Expert Blogs
I just returned from a road trip that was made more pleasant, productive, and convenient thanks to Arkon's versatile line of mounting products. It seems they have anticipated every mounting problem for digital devices possible and have solutions to suit your needs. Whether you need to mount an iPhone, Android, or other Smartphone, Arkon has the answer. If you need to mount an iPad or tablet PC, Arkon can help you in the front seat or the back seat so the kids can be entertained. I like to use my iPod and Android as GPS devices while driving. Arkon to the rescue.
As a recumbent bike rider, I am always on the lookout for a foolproof mounting system for GPS, MP3, and Smartphone devices. Too many times I have hit a bump only to have one or more of my devices go flying, usually to its ultimate demise. Well, I have found a great solution in the form of Quadlock by Annex of Australia. Unfortunately, it only works with iPhones and iPod touch. The kit comes with four pieces. The main device holder is made of sturdy black plastic into which the iPhone or iPod touch snaps securely. And, when I say securely, I mean securely. It is difficult to pry out the device with a crowbar. So, it's not likely that it will pop out when you hit a bump.
For fear of dating myself, I remember not leaving home without a folding, windup, analog travel alarm clock. Now, there's probably not a hotel room in the world without a radio alarm clock. Now most people probably use their phone for waking up in the morning. But there's a better way. I've discovered a speaker system to die for that does it all. The Geneva Sound System Model XS is highly portable. It folds into a study case measuring 6 1/4" x 3 3/4" x 1 1/2" making a compact unit in your suitcase. It weighs about one pound. The XS comes in red, white or black.
Ah, I remember fondly the good old days of Windows Mobile and the precision pointing of the stylus and so many fewer typos. Then came the iPhone and a whole new generation of nose miners emerged gooping up the screen with greasy fingers and worse. I for one am tired of gummy screens and applaud the resurgence of the stylus. Now a stylus could be nothing more than a wad of aluminum foil, but thanks to Hand Stylus there is an attractive line of styli out there with your choice of colors. The array includes six different yummy, delicious colors from a sophisticated matte finish to classy glossy polish. Colors include black, red, green orange, magenta, and blue--something for everyone.
Every once in a while I get a gadget I can't wait to tell everyone about. That's the case with the AOC 16" portable USB powered monitor. It's a road warrior's dream come true with its light weight and portability. It works with both PC and MAC. Once you have installed the appropriate driver, you just plug the provided USB cable into a port on your laptop and the other end into the mini USB port in the monitor, and bazingo, you are in business. For low power laptops, the supplied cable has two USB plugs and you simply use both to get the required power level.
The Griffin Beacon is a universal remote control for IOS devices. You can pair an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad with the unit via Bluetooth. The Beacon then converts the signals to Infrared to transmit to your TV. After your devices are paired via Bluetooth the next step is to download the dijit app from the iTunes store. It's free. The Beacon's Bluetooth range is about 30 feet. It will stay connected for about 60 minutes and reconnect when you move back in range. After 60 minutes, Beacon switches to low power mode to conserve battery life. Note that you can check the battery level in digit's Settings mode. To reconnect, you must go through the Bluetooth pairing process, which is quick and seamless.
With more and more states getting on the bandwagon and making illegal to talk on a cell phone or text while driving, it's a good idea to have a safe solution that will allow you to talk hands free. Here comes Griffin Smart Talk Solar to the rescue. I can't tell you how it makes me shutter when I see a soccer mom with a van full of kids yacking away on her phone. I don't even want to think about texting while you drive. What makes Smart Talk special is that it is solar powered thus eliminating the unsightly and cumbersome power cord of other hands free devices. It comes with a clear plastic case with two suction cups that attach to the windshield, window, or dashboard.
What will Cellink U do for you? It's an amazing multifunctional Swiss Army Knife everyone will want to have in his or her pocket. It's a power backup. If you run out of battery on your mobile device, Cellink U can come to the rescue. It will give you an extra 90 minutes of talk time. or two days of standby time. It is supposed to give your device battery a 40% charge boost. It can be used with phones, GPS, cameras, and other mobile devices.
I am always in search of the perfect solution for mounting my phone while driving. Some solutions are better than others. I am not overly fond of blocking my driving view on my windshield. I don't like to give up cup holder for mount space. I don't like covering up my A/C vents with a mount. Bracketron's new universal mount uses the cigarette lighter or contact point port to hold a flexible neck mount that also charges your device. It comes with a Micro USB cable, so if you use another kind of cable, you are on your own. This could add as much as $20 to the cost if you have an Apple product with those goofy connectors. There ought to be a law that everyone should use the same adapter and the same battery. It would be a better world.
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