Surface Pro 4 as Navigation tool

[Borec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Borec]

Hi,
I have a new SurfacePro4 (from work), that I want to use it with OziExplorer for navigation. Looking into how best to attach it to the dash/floor/windscreen of my 120. I have looked into the RAM mounts, pretty expensive, but short of doing some custom job, which I cannot since I do not have a welding machine (I might get some soon and start learning how to weld, I might be handy), that might be the only option.
Has anybody installed SurfacePro in their 120?
Thank you
Borec

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

The surface pro 4 doesn't have inbuilt GPS - you'll need a GPS dongle.

Its similar in weight to an Ipad 2 so any of those solutions should work. . A few people used to mount them from a suction mount and rest the bottom on the dash in front of the clock. I do remember seeing Velcro used somewhere.

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...one-in-a-prado

Or check out ClicOn. You need a mount + holder. http://www.holdmyphone.com.au/holder....html?cat=2765

I have the centre mount for my iPhone 6, but not sure if it would take the weight of a surface.

http://www.holdmyphone.com.au/mounts...html?mode=grid

You could also get an Ram triple suction mount and clic on holder for example.

Or get creative: http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...illbilly-Style

[Greenie Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Greenie]

Something like this maybe?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-Floor...cAAOSwd4tUKSlw

[Borec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Borec]

The surface pro 4 doesn't have inbuilt GPS - you'll need a GPS dongle.

Got the dongle already

I have looked through most of these, problem is that surface is somewhat larger and heavier, the RAM mount will work, but it is expensive (liek $300, if you put all the parts I would need together)

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

iPad 2 is 600g, the Surface 4 is 730-780g depending on processor so its not that different. But those who had Ipad 2's usually suction cupped them to the windscreen but rested the bottom of the pad on the dash/console so the weight was supported.

Surface Pro 3 is almost similar in size to the 4. So something like the Arkon would work. http://www.arkon.com.au/arkon/arkon-...tab-cm117.html

How are you going to power the surface? I could never find a suitable car charger?

[Borec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Borec]

How are you going to power the surface? I could never find a suitable car charger?

Ya there is not one, will have to get inverter, thinking about putting in a roof console, and having the inverter there (as I expect getting water in the car in deep water crossings, so do not want it under the seat) and have cabling running into some part of a dashboard, so I can just plug it in, it is bit of a long term project.

Those hold my phone brackets look good, I will try to find out if they will hold the surface properly and most importantly will not vibrate on corrugation.

[skeliher Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close skeliher]

I have a Surface Pro 4 which I have used as a nav tool with OziExplorer and a Garmin dongle - it works very well (I have an inverter under the passenger seat) but I have the same problem as you. I have only used it resting on the passenger seat but am looking to install a bracket. I'm also with you in thinking that none that I have seen look as if they are going to withstand the bouncing around on sand tracks (my favourite). I'm thinking of having one made for a 120.

I can't understand why every manufacturer that I have seen want to have the computer rigidly sitting on an arm - what I need is some joints like you find in a steadicam so the mount can smoothly absorb most of the vibrations while holding the laptop fairly steady.

[JGD Member Find all posts View Profile Close JGD]

I used a RAM laptop mount for my tablet for many years - the RAM Pod 3. Will easily survive all the tracks.

[Borec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Borec]

I am tempted to buy this, but I reckon it will not be stable enough

http://www.arkon.com.au/arkon/arkon-...t-tab-fsm.html

[Borec Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Borec]

I used a RAM laptop mount for my tablet for many years - the RAM Pod 3. Will easily survive all the tracks.

That looks good too,
also this

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-316-HD-202U

with

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-UN11U

But looking at over $300