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.

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Steps

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!
   
   

 Tips

• 
  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 set your laptop to do nothing when you close the lid.
• 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.
• Get a nice wireless keyboard/mouse which is strong enough to go through the TV.
• 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)

Things You'll Need

• TV with VESA mounts
• 3 x 2ft perforated angle iron
• 2 x 1ft perforated angle iron
• 2 x M8/M6/M4 20mm bolts (depending on the type of bolts your tv needs)
• 6 x M8 12mm bolts
• 6 x M8 nuts
• 2-3ft of 550 cord (or other rope)