Opinions on Laptop mounting systems in vehicles

Absolutely! If you notice in the passenger side photo the arms have SEVERAL adjustment points, a simple twist of the clamps and the laptop can be positioned closer.

You should have no problem mounting a smaller laptop to the Jotto desk.

The photos in my post are of a 2004 F350 (crew cab) w/ the 40/20/40 seat

Thanks a lot for the quick responce. It looks like the Jotto is the one for me.
Mine will also be a crewcab and this one seems perfect. just wanted to make sure I could reach it. Thanks again.

If you live in the US, many states have laws prohibiting the use of computers in motor vehicles while they are moving. Something to be aware of, if you use a laptop. Although a laptop on the passenger seat is likely to be invisible to other drivers, it might still be illegal, and subject the driver of the car to a huge fine if its found. Of course, those laws probably would not apply to self driving cars.. Nevada paves way to getting robotic cars on the road - Computerworld

I'd love to see more about those laws - I DOUBT they'd stick.

There is very little difference between my laptop and a GPS stuck on the dash. If anything my laptop is EASIER to see or INPUT information into.

No DOUBT in my mind that a 4 or 7 inch <touch screen> is harder to use/spell out info than a full size laptop & keyboard!

Well I think a few states have already made it illegal to use a GPS while driving if it involves touching the screen. They tried to pass such a law in my own state recently, but I don't think it went through. Some Canadian provinces have laws like this: Is it illegal in your province to program your GPS while driving? | Marketplace

If a state has a law like that, I suspect they also won't like you using a laptop or tablet computer either. The popularity of the iPad is bound to spawn more laws like this...

This is why I like my Viliv S5 UMPC. Functionally, it is a computer. I can stick it on to my windshield where it looks like any other navigation device. But, because it is visually close, I can see it well. I operate it with a remote USB touchpad velcroed to my center console. All is well.

There's a difference between USING (typing) and USING visually !

I don't recommend ANYONE typing email or chatting going down the road w/ a laptop - but at the same time there is NO difference in USING my laptop as a visual guidance system/GPS than a single purpose Garmin/Tom-Tom etc.

I've traveled in 45 of the 50 states with my notebook on and by my side and never encountered any problem with Law Enforcement Officers. The GPS puck was plainly visible, but my notebook screen was always lower than the windshield. I opine any device that obstructs the driver's view thru the windshield will attract attention from the law and I doubt they will present the ticket to the device. That includes my friction mounted Garmin 255W. Obviously, inputting data in any device is dangerous while driving a vehicle.

I drive all of North America. I've had a 7" display mounted to my dash for at least 5 years now. Have never had a problem.

I agree, my laptop when mounted in my F350 is partially above dash - but it does NOT obstruct my view out any windows or mirrors.

Here's a bit of interesting info that will make you go WTF...

VIRGINIA has a law that no objects can be suspended from your rear view mirror - that means things like TASSELS (remember how it was cool to hang your cap/gown graduation TASSEL from your mirror)... ILLEGAL in VIRGINIA, include AIR FRESHENERS, too...

They'll pull you over for that - but not a GPS stuck suction cupped to the windshield!

Haha - I am a University of Virginia alumnus - class of 1971. That is not a new law... I think it was 1968 when I was pulled over in Virginia for having one of the little pine tree air fresheners hanging from my rear view mirror.