It's good to see a detailed review from a real user. Often I see the ads, or the Amazon description, but of course, they only highlight the good bits. Without a user showing actual size, actual use, all those measurements and "features" often disappoint. Good job!
Agreed! I used the cheap steering wheel desk just this morning to lead a discussion during a radio net. I got the desk because I needed a bit more from time to time. Thanks for visiting!
For those that don't want to recut a new top for shifter access.... try placing something under the desk to elevate it some. Personally I can't justify the cost for this, but I'm thinking of making something similar (don't need the laptop stand) that fits my needs in my big truck (Freightliner Cascadia). My last truck I had removed the passenger seat for room for my freezer and had mag mounted a paperwork basket to it, but now I have the freezer in the sleeper and want to retain the passenger seat for the wife to ride along from time to time.
Thanks for the tip, Mike! The shifter clearance is almost a non-issue for an automatic transmission or any car other than a compact. One reason I still prefer the idea of a new desktop over placing something under the desk is that the seat bolsters are unexpectedly good at keeping the desk centered and in position. Still, I may just leave it since the inconvenience is quite minor. Thanks for visiting!
I came up with a different solution, my logic was that I would not need to use the laptop while I'm driving. At least not anymore back in the early 2000's before smartphones were really a big thing I used Streets & Trips and Delome simultaneously with an external GPS for navigation. I use the steering wheel for the temporary mount and it takes about 15 seconds to put on, then I can put the laptop on it and open the lid so that the screen blocks my view out the windshield. Instead of using the trackpad I have my laptop bios set up to disable the trackpad anytime there's an external Mouse attached and I use a trackball instead of a mouse for control. I've gotten some interesting looks from police officers, one or two of which have asked me if I think I'm a police officer. My answer is no because I don't have to twist around to use my laptop 45° off from the way I'm sitting in the seat.
Thanks for sharing, Rowan! I use the laptop less these days because of the twisting motion or craning of my neck. I have another small desk that slips onto the bottom of my steering wheel and then place a tablet with an external Bluetooth keyboard. I often had been mounting the tablet to the dash, but recently received a handlebar mount that allows me to strap the tablet to the top of the steering wheel so that it's right in front of me. It seems to work great, all while parked only, of course. Thanks for sharing your process with me.
Thanks for a very nice review. 👌🏻 I just got an ID Buzz at my work and this is just what I need and I just ordered one thanks to your review. Greetings from Sweden!
Edited to add: I'm in sales and conduct and participate in web meetings etc from the road, in between customer visits. Thank you for the great review. covered all my questions except one. What about heat? In the summertime in the south, the temps inside can be destructive to plastics. How does it hold up?
No worries about the heat. But, something else to consider, is a set of reflective window shades. I got mine from WeatherTech. They've made a HUGE difference in inside temperatures in the summer. Thanks for visiting!
Fascinating as usual, my friend. I have absolutely NO use for this gadget but I want one anyhow! Great video. BTW, Scott, have you told your wife you're in the process of moving fulltime to your GTI? 😊
Hi…Enjoyed the video very much, just a small problem, Im based in the UK and these are sold on Amazon UK .Unfortunately there’s no info on whether they are made for right hand drive cars so can the top part be reversed?, I am looking to purchase the AutoExec AUE27004 which has the IPad mount encluded…I intend to use Yaesu FT710 with this desk …any help would be great ,thanks…Steve de M7GWJ
I contacted AutoExec to ask your question. They said the Australian market is the only place that makes desks for right hand drive cars. They were going to get back to me regarding inventory there, but I didn't get a new response. Perhaps that's your next move? With that said, I'll confess that the prices today are too rich for my blood. I'd build something from wood if I was starting from nothing. Thanks for visiting!
@@StealthGTI Hi, thanks for the reply, yeh I went ahead and purchased the desk anyway, it’s absolutely fine but in reverse if you get my meaning. lol…using the ft710 with no problem with the 12v battery etc in the compartment below, only problem is the ipad stand is at the back which is too much of a stretch but a bit of DIY will sort that out with no problem, all in all a nice bit of kit for £130 English pounds, thanks very much for your help, 73 de Steve
Interesting. I like it. I have similar needs (mostly the laptop) but it appears RAM does not make a base plate for my new vehicle. This seems like a good second choice.
Very, very interesting. Does this fit in the *rear* seat of your GTi? I drive the closely related Skoda Octavia of the same generation as your VW. (It's a station wagon based on the same platform as your VW but has more rear space.) I've never liked working with a steering wheel in front of me but the rear's pretty spacious. If this would fit in the rear of your VW GTi, it'd almost certainly fit in my own car. Many thanks for any help you can offer.
It should, especially with the front seat pushed forward. I'd test it for you, but my car does not have a rear seat. See this video if you don't know why: th-cam.com/video/3A5JWlnkuOY/w-d-xo.html. Good luck!
I've been looking for something like this when I activate for POTA out of my 3rd gen Tacoma. My primary radio for POTA is an IC-7300. Do you think there's enough room on the table top for the IC-7300 when the laptop table is rotated out of the way while driving?
That's quite a radio in a mobile environment! AWESOME! With that said, I don't think putting the radio on the desktop while having the laptop on the swivel stand will work well. Have a look at my most recent interior photos on my rover page at stealthgti.com/ke4wmf-r/. I raised the swivel to accommodate a few things, all of which are smaller than an IC-7300. Even if you could get them both there on the desk, the radio will interfere with stowing the laptop and the laptop will interfere with using the radio. I'm about to experiment with a different approach. Check this out: I've setup a Bluetooth keyboard for less torso twisting while typing. I place it on this steering wheel desk: amzn.to/3RfVn3b. It's much better, but I still crane my neck to look at the monitor. I have a small external monitor that I can put more in my line of sight, but it's inconvenient, especially if I want to "stow-n-go" during a contest. I've used my laptop on this desk, but it's a tight fit. My next move is to use my 8-inch tablet, shown on that page, with my external keyboard. I did a recent test with the HAMRS app and it went very well. If I'm working only voice, then I can leave the laptop and desk at home and run the POTA activation from the tablet alone. The HAMRS app will export the log directly to an e-mail attachment that I can send to my logging laptop to import into my main log and/or upload to the POTA site. Believe it or not, my desk is home about 95% of the time. So, this is VERY convenient! The car desk might be a bit much for you unless you have a use for the storage cubby below and the "filing" area. However, I still think the swivel top is a great place for the IC-7300 or any other radio. I don't remember if I mentioned it, but the swivel has a velcro strap that you can use the secure the radio there. Then you can swivel the radio closer or farther away as desired. You can also tilt it up or down so that you can have a better look at that magnificent display. Gee, I think I just talked myself into that desk being a great option for an HF rig instead of a laptop! HAHA! Let me know if you have more questions. Take Care! -Scott
I ordered the milk crate version but I’m wondering if this is going to be a better option. I’m a Real Estate Photographer and the storage in the milk crate sounded like a good idea. How much storage is in the lower part?
I have dimensions listed at 3:35. It's certainly much smaller than a milk crate, but large enough for a camera, headphones, or other medium-sized objects. I often have a headset, towels, or cords in mine. Perhaps I'll mount an amp or two in there someday. Thanks for visiting.
wait the floor mount was inconvenient for your passsanger- so instead you take up the entire seat with a $400 dollar box to hold a lapotop--- something wrong with that
I remove and install the desk frequently, as well as its much smaller replacement platform. The desk can be removed and stored after simply releasing the seatbelt. Then the seat is completely open for a passenger. The RAM Mount solutions that I saw use a bolted-in solution that's either slower to remove completely or leaves behind a pole that I think is intrusive for a passenger's legs, not to mention it blocking the seat from being moved forward for rear cargo. Nothing is perfect, but my choice seems to work better for me, especially since it's much more than just a place to hold a laptop. Thanks for visiting!
It's good to see a detailed review from a real user. Often I see the ads, or the Amazon description, but of course, they only highlight the good bits. Without a user showing actual size, actual use, all those measurements and "features" often disappoint. Good job!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
I’m a Hospice nurse and do plenty of home visits. It’s easier to find a nice spot and chart my notes from the car. 🙂
Too true! I didn't even think of that, even after my mother had gone through hospice less than a year earlier. Thanks for visiting!
Also, very cool to see the name Gladys again. I had a grandmother named Gladys, the only one I ever knew.
Perfect solution for my work. Records-on-the go. Thanks Scott for this bright idea.
Glad to help! Check their website for models that are a little simpler and less expensive, if they suit your needs. Take Care!
That’s the best $8 I’ve spent. The desk is so handy. 👍🏼
Agreed! I used the cheap steering wheel desk just this morning to lead a discussion during a radio net. I got the desk because I needed a bit more from time to time. Thanks for visiting!
I would use this for songwriting and mobile recording. Thanks for the upload !
I suspect it would be great for both of those things. Thanks for visiting!
For those that don't want to recut a new top for shifter access.... try placing something under the desk to elevate it some.
Personally I can't justify the cost for this, but I'm thinking of making something similar (don't need the laptop stand) that fits my needs in my big truck (Freightliner Cascadia). My last truck I had removed the passenger seat for room for my freezer and had mag mounted a paperwork basket to it, but now I have the freezer in the sleeper and want to retain the passenger seat for the wife to ride along from time to time.
Thanks for the tip, Mike! The shifter clearance is almost a non-issue for an automatic transmission or any car other than a compact. One reason I still prefer the idea of a new desktop over placing something under the desk is that the seat bolsters are unexpectedly good at keeping the desk centered and in position. Still, I may just leave it since the inconvenience is quite minor. Thanks for visiting!
I came up with a different solution, my logic was that I would not need to use the laptop while I'm driving. At least not anymore back in the early 2000's before smartphones were really a big thing I used Streets & Trips and Delome simultaneously with an external GPS for navigation. I use the steering wheel for the temporary mount and it takes about 15 seconds to put on, then I can put the laptop on it and open the lid so that the screen blocks my view out the windshield. Instead of using the trackpad I have my laptop bios set up to disable the trackpad anytime there's an external Mouse attached and I use a trackball instead of a mouse for control. I've gotten some interesting looks from police officers, one or two of which have asked me if I think I'm a police officer. My answer is no because I don't have to twist around to use my laptop 45° off from the way I'm sitting in the seat.
Thanks for sharing, Rowan! I use the laptop less these days because of the twisting motion or craning of my neck. I have another small desk that slips onto the bottom of my steering wheel and then place a tablet with an external Bluetooth keyboard. I often had been mounting the tablet to the dash, but recently received a handlebar mount that allows me to strap the tablet to the top of the steering wheel so that it's right in front of me. It seems to work great, all while parked only, of course. Thanks for sharing your process with me.
Thanks for a very nice review. 👌🏻
I just got an ID Buzz at my work and this is just what I need and I just ordered one thanks to your review.
Greetings from Sweden!
Glad I could help! I've replaced mine with a smaller option. I need to do a video about it. Thanks for visiting!
Very handy desk, especially if needed for work!
It really is! A mobile professional would probably love it!
Thank you Scott for the great content.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for visiting!
Edited to add: I'm in sales and conduct and participate in web meetings etc from the road, in between customer visits.
Thank you for the great review. covered all my questions except one. What about heat? In the summertime in the south, the temps inside can be destructive to plastics. How does it hold up?
No worries about the heat. But, something else to consider, is a set of reflective window shades. I got mine from WeatherTech. They've made a HUGE difference in inside temperatures in the summer. Thanks for visiting!
Fascinating as usual, my friend. I have absolutely NO use for this gadget but I want one anyhow! Great video. BTW, Scott, have you told your wife you're in the process of moving fulltime to your GTI? 😊
HAHA! Thanks! She thinks the idea of me moving into the GTI is pretty funny! Thanks for posting!
Great information. I am looking forward to purchasing one. Ideal for me.
Hope you enjoy it! I just reinstalled mine for a communications exhibition in Raleigh this weekend. Thanks for visiting.
Hi…Enjoyed the video very much, just a small problem, Im based in the UK and these are sold on Amazon UK .Unfortunately there’s no info on whether they are made for right hand drive cars so can the top part be reversed?, I am looking to purchase the AutoExec AUE27004 which has the IPad mount encluded…I intend to use Yaesu FT710 with this desk …any help would be great ,thanks…Steve de M7GWJ
I contacted AutoExec to ask your question. They said the Australian market is the only place that makes desks for right hand drive cars. They were going to get back to me regarding inventory there, but I didn't get a new response. Perhaps that's your next move? With that said, I'll confess that the prices today are too rich for my blood. I'd build something from wood if I was starting from nothing. Thanks for visiting!
@@StealthGTI Hi, thanks for the reply, yeh I went ahead and purchased the desk anyway, it’s absolutely fine but in reverse if you get my meaning. lol…using the ft710 with no problem with the 12v battery etc in the compartment below, only problem is the ipad stand is at the back which is too much of a stretch but a bit of DIY will sort that out with no problem, all in all a nice bit of kit for £130 English pounds, thanks very much for your help, 73 de Steve
Interesting. I like it. I have similar needs (mostly the laptop) but it appears RAM does not make a base plate for my new vehicle. This seems like a good second choice.
Prices have gone up. I'm glad I bought mine when I did. I still get plenty of use from it. Thanks for visiting!
Very, very interesting. Does this fit in the *rear* seat of your GTi?
I drive the closely related Skoda Octavia of the same generation as your VW. (It's a station wagon based on the same platform as your VW but has more rear space.)
I've never liked working with a steering wheel in front of me but the rear's pretty spacious. If this would fit in the rear of your VW GTi, it'd almost certainly fit in my own car.
Many thanks for any help you can offer.
It should, especially with the front seat pushed forward. I'd test it for you, but my car does not have a rear seat. See this video if you don't know why: th-cam.com/video/3A5JWlnkuOY/w-d-xo.html. Good luck!
@@StealthGTI Wow, that's amazing! (I'm new to your channel so I hadn't seen that before.)
Thanks for the helpful reply.
I've been looking for something like this when I activate for POTA out of my 3rd gen Tacoma. My primary radio for POTA is an IC-7300. Do you think there's enough room on the table top for the IC-7300 when the laptop table is rotated out of the way while driving?
That's quite a radio in a mobile environment! AWESOME! With that said, I don't think putting the radio on the desktop while having the laptop on the swivel stand will work well. Have a look at my most recent interior photos on my rover page at stealthgti.com/ke4wmf-r/. I raised the swivel to accommodate a few things, all of which are smaller than an IC-7300. Even if you could get them both there on the desk, the radio will interfere with stowing the laptop and the laptop will interfere with using the radio. I'm about to experiment with a different approach. Check this out:
I've setup a Bluetooth keyboard for less torso twisting while typing. I place it on this steering wheel desk: amzn.to/3RfVn3b. It's much better, but I still crane my neck to look at the monitor. I have a small external monitor that I can put more in my line of sight, but it's inconvenient, especially if I want to "stow-n-go" during a contest. I've used my laptop on this desk, but it's a tight fit. My next move is to use my 8-inch tablet, shown on that page, with my external keyboard. I did a recent test with the HAMRS app and it went very well. If I'm working only voice, then I can leave the laptop and desk at home and run the POTA activation from the tablet alone. The HAMRS app will export the log directly to an e-mail attachment that I can send to my logging laptop to import into my main log and/or upload to the POTA site. Believe it or not, my desk is home about 95% of the time. So, this is VERY convenient!
The car desk might be a bit much for you unless you have a use for the storage cubby below and the "filing" area. However, I still think the swivel top is a great place for the IC-7300 or any other radio. I don't remember if I mentioned it, but the swivel has a velcro strap that you can use the secure the radio there. Then you can swivel the radio closer or farther away as desired. You can also tilt it up or down so that you can have a better look at that magnificent display. Gee, I think I just talked myself into that desk being a great option for an HF rig instead of a laptop! HAHA! Let me know if you have more questions. Take Care! -Scott
I ordered the milk crate version but I’m wondering if this is going to be a better option. I’m a Real Estate Photographer and the storage in the milk crate sounded like a good idea. How much storage is in the lower part?
I have dimensions listed at 3:35. It's certainly much smaller than a milk crate, but large enough for a camera, headphones, or other medium-sized objects. I often have a headset, towels, or cords in mine. Perhaps I'll mount an amp or two in there someday. Thanks for visiting.
wait the floor mount was inconvenient for your passsanger- so instead you take up the entire seat with a $400 dollar box to hold a lapotop--- something wrong with that
I remove and install the desk frequently, as well as its much smaller replacement platform. The desk can be removed and stored after simply releasing the seatbelt. Then the seat is completely open for a passenger. The RAM Mount solutions that I saw use a bolted-in solution that's either slower to remove completely or leaves behind a pole that I think is intrusive for a passenger's legs, not to mention it blocking the seat from being moved forward for rear cargo. Nothing is perfect, but my choice seems to work better for me, especially since it's much more than just a place to hold a laptop. Thanks for visiting!
Great video! Thank you. 73 PA5BAS
Thanks for visiting!
Amazon shows $438 for this desk, OMG, no thanks. I will get one if it is around $150.
YIKES! Their pricing has increased dramatically! I'd be happy with a wood-making project if I saw that price! Thanks for visiting.
That's for the backseat version
Greatest
Thanks!