Thread: My 2006 Scion xB (portable) Carputer setup! w/pics!

I recently (3 months ago) purchased a Scion xB and had similar issues with where to mount my laptop. I own my own company, and am constantly on the road (and in my car). My laptop is my lifeline.

Since the day I purchased the Scion, I knew the little compartment in the center console was the key, so I decided to sit down and design a system that would allow me to take advantage of this compartment, and solve my problem.

Well, to make a long story short, the end result was very pleasing. I have been using the "xTray" for about a month now, and have never been more comfortable in my little xB.

The design of the tray came out so well that I decided to create a website around it to not only promote it, but also promote my company. The site just went up, so the only product on it is the "xTray".

If you are interested in seeing it, you can go to my website, lasermystuff.com, or just view the attached pics. There are several other pics on the website as well.

I hope this helps all those out there that have a similar problem. I know it has made my life a lot easier. The "xTray" has truly converted this great little commuter car into the ultimate portable office.

Originally Posted by nfway

I recently (3 months ago) purchased a Scion xB and had similar issues with where to mount my laptop. I own my own company, and am constantly on the road (and in my car). My laptop is my lifeline.

Since the day I purchased the Scion, I knew the little compartment in the center console was the key, so I decided to sit down and design a system that would allow me to take advantage of this compartment, and solve my problem.

Well, to make a long story short, the end result was very pleasing. I have been using the "xTray" for about a month now, and have never been more comfortable in my little xB.

The design of the tray came out so well that I decided to create a website around it to not only promote it, but also promote my company. The site just went up, so the only product on it is the "xTray".

If you are interested in seeing it, you can go to my website, lasermystuff.com, or just view the attached pics. There are several other pics on the website as well.

I hope this helps all those out there that have a similar problem. I know it has made my life a lot easier. The "xTray" has truly converted this great little commuter car into the ultimate portable office.

Damn dude, that's freaking cool.

Originally Posted by BarryWoods

Damn dude, that's freaking cool.

Thanks, I really apreciate the kind words. I just saw a problem, and did my best to solve it.

I hope this helps anyone with the same problem.

My company can create pretty much anything that can be made from a "laserable" material, so if you guys have any ideas, just send them my way, and I will take a look.

Imagine all the time saved if we all just bolted our laptops to the dashes in our rides... damn i wish i would have thought of that first before i installed mine... very original idea!!!

David,
I'm surprised you're giving this idea props. I've noticed that, generally, members of this board feel that a laptop in a car - mounted ingeniously - does not constitute a "carputer." Sure, it ain't put into the dash, maybe you have to (god forbid) power it on manually, it still does all the functions of a regular mini itx/shuttle/etc setup.

Laptops were built for tough environments and a car environment is pretty tough. hi/low temps, vibrations, etc are many things laptops are made to withstand - so it's only natural that people put them inside their cars.

Plus, having a $300 laptop kick the *** of a $3,000 factory in-dash navi setup is a gr8 feeling. it's 1/10th of the price yet holds 100x the functionality.

I particularly wanted a nice and easily mountable/removable solution. I didn't want to make any visibly noticable mods to my dash/interior so I went with the route that made the best sense for me.

I had originally spent a little over a grand on a mini itx setup with a 7" touch screen but I sold that a couple of months later - even before installing it in the car - due to bad performance. I spent $1,000 on something that a $300 laptop could do - and do much better. That's why I went the tablet laptop route.

Whether it's a carputer or not, I frankly don't give a flying ****. It is a great tool for me in the car and a good idea doesn't necessarily need a name to be good.

ps - this thread is old. check out my updated one ----- 06 Scion xB - Tablet in the box!
- sh00k

Ps - Dear Mods - Lock This Thread! I Have Another One Going That Is More Up To Date! This Is My Old Setup!

Thank You, Moder-alis.....