Manufacturers www.brodit.se

UK retailers www.handnav.co.uk

UK Distributers www.nemesisgb.com

One of the most important accessories you’ll need when constructing an in-car PDA GPS set-up is the mounting system.  There are many options available, some GPS receivers come with mounts (If you own a Navman or Compaq iNS system with the Navman 3000 Jacket you’ll know how poor the supplied suction mount is!)  and companies such as Arkon and RAM-Mounts have captured the market for replacement third party mounting systems.

So what are they like?  Well I had mine fitted in 5 minutes, 4 minutes of that was spent screwing the iPAQ bracket to my X-Type’s ProClip bracket using the supplied screws.  Once I’d done this the ProClip snapped into place on the dashboard in seconds and is very stable.  With the mount affixed it looks superb and because it is adjustable it can be oriented to suit you and reduce reflection.  I can now drop the iPAQ into the holder where it mates with the 12v connector without fumbling to connect the power leads.  When I arrive at my destination I can quickly remove the iPAQ.  I further customised mine by running an additional 12v power socket behind the dashboard where it connects to the Brodit mount’s power lead so I no longer have any dangling power leads.

Both the ProClip and the holder are very well made, moulded in black ABS plastic, they have the look of a manufacturer supplied fitment and really do look like they are meant to be there and not an afterthought.  No more do I have to worry about the suction mount falling off the screen and it is now closer to me and easier to view.  It’s also no longer obscuring part of the windscreen.  Although mine is made to hold an iPAQ coupled with a Navman 3000 jacket it will work equally well with a CF Jacket, PCMCIA Jacket or just the protective jacket that comes with all iPAQ’s.

Because my iPAQ is a 3630, power is supplied via the standard power socket, Mike Barrett is testing the 38xx version which supplies power via the sync port, this has the further benefit of getting rid of the horrible adapter that you need to use with some 12v power cables.

I can’t think of a bad thing to say about Brodit’s mounting system.  It looks superb, mounts quickly and securely and is by far the best solution I’ve yet seen.  It’s not the cheapest solution but at £29.00-£35.00 for a charging holder it’s very reasonable, ProClip prices vary but again are good value at about £10 - £15.  

The only concern I do have is that the range is so large it can be quite difficult identifying which holder best suits your requirements! 

Having invested a large sum of money on your PDA and GPS you owe it to yourself to get a Brodit mounting system.

Availability in the UK is through Brodit’s UK retailers Handnav Technology who maintain stock of all the components: