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Premium and Advanced - where are you mounting your cell phone?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by ruby, Jan 23, 2017.

  1. ruby

    ruby Member

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    OK, I know it's a bit sacrilegious, but after a few weeks I'm pretty sure I want to mount my cell phone rather than leaving it in the tray (where I can't charge my iPhone anyway). There are still occasions where I want to have Waze running, especially to see the difference between what it recommends compared to the Toyota navigation.

    I hesitate to mount it to the windshield because I feel like it blocks some of my view, and I also don't want the cellphone to interfere with any sensors up near the rear view mirror. In addition, it has to be behind the steering wheel to not interfere with airbags. I saw a few posts with folks putting the mounting device in the little quarter window near the front door, but I'm not sure if that would interfere with the side curtain airbags (it would also require a long snaked USB cable, and looking away from everything else). And of course, I don't want to block any useful part of the built in dashboard or 11" display area.

    I realize these are complicated requirements. Any suggestions?
     
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  2. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    How about in the tray?

     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    toyota blew this design detail again, for the fourth time.
     
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  4. mr88cet

    mr88cet Senior Member

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    Since Toyota still hasn't provided CarPlay, that might make sense.

    I suppose it's fair to say that where you put it depends on how you intend to use it.

    I hear say (here) that iPhone 6s(plus) and 7(plus) have known problems with Bluetooth audio. If that applies to your iphone, you might want to put it somewhere where it can be plugged into AUX.

    In my case, the main reason I'd expect to access my iPhone is probably an unusual one: I tend to create auditory quizzes for myself to learn new stuff from on the way to work (topics like Chinese language, and ear-training for certain unusual forms of music). Such quizzes work better if I can, conveniently without taking my eyes off the rod, hit the pause-playback button. I haven't seen too many car stereos that have pause buttons anymore. Anyway, for that, close to the steering wheel or down by the cup holders probably would work for that.

    So, in what ways would you expect to interact with it, such as whether you need to see the screen?
     
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  5. davids45

    davids45 Active Member

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    G'day Ruby,

    If you're rich enough ;) , what about something like this (attached image)?

    They're about AU$5 on ebay (from China and nearby) and could be OK as long as you don't want to do a lot of phone tapping.
    The rubbery silicone should 'stick' to the level parts of the dash so could be placed just about anywhere?
    No doubt if the car is parked outside, the sun (and heat) would eventually cause the silicone to harden and lose tackiness but could be worth a try at these prices?
    David S.

    PS: ebay.com.au called this holder "Car Holder Anti Slip Mat Mount Desktop Stand Bracket For Iphone Mobile Phone GPS" so try that as the search terms in ebay.com - there are plenty of these listed from various Asian suppliers, with a few designs to look at.
     

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  6. eddd

    eddd New Member

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    I don't typically bother mounting my cell phone; however, I have used my old Kenu Airframe+ for the few occasions where I wanted to use Waze, and it worked out pretty well. The Kenu Airframe+ is mounted on AC/air vents (I used the vent between the steering wheel and the big touchscreen), and while I'm not able to fully push it onto the vent since the vent itself is somewhat recessed, it grips well enough for most driving (but may fall off if you hit some bumps in the road).
     
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  7. ruby

    ruby Member

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    I had some time to play with this tonight. The tray is too low, and not only blocks the gear shift lever (!) but really takes your eyes off the road if glancing down for navigation, which is my intended use.

    Can't use aux with the new iPhone. I do want it near the USB, which is in the same spot.

    I hadn't seen this before. It sort of looks like the phone might bounce out if you hit a big bump. I could probably just about afford it, though. ;)

    Meanwhile, I may be close to a solution. I'll try to post a picture tomorrow when there is better light.

    I'll have to take a look at that one. Thanks.

    Thanks for all of the responses!
     
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  8. Will_Prius16

    Will_Prius16 Member

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    Aikema PH05 Air Vent Car Mount Holder with 360 Rotate for Smartphones - Single


    I use this one, works fine

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  9. Will_Prius16

    Will_Prius16 Member

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  10. ssdesigner

    ssdesigner Active Member

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    If you plan to dash or window mount it via a suction cup type holder there is only one way to go. This thing holds CRAZY good, the design makes clicking the phone in place simple (just push it in and it clicks tight) and the release is a one-hand operation. Best holder I've ever had, and it's not even close:

     
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  11. James Wells

    James Wells Junior Member

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    Search Amazon for magnetic air vent mount. Works great and super convenient. Many brands.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  12. Db17

    Db17 Member

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    I'm thinking the the vent holders aren't going to work very well with the 11" screen as the vents are almost vertical.

    I think there is a sweet spot to mount a phone right on the dashboard where you'd be looking through the steering wheel.
     
  13. geguia

    geguia Active Member

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    OP - i got an iphone case that works with the QI charger.

    not sure if i'd want to mount it yet
     
  14. Tim R

    Tim R Member

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    I have an iOttie that I mount on the passenger-side. See pix.

     

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  15. geguia

    geguia Active Member

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    so sad that we have a large screen and we still need to mount our iphones :(
     
  16. Db17

    Db17 Member

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    Here
     

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  17. ssdesigner

    ssdesigner Active Member

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    I did that at first, but found it to be a little obtrusive. I ended up mounting mine just to the right of the steering wheel so that I could see straight ahead and still see all the car displays.
     
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  18. ruby

    ruby Member

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    Yes, I love mine and I'm trying to find the optimal place to use it (see attached image).

    Yes from the visual point of view, but if I have to swipe away a notification blocking Waze it might be awkward to reach. Still thinking about that.

    I've seen them, but I won't be able to see the phone down there in the tray. I'm OK using the USB cable for now.

    Interesting. From what I've seen of the Prius 2016 crash test videos, when the passenger airbag deploys a phone mounted in that location could go flying, possibly toward the face of the driver.

    How true! I've been testing the built in Nav with all my trips, just to see what it does even if I know where I'm going. Not happy enough to give up Waze though.

    Thanks for all the replies.
     

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    #18 ruby, Jan 24, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 24, 2017
  19. nwmountaineer

    nwmountaineer New Member

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    Mounted mine on the windshield using TechMatte - $7 on Amazon.
    It fits nicely along the A Pillar.
     
  20. James Wells

    James Wells Junior Member

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    My vent holder works great on driver's side. Magnetic.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.