WHAT’S HOT

    Because this is essentially a universal
PDA mount (save the power adapter for your specific unit), you can use
multiple devices quite effectively. This is more important to me, a
recent X50v owner, coming from the world of iPAQ. If not for the universal
capabilities of the Arkon
mount, I would have needed to spend additional funds in finding a replacement
mobile cradle.

IN THE BOX

Behold, the Arkon Powered
PDA Mount…box. Perhaps the box would seem more appealing if I mentioned
that the marketing spiel on the back is in four languages.

Inside the box (paper
wise) is an instruction sheet, warranty card, and a customer service
number.

    The hardware:
cradle, USB PDA power/data adapter, and audio cable. Note that the cigarette
adapter is hardwired to the mount. The stretched section of the cable
is where I had hidden the cord between the dash and steering wheel.
Surprisingly, the cable withstood the stretching and squishing with
no real damage at all.

Last, but not least, is
the windshield suction pedestal.

FEATURES

    First, let’s review the basic Arkon Powered
PDA Mount features (taken from Arkon):

HELP SUPPORT

    Along with the included documentation, Arkon also has an 800 number
for customer support and a website for additional contact options.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
I found no fatal errors (being a hardware review),
and my wishlist is short:

• Make the mount power cable removable
• Slow down the release mechanism
• Include a vent mount
• Move the power LED (so it’s
  easier to see)
• Give the customer the option
  of purchasing a hardwire kit (thus freeing up the cigarette
  lighter for other electronics)

PURCHASING

    You can buy
the Powered PDA Mount directly from Arkon.
The price shown is $59.95.

PROS

• 
  

  Universal (save the
  PDA power/data cable)

• 
  

  Sturdy construction

• 
  

  Multiple accessory power ports

• 
  

  Built-in speaker

• 
  

  Serial GPS port available

CONS

• 
  

  Mount
  power is hardwired

• 
  

  No
  vent mount included

• 
  

  Two
  hands required for use

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    While I wasn’t initially impressed
with the look of this mount, I’ve quickly grown to like the unit.
Especially considering that it saved me from having to spend extra
$$ on a new mount for my X50v. The sturdy construction is really
what has left the strongest impression on me. On my previous mount,
the power cable was coming apart, and the suction cup mount just
wouldn’t stick very well – so the Arkon
unit was a welcome change. If you are looking for a PDA-to-car
mounting solution, and duct tape just isn’t going to cut it anymore,
the Arkon Powered PDA Mount
may be exactly what you need.

Have you used the
Arkon Powered PDA Mount? See
something that isn’t quite right? Tell us what you think! Click
on the Discussion Link below.