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Bracketron Nav-Mat III

Most GPS devices ship with a suction-cup mount for attaching to a vehicle's windshield, but many users prefer a dashboard mount. The reasons for dash-mounting range from legal to personal preference.

For users who want a portable dashboard mount to go with their portable navigation device, Bracketron offers its Nav-Mat III.

Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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Rubber grip

The bottom of the Nav-Mat III is coated with a textured rubber that, when combined with the mat's heft, securely grips a dashboard's surface under all but the most spirited driving conditions.

Updated:October 5, 2011Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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Heavyweight

The low-profile Nav-Mat III weighs in at about 1.3 pounds and doesn't use adhesive to hold its place. While the hefty mat is not the most portable accessory we've tested, it is easy enough to transfer from vehicle to vehicle.

Updated:October 5, 2011Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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Suction cup mount

The smooth plastic disk at the top of the mat is generously sized to accept almost any suction-cup-mounted portable navigation device or smartphone cradle. We were even able to get the massive 3-inch Panavise suction cups for our in-car cameras to stick.

Updated:October 5, 2011Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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Versus the Nav-Mat II

If you're a single-car owner and you want the lowest-profile solution, the adhesive Bracketron Nav-Mat II is still my favorite dashboard-mounting solution. However, for people who want a dashboard mount that's easily transferable (multicar families or users of car-sharing services) the Nav-Mat III is a good option.

Updated:October 5, 2011Caption:Antuan GoodwinPhoto:Antuan Goodwin/CNET

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