Build A Special Lapdesk For Your Pocket PC

[Brad Adrian]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1971#1971' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modul...pic&t=1971#1971</a><br /><br /></div>You know, I am convinced that some of you readers out there (yes, YOU!) are among the most creative and ingenious people in the whole world. Whenever there's a perceived need for a special Pocket PC accessory that's either not available in stores or is too expensive, I can always count on somebody out there to find a way to build, kludge or bolt one together on his or her own.<br /><br />Here's a case in point: Brad Isaac over at <a href="http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/index.php">Pocket PC Addict</a> needed a more convenient way to use his keyboard-equipped iPAQ2215 while sitting on his couch, bed and Lay-Z-Boy recliner. So, he re-invented and re-designed the ages-old lapdesk to suit his needs. In fact, he built a gorgeous one out of hardwood, leather-like vinyl and a few tools.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/lapdesk1.jpg" /><br /><br />Brad has put together a set of <a href="http://www.pocketpcaddict.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1971#1971">very detailed instructions</a> on how he built his padded lapdesk and has posted it for all to see. The design is elegant in its simplicity and his step-by-step instructions are so basic that even I can follow them. <br /><br />This is one of those ideas that gives people flat foreheads from slapping themselves for not thinking of it sooner. Sure, the lapdesk has been around for literally centuries, but Brad's adaptation for Pocket PC use is new. In fact, after seeing how seemingly simple it is, I think I'm going to make a one for myself this weekend. [Just don't tell my wife...She's been talking about some "birthday"or something...]

[jizmo]

[Just don't tell my wife...She's been talking about some "birthday"or something...]

If she asks, just gift wrap that thing when you get it finished and sing happy birthday. Loudly.

Problem solved. :lol:

/jizmo

[surur]

This is an example of what they call Carpentry Geeks at slashdot :)

Anyways, very good work. I am just surprised at, after having done all that hard work he went with vinyl instead of leather, which will looks worse with scuffing, not better.

Surur

[cybrwulf]

This lapdesk from Brookstone has served me well over a year, and works just as well with my HP zd7000 widescreen laptop..

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=316067&search_type=search&search_words=lapdesk

[PocketPC Addict]

Brad,

thank you for the kind words :oops: :D :oops:

If you decide to go ahead and build one and get stuck or anything, let me know. It's a fun project once you get past the the "biscuit join". And trust me, your wife will love it! My wife is always running off with mine to pay bills or write in her journal.

Surur, I went with Vinyl because it was easier to come by. There isn't a local place where I could buy leather. Towards the end of the project, the anticipation was killing me :wink: I couldn't wait on having some leather delievered.

With that said, the rails on the back can be removed in 2 minutes and a leather pillow can be installed in a heartbeat.

[Yorch]

Walgreens has a lapdesk, very nice plastic top and bean bag bottom. Price $9.99, very comfortable to use.

Concidently, I also use it for my HP ZD7000....it rulez! :lol:

[possmann]

I actually have a laptop computer that works well too!

Maybe someday we'll see laptop computers make it mainstream so we can all enjoy setting our computers on our laps, seeing a nice sized screen, be able to polay games, surf the web, type email etc...

:jester:

[Bob S]

[Just don't tell my wife...She's been talking about some "birthday"or something...]

My wife says I never listen to her

or something like that :wink:

[jmbneaf]

This lapdesk from Brookstone has served me well over a year, and works just as well with my HP zd7000 widescreen laptop..

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=316067&search_type=search&search_words=lapdeskI just thought of a cool hack for this lap desk!

Since it has the light, it must have a battery pack stored somewhere in it. Hack that pack and space to have some extra batteries. Get a the appropriate DC voltage regulator and run a little cord. So when you are using it, you can also "hook up" to external power as well.

-nice, hmmmmm, I wonder how I could do that same thing with the cheaper Walgreen's version?

FYI,

Jim

[Wiggster]

That's much better than the lapdesk I made. Mine's a little bit simpler, though.

Step 1: Find a sufficiently large, yet thin book (http://www.rpg-resource.org.uk/index.php?article=60&visual=9) with a hard cover
Step 2: Place on lap
Step 3: Place keyboard on lap-desk-book
Step 4: Place iPAQ on keyboard

OK, not elegant, but I have simple needs. That real lapdesk looks great, and I certainly want something like that. And the "hack" for extra batteries appeals to me :mrgreen:

[MikeUnwired]

I've been using a lapdesk I bought at FranklinCovey -- black plastic top with a bean-bag wedge bottom -- for a few years now. The nice thing about the DIY unit is that you could include some decorative accents -- like the Windows Mobile logo, sports team logos, pictures of the wife & kids, etc... under the poly finish if you want. You can also make it decoratively correct for whatever decor your wife has picked for your living room.

[gorkon280]

I just want a icepad from Macally. It folds so you can stick it in your computer bag with your Mac/PC. It also defuses the heat from your laptop making your lap alot cooler. Best thing is since it's foldable, you can use it in your hotel room.

Forgot link: http://www.macally.com/new/new_icepad.html

[MikeUnwired]

I just want a icepad from Macally. It folds so you can stick it in your computer bag with your Mac/PC. It also defuses the heat from your laptop making your lap alot cooler. Best thing is since it's foldable, you can use it in your hotel room.

Forgot link: http://www.macally.com/new/new_icepad.html

That's really similar to the Targus folding / difuser unit. I have one in my computer bag and use it on the go.

[lhauser]

That's much better than the lapdesk I made. Mine's a little bit simpler, though.

Step 1: Find a sufficiently large, yet thin book (http://www.rpg-resource.org.uk/index.php?article=60&visual=9) with a hard cover
Step 2: Place on lap
Step 3: Place keyboard on lap-desk-book
Step 4: Place iPAQ on keyboard

OK, not elegant, but I have simple needs. That real lapdesk looks great, and I certainly want something like that. And the "hack" for extra batteries appeals to me :mrgreen:


I have found DK Press's Star Wars Visual Encylopedias and Cross Sections books work admirably for this. We seem to have a goodly number of them around the house, too, for some reason... :wink:

That's not to detract from the joys of a REAL lapdesk...

[DuaneAA]

All of your solutions sound too complicated and more importantly, too heavy. My solution is a 8 x 10 piece of cardboard and three pieces of velcro. My Tosh e310 has the infrared port on top, so I just use it upside-down. I have one of those aluminum screen covers which is hinged and attaches to a piece of velcro on the back of my PocketPC, so I just mated a piece of velcro on the cardboard in the correspoonding spot. Then two pieces for holding the keyboard. Done. Cost zero! And it works great.

Duane