Which Magnetic Cell Phone Base to Buy?

[machine_punk]

I've seen more and more of the magnetic cell phone bases around lately. There is usually a little ball, which either clamps on the air-conditioning vent, or a flat base, which sticks to the dash. As I understand it, there is a metal plate you stick to the phone and the bracket is magnetic. I'm concerned about using magnetic 'anything' near a computer or electronic device with memory...but it doesn't seem to be a problem.

Please give me your feedback on what you have actually used or actually seen used by someone else. There are many styles and brands on Amazon and I'd rather not have to buy several to get the one which works well.

My main use for this bracket would be using a cell phone (Samsung S5), or mini tablet (7" Alcatel), as a GPS in the car.

- Which brand do you like? (why)

- Which type/size of metal plate works well with your phone? (which phone and case do you have).

- Any tips or pointers you have for using this system?

- Have you found an unusual use for it? (attach your phone somewhere handy that others may not have though about yet, or use the system to attach something besides a phone)

Thanks,
Kev

 

[InsanePyro]

Just throwin this out there but my cousin and I just went on a 7 hour road trip and both ways he used one that suctioned to his window to hold his phone that was providing us with directions. Worked great. Went and picked one up myself but have yet to use it

 

[vettex2]

This is the only one I've found to be worth a hoot. http://www.ebay.com/itm/361597646776?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[guyerst]

I've been using the magnet and hvac vent base for a couple years now, and prefer it a lot over othe methods I've used in the past.

Small 1"x2" metal base adhered to the back of the phone with my phone case over it, no problem with the phone staying stuck to the base.

The bases are cheap, so I bought a couple. A couple different adjustable ball bases, and 1 straight base with no ball. The straight on works well on my pick-up, placing the screen right where I want it. One of the adjustable ones only has a little adjustment range, and that one works well on our 4Runner where the vent is off to the side. I keep a 3rd one with more adjustment in my computer bag for when I travel and get rental cars. I travel weekly and end up with all sorts of different vehicles to drive, and never had a car that this set-up didn't work for me.

Never had the phone (iPhone 5) fall off. Neither has my wife's larger iPhone ever fallen off. A tablet might be pushing it a bit though...

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I love the magnet base ones. You attach a metal plate to your phone and the magnetic base sticks anywhere you want in your car, dash, console, near vent or radio etc. I bought 6 of them for all the families vehicles.

I love it because you can literally throw your phone near it and it sticks, plus if you get a call or need to use the phone you can effortlessly grab it off the base compared to a "clamp" that you have to push a button to release. I use it for my phone as well as a stand alone gps or anything else that you want to stick to the dash

Here is mine

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[StuartH]

I use a Nochoice Crazy Mount from Amazon. Inexpensive and effective, no problems with the magnets affecting the phones.

 

[TractorJeff]

Daughter has one that works with her phone.
She bought her mother one, but the metal plates provided slide off the magnets?
Its a vent clip with 4 magnets in the shape of a cross.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

One stop shopping:

https://www.proclipusa.com

Tommy

 

[jbwilkins]

One tip....if you put the metal plate under your case you may have mixed results. I had one case that worked well that way, but it finally broke....I got another case and it wasn't as stable...finally had to apply the metal plate to the outside of the case....

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

One tip....if you put the metal plate under your case you may have mixed results. I had one case that worked well that way, but it finally broke....I got another case and it wasn't as stable...finally had to apply the metal plate to the outside of the case....

Yea it works great if the plate is on the outside, my wife tried to put the plate inside the case and it barely stuck on there and just slightly bumping it caused the phone to fall off. It would even fall off if she hit a bump or pothole


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TractorJeff]

We put the metal strip inside the rubber/plastic case and the magnets would not even hold it! I studied it a bit and started playing around with just the metal strip. If it is placed on the outside of the case, it still slid off the magnets. It would holt it upside down though? Seen as the webpage LS6 provided asks "What kind/brand of phone". I think the daughters phone is lighter than her mothers.

 

[Colin Len]

I love the magnet holders and never want to go back to anything else that clamps or is phone specific...etc.

We use these in my Impreza and gf's CR-V. They work great but may not work in every vehicle. Plus depending on the setup, case that's on your phone, material finishes in the car...etc you may end up with some scratches from the phone rubbing. YMMV. These are also great for traveling with.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014IX30VU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The one above didn't work well in my F-150 due to the way the vents are designed so I bought one of these. I think I may like it's function more than the ones above but in the end for me the form factor of the tiny magnets wins out. There are many variations of this available (flexible gooseneck, different lengths...). Also, this specific one has a GREAT suction cup. I'm blown away at how well it's stuck on there, especially because of the rough texture of the dash it's stuck to.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01780KZMW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yea it works great if the plate is on the outside, my wife tried to put the plate inside the case and it barely stuck on there and just slightly bumping it caused the phone to fall off. It would even fall off if she hit a bump or pothole


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I imagine it depends a lot on the type of case. All 3 cases my gf and I have used work perfectly with the magnets under the case. No noticeable change in function for us. But we also use pretty slim cases.

The case I'm currently using even has a little indentation specifically for these magnets. I didn't realize it until I opened it up - very pleasant surprise as many cases won't fit well with the magnet sandwiched between.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N16A71W/?tag=atomicindus08-20