"Nathan W. Collier" wrote:  "I've recently purchased the microsoft streets &
trips with the USB plug in GPS receiver
(http://www.microsoft.com/streets/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=001) and plan to
use it in my '05 dually but need a laptop mount.  i found a
no-drill application specifically for the dodge ram
http://www.laptopdeskstore.com/chrysler-laptop-desk/dodge-truck-laptop-desk/dodg
e-truck-laptop-desk-c400-ram3500.htm
but before spending nearly $400 (mount, screen holder/light accessory,
shipping) i want to explore all my options.  i found a cheaper universal
no-drill (http://tinyurl.com/sxb2v) but im unsure how universal it can
really be.  i dont want to drill my truck, of that im sure.  Any other
recommendations?
thanks."

Either one would work but the one made for your truck looks sturdy compared
to the universal.  Neither would require drilling as the legs extend under
your passenger seat and held in place with existing seat bolts.

I had one in a police car once that was a no drill option and they work
good.

Sarge

GPS? Welcome to the 90's, Nate!  *g*

I tried a few mounts (we use the DeLorme Street Atlas) and decided that we
really didn't want one....
A couple of factors involved were that anywhere we put it, it seemed to be in
line of fire for an air bag, (picture the laptop and mount getting shoved into
someone's check), and that with the voice option and a $15 headset you don't
really have to see the screen..

The one for $300 looks sturdy and a bit overkill for just the GPS, but if it's
also going to be used in your business for service records or something, it
would probably be a good investment..

I find that the times that we use the GPS, that there are at least 2 people
along and it gives the one not driving something to do on trips... we just set
it on the center arm rest when the screen is in use and in the back seat the
rest of the time..
We use an FM modulator with it so we can hear the directions through the truck
stereo..
Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

Nathan, I'd be very interested in hearing how that setup
works.  Please keep us informed if you don't mind.

I have a laptop and a GPS system that I was planning to use, but was
concerned about how much space it would take (my truck is smaller, a
Dakota). Instead of mounting the laptop I bought a Dell Axim 51 handheld
PC and the Dell GPS system to go with it. The Dell GPS system had a
suction cup mount that is rock solid, mounts to the windshield, and
hasn't dropped off in over 3,000 miles since I got it.  The DC adapter
for the GPS also charges the handheld PC at the same time. The handheld
PC connects to the internet either via bluetooth or wireless, and is
also a PDA and plays music, either thru headphones, bluetooth, or FM
transceiver (sold separately). The whole assembly cost about $300 for
the Axim (some Axim 51's as low as $239) and another $160 for the GPS
kit and mount.

Palm has a PDA/GPS complete kit for $399 that has the mounting kit
included. Not as flexible as the Dell Axim, but the price of the whole
contraption at $399 is about what you were talking about for just a
laptop holder.

Palm GPS kit:
http://www.palm.com/us/products/handhelds/tungsten-e2/index_gps.epl

Dell Axim and GPS:
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/axim_x51_416?c=us&c
s=19&l=en&s=dhs
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/PopupProductDetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=310-
6926&price=161

The smaller screens won't provide as much information as the larger
laptop screens, but at least it's another option that can easily be
moved from car to car, and is in the price range of the mounting kit you
pointed out. If you're only mounting the laptop in the truck to access
GPS, these handheld PCs might do the trick, but if you're looking to do
more (like emails, work, other stuff) then the small handhelds wouldn't
be as user friendly as the laptop.

John

I have a 2005 3500 CTD.  We mounted our laptop by obtaining two long velcro
straps (Lowes) which we wrapped around the console/arm rest lid.  We then
obtained four stick on circles (velcro) for the bottom of the computer.  The
straps are arranged to catch the circles, and it holds the laptop very
solidly, and it can be oriented for either the passenger or driver/or both.
It works very well with very little modification or jacking around.

Phil