Portable 12V notebook stand workstation for garage or shop

I spend lots of time in the garage but waste lots of time going to the house for internet searches, parts lists, how-to instructions etc.  I needed a portable laptop stand that I could roll around next to my project of the day, but the battery in the old laptop I bought for this purpose is shot and I don't want to trip over power cords. I decided to adapt an old lawn tractor 12v battery. This provides long term cordless operation while, with a rolling cart, remains portable enough to go from garage to driveway, etc, for several hours without extension cords.

Step 1 Tools and Materials

Materials:

Notebook Computer - found a nice IBM Thinkpad online for $60 with a dead battery.
12V car adapter specific to your notebook - About $10 online.
12V battery - I had an old battery from my garden tractor.
12V battery tender/trickle charger - Already had this but these are $15-30 online.
12V power outlet or cigarette lighter.
Plastic box large enough for your battery, cables and at least a few inches taller. I used a plastic marine battery box, about $6 from W--mart. These are used in boats and RVs so batteries can be moved around. Plastic toolboxes, 5 gallon bucket, anything plastic and large enough can work.

Wire, terminals, electrical solder, battery post clamps (I used hose clamps), cable ties.


Tools needed

Wire cutter/stripper
Soldering Iron
Electrical Solder
Multi Meter

Comments

[MRedu]

The laptop looks a bit precarious sitting on top like that with nothing to stop it from falling off... Next addition? add something to hold the laptop securely :)

[SirNoodlehe]

lol, I have the exact same IBM thinkpad with a dead battery!