Consumer Reports reveals best smartphone car mounts

Consumer Reports has partnered exclusively with 7 On Your Side to reveal the best smartphone car mounts.

Using your smartphone for directions is a growing trend, but like a GPS device, you want to be able to easily see the phone's screen. Consumer Reports checked out smartphone holders -- 11 in all. They cost anywhere from $9 to $25. Some mount on the dash or windshield, others mount on vents, in cup holders and lighter sockets. One even attaches to the sun visor; probably not the best design.

"Being on the sun visor means you have to take your eyes off the road. And the instructions tell you to put it on the passenger side, which is way out of your line of vision," said Jim Travers, Consumer Reports.

The ones that sit in your cup holder have the same disadvantage. You'll have to look down, taking your eyes off the road. Plus you can't use your cup holder. Consumer Reports also evaluated how easy each one is to use; how well they hold the phone. To check for stability, the testers made some quick turns to see if the phones stayed in place. The lighter socket mounts tended to be unstable, shaking a bit while you drive and the ones that mounted on the vent were flimsy.

"The ones that we like the best are the ones that attach to either the windshield or the dashboard. They hold the phone securely and they keep it right where you can see it easily," said Travers.

The favorite among Consumer Reports staffers is the $20 iOttie; it holds different phone models in place, is easy to use, and keeps your eyes in front of you.

While using your cellphone is convenient, Consumer Reports says there are advantages to using a dedicated GPS unit. The sound quality is better and GPS reception is reliable. If you're looking to buy one, Consumer Reports named one from Garmin a best buy for $160; it's the Garmin Nuvi model 2455LT.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2010. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

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consumer reports, waze, smartphones, 7 on your side, michael finney

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