Review: iGrip Universal Fit Cigarette Lighter Mount for iPhone

The iGrip Universal Fit Cigarette Lighter Mount for iPhone, available in the iMore Store for $19.95, is one alternative to having your iPhone float freely within the cabin of your car. In a day when more focus is being placed on distracted drivers, this mount allows you to affix your iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, or iPod Touch 2G and view the display while keeping both hands on the wheel. How does it measure up? Read on for the full review! ##First Impressions    The iGrip Universal Fit Cigarette Lighter Mount for iPhone is designed to accommodate the the different sizes of your iStuff by virtue of an adjustable mounting bracket with padded clamps that narrows or widens to hold your device firmly in place. There are also sliding padded brackets along the bottom to ensure your device doesn't slip through the bottom. A stiff but flexible arm attaches the device holder to the base of the mount, which adjusts to fit most lighter sockets. The iGrip Universal Fit Mount does NOT have any charging capability -- it's only function is to secure your device for easy viewing while you drive. ##Performance This mount isn't fancy - it does what it's supposed to do: fits securely in your lighter socket and firmly secures your device. The clamping mechanism works easily enough. It is spring-loaded, so depressing the clamp button will move the clamps furthest apart, then just set your device in the cradle (after adjusting the bottom bracket to fit, of course) and squeeze the clamps gently but firmly together on each side. The flexible arm IS flexible, but very stiff. This is good in that you shouldn't have any unwanted flexing. However, I recommend you remove the mount first before adjusting so that you do not damage your lighter socket. I think the two most important advantages of the iGrip Universal Fit Cigarette Lighter Mount is holding your device securely while you drive (bluetooth headset or speakerphone required for calls) and easier viewing of the display for Google Maps. It is unfortunate that there is no means of charging your device via the cigarette lighter socket, but that feature would be less practical in a "universal" device. Also, I think the bottom brackets are a bit redundant given that the side brackets can close with a vice-like grip on each side of your device - it's not going anywhere once the brackets are firmly engaged. ##Conclusion The iGrip Universal Fit Cigarette Lighter Mount for iPhone, available now for purchase at iMore Store for $19.95, is a good way to secure your device and make it more easily viewable while you focus on driving. It adjusts to fit just about any lighter adapter, has a flexible arm for positioning, and padded mounting brackets that move in and out with the push of a button. Although not charging your device is a significant drawback, it does offer the other benefits of security and viewing ability for a reasonable price. ##Pros:

• Padded mounting brackets to secure device
• Flexible arm for adjusting position
• Adjustable to accommodate several different devices and lighter sockets

##Cons:

• Does not charge your device, thus wasting a lighter socket
• Bottom brackets are probably not necessary if side brackets are firmly placed

##TiPb Review Rating: 4/5