Cellphone-based navigation is hot. For $10 a month, you get up-to-date directions on a device that's always with you. And you'd be surprised how much information you can see on a 2-inch screen - provided it's not sliding all over the dashboard or console. Treat yourself to a dash / windshield-mount adapter kit costing $10 to $25.They fit nicely in a Christmas stocking.

I've used more than a dozen. All are helpful and none is perfect. Suggestions:

• Go for the smallest device. You don't want it taking over too much of the dash or windshield. Short flesible stalks are better than long stalks.
• If there's a custom mount for your phone, essentially a belt clip but with a mounting circle (for velcro or double-stick tape) on back inside of the belt clip, get that.
• Every state has some form of windshield obstruction law that seldom is enforced against rich-looking 50-year-olds in Jaguars, but the law's on the books because a) you can't write a law that's called the "Stop minorities in expensive cars without probable cause" statute and b) you also can obstruct a good portion of your line of sight.
• Best mounting places are alongside the driver-side A pillar (the front pillar) or near the top of the center stack (center console) if you can find a place for the suction cup. That's where the phone-specific dash mount works well.
• Mounting your navigation phone on the center console in front of the gearshift or parking brake means you'll have to glance down every time you want to look at the map and the stalk may get in the way of the center stack switches..
• The same advice applies if you buy a portable navigation device. If the PND didn't come with a mounting kit, get one.