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  #1  
Old 01-22-2010, 10:21 AM
frankstallone's Avatar
Opulence Spreader
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Somerset, NJ
Posts: 501
Cool Laptop Mounts in your Mercedes

You can't even lie 90% of you Mercedes Geeks on here are also IT technicians or have your hand in it. It's okay, your secret is safe with me...

I am taking a trip down to Florida soon and want to entertain the passengers by mounting my MacBook Pro to my 1987 300TD. I have done this before while driving down to TN years ago, the kit I bought off a co-worker and I found it here on eBay still being sold today. I accidentally ruined the plexiglass top and I am in the market for a new one and see a few other options out there.

Here are the pros and cons of the system I originally had:

Pros
  • Strong (made out of pluming piping)
  • Can drive with laptop open
  • Fun to have 15.4" (MSN Maps) GPS Directions =)
  • Holds position well after hitting bumps
  • Plexiglass stand has lip with soft sill for laptop to sit on
Cons
  • Heavy (piping)
  • Mercedes seat mount not accessible for laptop mount
  • Rigid (only allows so much movement)
  • Not easily collapsible
  • Not easily removable
What is interesting about the Mercedes is the seat mounts are well hidden compared to the other American and Japanese cars I have mounted that original laptop mount to so unfortunately I would have to seriously grind down the mount which I don't care to do if I can find another (hopefully better) solution.

Others Options

Auto Truck Car Laptop Computer NB GPS Mount Stand Table
  • $100
  • Looks Nimble (easily positionable)
  • Doesn't look as sturdy
  • May not hold position while driving
  • Even states on auction that it is not made to use while driving
COOLER Vehicle Car Laptop Notebook NB Mount Stand Table
  • $120
  • Looks Nimble (easily positionable)
  • USB Fans (Questionable as to whether they are worth it)
  • 4 USB Expansion Hub (Powered cable provided, clever idea IMHO)
  • Ventilated Aluminum Stand
  • Easily Removed
  • Uses Camera Mount System (Doubles as a camera mount)
  • One year limited warranty
  • Does say for your safety do not use while driving but does not say it is not made for it unlike the one above
A Suction Cup Type Mount with Laptop Tray
  • Clever design uses dash for leverage
  • Created for Netbooks really (under 12")
  • Dash damage after bumps?

I am not sure how well those Joint Knobs will hold up over bumps on the first two, that would be one of the main questions in my mind. There are companies out there that sell $100+ mounting systems and mounting systems for laptops in official vehicles that mount to carpet less floors and metal custom center consoles but I do not need anything that crazy (or destructive to the interior).

  • What do you guys think?
  • What is your experience?


__________________
'87 300TD Estate (Panzer Wagon, Sold)
'95 E320 Estate (Sabertooth, Sold)
'94 E500 (Stark 1, For Sale)
'04 VW GTI (Rhino, Sold)
'12 VW GTI Autobahn (Shadow)
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  #2  
Old 01-22-2010, 10:49 AM
rrgrassi's Avatar
mmmmmm Diesel...
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Royse City Tx
Posts: 5,177
I am the "IT Shop" for a smal mfg company. I still do not use a GPS or want a PC mounted in my car.
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70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K
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  #3  
Old 01-22-2010, 10:57 AM
Craig
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Posts: n/a
I've never bothered mounting a laptop in a car, but mr kids sometimes bring laptops and/or portable DVD players on long car/plane trips. You will get better battery life from your MacBook if you rip some DVDs to the harddrive instead of using the optical drive.
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  #4  
Old 01-22-2010, 10:59 AM
Aquaticedge's Avatar
Bump on a log
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: See Biography
Posts: 3,148
I'll see who made mine. I had a computer controlled Frequency scanner and had one, I got one for my 87 wagon
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1987 300TD 311,000M Stolen. Presumed destroyed
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  #5  
Old 01-22-2010, 10:59 AM
Crazy_Nate's Avatar
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Hampton Roads
Posts: 567
Your passengers have hands, right?
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1982 240D, sold 9/17/2008
1987 300D Turbo
W124.133 - 603.960, 722.317 - Smoke Silver Metallic / Medium Red (702/177), acquired 8/15/2009
262,715 and counting
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  #6  
Old 01-22-2010, 10:59 AM
okyoureabeast's Avatar
Rogue T Tolerant
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: North America
Posts: 1,675
Instead of looking like a cop, how about you mount something in dash?

Get a Mac Mini or some other small form factor computer and install it right inside your dash panel. Then you can have all of the TV, dvd, internet, GPS, music, goodies you want.

I wonder if any one has taken the time to actually install a carputer into a w123, 124, or 126.
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  #7  
Old 01-22-2010, 11:00 AM
Crazy_Nate's Avatar
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Location: Hampton Roads
Posts: 567
Quote:
Originally Posted by okyoureabeast View Post
I wonder if any one has taken the time to actually install a carputer into a w123, 124, or 126.
Perhaps it is the lack of a computer that may draw people to these vehicles?
__________________
1982 240D, sold 9/17/2008
1987 300D Turbo
W124.133 - 603.960, 722.317 - Smoke Silver Metallic / Medium Red (702/177), acquired 8/15/2009
262,715 and counting
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  #8  
Old 01-22-2010, 11:02 AM
elchivito's Avatar
ĦAy Jodido!
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rancho Disparates
Posts: 4,075
Guess I'm part of the non IT ten percent here. Personally I think laptops, GPS etc. are the same kind of distractions that cell phones are. The cool factor is important I guess to some. It does look cool....
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
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  #9  
Old 01-22-2010, 11:15 AM
daw_two's Avatar
diesel enthusiast
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 5,449
My laptop always travels inside the carrying case; in the backseat or trunk. I'll have it with me this weekend in Nashville.
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Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more
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  #10  
Old 01-22-2010, 11:27 AM
okyoureabeast's Avatar
Rogue T Tolerant
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: North America
Posts: 1,675
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crazy_Nate View Post
Perhaps it is the lack of a computer that may draw people to these vehicles?

Ahh but it's not a computer driving the engine. It's an engine driving the computer

Ahh, my young ricer ways. I must fight them!
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  #11  
Old 01-22-2010, 12:03 PM
MBZ123's Avatar
So F&@%ING Hollywood Baby
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 326
Whoooooaaa MAN!

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaiz3n View Post
You can't even lie 90% of you Mercedes Geeks on here are also IT technicians or have your hand in it. It's okay, your secret is safe with me...

I am taking a trip down to Florida soon and want to entertain the passengers by mounting my MacBook Pro to my 1987 300TD. I have done this before while driving down to TN years ago, the kit I bought off a co-worker and I found it here on eBay still being sold today. I accidentally ruined the plexiglass top and I am in the market for a new one and see a few other options out there.

Here are the pros and cons of the system I originally had:

Pros
  • Strong (made out of pluming piping)
  • Can drive with laptop open
  • Fun to have 15.4" (MSN Maps) GPS Directions =)
  • Holds position well after hitting bumps
  • Plexiglass stand has lip with soft sill for laptop to sit on
Cons
  • Heavy (piping)
  • Mercedes seat mount not accessible for laptop mount
  • Rigid (only allows so much movement)
  • Not easily collapsible
  • Not easily removable
What is interesting about the Mercedes is the seat mounts are well hidden compared to the other American and Japanese cars I have mounted that original laptop mount to so unfortunately I would have to seriously grind down the mount which I don't care to do if I can find another (hopefully better) solution.

Others Options

Auto Truck Car Laptop Computer NB GPS Mount Stand Table
  • $100
  • Looks Nimble (easily positionable)
  • Doesn't look as sturdy
  • May not hold position while driving
  • Even states on auction that it is not made to use while driving
COOLER Vehicle Car Laptop Notebook NB Mount Stand Table
  • $120
  • Looks Nimble (easily positionable)
  • USB Fans (Questionable as to whether they are worth it)
  • 4 USB Expansion Hub (Powered cable provided, clever idea IMHO)
  • Ventilated Aluminum Stand
  • Easily Removed
  • Uses Camera Mount System (Doubles as a camera mount)
  • One year limited warranty
  • Does say for your safety do not use while driving but does not say it is not made for it unlike the one above
A Suction Cup Type Mount with Laptop Tray
  • Clever design uses dash for leverage
  • Created for Netbooks really (under 12")
  • Dash damage after bumps?

I am not sure how well those Joint Knobs will hold up over bumps on the first two, that would be one of the main questions in my mind. There are companies out there that sell $100+ mounting systems and mounting systems for laptops in official vehicles that mount to carpet less floors and metal custom center consoles but I do not need anything that crazy (or destructive to the interior).

  • What do you guys think?
  • What is your experience?

[STEPPING into flame retardant safety suit=MBZ123] Who you callin a liar? I ain't lyin' when I say you paid way too much for that laptop! Desktop support tech + mac = ? Hmmmm (scratching head) Now you wanna go kludge up the benzo? Ooooooweeee! Then jump on the intastate and one hand it down the coast? Better let everyone know when this takin' place, 'cause I sure don' wanna be on that stretch of road.[/STEPPING out of suit]

Seriously, I don't see the response going quite as you've anticipated, no offense. Reading your post was giving me flashbacks of years ago rollin around doin the ol' wardrivin, errr, I mean research. Still use that same old dell p4m lappy for work these days. Way more than enough horsepower to get it done. Ahhh, Ssh, she certainly is no piggy. Just assure us please you won't go permanently modding the lovely innards of your ride. That would be most disappointing. For a second there, I was picturing you throwing tracks on it and 1" thick armor plate all around, tank style, you know. You said plumbing components, you mean steel? Wow, man hope everything's nice and secure. Seems like overkill, what else are you looking to get done (when you're supposed to be focused on the road, now) that a small handheld sub$100 garmin won't solve. Think I may be missing something here.

As a network/systems eng., damn things rule my life. If I gotta hear "In one point three miles bear right onto highway..." one more time things'll get hairy, for sure. Sanctuary = my time in the 123 and no destination. Total point and drive.

Crazy_Nate = dead on the head.

Now how do you 'splain them mohawk grenades, fool?

FNHB
__________________
1987 300SDL "Rhona" 218k
1986 300SDL "Johanna" 166k - Abducted 5/15 outta SFV Reward 4 info
1984 300TD "Petra" 212k - Parts yard pirate, arrrrgh
1982 300CD "FrankenFemme" 178k - Eyes only TS-XWRKS transplant abomination (loc. classified)
1980 230CE "Lulu" aka "Terminal" 277k - Dying the slow death
1985 300CD "Gerda" 203k - She ain't playin' SOLD
1983 300TD "Svetlana" 240k...and pleading for more. SOLD


"What a heavy load Einstein must've had...F&@%!NG morons everywhere!" - David Lynch
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  #12  
Old 01-22-2010, 12:07 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: DFW area (north side)
Posts: 1,288
I took a long trip with the grandkids. They watched DVD movies as we traveled on a combination DVD/TV. I removed the front passenger seat and mounted it in the passenger footwell. Not visible when parked and the kids loved the limousine type feel of having a lot of space in front of them. I should have taken some pictures. It was an easy and undoable method. 4 bolts and the seat is out.
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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-benz-cars-sale/296386-fs-1-owner-83-mb-300d-turbo-rebuild-parts.html
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  #13  
Old 01-22-2010, 12:08 PM
moon161's Avatar
Formerly of Car Hell
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Buffalo NY
Posts: 2,057
Visible driver distractions are illegal in some states, I think alaska. NYS has a DNT TXT N DRV law, so does PA. I think TXT N DRV is a primary offense in some parts of the buffalo area- you don't need to blow a stop sign, hit someone or be speeding, TXT N DRV is enough to get pulled over. There have been a few over the center fatalities blamed on TXT N DRV in the area. So remember that when it's time for NO ILY MORE.

pron visible to others outside the car will get you a ticket as well.

For me POST N DRV is the definate hazard, I would prefer a mount in the glove box or rear seat.

That being said, pulling the cold air vents and dash mounting seems logical for a display mount. I believe aW123 taxi dash does this and has a hood where a taxi meter would go. Butcher a cracked dash and shape & fair the bump w/ great stuff or light bondo & spraypaint, sew a dash mat from carpet or pleather and scootguard. Make sure the carputer and display get cooling air, prolly just fix the fresh air vent open and blow it into the cavity.
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All things are burning, know this and be released.

82 Benz 240 D, Kuan Yin
12 Ford Escape 4wd

You're four times
It's hard to
more likely to
concentrate on
have an accident
two things
when you're on
at the same time.
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Last edited by moon161; 01-22-2010 at 12:17 PM.
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  #14  
Old 01-22-2010, 01:09 PM
Craig
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Posts: n/a
Quote:
Originally Posted by okyoureabeast View Post
Instead of looking like a cop, how about you mount something in dash?

Get a Mac Mini or some other small form factor computer and install it right inside your dash panel. Then you can have all of the TV, dvd, internet, GPS, music, goodies you want.

I wonder if any one has taken the time to actually install a carputer into a w123, 124, or 126.
I can accomplish most of that by just sticking an iPhone in a car cradle; very cheap and easy.
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  #15  
Old 01-22-2010, 03:50 PM
okyoureabeast's Avatar
Rogue T Tolerant
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: North America
Posts: 1,675
Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig View Post
I can accomplish most of that by just sticking an iPhone in a car cradle; very cheap and easy.
So can I with my blackberry and a cassette adapter.

But where is the fun in that?

I've been wanting to buy a new head unit with bluetooth A2DP and the handsfree profile. I would love be able to wirelessly stream music and make phone calls over the sound system.

But that is a different discussion for a different thread.

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