Introduction: Simple, Cheap, Portable Laptop Stand/cooler
This is a super-easy, low-cost project that anyone can do. This laptop stand/cooler can be made for any size or any brand laptop (I made mine for a 13.3 inch MacBook).
Step 1: Materials List
You will need:
PVC (about 1 inch size)
Grippy pad (not sure what it's called - you will recognize it in the picture)
Hot glue gun
Hack saw (or similar)
Tape measure
Step 2: Measure
Easy: Measure your laptop's width and length. Write these measurements down for later.
By the way:
Length = Measurement left to right across your laptop when you view it from the front.
Width = Measurement from front to back of laptop (latch to hinges) when you view it from the front.
Step 3: Cut PVC
Cut the PVC pipe with the hacksaw to the length of your laptop.
Step 4: Measure and Cut Grippy Pad
Cut a piece of your grippy pad so that it is a couple inches longer than the PVC pipe and wide enough the wrap around the PVC pipe with about an inch of overlap. The pad should be longer than your laptop and around 6 inches wide. Don't put away that grippy pad roll yet, however. You will need more of it later.
Step 5: Apply Grippy Pad
Lay down a thin bead of hot glue across the length of the PVC pipe. Take your grippy pad and attach it to the pipe on this bead of glue. Give it a few seconds to dry. Roll the pad around the pipe and see how much it will overlap. Place another thin bead of hot glue where the grippy pad will overlap and then secure the grippy pad to this bead of glue. There should be an inch or so of excess pad on either end. Leave this here for the next step.
Step 6: Clean Up the Edges
Take the excess grippy pad that is hanging on either side of the PVC pipe and put hot glue on the inside end of it (see where the black line is in the picture). Stuff the excess grippy pad into the PVC pipe end press it to the edges so it adheres. If you like, you can put some sort of decorative stopper in the pipe to hide the rough edges.
Step 7: Cut Grippy Pad Sheet
Cut a grippy pad sheet that is as long as the PVC pipe (or laptop) with no excess lengthwise this time. The sheet should be as wide as your laptop with a couple inches of excess widthwise (If you're not sure how much excess just yet, that's fine... leave extra - you can always cut more later).
Step 8: Attach the Grippy Pad Sheet
Lay down another thin bead of glue (To make this bead less visually distracting, lay it over a previous bead of glue). To this bead of glue attach the grippy pad sheet. Let it dry and...
Step 9: Presto! - You're Done!
You've made a great laptop stand that will elevate your laptop and keep it cool. It can easily roll up and be stored in your laptop bag too!
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19 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
Wow!! Nice tutorial. After going through this article, it
seems easy to make any sized laptop stand.
12 years ago on Step 4
seems to be very easy, what is grippy pad? any alternative
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I think another user called it "marco mat" but it can be found just about anywhere... dollar store, Target, Walmart, grocery store, etc. It's normally used to prevent rugs from slipping on hardwood floors or placed in kitchen drawers.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
it is what you put under rugs to keep them from sliding
13 years ago on Introduction
This is Great! Simple, Cheap and Easy! you could buy a cheap large capacity flash drive from http://www.ecost.com and add a usb extension cable, an external storage device. Maybe do the same with a small fan!
13 years ago on Introduction
what about installing a small 5v (usb) fan IN the pipe & having a hole in the centre of the pipe so air is cooling the under side ,
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
We could add LEDs too! A storage compartment! Gentlemen, we can rebuild it; we have the technology.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Yeah! And Bluetooth! Everything is better with Bluetooth... xD
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
A crumb catcher, a motion sensor!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
external harddrive!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Don't forget the wifi card!
13 years ago on Introduction
I wouldn't exactly call it a "cooler", myself, but ok.
13 years ago on Introduction
Nice! Will do this weekend, probably!
13 years ago on Introduction
Brilliant! I think that stuff is drawer/cabinet liner. Pretty sure I've seen it at dollar stores. This is a very nice, practical and inexpensive solution. Thank you.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Yes. That stuff started out as shelf liner, but has been used for any number of things. I use a small bit to keep my cutting board from sliding when I'm trying to slice things. I also use it to keep my trackball mouse from sliding around if I get too enthusiastic in some of my games.
13 years ago on Introduction
Thought: use a larger diameter PVC pipe, thin out the tucked in edges, and you can run your power cord through the pipe. Dunno about you, but mine in located on the left, but when working, often needs to be plugged into an outlet to the right. Running it through the back of this is a perfect solution. I'm going to modify this into a lap pad. :)
13 years ago on Step 9
Nice. That looks easy enough to do. Now I just need to find a laptop...
13 years ago on Introduction
The grippy pad is called marco mat
13 years ago on Introduction
Great, I like it - simple and elegant, I think that liner can be used for a lot of other application too, I use it to keep my laptop from sliding on my desk (drafters desk), and it works very well.