The car and your smartphone always mix well,
but these gadgets are here to create a seamless link between the two
Griffin smarttalk solar
The Smart Talk links with your phone via
Bluetooth so you can answer calls with a press of the call button or, if you
hook up your device’s voice control setting, you can take calls without your
hands leaving the wheel, or your eyes the road. This slender gadget also comes
with a built-in solar panel, so when attached to the windscreen, it can be
powered and charged without the need for additional wires. A clear plastic
cradle comes with the SmartTalk, complete with two sucker pads for fixing the
device in place on your windscreen.
4 stars
$69.99 – Griffin – griffintechnology.com
Breffo spider podium
Part stress toy, part device holder, the
Spider podium can be manipulated into any position imaginable, making it ideal
for cradling your smartphone in the car, where you can see it. Thanks to the
eight ‘limbs’ of steel wrapped in a rubber coat, you can use the Breffo as a
stand or attach it to the fans on your dashboard – or even the headrest for
users in the back off the car. You can use the various arms and legs to create
a holster or stand for your device, with the maneuverability making the Spider
podium able to hold almost any phone you might want.
5 stars
$19.99 – Breffo – breffo.com
Just mobile highway charger
Although it has only a single use, iPhone owners
will no doubt be very pleased to see a dedicated in-car charger available for
their device, especially those who depend on it for work. The Highway has been
designed to be chic, and the diamond tread aluminium head on the charge point
is certainly an eye-catching statement. The charger itself works with your
car’s cigarette lighter port and comes with a coiled cable to keep your car
free of excess wires. It connects your iPhone to the power source via its USB
and Apple-native connection ports.
4 stars
$52.4 – Just Mobile – xtand.net
Griffin cinema seat
A nicely cushioned sleeve to protect your
iPad, the CinemaSeat has a Velcro strap on the rear of its case that is
designed to fit around car seat headrests, allowing those in the back to create
the perfect media viewing setup with the device. There is also a useful mesh
pocket on the back of the case that can be used for storing headphones. The
case gives you access to all necessary buttons and ports, although the
rear-facing camera is blocked, but it’s unlikely you’ll need it when in the car
and the iPad is in this viewing position.
4 star
$37.5 – Griffin – griffintechnology.com
03 of the best apps for drivers
Griffin drivesafe
Map services, hands-free driving laws, and
solutions to car and smartphone issues.
iPhone+ - iOS 3.2 – Free – v1.0.3
Navfree GPS live UK & ROI
Free satnav for your smartphone that
extends to Europe with in-app purchases
iPhone+ - iOS 4.0 – Free – v1.9.91
Dynolicious
A fun app that lets you measure in-car
G-force, and record ‘lap times’ of your commute
iPhone - iOS 3.2 – $13.5/ $19.5 – v3.1
