danglo
.
Full Member
Joined: 01/21/2001
View Profile
|
We use our laptop quite a bit. We usually place it on a flat surface which gives it about 1/8 inch ventilation at bottom where exhaust comes out.
We would like to provide more ventilation (bigger gap) and maybe a little tilt for the keyboard.
Has anyone built/found such a thing (on the cheap).
Thanks,
danglo
|
jaberg
Malden, MA
New Member
Joined: 01/02/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
My Podium Coolpad has been with me for three laptops and is still going strong--though I did have to get a new nylon "bolt" from the hardware store to hold the two pieces together.
I've also installed an aftermarket handle on my MacBook Pro that will a provide space and tilt when I'm not carrying the Coolpad.
Because the stand serves my purposes I've never bothered to build one, but sites like the MAKE: magazine blog and Instructables are full of ideas for rolling your own. This Google search will get you started.
And if you don't carry your laptop much--that is it's primarily used at your "desk", a couple of stick-on rubber feet (hardware store, electronics store) will work nicely and can easily be removed if you decide to sell the laptop down the road.
Let us know what you build!
jab
Have Rover. Will travel.
Ford C8000 based custom Super C
Follow along on the journey:
http://roverhauler.wordpress.com
|
fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
Senior Member
Joined: 08/19/2003
View Profile
|
Well it isn't cheap but works super: Logitech Alto. They also make a cordless keyboard model: Alto Cordless.
We have the regular Alto, mainly for the keyboard: I hate typing on a regular notebook keyboard.
Howard and Peggy
"Don't Panic"
|
Dick&Judy
Beaver City, NE
Full Member
Joined: 01/30/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
I bought one from Wal Mart last fall. It is made by Rubber Maid, constructed of metal with a screen for cooling, and I beleive it cost me about $20.
2001 Ram SRT+, W2500 488 CID V-10, 5 Speed
2004 Cougar 285 EFS
One Wife (Judy), One Cat (Kat)
SFC US Army (Ret)
|
pupcamper
Van Buren, Arkansas
Senior Member
Joined: 06/16/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
Dick&Judy wrote:I bought one from Wal Mart last fall. It is made by Rubber Maid, constructed of metal with a screen for cooling, and I beleive it cost me about $20.
DW just bought one of these at Wal- Mart in the office/school supplies section for less than $20. I couldn't believe how much easier it makes using the keyboard.
Happy campin'
Mitch
Wife, daughter, son, a new son (son- in- law) and two campin' dogs.
2004 Coachmen Clipper
1999 Ford F150 XLT
Camping is as close to Heaven as you can get.
|
|
|
Serena
US
Senior Member
Joined: 01/12/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I have 3 versions of what you're talking about.
One is Belkin's fold-flat laptop tray. I am not fond of it. Needs a table or desk under it. Puts the built-in keyboard at an awkward angle. But it works all right. I think it was between $20 and $30.
One is a lap desk from Office Depot. The bead-filled bottom allows you to achieve whatever tilt you like. I prefer this one, but still not my fave. About $20.
The third is a folding table from Walgreens that lets you adjust height and tilt in about 20 different combos. Has a ledge on the table to keep your stuff from sliding off. I like that one a lot. $20.
I've found (for this coach), the best is sometimes a combo. I use the little table for the laptop, and the lap desk for the wireless keyboard and mouse. (The table stand can't slide under my sofa because there's not enough clearance.) Or, use the table for the laptop, the laptop desk for a drink and some snackage right on the sofa, and the keyboard on my lap. All pieces travel well and (as you see) may have multiple uses. If I could only buy one, it would be the little table from Walgreens.
Serena
I Know Where I Been, Cuz I Was There When I Went.
|
Gezzer
Where ever the road takes us
Senior Member
Joined: 05/09/2006
View Profile
 Online
|
I'm really cheap - I found a piece of scrap 2 x 4 and cut it to fit the width of the laptop. Set the back edge of the laptop on the 2 x 4, it gives a nice tilt and lots of air. Have used this method for about 5 years now.
Safe travels,
Judy
|
lap527
Ocala, Florida
Senior Member
Joined: 09/29/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
I just use a plastic cutting board and use the RV non-skid material underneath it. The fan is located on the back so no big deal. My other cutting board was wood and after 5 years or so it fell apart.
2006 Dodge 3500 dually CTD Quad Cab 4X4 / 2006 290EFS Cougar FW
10' Utility Trailer Hauling (2) 2005 Harley Road Glides
Or Gone Fishing - 2002 17' Carolina Skiff 75HP Yamaha 4 Stroke.
Hmm...decisions, decisions. So little time, so much fun!
Just Having Fun!
|
danglo
.
Full Member
Joined: 01/21/2001
View Profile
|
Thanks for the replies all.
We will look into all of them and let you know what we decide on.
Thanks again,
danglo
|
KeninAZ
SE AZ
Senior Member
Joined: 06/22/2002
View Profile
|
Cut yourself a block of wood to sit under the unit at whatever angle you like. Make sure it does not block the vent and fan if underneath like many.
Wrap that in some of the antiskid we all have laying around for the RV.
It stays put, gives you the angle and it lightweight.
|
|
|
