Introduction: The DIY Cheapskate Laptop Stand Via TheClosetEntrepreneur.com

About: I'm an instructables n00b! :)

UPDATE (11/19/2008): I've created a printable PDF template that you can use to help with the cardboard cutting process. The dimensions of the template are slightly different than the instructions since I decided to make the front hooks that hold the laptop in place a little larger and taller - the notches are also slightly larger.

- The DIY Cheapskate Laptop Stand PDF Templates

If you decide to print out the templates, be sure to use 8.5" by 11" sheets of paper and print the templates at 100% - any scaling may alter the dimensions of the templates. Also, only pages three through five of the PDF template document need to be printed, and consider the environment by reusing scrap pieces of paper to print on. ;)

Note that I have not used the templates to create a stand, so please let me know if you have any issues or if you are able to successfully build a stand for yourself - I would really like to know if the templates work! :)

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This is the DIY Cheapskate Laptop Stand that I created for my home office.

This stand and two other sub $10 DIY laptop stands can be found at The DIY Cheapskate Laptop Stand.

The laptop stand has held up well so far and served its purpose, which is to raise my laptop monitor height to a comfortable viewing position.

BTW, this is my first instructable so please forgive me for any errors and please feel free to leave a question or comment if any of the instructions are unclear.

Step 1: The Obligatory Disclaimer!

Please see the attached image for all the disclaimer info. Also, be careful not to slice your hands up in the process of cutting any cardboard - please be safe!

Step 2: Important Notes...

Please be sure to note that if you are using a laptop with a limited screen tilt angle (like the MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops), then this stand will only allow you to open your screen to full vertical. If you have an IBM T-XX series or any other laptop that does not have a limit on how far you can tilt your screen, then you should be fine.

Feel free to change up the stand dimensions to accommodate your preferences. ;)

Step 3: Cutting Out the Sides.

These are the dimensions for the two sides. Feel free to cut the slits/notches to your particular cardboard's thickness.

Also, I cut a somewhat big piece out from underneath the front of the stand (denoted by "1" in the diagram) since I wanted to be able to slide my stand forward on my desk - it's okay but I would recommend leaving this piece intact.

Also, the front hooks (denoted by "2" in the diagram) were cut a bit small, so I would recommend making them higher and taller that what's shown just to be safe.

Step 4: Cutting the Large Cross Pieces.

I'm hoping the diagram is self explanatory, but please leave a message if anything is unclear.

And yes, the pieces should be as perfectly rectangular as possible - that's what I get for not using a straight edge to cut my pieces. :)

Step 5: Cutting the Small Cross Pieces.

As I mentioned before, I'm hoping the diagram is self explanatory but please leave a message if anything is unclear.

Step 6: Assembling the Crosses.

Assemble the rectangular pieces you just cut into two crosses. These crosses will act as cross-braces for the laptop stand.

Step 7: Attach the Bottom Cross-braces to the Stand.

It is probably easiest to insert the cross into one side then the other, as opposed to inserting the cross-braces into the bottom notches at the same time.

Step 8: Insert the Top Cross-brace.

Once you have the bottom cross installed, the top cross should slip on quite easily. Be sure that both top and bottom surfaces are all flush with each other to avoid any instability with the stand.

Step 9: The End!

All that is left to do is to center your laptop on the stand and make sure that everything is stable!

Feel free to send any questions or comments my way on this instructable or via my blog post: The DIY Cheapskate Laptop Stand.

Thanks for checking out my first Instructable!