The Daily App: Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount For Smartphones

When is an app not an app? When it's hardware, of course. Today's Daily App is the Kensington Windshield/Vent Car Mount for Smartphones, and it marks the first Daily App that's purely non-software.

Cell phone use while driving can be risky. But, it's a necessity for business pros who do a fair amount of driving. To reduce risk and comply with hands-free laws, Kensington's car mount is a good solution. A large suction cup grips the windshield tightly, and an auto-lock bracket holds devices up to 2.75 inches wide and 4.1 inches high. This includes the iPhone and most devices from HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and RIM.

A pivoting head supports the device in vertical or horizontal orientation, and foam-rubber clamps prevent sliding. A rear button releases the spring-loaded clamp, instantly unlocking the phone for mobility.

The $29.99 Kensington solution includes a foot-long, highly rigid gooseneck, plus a solid spring-loaded vent mount that installs easily and fits snugly. The cradle snaps onto either mount.

PUBLISHED JULY 18, 2012