ProClip Dashboard Mount for the Dell Axim
ProClip - Vehicle Communications Accessories
(http://www.proclipusa.com)
for AXIMUSERS.COM
April 25, 2003
By RommelS
Finally a dashboard mount with style and easy to install
I’ve thought about purchasing Pocket PC vehicle mounts or holders in the past, but none of them really grabs my attention, nor I find it appealing to use because it ruins the look of the interior of the vehicle, let alone sometime intrusive to the front passenger. When I manage to get my hands on a ProClip’s Dashboard Mounting solution for the Dell Axim, I was still skeptical about on how it would look after the installation, and would it be sturdy enough to hold an Axim without any screws bolted down somewhere on the dash.
Vehicle Communication Accessory, as ProClip calls it, comes in two separate modules, the mount and the holder. ProClip manufacture their dashboard mounts on the type of vehicles that are available in the market. In my case, I have the angled mount that was design for the Toyota RAV 4 2001 model.
What’s in the bags?
Each module comes with its own installation instructions and set of screws.
The Dashboard Mount
• The faceplate and the bracket w/ Pre-drilled Holes
• The “Gap Opener” - A tool that allows you to pry a small gap behind the panel during installation
The Dell Axim Holder
The holder is comprised of two main parts- The Axim holder itself and the tilt swivel mechanism - that gives it flexibility, and allows you to make the necessary adjustment for better viewing (came in assembled).
Bracket & FacePlate with adhesive strips
The Gap Opener
Holder and the swivel mechanism already separated
Installation
The installation and assembly of the faceplate and the bracket took only a few minutes, thanks to the handy dandy “Gap Opener” and pre-drilled holes. The only other tool that is required to use in the installation is a Philips Head Screw Driver. ProClip is advertising their product that it wouldn’t scratch the surface of dashboard – well no scratches on dash at all.
Notice the pre-drilled holes on the faceplate for the tilt swivel
Before mounting the Axim holder to the bracket, I had to remove the middle screw to disassemble the holder from the tilt swivel mechanism, so that I could align the pre-drilled holes between the mount and the tilt swivel. The manual itself will tell you other wise.
Tilt Swivel Mechanism (back-view) that’s attached to the Holder, and
it comes with adhesive strips. Pre-drilled holes not visible due to label
Once the swivel mechanism was in place, I then reattached the holder back to the tilt swivel, and here is the finish product - Installation all in just a few minutes.
Finished Product
With my Dell Axim
Test Drive
I decided to take it for a test drive to find out how sturdy the holder is. No vibration and the Axim were always in place.
From where the unit is located, I can see what is on the screen, and it is within reach. The unit and the holder are not interfering with any of the knobs on the panel - all thanks to the innovative design and location of the holder.
An eye catcher at night? Better believe it. I noticed that drivers from other vehicles that could see through my window were staring at it.
Axim At Night
Conclusion
As the Dell Axim gains popularity, more and more companies are developing Axim related products. ProClip is the latest company to offer a vehicle mounting solution for the Axim. This product really impresses me because it is thoughtfully design and it has style, the installation is very easy, and it is not intrusive to the front passenger.
The experience that I had with this particular Vehicle Communication Accessory may differ from anyone because of the different dashboard solutions that ProClip offers, but ProClip has ended my search for the perfect mount, and I highly recommend it.
