One of the problems encountered in the RV lifestyle is "sizing down." If you're used to spending time in a big "stix and brix" home, the much downsized area of the RV can be a bit disconcerting. Where do you put your laptop--other than on your lap--when you have some serious computing to do? Enter the laptop desk.
There are a couple of approaches to the subject. One simply puts a more solid platform under your computer, and sets the whole works down in your lap. Many give you a wide enough surface that if you like to use a mouse in conjunction with your laptop, you have room to roll the mouse around; certainly all of them help you to keep you from getting "laptop burn," particularly when your processor is working hard--say working with digital photos. Here's an example of one such desk, that retails for less than $30, marketed by LapWorks (www.laptopdesk.net). This particular beast also has a folding hinge trick that allows you to set your laptop on a table, and the device then gives a bit of an angle to the laptop, making for easier typing. The problem some find with this kind of laptop desk is that when you need to move, you've got to up and set aside the desk and the laptop. Not always convenient, but it is one approach.
A somewhat similar approach, but one that gets the laptop off your lap entirely is to use a "bed table." These handy little stands take a flat platform and add legs, usually folding ones. They're great for breakfast in bed, and by sticking your laptop on one of these, you again have space for a mouse, and get the laptop heat away. Still, the issue of what do do when you need to move and don't want to disrupt your work in progress comes up. This particular bird is sold by Sam's Club. You might want to shop around a bit, as this one with it's handy drink and silverware holders could create issues with free mouse movement.
We've finally hit on what works well for us. Coupling the flat and stable platform with "full to the floor legs," we find that a product called "Table Mate" solves the problems quite nicely. Made with lightweight plastic, the Table Mate is adjustable in height and in platform angle. There aren't any side braces, so we can slide our legs in and out from under the rig without fear of banging up knees or legs. The whole rig slides right up over our laps, bringing the computer right into reach and at precisely the right height--and adjustable so we can use it with more than one chair, even the sofa.
While underway, I hold the computer on my lap with a small roll-around cart nearby to off load the computer when I want to get up. When we are parked, DH built a platform that sits on the steering wheel to serve as a computer table. When underway, the platform slides in beside the sofa.
ReplyDeleteLogitec makes one that sits on your lap and has a slide out mouse pad tray. My wife and I both have one and love them. Target sells them for around $30 or $20 when they are on sale.
ReplyDeleteNice ideas. We are full time RVing in a fifth wheel so have more room for our laptops. Gary uses the computer desk and my "office" is the dining room table which we don't use for dining anyway. We have a pop-up coffee table which is much more comfortable for eating anyway.
ReplyDeleteWe have had TableMates for years. They're an excellent solution.
ReplyDeleteWe do things similarly to the above fulltimer in our 5th wheel. My hubby uses the dining table for his desk and I have an adjustable tray that I use at the sofa. I stopped eating meals at the table when I had foot surgery and it was difficult for me to get in and out of the booth. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a Jotto desk attached to my passenger seat that I can use Street Atlas Plus on for navigation in a class C Forest River Solera. When I want to check email, etc I use a wireless keyboard and mouse with a 19" monitor attached semi permanently to the dinette table 2 "C" clamps.
ReplyDeleteGood idea... I have been battling the distance of my dining table from my fixed chair is too great for serious blogging and I am getting tendonitis from the strain. Laptop on my lap was worst. I will try these.
ReplyDelete