Securing a notebook

joshh385 · 08-23-2007, 12:56 AM

I've been using an old noterbook as my truck-pc for about 5 months now. Overall I'm very pleased with the setup.

One issue I am having isn't all that technical actually. The rear seat of my truck folds up in a 60/40 split and has storage space underneath. I built a custom shelf of sorts that the notebook sits on for easy access when the seat is folded up with all the wiring underneath. This all works fine, but I need a reliable way to secure the notebook to that shelf. I don't exactly want to permanately attach it there as I do remove it from time to time, but I need some way to have it stay firmly in place. I haven't had it come flying out at any time, but it will tend to shift an inch or two here and there and sometimes that causes the power supply to unplug from it... anyway, ideas/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

2k1Toaster · 08-23-2007, 01:11 AM

That 3M velcro stuff. It isnt actually velcro, it is little tiny plastic spheres on stilits that fit together really really strong. You can pick it up at RadioShack.

joshh385 · 08-23-2007, 03:07 PM

Cool, I'll give that a shot. Thanks!

DarquePervert · 08-23-2007, 03:16 PM

I'd think that heavy-duty nylon straps that secure with velcro would be a more secure method....

2k1Toaster · 08-23-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I'd think that heavy-duty nylon straps that secure with velcro would be a more secure method....

Actually these pads are incredible. You cannot just stick 'em and use. Well you can but it wont be as strong. Peel the backing, and stick it to object 1. Peel the back and stick to object 2. Put big rocks/stones/dictionaries on them for an hour or two, and then stick the two pieces together. Now this ownt work if the thing you are sticking, you cant press firmly. For example, if you put the pad under the laptop drive area, remove the actual drive so you can press down from the same piece of plastic.

If you want them in the centre, then peel and stick to object A. Put the other side snapped all the way in, and then peel the other pad. Then shove it down to wherever and leave it alone for a while.

The glue used is pretty strong. Now in a car crash it will fail, I can guarentee it. But for driving no problems.

Before I went CarPC I was the ghetto nerd with the portable dvd player stuck to my dash with 1 strip of this stuff (cut in half, so 1 stick). It never fell off. To get it off, I had to put my fingers around the dvd player, sit in the seat and use my legs to press against the dash. Of course the glue then gave with a slurp sort of sound, but the plastic sphere area itself was still together.

I use this stuff for everything now that needs light/medium securing. Oh, and the glue leaves almost no residue coming off. One wipe with the clorox pads and back to shiny new.

parksgm · 08-23-2007, 11:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

I'd think that heavy-duty nylon straps that secure with velcro would be a more secure method....

Agreed. Especially if crash-worthiness is a concern...most laptops are 5-7 pounds and could easily become lethal flying objects within the passenger compartment in a high speed accident.

Ratcheting straps very similar to this can be found in the automotive section of walmart in a two pack for ~$7.

2k1Toaster · 08-23-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by parksgm

Agreed. Especially if crash-worthiness is a concern...most laptops are 5-7 pounds and could easily become lethal flying objects within the passenger compartment in a high speed accident.

Ratcheting straps very similar to http://=http://www.truckntow.com/pop...+3012.jpg]this can be found in the automotive section of walmart in a two pack for ~$7.

I was under the impression that this was going in an under-seat compartment. It would only damage itself if in a crash.

parksgm · 08-23-2007, 11:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

I was under the impression that this was going in an under-seat compartment. It would only damage itself if in a crash.

Ah. Well in that case, 3M velrco that puppy in!

joshh385 · 08-24-2007, 02:36 PM

Correct, this would be in an under-seat compartment. There's no way it could actually come out from under the seat in an accident, etc. but it can shift enough on a sharp turn, hard break, etc. to cause it to move around more than I'd like and to occassionally unplug something or another.

The 3M product would probably do the trick. I'm tempted to see about some sort of nylon straps - maybe modify those ratcheting ones to have the kind of plastic snap connectors like you'd find on a backpack strap?

402vette · 08-25-2007, 12:38 AM

I use a Dell laptop and a docking station to secure mine, check to see if your brand of laptop has a docking station that will secure it.

popztarr · 08-25-2007, 05:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 402vette

I use a Dell laptop and a docking station to secure mine, check to see if your brand of laptop has a docking station that will secure it.

Docking stations seems to be rather expensive, don't they?

popztarr · 08-25-2007, 05:59 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Actually these pads are incredible. You cannot just stick 'em and use. Well you can but it wont be as strong. Peel the backing, and stick it to object 1. Peel the back and stick to object 2. Put big rocks/stones/dictionaries on them for an hour or two, and then stick the two pieces together. Now this ownt work if the thing you are sticking, you cant press firmly. For example, if you put the pad under the laptop drive area, remove the actual drive so you can press down from the same piece of plastic.

If you want them in the centre, then peel and stick to object A. Put the other side snapped all the way in, and then peel the other pad. Then shove it down to wherever and leave it alone for a while.

The glue used is pretty strong. Now in a car crash it will fail, I can guarentee it. But for driving no problems.

Before I went CarPC I was the ghetto nerd with the portable dvd player stuck to my dash with 1 strip of this stuff (cut in half, so 1 stick). It never fell off. To get it off, I had to put my fingers around the dvd player, sit in the seat and use my legs to press against the dash. Of course the glue then gave with a slurp sort of sound, but the plastic sphere area itself was still together.

I use this stuff for everything now that needs light/medium securing. Oh, and the glue leaves almost no residue coming off. One wipe with the clorox pads and back to shiny new.

Do you got a picturelink of this stuff that shows how it works?

402vette · 08-25-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by popztarr

Docking stations seems to be rather expensive, don't they?

I got mine for $31 shipped to me off ebay and I have audio, video, wireless keyboard and mouse, power, usb hub, and bluetooth all tied into the docking station so I can pull out the laptop easily to use at a customers office and then pop it back in the truck and latch it down for a mobile office/sound system. I think it was the smartest thing I have done in a long time....