I've had a RAM Mount for my laptop for almost 3 years and love it!
Pics:
Without the computer.
As a side note, the big black patch on the dash is the fabric part of Velcro. I covered the entire dash access cover with it so I can stick accessories up there without them sliding around. On top of that is my X-Monitor.
I turned the mount to show the underside -- I've been meaning to paint those mounting bolts black since the install...
I did have to drill 4 holes in the doghouse and the 4" mount covers the entire ash tray area. I intentionally got the large mount to distribute the load without causing undue stress to any one point. It doesn't block the cup holders or the other slot, though.
The arm is about 6" long and uses the larger ball, 1.5" or 2". It can be swiveled for use by either the driver or the passenger and doesn't block the the drivers' view when positioned properly.
With the computer mounted.
Computer lid closed.
Computer lid open.
After over 50k miles of use, the mount has had zero problems.
The RAM Mount comes with 4 clamps to hold your computer in place but when I installed the rear 2, it wouldn't let me close the computer lid. As you can see in the pictures, I only use the front 2 clamps and it hold the computer fine. I added a black bungee cord towards the rear of the mount as insurance (the computer slips underneath it) but it really isn't necessary.
I recently noticed the RAM now has new arms for this mount that are straight, rather than the curved ones I have. I'm thinking about adding those arms, as well as a screen stabilizer. The laptop screen has gotten a little loose after 3 years of automotive use, although it still stays open and/or closed by itself.
I use MS Streets and Trips with USB GPS for mobile mapping (installed on the hard drive), MAPTECH and/or TOPO! maps when necessary (on CD's) plus I connect the audio out to my stereo for listening to MP3's on the road.
Last year, I purchased a wireless air card so I now also have broadband internet access anyplace I can get Sprint cell phone coverage.