Installing a laptop on my toolbox...

[20-100]

Hi,

In the heavy equipment dealer where I work, most of the shop manuals and parts list are in electronic format, we have a few computers in the shop but since I have an old laptop good enough to be a document reader I want to have my own, installed on my toolbox.

I'd like to have your ideas on how I can mount a computer to my toolbox (I have a 42" rolling base with a side cabinet. If you know of existing product, let me know (I dont like the Snap-On solution, it take too much space on top of the toolbox).

I need to be able to take the laptop out (when I do road service).

All you ideas are welcome,

Regards

 

[Packard V8]

Back in the bad old days, when I worked out of an office, computers were such a new-fangled device, they came in three big pieces. The monitors were so large, the executives had theirs mounted on a heavy-duty swing arm-type mounts. Once laptops came in, those big arms moved to the supply room and then to the scrap yard. I've also seen them turn up at Goodwill, freecycle and craigslist.

Make a bracket to mount one of those swing arms off the back of the box. It will keep the computer up at eye level and away from the tools.

jack vines

 

[kmkalf]

are you worried about theft or having it fall off? but can't you take a laptop cable lock and put it around the handle of your box or make a holder out of wood or metal for the laptop to fit into with a gusset at the corners to keep it from falling out

 

[DrunkSmurf]

Maybe something along the lines of those swing up side tables you see available for toolboxes might work. You could maybe alter one or just fab something up.
An enclosed swing up box/cabinet of sorts with a lid that flipped up similar to a laptop would offer some protection.

 

[Lotek]

I just sit mine on the sidebox, if I was worried about it walking away, I wuold come up with one of those cradle lock things they put on the laptops in the store to keep the demo units from disappearing.

 

[ibedayank]

I just sit mine on the sidebox, if I was worried about it walking away, I wuold come up with one of those cradle lock things they put on the laptops in the store to keep the demo units from disappearing.

when not using it just put it in a drawer....

 

[Sterff]

I think if you had a hutch for the top you could just set it inside.

 

[Rickster]

How about mounting one of those TV swivel wall mounts to the side of your box and putting the laptop on there and then putting it in a drawer at the end of the day.

 

[20-100]

Thanks Packard V8, great idea.

I have found some pictures of those monitors arm, that is exactly what I need, i'll check tomorrow at Value Village (the Canadian equivalent of GoodWill) and some flea market. I might have to remove some of the springs (my laptop weight much less than the old monitors).

Unfortunately, I dont have enough drawer to put the laptop in one and I prefer a solution where the computer is always available and secured by a Kensington security cable.


Anyway, I'll post some pictures of the result when it will be done.

Thanks again.

 

[Lomotil]

In addition to securing it against theft, make sure to anchor it in place to prevent it from falling to the ground. Laptop parts are often more expensive than a whole new one.

Don't forget to not block the vents - one of those USB-powered 'chill pads' to rest on might not be a bad idea, either.

 

[Sureshot]

I have a few of those monitor arms stashed away if interested. Brand new. Used to mount monitors in mobile equiptment and got a decent deal once on buting a crapload.

 

[2oolhound]

In large video and IT situations there is a need for local monitoring of certain devices and programs so they make thin drawers specifically to pull out and display a flip up monitor or entire laptop. I've seen the drawers used for cheap at surplus places. Equipment racks are pretty standard 17.5" opening with the mount ears at 19". If you could mount one of those in a thin drawer it would be cool. Just remember while it is pulled out you don't have access to the drawers immediately below it.

Here are some samples. I've seen drawers for $30.00 used so don't let these prices scare you. They are about 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" deep. They may be available in red.

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/cat...&dgc=ST&cid=3852,3852&lid=1622070&p=1&x=2&y=9

 

[Toolhorder]

I'm not sure if this will help you but I've been running a laptop for quite some time now. I usually just have it under my hutch and if I need to sit down I open my drawer that has a lid and just pull up a stool.

It helps if you have a decent laptop too. I'm assuming you have an older regular laptop. You should look into a lease return toughbook. I got my CF29 for like $400 from tigerdirect and I never have to worry if it gets dropped or ran over, whatever. They haven't sold those in awhile but you can get a newer version now for about that price,
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1164988&CatId=4936

Sick laptop for shop use. No worries about it getting effed up they can take it and then some. I watched a CF19 fly off the roof of a Honda Pilot and get ran over and it still worked fine.

 

[Racr350]

I use a Panasonic ToughBook (same laptop the military uses) for both my laptop and scan tool. I have a charging station it sits on that is also lockable. I keep it in my hutch which is locked whenever I'm not there.

 

[Danglerb]

Watch for ventilation issues, but a layer of plastic wrap, saran wrap, or pallet wrap, over the keyboard and no worries keeping it clean.

 

[fireguy]

For use on the road, I just got a wireless gadget from US Cell. It plugs into a USB port. $40.00, or $50.00 a month for Hi Speed, reception any place the cell phone works. The gadget is $50.00, free for business use. Amazingly, the gadget works. I am typing this in a motel that has lousy wireless.

 

[outcast]