Nokia N97 Mini Car Holder

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By Phil Barker on March 10,

2010 at 00:00,

Nokia-Car-Holder-9 If you’ve been as excited by the introduction of Ovi Maps 3.03 – with its turn-by-turn directions, you’ll be dying to try out the in-car navigation function. To do this, you’ll need a suitable cradle. We’ve had Nokia’s own in-car holder – the CR-117 - for the Nokia N97 Mini for the past couple of weeks – to find out how good it is join us after the break…

One of the things we like most about the Nokia CR-117 in-car holder is the quality and attention to detail. All of the plastics are tough enough for daily use, and the design is neat and tidy. Our cradle was designed specifically for the Nokia N97 Mini, but Nokia also sells them for other Nokia handsets.

The main part of the Nokia CR-117 cradle is split into two parts – the main body section, into which you slide your Nokia N97 Mini – and a hinged harness at the top, which folds over the top of your Nokia N97 Mini when it’s in place. There’s a catch on the rear that slides to hold it firmly in place.

You’ll also find a rubber suction cup in the box. This simply clips and turns to attach onto the cradle itself, and as with everything else in this kit it’s constructed to a high standard.

To attach it to your car’s window, simply push and then turn the section in the middle of the suction cup. This increases suction, and locks onto your window with ease. Turn it back again to decrease suction when you want to remove it from your window.

The whole Nokia CR-117 kit is really easy to use, compact, and is genuinely capable of turning your Nokia N97 Mini – and other Nokia smartphones – into a dedicated sat-nav rival. When used with Ovi Maps 3.03 or Ovi Maps 3.04, it’s an unbeatable package.

Available from Amazon, the Nokia CR-117 car holder is a great addition for your Nokia N97 Mini.

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Joe

Enjoyed reading your article as I have thought about purchasing this cradle myself. However there is one unanswered question I currently have which I just can’t seem to make sense off. The cradle is in landscape orientation, but the only way to get the N97 Mini’s screen to turn around is by opening the keypad, unless anyone know’s otherwise?
Phil B

Hey Joe, thanks a lot.

It’s a very good unit – well worth purchasing. Obviously it’s also pretty handy as a phone holder if you want to use a hands-free kit with your Nokia as well! Doesn’t seem to leave an annoying ring mark on my windscreen either, which is good as lots of theives break into cars when they see that – hoping you’ll have left the sat-nav in the car.

RE orientation – have you downloaded the latest firmware? Your N97 Mini should flip to landscape mode automatically, without having to open the keypad – if you check out the photo at the top you’ll see it has on mine.

Make sure you turn your phone the right way though – it only works turning it to the left – as you would if you had the keypad open – if you have it the other way round, so the menu button is effectively at the top left – it’ll stay in portrait.

Let us know how you get on!
Phil
Phil B

By the way – you can also have the cradle in whatever orientation you want – I just use it in landscape as I find it better for following directions.
Andre

Why is it that you ave to purchase the holder, if the nokia website clearly states that it will b included free in the box when purchasing the new phone eg X6 N97 etc. ?
Mikey Bee

@Andre. This review was carried out before the free holder was put on offer over at Nokia Online. That’s why it’s mentioned as an accessory in the review. Hope that helps clear up confusion?
Andre

thank Mikey is sure does clear up the confusion, lets wait and see if I get it, knowing South Africa chances are not very good.