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Arkon's Multimedia PDA Mount.

Product: MultiMedia PDA Mount, CM329 (VENT Mount Multimedia Kit)

Price: $69.95

Company: Arkon Resources Inc. (http://www.Arkon.com)

I was totally mistaken when I first saw this product. I believed it to simply be a fancy PDA holder. Arkon actually makes "bare" PDA holders (such as the CM229) but the unit tested here (the CM329) goes even further with its integrated FM transmitter. Note that the FM transmitter, the SF121, is also sold separately for $19.95.
I was fortunate enough to be sent a unit for testing, so here it goes!

The kit:

The CM329 (VENT Mount Multimedia Kit) came with absolutely everything needed for proper installation. It does include the Multimedia Mount with its built-in FM transmitter (called the SoundFeeder), a nice little pen/stylus combo, the vent mount assembly and a full instruction sheet.

Specifications and testing:

The size of the Multimedia Mount makes it a perfect fix in any car. The kit simply installs in front of an AC/heat vent. The installation is quite simple with the vent adapter (included with the kit), but so far I haven't been able to test it (since I moved to NYC, I haven't got the chance to drive my car ;( ) but I will make sure to update this review as soon as I get my hands on the wheel again!

Back to the story. I ran a few tests; first I wanted to make sure that my iPAQ would stay in the mount even during "hard driving" (when I mean hard, I should mention that you don't want to try this at home, or on the street!!!). I knew that the rough ride my car provides would shake the iPAQ and eventually let it loose!

So, in order to test it, I installed the iPAQ (with modified CF pack) in the Multimedia Mount and shook it like you wouldn't believe! Nope, it wouldn't let it go. My iPAQ never came out, reassuring me that I could safely install it in my ride!

Great, but what about those that don't use Expansion Packs? Well, that was the next test. The naked iPAQ fits perfectly in the PDA Mount; I did notice that it would move a little easier than with the CF pack installed. I do believe that the CM329 would still hold the iPAQ tightly in place even under extreme driving (well, maybe not if you're planning on going off-road!!!). You always have the option to use the Slim Pack that comes with every iPAQ to make it a little more secure. I noticed that the little foam pads, placed on the end of the holder, would grip better on the larger surface that the Expansion Packs offer.



What about using a PocketPC case? I thought the Vaja case that I owned would never fit! Well, once again, I was wrong. The case actually made the fit even better, even though you can't really keep it open (but you can open it as easily!).



One other area that interested me, was the CF slot location. Since I do use a cell phone CF modem, I was hoping to be able to get connected (while driving, hmmm, might not be such a good idea). The MultiMedia Mount comes with adjustable "pins" that allow you to set the holder to the proper width (or to accommodate accessories!). Damn, it does fit!!! I was stunned. I can now drive "online"!! Cool.

Now, the tough part. Does it work? I mean does the radio transmitter work? In order to test it, I used a spare 300W AT power supply (provides the perfect 12V needed!), and my home stereo. Hooked it up, and tried it out!!! The SoundFeeder allows you to choose the frequency that I want to play it on! I chose the lowest possible option (below 88, since there is usually nothing playing there). A little knob on the back of the mount lets you fine tune the reception! And that is it, 87.60... Sweet!
The sound is just great, almost as clear as a CD. But that's not all. I went in the bedroom and tried my radio to see if it was getting the signal! Yes, it worked. I was able to receive the music played on my iPAQ from my living room (well, the two rooms are next to each other but still).
The unit also has two small leds that tells you when the device is on (one is at the back of the mount, the other one on the power cord).



The pen/stylus addition is also a nice little feature. Since you can't easily eject the stylus from its silo, Arkon thought about it by including a pen/stylus on the side. One end is pen (with cap), and they other is the stylus. It is actually more comfortable than the iPAQ stylus but the big advantage is that you won't need to dig into the glove box to find a pen anymore!!!! Thanks Arkon!!!!
Note that you can buy extra pen/stylus combo from their site!

Note: One feature that was not available, was a PDA power plug. With the MultiMedia Mount, you will need to either run your PDA on its batteries or use the manufacturer's auto-adapter.
I contacted Arkon to check if a version with a PDA power cord would be available and they told me that their engineers were working an the issue and should come out with a fix!

Conclusion:

After thinking about many options in order to get my car stereo (with CD player only) to play mp3s from my iPAQ, Arkon came out with the best product!!!! Not only does it hold your PDA down (any kind will work, from iPAQ to Palm), but you can play any sounds coming from it!

The MultiMedia Mount, is a true companion for PDAs to play music, but also a great complement to a GPS system!
What could be better than hearing the directions on your car stereo? This makes the MultiMedia Mount a really cheap alternative to a GPS deck (more than $1300), and also provides excellent performances for those that don't want to trade the quality of a CD player for a cheaper tape unit but still want to listen to mp3s!!!

Also note that the MultiMedia Mount works perfectly with any unit that has a mini connector! The holder extends to a big 14cm (yes, I measured it and that is 5^1/2" for those still a little slow with conversions)!
Check out my CD player; it's nice and tight!!! ;)

Finally, I want to thank Aaron Roth (arkon8@veriomail.com), Arkon's Marketing Manager for sending me a test unit!

Additional Pictures:

Note that Arkon also sells a variety of multimedia products; from simple PDA mounts to SoundBelts, SoundVisors and so on. Make sure you check them out!

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