Notebook computer mount on your truck

[JackSilb]

If you have one, what are you using to mount a notebook computer into your truck?

I am almost sure we talked about this before. Could not find the Thread.

Thanks,
-JACK

[JackSilb]

Oh well, found this Thread (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5017&highlight=notebook+mount).
-Jack

[JackSilb]

How about this Unit (http://www.prohoists.com/Shopping.idc?ProductID=32)?

[Miss R2FJ]

Hey Jack! We use the Ram Mount in our truck, it was one of the only no-drilling options we could find. They are a bit on the pricey side, but we are happy with it so far and not having to drill was piece of mind to us. http://www.ram-mount.com/

http://azfj.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10003/normal_img_1595%7E0.jpg

http://azfj.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10003/normal_img_1596.jpg

http://azfj.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10003/normal_img_1597.jpg

http://azfj.org/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/10003/normal_img_1599.jpg

[JackSilb]

Really nice. Thanks for sharing the mount details.

It is expensive but seem very well built. Once I get the new computer, I will have a better idea on what I need to mount it.

-JACK

[Rockcrawler]

I have this mount that I use in the Jetta for work... I haven't mounted anything in the truck or Jeep yet. I'm pretty happy with it in the Jetta, it doesn't get bounced around as much as it would 4wheeling, but the mount seems to be pretty stout. I believe Lance also has this mount in his FJ cruiser.

http://www.jeniko.com/csm1000-seat-mount-p-5.html

[JackSilb]

Nice Keyle,

O the Jetta huh...

Like in the Ram setup, I like the idea of not having to drill anything.
I need to get my rands around the Asus Eee PC 1000 to explore ways to mount it.
Hopefully soon...
-Jack

[TimB]

I bought a bunch of those RAM mounts for my guys at work. They drive 3/4 ton Chevy's and 1 ton Fords. The mounts are sturdy, but take up a lot of space. We shortend a couple to lower the computer some but it's still big. Several of the guys have removed them.

[JackSilb]

Thanks Tim,

The machine I got Asus Eee PC 1000 (http://techreport.com/articles.x/15338), seems light enough to explore other options that take less space.

I will report back here once I have a solution.

-JACK

[BajaTaco]

Hi Jack, I finally got my RAM mount dialed in. It's similar to the one MissR2FJ posted, but with the three spider legs (bendable aluminum) for mounting. Also a no-drill type of mounting setup, it was a little too shaky with my heavy Gateway convertible notebook. I ended up making a little brace that ties into one of the glovebox bolts and it works good now. I love it.

http://www.bajataco.com/laptop/laptop02.jpg

http://www.bajataco.com/laptop/laptop03.jpg

I used it on this past Expedition Trophy and trip east of KOFA with Al, running the DeLorme Topo software and their PN-20 GPS hooked up to it. Good stuff. Now I just need to work more with Ozi Explorer too.

http://www.bajataco.com/laptop/delorme.jpg

[JackSilb]

Chris, we miss you my friend!
I know you have been really busy. I hope I should be happy for you if you manage time to enjoy life and your cool wife.

As always, a clean nice install. Good job. Thanks for sharing it.

-JACK
p.s. I nee to know how much time you spend cleaning your truck. Inside out

[BajaTaco]

Chris, we miss you my friend!
I know you have been really busy. I hope I should be happy for you if you manage time to enjoy life and your cool wife.

As always, a clean nice install. Good job. Thanks for sharing it.

-JACK
p.s. I nee to know how much time you spend cleaning your truck. Inside out

Hi Jack, hey we miss you too! I'm looking forward to seeing you (and the white TLC) soon. How much time cleaning the truck? LOL. . . not enough lately. But I finally got out the polishing compound and got it back to where it should be, along with some good carnuba. Still looks good after all these years. :wink:

[JackSilb]

I finally was able to mount the Asus Eee100 into the TLC.
It was relatively easy. I had the parts in the garage.

I re-used the Tablet RAM assembly point I had in place + I used a RAM plate monitor mount.
Then using favorite multipurpose tool - Velcro, I got the plate connected to the computer base.

Yesterday night I went to some hardware store to find the double-lock Velcro. The one that has both parts made of plastic. Could not find it, I had to try the "industrial strength". The white Velcro you see on the picture did no work. It gets to loose due to the cloth to plastic interaction. I got it out 15 min after trying it.

After some more digging at home, I found some of the good stuff - double-lock Velcro. Sorry, I did not have time to take more pictures. I was running for a soccer game and / trial of the assembly. I will snap some picture later.

I used two strips of the double lock. One on the battery (top part of the computer base) and the other as far to the bottom of the computer base as I could.

I took it for a spin on asphalt only. It seems OK.

-JACK

[TimB]

Looks pretty clear. Seems you have a lot more battery time than my ASUS - about 2x.

[BajaTaco]

Looks good Jack. Any idea how much the computer weighs? Is the mount bolted to the dash, or fastened with epoxy? Nice battery life. Must be nice. Now that my Gateway is a couple of years old, the battery only runs for about 1.5 hrs (used to be about 3). I see you have both DeLorme and Ozi running. Nice. :wink:

[JackSilb]

Baja,

The spec is on the web some place. It is about the same as the Tablet PC I had there. hand scale guess.

Cabinet (chassis) Case form factor: small form-factor clamshell Dimensions (W x H x D): 22.5x2x17 cm Weight: 1.45 kg

The mount has some screws that got to the metal frame. Sure, after I did some trials and error to find the hot spot. This is a another discussion ...

I will buy a 12V adapter and a keyboard silicon cover. I seen them around the web. It may get the machine a bit warmer than it gets now, but they keyboard should not go bad as it may as is. See how much dust I got into the truck with the last trip to Utah. Red dust...

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Tim,

The display seems plenty bright. The picture is from a full bright setting, and the battery meter still show all that use time avaiable. I am guessing it will be less than that on a real use. But, I will primarily will use it on the truck with a 12V CAR adapter. The AC power supply to the computer is 12V originally. The 12V car adapter is probably a regulator to 12V and a filter.

I believe that the reasons the UMPC and Tablets are not that bright are:
- Battery life
- Heat dissipation

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Hello,

Let me post this here before it gets to be old news.

Here are detail shots of the Velcro V2.
It was hard to separate the dual-lock Velcro to take these pictures. Almost too good.
I am guessing I can use 1/3 of the Velcro I used.

-JACK

[WhiteThaiGer]

Looks very good! I'll have to inspect that little machine on our next trip. I'm interested in it not for the truck, but as a netbook for light, backpacking style travel.

[BajaTaco]

Very cool Jack. I like it :ok-kewl:

[JackSilb]

So far so good.
I had a light trip this weekend. I had the netbook mounted and street tire pressure to stress the vibration a bit.
I did not use the computer much because I did not have the 12V power adapter until early this week. Also, I was trying to keep my memory going. The place I was was really easy to get to.

Anyway, the mount seems to be working at this point.
-JACK