How to Mount a Laptop to a Flat Screen TV

Follow these instructions to make a homemade bracket to mount your laptop to a flat screen TV as part of a home media center setup.

EditSteps

1. 1
   Investigate. What bolts does your TV require? Search your manual (or the web) for how to mount your TV.
2. 2
   Measure your laptop's width. Your vertical pieces must be longer by about an inch so you will be able to slide the laptop in and out.
3. 
   3
   Measure your laptop's height. It will have to fit between two bolted together angle irons.
4. 
   4
   Measure your laptop's length. Make sure to leave room to open your CD drive and for any cables you need to attach!
5. 
   5
   Ensure the parts all fit together as planned.
6. 
   6
   Build a box. Thread the 12mm bolts up through the angle irons so that it fill be as flush as possible to the tv when completed
7. 
   7
   Attach the second bottom piece. This will create the holder for the laptop itself.
8. 
   8
   Attach your mount to the TV. Use the 20mm bolts and secure to the top two VESA mounts on your tv.
9. 
   9
   Enjoy!

EditTips

• Make sure you set your laptop to do nothing when you close the lid.
• Get a nice wireless keyboard/mouse which is strong enough to go through the TV.
• 
  Secure? This laptop fit snugly in the bottom, however if yours is more svelte you can attach some 550cord using a slip knot and tighten as necessary.
• Make sure you only are using the external display (the TV.)
• Turning on/off is a pain. Allow your laptop to sleep and allow it to be woken by USB devices.
• Depending on the size of your tv and weight of the laptop you should ensure this will be stable. A lower center of gravity is always better.
• Some TVs put out more heat than others (Plasma>LCD>LED) I haven't noticed any cooling issues but, it is something to take in to consideration
• Get a USB IR receiver and a universal remote that supports HTPC's (the URC-WR7 is GREAT)