What is a Mobile Device Mount?

In a previous article, I described four types of companies who manufacture mounts, holders and stands for mobile devices. I call this group of products “Holdware.” Below, I discuss more terminology and clarify further, what this blog is about.

I reviewed industry publications, manufacturers’ literature and retail websites. The predominant word used to identify one complete unit of Holdware is “mount.” A typical mount consists of three segments, the base, arm and holder (see diagram in heading). Each segment attaches to the adjoining segment at the joints between them. Typically, the joints allow for rotation, turning or tilting. The mount’s task is to position, angle and hold mobile devices at specific points and orientations in three-dimensional space independent of the people using the devices. 

The three-segment configuration emulates how a person would achieve the same task. The base fulfills the role of our feet, the arm – our arms and the holder – our hands. Usually, holding devices ourselves is the quickest, most precise and preferred way.

However, the shortcomings of holding devices in our hands ourselves are:

1.   reduced functionality

2.   decreased comfort

3.   less stability

By holding devices in our hands, the positioning and orientation of the devices are dependent on our ability to manipulate and place them in space. We are capable of moving our bodies, arms, hands, fingers and eyes comfortably in limited ways and we cannot hold things long without shaking. For example, we need a mount when using devices that need to be more than arm's length away.

Therefore, our physical limitations severely restrict what we can do with devices and what they can do for us when we are holding them.  Accordingly, a tablet mounted on a floor stand at eye level a few feet in front of you – independent of us – is much more functional, comfortable and stable than holding the tablet in your hands at chest level in front of you.