Laptop Holder
 

Hey guys,

Looking to make a simple yet effective way to hold my laptop in place while being secure. I have 2 ideas, very simmilar but the 2nd one..hard time trying to figure out how to make it, or where I can buy something to do this.

Location: On the back of my fold down backseats. only able to fold down backseats with key to my car

Material: 1 small sheet MDF placed between the frame of the seat, and under the fabric. 6 solid metal L brackets hold laptop in place, and bolted to the metal frame of the seat.


Idea #1

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/2...ptopholder.jpg

Using 1/4" aircraft cable it loops through the holes in the L brackets, making it improbable t be able to lift or move the laptop out of place. A loop on each end of the cable are moved together, and held in place with a pad lock.

While decent in design, I feel unloosing the cable every time I want to take the laptop out will be a pain in the ass. Also, while aircraft cable is solid and very hard to cut without very large wire cutters - Its still not as secure as a solid bar.

Idea #2

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6...topholder2.jpg

Almost the same as the first idea, except a "H" pattern of metal bar is used. A key is placed in one end, and that piece is removed, then the rest is able to be pulled out.

This idea is much easier to take out when I want it, and much more solid design and harder to steal. Just not sure how I could build something like it - Or where I could get something like this.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thoughts? Feedback?

Thanks guys,

Doc

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3...topholder3.jpg

Came up with a 3rd idea, more of a "sandwich" idea.but the metal brackets have slits to go through, then 2 locks on each side. If I use a nice thick (1"?) sheet of MDF for the top part, I think it should be fairly secure.

If you can only fold the seats down with a key, why do you need the extra security?

I would make a box with an open 'slot' at the top. Slide laptop in and use something like a gate hasp and padlock across the middle of the slot.

If you do use one of your bracket methods, be sure to screw the angles so the screws holding them to the board are under the computer. Then cover board and brackets/screws with some box carpet or something so it won't scratch the computer.

Well, after my recent break in i've decided to go "all out" with security. I figure its better to over do it...lots of "security" features this time.

- Backup battery alarm (I think if I had this part before, my stuff never would have been taken)
- Trunk is sealed, well the latch has been disconnected. Only way to open it is from inside the trunk
- Backseats only come down with my carkey
- Deck & Touchscreen monitor have aircraft cable wrapped around the hinges, and the metal chasis of the car with a padlock
- Screws bolting in my deck/touchscreen use a Torx head
- Razor blades have been placed in parts you would grab at if you would try and pull any of it out
- Boxes have been bolted (nut underneith car) to car, razor blades attached to sides & back
- Amp bolted to car, nuts underneith car, razor blades attached to side of amp rack

Anyway, I did what you suggested, i've built a small sealed box for my laptop, and am going to use a hinge on the top part with padlock. And of course, razor blades attached to edges of box.


Edit: I forgot to mention, I have foam padding i'll be lineing the inside of the box with as well as some left over vinyl to wrap it all in.
Maybe i'll be safe this time. Or worst case scenario my equiptment destroyed but leave thieves a bloody mess.

wow alot of razzor blades, be carefull someone might get cut then wait for you to pay you back.

Locks, bars, cables and the like secure your stuff......razor blades in concealed places mean you will be doing any work required in those areas of your vehicle for any reason......mechanics, detailers, body shop people will sue your ass off if they are injured while working on your car.......:smokin:

My brother-in-law the criminal injuries compensation lawyer also pointed out that a thief with a good lawyer could cause you a lot of grief over this as well......up to you if you really want to go through with it.....:dunno:

HTH

It maybe a myth, but have you heard of the burglar that broke into that house? He got the sh*t beat out of him, then sued the owner of the house he beating him up. He won too if the story is true. Then again, that was America.

I know it sucks getting stuff stolen, but if your that paranoid just get everything insured. That's what its there for. With all the traps you have, when they can't steal it they will probably destroy it while trying to take it. Would you rather see your stuff gone, or see it all left behind, but destroyed?

For the laptop, it would be stuck open, but some shops around have a bar across the top of the keyboard. simple but effective to keep them in place.

Stuff it in the glove box.

Box is pretty much complete. just in the process of bolting it to the metal frame inside my rear seats (what a pain in the ass)

As far as insurance goes, my basic insurance covers up to 1000$. After all my things are installed, i'll be getting additional insurance. Only thing that bugs me is the "degrading" time period - So they cut %'s every year older everything gets. So if I paid 1000$ for my amp, in 2 years if it gets stolen they only give me $700. Either way..still worth it.

As far as the blades go - Meh, i'll take my chances with the theif sueing me. As far as mechanics go - I only have razors put in place around my audio things..if I ever bring my car in for something they'll need access to around there...i'll make sure to tape em off and warn them before hand. Pain in the ass - But, i'd still rather be safe than sorry.

Just to let you know, setting traps is a criminal offence in Canada.

So if the guy gets cut and decides to take action, he can nail you criminally and civilly, so you will take a far worse hit. He might end up with a fine or worst case some jail time. But it would only be attempted theft under $1000 anyway. Either way he will walk away with a pile of YOUR money. Leaving you with a criminal record plus whatever fines, etc the judge throws at you.

Just thought you might want to know..

Lyle

Theft OVER $1000. Also, hard to prove i've trapped it if I were to take them out after noticing my car was broken into. It's all about what you can prove. I say he cut himself on his slim jim :).

PS they're decoration ;)