Computer Desk, Table, mount, etc mod??

[dave_in_delaware]

In case no one over here saw my computer location thread in the "Electrical" section, I thought I'd ask here:

For those of you who take your computer along in your SMB... where exactly do you put it? What setup have you found to work best, is most comfortable, etc?

Did you build a desk for it? Did you mount it somewhere? Do you just put it on your lap?

I'm talking specifically about where you would put something like a tower unit and flatscreen monitor (and keyboard)... and any additional special requirements you have for it (internet access, inverter, extra battery, etc). But if you have a laptop I'd like to hear from you, too!!

Thanks for your help!

[Scalf77]

Dave,

I have installed an Aopen PCmini in my SMB. I started a thread here
http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=758. I have changed my mounting and am going about documenting it. I am still in the process of adding some new things, one being rearview camera. After I get that installed I will update the post with the new mounting. I basically went out and purchased some Barry Control Mounts ( they use in Tanks and etc. mounting electrical equipment ). I am hoping to have the camera mounted this weekend, so I will probably update the post then.

Greg

[kzemach]

I'm all about the laptop. MUCH lower power usage, unless you are an electrical genius and have bypassed the AC part and tapped DC converted directly into the PC. My laptop on full blast using DC-DC uses 10W less than if it was on AC; a Desktop and commensurate screen will use a lot more. I'd wager that a full desktop and monitor, plus required inverter overhead will be costing you between 100 and 150W. That's almost an entire solar panel running full time to make up the desktop/laptop power requirements difference. See:

http://sportsmobileforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=139

As for where, being a laptop it's easy. However, I prefer to sit on the RHS of the bench seat and use my flip out table top mod. Following pic is food, not laptop obviously...



PS: The cost of a new laptop can be offset by the full size solar panel you won't have to buy.

[Greg In Austin]

We are dedicating a portion of one cabinet for a future mounted PC. Our TV will double as a monitor. The TV will be able to mount in 2 or 3 spots. We will also have a RAM mount up front for a Laptop. We will use the laptops exclusively until we determine what we want exactly for a permanent pc.

.

[mmocken]

My laptop
- For storage it goes in the seat-back-pocket.
- In use, it goes anywhere needed.

We use it as a TV(with usb tv tuner), then it gets mouned on a tray in the dinette area. The tray is where the 9" TV cabinet was before I removed it. This allows me to hook up to the power and antenna booster that was in the cabinet.

Laptops make much more sense for a SMB. The battery prevents sudden shutdowns and the poweer requirements are lower.

It can also double as your TV for under $100. I bought the EyeTV hybrid and it came with a remote control and recording software.