Everybody Else Is Making A Laptop Stand, So Why Can't I?

 by laxap
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IMG_4708.jpg
Or how I transformed a tray into a laptop stand.

We don't have TV, but we like to lay on a blanket and watch DVDs on the laptop.

This laptop stand will insure good stability and air flow.

 
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Step 1: A Laptop, a Blanket, and A Tray

So we have a new big laptop (they've become both big and cheap these days), and my worry is that the blanket could obstruct the laptop vents and lead it to overheat.

We also have a very nice and stylish looking tray, made of plywood and melamine. The designer thought it would look cool with only two raised edges (and I found it too). But the surface is very smooth and thus slippery. As a result, things slide too easily, and the tray is quite unusable, as such. (To find similar trays, see www.esprit.co.uk/, or www.cb2.com/family.aspx)

Fortunately, these two problems happened to nicely merge into a one solution.
spawnos3717 says: Dec 31, 2011. 8:28 PM
Excellent work! This project would look cool in a steampunk theme!
MRedu says: Oct 25, 2011. 7:13 AM
Good job i like it.
atronix says: Mar 14, 2011. 1:05 AM
fantastic idea
ushuaia says: Oct 5, 2010. 7:31 AM
That's so cute, in a sense. And it also solves the cooling problem. Good job!
Goodmornin says: Jul 13, 2010. 9:16 PM
Its kind of funny because I have the EXACT same laptop it's a compaq cq60 right? I've also been looking for a good way to cool it because when it overheats (which it does a lot) it shuts down.
updown789 in reply to GoodmorninAug 18, 2010. 8:45 AM
I have it too! I have the exact same problem lol.
sweedy says: May 9, 2010. 1:45 PM
hey i would love to make one of these myself .. would you mind telling me where you got that tray from .. i absolutely love the look of your laptops stand .. i voted for this
Mr.alexc992 says: Apr 17, 2010. 12:35 AM
 Haha I have same laptop....
Your Stand has to be the most beautiful of the lot. GREAT JOB!!!! for a more permanent application, you could modify it to pump water under there.Or at least fix a fan to accentuate the air flow. But what ever you do DO NOT use USB power 1. you are wasting your battery juice, 2. powering up through a usb generates more heat.
jg210ao says: Apr 5, 2010. 7:22 PM
Great Ideal. It kinda looks like it has enought room for a small fan just to put some airflow. But for saving money this would be the best.
rsadeddin says: Dec 26, 2009. 3:54 PM
 you should think of selling them, there are not alot on the market that are cheap =)
memyselfand1 says: Dec 19, 2009. 3:16 AM
Nice one! As i type this, I can feel my laptop burning a hole in my leg.

Speaking of which, what type of laptop is that?
laxap (author) in reply to memyselfand1Dec 19, 2009. 6:39 AM
Hewlett-Packard Compaq Presario CQ 71
rahasia123 says: Dec 19, 2009. 6:11 AM
good thank you for the idea
The Real Dave says: Dec 17, 2009. 9:52 AM
Very Nice :)

Go Ubuntu lol :)
mondaymonkey in reply to The Real DaveDec 17, 2009. 12:15 PM
Great eye!  I had to go back and check the pictures to notice.

Great 'ible, and great OS too. 
The Real Dave in reply to mondaymonkeyDec 18, 2009. 2:11 PM
True that :)
mosquitoloco says: Dec 18, 2009. 6:12 AM
Excellent & good looking JOB! COPY PASTE COPY PASTE! jajaja
Creativeman says: Dec 17, 2009. 4:32 PM
Outstanding, laxap!  Well done. Cman
laxap (author) in reply to CreativemanDec 18, 2009. 12:05 AM
Thanks, Cman.

--  Laxap
Ice Angel says: Dec 17, 2009. 9:53 PM
Love this instructable!  The lines and shape of this stand is very modern... now all I need to do is to find a tray like that in SA and get my husband to build me one (and one for himself of course)!
Funk_D says: Dec 17, 2009. 12:43 PM
This is slick! I had to build my own stand because of the bottom vent on mine getting hindered by my leg. My laptop is so small it's almost a netbook though, so I went to the dollar general, found this "plant carrier" thing that had a frame similar to your design and fit perfectly. I just flipped it over and took off the casters and plopped my laptop on it. Not near as nice as this though.
Christopher B. says: Dec 17, 2009. 10:58 AM
 I wonder if Crate&Barrel has had a sudden spike in sales for this tray thanks to your instructable.  I have to admit I'm tempted -- the final product looks damn fine!
denali206 says: Dec 16, 2009. 7:46 PM
Here is the tray...

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=230&f=4360&q=tray&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1
Datawolf says: Dec 16, 2009. 12:14 PM
Epoxy glue, for wood ?
laxap (author) in reply to DatawolfDec 16, 2009. 1:49 PM
Yep. Sometimes. Why not after all...?
bsdaiwa says: Dec 15, 2009. 2:37 PM
Looks great, now where can I get that same tray?
laxap (author) in reply to bsdaiwaDec 16, 2009. 1:11 PM
In a furniture shop.

Seems to be made by ESPRIT: www.esprit.co.uk/. Please tell us if you manage to get one!
cdhack3 says: Dec 15, 2009. 4:41 PM
 where did you get the tray at?
laxap (author) in reply to cdhack3Dec 16, 2009. 1:11 PM
In a furniture shop.

Seems to be made by ESPRIT: www.esprit.co.uk/. Please tell us if you manage to get one!
Eonir says: Dec 15, 2009. 2:18 PM
Excellent instructable! Two thumbs up.
isacco says: Dec 15, 2009. 7:43 AM
I like this Instructable. The desing is simple and very elegant, an optimal mix of shape and function. The crafting and finishing are very good and all the steps are clearly illustrated.
Congratulations
Isacco
laxap (author) in reply to isaccoDec 15, 2009. 1:15 PM
Grazie!
Baughb says: Dec 15, 2009. 12:55 PM
Slick! ;) Thanks.
lukaj2003 says: Dec 14, 2009. 9:44 PM
Great looking stand.
Where is the tray from? Looks like something I might want... 
laxap (author) in reply to lukaj2003Dec 14, 2009. 11:14 PM
hbbyboy in reply to laxapDec 15, 2009. 12:17 PM
Thank you.
mattnoks says: Dec 15, 2009. 11:39 AM
Very cool, my laptop feels like its burning a hole in my leg, this could help.
paganwonder says: Dec 15, 2009. 7:51 AM
VERY nice!  Thanks for posting this.
=SMART= says: Dec 15, 2009. 2:57 AM
It looks really nice !
Wicken says: Dec 14, 2009. 8:12 PM
 I've marked this for later reference because it's one of the few stands that look like furniture that I could leave out around the house -- which is the kind of thing I do because I want to carry the laptop, not the stand.  Classy and clever.  I wouldn't be sorry to leave it lying around.  :)  
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