Anyone got one of these ?
How do you rate it?
Are they any good?
Seen them for sale on ebay at a very good price considering what you get with them.
Powered PDA Mount for XDA III
FOR
XDA III aka XDA 2S
imate PDA2K
Included in all packages:
1 Powered PDA Mount Cradle
1 9" Windshield Swivel Pedestal
1 XDA III charging and data serial cable
1 3' Bluetooth GPS charging cable
More info here http://www.arkon.com/bluetoothgps.html#xdaiii-bt
if you dont already have a seperate GPS receiver then this one is good:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
a friend has one and it works great. everything in one unit.
However i have had warning from someone saying the GPS signal is interupted if you have a heated windscreen, due to the wires. my mates works great tho.
HPJ
(i should get commission for the amount of time i've recommended this unit!!!!!!!)
The link you posted doesnt appear to be compatible with the blue angel series.
http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/viewprod.php?product_id=2545&max_cat_id=14&vt=grid
This product does support the blue angel, however, I've heard mixed reports about how well it operates while the phone is changing nodes.
Cheers
numanoids said:
The link you posted doesnt appear to be compatible with the blue angel series.
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Click to collapse
Yes I thought that so i gave them a call to ask.......the person on the phone said it is compatible with blue angel.....however as in all similar situations always good to keep box and receipt if purchasing and advice is wrong..... :wink:
Fair enough!!
I stand happily corrected. they're in glasgow so might swing past today and pick one up!
cool...let us know how you get on if you do get one
HPJ
Anyone got one of these ?
How do you rate it?
Are they any good?
Seen them for sale on ebay at a very good price considering what you get with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am biased but ....
Have a look at www.brodit.com - find this product '849612'
Then find a bracket to mount this in your car.
May be more expensive but won't look out of place!
You can use your existing cable to charge the PDA in the car.
When I've finished developing my car kit connection cable, you can then have full hands free car kit including wired GPS, power, mic, sound of phone and nav through the car speakers - just plug my cable into the bottom of this holder and connect it to the car kit!
...Spence
hi s93ncer,
how you planning on getting sound from phone and nav out of your car speakers?
yes I agree, brodit is an excellent choice for cradles
Best Buy in the US sells an RF modulator that will take a standard audio in and transmit to an FM car radio. All you have to do is wire it into the bottom connector of the phone.
how you planning on getting sound from phone and nav out of your car speakers?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm nearly there, just 1 little thing to sort out this morning.
I have tested it and it does work with phone and nav audio - just used the pin outs for speakers and connect pin 19 to ground through a 10K resistor
I'll post more information when I have finished testing.
...Spence
paulmc said:
Best Buy in the US sells an RF modulator that will take a standard audio in and transmit to an FM car radio. All you have to do is wire it into the bottom connector of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO, RF modulators are pretty crappy. The audio is mediocre at best and the frequency tends to drift so you're constantly needing to retune.
If you have a stereo that has a plug on the back for controlling a CD changer (most OEM stereos have this nowdays), you can most likely find an adapter that will let you add aux audio-in to your car stereo. I bought one from www.blitzsafe.com for my Toyota Celica. I used this to hook up the audio from a computer that I installed in the car.
This one is good, to ne honest the speaker on the XDA2s is loud enough and if using bluetooth (as most XDA 2 users do) then this mount may be better:
http://www.pdamods.com/products.asp?cat=23
Just ordered this:
http://www.totalpda.com/Holux-Powered-GPS-PDA-Mount-for-XDA-Series-I-Mate-Q-Tec-2020.aspx
Should be here next week......I'll let y'all know!
HPJ
There is so much wrong with this product I cant even begin..
1) The vent mounts are useless. They can barely support the weight of the unit on its own. Once the PDA is in it then you can forget trying to get it to face any direction other than down. It just rattles around. I have tried it in my merecedes, a VW golf and an Audi A4 so it's nothing to do with my vents either.
2) The speaker on the powered unit picks up all kinds of crackles and noise. If I make or receive a phone call the noise it makes is unbelievable. Basically I have to keep the speaker turned to the lowest voulme (there is no off switch) the whole time and even then I can still hear a really annoying sound when I use the phone. (You know the sound I mean, it's the one you sometimes get if your phone is near unsheilded speakers just before it's about to ring).
3) The cable that connects the PDA headphone socket to the mount unit does not work. If is is fully plugged in there is no sound at all. If I pull it out slightly the sound works but then it cuts off the external microphone on my PDA so I cant use the voice command/voice dial options.
4) When I plug the charge cable into the bottom of the PDA the PDA tries to connect to a host via ActiveSync...there isn't one there of course so ActiveSync just hangs if I don't hit cancel in time. This does not happen if I use my normal charge cable.
Ozy...are you refering to the powered GPS mount that I have ordered (see above) from Holux, through Total PDA?? I hope not....
However it does sound as though maybe you've just got a faulty one...try sending it back...??
HPJ
No. I am refering to the original Arkon product in the title of the thread.
I suspect it may indeed be faulty but to an extent that ruins any confidence I may have had in Arkon's products. I will be sending it back and I will try to get a Brodit or something else instead.
Cheers.
Actually, I quite liked the look of that Holux but there is no indication if it works with the Blue Angel.
Looks like Holux do one for the Blue Angel available from HandNav :
http://www.handnav.co.uk/product_details.php?id=308
Only £99 inluding VAT and delivery.
Might give that a go.
The Arkon mount was never meant to be used with gsm phones, they just added a lead and hoped for the best when used with xda etc, it is an atrocious piece of kit, I launched mine out on the road when driving on the M5, if anybody in the factory had tested it they would have known right away that it wasnt fit for the purpose, regardless of that they are still selling it as compatable, it is also a great bulky lummox of a thing and looked much better bouncing down the hard shoulder.
ozymandias said:
Actually, I quite liked the look of that Holux but there is no indication if it works with the Blue Angel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought that, and called them. It works fine apparently...I'll let u know when it arrives
HPJ
Related
Hi
I use my wizard in the car, and have an adapter (ebay,£3) that goes from the headset out to a microphone and has a 3.5 socket - this then plugs into the mp3 input on my car stereo to give me a full hands-free solution - works great, but I have to unplug the headset connector to use TomTom, otherwise I can't use my stereo while I'm driving!
Anyhow, I've seen a car mount with built in charger and speaker on ebay and at http://www.pdamods.co.uk/products.asp?cat=125 - I was wondering if anyone else had got one and what they thought of it.
My main question is whether it has a built in microphone so that you can use the phone when its in the mount, or does it render the phone useless while it's in there?
** BTW, if anyone want's an easy to install copy of TT6, mail me!
No, that mount does not have a built in microphone. But it works well in combination with a BT handsfree.
That looks a lot like the i.Trek mount offered by Semsons. That mount has a microphone mounted in-line on the cable connecting the Wizard speaker to the mount's powered speaker. It's not shown in the photo but it's on the right side of the mount.
Now if they only made one that powers it and connects an external antenna in one step!
I really wonder if engineers who design stuff like this never get out or get to play with equipment they develop?
I have had a Nokia 6340i for many years and had the handsfree cradle in my vehicles and they were absolutely the best thing since sliced bread! Now however, the newer Nokia's aren't compatible with that kit, so I couldn't upgrade the phone. I was forced to finally buy a new phone and got a Cingular 8125, but now I see there's no powered cradle with antenna connection!
It's really a shame they don't think designs through to the end users needs! I also bought the Pioneer DEH-9800BT stereo, but it doesn't look like it's going to be worth it since I have to tell it to connect evertime I get in the vehicle, which means I have to remove it from my belt case and dork with it to get it connected. The radio also has a limit of 350 contacts for the primary user and I have in excess of 600 and growing so I guess it's going back.
Any other choices anyone can suggest for a Cingular subscriber? I really just want a hands free method for using the phone in the vehicle without having to meddle with the phone or the HF device and also be able to pick up external antenna connection like the Nokia car kit provided for many years of reliable service!
Thanks for any help!
ITADMIN
anyone know where I can get this in Canada?
http://www.pdamods.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=A111UCRIJAMMNT&cat=125
Thanks!
Anyone have any recommendations for an automount that is GPS Ready...you know, the cradle can power a GPS unit (Garmin GPS 10)??? I have been looking but drawing blanks on units specific to the Hermes...any help is greatly appreciated...
I recently picked up this mount and it rocks. Only one I've seen that will power a BT GPS unit. Looks like it will power the Garmin 10x, although I use an i.Blue 737 with it.
That's very cool and almost exactly what I need..
would you mind telling me:
How good is the speaker, I find the built in one just a bit quiet for tomtom..
Can it be toggled on/off for voice calls?
What is the vent clip like? I'm not a fan of windscreen mount..
icemantwilight said:
How good is the speaker, I find the built in one just a bit quiet for tomtom..
Can it be toggled on/off for voice calls?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The powered speaker is great and is automatically activated when you cradle the device. Actually, the mount turns your phone into a completely hands-free speakerphone. There's a 2.5mm headset jack on the mount and cable with built-in hands-free mic that plugs in between the headset jack and the powered speaker. Or you can just use a BT headset and bypass all of that.
There isn't and on/off toggle for the speaker, although my navigation software (Odyssey 4.0) shuts up whenever I'm on a call. I think this must be a feature of the software rather than the hardware, although I'm not entirely sure.
There is an on/off toggle for charging your phone while cradled, although the mount must always be plugged in order to use the powered speaker. There's a separate modular port (always on, not toggled by the aforementioned on/off switch) and pigtail cable included that can be used to charge your BT GPS unit. My only complaint is that the speaker picks up some interference from the phone and/or GPS unit when the charging switch is "on". It's barely noticeable over road noise once you're moving, however.
icemantwilight said:
What is the vent clip like? I'm not a fan of windscreen mount..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't used it, primarily because it forces you to use your device in portrait mode (which was a non-starter for me).
I have the same OnCourse mount and my unit also has interference in the mount's speaker when the phone charging is turned on. It's like a constant clicking sound - not terribly loud though, so road noise drowns it out. But then again, I drive a Lancer Evo and there's not much noise dampening material in the car so YMMV.
One other thing is my Hermes doesn't plug into the cradle's mini USB connector easily. I have to rock the phone back and forth a little bit in order for the phone to seat onto the USB connector. Obviously a tolerance issue, but I don't know if it's caused by my phone or the cradle.
The clips are pretty decent. They have 3 notches so you can vary the distance the cradle mounts from the air vent. The clips sit in a slot on the cradle so you can slide them horizontally to change the distance between the two clips. Pretty useful for getting the clips to line up between the air vent's vertical slats.
Overall, it's a pretty decent product.
Fourgig said:
I have the same OnCourse mount and my unit also has interference in the mount's speaker when the phone charging is turned on. It's like a constant clicking sound - not terribly loud though, so road noise drowns it out.
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Click to collapse
Yep, I assume it's the radio in the phone, although I haven't done a thorough investigation as to the source. I just don't charge it in the cradle unless I really have to. Kinda wish the powered speaker would function without the power cord, but oh well.
Fourgig said:
One other thing is my Hermes doesn't plug into the cradle's mini USB connector easily. I have to rock the phone back and forth a little bit in order for the phone to seat onto the USB connector. Obviously a tolerance issue, but I don't know if it's caused by my phone or the cradle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. Not terribly easy to get it mated with the USB connector on the way in. Or very easy to get it out, for that matter as it's pretty much impossible to avoid pressing all the buttons on either side of the phone when grasping it. But, like anything, you eventually get the hang of it.
Fourgig said:
The clips are pretty decent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only they'd have designed it such that you could go landscape, too.
mplang said:
Anyone have any recommendations for an automount that is GPS Ready...you know, the cradle can power a GPS unit (Garmin GPS 10)??? I have been looking but drawing blanks on units specific to the Hermes...any help is greatly appreciated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the sam mount but by i.trek over at semsons
http://www.semsons.com/ipocrmowiins18.html
use coupon seth005 to get 5% off. Just ordered it today.
Trinergy said:
Here is the sam mount but by i.trek over at semsons
http://www.semsons.com/ipocrmowiins18.html
use coupon seth005 to get 5% off. Just ordered it today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, same mount... better price!
Fourgig said:
I have the same OnCourse mount and my unit also has interference in the mount's speaker when the phone charging is turned on. It's like a constant clicking sound - not terribly loud though, so road noise drowns it out. But then again, I drive a Lancer Evo and there's not much noise dampening material in the car so YMMV.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds could be coming from your cars electrics, they're notorious for noisy power, particularly if the ground is bad.
vp3G said:
If only they'd have designed it such that you could go landscape, too.
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Why does everyone love landscape? I use tomtom and I much prefer portrait.
icemantwilight said:
Sounds could be coming from your cars electrics, they're notorious for noisy power, particularly if the ground is bad.
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Click to collapse
Think one of those engine grounding kits would help?
icemantwilight said:
Why does everyone love landscape? I use tomtom and I much prefer portrait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm right there with ya! I've never found a good use for portrait mode, other than watching movies.
Fourgig said:
Think one of those engine grounding kits would help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really hard to say, if your ciggie lighter (power socket) and your battery both have a good ground connection then you should be right..
I know this isn't the answer you're looking for, but I always use two bits of bluetack to fix the Vario to my dashboard behinf the steering wheel.
Is virtually free and very effective. You can also use a cigarette lighter to USB thing to power your GPS unit and/or the Vario, or wite a USB cable into the dashboard if you feel like it.
Semson / OnCourse car kit
I got the unit from Semson using the horn (global 9) suction mount. That's the non flexible hose mount. Whoever found that link, thank you. You saved me good amount of money compared to the OnCourse device. I highly recommend the horn mount as well. It's just a big chunk of plastic. Billion times better than those flexible ones...those shake like hell.
I noticed also that when my phone is charging, the speaker makes all kinds of noise on this thing. But if I turn the charging off, it goes whisper quiet.
It's pretty much crap as a hands-free device though. The other end always hears echo and stuff. But it's great as phone holder for TomTom use with loud announcements and such. I got the RJ11 to miniUSB and it charges my Holux mini-GPS (keychain type) one fine as well.
So far I'm rather happy with it.
Anyone use this with the Visiontac Bluetooth GPS?
Its not on either of the lists, and doesn't charge with a regular mini usb plug, some some other unique plug.
Does anyone know why they say it wont work with a Holux GPS device? Does the unit draw more power? or is the USB pinout different? I'm thinking it should be quite easy to mod the cable if thats all that's holding it back from working properly.
Also on that matter I imagine you could disconnect the speaker internally if you didn't want to use it.
invictive said:
Does anyone know why they say it wont work with a Holux GPS device?
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Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken, the USB port on the Holux is for serial data only.
invictive said:
Also on that matter I imagine you could disconnect the speaker internally if you didn't want to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or, easier yet, disconnect the power to the mount. Although, I believe the USB connection also stifles the Hermes speaker as if you'd plugged headphones into it.
vp3G said:
If I'm not mistaken, the USB port on the Holux is for serial data only.
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Click to collapse
No, I'm pretty sure its for charging, as that is the only port on the device, and I always charge mine in the car or off my pc with a standard USB cable. Heck, it even came with a USB Car Charger...
I may risk it and just order one, I'm sure it can be hacked to work, unless its an issue of not having enough power or something.
I assume that I could also use the USB port to charge my Jawbone Bluetooth headset? No reason why it shouldn't work is there?
Thanks,
-Kai
Would this mount work with a phone using a silicon case?
invictive said:
No, I'm pretty sure its for charging, as that is the only port on the device, and I always charge mine in the car or off my pc with a standard USB cable. Heck, it even came with a USB Car Charger...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buygpsnow.com has live chat and a forum as well, so you could ask them why they say it won't work. I thought it had a proprietary charger interface, but if it's USB...
invictive said:
I may risk it and just order one, I'm sure it can be hacked to work, unless its an issue of not having enough power or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are the output specs of your regular charger? My i.Blue is +5V/0.5A/2.5W.
invictive said:
I assume that I could also use the USB port to charge my Jawbone Bluetooth headset? No reason why it shouldn't work is there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here again, can't imagine why not, unless the output isn't sufficient.
jag121 said:
Would this mount work with a phone using a silicon case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not a chance as the phone fits very tightly in the mount.
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
ariel123 said:
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An FM Transmitter - there are loads. I have 3 - 2 bluetooth, 1 a built-in cradle / FM Transmitter.
Just do a search...
ariel123 said:
what can i buy that will let me listen music from my tp2 to my car radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you have an auxiliary conx on your radio you can just connect it with a 3.5 cable.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
An FM Transmitter - there are loads. I have 3 - 2 bluetooth, 1 a built-in cradle / FM Transmitter.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ramsfan_jim
Care to list the brands you have, or the websites you found them on?
I currently have an fm transmitter, and a horrible cradle.. would love a better solution, especially an unified one like you mention having.
Thanks
cameraddict said:
Ramsfan_jim
Care to list the brands you have, or the websites you found them on?
I currently have an fm transmitter, and a horrible cradle.. would love a better solution, especially an unified one like you mention having.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK I started out with a Venturi Mini which worked fine for a while, then physically broke after only a few months. I managed to repair it with a bit of soldering, and it now works intermittently.
I therefore (on recommendation from XDA) bought an obscure bluetooth transmitter from ebay. This is much more substantial and robust - and gives a very strong signal. This has worked perfectly, the only problem is it's size and having to use an extension lead and find a way to stick it out of the way in the car so it doesn't get in the way of changing gear! (Depends where your cigarette lighter socket is..)
I therefore fancied the combined cradle / FM transmitter instead from here My initial reaction was it was cheap rubbish - the socket was loose so although it would transmit a signal, as soon as you move the car it loses the connection to the TP2, making it useless. However, I then used a pair of pliers to tighten the socket in the cradle, and it worked well for nearly 2 weeks - including charging the phone while driving. I was getting to be quite happy with it, until today it just stopped transmitting a signal. I've opened it up but can't find any obvious loose connections, so it's now trash - proving my initial view.
I am now wondering about the FM talk transmitter. Has anyone tried it?
I have use the FM talk transmitter found on Ebay since July. It works great.
Only problem is that it doesnt charge the phone when the mini-usb car charger is plugged to the transmitter. It only powers the transmitter.
http://cgi.ebay.com/CAR-FM-TRANSMIT...wItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item414aa12524
this works real good for me.
I connect the dongle to an adapter to a tape deck module that you put in your tape deck (if you still have one) The cool thing is I can also use it as a speaker for when i receive calls. Works awesome, and better sound quality than FM transmitter.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
OK I started out with a Venturi Mini which worked fine for a while, then physically broke after only a few months. I managed to repair it with a bit of soldering, and it now works intermittently.
I therefore (on recommendation from XDA) bought an obscure bluetooth transmitter from ebay. This is much more substantial and robust - and gives a very strong signal. This has worked perfectly, the only problem is it's size and having to use an extension lead and find a way to stick it out of the way in the car so it doesn't get in the way of changing gear! (Depends where your cigarette lighter socket is..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the Info,ive been using one of these for months but the sound quality isn't up to much..very cheap tho so what do i expect! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FM-TRANSM...emQQptZUK_CE_MP3Access_RL?hash=item5ad4cd5441
Other than the bulkiness around the lighter socket, would you recommend the bluetooth option? i drive an MPV thingy so my gearstick is well out of the way. so this looks like a good option for me if its worth 25 quid. seems too good to be true!!
Also did you have to pay import duty when you got yours??
osrix25 said:
Thanks for the Info,ive been using one of these for months but the sound quality isn't up to much..very cheap tho so what do i expect! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-FM-TRANSM...emQQptZUK_CE_MP3Access_RL?hash=item5ad4cd5441
Other than the bulkiness around the lighter socket, would you recommend the bluetooth option? i drive an MPV thingy so my gearstick is well out of the way. so this looks like a good option for me if its worth 25 quid. seems too good to be true!!
Also did you have to pay import duty when you got yours??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That IS cheap! (You did well to get a few months use out of it)
I would recommend the bulkier transmitter - in fact I'm back to using it now and it works without a problem. It even comes with 2 remote controls - 1 handheld, 1 which attaches to the steering wheel, although these don't work on the recent NRG ROMs to fwd & rwd through tracks (which is a shame).
Apart from the size, I find having to turn on Bluetooth and connect each time I get in the car a bit of a pain (as opposed to just plugging the phone in), but if you're used to that it won't be an issue.
I've ordered the FM Talk transmitter now anyway.
As regards Import tax, I have ordered numerous items from China, Thailand etc. and only once had to pay duty. Generally the retailers have wised up and write 'GIFT' on the label, which exempts the item from duty.
Ramsfan_Jim said:
That IS cheap! (You did well to get a few months use out of it)
I would recommend the bulkier transmitter - in fact I'm back to using it now and it works without a problem. It even comes with 2 remote controls - 1 handheld, 1 which attaches to the steering wheel, although these don't work on the recent NRG ROMs to fwd & rwd through tracks (which is a shame).
Apart from the size, I find having to turn on Bluetooth and connect each time I get in the car a bit of a pain (as opposed to just plugging the phone in), but if you're used to that it won't be an issue.
I've ordered the FM Talk transmitter now anyway.
As regards Import tax, I have ordered numerous items from China, Thailand etc. and only once had to pay duty. Generally the retailers have wised up and write 'GIFT' on the label, which exempts the item from duty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, the remotes would come in handy as the kids use my phone to watch films in the back..gotta love that TP2 screen!! I rekon i'll add it to my christmas list!!
BTW i'm using Miri's 2.5 ROM which does support the fwd/back on my BT headphones!
I use my Motorola T505 for bluetooth/listening to music, mostly Pandora. A little pricey, but I'm not a headphone type of guy and it's technically illegal in California to not use some type of hands-free set.
What kind of car do you have? I'm going to give this a try. It should also charge the phone. It looks like it will display track info in my BMW but not in my VW.
http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/index.html
Everyone check this out. It's a mount and wireing solution. Some may like it. I will order me one in the next couple of weeks.
http://www.proclipusa.com/default.a...d=&parent_category=4&d_pcat=16708&d_cat=17907
Or
just buy a car radio with Adanced Stereo support over Bluetooth! that way you can also control your phone through the head-unit .
My method
As Die Bruine said a unit with bluetooth is great! However I couldn't afford the bluetooth adapter for my head-unit. So I have a stereo with a USB reader, after I connect my Tilt 2 I just tell it to go into mass storage mode!
HTCNeil said:
I connect the dongle to an adapter to a tape deck module that you put in your tape deck (if you still have one) The cool thing is I can also use it as a speaker for when i receive calls. Works awesome, and better sound quality than FM transmitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do this too, and I accidentally discovered that you can still use the mic from the speakerphone when it's connected (via 3.5mm jack on the Sprint TP2), so I prop my TP2 on the steering column when I talk in my car (luckily, it cradles perfectly and the rubbery paint keeps it from slipping during turns). I'm told that they hear an echo when they talk, but my voice sounds better than any headphone or BT Headset I've used, and the voice quality over the speakers is really good.
well i bought the fm talk been using it for 3 days now and i love it. its easy to use its self explanitory just plug it in and go. makes the music sound louder on my cars speaker the only thing is that it doesnt charge your phone while in use but its not a problem for my i have temporaly flashed back to stock rom because its the only rom that has a long battery life well from my experience .....
thank you ugys for your thoughts i appreciate it
So I'm thinking about turning my old Touch Pro 2 into a GPS for rental cars. That way I can save a few bucks because all the car rental companies charge extra for GPS.
I was thinking there has to be something like this already, and just hoping someone could point me in the right direction for the best one.
Something like a car mount that is not permanent, but sturdy. So I won't have to screw it in or anything, and can easily remove it when I am done with the rental car, but don't have to worry about it falling when I am driving.
It would ideally charge the phone (and connect to the cigarette lighter for power) and also have a built in amplified speaker. That way I could actually hear it when it tells me to turn.
Possibly have an external GPS antenna to connect to it also.
Anyone have any suggestions?
I have a generic mount that attaches via suction cup to the windshield. It has a gooseneck with a mount on the end that will hold anything the approximate size of the TP2.
I purchased it at Microcenter in Dallas a couple of years ago.
Take a look here: http://www.macally.com/EN/Product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=290
mrschwarz said:
I have a generic mount that attaches via suction cup to the windshield. It has a gooseneck with a mount on the end that will hold anything the approximate size of the TP2.
I purchased it at Microcenter in Dallas a couple of years ago.
Take a look here: http://www.macally.com/EN/Product/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=290
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've seen these in stores before too. I was looking for something that will charge the phone though and also has an amplified speaker so I can hear the GPS prompts.
Well.. not sure if there is anything like that that is specifically made JUST for our phones... what I have done in my truck though is use a goose neck mount similar to that above. Then I simply have a charger plugged in to keep the phone charged... obviously..
I actually ran a converter box under my seat... the AC/DC converter boxes, and ran that from the charging outlet in the back of the truck for the people in the back (screw them they dont need that). From there I used a regular wall charger cause they seem to be way longer. That runs under my floor mat and up along the drivers side wall and up to my phone. That would clearly be a bit of a hassle to do if you rent cars all the time. I just cant stand wires all over the place and didnt want to have a car charger stretched across the dash. Now granted trucks are much bigger then trucks so this may not be an issue in a car, especially if you put the gooseneck in the middle of the windshield where most people do. For me I keep my phone off to the far left.
I have tomtom on my phone and use it daily so the GPS thing for me is key.
All my audio is routed right into the car stereo via a bluetooth A2DP car adapter, again... cant stand wires!
When I call comes in I can talk and then hear the people over the stereo using car kit feature.. when voice promts come over the phone its routed to the stereo.... when I'm listening to pandora or slacker radio or even music off the phone in general.. everything over the car stereo. I use the MS voice command all the time while in the car too so I just press the button on the phone.. wait for the "beep" to come over the car stereo and then say "call so and so and the phone repeats it back... I say yes.. and it dials then I'm connected. Another pet peeve is driving around seeing people with their cells up to their ears while they are driving 80 mph on the 75
Here's something similar here NEW A2DP Bluetooth Handsfree Car Kit +Mic+FM+MP3 Player
Or even cheaper here: Bluetooth MP3 FM Transmitter Handsfree A2DP
Cant say why the cheap one so cheap. I do know I myself got a mid range one and when there is no audio coming from the phone there is a slight weird pitch that gets transfered from the fm transmitter to the stereo for some reason. I've actually had 2 of these and they both did it... from different companies so. I dont know! The next one I get will be a more expensive one in hopes that that goes away.
Bascially I've got it set up so that it all works like the microsoft sync they put in new cars. I just bought the truck the other year but didnt feel like dishing out 3 grand for the sync stuff to be put in haha.
Today I Receive my BCK Stereo universal Bluetooth Headset(From Hong Kong)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I Said i would post my review~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After letting the device charge for about two hour i decided to hook it up to my TP2 Finally. Btw it come with two headphone, a charger, charging cable, and the BCK.
First Looks: remind me of the ipod shuffle but made out of plastic. The button on the device aren't so sturdy, meaning that they don't click when press, when press you barely notice that ur even pressing a button its soft to the touch.(so far this the only bad thing that i found so far).
Connecting: The Touch Pro2 connect to the BCK without a problem. The BCK use it own volume control, giving you he ability to leave your device on vibrate and still hear your phone ring(When headphone are plug into BCK and headphone are in ear) once your system volume change the change can be heard threw the device(BCK).
Music:sound quality is very good, most of the song i listen to is over 150 kbps. volume really loud since the BCK uses it only volume control and not the touch pro2 system volume(for people that like to listen to music really loud knock your self out). You have the ability to use any headphone you like(3.5mm). A big plus for me is that you don't have to take your phone out of your pocket to change the song or up the volume all can be done wireless threw the BCK!(BTW the headphone they give you is crappy ^_^)
Call Quality: After a 30min converstation on the phone the person on the other line didnt notice any muffling, and had no problem hearing me. Hanging up/Picking up is a breeze even ignoring calls, in call the device use the incall volume and not its on. Incoming call notification the device light flashes blue/red like a cop car behind you indicating to pull over.^_^
Voice Command: and the instruction guide they said the device support voice tags which i dont use. so i wont be able to review this.
Battery life for phone/BCK: BCK stated that the device can last over 10hour of non stop talking 200 hour in idle music playback wasnt stated. I did notice that my touc pro2 was a little warm(guessing cause bluetooth was on and music) as of now i can't tell you if it effect the battery life have to do a full charge for that/normal day use. Confirm that playing music is the cause of the device getting warm, not BCK nore bluetooth.
Device Performance: Didn't notice any lags or hang, freeze up, etc.
Durability: As of now i dont know how the device would hold up against some knock/drop/being sat on/kick/dangle/abuse. Reason why i order two
Radio: i notice that you can't listen to the radio while using the BCK(Stalk FM radio) but i notice that SPB radio allow you to use internet connection to listen to the radio. which basically mean it don't interfere with the BCK.
Well I think that everything, this device can be bought from Ebay(Im sorry if you don't like to shop on ebay) Search (BCK 08 Slim A2DP Stereo universal Bluetooth Headset) new hope this review help you. If you felt like i left something other dont be scared to ask
Reason for this review: Im one of those people that don't like to tell people about something and once they get it it sucks, and on top of that i couldn't find the headphone that came with my device. But overall for something that cheap/ 3 bucks it would get a 8/10
Edit: uploaded pic/want to comfirm why the device get warm(TP2) plus added one more pic
Edit: (August 31) radio update
Nice review. I might have to pick one of these up. Having headphones hooked up to the TP2 with a dongle is cumbersome, but I like to have corded headphones at the gym (they have TVs on the cardio equipment, so I can just plug a set of headphones into the TV when I'm not listening to music on my phone). For $10 (shipped), its worth a try.
yes thrd It.thanx
redpoint73 said:
Nice review. I might have to pick one of these up. Having headphones hooked up to the TP2 with a dongle is cumbersome, but I like to have corded headphones at the gym (they have TVs on the cardio equipment, so I can just plug a set of headphones into the TV when I'm not listening to music on my phone). For $10 (shipped), its worth a try.
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Ur Welcome. It last about 8 hour playing music.
Based on your review i just bought one, i will let you know how i think of this item!
Ordered one too!
Received this item last week, and so far I like it!
Bought it from ebay from "bestvaluesupplier". Shipping took just under 2 weeks. I knew shipping would take some time from reading his eBay feedback, so that was not bid deal. And the shipping time was really not bad, considering it was $7 shipping from Hong Kong to East Coast US.
As the OP touched upon, the housing of this device does not seem the sturdiest. Decently put together, but its just made of a light, cheap-feeling plastic. And the packed-in headphones are complete throw-aways, they sound tinny and horrible.
But listening to music through my own headphones sounds great, and calls seem good so far on both ends. Everything works great, and it was a breeze to pair with my Tilt2. Looks good, and very functional. Clips well to your shirt, pants, etc. Well worth the $10.
I also thought of another use for this device. If you usually hook your phone up to your car stereo with a 3.5mm cable (or even worse, a cassette adapter . . . like me!), you can use this as a wireless, poor man's Bluetooth adapter in your car!
Thanks again to BeEazy10 for the heads-up on this little device. Its always nice to get a cool, inexpensive toy to play with!
Received my BCK and am very pleased how well it functions for my intended need, simply small dongle to plug any 3.5mm headset for bluetooth cordless connection to Tilt2. For this use, it's perfect: easy to use, simple functions and terrific combination with Tilt2.
Pairing was instantaneous, HTC audio player directly sent audio through, BCK 08 has huge volume control available for any needs, and sounds very, very clean on $25 cans. Oh, and pause, next song, back song as well, button from BCK. Tilt2 screen blacks out and BCM continues playing. Range is very long, played two floors in house.
Tried with CorePlayer and got same results: direct audio play through only BT, no adjustings needed.
Haven't used for call-through function yet, but as stated all I wanted was cordless BT hookup to existing earpieces. BCK is so tiny, it's ideal.
One major flaw: stuffing the BCK unit into a case put undue pressure on it's built-in shirt clip (to position in-call mic) and broke off. The BCK is sleeker without the clip and a normal mic cord slider clip can replace function equally well.
I emailed seller to see about replacement, but be VERY gentle putting side or crossways stress on the clip portion.
Update: eBay seller immediately offered refund or replacement, and is sending one out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/BCK-08-Slim-A2D...-Headset-new-/260619163711?pt=PDA_Accessories
Wow, ebay hates me. I had to do a guest checkout with my school email. I tried going into the password reset form for my real account and it was in German. I answered the questions after translating the page on Google and it was wrong. I hate Ebay.
Glad
glad to see everyone enjoying the BCK. I been using mines for about a month now it everything working perfectly. Just remember to always use the stock changer for you dont have overcharging problems.
Updated first post. For ppl who like to listen to the radio
The FM radio will not work with ANY Bluetooth device because it requires a corded headset to be plugged in to use as an antenna.
Miami_Son said:
The FM radio will not work with ANY Bluetooth device because it requires a corded headset to be plugged in to use as an antenna.
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well this bluetooth device has a place to plug in a headset so the radio should work
Miami_Son said:
The FM radio will not work with ANY Bluetooth device because it requires a corded headset to be plugged in to use as an antenna.
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But it work with SBP radio like i said in the first post
Doo Doo said:
well this bluetooth device has a place to plug in a headset so the radio should work
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Nope. It has to be a physical connection to the device. The radio will not work over bluetooth, trust me. It won't even turn on if nothing is plugged into the USB port.
BeEazy10 said:
But it work with SBP radio like i said in the first post
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That's because SPB Radio is not really a radio, it is an internet streaming app. It does not use the FM hardware.
Miami_Son said:
That's because SPB Radio is not really a radio, it is an internet streaming app. It does not use the FM hardware.
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lol ur wrong about one thing. SPB radio use both. internet, and FM hardware.
Miami_Son said:
Nope. It has to be a physical connection to the device. The radio will not work over bluetooth, trust me. It won't even turn on if nothing is plugged into the USB port.
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Haha. Yeah, Doo Doo is not understanding that something needs to be plugged into the USB port on the phone to act as the FM antenna.
But whether the FM radio app turns on when something is not plugged in, depends on the ROM. I have a Tilt2 with a custom ROM, and the FM radio app opens, but you don't get any radio stations without headphones or an adapter dongle plugged in (and speaker turned on).
But regardless of whether or not something is plugged into the USB port, it still won't play the FM radio to a Bluetooth headset.
BeEazy10 said:
lol ur wrong about one thing. SPB radio use both. internet, and FM hardware.
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And what evidence do you have of this? It says nothing on the SPB website about the program being able to use ANY radio hardware. In fact, it only mentions internet streaming. This means that unlike the hardware radio, it uses data, which could cost you plenty if you don't have a data plan. Please keep to what you know instead of passing along erroneous information.
I should be getting mine by the end of the week. I'll see how it is. I need a new skullcandy earbud set, since mine is wearing out.