GPS Mount

 

This article may apply to other brands of GPS. After extensive traveling, although I like the TomTom 340 GPs, I have had a terrible time with their "Easyport" mount.

 

In fact, any device mounted by suction cup requires constant maintenance to keep it clean so it will stick. Even so mine managed to fall off at the worst possible time.

Try to adjust its angle, and it comes out of the mount, or you knock the suction cup off its base. Try programming it on the dash and the result is the same.

 

 

 

 

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Nexxtech GPS Mount

The Nexxtech GPS mount may be the solution. Available in Canada at theSource, at half price when you get it on sale, this clamp type mount seems to be the answer. Our long term update in future months will tell the true story. For now here is what we found:

 

Pressing the protruding tab on the back and the "clamp" opens to hold any normal size GPS securely.

The jaws open wide, but a 7 inch GPS might be pushing its limits.

I'm not sure about the claim that the visor portion will keep the sun off the display. That may be wishful thinking.

The horizontal angle is easily adjusted though, to minimize reflections.

 

 

 

 

 

The base of the Nexxtech GPS mount is typical weighted bean bag style. It has a sticky area near the rear that keeps it in place, yet allows it to be moved around freely. Instructions say this can be cleaned easily with water, and it is designed for multiple removals.

Our early tests indicate the unit does not move under normal driving circumstances, including rough roads and quick driving manoeuvers.

 

 

 

 

 

With no GPS mounted in the clamp, the Nexxtech GPS mount is a smooth bump on the dash, not intrusive in any way.

You may choose to remove it when parking in certain areas. It does look like it would contain something expensive even though it is an empty clamp mount.

 

 

 

 

The Nexxtech mount has several adjustment notches on both the top and bottom areas, allowing you to adjust the angle of the GPS for optimum viewing.

The GPS is equally stable in any of these positions.

This is a universal GPS mount that would be suitable for many brands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Final Thoughts

Advantages:

1) Unlike the Navmat previously mentioned on the initial TomTom page, no suction cup mount is required.

2) The GPS is simple to remove when parking, and just as simple to put back, taking only a few seconds.

3) GPS can be angled horizontally easily in either direction to avoid reflections or for easy passenger programming.

4) The Nexxtech GPS mount is very stable, allowing easy programming or selection while it is on the dash. (While stopped of course, or let your passenger do it.)

Negatives:

Rating was downgraded to four roses due to the base not being flexible enough to conform to the dash contour.

(To be updated by a long trip report in early 2012.)

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No elaborate scientific setups here. No special laboratory equipment. Just honest in use every day setups that my friends or I use, or have used in our every day computing activities.