Top 10 Accessories for the HTC HD Mini

The HTC HD Mini is a great value, compact alternative to the HTC HD2. It’s not changed much in appearance compared to the HD2, other than the being considerably smaller.

If you’re upgrading to the HD Mini from an older HTC handset, one of the most significant changes is that the HD Mini uses the now standard micro USB charger, so any chargers, data cables and headphones you might already have won’t work.

If you’ve got the HD Mini, you’re going to want to make the most of all of it’s features, and to do that you’ll need to invest in a few extra accessories such as cases, memory cards or Bluetooth Headphones – so to help you find the best ones I’ve compiled my list of the top 10 accessories for the HTC HD Mini.

1. HTC HD Mini Screen Protector

The last thing that you’re going to want to do to the screen of your new phone is scratch it. These screen protectors from HTC are a great way to keep your screen looking like new. They’re resistant to scratches, dents and fingerprints and can be removed easily without leaving any sticky residue behind.

2. HTC HD Mini Carry Pouch

If you prefer to keep your HD Mini somewhere safe when it’s not in use, then a carry pouch will suit you down to the ground. This case is made specifically for the HTC HD Mini and holds your phone securely when it’s not in use. It has a soft lining that helps to keep your screen free from fingerprints and will protect your phone well in the event that you drop it. The case has a stitched in belt loop on the back that you can use to attach the case securely to your belt or bag.

3. HTC HD Mini Car Charger

As with all touchscreen smart phones, the HD Mini is a power hungry device – although nowhere near as bad as it’s bigger brother. For that reason a car charger is a worthwhile investment. The genuine HTC Car charger will work in both 12v and 24v vehicles (Cars, Lorries and Trucks). It has a Micro USB connection and will work with all Micro USB devices, but it won’t work with older HTC handsets.

4. SanDisk 16GB Micro SDHC Memory Card for HD mini

The internal memory of the HD Mini is surprisingly small. A large memory card will almost certainly be your first accessory you buy for your new phone . The SanDisk 16 GB memory card will allow you to store over 6000 high quality photos, 3000 songs or 80 hours of video. A 16GB card is the largest memory card that is currently available with a 32GB card due at the end of April.

5. HTC Stereo Headset with Music Controls RC E150

Depending on where you purchased your phone, you may not get any headphones in the box with the HTC HD Mini. If you don’t then you’ll be needing these – they have a built in microphone so you can use them for handsfree calling as well as an in-line remote control that lets you answer and end calls as well as play, pause, skip and rewind your music.

6. HTC BH M300 Bluetooth Headset

The HTC M300 is based on the incredibly popular Jabra BT8040 Bluetooth Headset. It’s a small and lightweight headset that isn’t short on features. The simple controls allow you to answer & end calls, reject incoming calls, last number redialling, adjust the volume control and mute calls. One of the best features is that this headset is a multipoint bluetooth headset – this allows you to use the headset with two mobile phones at the same time.

7. Jabra Halo Stereo Headphones

The Jabra Halo Stereo Bluetooth Headset is the latest stereo headset to be released, and to be honest its probably their best one yet. It has incredibly simple controls – a touch sensitive slider on the right ear lets you adjust the volume by sliding your finger up or down, where as a double tap will skip the track. One multi use button lets you play/pause your music from your HD Mini as well as answer/end calls and activate voice dialling. When they’re not in use, the headphones fold away so as not to take up too much space and to reduce the chance of them getting damaged. If you want to know more, take a look at my Jabra Halo hands on review.

8. HTC HD Mini Dash Genie

The Dash Genie is the latest must have accessory to arrive at Mobile Fun. It’s an ingenious car holder that uses suction to attach itself to your dashboard and will hold your HD Mini securely, without having to mess around with adjustable arms. The ‘Red Dot’ sticks to the flat back of your handset and holds it securely. Don’t just take my word for it though – Mobile Fun’s very own Stig took it for a test drive and you can see the results on the Mobile Fun YouTube Channel.

9. Jabra Cruiser Bluetooth Speakerphone

The Jabra SP700 has been a favourite of mine for a while, but it did fall short on a couple of features – namely noise cancelling and music playback controls. Thankfully, Jabra have just released the Cruiser, a small, slim portable car kit that adds both of these features to an already fantastic car kit. The Jabra Cruiser is a Bluetooth Car Kit that simply clips to the sun visor of your car and pairs to your HTC HD mini using Bluetooth.

The Cruiser supports both the A2DP and AVRCP profiles, so as well as being able to stream your music to it over Bluetooth for playback either through the built in speaker or through your car stereo using it’s built in FM Transmitter, you can now play/pause/track skip without having to touch your phone . The Jabra Cruiser will also  play your phone calls through your car stereo speakers for improved clarity. The dual microphones in the cruiser work together to cut out background noise, making this the perfect choice for any one who spends a lot of time driving on motorways or noisy roads.

10. Parrot MKI9200 Bluetooth Car Kit for HTC HD Mini

Parrot have always made fantastic car kits and the MKi range are no exception. There are three options available, the MKi9000, MKi9100 and the MKi9200. The main differences between them being the display screen that comes with them. I’ve chosen the MKi9200 as the best one for the HTC HD Mini as the external screen makes it easier to navigate the car kit menu’s and to see who’s calling you without having to look at your phone.

You can play music from your HD Mini through the MKi9200 using Bluetooth or 3.5mm line in. The MKi9200 will synchronise with your phone book automatically and supports phone independent voice dialling. The MKi9200 comes with a small remote that you can attach to your dash or steering wheel to control your music playback and calls. If you’ve got stereo controls built into the steering wheel of your car you can use the optional Parrot Unika to control the MKi9200 car kit with your existing controls instead of the remote. Regular software updates that improve compatibility with HTC phones are available free of charge from the Parrot website.

This isn’t the full range of accessories for the HTC HD Mini, just some of the ones that I think do a great job of enhancing the phone. If you’ve not seen the accessory here that’s right for you, why not check out our full range of HTC HD Mini Accessories.