Plexiglas VESA Mount for Tablet PC

Intro: Plexiglas VESA Mount for Tablet PC

I have a Lenovo X61t. It's their small laptop that is also a tablet. I run Ubuntu Linux on it but this Instructable is probably Windows compatible.

I bought a VESA mount arm from Ergotron. I wanted to be able to reposition my laptop for better ergonomics but I wanted to be able to still use it as a tablet (possibly while standing). There are several VESA mount options for laptops, but none seemed to suit my needs. I decided to build this out of Plexiglas and several screws with nuts and washers. Here's what you'll need to build this

Tools, etc:

An X-series tablet (The measurements may vary, I have the X61t).
A drill with appropriate bit.
Some measuring utensils.
A pencil.
Eye protection.

And some consumables:

1 sheet of Plexi that is 12" x 10 3/4" x 1/4"
2 sheets of Plexi that are 2" x 10 3/4"
4 5/32 1" metal screws
7 5/32 2" metal screws
22 5/32 washers
11 5/32 nuts

The Plexi and fasteners cost me about $20. I even had the Plexi cut (if you live in/near NYC go to Canal Plastics like I did. It's a great resource).

STEP 1: Measure/drill Holes in the Large Piece of Plexi

Using your measuring device put markings for four holes in the bottom edge of the large piece of Plexi. I centered them and spaced them 2" apart.

You will need to put three holes at the top as well. On my laptop there is a GSM modem antenna which makes the top uneven. I chose to put the three top screws off to the side so that it would not interfere or put any load on the antenna. YMMV depending on your laptop.

I also used the laptop itself to determine the placement of the holes. This was easy and helped me to make sure that the laptop would fit in the final product.

STEP 2: Measure/drill Holes in the Two Small Pieces of Plexi

Using similar techniques I plotted the position of the holes for the two smaller pieces of Plexi. These will need to line up with the holes in the large piece and make their way around the laptop.

STEP 3: Mark and Drill the VESA Mount Holes in the Large Piece of Plexi

With the help of some measurement instruments and just eyeballing it, you can put four holes in the large piece of Plexi. Center it in both ways. This is what will make the laptop be held by the VESA arm.

STEP 4: Mount the Large Piece of Plexi to the VESA Arm

Do this by using your four 1" screws with washers at both ends and a nut for each one. Make sure this is snug. The plexi only cost $20 but if that laptop falls you will probably not be very happy.

STEP 5: Attach the Small Pieces of Plastic, Insert Laptop, Enjoy Better Posture

Attach the smaller pieces of plastic to the larger one using the rest of your screws. Do not tighten them very much. Slide the laptop in and tighten things up for a snug fit.

Read the manual for the VESA arm you have. You may need to adjust the arms tension depending on the weight and position of your laptop. You should also position your laptop so that you are comfortable and in a neutral position. It's good for you.

Comments

[Myrddin]

Not to shabby dude! But why the "space bubble"? Oh the apartment right? Anyway you got that left brain working now. As a bit of info to other instructables what cam setup are ya using? Some of these guys might like to know. My problem is I think about doing one AFTER I've done the project LOL

[drocko]

Thanks! Yeah the space bubble is a sheet of plastic that keeps my apartment warm. What do you mean cam setup? I'm using a Casio something or other. I'll look it up at home.

[Myrddin]

What I mean is you are getting some pretty good shots, some of these guys would like to know what you use to take your pictures so they can

[drocko]

Ah, thanks. I don't do much of anything special. I do have an LED lamp that is giving a cool color to the images.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Awesome. This would even be good fro normal laptops.

[GorillazMiko]

Wow, this looks really neat, that's an AWESOME laptop, how much did it cost?

[drocko]

Thanks! The laptop was about $2k. See, I like toys...

[HotPinkBulb]

i really really love this! only shame is that thos stands arnt cheap. also, i would be tempted to get some strips of silicon rubber or something to stop the lappy getting scratched. +1

[drocko]

Thanks!

I also thought those monitor arms were really expensive but really they aren't too bad. I got mine for $115 from Amazon.