Griffin Window Seat for iPhone / iPod Touch

Reviews: Multimedia

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Anthony Fiti
Brian
Griffin Techno...
Mar. 6, 2009

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Introduction

Griffin has sent us the Window Seat for the iPhone 3G, iPhone and iPod Touch. The Window Seat can attach to any flat surface like a windshield or dashboard to hold your phone or iPod touch. How well does it stand up? Really well, read on to find out what other ideas I can come up with for using one.

First Impression

There isn’t any assembly of the base, you just pull it out of the box and its ready to be attached to your windshield or the plastic base plate that comes with it if you want to have it at your desk.

Three different cradles come with the Window Seat, for the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPhone 3G. Each one fastens securely to the base, and is ready for you to put your device in the cradle. The big caveat with the Window Seat is you will have to remove any case you have on your phone to put it into the cradle. For some people, it might be as easy as slipping on and off a silicone cover, but for those with more ruggedized cases this can be a time consuming item. This really isn’t Griffin’s issue, as they can’t make a cradle for every type of case in existence.

Finally, all the switches and buttons on the iPhone are accessible when the phone is in the cradle.

Features & Usability

The suction cup at the bottom to attach to the base plate for your desk or your windshield or dashboard in your car is very secure. You set the cup on the surface and spin a nut that will increase the volume under the cup, creating suction and securely fastening it to that surface.

The extension arms are adjustable up to about 45 degrees, and the Window Seat comes with two extension arms, so if you need extra length for more flexibility, you can insert the second extension arm between the cradle and base.

My iPhone 3G fit securely into the holder and didn’t fall out. I even swung the Window Seat around with my phone in it and my phone didn’t go flying into the wall so I’m very pleased with how secure the phone is in the case. Removing the phone was easy as well.

In terms of usability and practicality, attaching it to the car windshield was OK, however because of where the USB port in my car is located, it was a bit of a stretch between the USB port for the Ford/Microsoft Sync system and the docking port on my iPhone. If you hook the phone up to an auxiliary audio port with the included stereo cable, you will need to be mindful of how long of a cable you will need to reach the audio input jack.

Conclusion

If you want to be able to have an in-car entertainment system on the cheap*, the Window Seat could be up your alley. With an iPhone 3G you can use it for GPS, listen to music and watch a movie (if you aren’t driving), all without having to hold the device. It’s a solid stand for your phone at home or on the go.

I could even see a use outside of the car - the airplane! When flying, I find myself holding the iPhone up at an angle so I can see it. I’ve tried using various things in the seatback pocket as stands for the phone, but they rarely work. The Window Seat could attach to the tray table so I don’t have to hold the phone up for 2 hours. This is a huge plus for me and any other frequent flyer out there.

* Disclaimer: The Tech Lounge encourages all drivers to drive safely. When operating a motor vehicle, be sure to pay full attention to the road and traffic conditions, and do not engage in actives that may distract you, including but not limited to watching a movie, using the internet, browsing through music or using the GPS system.

Pros:

Good for holding your iPhone in the car

Great for use on an airplane to watch movies

Cons:

Have to remove device from any case it might be in

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