Car Mount, Alpatronix MX101 Universal Charging Dock Station with 2 USB Charger Ports, Cigarette Power Outlet, 360° Rotating Gooseneck Holder for iPhones, Samsung Galaxy & Other Smartphones - Black

I needed something to mount my phone to my car so I could maximize my hands free system that my car came with, while making sure my phone didn't slide all over the place. I research the products I buy pretty thoroughly, and this had great reviews. I have a Ford Escape and the power port is right below the gear shift, but the neck on this mount is flexible (but solid) and it was easily adjusted so I could maneuver my gear shift while not hitting the phone mount. The grips that hold my phone are firm, and my phone doesn't slide even when it's vertical. It came with a power cord that can go in one of two USB ports, leaving one for a passenger, while also freeing up the one that's already in my car. The power cord plugs in snug to my phone and the USB port, so my phone can actually charge. The base that plugs into my cigarette lighter is sturdy and doesn't move- I actually had kind of a hard time getting in, so I know it's not coming out. This phone mount is solid and functional and I got my money's worth. I've had the ones that mount to your windshield, and those would fall off while I was driving and scare the hell out of me, or I couldn't get my phone just right so it wasn't in my face while I was trying to drive. This puts my phone in one place, at a safe level in case I need to use the navigation on my phone. :)

This is the best invention since motherhood and apple pie for those of us that don't like wires all over the dash and suction cups falling off in the hot Texas sun....not to mention how the device may not leak the direct sunlight when parked outside.As you can see. vertical mounting is not a problem. Negatives....slight obstruction to shifter but it's an automatic and I can live with that. If I am using the manual shift function I am not going to be using a GPS. It is easily removable. If there is a situation where you need to do that. Just unplug it from your lighter.I have just ordered a second one for my pickup truck. I will followup this review after I have used it a while but with the downpours going on in Texas...my Jag is grounded !

This car mount does not support the weight of the phone. At first, it was ok (just ok) and I could sense I'd have issue with it as time went on. And just as I thought, the mount became weaker and weaker to where a mere turn on a corner and this mount laid over to whichever side. It became so frustrating, I tossed it out and purchased a new one. It is for this reason I wait to write reviews. Only time can tell how long a product will last....this didn't! I hope this helps someone else before finding out on your own.

This thing is flimsy! Perhaps this thing works ok if you've got the type of vehicle with the cigarette lighter positioned to where you can use it straight up. I don't. Mine requires me to use it plugged into the dash, like the example on the left side of the picture shown. (Picture plugging it into the wall as opposed to plugging it in the floor.)Despite plugging it in as far as it will go, the base is not sturdy or steady. The slightest turn or bump in the road has this thing falling over like a sloppy drunk.The holder portion pivots like you wouldn't believe and tightening the bolt as much as I can seems to make no difference. The thing just won't hold still. I'm constantly feeling the need to readjust everything as it wobbles while I'm driving. It's a stinking road hazard!I'm not sure why so many people are giving it high ratings. They're either plants or I got a lemon.

I actually like this product the problem lies in 1) it doesn't quite work for my car, Toyota Matrix, the unit is to long and interferes with the shifter although if it was an automatic it probably wouldn't be an issue. 2) With the placement of my lighter the unit with my phone is really bulky and interferes with the operation of my radio and any of the climate contols. 3) I can't return this item, so I'm stuck with it. Really is a nice unit though, I really wanted it to work for me unfortunately it did not.Update:Ok so I was in contact with Alpatronics customer service and they were awesome. Although Amazon showed that the item is not returnable Alpatronics called me to rectify tge problem. They were courteous and professional and resolved the issue quickly. Even though this item didn't work for me, and I really wanted it to, they made sure I was satisfied. Great work. Would definitely order from them again.

Needed something for our W208 Benz. I liked the idea of these lighter plugged cradles. In my car the lighter is almost horizontal and I knew from other plugs that the socket was not easy to fit. Figured I'd give this a try anyway. It plugs in nicely, but is a little bit wobbly. The socket on these older Benz's is not that deep and I think that is why. It is serviceable though. It held pretty stable on the highway. I don't think it would hold up on a windy road though, it is just not a solid fit. The unit did tilt when going through some turns.All in all, it is a nice, well constructed cradle. Of course it is plastic, but nicely finished. Did not try the charging features, but those will come in handy. I did just check them out to see if the work, and all was well.The reviews on this can be a bit confusing as your read them some reference having an FM transmitter. The MX101 does not have an FM transmitter. That is the other model (MX100 I believe). If your getting the one with the large power plug, you won't have an FM transmitter. Not an issue for me.The only reason I gave this 4 stars is the loose fit in my car. I think with a normal length lighter plug (like in my F150), it would be much more solid as there are rubber tabs that should grip reasonably well. In reality, you can't really expect something that plugs into a lighter to be rock solid. The MX101 is a very functional unit with nice features.