Inside or Out, RAM's Your Electronics Mount

 

Often times, work trucks are outfitted from bumper to bumper with products to get the job done; few frills and all business. Ever look up the word ‘useful’ in the dictionary? Being beneficial or of practical use is what you’d find. Much like the work trucks that see many folks through their work day, RAM is exactly that, useful. There are a lot of companies designing products for practically every square inch of the modern utility vehicle. RAM has found its niche in the mounting of electronics. And take a look around, electronics are literally everywhere. Seen and unseen, they are an integral part of everyday work life. Over the past decade, RAM has been quietly making a name for themselves by providing some of the most useful, practical, and durable mounting products available. Inside the vehicle or out, RAM has a mount to do the job.

Work Truck Fleets are putting some of their most sophisticated equipment in the cab these days. Offering professionals a complete line of products that make a mobile office not only functional, but comfortable was not always easy. Now however, turning a vehicle into a mobile office that is nearly as comfortable as a home office is not hard to achieve. Given some of the tough on-the-job decisions that need to be made, RAM may be the easiest one to make. The RAM Tele-Pole Systems with vehicle specific no-drill bases are the no nonsense approach to integration of mobile electronics and automobiles, especially laptops. Here are just a few of the ways they kept it simple. The patent pending Tele-Pole design allows for super simple adjustment with a single knob that is easy to grasp. Turn a little for swing adjustment, turn a little more for height adjustment. And the universal ball and socket is the most simple of all. No slipping, just gripping, and shock and vibration are dampened as well. All that and perfect viewing angles. And we all know that viewing angles and ergonomics are a big deal. Twisting your body for typing or stretching you neck over to see the screen does nothing but cause fatigue and back aches.

With all this to offer, RAM Mounting Systems made it no longer necessary for you to adjust to your laptop in your truck. With a RAM System that is specifically designed for your rig and needs, your laptop will adjust to you. Since no two people are alike, it only makes sense to provide mounting platforms that are fully adjustable and easy to place in the most ergonomic location. RAM does just that and at a price that appears to be unmatched in the industry. Whether the laptop is used from the passenger side or driver side, the swing arm systems provide easy access and viewing.

Supporting all of this durable convenience is an attractive metal base that is custom fit for the truck whether it is owned or leased. The foundation for any structure will determine its performance. While RAM products are typically die cast aluminum, the no-drill bases that are offered are made of steel. Since these bases’ common installation point is down where they will be kicked and have things like tools and equipment thrown on them, durability is key. Steel with a black powder coat finish in a sense says, “Bring it on!” Custom made to fit specific vehicle makes and models, installation is straight forward as previously mentioned, and requires few tools. Built for a lifetime of use, finding a better quality product anywhere at any price may prove to be challenging.

 

RAM’s offerings are between $170 and $210 for most kits and surprisingly, kits for foreign made trucks are as common as domestics. Kits typically include a custom metal base that is vehicle specific and requires no drilling to install. Common everyday tools such as a box end wrench, socket wrench, or screw driver facilitate the install. Some kits come with either a fixed or adjustable riser depending on the vehicle. These are great in that they allow the installer to put the telescoping pedestal in an optimal location. Kits come with a double swing arm assembly so the mounted device can be easily accessed by both passenger and driver as the need arises. Using a minimum of components but offering a maximum amount of function is a RAM trademark. Speaking of trademarks, at the end of the double swing arms is what got it all started for RAM, the rubber ball and socket. At first glance, it’s obvious that this feature will provide great viewing angles. It is only after you’ve had a chance to use it that you realize that ergonomics just got easy. Putting the keyboard just where you need it so typing is not such a chore and having the swing arms place the laptop at a comfortable distance means less stretching and stressing the body. Hidden inside that rubber ball and socket is also shock and vibration dampening that any electronic device can appreciate.

The RAM Universal Laptop tray is ideally suited to countless applications. Besides Laptops, many Tablet PC’s can find a home here as well. Built to last and designed to accommodate practically every laptop made, this problem solver sits a-top thousands of RAM No-drill systems world wide. Four retaining arms can be positioned both vertically and horizontally to secure a laptop in all the right places. Add or remove arms as needed and place them so access to ports and function remains. Spring loaded, this tray applies just the right amount of force inward and downward to keep the laptop safe and secure. Strategically placed holes on the perimeter of the tray provide attachment points for additional RAM Mounts. Place a cell phone, GPS, or PDA within easy reach using a simple RAM kit attached to the side of the tray. A screen support and USB light further compliment the RAM Universal Laptop Tray.

The second quarter of 2006 will see the release of RAM’s mobile dock that, according to RAM, will be second to none. While the RAM product line is already extensive and diverse, the soon to be completed Powered Dock is said to set a new standard according to RAM. Compact, feature filled, and with a low profile, this dock is streamlined, light weight, and durable. The RAM Powered Dock has aluminum case construction, and is designed for the Panasonic Tough Book. RAM lists the following as additional features to expect in their new Dock:

Yet another key feature of the RAM Powered Dock is the built-in GPS module. Ideal for indoor GPS reception, TIM-LH with ANTARIS SuperSense combines superior tracking sensitivity, ultra low power consumption and high navigation performance delivered by the 16 channel ANTARIS positioning engine. It also provides improved acquisition sensitivity to enable satellite search and position calculation in difficult areas. (Source: Embedded News) With an estimated retail price of $450, the new Powered Dock by RAM is confident that this is one product no Tough Book should be without.

Beyond work, there is play. RAM not only puts a laptop within easy reach for typing but also adjusts easily for laptop viewing. What are we getting at? Allowing passengers a great way to watch a DVD movie while on the go. What better way to pass the time on a road trip or lengthy travel to a jobsite.

Now back to business. As we said at the beginning, budget constraints often force compromise. For the first time in a long time, a manufacturer has taken a step toward ending the need to sacrifice what you want for what you can afford. Pricing of the RAM line of vehicle mounts and accessories is amazing when compared to like systems on the market. However, what is even more amazing is what you get with every dollar spent. It doesn’t matter whether you purchase a simple kit or a complete mobile office with the soon to be released docking station; you simply get more for less with RAM.

Duel use vehicles are increasingly common. Mobile office by day and commuter car by night might means the laptop mount needs removed from time to time. Going to the tool box and removing the base or pedestal is impractical. The Release-A-Pole allows the removal of the telescoping pedestal with the pull of a pin. Easy to incorporate into any No-drill system and made of only two parts, this device is simple and one of the most practical offered.

While the no-drill systems are simple out of the box, one of the cool aspects of a RAM System is how they can be built upon to suit customer needs. The perimeter of the RAM-Tough Tray has a series of hole patterns that allow for easy attachment of additional RAM Mounts. A compact and easily adjusted cell phone, PDA, radio, or GPS mount installs in just a few minutes. In a way this is like creating an instrument cluster with all of your important tools and information in one area. A screen support is also available to save that laptop hinge as well as a USB light.

Mobile printers can also find a home right along with a laptop on a RAM vehicle kit. Attaching to the Tele-Pole part of the assembly, several of these are available for many popular printers on the market. Canon and HP printers are easily accommodated creating a true office environment for the mobile professional. No need to return to the office for printing an invoice, directions, receipts, or drawings. All can be done at the jobsite in the comfort of your vehicle.

RAM realizes that safety and security are paramount when designing mobile mounting solutions. Every system made offers the user the ability to easily remove all or a majority of the mount for storage, to prevent theft, or free up space. Ease of adjustment also allows the mount to be placed out of air bag zones while driving. And, given that many mounts incorporate the ball and socket design, positioning the equipment perfectly is never a problem. Something else to consider is the overall shape of the mounts. When it comes to the popular double socket arm mounts, the hourglass shape is easy on the eyes and safe to grasp and adjust at any time. While not commonly noticed but always important is how RAM mounting systems have few if any sharp corners or edges. Smooth lines and surfaces are not only more aesthetically pleasing to look at, but are less likely to hurt if bumped into. It is undeniable that putting a laptop and other equipment into a vehicle will take up some space. Knowing this, installing a truly user friendly mounting system in a vehicle just makes good sense.

Beyond the obvious convenience, versatility, and durability of a RAM mount, there is the product quality. With a lifetime warranty to back their products, customers know that they are getting something that will last from a manufacturer that will stand behind its products. RAM’s diverse product line will amaze you with its ingenuity, versatility, and toughness. With mounting solutions for commuters to fleet vehicles, RAM has the perfect accessory for today’s essential electronics and modern fleet.

Keeping the most popular no drill vehicle mounts well below $300 is a result of RAM’s determined efforts to keep work in-house. This includes design, manufacture, packaging, and distribution, all of which help to keep costs low. Lean manufacturing and state of the art equipment make a difference as well. Given that the design team receives and puts to use comments and criticisms on a daily basis, this year will see to the release of even more exceptional products.

When electronics are part of your livelihood, where and how they are mounted matters. RAM not only offers no drill solutions, but a massive inventory of universal mounts. These solutions are limited only by the imagination, not by the equipment. If a bolt down mount is needed, several proven systems are available that can meet and exceed your expectations. Variable degree bases insure that any surface can be made a mounting surface and future work station. Ease of adjustment and removal of all but the mounting base make these a popular choice. Step outside the vehicle cab and put your equipment where the action is. Beyond laptops, RAM has provided mounting solutions for back-up cameras, displays, data terminals, tablet PC’s, lights, scanners, and even solar panels. Mounts can even be installed into baskets or carriages that act like another set of hands.

Have something really big that needs support? Early this year, RAM introduced the “E” size ball which is 3 3/8” in diameter. Able to support over 20 pounds, this giant provides great support, unmatched viewing angles, and extreme shock and vibration dampening. While this is the newest ball and socket mount, it is definitely the big brother of the bunch. Since rubber ball and socket mounts are what made RAM famous, it comes as no surprise that there are well over 1000 components available in 5 ball sizes. Increasing annually, customers can simply order a new ball base or component to work within their existing system. No need to purchase a whole new kit. Need something compact yet rugged? RAM offers double socket arm mounts utilizing the 2.25” rubber ball that has served the Armed Forces for years. These simple yet extremely functional and tough kits can be placed practically anywhere inside or out of the cab of a vehicle. If you are a professional on the move, and mobile electronics are part of your daily routine, RAM was developed with you in mind.

If a manufacturer truly cares about its customers, it listens to them. While this will sometimes entail some painful criticism, true innovation can result and better products will be offered. It does not always happen overnight, but often in a few short months, a product line can be launched and advance to the forefront by providing customers what matters most. Using customer input, testing, and research, improvements continue to be made and incorporated into both new and existing designs. Regardless of whether you are talking electronics or simple mechanical devices, trying to make things better is simply RAM nature. While not always achieved on the first try, perseverance often leads to true innovation and superior products. During the early years, RAM Mounting Systems was just that, mounts. Simple in design, extremely durable, and almost universal in application, these devices were the foundation of a company that strives to fill a niche that is sometimes devoid of innovation. While it was easy to find others that produced mobile office mounting solutions, quality was often sacrificed for price. If that was not the case, then the mount was of good quality but priced out of reach. RAM offers the best of all worlds with mounting systems that are priced right and built for a lifetime. When buying RAM products, customers know what to expect and have confidence in their purchases.

Regardless of whether your car is part of a fleet or for personal use, foreign or domestic, RAM has a mounting solution to suit your needs. Recently added are no drill options for semi trucks. Trucks with chairs by National Seating and Seats Inc. can be transformed into a mobile office just as readily as an F-Series truck. RAM has put a lot of effort into providing a product line that is truly for the masses. Researching the cars and trucks most common in America, as well as those used as fleet vehicles resulted in a very diverse offering.

Standard kits are a great way to get everything you need in one box. But what if a more custom configuration is required? Individual components allow you to adapt existing RAM products to suit individual needs. Whether it’s the person or the vehicle with special needs, RAM is ready to break things down and build them back up to create the perfect solution.

Once the proper kit has been chosen and installed, customers often find they have room for extras. The compact nature and efficient use of space RAM provides means the addition of a printer mount is not out of the question. The Tele-Pole is an ideal attachment point for a universal or custom holder for mobile printers. Canon and HP printers are easily accommodated creating a true office environment to mobile professionals. Simple to install and adjust for use, RAM printer mounts are one of the most popular additions to a RAM No-drill vehicle base kit.

As the customer base has grown, so has the diversity of their needs. One of the fastest growing markets for RAM has become mobile computing. Over the last year and a half, RAM has put forth a brilliant effort to revolutionize the way laptops and other equipment are put both inside and outside of Trucks of all kinds. Huge strides have been made in both product design and offerings. From top to bottom, RAM is setting the standard for quality and affordability providing far and away some of the most useful products on the market. Whether you need just one kit for a company truck, or hundreds for a fleet, RAM is ready to solve most any vehicle mounting problem with a RAM solution.

 

 

 

 



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