Android Mount for California
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
Android Mount for California
I use my Android phone as a GPS. I have a suction cup mount for use when I travel, but California (and I guess Minnesota as well) don't allow windshield mounts. What is a good alternative mount for these states? I need something that will hold an HTC Evo, be portable (not permanent mount), work in any car, and take up the least amount of space in my bag. Suggestions?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 37,486
Arkon mounts makes a nice and compact clip, but my personal preference is one from Cygnett:
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Wind...6399968&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Wind...6399968&sr=8-1
#3
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SNA Rwy 20L
Programs: QF Silver
Posts: 703
California does allow suction cup mounts but only in two specific (generally unhandy) places...
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm
says that in regard to something blocking the driver's view...
(12) A portable Global Positioning System (GPS), which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, if the system is used only for door-to-door navigation while the motor vehicle is being operated.
If you take advantage of this consider having a printed hard copy of the law as some law enforcement officials are not fully aware of this. I've been stopped once and fortunately could cite the vehicle code provision.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc26708.htm
says that in regard to something blocking the driver's view...
(12) A portable Global Positioning System (GPS), which may be mounted in a seven-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or in a five-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest to the driver and outside of an airbag deployment zone, if the system is used only for door-to-door navigation while the motor vehicle is being operated.
If you take advantage of this consider having a printed hard copy of the law as some law enforcement officials are not fully aware of this. I've been stopped once and fortunately could cite the vehicle code provision.
#4
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: DTW
Programs: Dirt Status w/ All
Posts: 5,040
Might not work in ANY car, but does in many... I never liked mine on the windshield. I bought a 2" PVC coupling at the hardware store, then glued the flat disk that came with my Garmin GPS to the top. This fits any cupholder and gives a nice flat surface to attach the suction cup to.
#5
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,332
I'm sure glad you guys posted this, because I'm traveling to CA for the first time later in the year, with my Garmin GPS, and I had no idea that there were any sort of restrictions on windshield mounts. I typically put my GPS on the center of the windshield, low down, close to the dash, so it doesn't obstruct my view.
Thanks for the link to the code, Zarf. I will be sure to print it out with my other travel docs prior to my trip.
Thanks for the link to the code, Zarf. I will be sure to print it out with my other travel docs prior to my trip.
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
I use a beanbag mount, which can be put anywhere on the dash, for my Garmin.
But it comes from Garmin so it has a ball which docks into the back of the Garmin.
There are generic bean bag mounts, which just have a smooth surface area on the base, where you can attach the suction cup in the holders.
I haven't tried this kind of setup but have been thinking about getting something which can hold a smart phone and one of these bean bag mounts:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-D...I134ZERK7DZ4FV
But it comes from Garmin so it has a ball which docks into the back of the Garmin.
There are generic bean bag mounts, which just have a smooth surface area on the base, where you can attach the suction cup in the holders.
I haven't tried this kind of setup but have been thinking about getting something which can hold a smart phone and one of these bean bag mounts:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-D...I134ZERK7DZ4FV
#7
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MCN
Posts: 179
I use my Android phone as a GPS. I have a suction cup mount for use when I travel, but California (and I guess Minnesota as well) don't allow windshield mounts. What is a good alternative mount for these states? I need something that will hold an HTC Evo, be portable (not permanent mount), work in any car, and take up the least amount of space in my bag. Suggestions?
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,377
I haven't tried this kind of setup but have been thinking about getting something which can hold a smart phone and one of these bean bag mounts:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-D...I134ZERK7DZ4FV
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-D...I134ZERK7DZ4FV
#9
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,652
I haven't reviewed California's obstructed vision statute, but some states (such as Michigan) have an exception for cars with out of state plates. If you are the type to attach such devices to your window, grab a car with out-of-state plates if have status and can grab the car of your choice. It might give you a defense.
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,129
I did buy a load of hands free kits for family as Christmas presents for my family when the hands free restrictions came in in the UK. The best of them attached to the air vent and then had side grips you could extend outwards and the top one moved up so that it could take most phones. Sadly I've not seen them since and this is the closest I could find.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
I found this one: http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-Uni...dp/B003SE6LD0/. I haven't yet had a chance to test the vent mount, but the window suction cup works well - in fact too well - couldn't get it off the windshield even by releasing the lever and pulling on the tab!
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
So I tried the went mount. It worked OK. Kinda complicated - two little spring loaded hooks, which are difficult to get in and take off especially in a dark garage. I had a Honda Accord this time, it took a little finagling to get them in. But it held it in place, which is what I needed. I definitely like using my phone as a GPS instead of a dedicated GPS.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,332
So I tried the went mount. It worked OK. Kinda complicated - two little spring loaded hooks, which are difficult to get in and take off especially in a dark garage. I had a Honda Accord this time, it took a little finagling to get them in. But it held it in place, which is what I needed. I definitely like using my phone as a GPS instead of a dedicated GPS.
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: DL SM, UA MP.
Posts: 12,729
Well I have a Garmin and I'd have to spend about $100 to update the maps, whereas Google Navigation is free.
Plus instead of $100 for new maps (which are a pain to update, at least on the Mac), you can get a 7-inch Android tablet with GPS.
You can also invest in offline GPS apps. for use overseas, if you won't be buying a data plan.
Plus instead of $100 for new maps (which are a pain to update, at least on the Mac), you can get a 7-inch Android tablet with GPS.
You can also invest in offline GPS apps. for use overseas, if you won't be buying a data plan.
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central Mass
Programs: Independent
Posts: 4,829
Aside from not having to carry an extra device when you travel, are there any other advantages? In my experience, the GPS in smartphones is far less accurate than a dedicated unit and can show you as much as a quarter mile (.4km) from where you actually are. Not great for precision door-to-door navigation, though it's often sufficient for many people.