Laptop Mounts

[Redd202]

For the folks that have laptop stands (such as this: Part Details) how effective are they at absorbing the bumps and shocks endured while driving?

I'm considering getting a laptop and would like to have a mount, but worry that the laptop could be damaged by the vibrations.

[wsyrob]

I have been running a cheap laptop for over a year in my truck. I built a wooden desk type mount and had it bungied to the passenger seat. I recently changed trucks and installed one of these:

L@@K >> BIG TRUCK LAPTOP MOUNT FOR GPS / INTERNET / DVD:eBay Motors (item 150343222587 end time May-13-09 13:17:33 PDT)

The laptop runs fine and has handled the bumps without a problem. I wouldn't pay $200+ for a mount. These are built from 1/2 inch threaded steel pipe, 45 and 90 degree screw on connectors,and flanges. They allow you to build almost any configuration. You can buy everything you need at a local hardware store except the plexiglass holder. The company link I posted will sell it alone for $32. The flange bolted to a seat bolt. I will post a picture when I get back into the truck next week

[Redd202]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, $200+ seems a little high for some metal and screws.

[Phantom433a]

I did the same as wsyrob and the wooden desk on the seat. I built a box on the door side and ran 3 bungies across it to act as a shock absorber for my laptop. Then I ran a bungie across the keyboard to hold it in place.....total cost? The bungies were old and not usable for holding tarps (too dry rotted) and the wood was scrap I had laying around my shop....so nothing. Nice thing about it is that I'm able to mount my coffeemaker (12v) within arms reach and brew a cup going down the road.

[matcat]

I was going to built a stand myself, haven't done it yet but I will, I cannot justify $300 for something I can build myself. But as far as vibrations go, laptops are pretty much designed to handle it, the trick is to make your stand have some flexibility to counter-act vibrations.

[matcat]

I have been running a cheap laptop for over a year in my truck. I built a wooden desk type mount and had it bungied to the passenger seat. I recently changed trucks and installed one of these:

L@@K >> BIG TRUCK LAPTOP MOUNT FOR GPS / INTERNET / DVD:eBay Motors (item 150343222587 end time May-13-09 13:17:33 PDT)

The laptop runs fine and has handled the bumps without a problem. I wouldn't pay $200+ for a mount. These are built from 1/2 inch threaded steel pipe, 45 and 90 degree screw on connectors,and flanges. They allow you to build almost any configuration. You can buy everything you need at a local hardware store except the plexiglass holder. The company link I posted will sell it alone for $32. The flange bolted to a seat bolt. I will post a picture when I get back into the truck next week

Wow that is a nice setup, I might go with that one.

[Jumbo]

The problem with that ebay mount is that it has to be bolted to something. Look at the pictures. I dont think there are going to be too many fleets that will let you drill holes in the dash, the floor or the seat.

[Phantom433a]

the pics show its using an existing bolt to mount. All you have to do is find a place where you can unbolt and then rebolt without tearing up your knuckles.

[wsyrob]

The problem with that ebay mount is that it has to be bolted to something. Look at the pictures. I dont think there are going to be too many fleets that will let you drill holes in the dash, the floor or the seat.

Mine bolted to the seat bolt. I didn't even need to buy a longer bolt.

[Mystikal]

We bought a TV tray from walmart for 14.99 and took an extra long bungee and bungee the laptop and tray to the seat. Cheap laptop stand and works well. I haven't done anything for the shock factor but we're getting an 8.9" SSD computer here in a few weeks to put on the dash so it'll be obsolete anyways.

[Kevin0915]

I bought a laptop stand from Wal-Mart for $20 or so. I bought two 10 lb weights and zip-tied them to the base to keep the stand from falling over. i have two bungies to strap the laptop to the top and it works just fine. gives me a little more counter space when i park for the night too. I wouldnt justify spending $300 for something i could get by with $30. you're paying for the name, and the bragging rights just to say 'i have a laptop mount in my truck'. Who cares......

[wsyrob]

Here are a couple of pics of my set up;


I left two of the threaded pipe connectors a little loose so I can swivel the laptop and move it closer or farther away

[wsyrob]

View from the sleeper for watching TV and videos

[matcat]

Where those peaches I saw?!?!?!

[wsyrob]

Where those peaches I saw?!?!?!

Apples

[dle]

Phantom,wsyrob

would you mind sharing photos of your mechanical wizardry.

[wsyrob]

Phantom,wsyrob

would you mind sharing photos of your mechanical wizardry.

I posted a couple of pictures above. Its all made out of 1/2 inch threaded pipe, elbows, and flanges you can buy at any hardware store. You can buy the pipe in any length already threaded from 1 inch up to 10 feet. My set up is a flange bolted to the seat bolt. 2" pipe, quick disconnect fitting, 10 inch pipe, 90 degree elbow, 10 inch pipe, 90 degree elbow, 4 inch pipe, flange attached to the Plexiglas holder. You could use a piece of plywood and get it all from the hardware store.

below is a picture of a leftover pipe and a 45 degree elbows I didn't use.

[matcat]

I posted a couple of pictures above. Its all made out of 1/2 inch threaded pipe, elbows, and flanges you can buy at any hardware store. You can buy the pipe in any length already threaded from 1 inch up to 10 feet. My set up is a flange bolted to the seat bolt. 2" pipe, quick disconnect fitting, 10 inch pipe, 90 degree elbow, 10 inch pipe, 90 degree elbow, 4 inch pipe, flange attached to the Plexiglas holder. You could use a piece of plywood and get it all from the hardware store.

below is a picture of a leftover pipe and a 45 degree elbows I didn't use.

And it doubles as a quick and handy weapon!

[carlos64030]

I have a laptop mount that I purchased off of Ebay for $75. and I like it a lot. I didn't have to drill any holes, and the installation is really easy and quick. The best part that I like about the mount is that it can be removed in 5 seconds via quick disconnects if needed. It's height adjustable and can be configured in numerous different angles to fit your needs.


This stud bolts to the floor using your existing seat bolt:
























Here's the seller that I purchased mine from. BTW.... the seller accepted my offer of $75. even though it's listed at $89.

Car Truck Laptop Computer NB GPS Mount Stand Table Desk - eBay (item 180348480305 end time Apr-26-09 20:49:48 PDT)

[Kevin0915]

carlos, that has got to be the best post in this thread. think i will try to get one. will save a ton of space. how do the joints hold up to bumps and bounces? how rugged is it??