|
|
Hardware Review
|
»Arkon 9in Long Windshield Mount
""
 |
People have been mounting PDA’s, cell phones, and mp3 players in their cars for years now, so why can’t we mount a PSP? Arkon already sells almost universal mounts for cars, but they’ve put out a new line of “PSP mounts.” They have several different kinds, but the one of focus in this review is the smaller gooseneck type.
The mount comes in two pieces, which makes it easier to store and carry around. The arm piece has the suction cup on one end and the clip that goes onto the universal Arkon holder on the other end. In between, there is a 3 inch stiff bendable arm. The arm can be bent to the position you want and it’s strong enough to hold up the PSP without bending at all. The suction cup on the one end goes on and then you pull down a little lever and it holds it on like glue. The clip has a ball joint that allows the mount to be twisted to the angle you want it.
Once you’ve got the suction cup attached, it’s really not going to go anywhere. You can mount it to the windshield, sunroof, or any glass surface very easily. If you have a better spot for it, Arkon has included a little plastic circle with an extremely strong 3M adhesive on one side so that it can be mounted on any flat surface. I wouldn’t recommend trying it on a fabric because the fabric might pull out, but almost anything else would be perfect. Mounting it is easy, and taking it apart is easy. The main focus of the mount is to have it mounted in the car, but it can definitely be mounted almost anywhere.
One problem I had with the gooseneck mount is that the neck was extremely tight and you have to hold the end that’s mounted extremely tight so that it doesn’t pop off while you’re bending it. Another problem I had is that the neck is a little smaller than I’d like it. Luckily, Arkon makes a longer gooseneck mount than this one. The longer one would be perfect for a sun roof, or a side window to be bent towards you if you’re in the back seat.
The real spot for the mount is somewhere on the front windshield or dash. I mount mine under the rear view mirror, but I don’t really like how it blocks some of my view of the front window. Coupled with the Arkon Sound Feeder, this thing makes the PSP a perfect mp3 player with a nice display, or a nice movie player. I don’t really recommend watching a movie while driving, but while waiting for a train to pass or waiting to pick someone up, it’s perfect.
When you buy this, you really have to get the Sound Feeder as well. If you’re in the car, you’re not going to be able to hear those tiny PSP speakers very well. You could also get a Tape adaptor for it and save some money, but many people don’t have tape players anymore, myself included.
Mounts are great if you want to change a song while driving so you don’t have to look into your lap. The Arkon mounts are made out of plastic, but they hold up very well. If you’re worried about the PSP will fall out; don’t. My car is extremely bouncy and the PSP stays in place.
Article by: Knives
Posted on: Aug. 8th, 2005 |
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
