Combo laptop bag and lapdesk

This is a really simple instructable to make a combo lapdesk and laptop bag/sleeve. The lapdesk protects my legs and junk from heat, and the flat surface gives the laptop better ventilation. The lapdesk I had is way bigger than necessary for my tiny computer and of course isn't portable. This combo bag and lapdesk works great at home or on the train, etc. The lapdesk also gives the bag serious hard-sided protection.

I usually just stick the sleeve/desk (sans strap) in my backpack, but you could use it on its own with a strap as shown.

Step 1 What you need

I started with this sleeve/bag I got on sale at REI for $10. It's nice because it's rectangular and works as a sleeve or bag (if you add a strap), but any laptop sleeve or bag should work.

I cut a piece of 1/8" thick laminate pressboard I had lying around a little smaller than the dimensions of the bag and then filed and sanded the corners and edges smooth. You could use any material that is light and stiff enough.

And then some 1" wide stick-on velcro that was lying around.

Disclaimer: I know it is a bad idea to heat up plywood, because it will give off toxic gasses, but I have no idea if this would be a problem for the amount of heat that a laptop might generate. Always compute in a well ventilated space!

Comments

[wapatterson]

good Job and nice thinking. Might do this on my laptop bag!

[Aburame Shino]

Epic to the highest degree. I just got a new laptop for Christmas and I think I may try this idea with my bag.

[Weissensteinburg]

Efficient!