Google Nexus One and HTC HD2 Car Docks now available

I enjoy using my Google Nexus One and find Google Maps Navigation beta to be a fantastic solution for GPS navigation and have used it several times. Right now I prop my Nexus One on my dash against whatever I have lying around, but if I take corners too fast then the Nexus One has been known to slide across the dash. Engadget reported that the Nexus One Car Dock is finally available on the Google web store for $55. I already bought myself an extra battery and may have to purchase this car dock soon too.

The Nexus One Car Dock charges your battery and lets you use the phone handsfree with the integrated speakers (connected through Bluetooth) and volume controls. The Car Home app launches automatically when you place your Nexus One into the Car Dock. As you can see in the photo, the Car Dock uses ball and socket joints and an arm to hold the dock to the dashboard or window and rotates for custom orientation.

I also have the T-Mobile HTC HD2 and am thinking a Car Dock for this device may be a better purchase since the display is larger and more visible in well lit environments (like when you are in the car). If you check out the photos of the HD2 Car Dock it has the same form factor and basic design as the Nexus One Car Dock, but is more expensive. The HD2 dock actually comes with a new back cover that has the socket connection embedded into it while the Nexus One slides into the dock. I found it on Expansys for $88, but since I bought the phone for just $200 I am not yet ready to buy that dock and will keep my eye out for a better deal. HTC also includes a NaviPanel utility that launches when the HD2 is placed in the Car Dock.