My latest project - Carputer

Geoff

Geoff

VIP Member
Well I am pretty much completed my new project, which was finding a way to install a laptop computer in my truck. I found a few laptop mounts on eBay for about $40+, but I always like to build things myself. I used 1/2" black iron nipples, 3/4" wall mount (to secure to the cupholder), 3/4" to 1/2" reducer, and a 1/2" wall mount for the laptop platform.

Since photos say it better then words can describe, I'll cut the chitchat and post several photos:

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Thanks, the laptop is secured to the board by 3M's version of Velcro, it just can't be seen from the photos. Each inch hold 2lbs.
 
[-0MEGA-];1112310 said:
Thanks, the laptop is secured to the board by 3M's version of Velcro, it just can't be seen from the photos. Each inch hold 2lbs.
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Ah, good to know.

Maybe you should patent the design? :D
 
Motoxrdude said:
Lol, thats pretty cool. I made my laptop mount from an old satellite dish.
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Sweet! The reason I chose the cup holder idea was because I didn't want it to get in the way of the passenger, but that doesn't look too bad.

Also, the part that's in the middle of my photos is what I call a "quick disconnect", which allows the laptop to be easily removed, as well as part of the tubing so I can take it out of the way easily without needing to unscrew the pipe. It also allows the laptop to swivel 360*.
 
luckyedboy66 said:
that is brilliant!!! i'm going to be on the lookout for an old dish now. i might try to find a non-permanent option though.
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Mine isn't permanent. I used Goop to secure it, but just to make sure it doesn't come off I used ONE screw, but that can still be fairly easily removed.
 
I've got a similiar one made out of PVC.
What do ya use it for?
I use mine for tuning my car, pretty sweet to readout ALL the engine stats live.
 
So far nothing, it will be a nice place to put my laptop on when I need to do some work in my truck though.
 
Bartmasta said:
That looks like a SUV not a truck

Good job anyways
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It's a 2009 Toyota Tacoma, and please don't question the type of vehicle I have.

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tlarkin said:
Why?

Do you need that

and why sacrifice a whole cup holder?
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I have 4 other cup holders nearby, so I think I'm good :P

I am using that mount as a "universal type mount", for now I'm able to switch between a laptop mount and a scanner mount.
 
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[-0MEGA-];1114291 said:
It's a 2009 Toyota Tacoma, and please don't question the type of vehicle I have.
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They probably don't come from the US, nowhere else would call that a truck. In Oz, it'd be called a ute. Btw, what do you call trucks? (those big things that weigh 10 ton+)
 
tlarkin said:
OK, but why do you need to see your laptop in your car? Is it for work or just because?
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It's so I have a place to use my laptop when I'm either waiting to pick someone up, when I'm out someplace and need to check something online (price match usually), etc.

I also had the laptop and thought it would be a neat little project :)
 
[-0MEGA-];1114379 said:
It's so I have a place to use my laptop when I'm either waiting to pick someone up, when I'm out someplace and need to check something online (price match usually), etc.

I also had the laptop and thought it would be a neat little project :)
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Do you have a mobile wifi card, or are you war driving?

I personally think that is a bit ridiculous but it's your money and your laptop so I don't care. Whatever floats your boat I guess.

I just need an ipod touch when I drive, that is it. I wouldn't want to surf at all.
 
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