[Galaxy Note II Accessories] lovekeiiy:
Opps, I didn't even realize I wrote the wrong company name. I believe I have products from both companies too. I have one of Anker's 10A external batteries, and, I believe, my dash tablet holder/mount is from Arkon.

I knew the iOttie had limitations. I just didn't remember them all. Then again, the issues you mentioned, especially in regards to cases like Defender, and extended batteries is very common. It's part of the cost of getting a thick case or big battery.

I wouldn't dispute the value of the Arkon. I especially like the idea of the various mounting brackets. Although, from what it looked like, they're all separate units, running about $20 to #40 a piece, which could end up being very expensive. More useful if the cost was, say, halved and just get the mounting bracket and can just use one cradle with any bracket. I think this could a good deal for the person who travels a lot and may need or want various ways to mount their mobile device.

As for the iOttie itself, it's worked well for me. Granted, I only use the normal OEM battery, and have a cheap Cruzerlite case on my phone:

Although now it has a yellowing to some degree. Anyway, what I like is that the cup and it's additional stickiness works on my dash board. The dash although not extremely curved, is curved just enough that unless it's small cup, can't maintain or establish suction. Plus, I prefer not use the windshield if I don't have to; plus, California law actual prohibits it as well. I don't want to use the airvent. And I want something mostly secure, so those weighted friction dash mount pads, didn't fit the bill. I'm concern if I get an accident or something it flying around. I also liked it had a small arm. Adjustable a different parts of bracket. The ball is actually doing well in keeping position. I've had other mounts that after a year couldn't keep a hold, and ultimately ended having to rest the holder on the dash. I just couldn't fasten the holding nut any tighter. The push button fastener is a nice bonus touch to it as well. Just pop the phone in, the holding bracket on the faster cling the device. The release button opens up a releases the device.

I'm not quite as sold on the Arkon's value in regards to being able to hold larger devices. Not so much whether it can, but more how many people have that need. Given how some smart phones are getting bigger, I do see it as a valid argument. How many of use end up getting new mounting devices every time we get a new mobile device. Yet, I don't see a lot of people having a phablet and small tablet. Personally, since I wanted to get phablet, since the first Dell streak was released (Sprint didn't offer a phablet till the Note 2 and I didn't want to switch carriers), I just did not see significant benefit of a 7" tablet over a phone that was almost 6" in size. I got a 10" tablet instead which does give a different experience beyond the user interface between the devices. Granted this last bit is really a subjective matter and I do think Nexus 7 and other such tablets give an excellent value and experience, and are overall very good devices.

On a side note, for me, I think a more ideal car mount would be something similar to a Clingo but with suction cup of the iOttie or Akron. I have a clingo neklit I use with a Gameklip and the first generation pivot pad, which both use similar sticky pads. They work really well and even better with a nonTPU surface. When it starts losing stickiness, I just rinse it off under cold water and rub it thoroughly with my finger and let drive. And best part, the device limitation is about the device's weight, not it's dimensions. Plus, their commercials can be a bit funny

[YOUTUBE]fvoyPMR9cp4[/YOUTUBE]

I have used the PivotPad with my 10" tablet. It worked, but the weight and size compared the PivotPad's sticky pad were ideal. It was easy to knock off. It does work well with GN2.