If you’ve ever priced laptop mounts for your car, you’ll have undoubtedly realized that they’re expensive. Luckily, you can build your own for about $30 using some PVC pipe, plywood, and velcro. It certainly doesn’t look safe to use while the car’s in motion but if you need to use your laptop in your car while parked, this project might fit the bill.

The entire process is outlined in detail over at Mike Davis’ blog, where he outfitted the cup holder in his Toyota Tacoma truck with some PVC piping built to support a plywood base upon which he can place his laptop.

Here’s a quick list of the materials used:

PVC Pipe & Fittings – $14.89
Nuts, Bolts & Washers – $0.90
Spray Paint – $4.80
Velcro – $10.69

Total – $31.28

You may already have some or more of those things around the house. And while Davis points out that he does NOT use his laptop while driving, you might want to check with your local laws to make sure something like this is even legal for your own car.

How I built a Laptop/Notebook Computer Tray for my Toyota Tacoma Pickup [mdpub.com via Make]