Review: iLuv Windshield Mount Kit & Power Combo Pack

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I have been a heavy user of the Google Map application on my iPhone pretty much from the day that I got my hands on it, and thanks to the iPhone's excellent mic and speakerphone, have pretty much stopped using all the bluetooth type devices to aid in handsfree operation. More recently I have been toying with mobile navigation apps like Roadee, and have been mulling over a purchase of one of the more expensive navigation software packs to hit the app store.

However, all of the above meant that in the car, there was a need for me to fiddle with the phone in one hand, whilst the other hand was firmly on the wheel, which is never a really good option (so I never, ever, did it officer...). Most of the time I let it slide around on the passenger seat, or rattle around in a cup holder.

The iLuv windshield mount kit &amp; power combo pack (RRP $49.95) for the iPhone solves this problem by getting the phone up to eye level, and in a convenient handsfree position, in the fashion of modern GPS navigation devices. The combo pack provides a few bits and pieces out of the box, including the mount arm and cradle, a circular stick-on mount that gives a smooth surface to use the suction cup on if the windscreen is not where your iLuv is going to end up, as well as the compact iLuv charger and a USB charger cable.

Out of the packaging, and the iLuv adjustable arm and cradle snap together in a moment or two. The phone feels really snug and secure in the bracket, yet is quite easy to get in and out. The only catch here is that you'll need to take your iPhone out of any protective shell or casing you may have for it – even my relatively thin plastic case did not allow the phone to fit into the cradle. In the form in which Steve intended it, though, the iPhone fits perfectly. The iLuv windshield mount kit's suction cup and sucking mechanism employs a simple ratcheting action that lets it stick to the windscreen in seconds, and the quick release get's it off just as fast. The cradle can swivel around in very small increments to complete 360 degrees on the arm, and is a nice feature that gives a choice between landscape and portrait views. When the whole thing is mounted up, it is sturdy enough to ride out speed bumps, sharp turns and sudden stops, with a little bit of wobble - but much better than I was anticipating.
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In addition to what you would expect with an add-on like this, iLuv has cleverly fitted the cradle with a hole for the iPhone camera lens – which can peep through and still operate perfectly – This could be great for upcoming augmented reality apps. The base plate that comes with the kit can potentially be used to get the mount kit on your desk so that you instantly have a sync/charging/operation station when its not stuck on the car windscreen. It looks ferociously sticky, though, and is likely to stay stuck wherever you put it, so choose your spot wisely.

The kit charger is quite compact and has a ring light that shows you it is active – and it glows a MacTalk blue, so it looks cool to boot. My iPhone had no problems recognising the gear and started charging right away. The USB to 30 pin cable that comes with the pack was long enough (about 120 cm) to reach from my mounted iPhone to the 12v socket in the console, and unless you are driving a 70's American luxury car that is 10 foot wide, should reach for you as well. The cable itself is a bit on the flimsy side compared to what you get with other chargers – but if its something that is just going to stay in the car it's not really an issue wear and tear wise.

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The iLuv kit is sturdy enough that you can connect/disconnect the power cable, earphones etc almost without having to hold the unit itself, although it is definitely easier with two hands - and you wouldn't do it while you were driving in a running vehicle on a public road now anyway, right?

I guess what I really liked the most about this kit was that aside from simply doing what it was meant to do, with a reasonable build quality, it makes in-car navigation applications work that much better, giving them a chance to grab a decent line of sight to satellites from up there on the windscreen. GPS lag was greatly improved, and most of the time I got plenty of notice before an upcoming turn – a vast improvement from performance on the seat or in the console. Using the iLuv for handsfree phone calls was also really useful as well.

All up, the iLuv windshield mount kit &amp; power combo pack is an excellent unit – it's sturdy enough to operate the phone in the cradle without it wobbling around all over the place, is easy to install, remove and adjust, and throws in a compact phone charger to boot.

<em>Thanks to iWorld Australia for this review sample. Visit <a href="http://www.iworldaustralia.com.au" target="_blank">iWorld Australia's</a> website for retail locations.</em>