Opinions on RAM Mount Accessories

[Bryan Stokes]

I'm getting ready to buy a RAM Mount and had a few questions/comments regarding the accessories. Perhaps some experienced RAM Mount users can chime in with their thoughts...

1) It appears like the front/rear retaining clips are a must ($7). It looks like the regular side clips will keep the laptop from moving during normal use, but by adding front and rear clips, it looks like the laptop would be a lot more secure while going down rough roads or in the event of a crash.

2) It looks like the optional "flat" side clips are the way to go so you can close the laptop. It also looks like the Screen Support Arm is a no-brainer too.

3) The Secure-n-Motion adds front/rear clips and a locking device to secure your laptop to the tray ($45). I guess it's a personal preference, but I don't think it's worth the money for me. I will be taking the laptop into the hotel room every night...so I just don't see much added value.

4) The power caddy. It looks like it might be nice to store your power brick, but I wonder if the added bulk on the rear of the laptop tray will get in the way if you're using a midsize passenger car?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Bryan

 

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

1) Dont worry about the front/rear clips. I just have the non-flat clips on the side and my laptop has never moved any between them at all (I have hit some serious bumps). The spring on the ram mount is really strong. My laptop is too big for those clips (front and back) to fit, so that is part of my reason not to have them.

2)The non-flat clips are fine, but the flat ones be nice if mine had came with those. If you want to close your laptop then those are a good bet, but I dont know if you will have enough clearance to close it easy. Those clips will be pressed hard on the side of your laptop. Definitely get the screen control arm.

3)Dont worry about locking it in there. My computer is never out of my view, so there is no need.

4)Thats just extra money. My power cord is long enough to leave the power block in the back floor board and run it around to the computer. You likely wont "need" it, it is just if you want it.

You may want to wait till you get your mount installed and just see what you need. You will know what suits your setup best then.

 

[Wes Carter]

I agree with the other Wesley, your laptop isn't going anywhere with the side clips. That spring is very strong and the inside of the stock clips have rubber on them so I think the laptop is very, very secure.

The only thing I want to add to mine is the quick release for the pole. I want to get rid of the pole when I'm using my car for things other than chasing. But I am going to have to get a shorter riser because the quick release adds about 2" which I don't need.

The only other thing I can think of is the screen support, but I think I'm going to redneck engineer one instead of paying for it.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Stock RAM mount works great for me! No accessories needed. Side clips are the best. I can't move my laptop one-handed if I wanted to.

 

[Dustin Wilcox]

If it's anywhere near as unstable as mine (15" Sony VAIO with Mount for 2008 Milan) you may want to consider this...

http://www.ram-mount.com/CatalogRes...rtid/082065077045070079079084050/Default.aspx

 

[Joe Dorn]

I have two RAM mounts, one in each vehicle and have had no problem with either one as far as usability and stability goes; I am not an off-roader however.

I have the screen stabilizer, USB light and battery/power tray. The USB light was a waste of money but at my age I do little or no night chasing.

I personally would not be without the power trays in my radio overloaded vehicles. All of my power comes from a Anderson Power Pole distribution block and this keeps the computer power unit out of the way of the other toys with only one wire floating around.

The tray might cause a space problem in LTC's ('Little Tiny Cars' aka 'Little Tin Cars'). In my full size older (1998)pick-up it is not a problem, In my newer (2007) Tahoe, it gets a little close.

BTW, I have a 12 to 19 volt converter for my Dell that eliminates the need for one of the RF noisy inverters...

 

[D. Hayes]

I'm rough on my ram mount since I'll go down any road, path, or trail. I agree with the others, no additional hooks needed. Get the screen arm even though I'll probably make something out of a wire coat hanger.

 

[Bryan Stokes]

Thanks everyone for the great inputs. It will save me a few bucks and also made me aware of a few accessories that I didn't know existed, such as the quick release and the stabilization foot. Of course, following the advice given to me, I'm going to go with the basic set-up w/ flat side clips and the screen arm, and then use it for awhile to see if I need anything else.

Thanks for the help!
Bryan