Laptop Mounts
 

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.

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

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

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.:thumbsup:

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.