The facet that I enjoy the most about the iPhone is it’s ability to be the ultimate multitasker. It’s electronic Swiss Army knife nature was even stressed when Steve Jobs first introduced it, describing it as a wide screen iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone, and an internet communications device. Things have really taken off since that first iPhone (it seems like a lifetime ago when I switched from my then Motorla Razr to the first iPhone) and it’s capable of more than ever.
That power and breadth of function goes to waste if you don’t have access to your iPhone. Usually access isn’t an issue; while some pundits have panned the iPhone recently for not embracing the 4+ inch screens that some Android devices sport Apple has countered that the size of the phone was engineered as so to be useable with a single hand. So what do you do when both your hands are occupied?
Consider the Arkon Mobile Grip Surface Mount. I’ve reviewed Arkon products before, and I’ve been consistently impressed with their utility and design. This latest offering continues their trend of offering a mount for any device, wherever you need to use it. The Mobile Grip Surface Mount is primarily designed for use on your car’s dash; I’ve enjoyed being able to use my iPhone’s Pandora account while driving thanks to the audio input jack in my car’s stereo (most newer models come with one standard; if yours lacks it the next best solution would be one of the many FM transmitter modules). On trips to unfamiliar locales the mobile mount was handy when piloting my route with the Maps app (although many prefer one of the various GPS apps available).
The mount can be used in other ways as well. I’ve used it as a desktop mount beside my iMac when synching and recharging, or at work when I connected my phone to some external speakers for more Pandora goodness. As mentioned before, the mount is utilitarian- sturdy but not flashy. A lever engages the base of the mount to adhere to any smooth clean surface, and the universal grip at the other end of the articulating arm firmly holds your device. While I tested it with an iPhone 4, the mount can accommodate any of the iOS handheld devices: all of the iPhone models and the iPod Touch, as well as most Android handsets. The mount’s grip leaves all of your iPhone’s controls and ports accessible, and is capable of accepting most cases that you may have your device in as well.
If you rely on your iPhone as much as I do, it’s more than welcome to have an extra “hand” in some settings. The Mobile Flat Surface Mount is another solution in an ever-expanding library of solid accessories from Arkon that I’ve grown to rely on; regardless of what device you have or what setting you use it in, you’ll find an accessory for your needs.
