Customer Reviews

ARKON GN097-USB Pedestal Lighter Socket Mount with integrated Mini USB Power for Garmin

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have been looking for a mount for my Garmin that doesn't go on the window. In California and Minnesota its illegal and this mount was the perfect solution. I have bought mounts that attach to the air vent and those can be frustrating to attach and detach.
This mount attaches securely to the lighter Socket and doesn't move around. The integrated Power cable ensures that you don't need the long Garmin power cable dangling around in your car.
This works perfectly in the Toyota Camry, but may not work in every car model. It all depends on where the car has its lighter socket.
I really love this mount. Its a great value and works so much better than most of the mounting solutions out there.

I bought this mount for my Garmin Nuvi 255W. I thought that it would be better than the Arkon GN097 without USB.
Although the product seems stout and installation is a no-brainer when the usb cable is plugged into the gps, the Nuvi thinks that it is connected to a computer. There is no -power for the Nuvi and the unit does not navigate until the usb is unplugged. I contacted customer service at Arkon and was informed that the usb mount is not compatable with the 255W. Check the compatability list on the Arkon website before ordering. The product itself seems fine.

This mount does just what it should-- holds and powers your GPS. The two joints adjust and have little ridges that lock the joint tight when adjusted with the thumbscrew-- which means the joints don't slip when the car hits a bump. Having the USB cable integrated means no cables running all over the car. (By the way, on my Nuvi 260w, the USB mini cable plugs into the unit, not the mount, as stated). The whole unit can be quickly All in all, a clean, stable, simple mounting solution for your GPS.

"NOT compatible with Garmin Nuvi 205, 205W, 255, 255W, 260W, 265, 265W" -from the Arkon website.

Someone should update the Amazon description because it doesn't say anywhere that this thing is incompatible with any Nuvi models.

The mini-USB connector is a poor fit with the receptacle on my Garmin. It take EXTREME pressure to insert and remove it (the factory-supplied cord works fine). Even with the connector in place, my unit cycles on and off continuously. The plastic mounting bracket is acceptable (that's the 2%). I use the bracket( with the supply cord wrapped out of the way) with my Garmin factory cord and power supply. Luckily my vehicle has two power receptacles side-by-side. I would not buy this product again, but would instead order the much less expensive mounting bracket without the USB cord.

This mount works really well in both our Tahoe and Infinity G37. The window mount that comes with the Garmin works well, but it looks so awful stuck on your windshield with cords hanging all over. This Arkon unit comes with a very discreet mini power cord built in to the mount and the arms can be adjusted in a myriad of directions, which was good in the G37's case since the shifter is almost in line with the power socket. The Arkon two offsets arms allows you to bend around obstacles and still have the GPS unit positioned nicely. One downside: if you are using the Arkon mount without the Garmin power cord, you will not have the live traffic update function since the antenna for the traffic updates is built into the Garmin power cord.To get around this you can use the Arkon mount and use the Garmin power cord instead of the Arkon integral power connector, but then you have the unsightly cord to deal with. Overall I love this unit and will buy a second one so I have one in each car.

Plugs directly into lighter socket and short cable from mount plugs in to back of my Garmin 205W GPS Mount is versatile and easy to use. GPS does not shake or move stays one in place.

The same day I received it, the USB connection BROKE when I pulled it out of the GPS unit. What a total disappointment when I had such high hopes for this device. Great idea but obviously less then stellar build quality.

This pedestal mount is AWESOME! I found a review from someone else about using it in a Mustang and taking out the swivel and 2nd arm. Shortened to just a single section and plugged into my accessory plug at the center top of the Mustang's dash. Perfect view, no cords in the way, and more importantly, my GPS is not sliding off my dash, making a beeline for me, the shifter, or the passenger side door when taking off or turning.

This is a decent product in concept but didn't generate enough mAmp for my GPS, even though my unit (Garmin 855) was listed as compatible. The unit only pushes out 500mAmp of power and my GPS needs 800 so while it would technically power it the screeen was very dark and unreadable in the daytime. Also, I thought the firsat unit was defective so I got a replacement prior to asking for a refund. The second unit was not as "solid" as the first, and bumps and vibration caused the unit to move back in the vehicle's power outlet, causing the unit to lose power.
Also, after my first purchase I contacted Arkon and got prompt and helpful response. However, when I got the replacement and then sent it back for a refund, Arkon never answered my email inquiry about other catalog options to meet my need. I was going to buy another item from them. Oh well....their loss.