Laptops

[serviceguy]

just bought a new laptop and was wondering what are u guys doing with them in the van...are u using some form of mounting system?if so what kind do u recommend and how much $?

[roadking]

Never mounted mine in van. I use it for control work and start-up.

[serviceguy]

i am hoping to be able to do both...along with use for maps and directions,notes,addresses,etc. ...also would like suggestions on good map programs (not on the internet)...

[midhvac]

I have one of the Toshibas which had an overheating problem. So I don't use it, but just keep it in my lap in the winter to keep Jr. from catching a cold.

[dhvac]

map program microsoft streets and trips does very well by me

[serviceguy]

ive heard that from several people so i believe thats what i am going with...anybody have any good mounting suggestions that easy to release for field work?

[roadking]

Our office says before long will be using something like what the ups drivers use to fill our work orders out with and it gets sent straight to the office.

[m kilgore]

There are many kinds to purchase. When we got our laptops we looked for awhile. Came across one that hangs on the stearing wheel when in use and hangs on the back of the passenger seat when not. Cost around $90.00 plus shipping.

The next day one of our techs came in and had made one out of copper pipe and fittings. I know it sounds goofy but the holder works great. He did say that the next one would be out of PVC as there were alot of welds with copper he he he.

There are also ones that mount on the floor but I found them to be quite costly.

Good luck with your laptop. They are great to have in the field. It would be hard to live without now.

[hacpro]

We do a lot of calls that are off the beaten path, so to speak, so we use laptops for routing purposes.

We use the Delorme 2004 mapping program with GPS.
Great program for the rural areas, the program is easy to use and will talk to you if you get off base.

Available at most electronic stores





If it ain't broke don't fix it

[Workhorse]

I use Microsoft streets and trips program for my map and to mount it in my van I use large strips of velcro. Never drive with the unit screen open, the stress from jarring of bumps and potholes will break the wire connecting the screen and keyboard. I've broke mine twice. I actually carry a printer with me to in case I need to print out a map or somethng. It sits on the floor, velcroed and plugs into the cigarette lighter when needed.

[Dowadudda]

I have been somewhat possessed with this idea. I have looked at, and taken into consideration many things. From how I would want to use it in the van, to what the most comfortable position would be. I spent a fortune trying to make mounts copying the ones that they sell. I have looked into cop cars, to Sears trucks. I have bought different set ups as all, only to rip them out.

And I have come to the conclusion. I keep mine in a 25 dollar tool breifcase, with major padding, sitting on the seat beside me. Most of the day it's open and sitting there waiting to be used. Then when I need it, I simply set the laptop on my steering wheeel, adjust screen as neccesary, let the legs in back of my laptop rest over the top of the steering wheel. Works great. All my cords and what not are wrapped and held in place with pressure style paper clips, for easy unwinding. My inverters are mounted with velcro under my seat, no way of getting me tripped up or what not. So what I thought I needed, and what I wanted which I figured was great, then be dissapointed after every new plan, it ended up where it's a matter of simplicity is what makes it work.

The Jotto Desk, do a search, they make them.

You know one thing that can get me really going is. You know we put a man on the moon like 40 years ago now. Why the heck do I need cords. Why can't I jump online wirelessy with out spending a fortune, or having different exterior rigs to make it happen. My fricken things is. I should have a hand held style PDA, that is phone, camera, full blown computer, full blown internet. I want every thing on one thing. Think about getting a fax from someone, in the middle of nowhere, then faxing back something. It comes time to pay your bills, sit back at the local Mcdonalds with a hot cup of coffee, before a very busy day. And pay your bills. Point, click. Walla.

Information, communication, corroberation.

Example. Your driving to go on a vacation. Your in the middle of nowhere. You go online to find good hotel and food in the area. You make the phone call on the same device. You get there. Relax. But you still got a little paperwork to do from the office. You accomplish all that, with the same device. You get done. Order a movie online, receive it on your PDA, plug into TV and watch your movie.

I want this device to be able to do everything we do now, but as a consilidated peice of equipment.

[JasonHoustonTX]

Originally posted by Dowadudda
I have been somewhat possessed with this idea. I have looked at, and taken into consideration many things. From how I would want to use it in the van, to what the most comfortable position would be. I spent a fortune trying to make mounts copying the ones that they sell. I have looked into cop cars, to Sears trucks. I have bought different set ups as all, only to rip them out.

And I have come to the conclusion. I keep mine in a 25 dollar tool breifcase, with major padding, sitting on the seat beside me. Most of the day it's open and sitting there waiting to be used. Then when I need it, I simply set the laptop on my steering wheeel, adjust screen as neccesary, let the legs in back of my laptop rest over the top of the steering wheel. Works great. All my cords and what not are wrapped and held in place with pressure style paper clips, for easy unwinding. My inverters are mounted with velcro under my seat, no way of getting me tripped up or what not. So what I thought I needed, and what I wanted which I figured was great, then be dissapointed after every new plan, it ended up where it's a matter of simplicity is what makes it work.

The Jotto Desk, do a search, they make them.

You know one thing that can get me really going is. You know we put a man on the moon like 40 years ago now. Why the heck do I need cords. Why can't I jump online wirelessy with out spending a fortune, or having different exterior rigs to make it happen. My fricken things is. I should have a hand held style PDA, that is phone, camera, full blown computer, full blown internet. I want every thing on one thing. Think about getting a fax from someone, in the middle of nowhere, then faxing back something. It comes time to pay your bills, sit back at the local Mcdonalds with a hot cup of coffee, before a very busy day. And pay your bills. Point, click. Walla.

Information, communication, corroberation.

Example. Your driving to go on a vacation. Your in the middle of nowhere. You go online to find good hotel and food in the area. You make the phone call on the same device. You get there. Relax. But you still got a little paperwork to do from the office. You accomplish all that, with the same device. You get done. Order a movie online, receive it on your PDA, plug into TV and watch your movie.

I want this device to be able to do everything we do now, but as a consilidated peice of equipment.

DDD,

did you ever get ESC by coastal computer corp? If so, they have a nice mobile office setup that links with ESC for laptops and hand held computers.

We are about to do a test run with one unit next month.