Ragingfish's Latest Invention!

[ragingfish]

I was bored today, and after using my notebook in the car yesterday for navigational purposes, I started browsing the internet for some sort of ideal solution to let my computer sit on the seat, but be held in place so it didn't go flying anytime I stopped or turned sharply. My solution prior to now had been to wrap the seatbelt around the screen. Not only was I uneasy about that because I was afraid a sharp enough turn might cause the screen to jerk in a not-so-nice way, but it also obstructed my view of on-screen maps, which, when in motion, needed to be easy to see in as short a time as possible.So I found other things on the internet for over $100, and they did what I wanted, but also lots more than I wanted. And for the love of god, they cost over $100! I saw another guy had made a dash-mounted notebook rack, and the way he made that gave me some thoughts.I had some cut pieces of modular shelving left over from when we reorganized our closets this past summer, as well as a cart on wheels that was years old, and didn't stay together anymore. Taking those, and a few hours and some patience, I finally developed what I think is a pretty slick solution. It compensates for the slope in the bucket of the seat to keep the PC level. All I need to do to secure my computer is secure the "rack" to the seat by affixing a bungee to each end, and wrapping it around the rear of the seat. The raised sides on the other parts of the rack keep the PC from sliding forward or towards the door, and the rubber feet on the bottom of the computer fall into the holes in the grid, which keeps it from flying towards me, while still making all the buttons accessible. The open grid in the shelving also leaves the back USB ports accessible for the GPS antenna, and on the side, I was able to cut a heavier shelf in such a fashion that the CD drive can open and pop through the grid, without compromising the integrity of the side support system.I'm not usually good at these things, but I have to admit, I'm pretty damn impressed with my finished product!!! 8) Oh, and the cost? Well, one could probably make something similar for less than $20. All that is used is shelving and - god's gift to mankind - plastic zip ties. Some pics:The rack in the seat:The bungee that holds it in place:Notebook PC in place:Some other rack shots that show you how it is assembled:The DVD/CD drive can still be accessed without removing the computer from the rack:The back USB port can still be accessed to allow the GPS antenna to be connected:As always, I apologize for the ever-so-crappy quality of my camera in low-light conditions. I'll try to get some better pics in the daytime tomorrow.

[SeattleJeremy]

Looks highly functional, albeit a little ghetto when not accompanied by the lappy. Did you round off all the cut ends so they don't pull your cloth seat apart? I wish my Vibe had a net on the back of the seat

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Jeremy96gase »Looks highly functional, albeit a little ghetto when not accompanied by the lappy. Did you round off all the cut ends so they don't pull your cloth seat apart?Nah, wasn't really able to. They make little caps you can stick on the end of the cut ends to eliminate that issue. I'll pick up a package tomorrow.Quote »I wish my Vibe had a net on the back of the seat I never use it cause I'm afraid of stretching it.

[AKLGT]

LOL. you know they do make auto desks. i had one for a while til i went to the car pc (that i hardly use)

[redlava]

A very nice working prototype. You better get that thing patented before somebody less trustworthy sees it.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »LOL. you know they do make auto desks. yeah, but i wasn't willing to pay those insane prices!

[Kari]

Where, oh where would ragingfish be without his zip ties? Pretty ingenious invention there...simple and cheap, and does the job.

[WaveAction]

that looks pretty neat...should try to invent one that is more in the center console..like those of a cop car..so you dont have to take your eyes off the road to long..or if you have a passanger

[AKLGT]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »yeah, but i wasn't willing to pay those insane prices!ebay my friend. i paid less than $100 SHIPPED to AK! and then i gave it away since i couldn't get rid of the darn thing!

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by AKLGT »ebay my friend. i paid less than $100 SHIPPED to AK! and then i gave it away since i couldn't get rid of the darn thing!Yeah, but $100 is still a lot more expensive than what it cost raging to make one out of stuff he already had!

[AKLGT]

yes, but speaking from experience. where the laptop is located on the seat, it will be very difficult to actually use. Even the autodesk was a real PITA to deal with. hard to see the screen or get to the keyboard at that angle. even parked, i had to twist all wierd to even type. however, for functionality and ingenuity, gotta give Raging two !

[ragingfish]

my primary goal is to safely hold the computer for GPS navigation. Since the software does voice navigation, I don't really *need* to look over at it. But I was uneasy using the seatbelt to hold the pooter because it wasn't very secure and risked damage to the screen.since the computer just sits in the "basket" it makes it easy for me to just grab the notebook and go to work if i need to check something while stopped or whatnot.

[AKLGT]

oh ok. i see. ya, i wouldn't rely on the seat belt to hold it in place. people are one thing, but laptops are another.

[kostby]

And it'll do a GREAT job of holding pizzas and quesadillas when you're NOT using it for the computer!

[NascarXprt]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »....................and - god's gift to mankind - plastic zip ties. lol. but very great i dea Raging makin use of what you have and making it practical too.

[Vibr8tr]

Yeah.... too bad you don't have a plug in your dash for it anymore though

[Whelan]

my gf's brother has that car pc carrier thing in his Tahoe, its awesome. I got one for my buddy for his oil service business too.

[ToolGuy]

Looks great! Great job! Good stuff!

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by Vibr8tr »Yeah.... too bad you don't have a plug in your dash for it anymore though that's ok, my dell has an adapter that lets me plug into a car's 12V accessory port. no household outlet needed!

[Vibr8tr]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »that's ok, my dell has an adapter that lets me plug into a car's 12V accessory port. no household outlet needed! Cheater.... But as long as it works. That is cool that you made that bracket though. very thoughtful.