Hi Mart, it is a cheap but reliable option that does exactly what is says it will do.
The model I have has a fixed head and doesn't rotate and only tilts, but I'm
not sure about the newer version. Having said that you can rotate the whole
unit as it just pivots in the lighter plug. The kids have used this when
playing movies. The sound of the movies running through the car stereo is very
good. I have used this for landscape GPS viewing with some cars where the plugs
are located higher on the dash as well but I do prefer portrait mode for GPS.
You are right that for hands free phone calls the phone doesn't have a remote
microphone. When receiving a call I do notice I speak louder than normal
conversation level and I have turned up the radio volume on the odd occasion if
the volume for my music was set too low. Having said that it certainly isn't a
problem. The incoming call is clear over the speakers. No one has complained to
me about quality issues at their end of the phone. '
PS I just asked my daughter who is often on the receiving end of these
conversations and she said sometimes it is a bit noisy but most of the time it
is clear and has had no problems understanding me.
The only drawback I have found is when using as GPS the phone it is always in
the cradle and charging. I assume the iPhone has mechanism built in to protect
it from overcharging. It can be run through the audio cable without using the
charger if this is a worry. The phone (3G model) does get warm as well - I have
my GPS setting so that the screen doesn't dim when in use - I assume that
contributes to the temperature. Finally the unit isn't exactly handsome - I
suppose it's function over form - not very Mac like.
Regards,
Eugene
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On 03/07/2010, at 1:27 PM, Martin Hill wrote: > Thanks also to Eugene for your suggestion. Looks like a nice very cheap > option and crams an amazing number of features into the unit. Just a couple > of questions - does it allow you to rotate the iPhone to landscape viewing? > Also, the specs don't mention an extra microphone for hands-free calling - > does it use the mic on the phone? What is the quality like on phone calls? > > -Mart
