEW_W0QQitemZ160390220972QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20336QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3D LVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D63
I have this arm more than a year. Is suitable for 2G 3G and 3GS. She really, really comfortable and I once fell from the window of the vehicle.

Ronen

[DeDoFeDo]

The first one is good!

[UmichAg]

A whole lot,
Please look at the following link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/iphone-car-holder-2G-3G-3GS-WINDSHIELD-cell-phone-NEW_W0QQitemZ160390220972QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20336QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3D LVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D63
I have this arm more than a year. Is suitable for 2G 3G and 3GS. She really, really comfortable and I once fell from the window of the vehicle.

Ronen

What a fraud! This guy participates in the eBay scam where he purchases a few $1 items to get good eBay feedback and then tries to sell junk.