to return the releasable locking mechanism 28 to the locked position thereby coupling each distal projection 62 with each notch 78 to secure the apparatus 10 to a supporting surface see fig9 concurrently an electrical connection is made between the usb plug 54 and usb port 68 and between the auxiliary plug 56 and auxiliary port 70 to enable electrical communication with the electrical source as a result it is conceivable that other port or plug arrangements may be disposed on the support member 16 and cradle 16 assembly to enable a portable electronic device being held to engage in communications with the electrical source such as receiving electrical power when the user no longer desires to use the apparatus 10 the user may again press each releasable locking mechanism 28 to the unlocked position and remove the cylindrical extension 52 accordingly which also terminates the electrical connection between the usb plug 54 and usb port 68 and between the auxiliary plug 56 and the auxiliary port 70 as a result the movable ring 82 will return to the up position and the user can enjoy the lighting effect produced on the movable ring 82 the support member and cradle assembly can subsequently be stored until the next use for instances where a user does not require a portable device to be held the support member 16 and cradle 14 assembly may be left in storage and a compatible portable device can be directly connected to the usb port 68 or the auxiliary port 70 on the base member 22 to communicate with the electrical source accordingly the portable device holding apparatus 10 described advantageously holds a portable device for convenient viewing and use within a vehicle the apparatus 10 is stowable and readily assembled to accommodate the positioning.