Arkon Site Review: Universal PDA Mount & SoundFeeder
Then after I found the SoundFeeder, I needed a way to mount my mp3 player in an attractive, sturdy, and practical way. Browsing through the wide array of mounts that Arkon has available, I came across Arkon's CM622 Universal PDA Mount, promised by Arkon to fit my application, (and probably yours). With these two items, I could rule the world...or at least listen to my tunes while driving. How did these two items fair together? Read on...
WHAT'S
HOT
The SoundFeeder allows you to tune to 8 different
stations, and claims itself to be electronically "stable"
as to avoid mixing with other station frequencies, etc. So, chances
are, you'll come across a frequency that is not being accessed already,
which I did with ease. It connects via the miniplug (headphone) jack
of your digital audio device. It also has an attractive egg shape to
it, with a silvery finish that goes well with practically any car interior.
The SoundFeeder travels nicely with virtually no cord to tangle. It
has got a groove along the top that allows the cord to wrap around and
plug into the SoundFeeder, see below for an image. The sound quality
of the SoundFeeder is clear, or, at least, as clear as you can get on
a radio.
The CM622 PDA Mount comes with everything you need to install it, including an alcohol prep to clean the surface before application. It applies using a velcro-like material called "Super Lock" -- named very appropriately. Super Lock, in my experience, is a great way to secure probably up a pound of weight using just the adhesive affixed to the solid object. The CM622 kit comes with two different rod lengths the user can use, depending on application.
IN
THE BOX
In the box is the mount itself, Super Lock self-adhesive, alcohol prep, screws (for a permanent install), alcohol prep, and a longer rod (bottom) to be used with the main arm (top).
The sound feeder comes in a plastic box, showing off its egg-like design. What is NOT in the box it the two requires "AAA" batteries.
PRODUCT
FEATURES
The mount itself is generally clean looking. I wasn't too impressed with the mount's ability to swivel, both at the head and base. You can move both around the center rod, as well as to and fro, but because these components are plastic and not metal, it gets a bit difficult getting the mount to stay exactly where you want it. I'd really like to see this mount with a metal ball and joint system, which would allow for precise and steady placement.
The cradle of the mount is padded along the sides and bottom. I could imagine any mobile device fitting well inside of the cradle, because the side wings spread out with the touch of a button, and move inward, securing the device, almost like a clamp. The cradle was obviously built to accommodate devices of large thickness. For my specific application, however, I found the wings to be a bit large and obtrusive.
Above is a better view of the cradle without the device. Under the left wing is the button that shoots the wings open. You can then "click" the wings closed to match the width of your device.
Notice the way in which I attached it to my console, using the adhesive Super Lock. Not exactly pretty, but it is down low enough that passengers don't really notice. Also note the clamp mechanism, which, as aforementioned, allow allows for swivel and to and fro adjustments.
Here is a shot of the controls on the SoundFeeder. The frequencies on the left are the major frequencies, and the right are minor frequencies. The line in the center is actually a piece of clear plastic that lights up green when the unit is on. Note the plug holder at the bottom: the cord wraps around the device and sits inside of the holder, making it easy to travel with.
Above is the SoundFeeder connected to my digital audio player. For lack of a better place, I wedged it in between the rod and the dashboard, which kept it snuggly in place.
HELP
SUPPORT
I found the enclosed literature with the
mount and SoundFeeder to be adequate during installation and usage.
BUGS
AND WISHES
The price of the CM622 is $29.95. For the
price, I'd like to see a bit more thinking going into this mount. The
connection from the rod to cradle should no doubt be a ball and joint
system, because those who are using this mount most likely have an exact
idea of where they want to position their device. It was a bit tricky
trying to tweak the top and bottom knobs to get optimum position, and
I never quite did achieve this. Also, I would certainly pay a bit more
for a similar model in metal, because plastic just simply does not have
enough weight and sturdiness to it. Lastly, I'd like to see this product
offered in a few colors, especially something silver to match many newer
cars' interiors.
The SoundFeeder was a well designed product; it did what it advertised. I experienced fade outs a few times during my travel across town, but that is hardly the fault of the SoundFeeder. The SoundFeeder did not come with its two required "AAA" batteries, which I found to be a major let down at $29.95.
PURCHASING
You can purchase the SoundFeeder
direct from Arkon for $29.95. The CM622
Universal PDA Mount sells for the same price.
PROS
CM622 Mount...
Everything is included for install
- Fits any portable device
SoundFeeder...
Great looking
- Compact design
- Does exactly what it claims
CONS
CM622 Mount...
Difficult to achieve optimum position
- Too pricey
- Not sturdy enough
SoundFeeder...
Where are the batteries?
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
In the introduction, I proposed my quest, which
was to find a miniplug to RCA conversion alternative (I couldn't handle
all the wires) and find a mount to hold my digital audio player. And
that I did find, in the form of the SoundFeeder, which can broadcast
my tunes to my radio, and the CM622 Universal Mount, which allowed my
Dell DJ to rest close by. The sound quality of radio is still not equal
to that of a direct miniplug -> RCA -> head unit input conversion,
but I respect the SoundFeeder for doing what is says, and in style.
My quest, unfortunately, will continue for a mount the is secure enough
to remain affixed in a perfect position. If you are not as oh-so-picky
as myself, then the CM622 Mount is a great way to mount your mobile
device in addition to using the SoundFeeder to easily listen to your
tunes in the car.
