Laptop Stand for Your Netbook

Most laptop stands are made for full sized laptops.

I looked forever for a suitable stand for my collection of Eee Pc netbooks. Everything was either too big, too expensive, or just plain didn't exist. Eventually I headed off to my favorite store - IKEA - to look for a solution.

A couple of hours and a few dollars later I had my solution.

This instructable is made for a netbook. It will work with most netbooks up to 10 inches in size. It is constructed with 2 plastic shelf brackets, 2 drawer handles, a couple of telescopic bolts (optional) and and cabinet screws. Basic tools such as a miter saw, a snap-off blade knife, and a screwdriver are all you need to complete the project. 

Step 1: The Parts

Here are links to the Ikea components:

Stodis Shelf Brackets http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30167461
0.50 each

Attest Handles http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90038541
$3.99 a pair
You can also use any other style 4 to 5 inch handle. Just remember that you'll need 2.

One pair of screws that come with the handles and one pair of half inch screws. If you use Ikea components you'll need to make sure to the smaller pair is in metric size.

Optional: one pair of 5/8" telescopic bolts just to cover the unused hole and make everything look extra sweet. Not necessary. http://www.awt-gpi.com/product75.htm

A saw. You can use a dovetail saw, a miter saw, a jig saw. Whatever you have access to will probably work just fine.

Sandpaper and a sharp knife for cleaning up the edges.

Screwdriver.

Comments

[kathleenhenri]

Just wanted to let all of you know that I have reworked this Instructable and incorporated a lot of the ideas from the comments below.

Thanks everyone!

[Da_huuudge]

Fab. This has inspired me, I bet there are loads of things you could make re-appropriating Ikea bits. Did you think about adding a second handle to stop the stand snow ploughing?

[Rich99]

if you cut off an inch (or three) from the rear legs of the brackets, that would decrease the angle of the keyboard. great 'ible. (much better than my plywood with legs and hinges project!)

[kathleenhenri]

Also a great idea. I think I could make a half-dozen stands based on everyone's suggestions.

[RDuran]

great idea!

[Tape-structable]

Pretty steep, but nice design and idea. Good use of the shelf brackets!

[Xamu]

It may be possible to use just a single bracket (rather than a pair) with the same other parts with to achieve a less steep angle. Here's how:

1) take a single bracket and cut it at 45° at the corner making two identical half brackets. (A hack saw will probably provide cleaner results than a typical hand saw for wood. Just take your time and focus on making it look nice.) Sand the cuts lightly to remove sharp edges and for appearance.

2) drill and mount the shelf supports as previously described

3) mount the drawer handle to join the two half brackets at the thicker end as previously described

Voila! The attached drawer handle becomes the elevating support.

If the angle is too low now, use a bunch of washers (as spacers) and either longer drawer handle screws or threaded rod & nylon lock nuts to adjust the angle.

Also, if you wanted to do this for a larger laptop, you could use a wider handle, such as Ikea's LANSA handle http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60138759 which comes in 10 1/16", 13 7/8", 21 7/16", and longer.

Good idea! You are to be commended.

[kathleenhenri]

Your idea is great as well. . . maybe a new instructable should be in the works . . .

[kathleenhenri]

Thanks, I am still refining the idea. I think this stand is best used with an external keyboard. I tried the set-up using the "inside" of the IKEA brackets, the angle was not as steep that way, but the laptop was not fully supported along its base. I may post some other solutions soon.

[richelton]

How about using a second drawer pull handle on the back of the stand, handle facing outward toward the back through the bottom set of shelf bracket holes. That will make your stand more sturdy and also provide a small 'shelf' on which to rest your wireless keyboard when it is not in use, standing up across the back of the stand.

[kathleenhenri]

Another great idea - by the weekend I'll put together some of suggestions here and post the results.

[Chromatica]

how good are eee pcs compared to other netbooks

[kathleenhenri]

I guess it depends on how you'll use them - whether they run linux or not (mine do). There are many, many eee pc models out there. I like mine (I have 3) and would not own any other brand.

[Chromatica]

what are the differences with linux compared to xp

[kathleenhenri]

There are no quick answers to that question because there are many, many varieties and looks to Linux. Linux is open source software, and as such, it is all free. If you are interested, take a look at Ubuntu, Linux Mint 7, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, or Crunchbang to start. You can look at them on their websites and you can also see them in action on Youtube. You can also download and burn discs of the various operating systems and try them out without changing anything on your windows computer.

[isacco]

I like this instructable! The components are easy to find. The assembling is very easy and fast. The end result is well finished and looks nice. On the other hand, the notebook position is good only if you use an external keyboard. Congratulations! Isacco

[merijnvw]

Thanks a lot, it's simple but still strong I think, so I'm going to make it

[kathleenhenri]

I think it is sturdy enough for a netbook- but not a full sized laptop.

[sgsidekick]

That way you could also change the angle of the sides so they weren't pitched so steep.

[sgsidekick]

Maybe if you took the corners off a spare board (forming triangles) and still used the vinyl covered shelf brackets and handle. That might be more sturdy.

[ScottSEA]

Also looks great for use on airplanes - probably fit on a tray table very nicely, and bring the screen up nicely for viewing.

[biggy smalls]

probably great for watching movies. also good for using a laptop as a home pc.

[blah12344321]

do you have to worry about the stand racking, since there is only one brace going across?

[kathleenhenri]

I tested this with my larger laptop and the stand did not support it for long with pitching over. The stand is definitely not rigid enough for anything over 1 pound or 2 or for anything that costs more than the eee pc. I think the idea needs further revision/bracing to be completely rigid for larger notebooks. For my Eee-pc 900 it is perfect.

[Kurt.M]

Have you considered putting knobs on the ends of the handle bolts, then you could loosen them off to fold the whole unit and tighten it up when you want it rigid to support the netbook?

[kathleenhenri]

That is a great idea!

[mathman47]

Great idea. I just bought an Asus Eee PC so I can use this.

[Gavabc123]

Awesome, just what I need for when I'm playing games with my eee pc :).