RAM Tablet Holder Guide: Tab-Tite, Tab-Lock & X-Grip Compared

Step 1 - Identifying Your Tablet

There is a wide range of tablets on the market, and many have similar sounding names. It would be convenient if it was as simple as saying “I have an iPad” or “Samsung Galaxy 10-inch”, but it is important to know the exact version and generation.

For example, iPads can be the Air, mini, Pro 11-inch, Pro 12.9-inch or standard 10th Generation. Samsung tablets are available in different series, such as the Tab A and Tab S. If you are unsure of your exact tablet model, you should be able to find it in the settings of your device. Here is a helpful guide for Apple devices and one for Samsung devices.

Once you know your tablet make and model, you should be able to select your device on the RAM® Mount Builder.

Alternatively, Measure Your Tablet

This is an alternative approach, referencing the overall dimensions of your tablet. If your tablet is in a case, measure the overall dimensions of the tablet with the case attached. This means height, width and depth.

Important: If the size of your tablet is mentioned in the name of your device, this may not reflect the overall dimensions of the tablet. Similar to TV screens, these sizes are generally measured diagonally rather than by overall height and width.

In the example originally shown by RAM, the Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 6th Gen has a diagonal display measurement of 12.9 inches, but the overall tablet dimensions listed by Apple are approximately 11.04 inches high, 8.46 inches wide and 0.25 inches deep.

This matters because, in this example, the compatible RAM® X-Grip® for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch is the RAM-HOL-UN11U. This holder is rated to support tablets within a specific width and depth range, so you need the overall device dimensions rather than only the screen size.

Based on the overall dimensions of your tablet with or without a case, you can cross-reference your measurements with the following charts.

Each dimension of your tablet must be within the supported height, width and depth range of the holder.

This chart may look overwhelming at first, but the best column to start with is Max Width, then Max Depth, then Max Height.

Mobile tip: swipe sideways to view the full table.

Mobile tip: swipe sideways to view the full table.

Once you have determined which holders are physically capable of holding your tablet, it is time to compare your options.

Step 2 - Compare Holder Styles

Your preferred style of holder can depend on the tablet, case, vehicle, environment and how often the device needs to be removed. Between the RAM® Tab-Tite™, RAM® Tab-Lock™ and RAM® X-Grip® systems, each style has a different balance of security, convenience, flexibility and device fit.

Mobile tip: swipe sideways to view the full table.

“Modular” vs “Universal”

RAM® Tab-Tite™ and RAM® Tab-Lock™

The RAM® Tab-Tite™ and Tab-Lock™ holders use modular, interchangeable end cups that connect to the top and bottom of a universal body. If you are unsure which end cups your device needs, contact us and include your tablet model, case details and dimensions.

The modular design can be helpful because if you upgrade your tablet later, you may only need to change the cups rather than replace the entire holder. You may also be able to upgrade from a non-locking Tab-Tite™ body to a key-locking Tab-Lock™ body and carry the cups over.

RAM® X-Grip®

The RAM® X-Grip® is generally the most universal option in terms of the range of dimensions it can support. You may find that none of the Tab-Tite™ or Tab-Lock™ cup sizes perfectly fit your tablet, or that there is a significant gap in width. In those cases, an X-Grip® holder may be the better option.

If you upgrade your tablet to a new model later, there is a good chance that the same X-Grip® holder may still suit the new tablet, provided the new device remains within the holder's supported dimensions.