Customer Reviews

Bracketron IPM-202BL Docking Cradle Mount for iPod and iPhone (Black)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I'm giving this one 5 stars simply because I believe many of the other reviews here don't do the product justice. For 8 bucks this is one hell of an iCradle. I'll agree that the included directions are essentially useless. The crux of the problem is step 1 where they ask you to "Attach the two vent clips to the T-notch plate". Fortunately mine came with these parts already put together, so assembly was a cinch. Just make sure you're willing to sacrifice an air vent on your dash to mount it on.

Also, it did hold my iPhone 3GS (inside a plastic case) firmly, but not too firmly. There are three slots on either side of the "T-notch plate" to provide adjustable width, and a set of additional wings to accommodate a nano. The larger set of "wings" has an inner and an outer clip. I'm guessing the outer clips are for bulky older iPods; I didn't need them, and they were kind of getting in the way, so I took em off with a soldering iron (I'll post a pic).

Overall a smart buying decision. Just remember, there's [..] at stake here folks.

Unlike metal Bracketron products, this one is junk. The plastic clip on the back snapped off in less than 2 days.

Plastic junk.

I know I'm a reasonable intelligent human being ... after all, I purchased this product knowing it could be used and installed in many different configurations for different iPod models ... but I was not expecting the packaging to contain ZERO directions for putting the bloody thing together! All in all, after about ten minutes, I figured out how to use it on my vent for my 3rd Gen Nano. Now I'm a happy camper driving along in my buggy with my tunes.

I bought the Bracketron after using my father's in his car for a few trips into Tampa. I couldn't believe the number of mounting and size options that came with it for $10! You can very easily swap out or adjust the side rails for pretty much any device you have. I use it with my iPhone on a daily basis and I never have to worry about it falling out during "spirited" driving sessions. You should know that with the iPhone, it is extremely difficult to slide the phone in and out of the holder while using a neoprene or other grippy case. Best to just take the case off and drop the phone into place. Worth the money for the several mounting options it gives you.

While installing the product, part of it snapped off, so then it was hanging sideways, and everytime I would put my iPod into it, it would just fall out. Not worth the $2 I think I paid for it!

THE SHORT:

WARNING: IT'S NOT DESIGNED TO FIT iPhone. It will scratch the edges of iPhone when sliding into place. And if you have a protective cover on, it won't fit at all. Also, the adjustable wings are difficult to select the right sizes for your devices. Either too tight or too loose. When too loose, your device will rattle or bounce out of the cradle.

THE LONG:

I bought this piece in an attempt to update the current setup of Bracketron in my Audi A4 which I put together before the existence of iPhones. My setup consist of the Custom Bezel Mount (CBM), the Ultra-Slim Swivel, and the PHM-201PB. The PHM-201PB basically consists of the PH-Mini4 (the device holder) and the AMPs adapter (the T-notch adapter).

With the exception of the the PH-Mini4 cradle, everything else from Bracketron is top-rate! Very well thought out design, easy to install, good quality, and very versatile. The T-notch adapter and the swivels works wonderfully. I would have rate these at 4.5 stars easily.

Now, here's my complaints on the IPM-202BL (the reviewed item here): (1) It consist of the same PH-Mini4 that predates iPhone. No updates was done other than repackaging and re-part numbering. (2) It's false-marketed to fit iPhone. It really doesn't. It'll scratch the iPhone. (3) The Bracketron part numbering is rather confusing. If I'd known the same PH-Mini4 is part of the package. I wouldn't have bought it.

So now, I'm stuck with two unwanted PH-Mini4.... returning it is too much trouble....

I installed this on a Bracketron mount in my wife's Volvo. Gave the dash a rap with my fist, and the iPod flew up and out of the Bracketron so called cradle, falling onto the center console!

Certainly no worse than hitting a pothole. Also, it did not seem to hold my iPhone 3G very well either.

A waste of money.

Chris

Never mount a phone or other electronic device to your vent. This is a terrible idea. Blowing cold air on a warm device causes condensation. Condensation and electronic devices do not play well together. Bad bad bad idea!