REVIEW: BoxWave Mobile Mounting Kit
For the car-based Treonaut, there are a few 'must-have' accessories: car charger, GPS receiver/software, Bluetooth headset and most important of all, a trustworthy mount/cradle for your wee beauty. First of all, there is great advantage in having the screen of your Treo where you can see it, without taking your eyes from the road. Second (and just as important), you have to make sure that your Treo will stay safely in-place.
I have had quite a few mount/cradle combos over the years, and almost all of them failed in one of two ways:
1) The suction-cup that attached to the window was not of sufficient size or strength to support the weight of the Treo or PDA in the cradle
2) The cradle did not provide enough 'grip' to the device to hold it in place over rough terrain
That's why I was pleased when the good folks at BoxWave offered to let me test their MOBILE MOUNTING KIT.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When I unpacked the Kit, I was concerned by the size of the suction-cup on the mount. I have had my best success with Arkon mounts, and they sport a significantly larger suction-cup. I needn't have worried: the suction-cup on the BoxWave Kit has held tenaciously to my Mustang's windshield, and proved that it can take whatever I throw at it.
The cradle gave the opposite first impression: deeper then most I have seen, with over-sized side-grips, and rubber pads all over to provide a secure hold and shock-absorption. In this instance, the impression proved accurate. The BoxWave cradle keeps my Treo as safe and snug as a wee babe. Another nice feature is that the end of the mount's stalk rotates, and allows you to lock it in position. For those who don't want anything stuck to their nice, clean windshields, BoxWave includes a mount for your HVAC vents.
ON THE ROAD
As I have mentioned in previous reviews, my primary vehicle is a 1991 Mustang convertible. This is not an automobile...it is an engine with a seat and 4 wheels bolted on. It is a blast to drive, but the experience is heavy on shake, rattle and roll. That's why I always stress the need for bulletproof mounting solutions. The Mustang has sent a number of PDAs flying into my lap or onto the floor, while in transit. Over 2 weeks of testing, over every type of highway and back road, the BoxWave Mobile Mounting Kit has held my Treo securely and safely. What more can you ask of a mounting kit?
CAVEATS
Well, you can always ask for more, right? If there is one thing that I would like to see BoxWave address it is the lack of stiffness in the mount. This is an area where the Arkon mounts really shine: they have a brace that comes out from the suction cup, for about 4". This does nothing to impede the ability of the mount to bend to your perfect position; but, it does greatly reduce lateral movement...especially during a bumpy ride.
The BoxWave mount does have a vaguely disturbing tendency to flex, left-to-right during vigorous travel. I am confident that the mount is solidly built, and will give me no occasion for alarm. On the other hand, the constant motion can make you a bit seasick, while looking at the GPS display on the Treo.
BOTTOM LINE
The Mobile Mounting Kit should be top-of-the-list for anyone seeking an automobile mount/cradle solution.
The mount stays put, and allows a lot of flexibility in how I can position the cradle for my viewing. The cradle is superb and provides a safe haven for my Treo during the roughest travel. On top of that, BoxWave has it on sale right now for $32.95, making it a fantastic value.
For all of these excellent reasons, the BoxWave Mobile Mounting Kit is a TREO EDITOR'S CHOICE.
