Windows Phone Thoughts: Gomadic Universal Windshield Mount Reviewed

Description and Features
The Universal Windshield PDA Auto Mount is a very simple product. It consists of a powerful suction cup, a firm but flexible metal arm with a plastic sheath covering it, and an adjustable mounting platform which the PDA clips into. The suction cup has a mechanism which pulls the cup away from the surface of the glass, making its grip incredibly strong. The arm of the mount is stiff enough that it doesn't bounce around too much while driving, and the PDA platform itself grips the Pocket PC securely with its adjustable arms. It can open or close enough to accommodate nearly any Pocket PC.

When I had my iPAQ h5455, using this mount was the one and only time that I was happy that the h5000 series' headphone jack is on the bottom of the device. That position allowed the wire from a cassette adapter or FM transmitter to be routed out of the way easier. For most other Pocket PCs, which have the headphone jack on the top or side, the wire can usually drop down behind the mount so it doesn't block the screen. The bottom of the mount is designed so that charging ports are easily accessible.


Figure 2: A Dell Axim X50v in the Universal Windshield Mount. Note the charging port is completely accessible in case you wanted to use a Dell automotive power adapter with this unpowered mount.

The mount can be placed pretty much anywhere on the car's windshield, though I suspect most people will want it near the center. I tried it on the left side of the windshield, but the curve of the glass prevented the suction cup from staying attached for longer than a minute or two. When mounted in the center, I was able to push buttons or touch the screen with my fingers without actually removing my hand from the steering wheel. Mounted low on the window, your view of the road is not blocked much at all.


Figure 3: This is me pressing a button on my iPAQ while still keeping that hand ready to grip the steering wheel if necessary. Chances are, my other hand would be on the wheel were it not holding the camera. :)

If you don't want to put the mount on your windshield for some reason, a smooth plastic disc with an adhesive pad on the back ships with the mount. This disc could be attached to the dashboard or other surfaces in the vehicle to provide a smooth, flat surface on which to attach the suction cup. I did not test this configuration because I'm not fond of the idea of sticking adhesive things to my car. :) I did attach the mount to the plastic disc overnight, however, and it was still attached the next morning. The plastic disc is nowhere near as smooth as glass, so I do not know how well it would hold under road vibrations and bumps.


Figure 4: This is a view from the side. You can see the suction cup, the flexible arm, and the PDA and the platform it's mounted on.


Figure 5: A view from outside the car looking in. While it doesn't look like the suction cup is very securely attached, it had been in this position for about a month without falling off once. In this case, the mount holds a Dell Axim X50v.