A better laptop stand for bed

Make a simple but incredibly useful Laptop Stand for around $15 and 30-60 minutes! Great for use in bed while typing, browsing, and especially watching movies.

When I use my laptop in bed, it's often uncomfortable. I have to balance the laptop on my lap and sit up, or on my chest when laying down. This laptop stand makes both laying and sitting laptop use a whole lot more comfortable, and it's simple to make... about $15 and 30 minutes. Let's do it!

Step 1 The background

I use my laptop in bed a lot, as it's more comfortable for me. However, it's hard to balance the laptop on my chest and type with my hands sideways, so I needed a laptop stand. I found this one, but I'm a cheapskate and it looked simple, so I decided to make one myself. Turns out I spent just over $15 and took 30 minutes in the garage to make it, and it worked great for months! I just made another one, so I've chronicled it here for your building pleasure.

Another commercial stand is the Lapdawg laptop stand - possibly the worst name ever.

Materials Needed:
-wood strip, .75 in x 1.75 in x 6 ft. Just about anything of the right size will do.
-hard board, MDF board, etc - I used MDF the first time due to the clean white melamine coating, but the plain hardboard looked better and seemed more durable.
-two knobs attached to screws/bolts
-two big washers
-two socket anchors
-2 very short wood screws (for the lip)
-4 medium wood screws (for the legs)
-4 small nails
-4 plastic checker pieces (optional)

Tools:
-circular saw (could use a hand saw, but it'd be messy)
-power drill
-(Optional) dremel w/ sander bit

NOTE:
This was made to be simple and quick. You don't really need too many measurements; just line things up and saw away. I only measured the tray itself (11 x 20 in). The rest are self-evident as you're going along. Even the lips were circular-sawed freehand. Be careful where you put your hands! (If you want to keep them).

Comments

[geggodrums]

Hi there,

thanks for all your great Ideas... here is my Try :) Its really comfty, y Ellbows can rest on the wooden staves on both side and I can screw it in every position, even the underground is not even, so i just screw the both sides differently :)

For the tricky part I used simple Spanner (dont know the word in english) but you all know this :) its cheap and very stable :)

I used for the middle panel pine wood from the alps, nice smell, and for the side some hard wood, walnut... The ornaments are freely designed and they giv good circulation for the machine :) thanks for all your inspirations !

good luck Geggo

[nlazaravich]

Thanks for this, I just finished building a very, very rough version. Sort of a prototype. I made mine a little bit too tall for my liking and couldn't get a hold of the adjustable screws this time but next one will be better. Thanks again!

[jfer]

I always thought there had to be a better way.I use my laptop in bed a lot, as it's more comfortable for me. However, it's hard to balance the laptop on my chest and type with my hands sideways, so I needed a laptop stand.
http://refurbished-computers.ca/

[zrahman]

Hello, I intrigued with project laptop stand and I was have made this thing according to your way show in this project. However, I have problem on this project product. Where are I can get T-nut and knob with screw in Kelantan, Malaysia? Reason I was went some stores hardware, but I not find this thing. If there is, help state name and shop address hardware that nearest with my place.

[powdernine]

I wish I would have realized there were 3 and a half pages of comments before I planned out and built my version. There are some good ideas mentioned. Oh well, I thought I'd share what I made though.

Originally I was using the same design as the original. I thought I could put a rubber washer in between the pieces of wood to keep the legs from slipping but that was a total fail. So I decided to add supporting legs like another commenter did. I wanted to be able to adjust it though so I added 3 notches.

I was able to find the knobs at Ace Hardware. They had a few bins that had a variety of different knobs. I still like using the knobs even though I have the support legs because it keeps the whole thing from shifting.

All in all I think it turned out pretty well but if I did it again I might try the checker idea. So here it is:

[jumpfroggy]

Looks nice! Is that laminated wood? Also, good to know ace hardware has those knobs, they're hard to find.

Strangely enough, I've been using the unrefined v1, just tightening the knobs to make it stay. It's worked fine, and I use this just about every single day. But if I were doing it over, I'd use plywood + the same support system you used.

[powdernine]

Thanks! The wood is poplar. I recently took a woodworking class and I had this left over. I'm planning on putting a clear polyurethane coat on it when I get a chance, I like the green streaks poplar has and I'm hoping that will preserve it.

I started using it last night and I love it. Thanks for the idea!

[lupin019]

it looks great. where did you buy knob with attached screw/bolts and and socket anchors? thanks

[jumpfroggy]

I got them at a local hardware store, and have never seen any since. I just randomly found another source at mcmastercarr.com. Search for part "5993K59". That should get you a 2 1/2" threaded stud 4-arm knob. Not a round one like I have, but an armed-knob is better anyway. I'm not sure if you need 2 1/2 inches... just enough to go through both pieces of the leg. Probably 1 1/2 or 2 would be fine.

Finally!

[nicubila]

I tried something similar butthen you get addicted to bed. My back started to be so stiff that i have to abandon it alltogether. I just switched now to a more portable one (Standivarius aero), especially as travelling is an almost daily requirement. Now work in bad is no more than 1/2h at once.

[jumpfroggy]

Yeah, working in bed is a tricky thing - the ergonomics are all off. It's fine for web browsing, but I find that programming, writing, or any serious work requires good posture at a desk. Good posture in bed is important even for the little stuff. Make sure your arms don't have to reach too much forward (or it'll feel like you're holding them up in the air too long). Prop up your back slightly, and your head/neck a little more to angle forward. Don't angle your head too much forward... move the laptop closer to you. Make sure the laptop is as close to your stomach as possible w/o touching, it helps. So getting the position right helps. But like you said - serious work in bed should be limited due to the strain it'll put on you. I still have a dream of the bed workstation... I imagine a nice high-res head-mounted display (which they don't really make yet for less than 10's of thousands of dollars... I'd settle for 1080p or so). Then a split keyboard so you can have one at each side, near your hips. Arms out straight resting on the bed. Then an integrated pointing device, like a trackball or IBM pointing stick. That way you could be at a completely resting position and work on the computer. Some day.... (I think the HD HUD could be replaced by an HD projector pointed towards the ceiling, but I'm yet to be convinced that a screen directly overhead would be in the best viewing angle. The screen could definitely be huge though).

[profpat]

 great instructables laptop  stand!!!

[berci]

Can you make a photo with this checkers? My english is not the best, i can't understand what are this magic checkers with teeth :D

[jumpfroggy]

Sorry berci, I haven't made this with checkers so I don't have any pics to share.  Browse the comments here - a lot of people have posted their pics of what they've done.  Maybe someone else will post pics of theirs.

[Greenish Apple]

Great Instructable, I need to make one of these but I think I have a better idea for the joints, faucet rosettes. The ones I found at Home Hardware were about 1 1/2" across and 3/8" deep. They are found in the plumbing section, they go under the sink on the hot/cold water lines to the faucet. They are light metal and have bigger, deeper grooves than checkers. I didn't pick them up so I don't know if they correspond to 30, 45, and 90 degree angles.

I was thinking of cutting them half as deep and cut a couple big notches (like a castle top) then use a hole saw to cut a groove for it to sit in the wood. Or dremel it. Then epoxy it in place. One or both would be sitting above the wood line, the other could be flush.

David

[jumpfroggy]

Pics would be great, these sound like they might be really useful.

[Greenish Apple]

Here are the Faucet Rosettes I found at the Home Hardware Building Centre here in Southeastern Ontario, Canada. They are labeled Home Plumber (brand) and have stock number 3231-425. On the back it says "Imported for/importe pour Home Hardware Stores Limited, St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0" which suggests that they are made in the US. I paid $2.69 CDN for a set of two (even though this set said $2.59), the other Home Hardware charges $2.99. I tried most of the hardware locations here; Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Lowes, Rona, Bardon, even Wal-Mart. Only Home Depot had something close, but they were taller, narrower and had wavy teeth not zig-zag ones. Another set made by Master Plumber did not have very good teeth.

They are 1 11/16 inches wide and 3/8 inch high. They just fit on a '2 inch' piece of stock. The teeth are 1/8 inch high and 1/4 inch wide. The bottom is 1 1/4 inch wide with a 7/8 inch hole. They appear to  be made of steel, very strong but light. They mesh together very well but I might use a thin rubber washer between them to keep them from slipping. They have 12 teeth and 12 valleys so they would work for 0/30/60/90 degree angles.

David

[Greenish Apple]

Oh yeah, the hardware for the joint. I was thinking of using a Carriage Bolt because the head is domed and it has a square shoulder that would lock into the wood.* Then I'd use a washer and a threaded knob on the other side to pull the joint together tight.

David

*I had found a torque washer online that looks like the socket/anchor but a square hole, no threads and the barbs. Couldn't find it locally.

[Greenish Apple]

Sorry, I meant that the torque washers have barbs, but no threads.

[Chowmix12]

I believe "Ontario" suggests it was built in Canada.. just to put that out there...

[notnorm]

A big tip of the hat to jumpfroggy for inspiring so much creation and imitation!  I don't have access to a lot of tools or a Home Depot that will cut wood for me.  I found a way to create a modge podge of parts from different things that just needs to be bolted together.  The legs (Two foot shelving brackets) are bolted to two shelf supports an and then attached with random hardware to a closet shelf that was intended to hang.  It' not collapsible or adjustable but it's very sturdy.  I intend to get some washers and wing nuts to make the process of assembling and disassembling more convenient.  There were two pieces included with the hanging shelf that work as a great cooling stand for flat surfaces (also pictured).  They just require a bit of bending.  total it cost me around 27.  More than I intended but I'm still happy.

[nedfunnell]

Your last step mentions a "leg-nail" mod by a commentor named Supafly, but I can't find the comment. Has it been deleted somehow? Could somebody fill me in? Thanks.

[robomaniac]

It is superfly289scroll down until you see some images.

[jumpfroggy]

I can't find it either now, maybe I misspelled his name. Basically, drill a few holes in the bottom leg near the joint, starting closest to the joint and going out along the leg. Then when you want to lock it, open the leg and put the nail in the hole closest to the angle you want. This way the upper leg is prevented from closing due to the nail in the way, and you're not as dependent on the friction of the tightened bolt to keep the platform from sinking. Also, since you drill many holes you can change the angle just by moving the nail from one hole to another.

[Kill3rash]

Another simple solution for the slipping legs is this circular fixing system. You just make holes in circle on both legs and you just have to insert a nail or some screw into the holes. But please consider to use a hard wood. Pine won´t work, as it won´t stick in the desired position. I have tested it with pine and it did not work properly. oak might be a much better solution. I used for my desktop stand the solution used by superfly

[goldenskyz]

Ok guys heres my version.. there was a lot of debate about how to hold the position, knurled knobs, checkers, etc. While a method like this is nice because it allows for infinite adjustment, I decided that most likely there would only be need for 2 or 3 positions. I don't know much about ergonomics so I just guessed at 45,30, and 15 degrees. So far its worked great, I use the 45 degree position for typing and the 30 for playing games. I've found the 15 degree position pretty useless and if I build more will probably eliminate it. Everything is counter sunk and pocketed so that it folds flat. The basket is from an old freezer and is perfect because it already had the "lips" on it. The stands are made from aluminum bar that I found at the hardware store. Questions are welcome. Thanks jumpfroggy for the 'ible and inspiration!

[jumpfroggy]

Could you post closeup pics of where the support meets the bottom leg? I'm curious, as this looks like a good solution. And man, that thing is *wide*. Looks nice though. It's funny, when you're making something like this you always think you'll need a lot of adjustability... then when you start using it, you realize you only need 1 or 2 positions. It's more about being able to collapse the thing for storage later, which I don't even do anymore... I just hang it off the end of the bed.

[goldenskyz]

Here you go..I did a little sketch up, it's not to scale but it gives you a decent idea about what's going on. For those of you that want more adjustability you can make the channel as long as and with as many stop notches as you like! And YES it is a little wide but keep in mind that the laptop in the picture is just a baby 13 incher! I use the extra space for a mouse and pad, it's awesome for gaming. Good to hear from you jumpfroggy!

[perrovejero]

Hi goldenskyz,
What program doyou use to do this sketches?
Thanks and regards

[jumpfroggy]

Awesome, looks great. Good ideas with the notches. I might do this if I can route the notches.

[goldenskyz]

You know, I was thinkin'.. You mentioned that you didn't have need for it to fold flat, you could skip the channel altogether and put the stop notches on TOP of the rail. No routing, just drilling, a lot easier and basically the same thing!

[jumpfroggy]

So true! I'm thinking now that making notches on the top surface of the bottom leg is the way to go. As long as you don't accidentally bump the tray up (loosening the braces), you should be fine. I think I'll do this and see how well it works, as it seems like the simplest/most effective method yet.

Even without the channel, the stand could probably fold *mostly* flat, which is moot since I never really move it anyway. We'll see.

[jasonprahl]

Fantastic instructions!  I made mine a bit wider so I could put my mouse on there and added some fold-able support legs.  The added support legs means it can't lay as flat, but it's still able to be flat enough to fit under my bed when not in use.  I still need to add a hole or two for ventillation and I want to add a few more notches on the lower legs so I can put it at different angles.  My local hardware store didn't have the knob type screws that were big enough so I used more of a thumb type.  Thanks again! 

[jumpfroggy]

Jason, looks great!  The notches are a great idea.  Mine is still going strong with just a very tight friction screw, but if I were remaking it I'd got for something more like this.  Plus, those hand-knobs I have are basically unfindable... no one else has found them anywhere.

I'd love to see it in action.  How do you keep the mouse from falling off?

[jasonprahl]

If you look in the third picture there's a nail sticking out so the cord goes around that and plugs in on the other side of the laptop.  It sort of just hangs there when I'm not using it.

[surfreak]

BANK! The checkers are a bomber idea. I was just thinking about making a stand for bed when I ran across your instructable. Should be posting my variation on this stand shortly.

[drinkbleach]

Wow!! Everyone’s versions are awesome. Here is mine. used Peg board for top - has holes already allover board and one piece 10 foot fir - legs 4 x 1.5' , 2 x 2' cross pieces. Top piece is 2' x 1'. Used metal brackets already cut and with holes cost about $1.25 each. Regular nuts, bolts & washers 1/4' for hardware. Thanks for all the inspiration.. now i can really become the lazy sloth that i am and never get outta bed!!

[starmoon125]

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So wonderful!What a pity.I have no any tools,I'll make it in the future!

[bpruett]

You might be able to solve over heaing in most notebooks just by using peg board instead of solid press board. That way you would have holes all over the back of the notebook and you would not have to worry about positioning like if you would if you cut a hole. I do like the wire shelf idea though, may try that instead. As far as the friction joints go, two discs of cork from the auto parts store should work very well. You also might be surprised how well a couple of discs of felt will hold.

[ladyharley05]

where does the air flow pass through for heat build up?