I know that many of us drive with all manner of electronics at our disposal, but I was wondering if anyone here has experience mounting a laptop (for ECU interface ala UTEC / AEM EMS, and for MP3 Audio and mobile GPS in my case) using a bracket like this one:

http://www.jottodesk.com/detail.asp?id=4

I am strongly inclined to buy one of these and know that cops use them all the time, but I am a bit hesitant to punch half-inch tapping screws through my floorboards. Is it safe to punch the floor on the passenger side near the center console without puncturing a vital part?

Help appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam

 

hey talk to mark at www.quantum-racing.com i know he has a lab top mounted in his car
937 642 5400

hope this helps you out

 

At work, I sell laptop mounts. Be wary of jotto-desk. It holds the computer down with bungee straps and may wear on your keyboard. Additionally, it seems relatively flimsy compared to some of the other stuff out there. Consider either Havis-Shields ( www.havis.com ) if you are willing to drill into your floor, or Gamber Johnson (www.gamberjohnson.com ) if you don't want to drill at all. GJ has a slick setup called the Seatmount4. Unfortunately, both of these cost more than the JottoDesk, but then again, you get what you pay for.

 

Try to use something with a seat mount.. you can at least have the base modified to fit our seat brackets. Also, try to get something that has a removable arm/upper section.

Be aware that in some states its Illegal to actually have a computer in operation (the display) while driving.. Not sure where, or how its even enforcable since most police cars have these setups but its something to be aware of..

With that said.. I suggest getting the smallest laptop you can afford and then getting the setup.. From my experience the big laptops are a PITA to deal with, I picked up an IBM 240x from Ebay for under $400 which I use for tuning my car and it fits perfectly under my seat when Its not in use. I actually have purchased and restored/upgraded several 240x's since I really like those machines.

Try to find something that doesnt use bungee cords, not only does it wear on the front face of the device, it makes it difficult if not impossible to "close" the display down and it will allow the machine to bounce around, you want something that uses brackets to hold it in place without moving.

The Jotto desk works, but get the seat mount base if you use it.. It works fine for LIGHT laptops if you use the one that doesnt have the Bungee..

 

and if you have any of these things make sure you have a phatass security 2 way system because I've had my turn of losing my previous devices

 

Thanks guys, great info...yes, I am thinking of investing in a solid paging alarm system as well.

Jack, great tips...I know you've worked hard on your GUI for our UTEC's and was wondering how you mounted your old laptop. I think the Jotto's have steel cables (tie-downs) instead of bungees, and I don't want to eliminate the passenger seat...my girlfriend is small so I think she can fit even with a floor-mount installed (though she still may kill me for butchering her passenger side space!)

3sgte thanks for your tips on other mount companies...I'm researching them now in more detail.

Will keep you all posted on any decisions and may post pics of my install if anyone is interested.

Am installing my new stereo setup today, can't wait for Fedex to get here.

Thanks all,
Adam

 

those products are sweet. too bad i don't really have a need for any of them.

 

I want to find a way to do it inexpensively. I have a laptop I use w/ a GPS unit in my car and it's too hard looking at it in the seat next to me.

 

Do any of the in-dash LCD screens come with a touchscreen/VGA interface? That way you could keep your laptop under your seat and just tie into the screen.

l8r)

 

do the mini computer with 7" touchscreen lcd like that dude did.

I'm sure it's worth it. I'm thinking about doing this too.