I don't want a suction cup mount for a 7" tablet on the windshield. I think I would be looking for a cupholder extension mount or something that would hook onto the vents to suspend the tablet in front of the existing screen. I am not sure how well Entune works with Android, but I would still want a way to mount the tablet in my car somehow. Any tips? TIA
Android (and even Blackberry) seems to work fine with Entune. It's iOS that seems to have all sorts of glitches with Entune. I think that a big part of the problem is that Apple feels that that they are not bound by all those silly external standards, and what they do IS the standard, and vendors should conform accordingly.
Is Proclip same as Brodit Proclip? I need to get a device clip & mount, so they are not a cheap solution, but seems to be well designed. http://www.proclipusa.com/company/aboutus/aboutus.aspx
My son and I have had good luck with Ram Mounts. I have one for my phone that sits atop a bend-to-fit post in what they call an X mount. The base fits into the passenger seat mounting bolt. They have mounts for tablets and iPads, etc. My son uses one in his Jeep for his iPad. When my PiP was in the shop for a month I was able to quickly and easily switch the post to another car. Here's a link to the Ram Mount website: RAM Mounting Systems, Inc. The thing about the vent mounts that worried me was the weight of the device pulling on the vents, plus blocking the air flow. Admittedly, I never tried one, and there are people here who use them and like them.
If by "my preference" you mean a vent clip setup, I guess not. What I meant to suggest was a different but sturdy and secure way of mounting your tablet. Something like this one, or the one to the left of it. They are the fourth ones down on the page you linked: Part Number: RAM-HOL-TAB16U Description: RAM Tab-Tite™ Universal Clamping Cradle for the Google Nexus 7 Price: $24.90 Part Number: RAM-B-316-1-238U Description: RAM POD I Universal No-Drill™ Vehicle Mount with 18" Rigid Aluminum Rod Price: $45.72
This is the only mount I would consider, but I was wondering how it would fit with the Prius console if it was mounted to a seat bolt. The vent clip is too flimsy for a tablet. I used to have one for an iPhone 3g since it was pretty light & compact, but I broke the vent while unmounting the phone. Thanks for your suggestions.
You do realize it comes as two separate pieces, right? You need one specific to the device, and then the 18" aluminum rod. I mounted mine on the inboard front seat track on the passenger side. It is next to the console, but not touching it. You can bend it to a comfortable viewing position, but this is best done before installation. They suggest how to shape it for stability in the instructions. You can slide the u-shaped foot of the bracket under the flange of the seat track and then replace the bolt. The only drawback is that the forward movement of the seat is then limited somewhat, but I don't have any occasion to move the passenger seat anyway. There are fittings to tighten at both ends of the rod, and I have found that by leaving the one on the clamp at the bottom of the rod slightly loose it eliminates most vibration and movement of my phone when I am using the map or nav features. The combination of higher tire pressures and rough pavement causes a little shake if the bottom clamp is tight on the rod. Good luck with whatever you decide to go with. BTW, I first tried one of those expandable cup holder devices, but found that it wouldn't stay tight. Besides, when my wife is with me we often want both cup holders available. Just my two cents' worth.
http://www.proclipusa.com/dashboard-mounts/vehicle/toyota/prius-plug-in/2012-2014/proclip-center-mount-213470-19008.cmsv This looks like what I want, but I would like to hear from someone with this mount: 1. how stable it is with the tablet mounted 2. does it block the display by the windshield The two-piece solution is nice (so as the Ram system) that I can swap the tablet for a phone though not on the fly. So many options to choose from...
Ram does offer a universal kit solution for 7" tablets and some smartphones: RAM Pod I Universal No-Drill™ Vehicle Mount with Universal X-Grip™ II Holder for Small Tablets The Proclip looks sturdy but- it seems like you'd pretty much have to leave it installed full time as you may scratch the ultra soft Prius dash by constantly removing and reinstalling it every time you want to use the tablet. When not in use actually holding a tablet- it's pretty hideous. The Ram mount is much more unobtrusive.
The X-Grip model I have also swivels on the mount by means of a small handle on the underside. This allows me to view my phone either vertically or horizontally, and is easily done with one hand. I can also switch to a portable nav device, but that takes two hands. Depending on the minimum and maximum sizes of the one that fits your tablet it might work for a phone. The X-Grip snaps over a plastic ball, so I guess that would be interchangeable. I think they also make a unit that fastens onto the rod to hold two items at once, but one might block the other. I haven't tried it.
Has anyone tried a cupholder mount? Google "cup holder nexus 7 mount" For security when parked, I could hide both the tablet and the mount in the trunk. I see rogerv in post #11 above said his cupholder mount wasn't stable. Which one was it?
I bought the one shown in the link at the top of the page. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/bracketron-vehicle-mount-for-gps/1934069.p? It worked OK, but over time the base wouldn't tighten enough to keep it stable and in place. I like the Ram Mount with the floor-mounted rod much better. I don't leave my phone in the car unattended, and I think if you frequently loosen the cup holder mount it may wear out sooner. If a would-be thief sees an empty bracket, he would probably assume the tablet is with you. It is usually a crime of opportunity, so unless the thief saw you put it in the cargo area, he most likely wouldn't go any further beyond a quick look. Finally, I don't have a tablet, but I'm picturing something about the size of my Kindle or Nook ereaders. I think something that size would be in the way if mounted in the cup holder. Just my two cents' worth, of course.
