In case you haven’t seen the ad on television 200 times, I bring you another installment in my search for products that look like they work versus products that don’t work.
In this case, it’s the lowly suction-cup-attached phone holder devices that—like that sponge holder in my kitchen sink and shower mirror—do not suction to anything for long.
WeatherTech—the maker of the best floor mats that have ever gathered mud from my boots—has hacked the suction-cup matrix with a phone holder that goes in an empty cup holder, and called it CupFone.
Like any consumer product advertised on TV, it’s also “great for use in boats, RV’s, and golf carts.” I think we’re all concerned with its use in trucks. However, the maker says it can also be used on a desk, which is something I’d consider as an actual serviceable use.
WeatherTech says it fits virtually all known mobile phones and most “normal” sized cases and any cupholder via interchangeable base cups that customize a snug fit. It enables hands-free operation of your phone and lets you keep it plugged in while driving.
The neck fully rotates 360 -degrees to allow optimizing screen angle, microphone, and speaker. Engineered and made in the U.S.A. CupFone—not to be confused with PlugFone—costs $35.
This might look cooler than it is, so I’ll let you be the judge.
This $11 cup holder phone holder has a flexible neck that raises the phone closer to your face than CupFone. (If you want a different approach, check out Nite Ize Steelie.)
Basically, the Luxmo (this is one of those companies without a website, so the link is to retail) stores in your cup holder. The clasp holds any size cellphone (up to 4-3/4 inches wide), the write-up says, and enables you to position the phone right where you want it.
Don’t like the phone in the cup holder? The Luxmo also comes with a suction cup (the mount rotates 360 degrees) and a vent clip. And the company says a lock knob and a fast-release button makes repositioning a breeze.
It might be worth taking a chance for $11. If it doesn’t work, maybe your kids will like it.
This article originally appeared in Tools of the Trade.
