Having the right mounting solution for my device has always been an issue. Some solutions are too big; others are too cheaply made and most are just “universal” mounts that fit a variety of devices.

 

They are OK, in fact I got one years ago that was adjustable and has served me well but the biggest issue I had was that it was mounted from my windshield.

Why was that an issue? It always created a little restriction in my line of site and over time, the suction cup would eventually lose its grip and the device would fall and usually that would happen as I was driving down the highway. So it was time to look for an alternative.

This summer I had a friend visit me in Maine and he had the ProClip solution in his car; using a mount for his dedicated GPS and one for his HTC Tilt. I was impressed! It was well made, sturdy and just looked great; so I decided to check out the available options for the devices I use every day.

Initially I wanted one for my AT&T 8525 because I travel a lot and use TomTom’s software for navigation but I also interchange my devices frequently so I was particularly interested in a solution that would allow me to use the device of my choice and do it easily. ProClip had the solution I wanted. Not only did they have a mount specifically made for each device but they had a Move Clip system that allowed for switching devices easily.

The Move Clip System allows you to change your device or move it from vehicle to vehicle. Essentially, the Move Clip system consists of two plates; a Female Plate with a wide V-slot and a Male Plate that is shaped to fit into the V-slot in the Female Plate. You have the Female Plate attached to your car’s mounting bracket and the Male Plate attached to the back of your device cradle. They just slip into each other and securely hold your device as you drive. It is a very simple solution that provides you with great flexibility with your devices.

 

The System

Once you navigate through ProClip’s website and find and order the solution you want, you will be amazed at how fast it appears at your doorstep. For me, two days after the order, it was sitting at my front door. I was impressed!

I ordered a vehicle mount for both my automobiles, a device holder for 3 of my devices and a Move Clip system for each device. So I had several packages in the box that arrived. Below is a picture of basic system for my 8525 consisting of the Automobile Mount, Device Holder and the Move Clip.

You cannot help but notice the quality of each piece as you look at them the first time. Made from a strong ballistic plastic and manufactured to hold your device perfectly, you immediately get the feeling that this solution will serve you well.

The Automobile Adapter is designed to fit perfectly over the vents and this model has a slight angle to allow for perfect viewing from the driver’s seat. It is strong and once mounted, very secure.

The Device Holder is custom made to fit my device. It has grooves on the inside allowing my device to slide in perfectly. The tolerance levels are very close for a fit that is near perfect. The construction allows for easy insertion or removal from the holder and because of the design, there is no need for you to disconnect any cable; it just happens automatically. It is a real nice design!

The Move Clip consists of two parts; one attaches to the Vehicle Mount and the other to the back of the Device Holder.

 

DC Charger

So why did I pick the model with the built in DC charger? For several reason really. If I am using my navigation software on a trip, I don’t have to be concerned about having enough power but secondly, when I leave the car, I always have a full charge. There is never a concern about whether or not I will make it because I am always topped off.

 

The Install

It is a very impressive system so the most logical question to ask is how easy was it to install and how good does it look? I assume from the pictures you can see that it looks great and I was just going to describe the install but I decided to do a video so you could see just how easy and quick it really was. The install is easy, fast and you quickly end up with a system that is very secure. I think you will be as impressed as I was after you see the videos.

 

The first video show my install of the Vehicle Mount and setting up the 8525 Device Adapter

 

The second video shows the setup of the holder for my Palm 750 and the Motorola Q9m. 

So as you saw, the install was easy and no matter what holder I decide to use, it will look great.  The picture below illustrates what each holder looks like  sans device.  From left to right: Cingular 8525, Palm 750, Motorola Q9m.

Clearly with a device in the cradle it looks so much nicer.

 

Adjustments

All three of my Device Holders were perfect fits so there was really nothing to do to make it better. Just attach and you are set to go. I like each design but after a short period of time I was not totally satisfied with the soft covering that was on my Palm 750 Holder.

Although it was nice and it purpose was to protect the device from being scratched as well as to cover up any imperfections in the holder, I decided to remove it. I did keep it in the grooves where the device slid into the holder.

A little heat and some careful removal, I was looking at a much slimmer looking holder that had the same outstanding appeal as the other two. I was pleased that it came off easily and was totally satisfied with its final appearance.

 

Neat Feature

I really can't say enough about these Device holders but I particularly like the Q9m solution.  Since it has a side charge port, they needed a different solution than the customary design.  They mount the actual charger plug in its own storage slot.  You insert the device and if you are going to charge it, you plug it in.  It looks good and works perfectly.

 

Vehicle #2

As I was writing this, I decided to take a moment and install the Vehicle Adapter for my second car.  I know, you didn't even realize I was gone but it was literally only for a moment!  I attached the Move Clip to the Vehicle Mount first then using the supplied "wedge", I inserted the bottom of the mount then snapped the top in place.  Voila!  It was about a 10 second install and I was ready to go.  Pretty impressive! Of course I had to take 3 pictures and that is what took the time.

Simple directions that if you take a moment to read make the install go amazing fast and easy.

The Vehicle mount attached easily and then I slide the device in place, plugged it in and I was good to go!

I would have preferred that this adapter had a similar angle that the other adapter has. The swivel clip works well but if the Vehicle Mount was angled toward the driver, I think there would be more flexibility. That aside, the quality, strength and durability of this (and each) product is outstanding.

 

Cost

The ProClip Center mount retails for $34.99 and the Holder with Tilt Swivel and Cigarette Lighter Cable cost $79.99. If I chose not to get the non-powered holder, it would have cost $39.99. The Move Clip Kit consisting of 1 Male and 1 Female Plate cost $9.99. There are other combination options available to suit your needs. And of course there is shipping which can vary depending on where you are having it shipped to.

It might appear to be a bit expensive on the surface but I have no question that lower priced systems are significantly less secure and lack the quality of this system. In addition, I tend to keep my devices a long time and switch between them frequently. Having a system that is as good as this will allow me to continue to enjoy all of my devices in the way I like to use them.

 

Final Impressions

I am absolutely thrilled with the ProClip system. The quality is excellent, the design is well thought out and I would expect it to last for years. I like the ability to interchange different holders quickly and know that whatever one you are using, your device is perfectly safe.

Looking into the future with the anticipation of getting a new car, the only thing I’ll have to get is a new Vehicle Adapter and if I were to get a new device, it will be easy to order the new device Holder.  This two part system is highly recommended if you want to protect your device while on the road and have the comfort that it is totally secure.

You can visit ProClip here