Computer Tablet Handles

I like to have my computer Tablet on my lap while watching TV from my easy chair by the fireplace on a cold winter’s day.  I find news programs, etc., more interesting if simultaneously researched on the Internet.  But I have a problem with my Tablet ... the dang thing is so thin and slippery that it’s awkward to hang on to.  So ... I made a set of Old Man’s Handles for it.  Problem solved!

Step 1: Fabricate the Handles

The handles are made from 1½’ square hardwood scraps that I happened to have, but just about any wood approximately that size would do.  First I milled a groove the same length as the width of my Tablet along one side of each handle blank with a ½” diameter round nose router bit.  The groove is approximately ¼” deep, just enough to secure the Table in place.

Next I drilled two ½” diameter holes approximately 1” deep on the same side of each handle blank near each end.   I used a forstner bit to make neat clean holes with flat bottoms.

Comments

[instructamaker]

What tablet is this?

[Kiteman]

Can you still recharge the tablet in the handles, or do you have to dismantle them?

[Twicewidowed]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I should have mentioned that the power port and all the various switches are located on the exposed sides of the Tablet.

[rondacosta]

HHHuuuummmmm. this is a great simple idea.
However, I have some misgivings with this reply.
1. I have an iPad-2 and the audio jack, the microscopic Microphone hole and the Power Button on the top edge will be inside the slot in the wood.
2. the charging power comes in via the large Apple-connector, which is used also to connect to the USB port in a PC.
3. The only controls that I see accessible while the ipad is "in the dowels" is the lock and Volume buttons.

So, with regards to Kiteman's question, you would have to disassemble the unit to recharge it.

[rondacosta]

Editing my reply:
#2 connector is on the bottom edge of the iPad-2

I realized that the author did not say "ipad", he said "Tablet", which could be a different brand and device.
So, ofr my iPad I would have to disassemble for recharging.

[Twicewidowed]

Yes I'm sure many tablets have different port configurations than mine so this is not a one-size-fits-all. Possibly with some modifications to accomodate specific charging port configurations a solution can be found. Thanks for your comment.

[Kiteman]

You could probably cut out notches for the various ports, or just put the handles on the other pair of sides.

[Kiteman]

Excellent.

[dreamberry]

I was thinking some elastic...

[1gr8lady]

I am eternally grateful for your computer tablet handle idea. I have had Multiple Sclerosis for 20+ years and I have very little feeling in my hands . Now I drop things all the time so this is just what I need.

Thanks a million times over~
Connie

[Twicewidowed]

Thanks Connie, and thanks also for all the kind remarks from so many others. So sorry about the MS. I empathise ... 85 years of wear and toil have taken a toll on my hands too.
Floyd

[Ron_123]

Very clean and elegant. You have my vote.

[chibimaddy]

I really like this idea. I too like to tablet while tving. My hubby's the woodworker. I'll show your instructable and hope he feels crafty! Thanks for sharing and taking the time.

[Build_it_Bob]

I love it when a practical solution is found and implemented with re-cycled materials. Very nicely done!
Build_it_Bob

[Bettybstt]

Sweet!

[adamvan2000]

LPL For The Win! ;O) Glad to see someone using this awesome tablet in such a creative way! I may do this.

[lbrewer42]

Excellent idea - market it!

[Alezius]

Excellent idea! will have to do that for my wife's tablet...
Same thing in silicone material could be nice too.

[The Arbiter]

That is a very good idea! I have someone for whom this might be a godsend as well. Thank you for publishing a very good instructable.

[gu1n355]

I love your idea, it would seem I had a similar one but out of a different material (med. density foam) http://www.comfortablegeek.com/ I enjoyed your write up. Keep up the good work.

[Lectric Wizard]

This would be great for anyone with limited mobility/grip in their hands !! Fantastic Idea ! Thanks for sharing ...

[Twicewidowed]

You are very welcome. Thanks for your comment.

[mvieke]

Really elegant solution. You get my vote

[Twicewidowed]

Thank you very much.

[ameryamos144]

i like it contact me
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[CatalinRO]

Well done! My father was very interested on this, he loves things made out of wood.

[azharz]

Very nice.

[Dr Qui]

Fantastic idea, looks great with the tablet even makes it look more stylish, what is the wood?

[Twicewidowed]

I really don't know. Several years ago I shortened the legs of a bunch of bar stools for the local pottery club and have been using the varnished scrap pieces on various projects ever since.
Thanks for the comment.

[Dr Qui]

Ah... OK, you are like me cant throw a nice piece of hardwood timber out.