Fiesta Zetec - Snap-in Phone Accessory?

Spinner77 · 13-07-2009, 12:05 PM

My sister has raised something I had not thought of before.

When her Zetec arrives, how will she be able to prevent her mobile phone flopping around? The dealer apparently told her to keep it in her handbag. Fine for Bluetooth, but not if she wants to keep it fully charged. She has ordered the iPod connector, but does not want cables everywhere.

I thought there must be some snap-in solution for the centre console, but I can't find one on the Web. I appreciate this is not a Beemer, and maybe an elegant solution is not available.

I might add she is flexible about what phone to use. Her preference has been for an iPhone, although I'm aware of its vulnerability to rain, and I know she wouldn't use it for anything but calls.

So has anyone found a neat solution with any brand/any model of Bluetooth mobile?

dannyhilton · 13-07-2009, 02:04 PM

Only aftermarket.

I have my iPhone 3G (a year old now) connected to the Bluetooth all the time, and I still get up to two days time out of it (It's my business phone so it gets a ****ling). You can just connect the iPod connecter to it to charge if it gets flat. Otherwise I'm sure the USB plug-in supports Data USB cables to most other mobiles to charge them. The centre console has been designed so your phone can sit nice and snug without any aftermarket attachment.

Spinner77 · 13-07-2009, 02:33 PM

Thanks, Rapid.

Any ideas on specific aftermarket cradles/products?

The way she sees it is that having to plug it in to recharge is just another thing to remember.

kiwijohn42 · 13-07-2009, 02:59 PM

I've got a Kensington cradle/charger I can't use. Designed for iphone, not the touch unfortunately.
Would she be interested in that?

Spinner77 · 13-07-2009, 03:06 PM

Thanks, kiwijohn.

I'm trying to steer her away from an iPhone. For her purposes, just doesn't offer value for the money IMHO.

I guess I'm now looking for a cradle for her that can be stuck down somewhere, without cables going everywhere. Must be neat.

Cradle first, then the phone!

dannyhilton · 13-07-2009, 04:08 PM

But she can use the cars Bluetooth to play music straight from the iPhone's iPod function! I like this better than normal iPod connections or the USB slot, as you can use your iPhone to choose songs (very quick).

There is no real system that I am aware of that has a built in charger for the cradle, yet the cables are not visible. That is unless you buy a BMW, or you take it to a phone fitting specialist who did a similar set-up with my boss's Nissan Navara. He just plugs it into the cradle and it charges (the wires are all hidden and somehow connects the one of the Volt outlets). Very nifty if you want to get rid of cables, but it would cost.

I personally don't think that the cord Ford offers for the iPod (can be used to charge the iPhone) or a normal phones USB cable hooked up to the Fiesta's USB outlet would be too fussy. Like I mentioned, there is a nice little pouch for your phone/MP3 player and you could always make the cord smaller to get rid of any left over cord. That's what I'd do. If she's worried about not seeing who's calling, tell her the number/contact name will appear in the Fiesta's display unit (providing her phone can correctly transfer the phones phonebook info upon Bluetooth connection).

Good luck!

Spinner77 · 13-07-2009, 06:32 PM

Thanks again, Rapid.

She's interested now in exploring a phone-fitting specialist, so that it all looks nice.

Can anyone recommend some in Melbourne?

NC1183 · 13-07-2009, 07:21 PM

Try the company, Dash-mount, they make clip on brackets to hold phone kits etc. I have two in my Ford Ranger, one to hold the phone, and one to hold the two-way. Can get pics if interested

Spinner77 · 13-07-2009, 07:51 PM

Thanks, Nathan.

Do they have a shop in Melbourne? Can't find them on the Web or on whitepages.com.au

Candyman2 · 14-07-2009, 06:50 AM

I've owned a few of the clic on mounts - good things (pricey for what they are)

http://www.holdmyphone.com.au/

http://www.coastvoip.com.au/shop/cli...ets-p-182.html

http://www.techmate.com.au/products/...ash-mount.html

http://www.blackberrystore.com.au/sh...spx?itemID=357

http://www.ozaudi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=49004

dannyhilton · 14-07-2009, 09:51 AM

Some of those sites are great Candyman2.

Spinner77 · 14-07-2009, 10:16 AM

That's great, Candyman2.

Many thanks.

NC1183 · 14-07-2009, 10:51 PM

Sorry Digger, meant those clic-on ones

LethalLeigh · 15-07-2009, 08:27 PM

Have a look around for some Cygnett branded accessories. There are some iPhone specific ones that combine a cradle with a 12V charging point though they may be a bit bulky depending on the 12V location on the WS.

Otherwise there are universal window mount cradles available for phones which is what I currently use. They have a recess in the bottom for any chargers so it would suit most types of phones.

The beauty of these is it makes it legal to touch your phone whilst driving in SA.