Ram Mount introduced the Tough Tray II as a direct result of increased consumer demand for smaller, highly portable laptop computers, also known as netbooks. 10 million netbooks sold in 2008 worldwide, yet the year before that most of us didn't even know what a netbook was. (netbook = mini laptop computer)
Ram Mount has been making first class laptop vehicle mounts since 1995. Fleets of police, fire, EMS, and military cars and trucks are equipped with RAM laptop mounts. RAM mounts can handle not just laptop computers, but also various other equipment from very light to very heavy (up to 185 lbs).
Many of us here at Laptop GPS World have been using RAM mounts for our laptop computers for years, but up until now the good old universal laptop tray, Tough Tray, was too big to accommodate small size laptops, netbooks, tablets, and UMPCs. It either was not possible due to the size, or it just didn't look nice since the tray was in some cases so much larger than the small computer.
In the past, RAM only made few UMPC and Tablet PC mounts for very few specific models, but the new Tough Tray II is a universal cradle able to accommodate any tablet/UMPC/netbook.
RAM Mount Tough Tray II
While the original Tough Tray has been excellent for regular sized laptop computers for many years, the new Tough Tray II (dimensions shown above) is the preferred choice for small laptops, netbooks, tablet PC, and ultra-mobile PC.
RAM No-Drill Bases have been used in conjunction with the original Tough Tray, and they can still be used with the new Tough Tray II.
RAM No-Drill Bases are available for most cars and trucks. They require no drilling to the floor of the vehicle, but instead they simply attach to the two existing screws on the base of the front passenger seat.
Thanks to the small size and light weight of netbooks and tablets, other mounting options may be possible now.
Some people may be intrigued by the possibility of using a suction cup base for their light weight device.
If one suction cup is not strong enough, you may use RAM Double Suction Cup, or even RAM Triple Suction Cup. RAM Mount Tough Tray II can be connected to various arms or polls of various lengths and sizes and to various bases.
The easiest way to find a laptop mounting solution for a car or truck is by using the RAM Mount Wizard Search at the home page of ram-mount.com. Simply select from the drop-down list the make, model, and year of your vehicle, and the page will suggest you a laptop mount for you. There are also other options and accessories available. There is likely a solution for every situation, just look through the .pdf catalogs at RAM-Mount.com for ideas.
At the time of this writing (March 2009) I use an HP tx2000 convertible laptop/tablet PC. It has a 12” touch screen and the weight is just over 4 lbs. That’s larger than the current crop of 9 to 10 inch netbooks, and just about twice as heavy, too. Nevertheless, I cannot resist trying to suction-cup mount it in my GMC 3500 (and then perhaps even in my wife's Honda CRV, if she lets me).
The following parts I already have: RAM Triple Suction Cup, an arm, and the new RAM Mount Tough Tray II. One arm alone seems too short for my needs, so I placed an order for one more arm of the same length. When joined together, the length should suffice. I will post pictures and description as soon as the remaining parts arrive. Putting it all together shouldn’t take more than minutes.
[COLOR=RoyalBlue][I][B]I invite everyone to post here pictures, description, and any experience you wish to share regarding mounting your laptop in your car, truck, boat, or plane.
Ram Mount has been making first class laptop vehicle mounts since 1995. Fleets of police, fire, EMS, and military cars and trucks are equipped with RAM laptop mounts. RAM mounts can handle not just laptop computers, but also various other equipment from very light to very heavy (up to 185 lbs).
Many of us here at Laptop GPS World have been using RAM mounts for our laptop computers for years, but up until now the good old universal laptop tray, Tough Tray, was too big to accommodate small size laptops, netbooks, tablets, and UMPCs. It either was not possible due to the size, or it just didn't look nice since the tray was in some cases so much larger than the small computer.
In the past, RAM only made few UMPC and Tablet PC mounts for very few specific models, but the new Tough Tray II is a universal cradle able to accommodate any tablet/UMPC/netbook.
RAM Mount Tough Tray II
While the original Tough Tray has been excellent for regular sized laptop computers for many years, the new Tough Tray II (dimensions shown above) is the preferred choice for small laptops, netbooks, tablet PC, and ultra-mobile PC.
RAM No-Drill Bases have been used in conjunction with the original Tough Tray, and they can still be used with the new Tough Tray II.
RAM No-Drill Bases are available for most cars and trucks. They require no drilling to the floor of the vehicle, but instead they simply attach to the two existing screws on the base of the front passenger seat.
Thanks to the small size and light weight of netbooks and tablets, other mounting options may be possible now.
Some people may be intrigued by the possibility of using a suction cup base for their light weight device.
If one suction cup is not strong enough, you may use RAM Double Suction Cup, or even RAM Triple Suction Cup. RAM Mount Tough Tray II can be connected to various arms or polls of various lengths and sizes and to various bases.
The easiest way to find a laptop mounting solution for a car or truck is by using the RAM Mount Wizard Search at the home page of ram-mount.com. Simply select from the drop-down list the make, model, and year of your vehicle, and the page will suggest you a laptop mount for you. There are also other options and accessories available. There is likely a solution for every situation, just look through the .pdf catalogs at RAM-Mount.com for ideas.
At the time of this writing (March 2009) I use an HP tx2000 convertible laptop/tablet PC. It has a 12” touch screen and the weight is just over 4 lbs. That’s larger than the current crop of 9 to 10 inch netbooks, and just about twice as heavy, too. Nevertheless, I cannot resist trying to suction-cup mount it in my GMC 3500 (and then perhaps even in my wife's Honda CRV, if she lets me).
The following parts I already have: RAM Triple Suction Cup, an arm, and the new RAM Mount Tough Tray II. One arm alone seems too short for my needs, so I placed an order for one more arm of the same length. When joined together, the length should suffice. I will post pictures and description as soon as the remaining parts arrive. Putting it all together shouldn’t take more than minutes.
[COLOR=RoyalBlue][I][B]I invite everyone to post here pictures, description, and any experience you wish to share regarding mounting your laptop in your car, truck, boat, or plane.
I recall reading that windshield mountings are or will be outlawed. Is this true?? I hope not because it's very strong, stable, and usually can be situated to not obstruct vision. I use such a 'glass' mount for a PDA with GPS and I love it.
Please inform us with the real skinny; I may have run across some bad info. Thx.
Please inform us with the real skinny; I may have run across some bad info. Thx.
As a point of info from a lurker, If you order the RAM Mount Tough Tray II combo with their RAM Pod, it will not come with the required 1.5" ball. So...you need to order the ball along with the combo or you will end up with two parts that will not connect.
jonjon98765 - I think there used to be two US states that didn't allow suction cup mounts attached to windshields. I'm not sure if that is still the case today, though. But I think most of us would use the new tray with RAM no-drill mounts for our laptops anyway.
I wanted to try the suction cup idea, and I have been driving with it in my GMC 3500 for the past week or so. I still need to take some pictures. I'm pleasantly surprised how very strong the RAM suction cups are. They are much stronger in comparison to those I've seen in PDA, PND, or phone mounts of other manufacturers. The triple-suction cup mount has been holding very securely my over 4 lbs convertible laptop even while driving fast over speed humps. I will keep using it for a while still, but I think I will go back to using no-drill base in conjunction with the new RAM Tough Tray II eventually. The arm between the suction cups and the tray looks quite thick, and I'm not sure if I like the look of it.
DAV-AZ - Are you sure the part was not supposed to be included? If they sell it as a package I think most (all) customers will likely expect the package to contain all the pieces necessary to mount the laptop in their vehicle.
I wanted to try the suction cup idea, and I have been driving with it in my GMC 3500 for the past week or so. I still need to take some pictures. I'm pleasantly surprised how very strong the RAM suction cups are. They are much stronger in comparison to those I've seen in PDA, PND, or phone mounts of other manufacturers. The triple-suction cup mount has been holding very securely my over 4 lbs convertible laptop even while driving fast over speed humps. I will keep using it for a while still, but I think I will go back to using no-drill base in conjunction with the new RAM Tough Tray II eventually. The arm between the suction cups and the tray looks quite thick, and I'm not sure if I like the look of it.
DAV-AZ - Are you sure the part was not supposed to be included? If they sell it as a package I think most (all) customers will likely expect the package to contain all the pieces necessary to mount the laptop in their vehicle.
Believe me I looked and couldn't see where they specified the ball was included. I sent a little note with my second order regarding the missing ball but the vendor made no comment and dutifully charged my Credit Card for the part. So, I'd say it isn't included with the combo and they didn't do a great job of saying so. Regardless, the mount is pretty functional and the frustration minimal.
Now for my problem with this website.......it continues to cost me money . First the mount, then two software packages and a new GPS. Oh, well. I'm having fun so thanks much.
Now for my problem with this website.......it continues to cost me money . First the mount, then two software packages and a new GPS. Oh, well. I'm having fun so thanks much.
RAM Tough Tray II is a product that has just been released very recently. Some of the very first shipments didn't even include instructions on how to assemble the tray(!). I suspect the "missing" ball may be just another oversight on the part of RAM. But I don't know. I'm just glad you are still having fun buying software and hardware you read about here at Laptop GPS World.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Marvin Hlavac
"But I think most of us would use the new tray with RAM no-drill mounts for our laptops anyway.
I wanted to try the suction cup idea, and I have been driving with it in my GMC 3500 for the past week or so. I still need to take some pictures. I'm pleasantly surprised how very strong the RAM suction cups are."
I wanted to try the suction cup idea, and I have been driving with it in my GMC 3500 for the past week or so. I still need to take some pictures. I'm pleasantly surprised how very strong the RAM suction cups are."
In this application, laptop screens tend to washout rather easily. suggestions??
Jon
This is what I want to do with this tray to keep it out of the way of the gearshift and glove box. I used the light duty mount as the heavy duty one is far too large and clunky. It might need a second mount at the bottom as this one is not using enough screws. I would like to turn it a bit more but that is not an option in this mounting setup.
Terry
Terry
Hello everyone,
Just to clear some things up. RAM Mount does not ever include a ball mount with any of its cradles or trays unless it is in a pre-made kit.
I know there has been some confusion and we always appreciate any feedback that can be given. Please always feel free to contact us.
Just to clear some things up. RAM Mount does not ever include a ball mount with any of its cradles or trays unless it is in a pre-made kit.
I know there has been some confusion and we always appreciate any feedback that can be given. Please always feel free to contact us.
Just stopped by to take a look see..
BTW I have one of the new small Acer 8 1/2 computers for my car.
I run a moving map program and found it worked better if I turned the screen 90 Deg. As forward is always UP it reads better.
Will this type of mount allow the computer to work that way?
BTW I have one of the new small Acer 8 1/2 computers for my car.
I run a moving map program and found it worked better if I turned the screen 90 Deg. As forward is always UP it reads better.
Will this type of mount allow the computer to work that way?
Which program do you have that forward is to the side?
Terry
Terry
The Tough Tray II can work in any orientation when used with a ball mount. I have my tablet in page orientation and vertical rather than horizontal. you should be able to get it to match any layout you need.
Terry
Terry
Quote:
Originally Posted by RAM_Mount_Expert
Just to clear some things up. RAM Mount does not ever include a ball mount with any of its cradles or trays unless it is in a pre-made kit.
I was actually under the impression DAV-AZ did order a pre-made kit, or at least he reffed to it as a "combo":
Quote:
Originally Posted by DAV-AZ
As a point of info from a lurker, If you order the RAM Mount Tough Tray II combo with their RAM Pod, it will not come with the required 1.5" ball. So...you need to order the ball along with the combo or you will end up with two parts that will not connect.
In the case that you order from one of the pages that *** a complete "combo" of parts to the cart you should receive a base.
Sorry, but didn't happen. May I suggest somebody at your place should take a look at your website:
"RAM Mount Description:
The best solutions for mounting the Tough Tray II™ are the RAM-POD-I and RAM-POD-III, universal no-drill vehicle mounts.
Product Number: RAM-316-1-234-6
Tough Tray II™ with RAM-POD-1, universal single leg vehicle mount.
Product Number: RAM-316-3-234-6
Tough Tray II™ with RAM-POD-1II, universal three leg vehicle mount.
I ordered RAM-316-1-234-6. It may be the "best solution for mounting the tray" but it didn't come with a ball.
This was a only minor inconvenience. I placed a second order and got the required ball fairly quickly. But I imagine it will be very easy to fix your ordering process so this doesn't happen again.
"RAM Mount Description:
The best solutions for mounting the Tough Tray II™ are the RAM-POD-I and RAM-POD-III, universal no-drill vehicle mounts.
Product Number: RAM-316-1-234-6
Tough Tray II™ with RAM-POD-1, universal single leg vehicle mount.
Product Number: RAM-316-3-234-6
Tough Tray II™ with RAM-POD-1II, universal three leg vehicle mount.
I ordered RAM-316-1-234-6. It may be the "best solution for mounting the tray" but it didn't come with a ball.
This was a only minor inconvenience. I placed a second order and got the required ball fairly quickly. But I imagine it will be very easy to fix your ordering process so this doesn't happen again.
I will have someone look into this. Thank you for letting us know.
I modified my Tough Tray II mounting arrangement in the truck. I used a 1" octagonal button mount and ball attachment. It takes up little room and is a firmer arrangement than the double ball layout. This setup just clears the shifter and doesn't interfere with the glove box. Luckily, I can make holes in the dash and no one will complain.
I will try this arrangement in real life to see if it is strong enough for this heavier tablet.
Terry
I will try this arrangement in real life to see if it is strong enough for this heavier tablet.
Terry
Terry,
If you do not mind I would love to see more photos and a short review on this item so we can place it on our site. Please send me a message and i will provide my email so we can make arrangements.
If you do not mind I would love to see more photos and a short review on this item so we can place it on our site. Please send me a message and i will provide my email so we can make arrangements.
I realize this thread is almost a year old, but I just ran across it and thought I would post a few pics of my Dell Mini Ram Mount installation in my motor home. I have one screen running a diagnostic program (VMSpc) connected to the coach's on board computer, and another screen running Streets & Trips.
bobged, thanks for taking the photos and attaching them here to your post. Much appreciated. The laptop mount fits to your motor home perfectly.
I am about to buy a 2003 ford F250 with the split bench seat. I have an ASUS 1201N netbook with a 12.1 inch screen. Closed it is 11 1/2 x 8 1/2. Your website does not have my computer. I would like a floor mount that I can use on passenger or driver, and rest in the center.
Thank you in advance.
Hi, I just bought myself a nice tablet PC that I want to use also in the car. However, I would also like to be able to attach it to the headrest in the back so my kids could use it as a DVD player too. I have trouble locating the correct parts from RAM to attach it. Does anyone have any tips or experience?
Also, do the clamps provided fit at the front of the tray? In vertical position, that would prevent it from sliding out.
Thanks a lot for any replies!
Also, do the clamps provided fit at the front of the tray? In vertical position, that would prevent it from sliding out.
Thanks a lot for any replies!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarrison
I am about to buy a 2003 ford F250 with the split bench seat. I have an ASUS 1201N netbook with a 12.1 inch screen. Closed it is 11 1/2 x 8 1/2. Your website does not have my computer. I would like a floor mount that I can use on passenger or driver, and rest in the center.
Thank you in advance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by toonjoyce
Hi, I just bought myself a nice tablet PC that I want to use also in the car. However, I would also like to be able to attach it to the headrest in the back so my kids could use it as a DVD player too. I have trouble locating the correct parts from RAM to attach it. Does anyone have any tips or experience?
Also, do the clamps provided fit at the front of the tray? In vertical position, that would prevent it from sliding out.
Thanks a lot for any replies!
Also, do the clamps provided fit at the front of the tray? In vertical position, that would prevent it from sliding out.
Thanks a lot for any replies!
I had no luck searching for my T91MT or my vehicle at the Ram Mount site. In the meantime the $14.95 mount from Semsons will work until I find a better solution. There's a thread on it here in Hardware.
Ted