nosaj13

i'm interested in buying a car mount for my x50 and have a few questions.

first off, i'd like a powered unit that will allow me to hard wire into my radio to play mp3s...i'm not looking specifically for a gps unit..but would consider one if it's built in.


so i've done some browsing online and really like the look of the arkon DM320, but see that it's discontinued now. what's the difference between the DM320 and the new model (CM720)? i'm not sure i like the looks of the CM720..seems too cluttered. also, i'd like to use a cup holder mount rather than the window suction. could i use the arkon cup mount with the DM320 or CM720? also, would i need to take my axim out of it's sena case every time i want to mount it?

thanks

drowe

I've used the arkon mounts before and prefer the Seidio mounts. The Arkon mounts have "wings" to hold the pda in place and require a cable to connect them. The Seidio mounts are device specific and they act more like a cradle, the connector is built in. With the Arkon, you don't have to take it out of the case, but since it is held by friction I'd be careful. With the Seidio mount you do have to tak it out. They also have ports for wired GPS units, power connector for GPS, and an audio out. To connect to your radio, you just need a male-to-male cable to go from the pda to the aux in of the radio.

uapyro

I have the Seidio G4500S PDA mount, and enjoy using it. Perfect fit, keeps it charged, and all around great.

I'm not sure of any that have a "dedicated" line to the stereo, and infact, your stereo would have to also support it. Also, in the case of the Seidio G4500S, one of the few that they have for the Axim, the stereo output on the device is mono, so its best if you just skip that entirely and run directly from Axim to Stereo (still nice for elsewhere in another vehicle for example to do the powered speaker). I think they mention they have one series out that does output stereo through the mount, but I don't think they support the Axim on that one at this point in time.

The easiest thing you can do is find out if your radio has a 3.5mm cable input or RCA audio cable inputs (such as a wire that has 2 identical connectors on the end like the end of headphones); if not, you can either get an adapter and plug it into your radio that will give you that connector(s) required, get a new radio that does have them, or get an FM transmitter.

While FM transmitters are nice, some of them have interferance from PDA's being charged (mine for example, and I've read of many others also). You also have to worry about finding a free channel if you live in an area with a lot of radio stations (such as the case with me, it can be a pain at times, and I even have the one that can go from 88.1 to 107.9 or whatever).

SickTripp

My buddy uses this to get his ipod on his car stereo and it works great: http://www.mp3playerstore.com/stuff_...ries/FM-02.htm

This plugs in to where your antenna plugs in and then you plug your antenna into it. It lets through all the frequencies except for one and whatever you plug into it (ipod or axim) will play on that station. I used an iTrip for the longest time (fm transmitter) but its a hassle after a while, especially if you travel between cities where the stations change. Im ordering one of these modulators today.

LRRP

ARKON had to RMA 3 DM320 units and I am requesting a full refund. Of all 3 units the same thing happens. The sides eventually lose their strength and eventually stop working and the front module that you set the AXIM in eventually detaches. It's a shame becuase the windshield mount has gone through many revisons and they now have that down but the unit itself needs to be redesigned from the ground up and they need to get away from the ratchet style side clamop and go with a clip in type model.

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