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Opinions on Laptop mounting systems in vehicles

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RAM_Mount_Expert
Hello everybody,
I am new to this forum, and i would like to start out by introducing myself. I am available for any questions regarding laptop GPS or the mounting of any electronic devices in a mobile setting.

What are your thoughts on laptop mounts? Pros/Cons? What is the ideal mount?

Lets hear your thoughts.
Marvin Hlavac
Hi RAM_Mount_Expert, it's nice to have a laptop or an ultra-mobile PC in a car or truck, but without a proper mounting solution the whole experience is far from what it should be.

I used a home-made mount for several years, and it served me very well. Less then a year ago, after purchasing an HP tx2000 convertible laptop, I treated myself to a RAM mount. I have no regrets what so ever. I use my tx2000 in the tablet mode, and the universal tray accommodates it just fine (it's not just for laptops).

I've been actually thinking of posting a review with a series of pictures, showing how easy it is to assemble a RAM mount, no drilling of holes needed, etc. But perhaps since we have you here, one day when you feel like it, you could put together such an article . It would indeed be very much appreciated. Then, when ever someone asks a related question, we could just point the person to the article.

RAM_Mount_Expert
Marvin,
Thank you so much for your praise. We stand behind our RAM Mounts and love them just as much as you. We can offer you some stickers or more literature on our product to show your support. We also are available at any time to help with any questions or concerns you might have. I will look into maybe putting together some press releases or articles for you.
tcassidy
I use a RAM mount for my R2h UMPC and was glad that it was available. However, I don't like how difficult it is to release the UMPC. I would have liked something with a little less plastic so it didn't block the location when the ASUS isn't there. And the recommended mount ball is enough to support an elephant. The small ball mount works fine with this semi light device.

Terry
RAM_Mount_Expert
Thank you for your response. We have designed all of our cradles to be the most rugged on the market. This is why we incorporate the form fitting design that surrounds the cradle where ever we can without blocking any ports or switches. The ball mount might seem like a little much at first, but it is designed to reduce shock and vibration in order to extend the life of your electronics which are in most cases not cheap. I will pass your comments along, and we will take them in to account next time we design a cradle.
malaki86
http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/album.php?albumid=4

You may want to see how I have my laptop mounted. I use a 7" touchscreen monitor attached to the laptop, which is securely mounted in the sleeper of my truck. I'm wanting to make a mount for a larger monitor (20-22") to mount on the side window of my Volvo. If I do that, I'll mount the laptop in a cabinet and use another USB keyboard/mouse on the stand in the sleeper.
RAM_Mount_Expert
That looks like a great setup to keep you connected while on the road. great job!

Check out our laptop tray and swing arm mounts. They could easily be incorporated into the desk in the sleeps and used to hold the laptop up so you can operate with a wireless keyboard or even watch movies.
malaki86
I LIKE that tray. Right now I use super-duty double-sided tape to secure the laptop. It's a pain if I have to take the laptop in the house. I might just have to get one of those.
Marvin Hlavac
malaki86, that universal laptop tray is a part of the whole mount that I have. It takes literally no more than 5 seconds to remove my HP tx2000 from it. I unplug a few cables from the laptop/tablet, and then with my left hand I pull on the movable part of the tray, while removing the laptop with my right hand. I cannot imagine it being any simpler.
ANDREBANDRE
Here are some of my efforts.
The first mount is a wall TV mount from Walmart with a desk made from a children drawing sort of board.
The second i got of Ebay.
It is a lightweight mount and the desk fits my small laptop perfectly.
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RAM_Mount_Expert
Quote:
Originally Posted by ANDREBANDRE
Here are some of my efforts.
The first mount is a wall TV mount from Walmart with a desk made from a children drawing sort of board.
The second i got of Ebay.
It is a lightweight mount and the desk fits my small laptop perfectly.
Take a look at this system for Road Warriors like yourself,

http://www.ram-mount.com/laptop_mount/ramvb168sw1_laptop_desk.htm
Respond Wayne
I was actually looking around for a mount for my 2007 Impala (RAM-VB-160-SW1)... I found one supplier in Calgary Alberta that had them listed at $184.95 CDN... There just happens to be another supplier 15 minutes up the road from me in Alliston Ontario, they list them at $248.00 CDN...

So I sent the Alliston supplier an email to ask if they could match the price and I could pick it up (to save shipping costs)... I received an email back and was told that yes, they would match that price, I was offered various different options (different attachments that allow you to close the lid of the laptop, another device that holds the screen steady)... I replied and asked if they had the mount in stock...

The last email I received told me that they were on back order, and it would be best if I deal with the other company!?! I sent a reply to advise that I was in no hurry, and asked how long the wait was for this back ordered item...

One month later, still no response to my email.
Marvin Hlavac
Wayne, is the Calgary store by any chance GpsCity.ca? That's where I ordered my RAM mount from. Excellent and quick service.
Respond Wayne
As a matter of fact yes, yes it is... I just thought, why not give the guy up the road a chance, you know, since we are in the same Province... Meh... I'm just wondering if they are in fact a back ordered item, or I was just getting brushed off.
Marvin Hlavac
I don't know . Buying locally is always more convenient, and often less expensive, too.

I've used GpsCity.ca three times over the years, and their service has always been exceptionally great. Try to phone the local store on Monday. If they don't give you satisfactory answer, then you may consider ordering it online.

I love the Ram Mount website for the way one can just enter year, make, and model of a car or truck, and available mounts are all displayed. That website would likely be my fist choice, but for us up here in Canada, to avoid the cost of cross-border shopping, I think there are often other stores. Sometimes the selection is not as great, but sometimes you may find what you need.
Respond Wayne
Maybe RAM Mount Expert has information on this apparent popular mount...
Ken in Regina
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marvin Hlavac
... I love www.ram-mount.com website for the way one can just enter year, make, and model of a car or truck, and available mounts are all displayed.
I'm afraid I can't give them very high marks. I tried my 2007 Honda CR-V and the mounts they suggest are impossible. My car happens to have a shifter right where they show the laptop mounted. There's no way you could use either of the mounts they recommend.

Even if the shifter wasn't inconveniently in the way, the mounts recommended would totally block everything on the centre dash -- audio system controls, climate controls and centre vents. You could fold the laptop screen down to clear the vents but the body of the laptop and mount platform still block everything else.

The site is a good idea but anyone using it should take a really careful look at the pictures on the suggestion page to be sure it's actually likely to work for them.

...ken...
RAM_Mount_Expert
For our neighbors in the north, GPSCITY.ca Should be your best resource, they stock close to everything that we offer, and all of the popular best selling items. There might be every once in awhile that one odd item we make that no one else carrys that you will have to order form us, but sometimes you can work out a special order out with a dealer.

We are also about to release our consoles,
http://www.ram-mount.com/mount/toughbox_mount.htm
Respond Wayne
Thanks RAM Mount Expert... can you advise if in fact the mount for the 06+ Impala is currently on "back order"??
RAM_Mount_Expert
From what i can see, no. I must apologize that one of our dealers never did get back to you.
Respond Wayne
Yeah, I kinda figured that I was getting the "brush off" when they never replied to my "well, I'm not really in a hurry" email...
RAM_Mount_Expert
That is unacceptable. Again i am sorry. I would expect that GPS City should be able to fulfill your order with no problem.
Respond Wayne
It is unfortunate that I can not deal with a business so close by, considering they are still currently advertising it on their Web Site... http://www.carterrv.com/crv/crviis.dll?mtd=products&part=RAM-VB-160-SW1

No mention of it being "special order" / "back order"... Meh... I'll be placing an order with GPS City in the near future I suppose...
tcassidy
I would like to know if RAM is considering a powered PDA mount for the recent iPaq 210 series PDA. I know they make them for previous versions and even HP hasn't come out with a cradle for this one. Is it being considered?

Terry
RAM_Mount_Expert
Tcassidy- Thank you for you question. We had received a lot of requests right when the PDA came out, and honestly i would love to see us come out with another powered mount. However we have seen the PDA maket take a big hit since the smart phone and iPhone market increase. We will not be making a powered mount for it because of this. We do have a passive cradle that works with it very well.
tcassidy
Thank you for the information. I am already using a passive mount supplied by Garmin modified to work with a RAM ball mount.

Terry
videonerd
Ram Mount Expert, I'm looking at getting my Toughbook CF-29 mounted in a Nissan Xterra. I've looked at your ToughDock as well as other manufacturers and Panasonic OEM. To be honest, I've only seen the Gamber Johnson docks as a local PD uses them. And another guy had the RAM universal laptop mount, but it vibrated quite a bit while the vehicle was in motion. Is that normal with the three-leg universal mount?

FWIW, I'm currently using a ruggedized Lind DC adapter in the car.

Is there a dealer in the Toronto area I could take a look at the metal ToughDock?
RAM_Mount_Expert
I am not aware of a dealer in Toronto that you would be able to walk in and look at the metal dock. I have not heard of the RAM POD 3 having excessive vibration problems, but this could be the result of the type of install. How well the mount is anchored etc. I will include a link below to show you some more detail on the toughdock.

http://www.ram-mount.com/toughbooks/tough_dock_mounts.htm
d111
Not to crash the party here for manufactured solutions, but I am a tinkerer who just like to DIY.

Here is what I found:

If you are willing to spend some time and effort with a vise, pipe wrenches (or vise grips), and some elbow grease, a very good mount can be made in the following manner:

-Go to Home Depot / Lowes / Plumbing Supply House

-work from these photos (or buy their kit for $40)

-use ½” iron pipe fittings to basically fashion a mount with pieces of pipe. Etc.

-The “base” is a flange that can hold a 1/2 “ pile

-Use combinations of 45 degree / 90 degree / vertical pieces to get the laptop to where you want it.

-Use a sheet of ½” or ¾” plywood cut to slightly larger than the size of your laptop to set the laptop on. If your laptop weighs more than 5 lbs, use ¾”

-Attach the plywood to the pipe stand using another flange

-Use wood pieces on the “bottom” and if necessary sides to create a box like structure, taking care not to block any needed plugs, ports, etc.

-Get some foam (my source was a laptop shipping box) and line the contact areas with foam (i.e. on the “table top”, sides where the laptop makes contact.

-Use a ½” or wider Velcro strap to wrap around the laptop onto the holder --- it is more than secure enough.

-Here are the interesting twicks:

-You can build a stand using a “quick release” with a coupling that joins pipes:

-Quick release should be mounted on the base where the mount “locks” to the vehicle chassis

-I have used this arrangement for 10,000 miles, and have never had a problem.

-Laptop and stand is easy to remove when not needed.
Marvin Hlavac
videonerd -- even though I live just north of Toronto, I ordered my RAM mount all the way from Alberta. Later I found out that Radioworld is a RAM Mount dealer, too. They are located on 4335 Steeles Avenue West, just east of HWY-400 here in Toronto. My guess would be that they indeed likely have nothing you could look at and touch, but according to their their website they do sell RAM Mount products.

d111 -- building one's own laptop vehicle mount may be enjoyable and rewarding. I just wish I were better with tools. But I've seen some nicely made home-made mounts. If you ever feel like it, and if the time permits, feel free to create your album here at the site, and add a few photos there, too. They will than randomly appear at the bottom of the home page, or people will be able to access them by viewing your member profile, or by clicking the All Albums link in the navigation bar on the top of every page.
videonerd
I don't go into Radioworld unless I know exactly what I want. Kinda like Future Shop, only with older disgruntled workers. You're hard-pressed to find someone to talk about actual radios there now, they seem to concentrate on GPS and the latest electronic gadgets.
Marvin Hlavac
Quote:
Originally Posted by videonerd
... Kinda like Future Shop, only with older disgruntled workers...
Unfortunately, five years ago an employee there made the same impression upon me, and my feelings about going there are the same as yours .
RAM_Mount_Expert
I can tell you this much... If anyone ever has any questions regarding mounting equipment please feel free to give me a call. I cannot guarantee that i will always have all the time in the world but if you leave a message with your email at least i can follow up.

206-763-8361
or
1-800-497-7479
Respond Wayne
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marvin Hlavac
Unfortunately, five years ago an employee there made the same impression upon me, and my feelings about going there are the same as yours .
I usually try to deal with Pierre, he's been there forever... if he's not around I'll deal with the hefty guy (can't think of his name), he's pretty helpful directing you to Web Sites that outline how to modify radios.

There was a time when Radio World use to modify radios for people (open up Ham radios so they operate on commercial bands)... for a fee of course.

On a topic related note, I swapped over my laptop mount from my GMC Flatbed to the International Flatbed, and it works out just fine!
Marvin Hlavac
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken in Regina
I'm afraid I can't give them very high marks. I tried my 2007 Honda CR-V and the mounts they suggest are impossible. My car happens to have a shifter right where they show the laptop mounted. There's no way you could use either of the mounts they recommend.

Even if the shifter wasn't inconveniently in the way, the mounts recommended would totally block everything on the centre dash -- audio system controls, climate controls and centre vents. You could fold the laptop screen down to clear the vents but the body of the laptop and mount platform still block everything else.

The site is a good idea but anyone using it should take a really careful look at the pictures on the suggestion page to be sure it's actually likely to work for them.

...ken...

Ken, I just found the above picture of a RAM mount setup in a Honda CR-V. The picture is from a Streets & Trips 2007 review posted on EverythingUSB.com
RAM_Mount_Expert
That is an awesome setup! Two things that i love the most, Honda's and RAM Mounts. Ken is right to some extent about mounting equipment in compact cars. But RAM fights back with a full line of components that offer the highest range of movement and justifiability as well as customization for hard to fit places. Not every vehicle is perfect for a laptop, but we have found a way to fit a laptop from anything like a semi truck, or a Toyota Prius.
Marvin Hlavac
Does RAM-Mount plan on releasing vehicle mounts for "netbooks"? I suspect many people bought one of these mini-laptops this past Christmas shopping season. Several users posted various questions here at the forum regarding Acer Aspire One very recently, and there are other tiny laptops by HP, Asus, etc. The price of these small computers is very attractive, and they are very mobile. However, I'm not sure if any of the currently available mounts is suitable. I think the universal laptop mount would not be even able to accommodate these new tiny laptops (or it would just look like an overkill for a tyny netbook)?
Ken in Regina
Hi Marvin,

That's an interesting picture of the mount in a CR-V. It's certainly functional but it's not something I would consider using except in a pinch. I won't use a nav device that I can't mount so that it's very near my sight line. I do not want to have to take my gaze away from the road at all when looking at it.

I want to be able to just move my eyes, or maybe my head a little bit, but still have the road in my view as I take a quick look at the screen. Really no different than shifting your focus from looking at the road to looking at a ditch to looking in the rear view mirrors ... nothing more than that. That's why my main nav device is still my iQue 3600 and, today, if I had to get a replacement immediately it would most likely be one of the Nuvi models. (Fortunately, with two more iQues on the shelf and Mobile XT on my Palm T|X, I won't be forced to make that kind of decision any time soon. )

...ken...
Marvin Hlavac
Ken, I know, I know. This is really an issue with Honda CR-V more than with RAM-Mount. My wife actually bought a Honda CR-V few months ago, too, and the location of the shifter was the first thing I noticed (and didn't like). I would actually place a laptop right above the shifter, unlike in the above picture, where the laptop is positioned more to the right. I would not have easy access to am/fm radio, etc, but in my case that would be less important than the location of the laptop.
aronmm50
Hi, I'm Aron from Virginia. I have a Dell Latitude XT Tablet PC. I also have a "G-sat" GPS receiver. What is the best way to mount it in a 1999 Toyota Avalon? I would appreciate any advice.
Aron
RAM_Mount_Expert
Everyone,

Our new net book/small laptop mount due to be shipping very soon.

Get one on order now. I have used this product and it works great!
Marvin Hlavac
aronmm50, welcome to the forums. The above mentioned new solution could be one possible option for you. Or go to the main page of ram-mount.com, and then enter the year, make, and model of your car or truck, and select a universal laptop tray.

RAM_Mount_Expert, I'm interested in buying the double suction cup mount with the new tray, when they become available. However, I will have to figure out what lenth arm I need. I know that you guys have variety of arms of different lengths, but I searched your site already on two different occasions, buy I just cannot find how to search for these arms. Could you provide a link? I need to now the lengths available, and which arms are compatible with the double suction cup mount and the tray.

I intend to use this for my HP tx2000, which is 4.3lbs. I know this may be a bit too heavy for the suction cups, but I'm willing to test the limits. If it doesn't work out, and if I like the mount, I may consider buying a lighter laptop.
RAM_Mount_Expert
I have some recommendations,

#1,
RAM-333-224-1U
+
RAM-101U or RAM-101U-D 9" arm about 11" total length
+
RAM-234-6

#2 (slightly less rugged)

RAP-333-224-1U
+
RAM-101U or RAM-101U-D
+
RAM-234-6


Let me know what you think.

Also you can try this...but it is recommended for lighter weight applications.
RAM-316-1AU
+
RAM-B-202U
+
RAM-234-6
Marvin Hlavac
I like your suggestion #1 the most.

I fear people could say the triple suction cup mount obstructs too much of my view, as I intend to use it on the windshield. Has any of your customers ever attempted to use it on a windshield? It is not easy to judge the size of it just by the picture.

I would very likely have to go with the longer arm, RAM-101U-D.

The link to RAM-234-6 is not working from my end, but that's likely due to the fact the Tough Tray II is not yet available for sale. The link likely works for you, though.
RAM_Mount_Expert
To give you an idea it is about 6" tall and about 6" wide. It is an awkward object to measure.

We have not received any consumer feedback on this product just yet. We created it for one specific company and now are offering it to everyone.

You are right. there is not a picture available on that specific page for the new Tough Tray just yet.
Marvin Hlavac
What is the diameter of each suction cup? 6" tall and 6" wide for the whole thing seems like much smaller than what I was imagining. Is it really not bigger than that?

By the way, I cannot view the page of the new RAM-234-6. It redirects to an error page.
RAM_Mount_Expert
The diameter is that of our standard RAP-224-1U which is about 3.3"

There are some internal things that need to be updated tonight. Tomorrow you should be able to view and even order the tray. For now you can only view the product feature page.

It really is not that big. It is the size of a salad plate if you can imagine that.

It was stong enough to pick up my huge steel and wood desk...(which i am barley strong enough to lift by myself)
Ken in Regina
Marvin, it sounds like the suction cups are arranged in a triangle rather than lined up in a row. If each suction cup is a bit over 3" then the triangle would be nearly 7" on a side. Overlay that with a plate to capture the tops of the suction cups and connect a mount of some sort and it's probably not an awful impediment to your vision, depending upon where you can place it.

With a laptop you'll naturally need to position it somewhere near the horizontal centre of the windshield. How far up the windshield will depend on how much your windshield is angled. This mount would not work for me for two reasons. One is that my windshield is very angled and with a 6" thickness plus room to connect an arm to it it would have to be mounted halfway up the windshield. I would not be able to tuck it way out near the hood because it would be wedged too tight.

The other reason it wouldn't work for me is that I'm vertically challenged so I can't afford anything that's more than 0.5" higher than the dash.

...ken...
Marvin Hlavac
This sounds actually good for me. I was visualising the triple suction cup mount to be much bigger than it really seems to be. Ken I know what you are saying, and I will most likely not use my HP tx2000 in the laptop mode, but rather I use it as a tablet PC.
tcassidy
The tx2000 looks so great in tablet mode and that also reduces the space used by the bottom info bar used by many mapping programs.

Terry
spy5150
Hi,

I would like to mount a laptop in my 2007 Nissan Xterra 2wd and I have been looking at the RAM No Drill mounts but the only ones I have found list as for Xterras only up to 2006. Does anyone know if they will work in the 2007 models? Thanks in advance.
daverx7
Hi there!

I am looking at mounting an EEE PC 900 (netbook) to be both a Laptop GPS and a data acquisition tool for autocrossing (basically racing in big parking lots with a bunch of cones making an obstical course to drive as fast as possible).

I have two questions:
1. Do you have any pics of your mount in my car (2001 Honda S2000) so I can see how this fits in the car and if it obstructs any views or controls?

2. How well would it hold up to extreme and quick side to side G's that could get up in the 1.5-1.6G range.? (yes... those numbers are correct)

I do know for sure I will need something to keep the base and display in place as it will get tossed around pretty good. If needed I can provide video of what it looks like on the inside of the care during a run.

Thanks,

-Dave
d111
My Lowes / Home Depot Iron Pipe special is bolted to the floor via a flange using one of the bolts that hold the car passenger seat in place.

Using 1/2" tubing with a 6lb laptop, it is as stable as a rock as long as the pipes are tightened well and braced well.

For a EEE PC 900 (lightweight, 3-4lbs max), there shouldn't be any trouble.

You would probably want a fairly sophisticated shock / vibration isolation together with a tie down system that is a tad more secure than just 1/2" velcro strips (which is what I used) to handle normal car driving.





Good luck.
kaba
Ram Mount Expert,
Is your Tough Tray II available yet? How how does it attach to the Ram Pod I?

I'm very interested in this combination for my Dell Mini 9 mounted in my Colorado Crew Cab.

Thanks much!
RAM_Mount_Expert
Kaba,

Very Soon!! I am also excited and very anxious. Check back on our site in about 2 weeks.

What you need to make the RAM POD 1 work with New Tray.

RAM-316-1AU

+

RAM-234-6
daverx7
RAM_Mount_Expert,

What are your suggestions for my question ~4 posts up?

Thanks,

-Dave
Marvin Hlavac
Hi Dave, I'm not sure if RAM_Mount_Expert has access to some pictures of 2001 Honda S2000, but it indeed would be nice to see a laptop PC w/Ram mount setup in your car. I just quickly did a Google image search for the vehicle, and I came across a gorgeous blue interior jpeg. If you do decide to give it a go, please post some pictures.

Quote:
2. How well would it hold up to extreme and quick side to side G's that could get up in the 1.5-1.6G range.? (yes... those numbers are correct)
My non-expert opinion would be to suggest to stay away from a suction cup base, but as long as you use the other options (e.g. the no-drill base), you should be fine. Again, this is just my guess based on my limited experience with the one no-drill mount I have used in a GMC 3500 (not a race car ).

Earlier this morning I noticed that the order page for the new "RAM UNIVERSAL LAPTOP MOUNT TOUGH TRAY II" was finally up and running: RAM-234-6. I also checked the availability at a local dealer's website, but there it was still marked as a "Pre-order", so I decided to just place my order via ram-mount.com. I also ordered an arm and a triple suction cup mount. I'm hoping it may be strong enough for my "large & heavy" 12-inch HP-tx2000 convertible (tablet / laptop). If the suction cup solution proves to be not suitable for my PC, I may actually consider giving my HP tx2000 to my better half, and buy myself something lighter/smaller (a netbook).
PetalumaLoco
Marvin

No pic on that RAM UNIVERSAL LAPTOP MOUNT TOUGH TRAY II page, do you know if there is one? Looks like a placeholder, but no pic.

Dennis
Marvin Hlavac
Dennis, some pictures of the tray in various configurations are shown at the web site, however the page still, as of today (Feb 19, 2009), reads: "Price Coming Soon". That's the reason I posted a direct link to the order page in my previous post.
RAM_Mount_Expert
THE NEW TRAY WILL BE OUT VERY SOON! I AM VERY EXCITED. I have just received some demo units and they look awesome!
Marvin Hlavac
The new Tough Tray II is now available for purchase at many Ram Mount dealers. I ordered mine directly from Ram Mount, and Terry ordered his from GPS City. They are both scheduled to be delivered on Monday, March 9, 2009. I'm sure others have ordered theirs, too, so hopefully within a few days we should have some first impressions and pictures.

The following is a press release by GPS City (one of Ram Mount dealers)

Quote:
Express Mounts, GPS CITY To Offer New Vehicle Mount For Netbooks

Mounting solution will allow netbook owners ease of use inside their vehicles.

Las Vegas, NV -- March 7, 2009 -- Express Mounts, a division of GPS CITY, is proud to announce a new style mount aimed specifically at users of netbooks. The introduction of the Tough Tray II is as a result of increased consumer demand for smaller, highly portable laptop computers, also known as netbooks.

The creation of the Tough Tray II mounting cradle will serve as the newest inter-vehicle mounting solution for this type of laptop. With the addition of a base and mount of the users' choosing, the new cradle will allow users to attach their netbook securely to their dash, window or at their side. In addition to fitting consumer oriented netbooks, it will also be compatible with "tablets" -- customized touch screen laptops generally used by law enforcement.

Vice President of Operations Brenton Wingard foresees a strong demand for the Tough Tray II. "In tough economic times, Netbooks are just what people need -- since they're so affordable, they'll become increasingly attractive to consumers. And because of their portability and range of applications, our mount will logically become a necessity."

The innovation behind products like the netbook mount is what Wingard believes continues to drive the success of Express Mounts. "Yes, we currently sell mounts for laptops, but this addition to our product line is representative of our ability to quickly and efficiently adapt our product base to meet consumer demand," he says. He adds that should the highly anticipated -- but still speculative -- Apple version of a netbook be released, Express Mounts will "be able to immediately provide a mounting solution for it" as well.

Express Mounts is one of the top mount suppliers in the US, providing direct sales and service to the consumer, industrial and government sectors. To date, the company has sold custom crafted mounts to the US State Department, the FBI, the United States Military and hundreds of local and state agencies. Their strong focus on customer-service has made them one of the most trusted and recognized mount providers in the US.
RAM_Mount_Expert
I have had a lot of face time with this new tray already and it is great! Very easy to assemble, install, and user friendly.

-Fits most net books, tablets, UMPC's, even keyboards
-Low cost universal mounting solutions available
-Lifetime warranty
-Made in USA quality
Marvin Hlavac
Yes, but I'm not sure about the "easy-to-assemble" part, though. The tray arrived without assembly instructions. My unit must have been one of the very first ones shipped, and I understand this is a new product, so the manual might have not yet been created. I trust that later shipments will include instructions. However, in the mean time I'm sitting here quite frustrated, being unable to figure our where the two included springs are to be attached.
RAM_Mount_Expert
You are correct, we might have shipped out the first couple of systems without instructions. Please send me a quick email and i will forward you the document detailing the assembly.
Marvin Hlavac
A quick e-mail has been sent. Feel free to forward it to any of my e-mail addresses, eg. info (at) laptopgpsworld (dot) com.

Thanks.
tcassidy
I wouldn't mind a copy of that instruction sheet as well, RAM Mount Expert. I picked up my Tough Tray today and - no instructions! If Marvin can't figure it out, I'm not even going to try!


Terry
Marvin Hlavac
Actually, Terry, I was secretly hoping you would figure out where to place the two included springs, and then you would let me know .

It seems a bit different design from the old big universal laptop tray, and I just give up. I spent an hour yesterday, and another half hour today, but without much luck.
Gearhead_42
I just ordered one of the Tough Tray II's for use with my eee PC.

I'll post a quick report when it shows up
Marvin Hlavac
Gearhead_42, welcome to the forum and thanks, I'm looking forward to reading your first impressions. I will post mine, too, but it may still take me about a week. I still had to order some additional RAM Mount parts yesterday, as my setup will be a bit unusual.
paradigmventure
Hey there. Just ordered a ram mount from GPSCity online. It is for my Ford E150 van for my heating and air conditioning company. Thought I would try an alternative to my home made stand. Thanks for all the past discussions on laptop mounts.
natodd
I purchased a Ram Mount for my 2001 Chrysler Town and Country this past Monday. It shipped today and I eagerly await its' arrival. I plan to take install photos to be posted here.

:clap:
RAM_Mount_Expert
Thank you for your kind words. Please let me know when you post the pictures so I can have a look.
natodd
Quote:
Originally Posted by natodd
I installed the Ram Mount Tough Tray kit in my van yesterday
See my post on this for the photos.
hektor007
Hey I want to mount my laptop into my Mini Cooper 2009, will the latest mount work? Also how much space would it take away from the passengers side since the Mini is already small I dont want to take anymore space.
RAM_Mount_Expert
For awhile we were offering the RAM-VB-159NR-SW1 for the Mini Cooper, but rumor was that it does not fit the 2009. We however have not confirmed this because we do not have one in house, or the demand to get one in here.
Mircea
Hi RAM Mount Expert,

I am looking to get a mount for my Kohjinsha SX3 hybrid tablet PC. Obviously, the name is not listed in the 'known' list of netbooks/tablets on your webs site and I need some help. The dimensions are close the Gigabyte's M912X but not quite identical: 9.1" x 7.5" x (0.86" - 1.29"). It weighs 2.8 lb. I need something that can hold my netbook and allows me to use it as a laptop or as a tablet (for that it needs to rotate 180 degrees if not 360 around the vertical axis - or perpendicular per the keyboard's plane). If it's not too heavy for the shield mount with suction cups - 2 or 3 - I'd go with that. If not, the screwless mount will do. I just want to make sure I get something that will work fine.

Thanks,
Mircea
kft
Is there a mount for a laptop which we can use in our Ford E450 rv which will give the dw unrestricted access to the rear of the motorhome?

All I have seen, whether mounted to the engine doghouse or seat frame appear as those access to the coach would be severely impeded.
Gene Scott
I'm a new guy. Can someone tell me if they have tried the RAM Tough Tray II with an 8.9" Acer Aspire One?
wellfleetblondie
I have a Honda Accord 1995 4 door. I am looking for a mount & support which might fit both my HP TouchSmart TX2Z (12.1")and my Asus EEE PC 901 (8.9"). I am trying to do this for around $100 or less. IS it possible? What can someone recommend? Thanks
HarleyFXDL
I use my laptop w/ S&T in my F-150. The first mount I had was a desk I made from plywood that sat on the passenger seat. The vibrations destroyed the hinges on my laptop. I bought a newer laptop and bought a Ram-Mount.
I have been using the Ram-Mount for a few years now, I love it. I highly recommend the Ram-mount to everyone....
( It's a shame I can't use it on my Harley )

Ron (Florida)
HarleyFXDL
Here's mine, I love it....laptop-driver.jpg

laptop-pass.jpg
malaki86
I finally broke down and ordered the Ram-Mount laptop mount for big trucks (Freightliner). I ordered the one that slips under the seat without actually removing it. Sad part is that it won't be delivered until next Monday afternoon, and I always have to leave out on Sunday.

Guess it'll sit there in it's box waiting on me.

I'll probably order the different side tabs that are flat, to allow me to close the laptop completely. May also order the stay-in motion (or something like that) kit as well, just have to see how it does.
zation cosign
Have not read the whole thread. Just mounted gps in my car. Had been using a 12.1 inch ten year old toshiba with ram mount, but this 2.5lb 10.1 inch compaq makes things a little more flexible.

I was able to use a smaller lighter ram ball mount and after a little brainstorming while staring at the dash Ifinally took precise interior dimensions of the little key/glove/knicknack/loosechange/knockout-for-larger-radio cubby in the middle of the dash and went downstairs and made an exact plug for it out of pine wood on the bandsaw. It was slightly tapered inward, and angled downward... just perfect. I mounted the base of my Ram mount on the face of it, glued a thin cloth lining onto the wood surfaces, and painted it all black.

So the ram mount base is attached to a roughly 5 x 5 x 1.5 inch block of wood that snugs securely into the former cubby beneath my radio. I think most cars have some verson of this, but mine happened to be ideally situated. The computer, aluminum plate base on the ram mount with velcro tabs on it for the computer, Ram mount and wood block (kinda like a dasboard root canal) just slide into the cubby. I can zip the computer off of the plate to remove it or I can simply slide the whole affair out of the cubby and place the lot in the trunk or back seat. There were no modifactons to the car at all. Very steady mount. The mounted screen is adjustable so that the screen is as close to my steering wheel (line of vision) as practical without obstructing hand movement on the wheel, and the top of the screen is level with line of sight across the top of the dash.

I mentioned in another thread that I placed 3/16 dia fuzzy velcro adhesive dots on the fn/screen-bright/zoom/F/J/up-arrow keys so that I could locate them in the dark while keeping eyes on the road.
SnakeDoctor
I'm new to RAM mounts and I am looking at the RAM-VB-138ST2-SW1 for my 2008 Highlander. I have the following questions...

1. Where does the vertical pole comes up from the floor. Is it close to the center console? Is there any adjustment such that it can be as close to the center console as possible?
2. Does the mount move forward and back with the seat or does it remain stationary? Passenger use and comfort is important.
3. Does the base protrude forward of the front edge of the seat very much? From the pictures it looks like it would be in the way of the passengers feet.

Thanks in advance.
RAM_Mount_Expert
Thank you for your question.

The RAM Laptop Mount is very adjustable and if you wish to have the Tele-Pole closer to the center console you can simply add this item.

Part Details

The base plate in most installations is attached to the floor boards so when the seat moves the mount will not move with it. RAM has taken steps to allow for passenger comfort so you should not have to worry about this.

I hope this helps out in your decision making process.
jharpur
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken in Regina
Hi d111,
Your link to the item on eBay was broken so here's a good version of it:
...ken...
That link has expired. Anybody take screenshots or save a copy of the page?

Jonathan
Newbee
I have thought about getting a laptop mount in my car. However, it tends to be quite invasive. I am not a "handy-man" and the cost of these mounting systems can be pricey. I also dont have to worry about damaging something during the installation process or attracting a thief to break into my car to take my laptop.

While I appreciate the speed at which these laptops process navigation and map rendering, in fact, there is no comparison between a portable GPS, I have elected to forgo the laptop mounting idea altogether.

If I am travelling, I will use a stand-alone GPS. I will also bring my laptop with S&T already installed. I also have my Garmin Maposurce s/w on there too. If I need to access certain info not available on my GPS, I'll turn on my laptop and use that. I would also enter the co-ordinates onto my GPS if my s/w is outdated on that unit too.

While the above method certainly isn't the most efficient, it is cost effective and safer. Decent GPS units can be had for less than $150. After you use a GPS in your car, you're not likely to want to use your laptop.

And let's not forget that mounted laptops may be considered illegal in some states and provinces, just like using a cell phone without a headset or handsfree device.
Marvin Hlavac
... and I've been always telling people the exact opposite: After you use a laptop for GPS navigation, you're not likely to want to use a little PND.

Of course, this is every person's own preference based on needs and wants.

RAM is not the manufacturer of the cheapest mounts, but they are of decent quality. There are less expensive solutions, too, and they may be just as good.
paradigmventure
While I use a magellan gps in the car, I would love to mount my laptop and use it instead. I use a Ram mount in my Econoline work truck and it is fantastic. Only laptop gps for me. I do use my laptop in the car for trips though. All the travel info is in it and always ready.
jharpur
Quote:
Originally Posted by zation cosign
...I finally took precise interior dimensions of the little cubby in the middle of the dash and went downstairs and made an exact plug for it... I mounted the base of my Ram mount on the face of it, glued a thin cloth lining onto the wood surfaces, and painted it all black. So the ram mount base is attached to a roughly 5 x 5 x 1.5 inch block of wood that snugs securely into... the cubby.
Wow, I LOVE this idea for finding a place to mount your toys without mangling the car's finish, or unbolting seats.

It's currently the middle of the night here, but I'm having a hard time stopping myself from going to the garage with a measuring tape.

I'm wondering if those non-slip rubber cloths (like the ones sometimes found lining tool trays or shop drawers) or self-adhesive little rubber feet would be a good idea to improve the mounts' holding power? I'm thinking the leverage from the weight of the laptop itself would keep this mount where it ought to be most of the time.
videonerd
A Toughbook CF-19 would fit well in there! About the same size with a daylight readable screen, touch screen, built-in GPS and WWAN...
mokee
You ever have a problem with GPS receivers too close to each other?
tcassidy
No, they are receivers. I have never had an issue with them being side by side (by side).

Terry
mokee
I ask because I need to put space been my Garmin 10x and GPSMAP 76C on the boat. I would suggest RFI because the 10x is bluetooth, but I have a similar problem in the truck if the Garmin 18 and GPSMAP 76C are close. Put them at opposite ends of the dashboard and they operate OK. Also, put the garmin 10x behind the helm seat on the boat and both operate OK.
tcassidy
Strange! I have a 10x, qStarz and iTrek (all BT) sitting next to a USB BU-353 in the house. I can use any combination of them without an issue. Maybe it is the 76C.

Terry
tcassidy
I tried putting my eMap (which can't get enough signal inside the house to lock) next to the 10x. It definitely affects the 10x signal level when I watch it on Mobile PC. I changed from the 10x to the iTrek M7 and see the same thing. The problem is probably related to rf interference from the internal electronics of the eMap (76C in your case).

Terry
mokee
I have a RAM Mount in the pilothouse of the boat for my HP TX1000. It allows movement of the monitor between laptop and tablet mode and folds out of the way when not in use. My laptops have taken a lot of abuse in heavy weather, and I've never had a problem stemming from bouncing around. I use rubberized shelf mat on the console in the truck along with small bungee to keep the TX1000 in place.
bushpilot
I was not impressed with the RAM laptop base. Too much plastic and MUCH TOO THICK. I picked up a metal Joto desk, and I'm very happy with it.

I use Streets & Trips, connected to an old Garmin GPS III+ for the antenna feed. My blackberry 9700 (bold II) provides on the fly internet access via tethered mode

Heres some photos of the set up w/out the cell phone attached, all wires are hidden or zip tied to the Jotto desk vertical pole. One screw removes the pole and a quick disconnect to the inverter & USB GPS, and the desk & laptop are removed. Takes about 2 minutes at the most.
Attached Images
mgarrison
Quote:
Originally Posted by bushpilot
I was not impressed with the RAM laptop base. Too much plastic and MUCH TOO THICK. I picked up a metal Joto desk, and I'm very happy with it.

I use Streets & Trips, connected to an old Garmin GPS III+ for the antenna feed. My blackberry 9700 (bold II) provides on the fly internet access via tethered mode

Here's some photos of the set up w/out the cell phone attached, all wires are hidden or zip tied to the Jotto desk vertical pole. One screw removes the pole and a quick disconnect to the inverter & USB GPS, and the desk & laptop are removed. Takes about 2 minutes at the most.

Hello, I'm new here.
Does that JOTTO come any closer to the driver?
Also I have an ASUS 1201n with a 12.1 screen , its 11.5 x 8.5 , would it fit?
Its going in a 2003 ford F250 with a split bench.
Thanks in advance.
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